AGP Executive Report

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.

Drug Enforcement: DNCD and the Public Ministry carried out raids in Santo Domingo Oeste (El Café de Herrera and La Rosa), arresting six people and seizing alleged cocaine, marijuana, weapons, surveillance gear, and cash. Education Labor: The Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP) rejected a PRM-backed proposal to deduct teachers’ pay for participating in strikes, arguing it violates constitutional and labor rights. Water & Sanitation Policy: President Luis Abinader urged Latin America and the Caribbean to treat water and sanitation as a top development priority, citing major Dominican investments benefiting over a million people in coastal and tourist areas. Foreign Investment & Diplomacy: ProDominicana will honor top foreign investors at the Americas Investment Forum 2026, while the DR and Belgium held their first bilateral political consultations in Brussels, including security cooperation talks. Public Safety & Health: Abinader’s push for sanitation comes as regional officials warn about Saharan dust potentially reaching the Dominican Republic and neighboring islands. Economy & Exports: The DR is on track to export nearly 10 million boxes of mangoes in 2026, with Expo Mango 2026 highlighting growth in producers and export infrastructure.

Governance & Oversight: President Luis Abinader is leaning on a “permanent presence” model, repeatedly touring all 31 provinces and the National District to personally supervise and speed up execution of public works. Public Safety & Justice: In Santo Domingo Este, DEAMVI police arrested “Chukito” (Jean Carlos Hernández Santos) on a judicial warrant tied to alleged gender-based violence and harassment of his ex-partner. Anti-Narcotics Operations: National Police carried out a targeted operation in Constanza (La Vega), seizing 341 alleged drug portions plus cash, cigarettes, phones, and a motorcycle, and arresting a suspect. International Consumer Enforcement: The Dominican Republic wrapped up its ICPEN presidency, handing leadership to Georgia and highlighting stronger cross-border consumer protection coordination. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Dominican Republic and Curaçao officials pushed to expand air links, with Curaçao positioning itself as a regional aviation hub. Legal/Technical Accountability: A court-released forensic report says long-term structural degradation and construction defects caused the 2025 Jet Set nightclub collapse.

Missing Persons Response: President Luis Abinader signed Law 25-26 creating “Alertas RD,” a national system that forces police and the Public Ministry to issue coordinated alerts within 24 hours, with Amber/Silver/Blue/Pink categories and a centralized registry to speed searches. Gender-Based Violence Enforcement: DEAMVI agents arrested “Chukito” (Jean Carlos Hernández Santos) in Santo Domingo Este on a judicial warrant tied to alleged threats, assaults and harassment against his ex-partner. Consumer Protection Leadership: The Dominican Republic wrapped up its ICPEN presidency, handing the network’s leadership to Georgia after highlighting cross-border and digital consumer enforcement gains. Aviation & Connectivity: Curaçao’s economic minister met Dominican aviation authorities and airlines to expand air links and position Curaçao as a Caribbean hub. Education & Literacy: MINERD held the third National Reading Festival, spotlighting early literacy progress and programs like “Con Base.” Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and push irrigation tech for more efficient, sustainable farming. Digital Crime Crackdown: Cyber Police (DICAT) arrested two suspects in separate electronic fraud and illicit transfer cases.

Prison Mental Health Overhaul: President Luis Abinader swore in a new Dominican committee for penitentiary mental health, aiming to expand care for inmates and staff, including new specialized beds, psychosocial centers, and mental-health prisons in Azua, La Vega, and San Pedro de Macorís. Cybercrime Crackdown: DICAT arrested two people in separate electronic fraud and illicit transfer cases, including a scheme tied to Instagram and Telegram. Education & Literacy Push: MINERD held the National Reading Festival, spotlighting early literacy progress nationwide with participation from top education officials and the First Lady. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and boost irrigation technology for more efficient, sustainable farming. Social Security Improvements: DIDA recognized 31 “good practices” from 15 entities to strengthen risk management and health services for social security affiliates. Sports & Community: Abasado announced its Women’s Superior Basketball Tournament 2026 for Aug. 12, with four clubs competing. Infrastructure & Climate Finance: The Senate approved US$600M for Punta Cana-Bávaro climate resilience and water/sanitation upgrades, while Edesur began importing six transformers from China for RD$469.8M. Baseball Stadium Plan: A government commission recommended an MLB-standard stadium in Santo Domingo’s Ensanche La Fe, with a 20,000–21,000 capacity and a public-private financing model. U.S. Forced-Labor Tariff Threat: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed Section 301 duties tied to forced-labor enforcement failures, listing the Dominican Republic among the 60 economies under review. Local Procurement Questions: A housing ministry tender to rebuild a short Mirador Norte Park perimeter fence segment drew transparency concerns over a high per-meter cost.

