AGP Executive Report

Shield of the Americas: President Luis Abinader joined Donald Trump and regional leaders in New York to push the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” plan, with Guyana and other countries backing sanctions and coordinated actions targeting 24 “narco-terrorist” groups. Economic Policy: Abinader told reporters Meta RD 2036 is progressing, citing poverty falling from 25.9% (2019) to 17% last year and pointing to FAO recognition tied to the Zero Hunger goal. Tourism & Culture: The Santo Domingo International Book Fair (FILSD 2026) opens Sept. 24 at Plaza de la Cultura with Panama as guest nation, José Mármol honored, 700 activities, and 500+ security personnel; separately, the Ministry of Tourism backs a public welcome for Miss World 2026 winner Joheirry Mola at Faro a Colón. Local Governance & Oversight: The DGCP says it’s still monitoring and verifying Inabie kitchen procurement tenders after appeals, including 34 national processes and thousands of offers. Business & Connectivity: AHSD’s SDQ MICE 2026 brings 50 international buyers for 1,000+ B2B meetings, while Arajet highlights “the Arajet Effect” as DR-Latin America passenger traffic surges.

Shield of the Americas: President Donald Trump pushed UN-backed sanctions on 24 criminal networks, urging coalition states to designate “narco-terrorists” and move on asset freezes and visa bans; leaders including the Dominican Republic signed a memorandum of understanding on hemispheric security and multilateral coordination. Public Procurement Oversight: The DGCP said it’s still monitoring Inabie’s kitchen tenders, reviewing 34 procedures and handling dozens of appeals tied to alleged irregularities. Book Fair Security: Santo Domingo’s FILSD 2026 security plan ramps up with 500+ personnel, checkpoints, and traffic controls as the fair opens Sept. 24 with Panama as guest of honor. Nationality Rights Push: Human rights groups rallied at the National Palace demanding full recognition of nationality for Dominicans of Haitian descent and an end to statelessness linked to Constitutional Court ruling 168-13. Defamation Case: A court sentenced communicator Ángel Martínez to one year suspended prison and RD$2 million in compensation for defaming Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful, with restrictions on further public statements. Rare Earths: President Abinader said exploratory work on Dominican rare earth deposits is expected to clarify reserves by late 2026, aiming to turn them into a major state revenue stream.

UN Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó told reporters the Dominican Republic’s UN General Assembly priorities include Haiti stability, trade and investment, and export promotion, with plans for meetings in New York and follow-ups in Washington. Bilateral Ties: President Luis Abinader met Peru’s Keiko Fujimori to push cooperation on security, AI, cultural heritage, disaster resilience and trade. Security at Home: Over 500 security personnel will be deployed for the Santo Domingo International Book Fair 2026, with strict entry and traffic rules around the Juan Pablo Duarte Cultural Plaza. Disaster Relief: Families affected by the Colonial City fire have started receiving government assistance, including replacement of household goods after the Sunday blaze. Public Trust: Participación Ciudadana warned that rising voter absenteeism signals growing rejection of parties and candidates ahead of the 2028 elections. Economy & Industry: Abinader renewed his push for rare earth development, saying reserves could be assessed by late 2026 and exports could begin in 2028. Regional Crime Crackdown: Operation ATLAS NEXUS—covering multiple countries including the Dominican Republic—reported major seizures and hundreds of arrests against organized networks. Weather: Indomet forecasts rainy conditions Tuesday and Wednesday, with thunderstorms in several provinces and Saharan dust effects.

Biometric Passport Rollout: President Luis Abinader launched the Dominican Republic’s electronic biometric passport for Dominicans abroad, starting with New York, New Jersey and Boston, including up to US$9,000 coverage for repatriation of remains and plans for a digital travel credential. UN Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó coordinated the country’s positions for the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week in New York, aligning multilateral engagements with the Abinader agenda. Mining & Critical Minerals: Abinader told the Concordia 2026 summit the DR expects to define rare earth reserves by year-end, with exports potentially starting in 2028 via the state mining company Emidom and a refinery test planned next year. Constitutional Justice: The Constitutional Court inaugurated its VI International Congress on constitutional due process in criminal matters, stressing due process as a limit on power, not a formality. Fuel Payment Standoff: Anadegas says it will disconnect electronic payment terminals at 780 gas stations from 6 a.m. Friday unless card-service costs are resolved, after months of negotiations and mediation. Aviation & Growth: IDAC reported 585,363 flight operations over three years, record tourism and exports, and said a new airport in Pedernales is set to start in 2027. Public Safety: National Police arrested alleged members of gang “Los 5.5” in Bajos de Haina, San Cristóbal, and investigations continue.

