AGP Executive Report

Minimum Wage Boost: The National Wage Committee approved a 20% minimum wage increase for construction workers, with phased implementation starting now and higher categories taking effect June 1, 2027. Public Health: The Ministry of Public Health is stepping up dengue prevention nationwide, pushing “Eliminate, Clean and Cover” actions to cut Aedes aegypti breeding sites through cleanups, fumigation, and community education. Education Plan: President Abinader and Education Minister De Camps outlined the 2026-2027 school year rollout, including RD$1.251B in school vouchers, 8 million textbooks/workbooks, 1,509 classrooms targeted by end of August, and expanded student transportation with real-time monitoring. Security & Crime: DICRIM dismantled a criminal network accused of targeting businesses, using cellphone tracking and vehicle monitoring, while reporting a new patrol model that reduced robberies by about 36% in pilot areas. International Policy: Abinader announced the Dominican Republic will adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, framing it as a threat to democratic coexistence. Tourism Development: Punta Bergantín will be monitored through a permanent economic and social research program led by PUCMM to track jobs, income, entrepreneurship, and quality of life.

IHRA Antisemitism Move: President Luis Abinader announced the Dominican Republic will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, calling it a defense of democratic rights, and said the country will also create its first Jewish history and heritage museum. Education Support: The Education Minister reported “Bono a Mil” funds are already in the accounts of 483,862 families ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, urging those who haven’t withdrawn to do so. School Year Focus: President Abinader opened the new term by stressing the next big goal is improving the quality of learning, not just access. Tourism Connectivity: Air France will extend its direct Paris–Punta Cana flights through May 1, 2027, adding extra spring travel capacity for the Dominican tourism push. Road Safety Upgrade: The Punta Cana roundabout is set to be replaced by an overpass under an IDB-financed road safety program, aimed at reducing congestion and high-risk crossings. Health System Reform: Health Minister Víctor Atallah is in Washington to present Dominican progress on transforming the health system to PAHO and the OAS. Sports Governance Fallout: FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s Caribbean Football Union appearance sparked fresh controversy, as players and football leaders continue to press for leadership change amid the FIFA crisis.

Education & Public Services: President Luis Abinader opened the 2026-2027 school year calling the next step “raising the quality of learning,” as the system welcomes 2.6 million students nationwide and adds 1,200 new public classrooms. Government Transparency: Abinader also launched “Weekly Agenda,” a live Monday program meant to show how priorities are monitored and coordinated—though the press won’t have in-person access. Public Safety & Infrastructure: The Punta Cana roundabout is set to be replaced by an overpass under an IDB-financed road safety push, aimed at reducing congestion and crash-prone crossings. Health Policy: Health Minister Víctor Atallah is in Washington to present Dominican health system reforms to PAHO and the OAS, focusing on access, technology, and decision-making. Immigration Enforcement: Migration authorities flagged 22 passenger alerts and found 10 suspected document fraud cases at Dominican airports and the Dajabón border. Business & Tourism: Air France will extend its Paris–Punta Cana direct flights through May 1, 2027, boosting spring travel options. Economy & Investment: Central Bank governor Héctor Valdez Albizu expects FDI to reach US$5.3 billion in 2026. Civil Society: The 19th Pride Caravan marched through Santo Domingo with police security, spotlighting visibility and rights for the LGBTIQ+ community.

FIFA Power Struggle in the Dominican Republic: Gianni Infantino used a Caribbean Football Union stop in the Dominican Republic to argue FIFA must “narrow the gap” between rich and poorer federations, while his leadership crisis deepens after his abandoned plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights. UEFA Pushback: UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin said he won’t replace Infantino but warned the FIFA president must quit or face a leadership challenge in March, adding he expects an opponent if Infantino seeks re-election. Youth Tournament Clash: Infantino was reportedly asked to stay away from a CFU Under-14 event in the Dominican Republic, with CONCACAF saying his presence would undermine the tournament amid the FIFA governance fight. Telecom Growth for the DR: Viettel won spectrum rights from INDOTEL and plans a long-term buildout of 4G/5G infrastructure in the Dominican Republic. Sports Spotlight: Marileidy Paulino won the 400m at the Silesia Diamond League, with Dominican athletes also featuring in other sprint wins.

