AGP Executive Report

Energy Transition: IRENA launched a regional renewables partnership in Santo Domingo to help Latin American and Caribbean countries turn energy plans into projects and attract investment. The Dominican government also signed an agreement with IRENA to deepen cooperation. Fuel Prices: Premium gasoline rose RD$5 a gallon and optimal diesel RD$12 for the week, while subsidies keep other key fuel prices unchanged. Public Funds: President Luis Abinader said RD$2 billion recovered from corruption will fund 40 sports projects nationwide. Public Health: A free national flu-vaccination campaign offers more than 400,000 doses at over 1,350 centers, prioritizing older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic illnesses. Tourism and Travel: The country welcomed about 9.2 million visitors through September, while Flair Airlines plans twice-weekly Toronto–Puerto Plata flights from December 19. Dominicans Abroad: A U.S. judge blocked the deportation of Dominican national Oscar Bergal, shot by ICE during an arrest in New York; the incident has drawn protests and scrutiny.

Dominican Abroad: A U.S. judge blocked the deportation of Oscar Belgal, a Dominican man shot by ICE during an arrest in New York while his 5-year-old son was in the car. Newly released police footage has intensified scrutiny of the shooting; federal officials say Belgal had prior convictions and gang ties. Government: President Luis Abinader said RD$2 billion recovered from corruption will fund 40 sports projects, and pledged to keep recovering public money. Fuel Prices: Premium gasoline rose RD$5 a gallon and optimal diesel RD$12 for the week, while subsidies keep other major fuel prices unchanged. Health: A nationwide flu vaccination campaign is offering more than 400,000 free doses at over 1,350 locations, prioritizing older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic illnesses. Travel and Trade: Flair Airlines will launch twice-weekly nonstop Toronto–Puerto Plata flights on December 19. Separately, shipping company Accordia is adding Caucedo to its South Florida–Dominican Republic service, expanding cargo options. Regional Cooperation: Santo Domingo hosted Latin America and Caribbean energy talks, where CARICOM’s secretary-general urged governments to focus on food and energy security, transport and stronger regional production.

Dominican Diaspora: Dominican national Oscar Belgal was shot in the neck by ICE agents during an arrest in New York while his 5-year-old son was in the car; the child was unharmed. Federal officials say Belgal drove toward officers. A judge has blocked his immediate deportation while his legal challenge proceeds. Trade and Transport: Accordia Shipping is adding Caucedo to its South Florida–Dominican Republic service, expanding cargo options with an estimated three-day crossing. Tourism: The country has welcomed 9.2 million visitors so far this year, while September brought 533,735 arrivals and a recovery in Puerto Plata. Aviation: Arajet ranked as the country’s second-busiest airline by passenger traffic in September. Energy: The government plans to tender more than 2,500 megawatts in energy and battery-storage projects by 2028. Trafficking: The Dominican Republic advanced to Tier 2 in the U.S. assessment of efforts to combat human trafficking.

ICE Shooting: Dominican national Oscar Belgal, 28, was shot in the neck by an ICE agent during an attempted arrest in New York while his five-year-old son was in the car; the child was unharmed. Federal officials say Belgal drove toward officers, while city officials have questioned the encounter. NYPD video shows officers helping him after the shooting, and a federal judge has blocked his deportation while his legal challenge proceeds. Border Security: Dominican lawmakers are demanding an investigation after a UN report said ammunition linked to Dominican military stocks was found with a Haitian gang. Aviation: Arajet carried 158,407 passengers in September, up 62% from a year earlier, making it the country’s second-largest airline by traffic. Southwest also plans weekend nonstop flights to Punta Cana from Austin next summer. Community: Make-A-Wish has launched in the Dominican Republic, the first Caribbean country to host the program, aiming to grant 20 wishes to children with critical illnesses by year-end. Anti-Trafficking: The Dominican Republic advanced to Tier 2 in the latest U.S. human-trafficking assessment.