UN & Diaspora Modernization: Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó coordinated the Dominican Republic’s UN General Assembly agenda in New York as President Abinader rolled out the new electronic biometric passport for Dominicans abroad, starting with New York, New Jersey and Boston, including up to US$9,000 for repatriation of remains and plans for a digital travel credential. Trade & Agriculture: Abinader reiterated the government will defend Dominican rice production “just as the United States defends its own,” amid trade concerns affecting local producers. Budget & Development: The government advanced regional projects tied to investment and jobs, while approving the 2027 General State Budget bill totaling RD$2.04 trillion, prioritizing education, health, infrastructure and productivity. Security: National Police arrested eight alleged members of the gang “Los 5.5” in Bajos de Haina, San Cristóbal. Public Safety & Weather: Indomet warned of downpours and thunderstorms across multiple provinces and said it is monitoring a developing cyclone system. Local Politics: Santo Domingo mayor Carolina Mejía named Senate president Ricardo de los Santos as her presidential campaign manager, a key PRM move as she structures her bid.

Biometric Passport Rollout: President Luis Abinader delivered the first biometric passport to a Dominican family in New York, with 10-year validity and insurance up to US$9,000 for repatriating remains—part of a broader consular modernization push. Public Safety: The National Police arrested eight alleged members of the gang “Los 5.5” in Bajos de Haina, San Cristóbal, and said detainees will be turned over to prosecutors as investigations continue. Budget & Governance: Abinader and VP Raquel Peña chaired the 60th Council of Ministers, approving the RD$2.037 trillion General State Budget Bill for 2027, with priorities spanning education, health, social protection, infrastructure, and citizen/border security. Crime Update: Police clarified that a shooting in Boca Chica’s Los Coquitos sector left 2 dead and 5 injured, correcting earlier reports that circulated online. Weather Watch: Indomet warned of downpours and thunderstorms across multiple provinces, plus a cyclone-monitoring update as conditions remain hot and humid. Youth Record: The Ministry of Youth says Dominican participants hit 430 hours of continuous reading in “Youth Out Loud,” aiming to push toward 500 hours and a tougher Guinness target.

Public Health & Anti-Fraud: President Luis Abinader said his administration won’t tolerate irregularities in the SeNaSa 2.0 probe, as the Public Prosecutor’s Office carried out raids and reportedly arrested health professionals tied to alleged fraud networks. National Budget: The Council of Ministers approved the 2027 General State Budget bill of about RD$2.037 trillion, prioritizing education, health, social protection, infrastructure, and citizen/border security. Justice in Disaster Case: A Dominican court granted a one-week recess in the Jet Set nightclub collapse trial (236 dead), with prosecutors continuing to argue owners had prior knowledge. Crime & Security: Police confirmed two deaths and five injuries in the Los Coquitos, Boca Chica shooting involving artists “Diddy Glow” and “Cotuí,” correcting earlier online figures. Weather Watch: Indomet warned of downpours and thunderstorms across multiple provinces and said it’s monitoring a system with an 80% chance of becoming a cyclone. Urban Growth Data: A new map shows where Santo Domingo’s construction boom is concentrated, led by Santo Domingo Este. Tourism & Development: Abinader visited the Punta Bergantín project in Puerto Plata, highlighting investment, jobs, and a “New North” tourism push. Youth Record: Dominican youths hit 430 hours of continuous group reading, aiming to push toward 500 hours. International Mobility: The U.S. added the Dominican Republic to Global Entry fast-track clearance partner countries.

Public Health & Anti-Corruption: President Luis Abinader warned that anyone behind alleged irregularities in the SeNaSa 2.0 probe in the public health system will face the full force of the law as the Public Prosecutor’s Office carried out raids tied to alleged fraud. National Budget: The Council of Ministers approved the 2027 General State Budget bill at about RD$2.037 trillion, with priorities including education, health, social protection, infrastructure, and border security. Justice in High-Profile Case: A Dominican court ordered a one-week recess in the trial over the 2025 Jet Set nightclub collapse that killed 236 people, with the hearing set to resume Sept. 25. Fuel Prices Backlash: Fuel price hikes triggered public backlash, with community groups criticizing the government for raising gasoline and diesel without accounting for impacts on basic necessities. Crime & Security: National Police confirmed two deaths and five injuries in the Los Coquitos shooting in Boca Chica involving artists “Diddy Glow” and “Cotuí,” correcting earlier misinformation. International Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic and Jordan began a visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders starting Sept. 19, aimed at easing official travel.

