AGP Executive Report

Public Integrity Push: President Luis Abinader led the launch of the Dominican Republic’s public integrity act after the OECD presented an Integrity Study with recommendations on whistleblower protection, risk management, transparency, and citizen oversight. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank raised its monetary policy rate from 5.25% to 5.50% to keep inflation expectations anchored amid oil-price pressures and global freight disruptions. AI Skills Drive: RD Inteligente surpassed 54,000 registered participants in just 16 days, aiming to train 1 million Dominicans in practical AI use. Transport Upgrade: The EU and France pledged €10 million to modernize Greater Santo Domingo’s public transit, including Intrant and metro operations, while a new 100% electric bus loop links Plaza de la Cultura to the Colonial City. Maritime Strategy: The Shipping Association urged a long-term national maritime vision to coordinate ports, logistics, infrastructure, talent, and sustainability as the economy targets doubling by 2036. Aviation Cooperation: Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed an MoU to collaborate on sustainable civil aviation. Culture & Tourism: The Santo Domingo International Book Fair runs through Oct. 4 with 700+ activities, and EUROCINE 2026 brings contemporary European films to Dominican audiences starting Oct. 26. Sports Spotlight: Miss World 2026 Joheirry Mola returned to DR and was honored with the Presidential Medal to Civil Merit.

Driver’s License Update: President Luis Abinader issued Decree 675-26 standardizing Dominican driver’s licenses to a four-year validity period ending on the holder’s birthday, following a Constitutional Court ruling that age alone can’t shorten or deny licenses; driving aptitude will be assessed through physical, theoretical, and practical exams by INTRANT. Central Bank & IMF: The BCRD welcomed an IMF delegation introducing Michael Perks as the new mission chief, with officials pointing to strong export, tourism, remittances, and FDI performance and projecting about 4.5% growth in 2026. Public Service Reform: Azerbaijan’s ASAN Service model is set to be introduced in the Dominican Republic after talks in Santo Domingo, with training for Dominican civil servants and standards development outlined in a signed MoU. Regional Security Cooperation: The UN Security Council renewed Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate for six months, urging full deployment and stronger institutions—an issue closely watched across Hispaniola. Migrant Rescue Off Puerto Rico: U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued 49 migrants and recovered at least three bodies after a machete-linked boat capsized near Mona Island; authorities say most victims were Dominican, with two believed Haitian, and 10 remain missing. Culture & Tourism: The Dominican Republic’s Book Fair continues through Oct. 4 with Panama as guest of honor and José Mármol as the featured theme, drawing strong interest from young readers and families.

Driver’s License Overhaul: President Luis Abinader issued Decree 675-26 standardizing Dominican driver’s licenses to a uniform four-year validity, ending age-based limits and shifting renewals to aptitude exams under INTRANT. Central Bank & IMF: The BCRD met an IMF delegation to introduce Michael Perks as the new mission chief, with officials citing resilience in exports, tourism, remittances, and FDI. Citizen Security Tech: Abinader outlined new public-safety systems, including robotics and upgrades to emergency response, while Indotel faced backlash after earthquake alerts failed via the cell broadcast system. Consular Access in Venezuela: MIREX said it’s preparing to restore Dominican consular services in Caracas to help residents avoid traveling abroad for paperwork. Immigration Enforcement: Abinader said the DR denies entry to about 20 foreigners weekly over criminal records, and ICE announced major arrests including some linked to the Dominican Republic. Regional Humanitarian Crisis: U.S. Coast Guard reported rescues after a migrant boat capsized near Mona Island west of Puerto Rico, with Dominican migrants among those aboard and ongoing searches for missing people. Culture & Travel: The DR hosted the MASTERY leadership program for audit institutions and promoted a new tourism push, while the Santo Domingo Book Fair drew strong youth and family attendance.

Santo Domingo Metro Upgrade: The EMT says full service on Line 2C is now live, ending the need to transfer at María Montez station for a continuous ride to Los Alcarrizos. Colonial City Revitalization: President Abinader inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched an electric bus route in the Colonial City, while Tourism Minister David Collado says the wider recovery work will be delivered in full by December. Road Works in Murcia: A third lane is being restored on Murcia’s Costera Norte near Cabezo de Torres, with safety barriers and a completed semi-roundabout expected by year-end. Migrant Rescue Tragedy Near Mona Island: The U.S. Coast Guard reports at least 40 rescued, two dead, and several missing after a machete fight followed by a capsized boat west of Puerto Rico, with Dominican Republic Air Force among responders. Sports (DR in CONCACAF): The Dominican Republic kept winning in CONCACAF Nations League Group A, completing a 2-1 comeback over Trinidad and Tobago. Health & Aging: A local report highlights dementia risk in the DR and urges neurological evaluation when memory and daily functioning change.