FIFA Governance Clash in the DR: Gianni Infantino visited the Dominican Republic for a CFU Under-14 event in Punta Cana despite CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani urging him to stay away amid FIFA’s crisis over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. Nordic Pressure on Infantino: Six Nordic football associations said they’ve “lost confidence” in Infantino and backed calls for him to resign, demanding FIFA guarantees it won’t reopen governance or competitions to private ownership. State Procurement Upgrade: The Dominican government launched Eficompras, a virtual store inside the Electronic Public Procurement System to speed up small public purchases, including supplies for hospitals. Trade Boost: ProDominicana reported Dominican exports hit a record US$9.277 billion in Jan–July 2026, up 12.5% year-on-year. Sports Spotlight: Dominican 400m star Marileidy Paulino won the Diamond League race in Silesia, while Lavanya Williams set a big PB at the Felix Sanchez Classic. Crime Update: Authorities said a Dominican fugitive accused in a fatal stabbing in Santiago was arrested in Jamaica and is being coordinated for repatriation.

FIFA Fallout in Punta Cana: FIFA president Gianni Infantino showed up at the CFU Under-14 youth tournament in the Dominican Republic despite a direct request from CONCACAF chief Victor Montagliani to skip the event amid FIFA’s governance crisis, posting photos from Punta Cana and brushing off reporters with jokes. Youth Football Spotlight: The Under-14 Challenge Series final is set with Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz facing a dangerous Haiti side after both teams’ strong runs, including Haiti’s big semi-final win over the Dominican Republic. Tourism Road Safety Push: Tourism Minister David Collado backed a “National Plan for Tourist Road Signage” aimed at reducing accidents in Bávaro-Punta Cana and other destinations, while RD-Vial says tourists can now get roadside help in English by calling 511. Health System Updates: The National Health Service (SNS) swore in new hospital directors at Padre Billini and Vicente Noble, aiming to improve management and service quality. Earthquake Report: Two small quakes were recorded near Punta Cana with no reported damage or injuries.

FIFA Fallout in Punta Cana: FIFA president Gianni Infantino ignored a request from Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani to skip an Under-14 Caribbean Football Union tournament, arriving in the Dominican Republic and meeting officials on the sidelines—despite mounting anger over his abandoned World Cup profit sell-off plan. Road Safety for Tourists: Tourism Minister David Collado says a new national tourist road signage effort and RD-Vial are the first steps toward cutting accidents on the Bávaro-Punta Cana corridor, with Intrant leadership tasked to deliver corrective measures. Tourist Help in English: RD-Vial director Hostos Rizik says visitors can call 511 for roadside assistance in English, replacing the older emergency number and aiming for faster responses. Water Stress From El Niño: Indomet and CAASD report El Niño-linked rainfall shortfalls are sharply reducing aqueduct output, with major production drops affecting multiple river basins. Weather Watch: Indomet forecasts showers and thunderstorms in several provinces, including Greater Santo Domingo, with high temperatures and advice to stay hydrated. Diplomacy: Pakistan’s ambassador presented credentials to President Luis Abinader, pledging stronger ties in trade, investment, IT, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Economy Outlook: ECLAC projects Dominican growth of 4.0% in 2026 and 4.4% in 2027.

FIFA Fallout: Gianni Infantino faced fresh backlash after telling a reporter “I’ll see you at the hairdressers” during a Dominican Republic stop, as supporters renew calls for his resignation amid accusations tied to an aborted World Cup sell-off plan. Telecom Upgrade: INDOTEL approved Viettel to use 240 MHz across 700 MHz, 2,300 MHz and C-Band for 20 years, setting up 4G/5G services and a push for more competition. Fuel Costs: The Dominican government announced RD$1.312 billion in fuel subsidies for Aug. 22–28 as regular gasoline and diesel rise by RD$3 per gallon, aiming to soften higher global oil pressure. Economy Watch: ECLAC projects Dominican growth of 4% in 2026, among the fastest in Latin America and the Caribbean. Sports (Local Interest): In the CFU U-14 Tier 1 semis in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica beat Bermuda 1-0 and will face Haiti in the final after Haiti routed the hosts 6-1. Business & Trade: A report says mislabeled or unregistered goods are being transshipped via Haiti-linked routes, with about 930 semi-trucks per month moving such products into the DR.

