AGP Executive Report

Renewable Energy Push: Solar keeps pulling ahead in the Dominican Republic’s clean power buildout, with SENI data showing solar capacity up 806.6% since 2020 and renewables now topping 2,000 MW, as officials warn the country remains exposed to oil and gas price swings. Fuel Costs: MICM set new weekly increases for gasoline and diesel (RD$3–RD$6 higher), while LPG and natural gas stay flat. Government Watch: The Finance Ministry says it’s reviewing social programs to target subsidies better and expects about RD$10 billion in savings. Public Safety & Crime: A court sentenced two men to 20 and 7 years for a 2024 stabbing murder in Sabana Perdida, while June violence reports keep mounting. Weather Alerts: COE expanded green alerts to 14 provinces plus the National District as heavy rains and thunderstorms are forecast. Tourism Policy: Tourism officials say the next decade’s biggest regulatory test is land-use planning, not just hotel growth. Cybersecurity: The DR launched a Cyber Cluster to strengthen digital resilience through a public-private cybersecurity ecosystem. Regional/International: Abinader will lead a Council of Ministers in Santiago this Sunday, and the DR was selected to coordinate GRULAC before the ILO.

Council of Ministers in Santiago: President Luis Abinader will lead a Council of Ministers this Sunday, June 14, at the Botanical Garden in Santiago, with follow-up on infrastructure and social projects plus inaugurations tied to water supply, health, education, sports, and roads. Social Spending Vetting: The Finance Ministry says it has started reviewing social protection beneficiaries to generate about RD$10 billion in savings by tightening who qualifies for subsidies. Fuel Prices Up: MICM announced weekly increases of RD$3 to RD$6 on gasoline and diesel (LPG and natural gas unchanged). Fiscal Reform Pushback: The Bar Association (CARD) backed the government’s fiscal measures but asked for incentives for independent lawyers; CODESSD also praised reform goals while warning informality remains a core structural problem. Business Worries: ASECENSA warned that “fiscal patches” could worsen the crisis by pressuring companies, raising unemployment, and urged cutting spending and tackling informality instead. Court Sentences in Murder Case: A Santo Domingo court sentenced two men to 20 and 7 years for the 2024 murder of Yobani Sánchez Mejía. Defamation Ruling: Communicator Claudia Pérez (“La Tora”) was sentenced to one year in prison and ordered to pay RD$5 million after an electronic defamation case. Weather Alert: COE expanded a green alert to 14 provinces plus the National District due to heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong gusts, and possible hail. Cyber Cluster Launch: The Dominican Republic unveiled a Cyber Cluster to boost cybersecurity talent, innovation, and digital resilience through a public-private board.

Cybersecurity & Tech Policy: The Dominican Republic launched the Cyber Cluster Dominican Republic, a public-private push to boost digital resilience, train specialists, and coordinate with the CNCS and regional partners. Tourism & Ports: Tourism Minister David Collado announced 15 extra cruise ships for June and July, including more calls at Cabo Rojo in Pedernales, after route shifts tied to a new Bahamas terminal. Weather & Public Safety: The COE expanded green alerts to 14 provinces plus the National District as INDOMET warned of moderate-to-heavy rains, thunderstorms, strong gusts, and possible hail; authorities urged people to avoid rivers and ravines. Fiscal Reform Debate: CODESSD backed the government’s fiscal reform direction but warned the real fix must go deeper on informality; business groups like ASECENSA also pushed for tax base expansion and spending cuts instead of more “patches.” Fuel Price Relief: Finance Minister Magín Díaz said fuel prices could stay frozen for three months if oil stays under US$95 a barrel. Legal & Media: A court sentenced PR communicator Claudia Pérez (“La Tora”) to one year in prison for defamation via electronic means, ordering RD$5 million in damages. Foreign Policy on Haiti: MIREX released a book compiling Dominican diplomacy on the Haiti crisis from 2024-2026, stressing Haiti as a national security priority.

