AGP Executive Report

Dominican Diaspora: NYPD body-camera footage shows officers rushing Dominican man Oscar Belgal to hospital after an ICE agent shot him in the neck in the Bronx. His five-year-old son was in the car. DHS says agents did not know the child was there and alleges Belgal drove at officers; federal agencies are investigating as protests continue. Anti-Trafficking Efforts: The Dominican Republic advanced to Tier 2 in the U.S. trafficking report, which cited more investigations and labor inspections, along with proposed legal reforms. Security & Haiti: The Defense Ministry is investigating how Dominican .50-caliber ammunition reached Haiti and says its origin and route remain unknown. Regional Diplomacy: President Luis Abinader urged stronger cooperation at the ECLAC summit and outlined goals for Meta RD 2036. The government also plans to withdraw its embassy from Nicaragua, citing restrictions on freedoms. Domestic Policy: A new law regulates gambling and names Quico Tabar to lead the new gaming authority.

Regional Diplomacy: President Luis Abinader opened ECLAC’s 41st session in Santiago de los Caballeros, calling for regional cooperation and outlining Meta RD 2036 goals. Venezuela’s foreign minister also met Dominican officials to advance a gradual restoration of ties. Public Opinion: A Markestrategia poll found 57.3% consider Abinader a good president, while 52.4% approve of his administration; 51% say the country is on the right track. Energy and Trade: The government plans to tender more than 2,500 megawatts of power and battery-storage projects by 2028. It also reversed rice-import tariff protections after U.S. pressure, while promising steps to protect local producers. Migration Oversight: The Foreign Ministry says it has flagged 20 cases of Dominicans allegedly recruited irregularly to fight in Ukraine. Dominican Diaspora: ICE shot and wounded a 28-year-old Dominican man during an arrest operation in New York. A five-year-old in his car was unharmed. DHS alleges criminal and gang ties but has not explained what prompted the shooting; local officials condemned the incident as protests formed.

Foreign Affairs: The Dominican Republic has sent Russia dossiers on 20 citizens whose families say they were lured by civilian job offers and drawn into military roles linked to the Ukraine war. Regional Leadership: President Luis Abinader opened the ECLAC summit in Santiago, calling for closer regional cooperation and outlining Meta RD 2036, which aims to double the economy by 2036; the Dominican Republic takes the commission’s presidency through 2028. Energy Policy: The government plans tenders by 2028 for more than 2,500 megawatts of renewable power, battery storage and firm generation. Haiti Relations: Santo Domingo narrowed its ban on Haiti’s soccer team: Haiti can play in the country as a visitor, but cannot host matches at Dominican facilities. The dispute has renewed debate over sovereignty and migration, with the Duartian Institute urging parties to publish their proposals on irregular migration. Migration Oversight: Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the death of a young man during a migration operation in Verón.

Haiti Dispute: The Dominican Republic narrowed its ban on Haiti’s soccer team: Haiti can play in the country as a visitor, but cannot use Dominican facilities for home matches. The controversy has fueled calls for sanctions and renewed debate over migration policy, with the Duartian Institute urging parties to spell out their proposals. Migration Oversight: Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the death of a young man during a migration operation in Verón, Punta Cana, on Oct. 3. Regional Leadership: The Dominican Republic has begun a two-year presidency of ECLAC, with President Luis Abinader opening the commission’s regional session in Santiago. Rice Policy: The government says easing rice-tariff rules does not mean abandoning local producers, pointing instead to mechanization and other support as it balances trade commitments with food security.

Regional Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic joined nine countries, including the United States, in condemning alleged Iranian-backed activity across the Americas and pledging to protect regional security. ECLAC Leadership: President Luis Abinader is opening the commission’s 41st session in Santiago, as the country begins a two-year term leading the regional body and promoting cooperation on economic and policy challenges. Rice Policy: After repealing the decree governing rice tariffs, the government says it will continue backing local producers through mechanization, financing and technical support. The change comes as Santo Domingo negotiates trade terms with Washington. Mining Oversight: UASD’s environmental commission urged the government to clarify the status of GoldQuest’s Romero project after the company described its pause as temporary and outlined plans to advance development. Infrastructure: Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella outlined planned Duarte Highway overpasses and other Greater Santo Domingo projects, with completion targeted before the current presidential term ends in 2028.

