AGP Executive Report

Public Health Watch: The Ministry of Public Health confirmed 10 new dengue cases in the last week, bringing the total to 111, with the highest numbers in La Altagracia; malaria also logged 4 cases and leptospirosis remains a concern with 149 so far this year. Weather & Safety: Heavy rains keep alerts active as Indomet reports downpours and thunderstorms expected this afternoon, with flooding continuing in parts of Puerto Plata, Valverde, Montecristi, Espaillat, and areas of Santiago and Dajabón—authorities urge people to avoid flooded crossings and watch for landslides. Identity & Travel: The Dominican Republic’s electronic passport won a High Security Printing Latin America Award for its new ID/travel document design, highlighting advanced security features. Electricity Update: ETED scheduled preventive maintenance at the 69 kV Los Mina substation, with a planned outage in multiple communities of Santo Domingo Este from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Legal Action: The Duarte Institute says it will pursue legal steps after a national flag was allegedly used improperly at the funeral of “El Bobo” in San Francisco de Macorís. Travel Scam Warning: A luggage tag switch scheme tied to drug trafficking charges has been reported in cases involving flights to the Dominican Republic, with victims facing serious legal risks abroad.

Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 5.4 quake struck Santo Domingo, Albay on Friday night, with local officials reporting minor rockslides in Barangay Alimsog and Buhatan and a small road crack in Sitio Balete; engineering teams were sent to check government buildings. Public Safety: The Dominican COE raised alert levels in 18 provinces due to heavy-rain forecasts, warning of flooding, river overflow, landslides, and advising people to avoid risky waterways and swimming areas. Drug Enforcement: DNCD and the Public Ministry arrested 14 people in the National District and seized over 3,900 grams of narcotics, including cocaine, marijuana, crack, ecstasy pills, and marijuana-infused gummies. Transport Policy: Senator Antonio Marte proposed creating a dedicated Ministry of Transport to unify traffic and mobility responsibilities and tackle street chaos. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand technified irrigation, focusing on smarter water use and sustainable farming. Energy & Business Ties: InterEnergy outlined a modernization roadmap for Guyana’s GPL grid through 2030, while the DR and the Netherlands held a forum in The Hague on logistics, blue economy, and innovation. Electric Safety: Edeeste urged families to keep children from flying kites near power lines and to avoid using electronics while charging, especially around water.

Earthquake Watch: A 5.4-magnitude quake struck near Santo Domingo, Albay in the Philippines, with aftershocks expected. Airport Security: Aerodom denied reports of cable theft at Las Américas International Airport, saying operations and safety are normal. Diplomacy: The Dominican Foreign Ministry announced the death of Ambassador Ricardo Tomás Polanco Reinoso, with funeral services set in Santo Domingo. Weather & Safety: The COE extended a green alert for heavy rain risk across seven provinces and the National District, urging caution near rivers and ravines. Public Safety: DNCD and the Public Ministry carried out raids in Santo Domingo Oeste, arresting six and seizing alleged cocaine, marijuana, weapons, surveillance gear, and cash. Education Labor: The ADP rejected a proposal to deduct teachers’ pay for participating in strikes, calling it a threat to constitutional labor rights. Economy & Trade: Gold exports are boosting Dominican mining growth, with mining tax collections up sharply year-on-year. Environment: On World Environment Day, citizens pointed to trash as the top environmental problem, blaming both municipal collection gaps and poor public habits. Culture & Tourism: Jarabacoa’s 15th Flower Festival is drawing thousands through June 7. Film Spotlight: Netflix’s “Office Romance,” starring Jennifer Lopez, highlights Dominican Republic filming locations and local music talent.

Drug Busts at the Border: U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized fentanyl, cocaine, and meth in two separate stops involving Dominican nationals, including 6 fentanyl packages and 8.4 pounds of cocaine at San Ysidro and 63 meth packets at Calexico East. Court-Linked Safety Probe: A court-appointed forensic report on the April 2025 Jet Set nightclub collapse says long-term internal structural deterioration and construction defects in the post-tensioning system were key causes. Local Security Ops: Dominican authorities arrested a man in Constanza and seized hundreds of alleged drug portions plus cash and other items during a targeted operation. Missing Child in Gualey: Relatives reported the disappearance of 11-year-old Yordany Santana Santos and asked the public to share any leads. Government Presence: Coverage highlights President Luis Abinader’s approach of frequent visits across the 31 provinces and the National District to oversee public works. Corpus Christi Faith: A Dominican seminarian urged society to deepen its relationship with Jesus as a way to respond to national challenges during Corpus Christi. U.S. Tariffs Watch: The U.S. proposed forced-labor-related tariffs that include the Dominican Republic, placing it in the 12.5% tier.

