AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Justice: The Chamber of Deputies’ Public Ministry Commission advanced the “Let It Go” comprehensive reform framework, aimed at strengthening the state response to violence against women, boys, and girls, including a National Strategy against femicides and filicides and a prevention/protection system. Community Policing: The National Police met community leaders in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone to present progress on a new police service model and gather security concerns. Political Party Organizing: The PLD announced national affiliation and citizen outreach days for July 11 and August 1, using door-to-door brigades to expand territorial presence ahead of upcoming elections. Economy & Tax: A new 0.20% tax on checks and certain electronic transfers under Law 30-26 takes effect July 3, with exemptions for same-owner transfers and some public/social payments. Disaster Preparedness: President Abinader inaugurated the CEMED emergency headquarters and delivered new response equipment to boost disaster readiness. Tourism Watch: Tourism Minister David Collado reported a record 6.62 million visitors in Jan–Jun 2026 (+7.7%), projecting 12 million for the year.

Emergency Preparedness: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the new CEMED headquarters at the August 16 Military Camp, unveiling RD$454.6M in upgrades plus drones, rescue tech, fire and rescue vehicles to boost disaster response. Tourism Watch: The Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham in Bayahibe reopened 200 rooms after a June 19 fire; officials say nearly all rooms should return within 60 days while investigations continue. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister David Collado reported a record 6,616,671 visitors in Jan–Jun 2026 (+7.7% vs 2025), projecting 12M for the year, with the U.S. as the top source market. Investment Pitch: Abinader launched the Americas Investment Forum 2026, stressing legal certainty and stability to attract nearshoring and sustainable projects; ProDominicana says the DR is ready for a new investment era. Labor Politics: A key PRM labor reform push is stalling—deputy Mélido Mercedes says there’s “no will” to approve the Labor Code reform before the legislative term ends. Legal & Rights: The Constitutional Court ordered the Interior Ministry to complete naturalization for 16 Haitian-origin beneficiaries within 10 days, citing rights violations over delays. Security & Justice: The Public Ministry arrested a military officer sentenced to 10 years for a 2023 homicide, despite being free and on duty. Environment & Industry: Asonahores warned it will push for review of a newly approved solid waste law amendment, arguing it was rushed and could hurt tourism-linked businesses. Regional Context: Haiti’s Gran Grif gang attack in Jean-Denis left dozens dead and homes burned, underscoring ongoing instability affecting the DR region.

Penal Code Pushback: A National District Appeal Court judge warned that the new Penal Code—effective Aug. 3—could mean longer sentences for traffic accidents, as lawmakers and critics clash over whether the tougher framework is too punitive. Environmental Protest: Residents of La Cuaba (Pedro Brand) marched to the Presidential Palace demanding the government revoke permits for a major private landfill, arguing it threatens biodiversity and local ecotourism. Venezuela Solidarity at Scale: Dominican authorities and the military-backed “Quisqueya Solidaria 2026” effort sent a new maritime humanitarian shipment to earthquake-hit Venezuela, while diaspora-led collection drives and radiothons keep supplies flowing. Immigration Enforcement Numbers: The General Directorate of Migration reported 196,321 Haitian deportations in the first half of 2026, with 34,226 repatriations in June. Regional Diplomacy & Investment: President Abinader used a diplomatic corps luncheon and the Americas Investment Forum to stress legal certainty and stability to attract foreign capital. Public Safety & Payments: Transporters urged dialogue after Anadegas proposed removing card terminals at fuel stations, warning cash-only could raise robbery risks. Quality Infrastructure: ODAC expanded accredited calibration services via TDP Dominicana, aiming to cut costs and reliance on foreign suppliers. Sports Facilities Watch: Officials said the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center is in final works ahead of the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Humanitarian Response: The Dominican Republic sent a new sea shipment of humanitarian aid to Venezuela under Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026, including food, water, medicines, and hydration products, as rescue efforts continue after the twin earthquakes. Disaster Update: A 3-year-old boy was pulled from rubble six days after the quakes in La Guaira, with the death toll now reported above 2,000 and tens of thousands still missing. Public Health & Social Policy: The DR became the first LAC country to integrate parametric insurance into its adaptive social protection system, with rapid payouts for climate-vulnerable Supérate households triggered by verified satellite/meteorological data. Diplomacy & Mobility: Abinader met the Diplomatic Corps to reaffirm cooperation on migration and development, and Panama lifted the stamped consular visa requirement for Dominican travelers. Governance & Quality Infrastructure: ODAC expanded the TDP Dominicana lab’s accredited scope for pressure and temperature calibration, aiming to cut costs and reliance on foreign suppliers. Workplace Mental Health: The National Drug Council launched a Workplace Prevention and Wellbeing Plan to train institutions on mental health and addiction prevention. Payments & Security: Transporters warned against removing card terminals at fuel stations, arguing cash-only would raise robbery risks.