Haiti–DR Diplomatic Fallout: A Haiti win in Santo Domingo over the weekend turned into a sovereignty flashpoint after Wilson Isidor’s “Hispaniola is Haiti” remark sparked a diplomatic and political firestorm now moving through FIFA/CONCACAF and Dominican political circles. Immigration & Public Safety: In the U.S., DHS says two Dominican suspects in the Bronx stabbing of an off-duty NYPD detective were released after entering illegally under the Biden administration, reigniting debate over sanctuary policies. Maritime Rescue: Coast Guard and Dominican Navy crews rescued 61 migrants from a sinking vessel off the DR, warning that dangerous smuggling routes are increasing. Rice Trade Shock: The DR repealed key rice import tariff measures tied to U.S. negotiations, while officials say compensatory support will protect local producers. Gambling Regulation: Abinader enacted a new gambling law and provisionally named Teófilo “Quico” Tabar to lead the new DGJA regulator. Regional Security: The Dominican Republic joined a Western Hemisphere joint statement condemning Iranian “terrorist actions” and proxy operations. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister David Collado reported 533,735 air arrivals in September, with Puerto Plata highlighting recovery momentum. ECLAC in Santiago: Abinader will inaugurate ECLAC’s 41st session, focusing on regional transformations and priorities through Oct. 9.

Iran-Proxy Condemnation: The US and nine other Western Hemisphere governments—including the Dominican Republic—issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s “terrorist actions” and malign influence operations, pledging tighter coordination to counter alleged plots and proxy activity. Gambling Regulation: President Luis Abinader enacted a new gambling law and provisionally appointed Teófilo “Quico” Tabar Manzur to lead the newly created General Directorate of Gambling (DGJA), setting up the sector’s regulatory framework. Housing & Urban Risk: Abinader said the housing deficit fell from 806,778 units (2019) to 696,598 (2025), while CAASD and the government highlighted ravine and gully cleanups plus relocations to reduce vulnerability. Housing Deficit & Social Initiatives: The administration also outlined social programs aimed at shrinking the housing gap. ECLAC in Santiago: Abinader will inaugurate the 41st ECLAC session in Santiago, with discussions focused on regional economic, social, and environmental transformations. Sports-Tension With Haiti: Dominican authorities moved to bar Haiti from using sports facilities after stadium clashes tied to the Nations League matchup, escalating a broader diplomatic and public backlash. Trade Flip on Rice: The DR reversed US rice tariffs via Decree 635-26, defusing a DR-CAFTA dispute after a Trump request. Aviation Fuel Adjustment: Airlines welcomed Abinader’s regulated temperature adjustment for aviation fuel, saying it improves competitiveness and pricing fairness. Culture & Books: The Santo Domingo Book Fair closed with 714,322 visitors and over RD$97 million in sales, with plans to extend the 2027 edition to two weeks. Water & Environment: The government showcased major urban water and ravine interventions, including the Gurabo River cleanup as a benchmark project. Maternal Health Push: PAHO and MSD for Mothers launched a two-year initiative with the DR to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve adolescent maternal care.

