AGP Executive Report

Public Safety Crackdown: President Luis Abinader urged about 70 highly dangerous fugitives with arrest warrants to surrender, saying police teams have located them and will keep strengthening National Police capacity to protect families. Church vs. Police Violence: The Catholic Church’s coadjutor archbishop of Santo Domingo, Monsignor Carlos Tomás Morel Diplán, called for authorities to prevent deadly police confrontations, arguing society can’t be “combated by taking a human life.” DR–Haiti Sports Tensions: After crowd trouble at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium, the Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national football team from using Dominican sports facilities; Abinader backed Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz, while Haiti’s embassy said the remarks made during the match didn’t reflect Haiti’s government. Regional Aviation & Connectivity: The government is pushing expanded air connectivity and aviation-hub status, while international partners and agreements keep rolling in, including a focus on regional safety oversight. Digital Governance: UN ODET urged stronger safeguards, governance, and sustainable financing for digital public infrastructure as the Dominican Republic hosted a regional forum in Santo Domingo. Economy Watch: Preliminary Central Bank figures show the Dominican economy grew 4.5% through August, with construction and services among the main drivers.

Work & Aging: The Dominican Republic’s Conape is keeping older adults in the labor force through its “Wisdom Intern” program, with 208 seniors active as of June and participants returning to roles in areas like legal and culture. Sports & Diplomacy: After crowd violence around the Oct. 1 Haiti–DR Nations League match, Dominican Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz banned the Haitian national team from playing in DR venues, with President Luis Abinader backing the move; Haiti won 4-1 and the dispute is now spilling into official policy. Digital Governance: UN ODET urged Dominican-led regional efforts to make digital public infrastructure safer and more inclusive, calling for safeguards, oversight, user support, and sustainable financing beyond initial tech rollouts. Environment: Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez pushed a coordinated, proactive regional response to sargassum at an EU-Caribbean conference, using satellite monitoring and on-the-ground coordination. Foreign Policy: Santo Domingo announced it will withdraw its embassy from Nicaragua, citing lack of freedoms and power concentration under Ortega and Murillo, as the OAS weighs next steps. Legal & Finance: A lawyer warned Dominican officials could face legal action over alleged noncompliance with pension court rulings, claiming RD$53.06 million in retroactive differences plus ongoing obligations.

Weather & COE Alerts: The Dominican COE kept green alerts active for eight provinces plus the National District as a trough and moisture bring moderate-to-heavy rains, thunderstorms, and wind gusts, urging people to avoid rivers and flooded areas. Culture & Diplomacy: The DR will return to Madrid’s 2026 Hispanic Day Parade on Oct. 4 with about 200 participants, showcasing music, dance, folklore, and a Dominican float. Public Health: The Ministry of Public Health reports the DR has one of the lowest dengue incidence rates in the region at 8.57 cases per 100,000, and calls for community cleanup to remove standing water. Government & Oversight: The government plans to release public institution audit results starting Oct. 2, as part of broader public integrity efforts. Regional Security & Migration: A high-profile Haiti vs. Dominican Republic Concacaf Nations League match highlights ongoing border tensions and immigration pressures alongside the quarterfinal push. International Spotlight: A Dominican minister’s Geneva event on girls’ right to education marked the 12th anniversary of a UNHRC resolution, with the DR co-sponsoring the discussion.

Shield of the Americas: The U.S. State Department says 15 partner governments—including the Dominican Republic—back Bolivia’s crackdown on drug trafficking and corruption after the arrest of Attorney General Róger Mariaca, urging La Paz to keep investigations active and bring alleged networks to court. Public Integrity & Oversight: President Luis Abinader ordered the Comptroller General to start publishing audit results from Oct. 2, covering audits from Aug. 2020 to Dec. 2025, with releases staggered over time. Child Protection Reform: Abinader created the National Residential Care Service (Senar) by decree, a decentralized agency under the Presidency to manage residential care for children and adolescents under protection measures. Digital Government: The government is rolling out verifiable digital credentials to reduce paperwork, integrating them into Soy Yo RD and the Citizen Folder. Health Watch: DR reports one of the lowest dengue incidence rates in the Americas—8.57 cases per 100,000—while urging community action to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Trade & Industry Pressure: Dominican pork producers demand import adjustments, arguing imports should cover only the gap domestic farms can’t meet. U.S.-DR Diplomacy: Trump praised U.S. Ambassador Leah Campos’ work in Santo Domingo, saying Abinader told him not to change the mission.

