DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Luis Abinader / CDN

In a move said intended to strengthen regional security cooperation, the Dominican government has granted a temporary extension allowing the United States military to access, park, and overfly Dominican territory. These operations are centered at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) and the San Isidro Air Base, situated in the province of Santo Domingo, under the framework of the “Shield of the Americas” (Escudo de las Américas) agreement.

The legal and diplomatic implications of the move have drawn scrutiny from observers. For several experts in international law, this extension does not violate national sovereignty, as it represents a standard extension of an existing bilateral agreement between sovereign states.

Regional security and strategic cooperationThis cooperation is part of a...

Residents of the Pedro García municipal district, situated on the slopes of the Cordillera Septentrional, took to the streets on 11 May 2026 to voice a firm rejection of potential mining exploitation in the region.

The demonstration, characterized by a cross-generational turnout of children, youth, and the elderly, moved through the streets of the community located along the highway connecting Santiago and Puerto Plata. Protesters carried banners with slogans such as “The mountain range is not for sale” and “Water is worth more than gold,” emphasizing the vital importance of the area’s river systems and natural landscapes to their local identity and economy.

Broad community supportThe march saw unified backing from several key local organizations and leaders, including:• The Association for the Development of Pedro García• Local religious institutions...

Environmental Experts Luis Carvajal and José Manuel Mateo / Ser Humano

In an interview with Maria Elena Nuñez for her Ser Humano podcast, environmental experts Luis Carvajal, of the Environmental Commission of the state university UASD and Jose Mateo, of the environmental committee of the Academy of Sciences, gave insights to help understand the overall picture of the proposed mining projects in the mountain areas of San Juan de la Maguana.

The interview followed President Luis Abinader’s decision to order that one of the permission-seeking mining companies in the area, Goldquest, suspend activities related to the Romero project, a move praised by the experts as a response to the true interests of the people. The environmentalists say that not a single political party has given its opinion on the mining district developments, explaining that over the years, they have been...

A Gallup-Diario Libre in-person survey of 1,200 possible voters (conducted between 28 April and 1 May 2026) published on Monday, 12 May 2026 in the printed edition of the newspaper, reveals that no single political party in the Dominican Republic currently holds enough support to secure a first-round victory for the 2028 general elections. The poll has a 2.8% margin of error and shows a significant number of independent voters who could decide the next presidential election.

The findings depict a fragmented political landscape where the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) leads with 30.4% of party sympathy, while the People’s Force (FP) and the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) are effectively tied at 19.6% and 19.5%, respectively. In the Dominican Republic, 50% + 1 is needed to win an election in the first round.

The Gallup poll revealed that...

The Zenith Sun is a weather phenomenon known as Instant Without Shadows. In Spanish it is referred to as “Sol Cenital.” Its presence marks the beginning of the most rigorous heat period for the country. Residents should anticipate a week of suppressive heat, high humidity, and extreme solar radiation. It is a period when the “thermal stress” on the body is at its peak, requiring proactive measures to stay cool and hydrated.

As explained by weather expert Jean Suriel on his Instagram account, the phenomenon occurs because the Dominican Republic is located within the tropics (between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer). Twice a year, as the Earth’s axial tilt causes the sun’s direct rays to migrate northward toward the Summer Solstice, the sun passes directly overhead at a 90-degree angle.

When the sun reaches the “Zenith”—the highest point in the sky— its rays strike the...

The first edition of the International Performing Arts Festival (FESTAE 2026) is set to officially launch this Friday, 15 May 2026, transforming Santo Domingo into the cultural epicenter of the Caribbean. The event will integrate theater, music, dance, and academic workshops, aiming to bridge the gap between local talent and the global stage.

Produced and directed by the award-winning actor and producer Fausto Rojas, FESTAE 2026 will bring together artistic proposals from Argentina, France, Colombia, and Equatorial Guinea, alongside premier Dominican productions. Rojas, who previously served as the director of the National Theater Company, emphasized during a press conference that this project serves as a vital platform for the growth of the Dominican Republic’s creative industry and its positioning within the international performing arts circuit.

Over five days...