National Alert System: President Luis Abinader signed Law 25-26 creating “Alertas RD,” a faster, coordinated national response to missing persons with four alert types (Amber, Silver, Blue, and Pink) and a new registry managed by the National Police. Gender Violence Crackdown: Police arrested “Chukito” (Jean Carlos Hernández Santos) in Santo Domingo Este on a warrant tied to alleged threats, assaults, and harassment against his ex-partner. Consumer Rights Leadership: The Dominican Republic handed over the ICPEN presidency to Georgia after a term focused on stronger cross-border consumer protection enforcement, including digital-market safeguards. Faith in the Streets: Hundreds of faithful marked Corpus Christi in Santo Domingo churches, with priests calling for deeper community participation and unity in the Eucharist. Culture Abroad: The Dominican Republic will host the 2026 Dominican Book and Culture Festival in New York (July 10–12), featuring panels, readings, an artisan bazaar, and youth-focused activities. Sports & Youth: Goalkeeper Diego Peña received a Dominican Republic U-21 training camp invitation ahead of the Central American and Caribbean Games.

Forced-Labor Trade Pressure: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor enforcement failures, listing the Dominican Republic among 60 economies flagged, with duties ranging from 10% to 12.5% depending on commitments. Local Faith & Culture: Corpus Christi is set to draw thousands of Catholic faithful across the Dominican Republic this Thursday, with processions, prayers, and flower-sawdust carpets culminating in major events in Santo Domingo and Santiago. Social Security Improvements: DIDA recognized 31 “good practices” from 15 entities to strengthen oversight and service quality in social security, highlighting more people-centered care. Prison Mental Health Push: President Abinader swore in a committee to expand mental health policies inside prisons, including new beds, psychosocial centers, and specialized facilities. Agriculture & Water Tech: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and modernize irrigation for more efficient, sustainable farming. Sports & Community: Abasado announced its TBS Women’s 2026 tournament for Aug. 12, while Jarabacoa kicks off a 15th Flower Festival edition June 4-7.

Forced Labor Tariffs: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed new Section 301 duties on imports from 60 economies, including the Dominican Republic, citing failures to stop forced-labor goods; rates would be 10% for some countries and 12.5% for others, with a July 7 hearing and carveouts. Air Connectivity: ITA Airways will launch a new Rome–Santo Domingo direct route, starting Nov. 30 with weekly service and expanding to two weekly flights from Dec. 14. Health Oversight: The Dominican Republic tightened rules for certifying foreign medical degrees, especially for specialties and online or hybrid programs, to better protect patient safety. Energy & Climate Funding: Edesur Dominicana began importing six new transformers from China (RD$469.8M), and the Senate approved US$600M in climate resilience and Punta Cana water and sanitation financing. Environment in Boca Chica: Tourism delivered heavy equipment—trucks, tractors and beach sweepers—to boost cleanup efforts against sargassum. Crime Crackdown: Authorities dismantled Operation XL526, arresting 20 people accused of extorting and defrauding U.S. residents, with suspects transferred to Santiago justice facilities. Sports & Culture: Dominican volleyball fans saw Türkiye beat the DR 3-2 in the VNL opener; and Punta Cana hosts LatinoSan 2026, a major sanitation and water conference.

Labor Rights Boost: The Dominican Republic was placed in Category 2 of the 2026 Global Labor Rights Index by the ITUC, ranking among the top three in the Americas for collective labor protections. Healthcare Access: The government approved changes to outpatient prescription rules under Decree 286-26, aiming to keep prescriptions valid even when doctors aren’t in a patient’s ARS network, while tightening documentation and pushing electronic prescriptions. Tourism Push: The DR will be Special Guest Country at FIT 2026 in Buenos Aires (Sept. 26-29), spotlighting tourism beyond beaches, from culture to wellness and MICE, as it seeks new South American air and investment links. Infrastructure for the South: President Abinader inaugurated a new 13.5-kilometer highway in Barahona to improve access for more than 300,000 people, with broader road and bridge plans following. Trade & Logistics: DP World and the DR committed an extra US$100M to expand the Caucedo Free Trade Zone’s logistics and warehousing capacity, building on a prior US$760M deal. Regional Diplomacy: Curaçao and the DR moved to deepen ties through talks on free zones, tourism, and trade. US Trade Pressure: The US proposed additional tariffs under Section 301 on imports from 60 economies, including the Dominican Republic, over alleged failures to stop forced-labor goods.