Deportation Fallout: The first major U.S. deportation flight after the end of Temporary Protected Status landed in Haiti’s Cap-Haïtien, with more than 160 people sent back as Port-au-Prince remains too dangerous due to gang violence. Border Trade Pressure: Dominican officials and business voices warn that insecurity in Haiti is being exploited for transshipment—about 930 semi-trucks a month are reportedly moving mislabeled or unregistered goods into the Dominican market, with losses estimated near US$1 billion. Gaming Bill Debate: Deputy Rogelio Alfonso Genao defended a Dominican gambling regulation bill after criticism over a “special discount” regime that could reduce accumulated tax debts for betting operators. Aviation Overhaul Proposal: Héctor Porcella urged a new Aviation Law and a Civil Aviation Superintendency to unify and modernize the sector. Economic Outlook: ECLAC projects Dominican growth of about 4% in 2026, among the strongest in Latin America and the Caribbean. Tech & Education: President Abinader met 53 deaf students after AI training, praising results above the national average. Sports (CFU U-14): Jamaica, Bermuda, Haiti and the Dominican Republic booked CFU Under-14 Boys Tier 1 semis in Punta Cana.

Heat Safety: Health Minister Víctor Atallah urged Dominicans to beat the high temperatures with steady hydration, shade breaks, light clothing, and extra care for children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses. Protected Areas: President Luis Abinader launched the Dominican State’s first national, state-led process to title protected lands, delivering six property titles covering 12.35 million square meters across Loma Novillero and Montaña La Humeadora, with more parks in the pipeline. Human Rights & Sugar: A watchdog report says forced labor persists on Dominican sugarcane plantations, calling for a U.S. import ban; the findings point to poor working and living conditions and heightened vulnerability for Haitian workers. Football at Cap Cana: The CFU U-14 Challenge Series continues at Cap Cana Sports City, with the Dominican Republic set to face Haiti in one semi-final and Bermuda taking on Jamaica in the other. Business/Media: Prime Video announced a $2 billion-plus investment in Latin America through 2030, including expanding access in the Dominican Republic.

Protected Areas Titling: President Luis Abinader launched the Dominican State’s first national, state-led process to title protected lands, delivering six property titles for Loma Novillero and Montaña La Humeadora national parks (12.35 million sq. meters) to curb illegal occupation and strengthen ecosystem and water protection. Public Health in Heat: Health Minister Víctor Atallah urged Dominicans to prevent heat illness by drinking water regularly, avoiding peak sun, limiting strenuous outdoor work, and taking extra care for children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions. Telecom Competition Boost: Indotel awarded radio spectrum to Viettel and Claro Dominicana, paving the way for Viettel to enter the market as a new operator and expand competition, with spectrum blocks approved for 20-year and remaining concession periods. Judicial Oversight Upgrade: The Senate approved in first reading a Contentious Administrative Jurisdiction bill to strengthen citizens’ access to courts reviewing government actions and omissions. Sports & International Spotlight: FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reported to be expected in the Dominican Republic this Friday for the CFU U-14 Challenge in Punta Cana, while local football continues at Cap Cana with U-14 Challenge Series matches. Trade & Economy: Customs reported Dominican foreign trade reached US$28.196 billion in the first seven months, with exports up 12.5% and imports up 8%. Weather Watch: Indomet forecast hot conditions with isolated showers and localized downpours/thunderstorms in parts of the Cibao and Greater Santo Domingo.

Diplomacy & Security: Cuba mocked the expulsion of its diplomats from the Dominican Republic after their return to Havana, while Dominican officials and lawmakers continued to defend the decision amid claims of U.S. pressure and alleged Cuban infiltration during regional games. Maritime Tourism Law: In the Senate, La Altagracia’s Rafael Barón Duluc backed a bill to create incentives for nautical maritime tourism, saying the DR is missing out on “billions” because it lacks legislation to facilitate private tourist vessels. Trade & Labor Rights: Félix Bautista proposed banning imports of goods produced through forced labor, arguing the measure would protect workers and improve Dominican competitiveness abroad. Central Bank Continuity: President Luis Abinader confirmed Héctor Valdez Albizu as Central Bank governor and Clarissa de la Rocha as vice governor. Education: MINERD reported 95%+ progress on the Cancino Adentro I Basic School in Santo Domingo Este, targeting delivery for the 2026-2027 school year. Sports (Youth, DR-hosted): Jamaica’s U-14 Reggae Boyz reached the CFU semi-finals after a 2-0 win over Curaçao, with the DR set to face Haiti in the other semi-final.