Public Integrity Push: President Luis Abinader backed the OECD’s Integrity Study for the Dominican Republic, with recommendations aimed at strengthening whistleblower protection, integrity risk management, investigations, sanctions, and transparency. Digital Government Upgrade: The government launched a framework for verifiable digital credentials to be integrated into Soy Yo RD and the Citizen Folder, reducing the need for physical documents and enabling institutions to prove validity. Audit Results to Go Public: The Comptroller General will start publishing audit findings for public institutions from Oct. 2, covering periods from Aug. 2020 to Dec. 2025. Child Protection Overhaul: Abinader created the National Residential Care Service (Senar) to manage residential care for children and adolescents under protection measures, with a temporary, exceptional-placement model. Economy & Food Security: Dominican pork producers demanded import adjustments, arguing imports should shrink as local farms cover most demand. Trade & Climate: A data dive says LAC’s relatively low EU CBAM exposure could become an export advantage as countries adopt carbon pricing, including in the Dominican Republic. Regional Diplomacy: The U.S. praised Ambassador Leah Campos and highlighted ties with Abinader during Hispanic Heritage Month at the White House. Aviation Cooperation: Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed an MoU on sustainable civil aviation and decarbonization. Security & Justice: DNCD and police arrested a fugitive linked to a major cocaine seizure at Caucedo Port, while the DGSPC reported an inmate death after an alleged prison assault.

Public Integrity Push: President Luis Abinader led a public integrity act after the OECD and DIGEIG released an integrity study, with recommendations aimed at whistleblower protection, risk management, transparency, and citizen oversight. Central Bank Rate Hike: The BCRD raised its monetary policy rate from 5.25% to 5.50% to keep inflation expectations anchored amid oil, freight, and weather pressures. Security & Justice: The DGSPC reported the death of inmate Iván Manuel de Luna at the San Fernando Fortress after an alleged push by another prisoner, while the DNCD and Police arrested fugitive Gregory Arturo Calzado Paredes in Boca Chica linked to a 300+ kilo cocaine seizure. Haiti Force Mandate: The UN Security Council renewed Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate through March 2027, with Haiti urging faster deployment and full operational support. Regional Cooperation (Aviation): Guyana and the Dominican Republic signed an MoU to advance sustainable, lower-carbon aviation, including SAF and CORSIA-aligned cooperation. Politics Watch: The PLD suspended its Oct. 18 presidential consultation, citing insufficient JCE voting equipment, and a SONDEOS poll put Dominicanos Primero at 7% sympathy. Trade & Infrastructure: The Dominican Shipping Association called for a long-term national maritime strategy to match growth goals and improve ports, logistics, and sustainability.

Party Politics: A SONDEOS poll puts Dominicanos Primero at 7% sympathy in September 2026, behind PRM (41%), Fuerza del Pueblo (24%) and PLD (20%), while PRM leads expectations for 2028 (43%) and Omar Fernández tops opposition unifier support (59%). Public Security & Police Reform: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful says September police shootouts “do not respond to State policy,” pointing to 2024 police reform rules on human rights and proportional force. Haiti Mission Diplomacy: The UN Security Council extended Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate through March 31, 2027; Dominican FM Víctor “Ito” Bisonó backs the renewal but warns the window is too short and calls for more personnel, equipment and financing. Digital Government & Skills: DR Inteligente AI literacy has surpassed 54,000 registered participants in 16 days, and “Talent Up” launches 15,000 free tech scholarships with IDB/Google Cloud/Cisco support. Transport & Rights: Abinader issued a decree standardizing Dominican driver’s license validity to four years, ending age-based shortening and tying changes to exams and due process. Trade & Ports: Paliza says DR’s maritime position can expand global trade, citing port investment and a new National Maritime Strategy decree.

Driver’s License Overhaul: President Luis Abinader issued Decree 675-26 standardizing Dominican driver’s license validity to four years, ending age-based limits after a Constitutional Court ruling and shifting renewals to aptitude exams. Public Safety Tech Push: Abinader’s televised security update highlighted upgrades to the 9-1-1 system, including robots, first-response drones, AI support, and faster dispatch coordination. Emergency Alert System Backlash: Indotel defended the RD$59.9m Cell Broadcast System after criticism that it failed during the Sept. 27 earthquake, saying payment and procurement were completed in 2025. IMF Mission in Santo Domingo: The Central Bank met an IMF delegation introducing Michael Perks as the new mission chief, with officials citing strong 2026 growth projections near 4.5%. Haiti Security at the UN: The UN Security Council renewed Haiti’s gang suppression force mandate for six months, urging rapid deployment and stronger institutions. Consular Services in Venezuela: MIREX said it’s preparing to restore Dominican consulate services in Caracas to reduce travel burdens for Dominicans. Food Waste Alarm: The Dominican Food Bank warned about 1.1 million kg of food wasted weekly, calling for faster rescue partnerships. Immigration Enforcement: Abinader said about 20 foreigners are denied entry each week due to criminal records, as part of citizen security efforts.

