AGP Executive Report

Critical Minerals Deal: The Dominican Republic and the U.S. signed a framework cooperation agreement to strengthen security and resilience in critical minerals and rare earths supply chains, with Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó and U.S. Ambassador Leah F. Campos saying it aims to protect markets and unlock new investment. AI Training Push: President Luis Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” a plan to train 1 million Dominicans in AI use across jobs and studies, stressing it’s not about turning everyone into programmers and pointing to certifications with major tech firms. Public Health Watch: Health authorities said the DR has no reported anthrax cases, but reinforced preventive epidemiological surveillance after Haiti investigated 13 suspected cutaneous anthrax cases in Baliverne. Weather Alert: Indomet warned Saharan dust will reduce rainfall and keep conditions hot, with scattered showers possible in parts of Greater Santo Domingo and the southeast. Crime Crackdown: DICRIM arrested a Colombian group accused of “The Sleepers” scheme—sedating victims and robbing them—after raids in Santo Domingo East. Sports & Politics Spillover: Parlatino met in Santo Domingo to coordinate action on climate threats like Caribbean Sargassum damage.

Public Health Watch: The Dominican Ministry of Public Health says there are no registered anthrax cases, but it has boosted preventive surveillance after Haiti investigated 13 suspected cutaneous anthrax cases in Baliverne, where two deaths were reported as unconfirmed. Crime & Justice: In Santo Domingo East, DICRIM arrested three Colombians tied to “The Sleepers,” a seduction-and-robbery scheme that allegedly used drugs to incapacitate victims; investigators seized cash, phones, laptops, and other valuables. Tech & Workforce: President Luis Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” aiming to train 1 million Dominicans in AI use across jobs and studies, with pathways from basic training to automation, data, and programming plus international certifications. Education Pressure: A Dominican Evangelical Alliance response to PISA 2025 highlights steep learning gaps, citing low proficiency rates in math, reading, and science and calling for a national plan. Economy & Trade: The DR approved imports of Canadian beef after an audit restored access after a 2003 BSE-related restriction. Cross-border Politics: The OAS warned that Haitian elections should bar politicians with ties to criminal organizations, urging faster verification in the run-up to voting. Regional Safety: USGS reported multiple earthquakes across Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and near Haiti, with no tsunami threat.

AI Skills Push: President Luis Abinader launched “RD Inteligente” to train 1 million Dominicans in AI use across jobs, schools, and public services, with pathways from basic training to automation, data, and programming plus international certifications. Education Alarm: New PISA/OECD reporting shows reading and math scores falling to record lows, and in the DR an evangelical group is urging a national response to weak learning outcomes. Public Health Watch: Dominican health authorities say there are no registered anthrax cases, but they’ve boosted surveillance after suspected cases in southwestern Haiti, where deaths are under investigation. Haiti Returns Under Pressure: A fourth U.S. deportation flight returned 98 Haitians, bringing recent forced returns past 400 since TPS ended, as UN and rights groups renew calls to stop removals. Regional Security & Elections: The OAS says politicians with ties to criminal gangs should be barred from Haiti’s elections, urging faster verification by Haitian authorities. Trade & Industry: Canada regained access for beef exports to the DR after audits of inspection systems, while Dominican merchants and gas retailers are pushing back on unfair competition and payment-service costs. Diplomacy: Nicaragua closed its embassy in Santo Domingo amid a widening diplomatic rift.

Public Health Watch: The Dominican Republic says it has no anthrax cases, but has boosted epidemiological surveillance after Haiti investigated 13 suspected cases in Grand’Anse, including two deaths. Education Policy: The Dominican Evangelical Alliance is pushing a national response to falling PISA results, including limits on cellphone use during school hours, after the country posted low proficiency rates in math, reading, and science. Regional Security & Elections: The OAS warned that Haitian elections should exclude politicians tied to criminal gangs, urging faster verification during the preparatory phase. AI & Digital Skills: President Luis Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” aiming to train one million Dominicans in AI literacy and digital skills across schools, jobs, public service, and small businesses. Trade & Connectivity: Finance Minister Geoffrey Wever met aviation, port, and agribusiness leaders in Santo Domingo to strengthen Aruba–DR air and maritime supply links. Business & Consumer Pressure: Anadegas says 780 gas stations will disconnect Verifone on Sept. 25 over electronic payment costs, while merchants also renewed calls for tougher oversight of Chinese-owned stores. Cross-Border Control: The DR continues expanding its Haiti border fence to curb smuggling and strengthen territorial control.