Tax Reform Push: CODESSD backed the Dominican Government’s fiscal reform plan but warned the debate must tackle deep informality that weakens tax collection and social security coverage. Anti-Crisis Measures: Finance Minister Magín Díaz says the package aims to raise RD$40–50 billion via new revenue and RD$40 billion through spending containment, with a possible fuel-price freeze for three months if oil stays under US$95. Micro-Enterprise Relief: The proposal would repeal the ISR advance payment for micro-firms (78% of ISR filers), and shift small businesses to three annual payments to ease liquidity pressure and boost formalization. Corporate Tax Surcharge: Large companies with over RD$1 billion in revenue would face a temporary corporate income tax increase to 30% for three years. Weather & Risk: COE raised green alerts for 13 provinces plus the National District due to moderate-to-heavy rains, urging residents to avoid rivers and ravines. Public Safety & Justice: Authorities captured two homicide suspects in Haiti and returned them to the Dominican Republic for prosecution. Cross-Border Security: The U.S. Coast Guard announced tighter entry rules for ships departing Haiti, with noncompliance risking denial of entry.

Anti-Crisis Fiscal Plan: The government unveiled a new revenue strategy for Congress, including higher taxes on checks/e-transfers (0.15% to 0.20%), a temporary 30% corporate income tax for firms over RD$1 billion, and a new 27% bracket for individuals earning above RD$400,000/month—plus a proposed US$10 surcharge on airline tickets that could hit tourism competitiveness. Microenterprise Tax Shift: The plan also repeals the advance income tax payment for micro-enterprises, replacing it with three annual payments for small businesses, aiming to ease cash-flow pressure while keeping fiscal consolidation on track. Telecom Competition: Viettel approved a US$560 million entry into the Dominican mobile market as the fourth operator, via Viettel Dominicana, signaling fresh pressure on pricing and service quality. Public Security & Justice: Dominican authorities, with INTERPOL and Haitian cooperation, captured two homicide suspects in Haiti and returned them to face prosecution in the DR. Border/Drug Enforcement: The DR completed training for a specialized interagency team to dismantle clandestine drug labs, targeting synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Labor & Rights: Labor Minister Eddy Olivares defended proposed labor code reform at the ILO, framing it as stronger worker protections and improved competitiveness. Health Push: The Dominican Society of Medical Oncology urged men to get early prostate cancer screening, citing high local incidence and stressing PSA plus digital exams. Senate Moves: Senators approved in first reading the creation of a Dominican Institute of Cassava (INDOCASABE) to expand production, processing, and exports.

Penal Code Overhaul: Santo Domingo senator Antonio Taveras proposed modifying and repealing parts of the new Penal Code on defamation, slander, and protections of honor—aiming to reduce prison use, narrow criminal liability, and avoid sanctions that could clash with constitutional and human-rights standards. Border & Migration Pressure: The U.S. Coast Guard says ships arriving from Haiti will face tightened entry rules starting June 22, with enhanced security requirements and possible denial of entry if ports don’t meet antiterrorism standards; separately, the Coast Guard repatriated 32 people to the Dominican Republic after an interdiction near Desecheo, Puerto Rico. Energy Expansion: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos said the DR is set for its biggest energy buildout in decades, with firm capacity rising more than 50% by 2028 as renewables, gas, and storage scale up. Sports Facilities Delivery: MIVHED reported nine sports venues delivered for Santo Domingo 2026, including pavilions and competition-ready sites at Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and Parque del Este. Regional Diplomacy: The DR was elected First Vice President of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Ports, boosting its role in port modernization and logistics cooperation. Public Spending Debate: A new budget allocation shows RD$193.6 million for Parlacen participation, renewing criticism over whether the regional body delivers value. Health Tech Milestone: Cedimat in Santo Domingo completed the first aortic valve implant in Central America and the Caribbean using the Allegra “Valve-in-Valve” method. Identity Security Win: The DR’s national ID and voter registration card was named Best Identity Document 2026 in Latin America for security and operational performance.