Citizen Security Tech: President Luis Abinader says the DR is denying entry to about 20 foreigners each week after criminal-record checks, and he used a televised update to highlight new policing and emergency tools, including a modernized 9-1-1 system with drones, AI, and a Boston Dynamics robot platform. Emergency Alert System Fallout: Indotel faced public backlash after cell broadcast warnings failed during the Sept. 27 earthquakes; its head says RD$59.9m was paid for the Cell Broadcast System in 2025. Consular Access in Venezuela: MIREX says it’s preparing to restore the Dominican consulate in Caracas so Dominicans can handle services locally again, while unfinished cases in Colombia must be completed in Bogotá. UN Climate Push: At UNGA in New York, Abinader backed faster climate adaptation financing and joined the Climate Vulnerable Forum, stressing clean energy and mobility for island states. Regional Aviation & Tourism: The DR and Argentina signed an air services deal to expand routes as Argentina becomes the third-biggest tourist source; IDAC also reported 585,363 flight operations over three years. Tragedy Near Puerto Rico: A machete-fueled fight aboard a makeshift boat led to a capsizing near Mona Island; at least 40 were rescued and two died, with more missing.

CONCACAF Nations League: Haiti, Curaçao and the Dominican Republic kept winning in Group A, with the DR completing a 2-1 comeback over Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain after T&T led early. Colonial City Revamp: 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 funded by the EU and IDB. Local Governance & Heritage Delivery: Tourism Minister David Collado said the Colonial City recovery project—including streets, sidewalks, curbs, roofs and cable undergrounding—will be delivered in full by December. Digital Government: The DR will host a regional digital government summit Oct. 1-2 with officials from about 20 countries, covering digital identity, interoperability, cybersecurity and AI. International Deals: The DR and Argentina signed an air services agreement to expand connectivity, with new opportunities for tourism and trade. Haiti Policy Pressure: A European Parliament delegation said the DR can’t carry the Haitian crisis alone, calling for stronger international support for institutional recovery and humanitarian needs. Culture & Community: Santo Domingo’s Chinatown held the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrating Chinese culture and Dominican-Chinese ties.

Haiti Crisis Diplomacy: At the UN, Dominican Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó pushed for Haiti stability that pairs security with institutional rebuilding and predictable financing, warning the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force remains understaffed. Regional Pressure on Haiti Security: All OAS member states backed renewing the Haiti gang force mandate and called for full deployment with personnel, equipment and logistics. European Parliament Visit: A European Parliament delegation said the Dominican Republic “cannot bear” the Haitian crisis alone after inspecting the northern border corridor. Disaster Response & Environment: President Abinader met NY Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand cooperation on emergency management, cleaning the Yaque del Norte River, and protecting immigrant communities. Energy & Minerals: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos is in Washington to spotlight the Dominican Republic’s rare earth and critical minerals potential, including work tied to international supply-chain cooperation. Air Connectivity: DR and Argentina signed an air services agreement to expand routes for tourism, trade and investment. Public Safety: An 11-year-old died after falling from a mechanical ride at Hato Mayor del Rey; the child was hospitalized for severe head injuries. Earthquakes: Several quakes hit the DR on Sept. 27, including a 5.2 near Ramón Santana, with no reported damage. Sports (Local Spotlight): Trinidad and Tobago fell 2-1 to the Dominican Republic in CONCACAF Nations League action, with both sides seeing red cards.

Haiti Security at UN: All 32 OAS member states urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fully fund, equip, and deploy it, stressing Haitian-led solutions and warning that a mandate alone won’t deliver results. Haiti Migration Pressure: Haiti’s prime minister told the UN General Assembly migrants must be treated with dignity as deportations rise after TPS ended, with nearly 200,000 Haitians reportedly forcibly returned in the first eight months. Abinader at the UN: President Luis Abinader pushed for faster climate financing for the Caribbean, citing a Dominican-led UN push on sargassum and calling for quicker support as storms and sea-level risks intensify. Local Governance & Public Safety: Dominican authorities reported multiple earthquakes Sunday, including a 4.2 near Bayaguana and a 5.2 in the east, with no immediate damage reported. Environment & Water: A new study initiative targets groundwater in the Yaque del Sur basin as deforestation, pollution, and weak sanitation threaten major Dominican rivers. Crime & Policing Debate: A human rights defender said September police-involved deaths are rising, pointing to the Julián Oro Duro case and calling for changes to how force is used. Tourism Mood: Hotel and tourism leaders warned that post-pandemic “warmth” and service quality are slipping, even as competition from new properties grows.