Forced Labor Tariffs: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed Section 301 duties of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, naming the Dominican Republic among the countries accused of failing to effectively enforce bans on goods made with forced labor; the plan is set for a July 7 hearing and includes a lower rate for countries with stronger commitments. Credential Oversight: The Dominican Republic tightened rules for certifying foreign medical degrees, especially for specialties and programs completed via virtual or hybrid learning, aiming to protect patient safety and standardize equivalency checks. Energy Infrastructure: Edesur Dominicana began importing six new transformers from China in a RD$469.8 million investment to modernize the grid and improve reliability. Climate & Water Funding: The Senate approved US$600 million in financing for climate resilience and Punta Cana water and sanitation upgrades, including a US$400 million INAPA/IDB package for wastewater reuse. Public Procurement Scrutiny: A Santo Domingo Norte fence tender drew criticism after MIVHED budgeted RD$47.25 million for just 101.7 meters—about RD$464,605 per meter—raising transparency questions. Tourism & Environment: The Ministry of Tourism delivered heavy equipment to Boca Chica to fight sargassum, including trucks and beach sweepers, with officials saying support was distributed across political lines. Regional Diplomacy: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons told the Dominican Congress the two countries share democratic values and pledged deeper cooperation, including parliamentary exchange.

U.S.-Dominican Trade Pressure: The Trump administration’s Section 301 forced-labor probe is set to hit the Dominican Republic with proposed additional tariffs (12.5% on most products), after the USTR said 60 economies failed to effectively enforce bans on goods made with forced labor. Labor Rights Update: The Dominican Ministry of Labor welcomed the country’s Category 2 placement in the 2026 Global Labor Rights Index, saying it reflects progress on collective labor protections and social dialogue. Healthcare Access: The government approved changes to prescription rules under the Social Security System, letting certain outpatient prescriptions stay valid for coverage even when doctors aren’t in a patient’s ARS network, while tightening documentation and pushing electronic prescriptions. Infrastructure & Tourism: President Abinader inaugurated a new 13.5-kilometer highway in Barahona to improve access to services in the southwest, while APORDOM reported cruise growth from 1.2M (2022) to 2.7M (2025) and expects 32 ship arrivals in June. Free Zone Expansion: DP World and the government committed an extra US$100M to expand logistics and warehousing at Caucedo Free Trade Zone, boosting port-free zone integration. Regional Diplomacy: Abinader and Suriname’s president elevated ties into a strategic economic alliance and announced visa-free tourism entry for Dominican ordinary passport holders who already have U.S. or Schengen visas.

Labor Rights Update: The Dominican Republic was placed in Category 2 of the 2026 Global Labor Rights Index, ranking among the top three in the Americas for collective labor protections, with the Ministry of Labor citing progress in labor institutions and social dialogue. Healthcare Access: The government approved changes to outpatient prescription rules under Decree 286-26, aiming to keep prescriptions valid for coverage even when doctors are outside a patient’s ARS network, while tightening prescription documentation and pushing electronic prescriptions. Infrastructure & Tourism: President Abinader inaugurated the Enriquillo–El Higüero highway in Barahona to improve access and cut travel times in the southwest. Trade & Logistics: DP World and the government announced an extra US$100M for Caucedo Free Trade Zone logistics and warehousing, building on a US$760M deal to boost port-free zone integration. Regional Diplomacy: Abinader and Suriname’s president signed agreements and a joint declaration, including visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans with valid U.S. or Schengen visas. Disaster Preparedness: Civil Defense said it has 2,742 shelters and a 15,000-strong volunteer force for the 2026 hurricane season, urging use of the AlertaDO app.

