AGP Executive Report

Diplomatic Rift: Nicaragua has decided to close its embassy in the Dominican Republic, escalating tensions after Managua suspended elections and Santo Domingo recalled its ambassador for consultations. Public Safety: Dominican Customs says it made its biggest ammunition seizure in four years—74,100 rounds hidden inside truck engines at Haina Oriental. Education Watch: New PISA 2025 results show student performance slipping to record lows across OECD countries, with reading and math down sharply. Tourism Economy: Tourism-linked tax revenue in the DR has tripled over the past decade, reaching over RD$45 billion in 2025, with the sector now contributing 15.9% of GDP. Tech Skills Push: AWS and the Dominican government launched a program offering 50,000 free scholarships in AI and cloud computing by 2028. Consumer Rights: Pro Consumidor marked its 18th anniversary, saying it returned more than RD$3.5 billion to consumers over the last five years. Sports: Club Sando booked the Caribbean Cup semifinals after a goalless draw with Delfines del Este.

Water & Sanitation at OAS: INAPA will brief the OAS CIDI in Washington on Thursday, Sept. 10, highlighting Dominican progress in drinking water access, coastal sanitation, and protecting coastal ecosystems. Migration & Security: The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 51 migrants—34 Dominicans and 17 Haitians—after intercepting an overloaded vessel near Aguadilla, with minors turned over to CONANI. Education in the spotlight: The Chamber of Deputies approved a bill making Morality and Civics mandatory in pre-university schooling, while another proposal would require Creole, English and French nationwide—sparking pushback from civic and historical groups. Student crisis: New PISA 2025 results show the DR leading the world in a steep collapse in student perseverance, even as Science and socioeconomic equity improved. Jobs & informality: Formal employment grew, but most new jobs came from the informal sector, keeping informality above half of the workforce. Economy & preparedness: DGII reported RD$671.87B in tax revenue through August, and the COE-led earthquake drill mobilized about 3.2 million people nationwide. Local protest: La Cuaba residents continue blocking a planned garbage landfill, accusing authorities of stopping marches. Digital harm: A UNICEF/ECPAT/Interpol study says about 272,000 DR teens faced online sexual exploitation or abuse in the past year.

Supreme Court Appointment: The National Council of the Magistracy confirmed Samuel Arias Arzeno as a judge of the Supreme Court of Justice after completing the magistrates’ evaluation process. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a “next stage” for the sector—higher hotel rates and stronger tourist spending—so growth benefits more Dominicans, while calling for better planning in fast-expanding areas. Workforce Training: MESCyT will award 4,000 extra English scholarships for tourism workers, with courses aimed at employability and plans to boost management training. Education Results: New PISA 2025 findings show Dominican students still below OECD averages in math, reading, and science, with low shares reaching basic proficiency and virtually no students at the top levels. Earthquake Preparedness: A nationwide earthquake evacuation drill mobilized 3.2 million people across 12,500+ institutions, and President Abinader participated in the National Palace protocol. Air Connectivity: Aerodom says Canadian traffic is up sharply and Air Canada will launch a new Montreal–Santo Domingo route in December 2026. Security/Trade: Dominican authorities seized over 30,000 illicit goods from Chinese-owned businesses, including products lacking required permits and Spanish labeling.

Visa & Duty Free Americas: Visa cardholders get a 10% discount on purchases over US$200 at Duty Free Americas stores across Central America and the Caribbean, with the expanded deal now covering DFA operations at Tocumen (Panama), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) and even the Paso Canoas border store. Amazon Air Update: AERODOM says Amazon Prime Air suspended Dominican Republic cargo flights in January 2026 due to low demand, ending the country’s planned hub role. Public Health & Environment: A new study flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, naming the Dominican Republic among the worst-affected. Gambling Oversight: A new Dominican gambling bill would require online operators to verify users’ age via the JCE database and tighten protections to keep minors out. Poverty & Economy: Monetary poverty fell to 13.75% in DR in Q2 2026, down from 16.65% a year earlier, driven by jobs, higher incomes and expanded social support. Tax Compliance for SMEs: DGII is extending its “Scoring Tributario” system to small businesses through the Virtual Office portal. Border Security: The smart DR–Haiti border fence now tops 61 km, with a new 14.5 km phase launched in Jimaní. Earthquake Preparedness: COE will run a nationwide earthquake evacuation drill Sept. 8 at 10:00 a.m., including a test of the “Alerta RD” cell broadcast system. Sports & Culture: Dominican sprinter Liranyi Alonso keeps building momentum abroad, and Joheirry Mola’s Miss World 2026 win continues to dominate local coverage.

