AGP Executive Report

Environment & Infrastructure: The Ministry of Environment, RD Vial and Digecac kicked off a two-year reforestation push to plant 10 million trees along major highways and avenues, including the Azua Bypass, Coral Highway, 6 de Noviembre, Juan Pablo II and Duarte, aiming to restore vegetation and improve roadside conservation. Digital Governance: The Inter-American Digital Government Network (GEALC), chaired by the Dominican Republic via OGTIC, won the WSIS Prize 2026 for International and Regional Cooperation, highlighting regional digital transformation and knowledge sharing. Public Health & Training: UNADE (MIDE) graduated 144 new medical specialists across 17 specializations at military teaching hospitals, strengthening the country’s medical residency pipeline. Tourism & Heritage: Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched an RD$86 million public lighting upgrade in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City to boost safety and the visitor experience. Migration Enforcement: A viral video shows 20 Haitian migrants, including four children, packed inside a Honda CR-V after a Dominican Army stop near Macheteros; authorities say the group lacked immigration status and were taken into custody. Regional Economy: ECLAC warned that higher oil prices this year could worsen inflation and trade balances for energy-importing countries, including the Dominican Republic.

Immigration Crackdown: A viral video shows Dominican soldiers stopping a small Honda CR-V near Macheteros and finding 20 Haitian migrants—10 men, 6 women and 4 children—packed inside without immigration status; the group was taken into custody and the driver detained for investigation. Remittances Boost: The Central Bank reports US$6,219.3 million in remittances in the first half of 2026, up 6.7% year-on-year, with June reaching US$1,049.3 million (+13.6%), driven largely by the U.S. diaspora. Education Reform Talks: The Dominican government expanded its Great National Consultation for the Future of Education to the diaspora, holding a virtual forum with Dominicans in Europe; recommendations will feed into a new education law. Penal Code Pushback: Communicator Santiago Matías (Alofoke) says Congress will introduce changes to 16 articles of the new Penal Code this Friday, including provisions critics say restrict freedom of expression. Energy Planning: Energy Minister Joel Santos outlined a long-term strategy to meet rising electricity demand through 2030s, focusing on generation, grid upgrades, rural electrification and efficiency. Tourism & Business: Frontier Airlines adds a daily San Juan–Punta Cana route, while Lopesan Hotel Group opened three new all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana in a $350m expansion. Regional Context: Cuba’s grid reportedly suffered another total blackout as Castro’s grandson said he is willing to talk with Trump.

Penal Code Push: Santiago Matías (Alofoke) says Congress will introduce changes to 16 articles of the new Penal Code this Friday, after a dialogue involving alternative media, lawyers, and President Luis Abinader—aimed at correcting provisions critics say restrict freedom of expression. UN Diplomacy: Cuba won a UN General Assembly debate on U.S. sanctions, but the vote exposed a Caribbean split, with the Dominican Republic absent from the session. Tourism & Environment: Punta Cana faces a fresh sargassum surge, with cleanup costs rising and beaches becoming less attractive for visitors. Energy Outlook: Energy Minister Joel Santos outlined a long-term plan to expand generation and modernize the grid to meet rising electricity demand through the 2030s. Finance & Business: Banco Promerica Dominican Republic received a credit rating upgrade to AA- (Stable Outlook). Agro-Industry: ITESIL and the Dominican Agrarian Institute will turn 900+ tareas in Montecristi into an agro-industrial research and training center. Travel Connectivity: Frontier Airlines added a daily San Juan–Punta Cana route, boosting affordable access to the DR. Sports: The DR U-21 women’s team beat Costa Rica 3-1 to reach the Pan American Cup semifinals.

Weather & Safety: The COE expanded yellow alerts to seven provinces plus the National District as a trough and tropical wave bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and possible isolated hail; authorities urged people to avoid rivers and ravines and warned small vessels to stay in port. Culture & Sports: Casa del Cordón opened a new exhibition on Dominican landscapes and cultural identity, while Santo Domingo Oeste received the Torch for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. Tourism Pressure: Record sargassum is washing ashore in Punta Cana, hurting the visitor experience and forcing costly cleanup efforts. Environment Meets Finance: Banco Popular launched Gnial cards made with plastic recovered from the Dominican coast, pairing donations with ocean-protection projects. Tax Oversight: DGII warned that the rise in new NGOs and company liquidations could justify closer tax review. Business at the Border: Merchants urged President Abinader to reconsider a dry port proposal, warning it could disrupt binational trade livelihoods. Regional Spotlight: The U.S. ambassador said Washington is prioritizing the Americas and flagged concern over China’s growing presence. Public Order: Pot-banging protests continued for a third night in Greater Santo Domingo after the death of Darlin Mercado in Herrera. Crime & Justice: A businessman was sentenced to two years and ordered to pay over RD$47 million for electricity theft.