Dominican Diaspora: A U.S. immigration agent shot 28-year-old Dominican Oscar Belgal in New York’s Marble Hill neighborhood during an arrest operation. A five-year-old child in the car was unharmed. New York police say an agent fired seven rounds; DHS cited Belgal’s prior conviction and arrests but has not explained what led to the shooting. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for ICE operations to stop as protests broke out. Regional Diplomacy: President Luis Abinader called for greater cooperation at the ECLAC summit and outlined goals for the country’s Meta RD 2036 development plan. Energy: The government plans to tender more than 2,500 megawatts of energy and battery-storage projects by 2028. Economy and Tourism: The economy grew 4.5% through August, while the country welcomed 9.24 million visitors through September.

Diplomacy: Venezuela says it is willing to gradually restore ties with the Dominican Republic, as officials met during the ECLAC summit in Santiago. President Luis Abinader called for stronger regional cooperation, and the Dominican Republic will lead the commission through 2028. Tourism: More than 9.2 million visitors arrived through September. Punta Cana’s new Lopesan Caoba Lagoon resort adds 554 rooms, while tourism pioneer Frank Rainieri received a WTTC Icon Award for helping build the destination. Economy & Energy: The government plans tenders for more than 2,500 megawatts of generation and battery storage by 2028. The World Bank also cited the Dominican Republic among regional economies sustaining strong growth. Dominicans Abroad: Foreign Ministry officials sent Russia information on 20 Dominicans allegedly recruited for war-related roles after accepting civilian job offers. Public Opinion: A new survey found 57.3% consider Abinader a good president, while 52.4% approve of his administration.

Missing Girl: A body recovered from the Yaque del Norte River is believed by relatives to be 13-year-old Josnely Álvarez, missing since Sunday. Forensic officials have yet to confirm her identity or cause of death; a suspect has admitted attacking her and a 16-year-old girl with a knife. Tourism: The Dominican Republic welcomed 9.24 million visitors from January through September, up 7.5% year over year. Tourism Minister David Collado forecasts more than 12.4 million by year’s end, while a partnership with Visa uses spending data to sharpen tourism promotion. Regional Energy: Guyana’s prime minister is due in Santo Domingo for a regional energy ministers’ meeting on security, investment and cooperation. Haiti Relations: The government narrowed its ban on Haiti’s soccer team after a post-match dispute: Haiti can play in the DR as a visiting team, but cannot host matches at Dominican facilities. Business: A free-zone industry initiative says Dominican medical-device production could cost 16% less than sourcing from China for U.S. buyers, even after tariffs.

Tourism: The Dominican Republic welcomed 9.24 million visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 7.5% year over year. September arrivals jumped 16.4%, and Tourism Minister David Collado expects more than 12.4 million visitors by year-end. A partnership with Visa will use traveler data to sharpen tourism promotions and tailor visitor experiences. Regional Leadership: President Luis Abinader opened the 41st ECLAC session in Santiago, beginning the Dominican Republic’s two-year presidency of the regional body. Environment: An Interpol operation involving the Dominican Republic and eight other countries made 233 arrests and recovered more than 1,000 animals while uncovering large-scale illegal logging, mining and wildlife trafficking. Weather: The COE placed the National District, Greater Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal and Barahona under green alert as a tropical wave brings rain and possible flooding. Agriculture: The government says mechanization and support for rice farmers will strengthen local production amid changes to rice tariffs. Cruise Tourism: Disney Dream made its first Dominican Republic call, bringing more than 3,000 passengers to Puerto Plata.