Santo Domingo Metro Update: EMT says full service on Metro Line 2C is now live, ending the need to transfer at María Montez Station for a continuous ride to Los Alcarrizos. Colonial City Revitalization: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched the Colonial City Electromobility Route, a 12.4-kilometer pilot with electric buses and charging upgrades, as the wider Colonial City recovery is set to be delivered in December. Digital Government Push: The DR will host a Regional Digital Government Summit on Oct. 1-2 with officials from about 20 countries, focusing on interoperability, digital identity, data governance, cybersecurity and AI. Energy & Mining Outlook: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos will highlight the country’s rare earth and critical minerals potential in Washington, including work tied to bauxite-related resources. International Connectivity: The DR and Argentina signed an air services agreement to expand routes for tourism, trade and investment. Tourism Spotlight: A new report ranks Punta Cana among the best-value winter sun destinations for 2026. Culture & Media: London-based Peanuts Entertainment launched with a Dominican-led slate and an exclusive Mirabal Sisters period drama project, “Alive in Their Garden.”

Earthquakes in the DR: A magnitude 4.8 quake rattled the country Sunday evening near Guaymate, with light-to-moderate shaking reported across parts of the island. Seismic follow-up: Separate reports described multiple tremors that day, including a morning event near San Antonio de Guerra and later stronger shaking in the east. Alert system questions: Some residents said their cell phones didn’t issue earthquake alerts, raising concerns about how alerts reach Android users. Haiti diplomacy: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó told the UN that Haiti needs integrated security plus institutional recovery and economic backing. Border burden: A European Parliament delegation said the Dominican Republic can’t carry the Haitian crisis alone and urged stronger international support. Disaster cooperation: President Abinader met New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand emergency preparedness and collaborate on cleaning the Yaque del Norte River. Culture & books: Jesuit priest Pablo Mella won the Eduardo León Jimenes Literary Award, donating the RD$1 million prize to his publisher. Sports spotlight: Dominican baseball interest continued as Cuban pitcher Leandro Forteza arrived in the DR seeking an MLB contract.

Violence in Santo Domingo Norte: A man pursued by the National Police killed two people and wounded another at a fried chicken restaurant in Sabana Perdida, and authorities say he was wanted for alleged homicides in San Pedro de Macorís. President in New Jersey: Luis Abinader visited William Paterson University, met local officials and the Dominican community, and received the university’s President’s Medallion. UN diplomacy on climate: At the UN General Assembly, Abinader pushed for faster climate financing for the Caribbean and highlighted the Dominican-led push for a global sargassum resolution. Tourism service concerns: Hotel and tourism leaders in the east say the country’s traditional warmth has “diminished” since the pandemic, alongside ongoing service and facility maintenance challenges. Security and migration debate: The Dominican Republic was cited in a UN-focused push to tackle online scams and cross-border criminal networks, while Haiti’s PM urged dignity for migrants amid rising forced returns. Sports with Dominican links: The Dominican Republic’s Cibao FC was beaten 2-1 by Jamaica’s Portmore United in Concacaf action, and the Dominican Republic was also mentioned in regional football coverage.

UN Diplomacy & Climate: President Luis Abinader urged the UN to accelerate climate financing to protect Caribbean coasts from sargassum, saying the issue has moved from “regional problem” to global challenge. Local Security & Rights: Dominican Republic reported a rise in September gunfights, while a human-rights advocate criticized police killings and called for action after the high-profile case involving merengue singer Julián Oro Duro’s wife. Tourism Pulse: Hotel and tourism groups say the country’s famed warmth has “decreased” since the pandemic, pointing to service quality and maintenance gaps as competition rises. Migration & Regional Pressure: At the UN General Assembly, Abinader backed de-escalation and warned wars abroad are driving up Dominican food and energy costs; meanwhile, OAS states urged renewed Haiti gang-suppression force support, with the Dominican Republic among signatories. Sports & Community: Abinader met Dominican communities in New Jersey at William Paterson University, receiving the President’s Medallion.