Police Reform & Public Trust: The Senate will review the National Police reform bill this Wednesday, aiming to modernize operations and set new rules on use of force. Protests in Greater Santo Domingo: Pot-banging demonstrations continued for a third straight day in multiple sectors, fueled by anger over the Herrera death of Darlin Mercado and opposition to the tax reform. Courts & Accountability: A businessman was sentenced to two years (suspended) and ordered to pay over RD$47 million for electricity fraud against Edeeste. Health System Moves: Public Health expanded rapid tuberculosis testing by adding two GeneXpert systems to the national network, boosting faster detection and drug-resistant case identification. Social Security & Clinics: Private clinics announced an indefinite suspension of some services for Primera ARS and ARS Futuro starting July 14, citing inadequate reimbursement. Immigration & Residency: The DR granted 60,306 residency permits to Haitians from 2018 to 2026, even as deportations continue. Environment: The Environment Ministry, with road agencies, announced a plan to plant 10 million trees over two years. Tourism Buzz: Dominican hotels and resorts picked up multiple 2026 Travvy Award nominations, with voting open through Sept. 4.

Aviation Safety Update: The CIAA released a preliminary report on the June 7 Gulfstream G200 crash at La Romana, saying the crew declared an emergency after losing the right engine shortly after takeoff; the jet veered off the runway, caught fire, and both crew members died, with the investigation still ongoing and no cause assigned yet. Public Order & Justice: National Police suspended officers involved in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Darlin Mercado in Herrera after a viral video sparked outrage, with internal affairs investigating a “lack of humanization.” Civic Protest: Pot-banging protests continued for a second night across Greater Santo Domingo, with organizers pushing for changes to the new Penal Code and accountability tied to the Mercado case. Environment: The Environment Ministry, RD Vial, and Digecac announced a nationwide plan to plant 10 million trees over two years, prioritizing major highways and ring roads. Tourism & Business: Asonahores warned that higher passenger transport fees could hurt Dominican tourism competitiveness, urging a review of airfare-related taxes and charges. Industry Regulation: A new Regulatory Council was established to protect the “Dominican Cigar” geographical indication, enforcing standards across cultivation, manufacturing, and packaging.

Tourism Costs: Asonahores warns that higher passenger transport fees could hurt Dominican tourism competitiveness, urging a careful review of airfare-related taxes and fees. Solid Waste Pressure on SMEs: Tourism associations are asking the government to adjust how Law 225-20 solid-waste fees are applied, saying the current method hits micro, small and medium operators unfairly. Penal Code Updates: The Chamber of Deputies approved a public consultation to collect proposals for amendments to the new Penal Code before it takes effect on Aug. 3, with no abortion debate reopening. Airport Security Upgrade: Aerodom delivered 18 explosives-detection dogs to Cesac to strengthen airport surveillance and inspections nationwide. Digital Safety: Indotel begins the procurement process for a Cybersecurity Assistance Center to help citizens deal with scams, identity theft, hacked accounts and sextortion. Finance & Sustainability: Banco Popular says its gnial cards will be made with recovered coastal plastic, with donations tied to ocean conservation. Housing Rents: A lawyer says tenant protection mainly comes from lease terms, since there’s no law capping rent increases in the National District.

Tourism & Economy: The Dominican Republic closed the first half of 2026 with a record 6.62 million visitors (+7.7% year-on-year), putting the country on track to surpass 12 million by year-end. Public Finance: The Council of Ministers approved the 2027 Budget Policy under Meta RD 2036, prioritizing human capital, infrastructure, productivity, and security. Security & Tech: Indotel launched the procurement process for a Cybersecurity Assistance Center to help citizens facing scams, identity theft, hacked accounts, sextortion, and other digital crimes. Aviation Safety: Aerodom delivered 18 explosives detection dogs to Cesac to strengthen airport security at Las Américas and other facilities. Tourism Sector Pressure: Tourism associations asked the government to review solid-waste fees under Law 225-20, saying the charges hit tourism MSMEs disproportionately. Law Reform: The Chamber of Deputies will receive proposals to amend the new Penal Code, though no vacatio legis extension is currently planned. Diplomacy & Investment: The DR highlighted its investment momentum at the Americas Investment Forum 2026, generating about US$4.15 billion in intentions. Sports: In FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers, Joel Soriano set a new single-game defensive record with 7 blocks as the DR beat Nicaragua 99-76.