Border Security: President Luis Abinader unveiled a “Strong Border” plan to defend the DR against armed gangs in Haiti, adding 1,500 soldiers to the 9,500 already deployed, expanding the smart perimeter fence, and reorganizing border monitoring into eight operational zones with drones and real-time surveillance. Sports Infrastructure: The Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED) says nine sports facilities have already been delivered for Santo Domingo 2026, including aquatic, fencing, weightlifting, and gymnastics venues, with daily monitoring to hit deadlines. Environment & Public Works: The Environment Ministry launched the first phase of a modernization plan for the Dr. Rafael María Moscoso National Botanical Garden—new entrance, restored domes, accessible restrooms, and a medical dispensary—plus World Oceans Day coastal cleanup and marine protection updates. Regional Diplomacy: The DR chaired an extraordinary SICA foreign ministers meeting and announced it will hand over the Pro Tempore Presidency to Belize at month’s end. Health & Tech: Cedimat performed a first aortic valve “Valve-in-Valve” implant in Central America and the Caribbean, reinforcing its role as a cardiology training hub in Santo Domingo. Governance Debate: The Chamber of Deputies mapped RD$193.6 million for Parlacen participation in 2026, drawing criticism over costs and limited results. Civil Society Pressure: A Tireo (Constanza) mayor and residents protested at the Presidential Palace over unfulfilled 2022 promises, citing stalled roads and basic services. Digital Security: OGTIC warned that faster AI-driven state modernization also raises cyberattack risks, calling for stronger protocols and investment.

Border Security & Development: President Luis Abinader unveiled a new strategy to strengthen the DR–Haiti border through fence expansion, a binational market near Restauración, and a broader “STRONG” plan spanning fortification, unity, infrastructure, economic resilience, territorial transformation, and stability. Social Investment: APAP will put RD$131 million into 2026 social projects, including education, health, employability, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability via dozens of non-profits. Electoral Rules: The TSE left in place a contentious appeal over JCE regulations on how political-electoral polls are published and disseminated, keeping the debate alive for future rulings. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister David Collado said the DR is betting on more air seats and hotel capacity, citing 100,000+ extra seats from Canada and the need for tens of thousands of new rooms. Adaptive Climate Protection: Supérate and UNDP presented parametric insurance for vulnerable households in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo Norte to help trigger faster support after heavy rains and hurricanes. Public Integrity/Patriotic Symbols: The Duartian Institute warned that many institutions still display incorrect versions of the National Shield despite Law 210-19, saying sanctions could follow. Digital Government Recognition: DR’s Armed Forces and National Police vocational schools won top honors at the Latam Digital Awards 2026. UN in Haiti: UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to visit Haiti June 16 amid record displacement and election preparations. Aviation Tragedy: A private jet crash near La Romana killed two U.S. pilots; the flight was reportedly linked to picking up Yadier Molina.

Child Protection Push: UNICEF says 2,200+ Dominican families have reduced physical punishment through positive parenting support, as violence in child-rearing remains widespread. Social Investment: APAP’s executive president announced RD$131 million for education, health, employability, entrepreneurship, and disability access, with most funds going to community non-profits. Tourism Strategy: Tourism Minister David Collado says air connectivity and hotel capacity are key, citing 100,000+ added airline seats from Canada and the need for 30,000 new rooms to sustain growth. Economic Stability: President Abinader met with business and agricultural leaders to review the national price table and coordinate steps to blunt oil and gas volatility’s impact on households. Democracy & Development: UNDP praised the DR’s democratic strengthening and poverty reduction, while Abinader argued consensus-building and dialogue with opposition and civil society help keep stability. Security Cooperation: Costa Rica’s security minister visited to study the Dominican Joint Task Force coordination model after praising results in crime reduction. Seismic Preparedness: Onesvie and local authorities in Bahoruco will run prevention and civic education efforts to cut seismic risk. Consular Appointments: Abinader named Héctor Pastor Vásquez as consul general in Caracas. Regional/International Crime Link: U.S. prosecutors unsealed RICO charges against 26 alleged Trinitarios members tied to murders and attempted murders in Massachusetts, with claims they recruit Spanish-speaking youth including from the Dominican Republic.