Earthquake Preparedness: The COE will run a National Earthquake Evacuation Drill on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 10:00 a.m., and test the “Alerta RD” cell broadcast system, with some residents receiving a phone alert and special sound. National Unity & Faith: President Luis Abinader led a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at the National Palace, calling for faith to translate into service, solidarity, and action. Tourism Supply Chains: Asonahores and AIRD signed an agreement to boost Dominican-made products in hotel and tourism supply chains, including sustainability and circular-economy projects. Agriculture Modernization: Banreservas, the Agriculture Ministry and FAO launched about RD$1.18 billion to modernize farming with mechanization, water management, climate adaptation and productivity support. Migration Data Push: The Dominican Center for Strategic Thinking plans the country’s first broad socioeconomic study on Dominican-Haitian relations, using a 4,000-person survey and official data on visas, border spending and education. Public Finance Scrutiny: A column raises red flags over Phase I funding for the Santo Domingo Monorail, alleging certified money tied to a US$500 million loan was not disbursed or properly authorized. Remittances Debate: A People’s Force official urged a new policy toward the Dominican diaspora as remittances climbed to US$11.87 billion in 2025. Sports & Culture: The Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola won Miss World 2026, and the Ministry of Culture signed a cooperation deal with the Cleveland Institute of Music to expand training for Dominican musicians.

Diaspora & Remittances: FP economist Haivanjoe Ng Cortiñas says remittances have surged from US$3.68B (2010) to US$11.87B (2025), now about 25.1% of key foreign-exchange earnings and 9.3% of GDP, urging a “reciprocity, investment and return” policy for Dominicans abroad. Agriculture Financing: Banreservas, FAO and the Agriculture Ministry back a RD$1.18B program to modernize farming with mechanization, tech, water management and climate adaptation, citing progress in food security. EU Rare Earth Studies: The DR and EU sign a joint declaration to study rare earth elements, gallium and scandium in Pedernales’ Ávila reserve, aiming for sustainable, transparent decisions. Monorail Scrutiny: A transport expert raises red flags over Phase I of the Santo Domingo Monorail, questioning funding authorization and procurement trail tied to a US$500M loan. Haiti Talks at Dajabón: Foreign ministers meet to set a new bilateral agenda on border governance, migration, trade and security cooperation. Earthquake Drill: Government announces a nationwide evacuation simulation for Sept. 8 at 10am. Miss World Win: Joheirry Mola Dominguez is crowned Miss World 2026, bringing the title back to the Dominican Republic after 44 years.

Miss World 2026: Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026 in Vietnam, with Spain’s Elisabeth Reynes Alabern as first runner-up and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty as second runner-up; the pageant also named continental queens, including Dominican neighbor Georgia-Lee Gill as Miss World Caribbean. Border Security: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometre perimeter fence along the southern border with Haiti in Independencia, with 6 watchtowers, 35 culverts and patrol lanes to curb smuggling and illegal activity. Migration Crackdown: Immigration inspectors detained 38 Haitians with irregular status during raids at 12 food establishments in Greater Santo Domingo. Economy Watch: Inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year in August 2026, with education-related costs driving a big monthly jump. Public Safety & Weather: Indomet warns of downpours, thunderstorms and gusts across parts of the country, including Greater Santo Domingo, through Tuesday morning. Tourism & Culture: Asonahores says Dominican tourism is shifting toward higher-value offerings, while Adompretur held its assembly and outlined plans for upcoming journalism awards. Sports: In FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifiers, the Dominican Republic beat Brazil 94-90 in Window 4.

Miss World Spotlight: Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, beating 110 other contestants; her winning message centered on expanding English education for children in vulnerable communities, and she also earned major recognition for her “Beauty With a Purpose” work. Border Security: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence along the Haiti border in Jimaní, Independencia, with 6 watchtowers, 35 culverts, and patrol lanes to curb smuggling and strengthen territorial control. Inflation Watch: Dominican inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year in August 2026, with core inflation at 4.76%, as the Central Bank said prices are gradually moving toward its target range. PRM Leadership: Luis Abinader is set to be sworn in this Sunday as president of the PRM during the party’s national convention, with new top officials also taking office. Money Exchange Rules: The Central Bank and banks reiterated how damaged Dominican banknotes can still be exchanged or withdrawn under specific authenticity and integrity conditions.