Infrastructure & Mobility: Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella says Greater Santo Domingo will see new overpasses on the Duarte Highway, widening near the Port of Haina, and structural inspections at key intersections, with several works targeted to finish before August 2028. Regional Policy Spotlight: The 41st ECLAC session opens in Santiago on Oct. 7, with President Luis Abinader set to lead the official ceremony and regional ministers debating economic priorities through Oct. 9. Tourism & Connectivity: Puerto Plata logged 533,735 air arrivals in September, up 8.8% year-on-year, as the government points to hotel, real estate and cruise recovery. Sports & National Pride: Sprint star Marileidy Paulino has been nominated for World Athlete of the Year 2026, ahead of awards in Monaco on Nov. 29. Mining & Environment: UASD’s Environmental Commission demands clarity from the government after GoldQuest renewed promotion of a mining district in San Juan de la Maguana. Migration & Safety: Coast Guard and Dominican Navy crews rescued 61 migrants from a sinking vessel off the DR, warning that dangerous smuggling voyages are increasing.

Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister David Collado reported 533,735 tourists arrived in the Dominican Republic by air in September, a record for the month, with Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón Airport up 37% year-on-year and Disney Cruise Line making its Puerto Plata debut. Rice Trade: The government repealed rice import tariff measures via Decree 635-26, rolling back protections created in 2024 as U.S. talks continue; agricultural advisor Eric Rivero says compensatory support for producers is being handled “at the highest level.” Gambling Regulation: President Luis Abinader enacted a new gambling law and provisionally appointed Teófilo “Quico” Tabar as head of the new General Directorate of Gambling (DGJA). Aviation & Connectivity: Dominican airlines welcomed an aviation fuel temperature adjustment, while Sky Cana said it plans a gradual return with charter flights and an Embraer ERJ-145LR arriving by late October. Housing & Water: Abinader highlighted a reduced housing deficit (2019-2025) and ongoing cleanup and relocation work to reclaim ravines and green spaces, including the Gurabo River project. Business & Tech: Claro Dominicana expanded cloud capabilities with Amazon Web Services (AWS), aiming to help firms modernize and scale.

Tourism & Travel: The Dominican Republic is riding a strong wave in the region, topping the Caribbean in the WEF Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026 and ranking No. 1 for tourism development locally, while cruise traffic keeps climbing with four ships bringing more than 16,000 visitors in a single day. Luxury Hospitality: Four Seasons announced its first Dominican property will open in mid-2027 in Miches, with Herve Fucho named general manager. Business & Environment: A US$6.3 million EU-backed package will help Dominican small businesses turn sargassum into a sustainable, commercially viable value chain. Public Safety & Weather: The COE issued alerts as a trough brings heavy rain and storms, placing three provinces on yellow and 13 (including the National District and Greater Santo Domingo) on green. Haiti Relations & Sports: After Haiti’s win over the Dominican Republic, Dominican authorities banned Haiti’s national team from using sports facilities, citing stadium indiscipline. Culture: The Santo Domingo International Book Fair closed with 714,322 visitors and over RD$97 million in sales. Infrastructure: Work has begun to modernize the Puerto Plata Cable Car, boosting capacity and safety. International Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic honored French Ambassador Sonia Barbry with the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella.

Sargassum to Jobs: The EU and EIB are backing a US$6.3 million package to help Dominican small businesses turn sargassum into a sustainable, sellable value chain, with loans via Banco Adopem and technical support for project prep. Tourism Upgrade: Puerto Plata has started a major modernization of the historic Puerto Plata Cable Car, replacing the system with a higher-capacity double-cable tramway and new safety and control tech. Climate & Weather Watch: The COE put La Vega, Puerto Plata and Espaillat on yellow alert, while 13 provinces (including the National District and Greater Santo Domingo) are on green as a trough brings heavy rain, storms and possible hail. Haiti Tensions in Sports: After crowd trouble tied to the Haiti-DR Nations League match, Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz announced Haiti’s national team is banned from playing in Dominican facilities. Maternal Health Push: PAHO and MSD for Mothers are supporting a two-year initiative to cut preventable maternal deaths and adolescent pregnancies, including stronger prenatal care and postpartum family planning. Culture & Books: The Santo Domingo International Book Fair closed with 714,322 visitors and over RD$97 million in sales, with the 2027 edition set for Sept. 12–26. Maritime Planning: The Dominican Shipping Agents Association is calling for a long-term national maritime strategy to guide infrastructure, logistics and sustainability over the next 20–30 years.