Tourism Spotlight: The Dominican Republic is racking up international visibility, from Wave Awards 2026 nominations for major resort brands to UNESCO hosting Latin America and Caribbean Week 2026 in Paris, where Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo highlighted UNESCO-recognized traditions like merengue, bachata and casabe. Infrastructure & Mobility: President Luis Abinader inaugurated a new 13.5-kilometer highway in Barahona to improve access for more than 300,000 people, while the Santo Domingo Metro Line 2C still isn’t fully operating and the Santa Domingo bridge replacement project reached a key concrete deck milestone. Trade & Logistics: DP World and the government committed an extra US$100M to expand Caucedo Free Trade Zone logistics and warehousing, boosting capacity for regional distribution. Labor Rights: The Ministry of Labor welcomed the DR’s Category 2 placement in the 2026 Global Labor Rights Index, ranking it among the top three in the Americas for collective labor rights. Health Access: The government approved changes to outpatient prescription rules under Decree 286-26 to keep prescriptions valid for coverage even when doctors aren’t in a patient’s ARS network, with tighter documentation and a push toward electronic prescriptions. Regional Diplomacy: Abinader and Suriname’s president called for stronger international action on Haiti during a strategic visit, and Suriname announced visa-free tourism entry for Dominican passport holders who already have U.S. or Schengen visas.

Boca Chica Overhaul: President Luis Abinader announced a major state-led intervention for Boca Chica, backed by over RD$20 billion, aiming to turn the coastal town into a logistics and tourism hub with infrastructure upgrades focused on residents. Hurricane Readiness: Civil Defense chief Juan Salas says the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is covered with 2,742 shelters nationwide and a volunteer force of 15,000, urging people to use AlertaDO and know their nearest shelter. Regional Aviation Deal: The Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago signed a new air services agreement to boost commercial and tourism ties, including overflight and landing rights and safety rules. Suriname Partnership: Abinader met Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons in Santo Domingo as both sides signed cooperation pacts on tourism, agriculture, trade, education, and security, highlighting visa-free entry for Dominicans with U.S./Schengen visas. Caucedo Logistics Boost: DP World and the Dominican government will add $100 million to expand warehousing and logistics at the DP World Free Trade Zone in Caucedo, building on a prior $760 million commitment. Culture & Tourism: Jarabacoa’s Festival de las Flores runs June 4-7, with international participation from Medellín, Colombia.

Logistics Boost: DP World and the Dominican government confirmed an extra $100 million for Caucedo’s Free Trade Zone, adding new warehouse capacity on top of a prior $760 million plan to expand port-linked logistics. Diplomatic Ties: President Luis Abinader welcomed Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons at the National Palace for talks, agreements, and a joint agenda through June 2. Energy Visit: U.S. officials toured AES Dominicana in Boca Chica, highlighting the LNG terminal that brings North American gas and supports regional energy security. Hurricane Season: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, with Indomet warning of mostly dry, hot conditions driven by Saharan dust, plus brief coastal showers. Aviation Expansion: Arajet received its 16th aircraft, “Pico Diego de Ocampo,” and says it plans more routes from Cibao starting in 2027. Public Policy & Education: IDEICE met at the University of Chicago to explore a Dominican “public policy laboratory” focused on applied research. Local Culture: The Archdiocese launched the first fully English-language monthly mass at the Cathedral of Santo Domingo. Sports (DR connection): Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez kept rolling with a scoreless streak nearing MLB history, while Arajet and DP World headlines dominated business coverage.

Tourism Boom: The Central Bank reports DR’s hotels, bars and restaurants grew 5.9% in Jan–Apr 2026, helped by tourism promotion and a surge in arrivals; March hit a milestone with over 900,000 air passengers in a single month, while the economy’s Jan–Apr growth averaged 4.0%. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank kept its reference interest rate at 5.25% amid inflation pressures tied to higher international oil prices, saying medium-term inflation expectations remain anchored around 4.0% ± 1.0%. National Freedom Day: President Luis Abinader marked May 30, calling Trujillo’s dictatorship “the ultimate expression of state terrorism” and honoring those who resisted and restored democracy. Women’s Safety Push: Community leader Margnaury Espinal urged women to report violence, delivering Mother’s Day gifts while stressing “violence is not negotiable.” Public Health & Community: Banreservas volunteers held “Where love is born” in Santo Domingo and Santiago, spotlighting motherhood and women’s roles. Weather Watch: Indomet warns of hot, hazy conditions from Saharan dust, with only isolated showers expected in parts of the country.