Government Budget Planning: The Dominican Government has launched the first phase to prepare the 2027 General State Budget, setting guidelines for spending priorities in education, health, infrastructure, productivity, and institutional strengthening. Public Administration Oversight: Ministers and directors general began arriving at the National Palace for President Luis Abinader’s 56th Government Council meeting, expected to review policy execution and public spending adjustments. Cybersecurity for Citizens: Indotel has started the procurement process for a Cybersecurity Assistance Center to help people respond to scams and digital crimes like WhatsApp fraud, identity theft, and sextortion. Transport Rules: Intrant says no public passenger fare increase has been authorized and warns commuters not to pay higher rates without official approval. Tourism & Local Economy: Jarabacoa hosted the third National Motocross Championship, boosting sports tourism and local business. Aviation Update: Aerodom says it is doing preventive maintenance on baggage conveyor belts at AILA after a viral video raised concerns. Community Action: The Progressive Youth Foundation wrapped up a national coastal cleanup with 1,341 volunteers collecting nearly 57,000 pounds of waste across 21 beaches.

Public Safety Upgrade: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the 911 emergency system in Montecristi, expanding coordinated police, fire, and out-of-hospital care to 27 provinces and covering 94.64% of the population. Transport Rules: Intrant says no public transport fare increase has been approved, warning drivers and companies not to raise prices without authorization. Airport Costs: Aerodom is set to raise passenger use and baggage handling fees nationwide after a presidential decree, affecting all six Aerodom terminals. Justice Watch: A newly recruited police agent in Herrera faces voluntary murder charges after a fatal shooting of 19-year-old Darlin Mercado Reyes, with viral video sparking renewed scrutiny. Health System Pressure: Private clinics’ association will decide July 8 whether to suspend services for ARS insurers amid reimbursement and cost pressures. Tourism & Culture: MITUR launched the “Colonial Challenge” interactive game route in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, running until Aug. 30. Regional Humanitarian Aid: DR repatriated 62 more people from Venezuela after earthquakes, bringing the total to 171 under Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026.

Tourism Boom: The Dominican Republic logged 6,616,671 visitors in the first half of 2026, up 7.7% year-on-year, with 4,963,542 stayover arrivals by air and 1,653,129 cruise passengers—keeping the country on track to chase 12 million for the year. Humanitarian Solidarity: Vice President Raquel Peña welcomed Dominican rescuers returning from Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes, while the DR also sent Arajet flights carrying medical aid, equipment, and a mobile hospital, plus a mental health team. Extreme Heat Alert: NOAA and INDOMET warn the DR will stay under extreme heat conditions through at least mid-July, with risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke; officials urge hydration and sun avoidance. Business & Inclusion: MICM and Equifax Dominicana signed an agreement to expand financial inclusion and support MSMEs, and Banreservas was recognized by Summa Magazine as a leading company in Central America and the DR. Water Access Gap: A new ENHOGAR-MICS 2025 report says only 68% of rural households have safe drinking water, versus 92% in urban areas.

Extreme Heat Alert: INDOMET and NOAA warn the Dominican Republic will stay under an extreme heat warning through at least July 14, with forecasts of 35–39°C and higher heat index, plus Saharan dust and El Niño-linked dry conditions—officials urge hydration, light clothing, sunscreen, and avoiding sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Water Access Gap: A new ENHOGAR-MICS 2025 report says only 68% of rural households have safe, treated drinking water (92% in urban areas), raising health risks—especially for young children. Humanitarian Response to Venezuela: The DR and Arajet sent humanitarian medical aid to Venezuela, including a mobile hospital and mental health specialists, while Vice President Raquel Peña welcomed Dominican rescuers returning from the earthquake response. Tourism Momentum: Tourism minister David Collado reports 6.6 million visitors in Jan–Jun 2026 (+7.7%), with cruise arrivals up as well. Public Safety: Police say an officer involved in a death in Guajimía, Herrera, has been turned over to the Public Ministry, with internal affairs investigating possible disciplinary violations.