Haiti–DR Football Tensions: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national football team from using DR sports venues after crowd trouble around a CONCACAF Nations League match in Santo Domingo; Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz announced it and President Luis Abinader backed the move, with Haiti’s embassy urging respect between neighbors after Haiti won 4-1. Colonial City Housing Push: Tourism Minister David Collado delivered the first batch of homes under the Colonial City Housing Improvement Program and rolled out facade recovery and “Paint Your City” projects, funded with IDB support and EU co-financing. Tourism Boost: The DR topped the Caribbean in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index, ranking 66th globally, highlighting policy and infrastructure—not just visitor numbers. Economic Snapshot: The Central Bank reports the Dominican economy grew 4.5% through August, led by construction, services, and free-zone manufacturing. Cruise Milestone: Four ships brought 16,287 cruise passengers on Sept. 30, with major arrivals in Puerto Plata and a new push in Pedernales. Public Safety Call: President Abinader renewed his push for wanted suspects to surrender, saying police will keep hunting high-risk cases.

Police Surrenders: Four wanted people, including two teenagers accused of assaulting a soldier, turned themselves in to the National Police, bringing the total to 29 after President Luis Abinader’s call for fugitives to surrender. Colonial City Housing Push: Tourism Minister David Collado delivered 254 renovated homes and launched facade and painting projects under the Colonial City improvement program, backed by IDB and EU co-financing. Tourism Ranking: The Dominican Republic topped the Caribbean in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index, ranking 66th globally and scoring 3.93. Cruise Milestone: The country welcomed 16,287 cruise passengers on four ships—three in Puerto Plata and one in Pedernales—boosting local commerce. Haiti Football Fallout: After crowd trouble in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from using its sports facilities, escalating tensions following Haiti’s 4-1 win. Economy Watch: Preliminary Central Bank figures show Dominican economic growth of 4.5% through August, with construction and services leading.

Haiti–DR Football Fallout: Dominican Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz banned Haiti’s national team from using Dominican sports facilities after crowd trouble around the Oct. 1 Nations League match in Santo Domingo; President Luis Abinader backed the move, while Haiti’s embassy said remarks made by striker Wilson Isidor don’t reflect the Haitian government. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Southwest Airlines announced nonstop Austin–Punta Cana starting June 5, 2027 (plus Nassau and Liberia), while Casa de Campo named Magellan Jets its preferred private aviation partner, leaning on the resort’s near-airport arrival advantage. Economy Watch: The Dominican economy grew 4.5% through January–August, with construction and services among the drivers, according to Central Bank preliminary figures. Public Safety Push: Abinader urged about 70 highly dangerous wanted fugitives to surrender as police report tens of thousands of outstanding arrest warrants. Digital Governance: UN ODET highlighted safeguards and sustainable financing for digital public infrastructure during a Santo Domingo forum. Sargassum Planning: Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez urged a coordinated regional response as the DR shifts to more proactive monitoring and management.

Haiti–DR Football Tensions: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from using DR sports facilities after crowd violence and gate damage around the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium during the Concacaf Nations League match, with Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz announcing the move and President Luis Abinader backing it. Public Safety Push: President Luis Abinader urged about 70 wanted fugitives with multiple criminal records to surrender, citing tens of thousands of outstanding arrest warrants and renewed police search-and-capture efforts. Economy Watch: The Central Bank reported Dominican economic growth of 4.5% through January–August, with construction, services, and free-zone manufacturing among key contributors. Aviation & Tourism: Southwest unveiled new summer 2027 routes from Austin, including nonstop service to Punta Cana; separately, Casa de Campo named Magellan Jets its preferred private aviation partner. Digital Governance: UN ODET highlighted safeguards and sustainable financing for digital public infrastructure during a forum in Santo Domingo. Regional Opinion: A Latinobarómetro poll found China viewed more positively than the US across Latin America, with the Dominican Republic among the few exceptions.