UN Climate & Sargassum: President Luis Abinader urged the UN to accelerate climate financing to help Caribbean countries tackle sargassum, saying the issue has moved from regional problem to global challenge. Local Security & Rights: Dominican Republic-backed calls at the OAS push for renewal of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, while Haiti’s prime minister pleaded for migrants to be treated with dignity as deportations rise. DR Public Safety: The National Police reported multiple gunfight deaths across the country, following the killing of merengue singer Julián Oro Duro’s wife during a home robbery; human rights groups say September figures are higher than official counts. Economy & Costs: Fuel subsidies were increased again as the government adjusts pump prices amid higher refined-product costs. Tourism & Service: Hotel and tourism leaders in the east say staff warmth has “decreased” since the pandemic, pointing to service and maintenance challenges. Diaspora & Cooperation: Abinader met New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to deepen emergency response, environmental, and economic cooperation, citing the large Dominican community in the state.

Fuel & Cost Pressures: Dominican authorities approved another RD$1,770.65 million in fuel subsidies to blunt rising prices of refined products, with planned adjustments to gasoline and diesel prices for the Sept. 26–Oct. 2 period. Diaspora & Voting Rights: Overseas deputy Cirilo Moronta pushed back against proposals to end the overseas vote, saying diaspora lawmakers are the key link between Dominicans abroad and President Luis Abinader. Climate Resilience: The Dominican Republic urged stronger Caribbean cooperation on sea-level rise, calling for coordinated coastal adaptation plans and accessible financing to protect vulnerable communities. International Cooperation: Abinader met New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand emergency/disaster response ties and discuss energy and fuel costs, amid concerns about immigration enforcement. Tourism & Business: SDQ MICE 2026 heard calls for a dedicated Dominican convention center to attract larger international conferences, with suggested capacity for 3,000–4,000 participants. Foreign Policy: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó met Sergey Lavrov on Haiti, Dominican-Russian relations, and warnings about job offers targeting Dominicans to travel to Russia.

President Abinader in New York: Dominican President Luis Abinader visited William Paterson University, received the President’s Medallion, and used the stop to strengthen ties with the Dominican community. Diaspora politics: Overseas deputy Cirilo Moronta pushed back hard against proposals to end voting rights for Dominicans abroad, arguing diaspora legislators are the bridge to the government and urging more turnout instead. Haiti and DR-Russia talks: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó met Sergey Lavrov in New York to keep international focus on Haiti, discuss security needs for the UN Security Council, and raise concerns about job offers that could lure Dominicans to Russia. Regional security bloc debate: The “Shield of the Americas” coalition—backed by the U.S. and 14 others—was criticized by experts as a way to curb China’s influence, while the group also moved to label 24 drug groups as “terrorist.” Climate resilience: The Dominican Republic called at the UN for coordinated Caribbean action on sea-level rise, warning coastal communities face erosion, flooding, and threats to fishing and tourism. Business and tourism: DR highlighted convention growth potential at SDQ MICE 2026, with calls for a dedicated 3,000–4,000 participant convention center. Travel safety warning: MIREX urged Dominicans to be cautious about online job offers to travel to Russia, citing cases tied to the war. Culture spotlight: FILSD 2026 opened new pavilions for Panama, José Mármol and comics, as the book fair runs through Oct. 4.

Brooklyn-Dominican Ties: President Luis Abinader made his first official visit to Brooklyn, where Antonio Reynoso proclaimed Sept. 24 “Dominican Pride Day,” and Abinader highlighted New York support for families and investment. Scholarships for Dominicans Abroad: Abinader announced 300 scholarships for young Dominicans in New York—100 postgraduate, 100 undergraduate, and 100 tech training at ITLA—based on grades and merit. Haiti Security Push: Dominican Foreign Minister Ito Bisonó urged the UN-backed Haiti Gang Suppression Force be strengthened, warning progress is “frail” and full capacity is delayed. Regional Security Pact: At the UN, the “Shield of the Americas” coalition backed sanctions and visa restrictions targeting 24 criminal groups, including FARC dissidents, ELN, and Clan del Golfo. Tourism Growth: DR reported 8.56M visitors in Jan–Aug 2026, up 6.9% year-on-year, with Punta Cana still the main gateway. Business & Trade: Canadian beef has regained access to the DR market after an inspection audit; DR and Azerbaijan also signed a visa-free deal for ordinary passport holders. Tourism & Travel: MSC says nine ships will sail the Caribbean in 2027–28, including new World-class vessels.