Venezuela Earthquake Solidarity: Vice President Raquel Peña welcomed Dominican rescuers back from Venezuela after the June 24 quake, praising their work and noting a medical commission and field hospital support. Humanitarian Response: The Health Ministry said the mission also includes mental health specialists, and Arajet carried aid, medical personnel, equipment, medicines, and a mobile hospital on a special flight. Public Safety & Justice: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful condemned the killing of 16-year-old Darlin Mercado Reyes in Herrera, saying the officer was arrested and placed at the disposal of prosecutors. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister David Collado reported 6.6 million visitors in Jan–Jun 2026 (+7.7%), with June arrivals up 6% and cruise passengers rising 6.3%. Weather Watch: Indomet warned of persistent extreme heat, with forecasts up to 39°C, tied to El Niño and low rainfall. Sports & Hosting: Abinader met FIBA leaders as Santo Domingo 2026 preparations continue, while DR judo teams completed a final training camp in Brazil.

Tourism Boom: The Dominican Republic logged a record 6.6 million visitors in the first half of 2026 (+7.7% year-on-year), with June alone bringing 975,012 arrivals as the country targets 12 million by year-end. Cruise Growth: Cruise tourism stayed strong, with 1.65 million cruise passengers Jan–Jun and Puerto Plata’s ports (Amber Cove and Taíno Bay) leading the June surge. Humanitarian Aid: Arajet carried humanitarian medical aid to Venezuela in coordination with the DR government, including medical personnel, equipment, medicines and a mobile hospital. Public Safety & Justice: The National Police placed an officer involved in the death of teenager Darlin Mercado Reyes in Herrera at the disposal of the Public Ministry, while the Interior and Police minister called it “unforgivable” abuse. Heat Alert: Indomet warned of persistent extreme heat, forecasting up to 39°C in coming days. Energy Costs: Fuel prices were lowered for July 4–10, supported by a government subsidy to ease consumer costs. State & Sports: The government highlighted progress in public administration restructuring, while Santo Domingo 2026 preparations continue with high-level FIBA meetings and final judo training in Brazil.

Tourism & Connectivity: Italian airline Neos inaugurated a weekly Rome–Holguín direct route, landing 238 passengers at Frank País Airport and aiming to boost European access to eastern Cuba as the island’s tourism struggles. Public Safety: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful condemned the Herrera killing of 16-year-old Darlin Mercado Reyes as “unforgivable police abuse,” saying the officer was arrested and turned over to justice. State Restructuring: The Ministry of Public Administration outlined progress on restructuring the Dominican State, citing 21 reorganization processes since Sept. 2024, including a major merger of the Economy and Finance ministries. Energy Costs: Fuel prices drop for July 4–10, with regular gasoline and diesel down RD$5 and premium fuels down RD$3, backed by a RD$424.53M subsidy. Health & Weather: The Health Ministry warned of extreme heat and heat-stroke risks as temperatures and heat indexes push above 40°C in parts of the country. Sports & Events: Abinader met FIBA executives ahead of Santo Domingo 2026, while Fashion Freak Fest 2026 (“Maison Caribe”) returns in Santo Domingo this weekend. Earth & Risk: The National Seismological Center reported six low-magnitude tremors across the country, with no damage reported.

U.S.-DR Relations: The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo marked America’s 250th independence anniversary with a “Freedom 250” reception hosted by Ambassador Leah Francis Campos, drawing nearly 1,000 guests including President Luis Abinader, diplomats, business and civil society leaders, plus a fireworks display. Public Safety Crackdown: Dominican authorities dismantled an illicit alcohol operation in Azua’s Barrera, destroying about 25,440 liters of adulterated product found in 106 fermentation tanks. Infrastructure Push: The government unveiled the RD$32 billion “Amber Highway” project in Puerto Plata, a 32.7-kilometer four-lane route aimed at cutting travel time between Santiago and Puerto Plata by about an hour, with construction targeted to start in August 2026. Energy & Research: The Dominican Republic and Mexico signed a three-year cooperation deal to boost research, innovation and training in energy and hydrocarbons. Tourism & Business: Caribbean Cinemas reopened its renovated Ágora Mall complex in Santo Domingo, while the Santiago Chamber of Commerce signed a UAE partnership to expand trade and investment links. Tech & Consumer Watch: A new investigation says Tripadvisor’s AI summaries can gloss over serious hotel safety complaints, raising concerns for travelers.