Public Health Crackdown: President Luis Abinader warned that fraud and irregularities tied to the SeNaSa 2.0 probe will be met with the full force of the law as the Public Prosecutor’s Office carried out coordinated raids and arrests of alleged health-sector figures. State Budget 2027: The Council of Ministers approved a RD$2.037 trillion 2027 budget, prioritizing education, health, social protection, infrastructure, and citizen/border security, with capital spending set to rise. SeNaSa 2.0 Follow-Up: Abinader reiterated zero tolerance for corruption in the health system, signaling continued investigations regardless of rank. Courtroom Update (Jet Set): A Dominican court granted a one-week recess in the trial over the 2025 Jet Set nightclub collapse that killed 236, with the hearing set to resume Sept. 25. Youth & Education: The Ministry of Youth says Dominican participants in “Youth Out Loud” hit 430 hours of continuous reading, now aiming for 500 and a new Guinness record. International Links: DR and Jordan begin a visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders starting Sept. 19, and DR and Portugal formalized a defense cooperation agreement.

Public Finance: President Luis Abinader and Vice President Raquel Peña approved the 2027 General State Budget, totaling about RD$2.037 trillion, with priorities including education, health, social protection, infrastructure, and citizen/border security. Anti-Fraud Crackdown: Abinader warned that anyone behind irregularities in SeNaSa 2.0 will face the full force of the law as prosecutors carried out raids and reportedly arrested health professionals tied to alleged public health fraud networks. Tourism & Investment: Abinader visited the Punta Bergantín project in Puerto Plata, a major “New North” development expected to attract investment, create jobs, and expand hotel, residential, and innovation district plans. Border & Security Policy: The U.S. list of major drug transit/production countries includes the Dominican Republic for FY2027, while Washington removed Venezuela from its failed drug-trafficking list—signaling shifting regional pressure. International Cooperation: The DR and Portugal formalized a defense cooperation agreement, and the U.S. embassy highlighted tech and semiconductor collaboration with Dominican leaders. Trade & Agriculture: ANPA warned the DR is unprepared for full rice market opening under DR-CAFTA, urging the U.S. not to push repeal of Decree 693-24.

US–DR Border & Travel Policy: The U.S. CBP published a list of 23 countries whose citizens qualify for Global Entry fast-track immigration clearance, and the Dominican Republic is included. Diplomacy & Security: The Dominican Republic and Portugal formalized a defense cooperation agreement in Lisbon, setting up exchanges, training, and security collaboration. Visa Access for Diplomats: Starting Sept. 19, the Dominican Republic and Jordan will exempt diplomatic passport holders from visas for official travel. Tech & Innovation Ties: The U.S. Embassy hosted Dominican leaders from IVLP alumni networks to push partnerships in technology, innovation, and semiconductors. Agriculture & Trade: ANPA warned the DR is not ready for full rice-market opening under DR-CAFTA if Decree 693-24 is repealed, arguing it could hit tens of thousands of producers and RD$45B in annual value. Consumer Protection Angle: A Puerto Rico Senate probe into social-media property raffles raises broader regional questions about prize disclosure and oversight. Regional Consumer/Enforcement Links: Azerbaijan was elected to ICPEN’s 2026/2027 advisory group, which also lists the Dominican Republic among members.

Judicial Appointments: President Luis Abinader will lead a virtual National Council of the Magistracy session to advance Supreme Court judge selections, following last week’s performance reviews and confirmations of five magistrates for seven-year terms. U.S.-DR Drug Designation: The Trump administration added the Dominican Republic to a list of 23 major drug transit/production territories for fiscal year 2027, while stressing the label doesn’t automatically mean a failure to cooperate. Agriculture Trade Pressure: The National Association of Agricultural Professionals warned the U.S. push to repeal Decree 693-24 could threaten Dominican rice self-sufficiency, arguing the country wasn’t given enough time to modernize and cut costs. Migration Policy Work: The National Migration Institute met UN officials to shape joint initiatives on research, training, data generation, and institutional capacity for migration management. Public Safety Tech Clarification: INTRANT says its planned “digital enforcement” would not be photo-ticketing, aiming instead to modernize how officers issue and verify violations. Women in the Workforce: New stats show women’s formal employment and university participation have risen steadily, with women nearing parity in registered formal jobs by 2025. Weather Watch: A tropical wave and trough are set to bring locally heavy rains, thunderstorms, and possible flooding/landslide risk across multiple provinces including Greater Santo Domingo.