Mother’s Day in the capital: Banreservas’ volunteer program held “Where love is born” in Santo Domingo and Santiago, honoring motherhood with talks on sacrifice and the meaning of white and red carnations. Central Bank keeps rates steady: The Dominican Republic’s central bank maintained its reference interest rate at 5.25% as inflation pressure is linked to higher international oil prices, while expectations stay anchored near 4%. National Freedom Day message: President Luis Abinader marked May 30, calling Trujillo’s dictatorship “the ultimate expression of state terrorism” and honoring those who resisted. Traffic spending scrutiny: The government has borrowed at least US$2 billion in seven years to tackle daily traffic, with multiple road-infrastructure loans tied to mobility and road-safety reforms. Public health help for a child: The National Health Service (SNS) coordinated support after a viral appeal for Dayron, including contact with the family and possible pediatric ICU beds in Santo Domingo and Santiago. Weather watch: INDOMET warns Saharan dust and hot conditions will persist, with hazy skies and only isolated showers in parts of the country. Sports and culture: Dominican beach volleyball players won in San Salvador; and Abinader led “Mothers who Sustain,” bringing over 3,000 mothers together in Santo Domingo Este.

Calamar Case: A Dominican court has ordered the opening of the trial on the merits against former Finance Minister Donald Guerrero Ortiz and others, after prosecutors sought to move the case forward over alleged administrative corruption worth more than RD$19 billion. Calamar Backlash: Frente Amplio leader Manuel Soler Pérez says a separate ruling not to proceed in parts of the Calamar Case reflects political agreements and fuels public distrust in justice. Anti-Drug Push: President Luis Abinader ordered the promotion of 634 DNCD agents under Decree 301-23, while an INTERPOL-backed operation across the Americas seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs. U.S.-DR Security Talks: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to meet Dominican officials after talks in Haiti, focusing on security and economic cooperation. National Day: Abinader led the “Mothers Who Sustain” day in Santo Domingo Este, honoring more than 3,000 mothers supported by social programs. Economy Watch: The Central Bank reported the dollar at RD$57.83 (buy) and RD$58.70 (sell) as May closed, a key driver for import and household costs. Sports Spotlight: Dominican beauty Yamilex Hernández advanced in MGI All Stars, while the Junior Starlets’ World Cup qualifier vs Uganda is a must-win at Nyayo Stadium.

Local Justice: A Dominican judge ordered the opening of trial on the merits against former Finance Minister Donald Guerrero in the Calamar case, moving the allegations of alleged administrative corruption and multimillion-peso state losses into an oral public stage. U.S.-DR Relations: U.S. Ambassador Leah Campos reiterated that the embassy won’t comment on individual visa cases and warned against “lawfare” tactics that could politicize judicial processes. Poverty Watch: The Dominican Republic’s monetary poverty rate fell to 15.4% in Q1 2026, down 2.6 points from a year earlier, with gains tied to economic growth and higher minimum wages. Security & Crime Links: The Dominican National Police and the U.S. Embassy’s INL opened a liaison office at police headquarters to boost cooperation against transnational organized crime. Energy & Economy: DR consumes about 150–160k barrels of fuel daily, with roughly 120k arriving already refined, and officials say supply risks are low. Tourism Pressure: Punta Cana traffic jams are now “critical,” with Senator Rafael Barón Duluc warning some residents and businesses may relocate as trips can take up to an hour. Sports & Culture: Macarrulla Foundation and the Museum of Resistance honored winners of the 7th Essay Contest for Freedom ahead of National Freedom Day. International Spotlight: Dominican-born NBA Finals star Karl-Anthony Towns is building a youth basketball academy in Santiago.

Poverty Watch: The Dominican Republic’s monetary poverty rate dropped to 15.4% in the first quarter of 2026, down from 18.1% a year earlier, as economic activity grew (IMAE +4.1%) and higher minimum wages boosted labor income. Urban Divide: Rural poverty remains higher at 18.8% versus 14.8% in urban areas. Public Safety & U.S. Ties: The Dominican National Police and the U.S. Embassy’s INL opened a new liaison office at police headquarters to strengthen cooperation against transnational organized crime. Tourism Sustainability: Iberostar and UNDP launched an alliance to make tourism supply chains more resilient and lower emissions, with support for local suppliers and MSMEs. Hurricane Season Prep: INDOMET urged residents to stay informed as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, with monitoring and public guidance plans activated. Haiti Flights Resume: Passenger and cargo flights between Haiti and the DR restart May 30 after a two-year suspension. Energy & Fuel Supply: REFIDOMSA says the country consumes about 150k barrels/day, with 120k already refined, and no short- or medium-term supply risk. Tourist Traffic Crunch: Punta Cana traffic jams can now last up to an hour, with residents and businesses warning of worsening infrastructure strain.