AI & Skills Push: President Luis Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” an AI literacy program aimed at training one million Dominicans through ITLA, targeting students, job seekers, public servants, entrepreneurs, teachers, security forces, and MSMEs. Regional Diplomacy: Nicaragua ordered the closure of its Santo Domingo embassy amid a deepening diplomatic rift, underscoring Ortega’s tightening political control. Caribbean Policy Platform: The Dominican Republic hosted Parlatino’s Special Commission on the Caribbean at the Chamber of Deputies, with lawmakers discussing regional cooperation and shared challenges. Payments & Retail Pressure: Anadegas says 780 gas stations will disconnect Verifone services on Sept. 25, arguing electronic payment fees are cutting into gross profits despite mediation efforts. Investment & Industry: Abinader backed PUCMM’s semiconductor lab push after the university’s first microchip milestone, linking it to national semiconductor strategy and higher-value jobs. Security & Trade: The DR and U.S. signed a framework to expand cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to strengthen supply chains and attract investment. Energy/Infrastructure Talk: The Punta Cana Forum 2026 will convene leaders to debate infrastructure, investment, and legal certainty for the country’s next phase.

Critical Minerals Deal: The Dominican Republic and the U.S. signed a cooperation framework to develop critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to strengthen supply chains and attract investment, with Foreign Minister Víctor-Ito Bisonó and U.S. Ambassador Leah F. Campos signing alongside the energy and mines minister. Tech & Industry Push: President Luis Abinader backed PUCMM’s first university microchip and endorsed a shared semiconductor lab among Dominican universities, while AWS announced 50,000 free AI and cloud scholarships through 2028. Business Climate: The government unveiled “Empresas en 24 Horas,” a digital platform to incorporate companies in a single day by linking ONAPI, the Chamber/mercantile registry, and DGII. Urban Development: A bill was submitted to create CITELF, a state-backed real estate corporation to transform Ensanche La Fe via a public-private partnership, including a new MLB-standard stadium. Security & Justice: DNCD seized 42 suspected cocaine packages at Caucedo Port, arresting a port employee. Diplomatic Rift: Nicaragua confirmed it will close its embassy in Santo Domingo amid escalating bilateral tensions. Politics Watch: Historian Bernardo Vega says the 2028 presidential election may require a runoff due to low first-round odds for the PRM. Public Health/Weather: Indomet warned of showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds, while noting no hurricane formation expected.

Urban Redevelopment: The government filed a bill to create CITELF, a state-backed real estate corporation to transform underused land in Ensanche La Fe, including a new MLB-spec baseball stadium and a 10–20 year redevelopment plan. Business & Permits: President Abinader inaugurated “Empresas en 24 Horas,” a digital single-window to cut company incorporation to 24 hours by linking ONAPI, the Chamber/Registro Mercantil, and DGII. Tech Skills Push: AWS announced 50,000 free AI and cloud scholarships for Dominicans through 2028, while MESCyT and Arajet signed up to train the aviation workforce. Trade Diplomacy: The DR began talks with the U.S. on a bilateral tariff agenda via USTR, aiming to boost competitiveness and exports. Security: DNCD seized 42 suspected cocaine packages at Caucedo Port and arrested one man. Diplomatic Rift: Nicaragua confirmed it will close its Santo Domingo embassy amid escalating tensions. Politics Ahead: Analyst Bernardo Vega said a 2028 presidential runoff is likely. Sports & Policy: High jump star Marysabel Senyu and coach Natalia Korotaeva urged stronger government support for Olympic qualification. Weather: Indomet warned of showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds, but no hurricane expected.

Diplomatic Rift: Nicaragua has ordered the closure of its embassy in Santo Domingo, escalating tensions after months of political friction and the Dominican recall of its ambassador for consultations. Tech & Skills Push: Amazon Web Services and the Dominican government launched AWS Entrena República Dominicana with 50,000 free scholarships to train Dominicans in AI and cloud computing by 2028. Earthquake Readiness: The DR tested Alerta RD during the nationwide earthquake drill; early figures say over 72% of the population received the alert, with full Cell Broadcast rollout expected within 70 days. Education Debate: A bill would make Creole, English and French mandatory in schools, drawing opposition over feasibility and political implications. Consumer Watchdog: Pro Consumidor marked its 18th anniversary, saying it returned more than RD$3.5 billion to consumers over the past five years. Economic Reality Check: A commentator challenged official growth claims, arguing the gains aren’t yet felt in families’ purchasing power. Trade & Growth: The Chamber of Commerce says 18,000 new companies were created in the first half of 2026 and highlights rising exports and port capacity. Regional Sports Politics: FIFA moves to split Caribbean member associations management, appointing a loyalist to oversee the region.