Boca Chica Transformation: President Luis Abinader announced a major state-led overhaul for Boca Chica, backed by over RD$20 billion in public-private investment, aiming to turn the coastal municipality into a logistics and tourism hub with infrastructure upgrades focused on residents. Caucedo Logistics Push: DP World and the Dominican government confirmed an additional US$100 million to expand logistics and warehousing at the DP World Free Trade Zone in Caucedo, building on a prior US$760 million commitment to boost port-linked capacity. Hispaniola Air Connectivity: The DR and Trinidad and Tobago signed a new air services agreement to expand overflight and landing rights and support more commercial and tourism routes. Suriname Partnership: President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons visited Santo Domingo for talks with Abinader, with agreements spanning tourism, agriculture, trade, education, and air connectivity, including visa-free entry for Dominican tourists with valid U.S. or Schengen visas. Hurricane Season Readiness: Civil Defense said it has 2,742 shelters nationwide and a volunteer force of 15,000 ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, urging use of the AlertaDO app. EU Political Dialogue: The DR and EU held their Fifth Political Dialogue in Brussels, focusing on security cooperation, Haiti, and expanding trade and investment ties.

Logistics & Trade: DP World and the Dominican government confirmed an extra $100 million for Caucedo FTZ warehousing and port-linked logistics, building on a prior $760 million deal to boost capacity and jobs. Diplomacy: President Luis Abinader welcomed Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons at the National Palace for talks, agreements, and a joint agenda that includes Congress meetings. U.S.-DR Security Links: A senior U.S. Deputy Secretary of State visited Haiti and the Dominican Republic to coordinate on regional security and expand commercial ties. Economy & Governance: The Central Bank kept its policy rate at 5.25%, citing inflation pressure from higher oil prices while expectations stay anchored. Public Safety & Oversight: A major EBT/SNAP and charity fraud probe alleges food bought with U.S. benefits is shipped to the Dominican Republic for resale. National Memory: Abinader marked National Freedom Day with remarks calling Trujillo’s rule “state terrorism.” Weather: Hurricane season begins June 1, with forecasts leaning slightly below average.

U.S.-DR Security Talks: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is set to meet Dominican officials after a stop in Haiti, with discussions centered on security, stability, and economic ties as gangs continue to pressure Haiti’s Artibonite region. Anti-Corruption Court Moves: The Public Ministry won a major step in Operation Calamar, pushing 35 of 40 accused—including former Finance Minister Donald Guerrero Ortiz and lawyer Ángel Lockward—toward trial, while prosecutors plan appeals over non-suit rulings for key defendants. Drug-Fighting Personnel Boost: President Abinader ordered promotions for 634 DNCD career agents under Decree 301-23, formalizing a civilian career structure inside the anti-narcotics directorate. Violence Against Women Push: Community leader Margnaury Espinal urged residents to report domestic violence, delivering Mother’s Day gifts while stressing that “violence is not negotiable.” National Freedom Day: Abinader marked May 30, calling Trujillo’s dictatorship “state terrorism” and reaffirming the country’s democratic resistance. Central Bank Rate Held: The BCRD kept its reference interest rate at 5.25%, citing a supply shock from higher oil prices and anchored medium-term inflation expectations. Traffic Funding Scrutiny: A new review says the government has borrowed at least $2B over seven years to tackle daily traffic, tied to road-safety and transport reforms under Law 63-17. Public Safety & Mobility: Importers and motoconchistas are pushing back against proposals to limit motorcycle imports, arguing it would worsen employment and won’t fix rider behavior.

National Security & U.S.-DR Talks: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is in Santo Domingo for a two-day visit after meeting Haiti’s PM, with discussions focused on security, stability, and economic cooperation. Anti-Corruption Court Moves: In the Operation Calamar case, a National District judge ordered the opening of trial on the merits for former Finance Minister Donald Guerrero and others, while critics say rulings still risk reinforcing impunity. Drug-Fighting Institutional Step: President Abinader promoted 634 DNCD agents under Decree 301-23, formalizing a civilian career structure inside the anti-trafficking agency. Freedom Day & Historical Memory: On National Freedom Day, Abinader marked the May 30, 1961 end of Trujillo’s dictatorship, calling it “state terrorism” and honoring resistance figures. Central Bank & Inflation Watch: The Dominican central bank kept its reference rate at 5.25% amid supply-shock pressures from higher oil prices, saying medium-term inflation expectations remain anchored. Traffic & Motorcycle Debate: Importers and rider groups pushed back against proposals to limit motorcycle imports, arguing enforcement and rider regulation—not reduced supply—should be the focus. Public Safety & Crime: INTERPOL-backed Operation ORCA XI seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across the region, with thousands of arrests. Local Governance/Infrastructure: A review of recent government loans says the state has borrowed at least $2 billion over seven years to tackle daily traffic problems, tying funding to mobility and road-safety reforms. Weather: Hot, hazy conditions with Saharan dust are expected, with limited showers and health warnings for dust-sensitive residents.