The “Destination City” of Cap Cana in eastern Punta Cana is preparing to host the third annual Ironman 70.3 Cap Cana from 16 to 18 May 2026. This year’s edition is on track to become the largest to date, further cementing the Dominican Republic’s status as a premier hub for sports tourism in the Caribbean and the Punta Cana area as a leading sports destination for international events.

According to event organizers, the competition will bring together more than 1,000 athletes representing approximately 60 countries. This steady growth in international registration follows the successful foundations laid during the 2024 and 2025 editions.

Economic and tourism impactBeyond the physical grit of the athletes, the event serves as a significant economic engine for the eastern region. Organizers project a total attendance exceeding 11,000 people, a...

President Luis Abinader is scheduled to travel to Panama on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, to deliver the keynote address at the 12th Annual World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) AICE World Congress. The high-level event, running from Tuesday, 12 May to Wednesday, 13 May 2026, serves as the premier global platform for free trade zone authorities and logistics experts. The previous conference took place in China.

The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) is the host of this international gathering. The event gathers high-level officials, policymakers, free zone leaders, investors, and industry experts from around the world to exchange perspectives, share experiences, and shape the future of free zones and special economic regimes.

President Abinader’s agenda is focused on aggressive investment attraction, specifically targeting specialized free zone sectors. He is slated to meet with...

President Luis Abinader attended the official inauguration of PriceSmart’s newest warehouse club in La Romana on Monday, 11 May 2026. This opening marks a significant US$21.1 million investment in the eastern region, designed to serve as a strategic retail hub for the booming urban centers of Punta Cana, Bavaro, Higüey, Bayahibe-Dominicus, and San Pedro de Macoris (Juan Dolio). The chain has been operating since 1999 when it first opened in Santo Domingo.

The La Romana branch is the sixth PriceSmart location in the Dominican Republic and the 57th for the San Diego-based company across Central America, the Caribbean and Colombia.

Strategic location for the EastEduardo Franceschi, PriceSmart’s senior VP of regional operations, noted that La Romana was selected as the “economic heart” of the East. The location on the La Romana-Higüey Highway (La Luisa sector) allows the club...

The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reports that the national economy expanded by 4.1% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This growth was significantly bolstered by the free zone manufacturing sector, which posted a notable 7.8% increase in March alone.

According to official data, overall economic activity grew by 5.1% year-on-year in March, driven by the real value-added performance of several productive sectors. Free zone manufacturing emerged as a primary catalyst for this momentum, hitting a historic monthly export ceiling of US$841.2 million, an 8% year-on-year rise for the month.

Service exports and employmentJohannes Kelner, executive director of the National Council of Free Zones (CNZFE), emphasized that the sector’s impact extends beyond traditional manufacturing. Kelner noted that service-exporting firms within the...

Nelson Arroyo / DGA

The director general of the Customs Agency (DGA), Nelson Arroyo, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening Dominican exports through streamlined processes and enhanced logistics, aiming to solidify the country’s position as a strategic regional trade hub.

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Dominican Association of Exporters (Adoexpo), Arroyo emphasized that the DGA has evolved from a traditional gatekeeper into a strategic ally for the private sector.

During his presentation, Arroyo revealed that total Dominican exports have doubled over the past decade, reaching a milestone of US$14 billion in 2025. This figure represents over 30% of the nation’s total foreign exchange earnings, making the sector the primary driver of hard currency for the economy. He highlighted how more than 500 new exporters have entered the market.

Global competitiveness and...

The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reports that remittance inflows reached a cumulative total of US$4.08 billion between January and April 2026, marking a 4.1% increase compared to the same period last year. For the month of April alone, the country received US$1.06 billion, which represents an increase of US$105.7 million over April 2025. This reflects a year-on-year growth of 11.1% for the month, a significant acceleration from the 3.5% growth observed in March 2026.

The Central Bank emphasizes that this growth occurred despite a complex international environment. Persistent conflicts in the Middle East have driven up prices for oil and its derivatives, fueling inflationary pressures and reducing household disposable income abroad.

US labor market and diaspora contributionsThe bank attributes this rebound largely to the Dominican diaspora in the United States...

The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reported that, according to preliminary figures, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reached around US$1.54 billion at the close of the first quarter of 2026. This represents an increase of US$92.2 million, or 6.4%, compared to the same period in 2025. The robust performance underscores the nation’s continued appeal to international stakeholders despite a complex global backdrop.