Water & Sanitation Diplomacy: The DR will present its drinking-water and coastal sanitation progress at an OAS CIDI meeting in Washington on Sept. 10, with INAPA’s Wellington Arnaud set to brief regional partners on infrastructure gains and coastal ecosystem protection. Education & Language Policy: A bill approved by the Chamber of Deputies would make Morality and Civics mandatory nationwide, and a separate proposal would require Creole (along with English and French) in schools—both drawing sharp pushback from civic and historical groups. Traffic Enforcement Push: Civil society activist Julio César de la Rosa Tiburcio has formally summoned Intrant’s new director, demanding enforcement of rules limiting heavy freight trucks on national highways. Jobs & Informality: New labor data shows most job growth in early 2026 came from the informal sector, underscoring weak private-sector formal hiring. Tax Revenue Update: DGII reports RD$671.87 billion collected in the first eight months of 2026, with August revenues rising strongly under the anti-crisis package. Legal Pressure on Media: A criminal complaint with civil claim targets three journalists and Color Visión over alleged defamatory statements from a 2025 broadcast. Disaster Preparedness: The COE-led nationwide earthquake drill registered about 3.2 million participants and tested public readiness and emergency response tools. Ports as Growth Engine: President Abinader highlighted port modernization as key to exports, imports, and logistics competitiveness, pointing to multiple ongoing and planned projects.

Supreme Court Watch: The National Council of the Magistracy confirmed Samuel Arias Arzeno as a Supreme Court of Justice judge after completing magistrates’ performance evaluations. Tourism Policy: President Luis Abinader and industry leaders pushed a “higher value” tourism agenda—Abinader stressed ports as the backbone of growth, while Tourism Minister David Collado urged higher hotel rates and more tourist spending; MESCyT also announced 4,000 new English scholarships for tourism workers. Emergency Preparedness: The National Earthquake Evacuation Drill mobilized 3.2 million people across 12,500+ institutions, with Abinader participating at the National Palace. Border Security: The smart fence with Haiti now tops 61 km completed, with a new 14.5 km phase launched in Jimaní. Governance & Procurement: A Social Policy Cabinet coordinator requested RD$6.4 million for a new official SUV amid austerity scrutiny. Trade & Connectivity: DR expanded Canada air routes for the winter season, and AERODOM confirmed Amazon Prime Air cargo flights were suspended in January due to low demand. Public Finance: Monetary poverty fell to 13.75% in Q2 2026, down from 16.65% a year earlier.

U.S.-DR Trade Tension: President Luis Abinader says the Dominican Republic is pushing the U.S. for “fair and reciprocal” tariff treatment, warning negotiations must preserve DR-CAFTA’s zero-tariff access. Border Security: The smart DR–Haiti perimeter fence has surpassed 61 km, with a new 14.5 km phase launched in Jimaní as works expand across Dajabón, Pedernales, Elías Piña and Jimaní. Government Procurement & Austerity Clash: Social Policy Cabinet coordinator Geanilda Vásquez seeks RD$6.4 million for a new official luxury SUV, according to DGCP procurement records. Economy & Poverty: Monetary poverty fell to 13.75% in Q2 2026, down 2.9 points year-on-year, tied to wage gains, employment growth and expanded social programs. Energy Storage Push: ETED opened an expression of interest for battery energy storage—up to 600 MW/1,200 MWh—keeping private investment on the table. Mining & EU Research: The DR and the EU signed a joint declaration to study rare earths, gallium and scandium in Pedernales’ Ávila reserve, aiming for sustainability and better decision-making. Gambling Oversight: A new gambling bill approved by deputies would require online operators to verify users’ age via the JCE database and tighten protections to block minors. Amazon Cargo Update: AERODOM confirmed Amazon Prime Air suspended Dominican cargo flights in January due to insufficient demand. Public Health & Environment: A study flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, including the Dominican Republic, as waste systems buckle and health risks rise.

US–Caribbean Diplomacy & Borders: A new Trump Truth Social map floated a vastly expanded U.S. spanning parts of the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, with no clear policy follow-up—just fresh regional pushback fears. Migration Enforcement: U.S. Coast Guard intercepted an overloaded boat near Puerto Rico carrying 77 migrants, mostly Dominican nationals, and repatriated 75 to the Dominican Republic; separately, Dominican immigration inspectors detained 38 Haitians in Greater Santo Domingo during raids on food establishments. Haiti–DR Relations: Foreign ministers met in Dajabón to set a bilateral agenda on border security, migration management, trade, and judicial cooperation, as the DR also began building a 14.5-kilometre Haiti border fence section to curb smuggling. Local Politics & Courts: A court ordered preventive detention for the prefect of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas in an alleged illicit enrichment case. National Planning & Risk Prep: The government scheduled a nationwide earthquake evacuation simulation for Sept. 8 with schools, hospitals, and offices participating. Economy & Agriculture: Banreservas, FAO, and the Agriculture Ministry launched a RD$1.18 billion financing mechanism to modernize farming, water management, and productivity. Culture & International Spotlight: Joheirry Mola Domínguez won Miss World 2026, highlighting her work as an educator and community advocate.