Supreme Court Judge Picks: President Luis Abinader will chair a National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) session this Thursday to advance the selection process for Supreme Court of Justice vacancies, with the council also confirming five magistrates for seven-year terms. Traffic Tech Clarified: INTRANT says its planned “digital enforcement” will not be automatic photo-ticketing; it’s meant to replace paper tickets with electronic devices for on-the-spot verification. Weather Watch: A tropical wave and trough are set to bring locally moderate to heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gusts across multiple provinces, including parts of Greater Santo Domingo, with flood and landslide alerts in place. Migration Cooperation: The Dominican Migration Institute (INM) met UN agencies to expand joint work on research, training, innovation, and data generation. Border Trade Plan: Foreign Minister Ito Bisonó convened talks to implement Executive Decree 166-26, launching a pilot network of “dry ports” to formalize cross-border commerce and tighten security. US Drug List: The US again named the Dominican Republic among 23 major drug transit/production countries in FY2027 determinations, stressing it’s based on geography and commerce, not a verdict on enforcement performance. Digital Push: Google Cloud’s Latin America president met Abinader to discuss support for public-sector modernization, including new connectivity projects. Environment Funding: Fondo Sur is moving toward a US$500,000 conservation fund to protect watersheds and marine ecosystems in the southwest provinces. INM/UN Migration: INM and the UN discussed joint initiatives to strengthen migration research and capacity building.

Drug Enforcement & U.S. Pressure: The U.S. named 23 “major drug transit” and “major illicit drug producing” countries for FY27, including the Dominican Republic, while Trump praised India’s poppy crackdown and urged China and others to tighten precursor controls; separately, Venezuela was removed from the “failed demonstrably” list, with Trump saying interim cooperation is improving results. Anti-Crime Operations: Dominican authorities launched Operation LM2, hitting an alleged cocaine trafficking network with raids across Greater Santo Domingo, Hato Mayor and Santiago, seizing 168 packages and arresting “El Viajero.” Border Trade & Infrastructure: Foreign Minister Ito Bisonó convened agencies to implement Decree 166-26 to develop dry ports along the Dominican-Haitian border, with the Comendador–Belladère corridor flagged as a pilot. Land Governance: The government activated a protocol to stop irregular occupations of Agrarian Reform lands, starting with surveys in several provinces and aiming for legal certainty for farmers. Public Sector Tech: President Abinader met Google Cloud’s Latin America head to discuss support for the DR’s digital transformation, including AI and data governance. Digital Innovation Partnership: UNDP and FLock.io expanded a privacy-preserving AI and blockchain pilot for public services, including crop microinsurance for small farmers. Education Oversight: The National Education Council will review Minerd’s budget and assess 2025 PISA results, with possible curriculum adjustments on the agenda. Smuggling Crackdown: MICM and Ceccom destroyed illicit goods worth RD$362.8 million, citing smuggling, tax evasion and counterfeit violations.

Constitutional Court Ruling: The Dominican Constitutional Court struck down a decree that forced drivers age 75+ to renew licenses every two years, saying the shorter term violates equality and should be set by Congress, not executive decree. Land Rights Enforcement: The government activated a protocol to stop irregular occupations of Agrarian Reform Lands, with surveys and an inter-institutional commission targeting disputes in San Juan, Montecristi, Monte Plata, Villa Altagracia and others. Anti-Smuggling Crackdown: MICM and Ceccom destroyed 28.35 million units of illicit goods worth RD$362.8 million, citing smuggling, tax evasion, counterfeiting, adulteration and missing sanitary registration. Education Oversight: The National Education Council will review the Minerd budget and PISA 2025 results on Sept. 22, aiming to translate findings into curriculum and policy fixes. Child Safety Online: UNICEF warned that technology-facilitated sexual abuse affects tens of millions of children, with social media driving many cases. Tourism & Investment Forum: At Punta Cana Forum 2026, leaders discussed infrastructure, legal security and investment, while Frank Rainieri urged youth to lead national development. Trade Pressure: Economist Luis Manuel Piantini warned that breaking DR-CAFTA rice rules could weaken the country’s OECD bid. Consumer Payments: Pro Consumidor said talks are underway to resolve a dispute over removing verifones at fuel stations so card users aren’t left with fewer options.

Voter Identity Debate: Political analyst Leonardo Gil released “The Engineering of Voter Identity,” arguing voters “vote for themselves” and decide based on identity, emotions, and prior experiences—not just candidates. Consumer Protection: Pro Consumidor says talks led by MICM are working to resolve a dispute between fuel retailers and verifone payment providers, aiming to protect card payment options for drivers. Public Safety: Police arrested a suspect in Serrallés accused of an attempted robbery and knife attack that left Gustavo Adolfo III Mejía-Ricart hospitalized. Border Tensions Watch: Defense Minister Carlos Onofre says Haiti’s anthrax-related restrictions are being monitored, with no DR preventive measures and trade reportedly continuing normally; lawmakers still warn the curbs could hit border producers and push dialogue. Signature Drive: Dominicanos Primero says Peravia became the 15th province to reach its signature-collection goal, as it presses toward Central Electoral Board steps. Tourism & Connectivity: Dominican Republic strengthens its European push at IFTM Top Resa, highlighting new and expanded air links, including Air France service changes. Regional Security Drill: The U.S. Coast Guard wrapped GALAPEX 2026 participation near the Galapagos, with Dominican Republic among partner nations targeting illicit maritime activity.