OECD Accession Push: President Abinader appointed Federico Cuello as ambassador on special mission and general coordinator for the Dominican Republic’s OECD entry, tasked with coordinating reforms tied to transparency and governance. Judicial Process Watch: The Public Prosecutor’s Office asked a court to reject a bid to return a mobile phone used as evidence in the Intrant corruption case involving Hugo Beras and Jochi Gómez; the judge reserved the ruling for July 23. Regional Humanitarian Response: Dominican doctors, with WHO backing, arrived in Venezuela to treat earthquake victims and bring medical capacity plus search-and-rescue support; Panama and the DR also sent humanitarian shipments. Public Health Policy: The Health Ministry and Conavihsida launched a national dialogue to set the 2026-2030 Transition and Sustainability Plan for the HIV response, aiming to keep treatment and prevention stable as funding shifts. Tourism & Culture: UNAPEC sealed a framework alliance to expand cultural and creative training, while FEDECATUR re-elected Efrén Pérez to drive regional tourism coordination. Port Expansion Plans: Antigua and Barbuda floated cutting Rat Island to expand container storage for a larger transshipment push that would link Panama, the DR, and Antigua.

Urban Planning & Housing: Santo Domingo East is approving ever-taller buildings, with council backing up to 50 stories—raising fresh fears of repeating National District infrastructure mistakes. Digital Infrastructure: Indotel cleared Swordfish Infrastructure to operate as a private carrier, paving the way for Google’s subsea cable landing and a major connectivity push. Tourism & Transport: MOPC is expanding the Frank Rainieri Tourist Boulevard (Macao–Uvero Alto) from two to four lanes to ease traffic in the Punta Cana–Bávaro corridor. Public Health: The Health Ministry and Conavihsida launched a 2026-2030 plan to keep the Dominican HIV response funded and stable as the country shifts from international support to more national financing. Legal & Rights: Somos Pueblo filed a constitutional challenge to parts of the new Penal Code, targeting provisions tied to freedom of expression and access to information. Humanitarian Response: The Dominican Republic repatriated 65 people from Venezuela after the earthquakes, while a separate report says a private rescue flight was denied entry and diverted to the DR. Education & Social Policy: COOPNAMA marked Teachers’ Day with a raffle awarding two apartments and two vehicles to its teacher members.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: The Dominican Republic sent essential supplies and a new contingent of search-and-rescue specialists to quake-hit Venezuela under Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026, with Defense Minister Carlos Fernández Onofre praising the teams as they head to the hardest-hit areas. Maritime Policy: President Luis Abinader ordered the drafting of a National Maritime Strategy via Decree 353-26, tasking Anamar with coordinating and monitoring the plan to close regulatory gaps and boost maritime security. Tourism & Environment: Tourism Minister David Collado said the DR has set aside US$9 million to fight sargassum, but only after identifying a long-term offshore collection solution; he also pushed UN Tourism to accelerate research. Cruise Sector Boost: Collado received an FCCA leadership award tied to the DR’s cruise surge, while PAMAC highlighted growth from 1.1M cruise passengers (2019) to 2.8M (2025) and expects 3M by year-end. Tax Change Watch: DGII began rolling enforcement of Law 30-26, including a 50% jump in the departure fee from US$20 to US$30, collected at ticket sale across airports and maritime terminals. Energy Cooperation: The DR has six months to start oil and gas exploration in Guyana’s Berbice onshore block, with Refidomsa holding a 10% stake and preferential access if reserves are found.

Maritime Policy Push: President Luis Abinader ordered the drafting of a National Maritime Strategy through Decree 353-26, tasking Anamar with coordinating and monitoring a new framework for maritime security and sustainable ocean resource management. Humanitarian Response: The Dominican Republic is stepping up help for Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes, sending new search-and-rescue specialists under Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026 and arranging a 90-seat humanitarian repatriation flight for Dominicans affected by the disaster. Zoo Modernization: Abinader visited the National Zoo for the first time in over 20 years, backing upgrades to conservation, education, and facilities, including a plan to restore the long-closed aviary and expand attractions. Energy & Regional Deals: Guyana gave the DR six months to start oil and gas exploration in the Berbice onshore block, with Refidomsa set to hold a 10% stake and gain preferential access if reserves are found. Cruise Growth: Puerto Plata hosted the PAMAC Destination Summit, where officials highlighted cruise passenger growth and targeted 3 million visitors by end-2026, with port infrastructure and operator partnerships driving the push. Electricity Pressure: CUED head Celso Marranzini said the country’s power losses are driven by system overloads, not programmed blackouts, as heat and demand strain the grid. Legal/Regional Fallout: A major shift in US immigration policy—TPS ending for Haitians—could intensify migration and economic pressure across the island, with the Dominican Republic likely to feel the ripple effects.