Haiti–DR Border & Migration: Dominican President Luis Abinader used the UN General Assembly to press for faster climate financing and de-escalation, warning that wars “far away” still hit DR food and energy prices—while Haiti’s prime minister urged dignity for migrants as deportations rise. Haiti Security Diplomacy: OAS member states, including the Dominican Republic, called for renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and backing it with personnel and funding. Santo Domingo Crime & Police Scrutiny: After the murder of merengue singer Julián Oro Duro’s wife in Santo Domingo Oeste, human-rights advocates say police killings are climbing—reporting eight alleged criminals killed in separate incidents within 24 hours and urging the government to ensure suspects are apprehended alive. Tourism Service Pressure: Local hotel leaders say the country’s famed hospitality “has diminished” since the pandemic, pointing to customer-care gaps and maintenance challenges. Diaspora Politics: A new look at Dominicans in the U.S. highlights a generational shift toward higher education and civic roles, with implications for how the diaspora engages back home.

UN Climate & Food Costs: President Luis Abinader told the UN General Assembly that wars “far away” still hit the Dominican Republic through higher food and energy prices, urging de-escalation and faster climate financing for the Caribbean, including action on sargassum. Haiti Security Push: OAS member states, including the Dominican Republic, called for the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with personnel, funding, and equipment. Migration Pressure: Haiti’s prime minister urged the world to treat deported migrants with dignity as the U.S. accelerates removals after TPS ended, with ONM reporting 529 deportees to Haiti since July. Santo Domingo Crime & Rights: A case involving merengue singer Julián Oro Duro’s wife’s murder after a robbery shocked the country, while a human rights advocate warned of higher police-killing figures in September. Domestic Economy: The government announced more fuel subsidies to cushion international price spikes, alongside planned fuel-price adjustments. Diaspora Politics: Dominican officials in New York rejected proposals to eliminate the overseas vote, arguing the diaspora vote should be improved, not scrapped. Regional Cooperation: Abinader met New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand emergency response and environmental cooperation.

Diaspora Politics: Dominican overseas vote is back in the spotlight as the DR’s New York consul and overseas deputy Cirilo Moronta push the JCE to fix participation barriers instead of scrapping voting rights, arguing abstention is also high at home and that diaspora legislators are the key bridge to President Abinader. Haiti & Security Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó met Sergey Lavrov in New York to press for sustained international attention on Haiti and to flag concerns about job offers targeting Dominicans to travel to Russia. Climate & Coastal Risk: The DR called for stronger Caribbean cooperation on sea-level rise, warning coastal communities face erosion, flooding, and displacement without adaptation financing and coordinated planning. Public Safety & Police Use of Force: Human rights groups say September police killings are higher than official figures, citing the Julián Oro Duro case and calling for officers to be apprehended alive. Economy & Cost of Living: Fuel subsidies and price adjustments are set again as international refined-product costs rise, with the government citing the need to protect public finances. Regional Sports: The Dominican Republic opened CONCACAF Nations League with a 3-2 win over Nicaragua, setting up Sunday’s match vs Trinidad and Tobago.

Diaspora Voting Fight: Dominican officials in New York pushed back against proposals to eliminate the overseas vote, with consul Jesús Vásquez Martínez urging the JCE to fix barriers to participation and overseas deputy Cirilo Moronta calling the idea “madness” and arguing diaspora legislators are the bridge to the Abinader government. Haiti Crisis & Regional Security: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó met Sergey Lavrov in New York, pressing for sustained international focus on Haiti and warning about job offers targeting Dominicans to travel to Russia; separately, the “Shield of the Americas” coalition continued to frame cartel-fighting as a regional security push. Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: MICM said RD$1.77 billion more in fuel subsidies will cushion international refined-product increases, with new price adjustments announced for gasoline and diesel. Climate & Coastal Risk: Dominican climate officials urged coordinated Caribbean sea-level adaptation planning and financing to protect coastal communities and livelihoods. Diplomacy & Development: The DR reaffirmed at the UN its right-to-development stance, arguing for inclusive, sustainable models beyond simple income rankings. Sports: The Dominican Republic opened CONCACAF Nations League play with a win over Nicaragua and is set to face Trinidad and Tobago.