Diplomacy & Mobility: Dominican Republic and Azerbaijan signed a visa-free deal for holders of valid ordinary passports, allowing stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and also agreed on political consultations. UN & Regional Security: Foreign Minister Ito Bisonó urged the UN-backed Haiti Gang Suppression Force be strengthened, warning its slow ramp-up leaves security “frail.” Haiti Deportations Debate: Presidential hopeful Abel Martínez alleged a “mafia” behind deportations of Haitians, including claims of bribes to avoid removal. Economy & Trade: The U.S. raised the Dominican Republic’s raw cane sugar quota for FY2027 by 11,931 metric tons to 201,274, boosting the country’s share of the total quota. Business & Tourism: Asonahores says MICE visitors can spend about three times more than traditional tourists, with SDQ MICE 2026 drawing international buyers. International Recognition: President Luis Abinader received the Americas Society Gold Badge in New York for leadership, economic recovery, and democracy. Crime & Courts: Two Miami brothers were convicted in a federal case tied to 49 kilos of cocaine shipped from the Dominican Republic to New Jersey.

Haiti Crisis at the UN: President Luis Abinader urged the UN to fully deploy and fund the international security force in Haiti, enforce the arms embargo, and back Haitian institutions as gang violence worsens, warning that “renewing without completing” only prolongs an unfulfilled mandate. Regional Security Pact: The Dominican Republic joined the US-led “Shield of the Americas,” a first coordinated sanctions push targeting 24 narco-terrorist organizations with asset freezes, visa/immigration restrictions, and criminal liability for supporters. Visa Deal with Azerbaijan: On the sidelines of UNGA, Dominican Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó met Azerbaijan’s Jeyhun Bayramov; both signed agreements for mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders and a mechanism for political consultations. Tech for Local Merchants: Apple expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to the Dominican Republic, letting businesses accept contactless payments using an iPhone and partner apps—no extra card reader needed. Tourism & Connectivity: Arajet reported a 143% passenger growth “Arajet effect” between the DR and Latin America, while Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón Airport announced new winter routes to Bogotá (Wingo) and Montreal/Toronto (Flair). Business & Trade: The DR and Greece signed an MOU to strengthen economic ties and create a joint working group, and Dominican tobacco firms began commercial dialogue with Chinese partners in Tamboril.

Hemispheric Security: President Luis Abinader joined Trump and regional leaders in New York to advance the “Shield of the Americas,” a coalition built on economic, security, and multilateral coordination to target narco-terrorism and transnational crime. UN Haiti Push: Abinader urged the UN to fully deploy Haiti’s security force, enforce the arms embargo, and back Haitian institutions as gang violence worsens. Diplomacy & Trade: The Dominican Republic and Greece signed an MOU to expand trade, investment, and supply-chain cooperation, with a joint working group planned. Poverty & Exports: Abinader told the UN that poverty and hunger are falling, Zero Hunger was achieved ahead of schedule, and exports hit a record near US$16B, alongside strong tourism growth. Digital Payments: Apple expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to the Dominican Republic, adding another option for contactless card acceptance. Tourism & Connectivity: Arajet reported a 143% passenger growth “Arajet effect,” while Puerto Plata’s airport added new winter routes with Wingo and Flair. Energy & Minerals: The Ministry of Energy and Mines said rare-earth lab samples are processed toward initial resource estimates in November 2026.

Diplomacy at the UN: President Luis Abinader’s government is among the countries backing the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas,” a coalition pushing asset freezes and visa restrictions against 24 “narco-terrorist” groups, with leaders meeting in New York during the UN General Assembly. Aviation disruption: A technical failure at Philadelphia’s air traffic control system disrupted flights to and from the Dominican Republic’s AILA airport, leaving dozens of passengers waiting and forcing cancellations or rebooking. Digital payments: Apple expanded Tap to Pay on iPhone to the Dominican Republic, enabling merchants to take contactless payments using compatible iPhones with supported platforms including Azul and Visa Acceptance Solutions. Public procurement oversight: The Dominican General Directorate of Public Procurement said it continues monitoring and verifying Inabie kitchen tenders, including appeals and suspended contract checks. Tourism and connectivity: Arajet marked its fourth anniversary with projections of 2+ million passengers in 2026 and 3+ million in 2027, citing a “market growth” effect from added routes. Sports & culture: The Santo Domingo International Book Fair details were finalized for Sept. 24–Oct. 4, while Dominican football and volleyball coverage continues to draw attention.