Digital Sports & National Pride: FIBA confirmed the eFIBA World Finals Season 4 in Doha (July 3-4) will include the Dominican Republic among eight teams, with DR placed in Group B. Disaster Response (Regional, with DR link): UN-coordinated rescue teams—now including Dominican Republic specialists—are working in Venezuela after twin quakes that have killed at least 1,430 and injured thousands, with 2,245 rescuers and search dogs deployed. Social Protection in Santo Domingo: Supérate began delivering an Emergency Bonus of RD$7,000 to 1,766 Greater Santo Domingo families hit by April rains and floods, as part of its Adaptive Social Protection strategy. Tech & Industry Policy: Dominican Republic Industry Minister Eduardo Sanz Lovatón said “final touches” are underway on a US university partnership aimed at boosting the country’s semiconductor workforce and STEM training. Public Health & Treatment Approach: Hogar Crea urged the government to fund addiction treatment and treat substance users as patients, not criminals, ahead of International Day Against Drug Abuse. Regional Trade for Lower Food Prices: OECS leaders discussed cutting the cost of living by increasing food imports from the Dominican Republic and potentially suspending tariffs on selected goods.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Venezuela’s double quake toll has climbed to 1,430 dead and 3,238 injured, with 51,000+ missing as rescue teams race against a shrinking survival window; the government says La Guaira remains militarized and urges people to avoid travel there to keep access open for heavy equipment and medical evacuations. Dominican Republic Dispatch: Dominican authorities say a specialized USAR search-and-rescue team is already heading to Venezuela, and the UN reports Dominican rescuers are among the international contingents working alongside dozens of countries. Social Protection in Santo Domingo: Supérate began delivering an Emergency Bonus of RD$7,000 to 1,766 families in Greater Santo Domingo hit by last April’s floods, as part of its Adaptive Social Protection strategy. Addiction Treatment Push: Hogar Crea urged the Dominican government to fund addiction care and treat substance users as patients, not criminals, ahead of International Day Against Drug Abuse. Tech & Industry: Industry Minister Eduardo Sanz Lovatón said final talks are underway for a US university partnership to build Dominican semiconductor talent. Regional Cost of Living: OECS leaders are exploring cheaper food imports from the Dominican Republic by targeting tariffs on selected goods.