Miss World Win: Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, beating 110 delegates; Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés Alabern took first runner-up and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty finished second runner-up and won the Beauty with a Purpose award. Local Spotlight: Mola, a Santo Domingo educator and journalist, said her “Beauty with a Purpose” centers on expanding English programs for children in vulnerable communities. Tech Adoption in DR: A new national survey reports 35.0% of formal Dominican companies with internet access already use AI, with larger firms leading adoption and mining/quarrying topping the list. Climate & Risk: A Dominican Statistics Office report finds protected areas that help buffer hurricanes are also among the most exposed to repeated cyclones, raising conservation and disaster-prevention concerns. Humanitarian Pressure (Haiti/DR): Rights groups warn that nearly 200,000 Haitians forcibly returned to Haiti in 2026’s first eight months—many involving the Dominican Republic—are straining an already overwhelmed system.

Tourism & Environment: Frank Rainieri of Grupo Puntacana says the Dominican Republic still lacks a “coherent and firm” national policy to tackle sargassum, warning the country can’t plan for 2027 while the seaweed problem remains unresolved. Sports Tourism: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a new phase for the sector focused on higher hotel rates and greater tourist spending, arguing growth must translate into better income for Dominicans. Justice & Safety: A Survivor Greece contestant, Stavros Floros, is suing producers for $100 million after a spearfishing accident in Dominican waters left him with a leg amputated, alleging inadequate safety measures. Legal/Abuse Case: Spanish prosecutors face a fresh complaint from two former Julio Iglesias employees alleging sexual abuse and forced labor at his Dominican Republic and Bahamas properties, with the women arguing Spain has jurisdiction. Culture & Diplomacy: UNESCO is preparing to release ERCE 2025 results on student learning across Latin America and the Caribbean, with the Dominican Republic among participating countries. Pageantry: Miss World 2026 advanced Top 40 includes Dominican delegate Joheirry Mola Dominguez.

Tourism & Economy: Tourism Minister David Collado says the Dominican Republic should move beyond just growing arrivals and instead raise hotel rates and tourist spending so tourism delivers bigger benefits for Dominicans, with tighter territorial planning flagged for fast-growing areas like Bávaro-Punta Cana, Samaná, Puerto Plata and La Romana. Public Safety & Drugs: DNCD agents carried out operations in North Santo Domingo, seizing more than 10 kilos of suspected drugs (cocaine and marijuana), plus cash and phones, as part of a joint task force push. Energy & Costs: A power outage briefly interrupted Vice President Raquel Peña during remarks on electricity bill increases, with officials pointing to higher consumption tied to summer heat and possible tariff-block changes. Aviation & Travel Services: The Civil Aviation Board met VFS Global to improve visa-related services and the overall traveler experience. Viral Misinformation: National Police denied a viral post claiming 18 children vanished between 2024 and 2026, saying no matching missing-person cases were found and urging people to verify before sharing. Business & Trade: Asonahores reports record results at its 2026 hotel and tourism trade expo in Punta Cana, with 5,000+ visitors and 85% company retention.

Public Health: The Dominican Republic reported zero malaria deaths in 2026 and an 82% drop in incidence, with transmission concentrated mainly in rural, agricultural-linked areas; Azua remains the top hotspot. Tourism & Economy: Asonahores says tourism generated about US$21.62 billion in 2025 and contributed 15.9% to GDP when direct, indirect and induced effects are counted, alongside major foreign-exchange and jobs impacts. Justice & Investment: The country won an international arbitration case against French investor Yves Martine Garnier, with the tribunal dismissing claims over a solid-waste concession termination. Mental Health Policy: Lawyer Frederick Ferreras backs a proposal to create a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Crisis Intervention Unit in Santo Domingo Este to respond faster during crises. Heritage & Culture: The DR will host the 12th Ibero-American Meeting of Museums (Sept. 14–16) under “Shared Heritages, Common Futures,” with discussions ranging from AI in museum narratives to climate-risk protection. Sports & Community: WestJet Vacations expands Punta Cana offerings, while local football news highlights Mount Pleasant’s push in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup after a 1-1 draw in the DR.