Calamar Case: A Santo Domingo judge ordered the opening of trial on the merits for former Finance Minister Donald Guerrero and lawyer Ángel Lockward, plus 33 others, in an alleged RD$19B administrative corruption scheme, with prosecutors also signaling they’ll appeal non-suit rulings. DNCD Career Boost: President Abinader promoted 634 DNCD agents under Decree 301-23, formalizing a civilian career structure for the first time. U.S.-DR Security Talks: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met Dominican officials on security and economic priorities after a Haiti stop, as Washington expands cooperation against regional organized crime. INTERPOL Firearms/Drugs Sweep: An INTERPOL-led operation across the Americas seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs, with arrests and seizures reported regionwide. Motorcycle Import Fight: Importers and rider federations pushed back against proposals to limit motorcycle imports, arguing bans won’t fix road safety and would hurt jobs. Poverty Update: Dominican monetary poverty fell to 15.4% in Q1 2026, down 2.6 points year-on-year, tied to growth and higher labor income. National Freedom Day: The country marked May 30, honoring resistance to Trujillo’s dictatorship under Decree 335-21.

Judicial Accountability: A Dominican judge ordered trial on the merits for former Finance Minister Donald Guerrero in the Calamar case, moving the alleged administrative corruption network into an oral, public stage. Public Safety & Crime Fighting: The Dominican National Police and the U.S. Embassy’s INL opened a liaison office at police headquarters to boost coordination against transnational organized crime and support police modernization. Economy & Poverty: Dominican monetary poverty fell to 15.4% in Q1 2026, down 2.6 points year-on-year, with gains tied to economic growth and higher labor income. Security at the Border: U.S. Coast Guard and partners in Puerto Rico apprehended eight stowaways, including Dominican nationals, during a harbor boarding operation. Aviation & Regional Ties: Haiti and the Dominican Republic will resume commercial passenger and cargo flights on May 30 after a two-year-plus suspension. Tourism & Sustainability: Iberostar and UNDP launched an alliance to build a more resilient, lower-emissions tourism supply chain in the Dominican Republic. Culture & Education: The Macarrulla Foundation and the Museum of Resistance honored winners of the “Essay Contest for Freedom” for National Freedom Day. Energy & Industry: The Dominican Republic consumes about 150–160k barrels of fuel daily, with most arriving refined and no near-term supply risk reported.

Poverty Watch: The Dominican Republic’s monetary poverty rate dropped to 15.4% in the first quarter of 2026, down 2.6 points from 18.1% a year earlier, with gains tied to economic growth and higher labor income plus minimum-wage increases; the report still flags a wide urban-rural gap (18.8% rural vs 14.8% urban). Public Security: The National Police and the U.S. Embassy’s INL opened a new liaison office at police headquarters to boost cooperation against transnational organized crime and support police modernization. Judicial Pay: The Judicial Council agreed with the Ministry of Finance on salary indexation for judges and staff—+30% for most positions (20% in 2026, 10% in 2027). Digital Government: President Abinader unveiled the first fully digital Minor’s Exit Permit, cutting paperwork and enabling online authorization with biometric and digital-signature verification. Haiti Border Connectivity: Haiti and the Dominican Republic will resume flights May 30 after a two-year-plus suspension tied to Haiti’s security crisis. Aviation Infrastructure: Major upgrades at San Isidro Air Base include a new control tower and runway lighting modernization, positioning it as an emergency alternative runway. Energy & Local Budgets: Fedomu says municipalities face mounting pressure as electricity distributors allegedly fail to transfer the 3% municipal compensation fee ordered by the Constitutional Court since 2013.