Venezuela Quake Response: The death toll from Venezuela’s back-to-back earthquakes climbed to 1,430 with more than 3,200 injured and over 51,000 still missing as rescue teams race against a shrinking survival window, with La Guaira and Caracas hit hardest. Dominican Rescue Role: Venezuela’s interim government says Dominican search-and-rescue specialists are already en route after President Luis Abinader coordinated the dispatch, adding to a widening international effort. Public Health Watch: The Dominican Ministry of Public Health reports 14 leptospirosis deaths so far this year, with 179 confirmed cases nationwide and new week-23 deaths and infections tied to rainfall and flooding. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Santo Domingo hosted CARIFORUM-EU talks reviewing the Economic Partnership Agreement’s execution, with officials pushing better trade in services and stronger Caribbean resilience. Culture & Community: Carnival expanded its surplus meal donation program to the Dominican Republic, routing prepared meals to local partners in port communities. International Spotlight: PM Modi used his “Mann Ki Baat” to praise a Dominican group, “Brahmakamal Dominicana,” studying Vedic traditions.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Venezuela’s quake toll climbed to 1,430 dead and 3,238 injured after the twin blasts, with 430 aftershocks recorded and officials warning the search is a race against time as La Guaira stays militarized and access is tightened. International Aid Mobilization: The government says 1,600 foreign rescuers have arrived and more flights are expected, while the UN reports 44 USAR teams already deployed, including specialists from the Dominican Republic and other countries. DR Domestic Health Watch: In the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Public Health reports 14 leptospirosis deaths this year, with cases confirmed in the National District, Monte Plata, and Santo Domingo, tied to rainfall and flooding. Regional Governance & Climate: The CHAMP climate coalition announced a new Subnational Advisory Council to formally bring mayors, governors, and regional leaders into decision-making. Trade & Diplomacy: The DR’s foreign trade minister represented the country at the CARIFORUM-EU Joint Council in Santo Domingo, focusing on better execution of the trade framework and new investment opportunities.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: The death toll from Venezuela’s twin quakes climbed to 920 with 3,360 injured, as more than 50,000 missing reports flooded in and foreign rescue teams finally began arriving in force, including contingents from the Dominican Republic and other countries; the UN says it has mobilized search-and-rescue teams and allocated $15 million for urgent life-saving aid. DR Humanitarian Role: Dominican authorities are among the regional partners sending rescue and specialized support as the crisis deepens in La Guaira and Caracas, where residents say heavy equipment shortages are slowing rescues. Border Governance Watch: A new Dominican Republic–World Bank report flags weaknesses at the DR–Haiti border, citing fragmented coordination, discretionary enforcement, and poor conditions at deportation transit centers—calling for more coordinated, due-process-focused migration management. Trade & Diplomacy: Santo Domingo hosted the CARIFORUM–EU Joint Council meeting, where the DR’s foreign trade minister pushed to improve implementation of the CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement. Security Training: The U.S. Southern Command will co-host a multinational security exercise in El Salvador with regional partners including the Dominican Republic, aimed at disaster response and countering transnational threats. Economy: DR tobacco exports generated over $1.3B in 2025, supporting 122,000 direct jobs, while mining led early-2026 growth with a 9.7% expansion through May.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Venezuela’s twin quakes have killed at least 920 people and injured about 3,360, with tens of thousands still unaccounted for as rescue teams race through rubble in La Guaira and Caracas; international help is now arriving in force, including U.S. Urban Search and Rescue teams and other foreign contingents, while officials warn the toll could climb much higher. Dominican Foreign Policy & Aid: Dominican officials say Dominican rescue personnel are already heading to Venezuela and that the country is among the nations sending specialized support as the humanitarian operation expands. Border Governance Watch: A new Dominican-Haitian border migration report flags weak coordination, discretionary enforcement, poor deportation transit conditions, and unclear roles across military and civilian actors—calling for more coordinated, due-process-focused management. DR Economy (Mining): Central Bank data cited by Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos shows mining grew 9.7% in the first five months of 2026, supporting overall growth and exports. Local Seismic Alert: A magnitude 5.8 quake struck near Punta Cana, followed by a 5.0 tremor near Isla Mona, with no tsunami threat reported.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 quakes near Caracas and La Guaira have killed about 235 people and injured at least 4,300, with thousands missing as rescuers dig through collapsed buildings and residents camp outside amid power and communications outages. International Aid & Sanctions Relief: The U.S. Treasury moved to waive some sanctions through Oct. 23 to enable earthquake-relief transactions, while multiple countries and UN-certified teams pledged rescue support and equipment. Regional Role for the Dominican Republic: Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez thanked international partners and said the first Dominican Republic rescuers are already heading to assist. Local Governance & Public Works: In Santo Domingo, Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz hailed the inauguration of the remodeled Banreservas Virgilio Travieso Soto Arena, ending costly air-conditioning rentals and upgrading the venue with modern cooling and event-ready systems. Public Safety & Justice: A judge ordered three months of preventive prison for a man accused of killing his romantic partner at a Santo Domingo East hospital and seriously injuring another woman. Education Policy: Dominican officials launched a National Consultation for the Future of Education, aiming to connect education levels and remove barriers from early childhood through higher education and technical training.

Disaster Response: President Luis Abinader announced the first Dominican rescuers are already heading to Venezuela after twin 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes devastated Caracas and La Guaira, with the death toll reported at least 188 and expected to rise. Humanitarian Coordination: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez said international help is being coordinated through the foreign ministry as rescue crews search collapsed buildings and thousands remain missing. Local Governance & Security: In Greater Santo Domingo, the Interior and Police Ministry Faride Raful pushed a new plan to organize motorcycle taxi stands, including province-based color vests, licensing checks, and designated operating zones. Environment & Lawmaking: The Senate approved a rushed amendment to Solid Waste Law 225-20, tightening rules on certain single-use plastics; business groups like CONEP criticized the lack of technical consultation and fast-tracked process. Public Safety: A deadly June 13 fire in the Dominican Republic killed four members of a Lawrence, Massachusetts family, prompting calls for a swift and transparent investigation.