Democratic Stability Push: President Luis Abinader told the UNDP that consensus-building inside the Dominican political class has helped protect democracy, social cohesion, and development gains. Economic Safeguards: Abinader also met business, industry, and agriculture leaders to track a “price roundtable” and coordinate responses to oil and other global market swings. Energy & Power: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos said non-conventional renewables could reach 2,600 MW by 2028, with about 2,000 MW already producing and storage projects (200 MW by end-2026) to stabilize peak hours. Public Safety & Risk: Onesvie will expand seismic-preparedness efforts in Bahoruco, pairing provincial and municipal authorities with civil society and rolling out the “Voices that Prevent” campaign. Justice Reform: The Judiciary opened a public consultation (until June 25) on the new Open Justice Policy to boost transparency and citizen participation. Teacher Evaluation: MINERD’s teacher performance process enters its final stage today, with 115,000+ teachers evaluated across 122 centers. U.S.-DR Security Link: Costa Rica’s security minister visited Santo Domingo to study the Dominican Joint Task Force coordination model.

Judicial Transparency: The Dominican Judiciary opened a public consultation on the new “Open Justice” policy, seeking citizen proposals and observations until June 25, aiming to boost transparency, participation, accountability, and innovation in court management. Education Oversight: The Teacher Performance Evaluation’s final stage starts June 9, with more than 115,000 teachers set to be assessed across 122 centers nationwide under a professional performance exercise. Public Safety Law: President Luis Abinader enacted “Alertas RD,” a real-time missing-person alert system requiring police and the Public Ministry to trigger public alerts within 24 hours when danger is assessed. Banking Fraud Watch: The Superintendency of Banks warned the public about a fake “Pro Renta” investment platform using its branding to lure victims. Trade & Labor Pressure: Dominican business leaders, including CONEP, pushed back after the U.S. included the Dominican Republic in a forced-labor Section 301 tariff probe, warning of potential new duties. U.S.-DR Security Ties: A Dominican delegation visited the USS Nimitz during its Southern Seas 2026 deployment, underscoring cooperation with the United States on security and strategic coordination. Aviation Incident: A U.S.-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed at La Romana airport while attempting an emergency landing, killing the pilot and co-pilot; IDAC and investigators launched cause probes.

Aviation Tragedy: A US-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed while attempting an emergency landing at La Romana International Airport, killing the pilot and co-pilot; IDAC and the Aviation Accident Investigation Commission have launched probes. Public Safety Law: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful backed the new Alerta RD system under Law 25-26, requiring police and the Public Ministry to jointly activate missing-person alerts within 24 hours. Justice & Youth Crime: A case involving teenagers accused in the death of a 17-year-old has reignited debate over how Law 136-03 and related rules apply to serious crimes by minors. Government Oversight & Transport: Deputies will study a bill to incentivize “Safe Helmet RD” use by exempting ITBIS and import duties for approved helmets and allowing subsidies for lower-income riders. Weather Watch: Indomet warns of downpours, thunderstorms, and gusts, with alerts and warnings across multiple provinces including Greater Santo Domingo. Tourism & International Ties: Tourism Minister David Collado visited the USS Nimitz with US Ambassador Leah Campos, while Canadian arrivals to the DR continue strengthening. Regional Governance: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean, with the DR among the lowest performers.