Regional Security Coalition: The U.S., Canada and nine Latin American and Caribbean governments—including the Dominican Republic—signed a joint declaration accusing Iran and proxies of terrorist and malign operations in the Western Hemisphere, pledging tighter coordination to counter them. Hispaniola Tensions in Sports: After Haiti’s 4-1 win over the Dominican Republic, Dominican Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz announced a total ban on Haiti’s national team using Dominican sports facilities, citing crowd gate breaches and indiscipline; Haiti’s federation and embassy pushed back, saying the issue must not damage neighborly relations. Diplomatic Pushback on War Claims: Russia’s ambassador in Santo Domingo said the embassy has not received formal, documented requests about Dominicans allegedly sent to fight in Ukraine, asking families for full identifying details before any review. Maternal Health Program: The Dominican Republic joined a PAHO-and-MSD for Mothers initiative to cut preventable maternal deaths and improve adolescent pregnancy care, including training and postpartum family planning. Tourism & Urban Projects: Puerto Plata kicked off modernization of the historic cable car with higher-capacity double-cable trams, while the Colonial City received housing and facade upgrades under Promevi and related programs. Climate & Planning: Experts urged integrating territorial planning, risk management and early-warning tools to improve resilience to climate displacement and environmental threats. Culture & Economy: The Santo Domingo Book Fair closed with 714,322 visitors and over RD$97 million in sales, with plans to extend next year’s edition to two weeks.

Book Fair Results: Santo Domingo’s 28th International Book Fair (FILSD 2026) wrapped up with 714,322 visitors and over RD$97 million in preliminary sales, with organizers already setting the 2027 dates for Sept. 12–26. Climate & Planning: Max Puig says disaster-risk management and climate adaptation must be built into territorial planning, using local access to meteorological and satellite data plus early-warning tools. Haiti–DR Sports Fallout: Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz confirmed a total ban on Haiti’s national soccer team using Dominican sports facilities after crowd trouble at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium; President Abinader backed the move. Colonial City Housing: Tourism Minister David Collado delivered the first batch of renovated homes in the Colonial City under Promevi, alongside facade and paint upgrades funded with IDB/EU support. Economy Watch: The Central Bank reports Dominican growth of 4.5% through August, led by construction, services, and free-zone manufacturing. Regional Spotlight: Santiago will host ECLAC’s 41st session starting Oct. 7, with Abinader set to open the meeting.

Haiti–DR Sports Tensions: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national football team from using DR sports venues after crowd trouble around the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium, with Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz citing gate disruptions and President Luis Abinader backing the move; Haiti’s embassy pushed back, saying the remarks and escalation don’t reflect its government. Colonial City Housing Push: Tourism Minister David Collado delivered the first batch of renovated homes under the Colonial City Housing Improvement Program and inaugurated facade and paint upgrades, funded through PIDTUCCSD with IDB and EU support. Police Surrender Drive: Four wanted individuals, including two teenagers accused of assaulting a soldier, turned themselves in as President Abinader renewed calls for fugitives to surrender; authorities say the total handovers since the appeal rose to 29 over the weekend. Crime & Justice: Three people were sentenced in a multi-state bank fraud scheme using stolen identities, counterfeit documents, and “washed” checks, with restitution ordered. Economy Watch: The Central Bank reported Dominican economic growth of 4.5% in Jan–Aug, led by construction, services, and transport. Public Integrity & Accountability: The Catholic Church urged authorities to prevent police-related killings, calling for education and prevention rather than lethal force.

Haiti–DR Football Fallout: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from using DR sports facilities after crowd violence around the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium, with President Luis Abinader backing Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz and Haiti’s embassy saying the “Hispaniola is Haiti” remark by striker Wilson Isidor was made in the heat of competition. Public Safety Push: Abinader urged about 70 high-risk wanted fugitives to surrender, after police reported 53,877 outstanding arrest warrants and noted some suspects have multiple records. Regional Culture & Media: Panama and the Dominican Republic signed a bilateral film and audiovisual co-production agreement during Panama’s guest-of-honor participation at the Santo Domingo International Book Fair. Digital Governance: UN ODET highlighted safeguards, governance, and sustainable financing for digital public infrastructure at a Santo Domingo forum, including verifiable credentials and inclusion. Economy Watch: The DR economy grew 4.5% through August, led by construction, services, and free-zone manufacturing. Aviation & Connectivity: The DR’s push for aviation hub status and expanded air connectivity continues as regional partners sign air services deals.

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.