Diplomacy Tension: Cuba welcomed home diplomats expelled from the Dominican Republic, with Deputy Foreign Minister Josefina Vidal saying the move reflects U.S. pressure and accusing Santo Domingo of yielding to Washington. Tourism & Roads: The Dominican Republic launched a national tourist road signage plan to standardize and modernize directions across key destinations, starting in La Altagracia, El Seibo, Samaná, Puerto Plata, Pedernales, María Trinidad Sánchez and Santiago. Tech for Education: ITLA is exploring partnerships with SpaceX/Starlink and xAI to expand internet connectivity and AI training, including possible online courses for Dominican students and rural communities. Health & Mothers: The Health Ministry and SNS began prenatal care facilitator training in Dajabón and Elías Piña, supported by KOICA and PAHO/WHO, to strengthen checkups and referrals. Public Procurement: Abinader’s government rolled out EfiCompras, a virtual store for low-value public purchases meant to speed up everyday state buying. Labor Rights Watch: A U.S.-linked report says forced labor persists in Dominican sugarcane plantations, calling for the U.S. to reinstate an import ban. Sports (Local Spotlight): Dominican Republic’s U-14 Caribbean Football Union Challenge Series continues in Punta Cana, with regional teams playing Tier 1 matches.

Cuban Infiltration Claims: Diario Libre reports Dominican security detected Cuban state agents infiltrating sports venues during the Santo Domingo Central American and Caribbean Games, including alleged use of athletes’ uniforms to monitor competitors and prevent defections. Diplomatic Fallout: The United Left Movement (MIU) rejected the expulsion of Cuban diplomats, calling it an “unfortunate exception” and linking it to a broader sovereignty dispute. Forced Labor Watch: A human-rights report says forced labor persists on Dominican sugarcane plantations tied to Central Romana, urging the U.S. to reinstate an import ban. Government Procurement Push: President Abinader launched Eficompras, the Dominican State’s first virtual store, to speed up public purchases and boost MSME participation. Business Climate: AIRD says industrial confidence stays favorable in Q2 2026, with indices above 50. Health Policy: The DR will keep its childhood vaccination schedule despite recent U.S. changes. Tourism Environment: Asonahores says sargassum solutions should protect both tourism and local communities.

Gambling Crackdown: The Chamber of Deputies sent the Gambling Bill to the Senate, setting tough penalties for fraud—up to 10 years in prison for anyone who alters or distorts lottery and betting results, and similar time for using “straw men” to hide the real beneficiaries. Public Health: Health Minister Víctor Atallah says the Dominican Republic will keep its childhood vaccination schedule despite recent U.S. health authority changes, while also urging prevention after leptospirosis deaths reported this year. Tourism & Environment: Asonahores says sargassum solutions must protect both beaches and local communities, warning more seaweed is expected in 2026 and pointing to hotel containment barriers. Labor Rights in Sugar: A watchdog report says forced labor persists on Dominican sugarcane plantations tied to Central Romana, urging the U.S. to reinstate an import ban. Transport Leadership: Juan Manuel Méndez García was sworn in as INTRANT executive director, pledging better traffic organization and compliance with Law 63-17. Aviation Update: Decree 552-26 reshuffles leadership at the Civil Aviation Board and airport management. Tourism Market Shift: Asonahores says Airbnb listings in Santo Domingo now outnumber hotel rooms, calling for regulation rather than opposition. Mining Decision: The Superior Administrative Court canceled Falcondo’s Quisqueya I mining concession contracts, ending a nearly 70-year deal. INTRANT Traffic Tragedy: A deadly fuel tanker crash on Santo Domingo’s Malecon is again raising questions about enforcement of heavy-truck restrictions.

Police Leadership Watch: President Luis Abinader appointed Ernesto Rodríguez García as the new director general of the National Police, promoting him to major general via Decree 558-26, as citizens voice skepticism that leadership changes alone will curb crime. Cuban Diplomats Row: The MPD called the government’s request for Cuban diplomats and their families to leave “shameful,” arguing it was done without explanations and could signal alignment with U.S. pressure; meanwhile, reports say nine Cuban mission members left before the deadline. Identity Services: The JCE expanded access to civil registry and ID issuance in Haina, serving 1,762 people with late registrations, data corrections, and new cards. Youth & Sports: At the CFU U14 Challenge Series in Punta Cana, the Bahamas opened with wins over Anguilla (3–0) and Montserrat (5–0), while Antigua and Barbuda beat Dominica 2–1. Economy & Trade: Dominican cocoa exports hit a record US$669M in 2025, up 55%, with a Dominican Chocolate Festival set for Sept. 11–13 in Santo Domingo.