Health Tourism Push: The Dominican Republic cleared landmark legislation to make health tourism a national priority, aiming to raise quality and patient safety through international accreditation, investment, innovation, and tighter public-private coordination after 338,000 health tourists in 2023 generated over US$1.4B. Water & Irrigation Tech: DR and Israel are boosting cooperation on water management and agricultural irrigation, with Israel’s ambassador meeting irrigation officials to focus on efficiency and cutting losses in systems where agriculture uses about 82% of water. DR-Haiti Migration Talks: Foreign ministers Víctor “Ito” Bisonó and Haiti’s Raina Forbin met in Dajabón to review migration, trade, air connectivity, border coordination, and continued support for Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force. Security & Borders: U.S. CBP says a K9 alert at Philadelphia led to the seizure of nearly US$19,000 in undeclared cash from Dominican Republic-bound travelers. Humanitarian Aid: The Dominican Navy began unloading more than 49 tons of humanitarian supplies sent to Colombia, including food, tools, and medical items. National Policy Debate: A bill in the Chamber of Deputies proposes mandatory military service for Dominicans ages 18–35 via registration and lottery, with exemptions and penalties for noncompliance.

Women’s Health Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic has formally joined the Geneva Consensus Declaration on women’s health and strengthening the family, with Foreign Minister Víctor Bisonó Haza signing alongside U.S. Ambassador Leah Francis Campos, signaling a renewed push on access to care and equal opportunities. Tourism & Hospitality: Asonahores says Santo Domingo’s restaurant scene is still growing, citing 68 new openings over the past year and rejecting claims of widespread closures. Public Safety & Infrastructure: The MOPC ordered a two-hour shutdown of the Floating Bridge over the Ozama River on Sept. 3 (10:00am–12:00pm) for emergency dredging and maintenance, with detours recommended. Environment & Enforcement: President Abinader declared the fight against “environmental terrorism” a high national interest, warning of tougher penalties for attacks on national parks and protected resources. Health Policy in Congress: A bill would let health insurance affiliates accumulate unused monthly medicine allotments instead of losing them at month’s end. Trade & Economy: A report highlights a widening DR trade deficit with China—US$27.75 billion from 2019–2025—while exports to China remain comparatively flat. Sports: Dominican Juan Soto hit his 23rd home run as the Mets beat the Rays 10-4, and Marileidy Paulino is confirmed for the Wanda Diamond League 400m final in Brussels on Sept. 5. Crime & Security: Police recovered 21 stolen 55-inch TVs from Bayaguana Olympic Village and arrested two suspects after a raid in Santo Domingo Este.

Sports & Local Spotlight: Canada booked its spot for the L.A. 2028 Olympics after beating the Dominican Republic 3-1 in NORCECA women’s qualifying in Santo Domingo, with Brie Fransen calling it “surreal.” MMA & Legal Watch: Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith is set to return Oct. 2 in the Dominican Republic for Gamebred FC, facing four felony charges after a July arrest; the promotion says he’s presumed innocent while his case plays out. Tourism & Heritage: Casas del XVI in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City joined IHG’s Vignette Collection, keeping its identity while adding a bigger reservations and loyalty platform. Business & Investment: JPMorgan says it wants to expand in the DR, citing growth momentum and rising foreign direct investment. Public Safety & Infrastructure: COE and the Airport Department agreed to strengthen emergency coordination, using heliports and airfields for disaster response. Health & Education: UNICEF warns 1 in 5 youths face online sexual abuse; locally, ISFODOSU and IESED-Chile advanced scientific writing training for education researchers. Immigration Policy: A bill proposes mandatory military service for Dominicans ages 18-35 via registration and a lottery.

Central Bank & Investment Outlook: JPMorgan says it wants to expand investment and business activity in the Dominican Republic after talks with BCRD Governor Héctor Valdez Albizu, pointing to renewed growth and rising foreign direct investment. Public Health Crackdown: The Ministry of Public Health launched a technical sweep of eight major hospitals to identify gaps tied to maternal and newborn deaths, with teams focused on infection control, water and sanitation, clinical protocols, and supplies. Infrastructure Upgrade: The government plans to replace the floating Ozama River bridge with a bascule-style viaduct to cut long traffic bottlenecks during maritime openings. Banks Leadership: The Association of Commercial Banks backed Víctor Cedeño Brea’s appointment as Superintendent of Banks, citing continuity and modernization of oversight. Youth & Culture: The Ministry of Youth kicked off “Youth Out Loud,” a 20-day Guinness bid for team reading aloud, with live 24/7 broadcast and support from schools and partners. Israel Ties: Israel’s new ambassador, Oren Bar-El, began his mission in Santo Domingo, highlighting cooperation in tech, agriculture, water management, and investment. Tourism Pulse: Puerto Plata welcomed the Celebrity Beyond cruise ship as September cruise calls ramp up.