Border Security: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence along the Haiti border in Independencia’s Hoya de Enriquillo, with 13-foot height, six watchtowers, 35 culverts, and patrol lanes to curb smuggling and illicit trade. Migration Enforcement: Immigration inspectors raided food businesses across Greater Santo Domingo and detained 38 Haitians with irregular status. Earthquake Preparedness: The government will hold a nationwide evacuation simulation on Tuesday, Sept. 8, with schools, hospitals, and offices moving to designated safe areas. Mining & Diplomacy: The DR and the EU signed a joint declaration to study rare earth elements, gallium, and scandium in Pedernales’ Ávila Mining Fiscal Reserve, with an emphasis on sustainability and decision-making based on scientific data. Economy & Food Security: Banreservas, the FAO, and the Agriculture Ministry launched an RD$1.18 billion financing mechanism to modernize agriculture, including mechanization, water management, and climate adaptation. Party Politics: Luis Abinader is set to be sworn in as president of the PRM, replacing José Ignacio Paliza, as the party moves into a new political cycle. Public Debate: A jurist urged decriminalizing “speech crimes” tied to state matters to better protect freedom of expression and democratic accountability.

Border Security & Migration: The Dominican Republic began building a 14.5-kilometer southern border fence with Haiti, adding 13-foot height sections, six watchtowers, 35 culverts, and patrol lanes under the “Strong Border” plan aimed at cutting smuggling and irregular crossings. Immigration Enforcement: In Greater Santo Domingo, immigration inspectors raided 12 food establishments and detained 38 Haitians with irregular status, most working in “Chinese fried chicken” restaurants. Judicial Watch: A court ordered preventive detention for the mayor of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Johana Núñez, in an alleged illicit enrichment case, including asset seizure and a ban on selling or transferring property. Economy & Cost of Living: Inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year in August 2026, with education-related price increases tied to the school year. Politics & Party Leadership: Luis Abinader is set to be sworn in as president of the PRM, completing the party’s leadership transition for 2026–2030. Public Debate: Jurist José Martínez Hoepelman urged decriminalizing “speech crimes” when they relate to state matters and public interest, warning against using criminal law to chill criticism. Tourism Governance: Adompretur held its ordinary general assembly, reporting debt relief, office restoration, and plans for upcoming tourism journalism awards. Culture & Soft Power: Joheirry Mola Dominguez won Miss World 2026, spotlighting her education-focused “Beauty With a Purpose” platform.

PRM Leadership Transition: Luis Abinader is set to be proclaimed and sworn in as president of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) this Sunday, Sept. 6, formalizing a new party cycle after his Aug. 9 selection. Border Security: The Dominican Defense Ministry has started a 14.5-kilometer perimeter fence project along the Haiti border in Jimaní, Independencia, with 13-foot height, six watchtowers, 35 culverts, and patrol lanes to curb smuggling and illicit activity. Inflation Watch: Dominican inflation eased to 5.13% year-on-year in August 2026, with education-related price increases cited as a key driver. Tech in Business: A new National Statistics Office bulletin says 35.0% of formal companies with internet access already use AI, led by larger firms. Haiti Humanitarian Pressure: Rights groups warn that nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026, straining services—especially at border points. Culture & Soft Power: Joheirry Mola Dominguez won Miss World 2026, bringing the crown back to the Dominican Republic and highlighting her education-focused “Beauty With a Purpose” platform.

Miss World Win: Joheirry Mola Dominguez, a Santo Domingo educator and journalist, was crowned Miss World 2026 in Vietnam, delivering the Dominican Republic its second crown since 1982. AI Adoption: The National Statistics Office says 35% of formal Dominican companies with internet access already use AI, led by larger firms and sectors like mining, construction and manufacturing. Humanitarian Pressure: Rights groups warn that nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026, with the Dominican Republic accounting for the vast majority, straining Haiti’s ability to receive returnees. Tourism Economics: Tourism Minister David Collado urged a “next phase” for tourism that raises hotel rates and tourist spending, arguing growth must translate into better benefits for Dominicans. Energy Bills: A Santo Domingo event saw a power outage interrupt Vice President Raquel Peña’s explanation of electricity bill increases, tied to higher summer consumption and tariff block changes. Legal/Abuse Case: Spain faces renewed calls to investigate Julio Iglesias after two former employees filed a fresh complaint alleging sexual abuse and forced labor tied to his Caribbean properties.