Missing Persons Law: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful backed the new Alerta RD framework, saying alerts for missing people must be activated jointly by the National Police and the Public Ministry within 24 hours, with 9-1-1 coordination to speed up response. Juvenile Justice Debate: A case involving three teenagers accused in the death of a 17-year-old has reignited questions about “immunity” for minors, with Law 136-03 and the juvenile code setting detention ranges by age. Road Safety Push: Deputies will study a bill to expand access to approved “Safe Helmet RD” protective helmets, including ITBIS and import-duty exemptions for homologated models and possible subsidies for lower-income riders. Weather & Risk Alerts: Indomet warned of a trough plus tropical wave bringing downpours, thunderstorms, and gusts, keeping multiple provinces under meteorological alert and warning for flooding and landslide risk. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister David Collado highlighted Canada’s rebound toward the DR, citing 1.1M Canadian visitors in 2025 and strong Ontario/Quebec numbers. Identity Security Upgrade: The Dominican electronic passport won a regional award for high-security design and fraud prevention tech.

Road Safety Bill: A Chamber of Deputies commission will study “Safe Helmet RD,” a proposal to push use of homologated motorcycle helmets by cutting ITBIS/import duties, offering subsidies for lower-income riders, and setting a 10-year push with possible extensions. Public Security: DNCD and the Public Ministry carried out raids in the National District, arresting 14 people and seizing over 3,900 grams of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, crack, and ecstasy, plus cash and devices. Weather Alerts: COE raised alert levels in 18 provinces for heavy rains, urging people to avoid flooded areas and river crossings and warning small-vessel operators on the Atlantic coast. Transport Reform Push: Senator Antonio Marte proposed creating a dedicated Ministry of Transport to unify traffic and mobility responsibilities and enforce Law 63-17 more effectively. Identity & Travel: The Dominican electronic passport won a regional security award, highlighting upgrades in design and anti-fraud protections. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand technified irrigation to boost productivity and water efficiency. Sports (Local): San Carlos won its second game in the 40th Women’s Superior Basketball Tournament (TBSF District 2026), led by Jennifer Jiménez and Melissa Cabral.

Security & Justice: DNCD and the Public Ministry carried out raids across Santo Domingo’s National District, arresting 14 people and seizing more than 3,900 grams of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, crack doses, and ecstasy pills. Weather Watch: The COE raised alert levels in 18 provinces due to heavy-rain forecasts, warning of flooding, river overflow, and landslide risk, and advising people to avoid dangerous waterways. Transport Policy: Senator Antonio Marte proposed creating a dedicated Ministry of Transport to unify traffic and mobility oversight, arguing current responsibilities are scattered and poorly enforced. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand technified irrigation, focusing on more efficient water use and stronger food security. Prison Mental Health: The penitentiary system, Mescyt, and Albizu University advanced a cooperation plan to expand mental health care and specialized training for prison staff. Identity & Travel: The Dominican Republic’s new electronic passport won a regional security award, highlighting upgrades in design and anti-fraud protections. Flag Incident: The Duarte Institute said it will pursue legal action over alleged improper use of the national flag at a funeral in San Francisco de Macorís.

Public Safety & Justice: DNCD and the Public Ministry carried out raids across Santo Domingo, arresting 14 people and seizing more than 3,900 grams of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, crack, ecstasy pills, and marijuana-infused gummies. Weather Watch: COE raised alert levels in 18 provinces due to heavy-rain forecasts, warning of flooding, river overflow, and landslides in vulnerable areas. Transport Policy: Senator Antonio Marte proposed creating a dedicated Ministry of Transport to unify traffic and mobility functions and tackle street chaos with a single plan and budget. Prison Reform & Health: Mescyt, Albizu University, and the Penitentiary System advanced a cooperation agreement to expand mental health care for incarcerated people and train prison staff. Social Security Improvements: DIDA recognized 31 “good practices” from 15 institutions to improve service quality, prevention, and patient-centered care. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and push technified irrigation and smarter water use. International Economy: DR and the Netherlands held a business forum in The Hague on logistics connectivity, the blue economy, and innovation, boosting economic ties. Regional Security Context: The U.S. and the Shield of the Americas condemned Bolivia efforts described as trying to overthrow President Rodrigo Paz.