The institution highlighted that around US$1.05 billion, representing more than two-thirds of the total inflows, consisted of new capital contributions. These figures suggest a high level of investor confidence in the long-term prospects of the Dominican economy.

Resilience amid global volatilityThese flows reflect the resilience of the Dominican Republic in attracting FDI, notwithstanding geopolitical tensions and fragmentation trends noted...

The Passports Agency (DGP) announced on Monday, 11 May 2026, that Dominican citizens are now permitted to renew their travel documents regardless of the remaining validity on their current booklets. This decision is part of the ongoing implementation of the new Dominican electronic passport and marks a significant shift in institutional policy to accelerate the adoption of biometric technology.

The measure eliminates the previous restriction that only allowed renewals for passports with two years or less of remaining validity. Historically, the DGP had maintained strict renewal windows to manage booklet inventory and operational flow, but the transition to the electronic format has prompted a more flexible approach to encourage citizens to upgrade their documents.

According to a press release from the institution, this early renewal option will be available nationwide.

The new...

Agricultural producers in the Constanza Valley are reporting a severe economic crisis characterized by skyrocketing production costs and a collapse in market prices. Local farmers warn that heavy rains, soil saturation and a lack of direct government support has pushed the region’s agricultural sector to the brink of disappearance.

Another grievance among producers is the distribution of state aid. Farmers allege that government subsidies intended to alleviate the burden of high costs are benefiting the sellers of farm inputs but are failing to reach the actual farmers.

Manuel Ortiz, a local producer, stated that while production costs for staples such as potatoes, carrots, garlic, celery, and cabbage have soared, the financial relief has been misdirected. “The government gave subsidies to the owners of agrochemical companies, not to us,” Ortiz claimed. “We are the ones...

Rafael Pérez / Hoy

Deputy Rafael “Rafelin” Pérez has voiced his total rejection of rare earth element (REE) mining in Pedernales. The lawmaker from the People’s Force (FP) party warned that such operations would devastate the municipality’s sole water supply and dismantle the agricultural economy of the José Francisco Peña Gómez municipal district.

The crux of the opposition lies in the geographical location of the deposits. According to Pérez, the mining sites are situated where the El Mulito River originates. As the only source of clean, fresh water for the local population, the river’s contamination or depletion would represent a critical setback for the province’s sustainability.

“The exploitation of rare earths would be a major reversal for the tourism development and sustainability of our province. Without water, there is no development,” Perez argues.

Economic...

The Dominican Republic’s senior women’s volleyball team, widely known as the “Reinas del Caribe,” will launch their 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) campaign on 3 June 2026 against world number three, Turkey in round one in Brasilia. The opening match for the world’s 11th-ranked Dominican squad is scheduled for 12pm as part of Group 2 action.

The schedule was officially confirmed via a press release from Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, president of the Female National Volleyball Team Program, and Milagros Cabral, the program’s general director.

Opening week schedule in BrazilFollowing their debut against Turkey, the Dominicans face a challenging slate in the first week of competition:• 4 June 2026: The team faces world number two and host nation Brazil at 8pm.• 5 June 2026: A matchup against 25th-ranked Bulgaria at 3:30pm.• 6 June 2026: A scheduled rest day for the Dominican squad.• 7...

The Mercado Modelo has been improved as part of the Integral Program for Tourism and Urban Development of the Colonial City, with RD$45 million invested from Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funding.

The Mercado Modelo is a historic landmark in Santo Domingo, functioning both as a practical supply center for locals and a premier destination for travelers. While it is technically located on the northern edge of the Ciudad Colonial (Colonial City) on Mella Avenue, it is considered an essential extension of the colonial tourist circuit.

Renovations are ongoing, yet the market has never closed to visits. The market is open from 9am and generally closes at 6pm from Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the market is open from 7am to 12 noon.

Built during the Trujillo era and designed by Henry Gazón Bona, its Art Deco-influenced architecture provides a sharp contrast...

Local and foreign tourists are rediscovering Santo Domingo’s Malecon, the 14-km Caribbean Sea-bordering road, with sports events and even weddings now taking place. The capital city government has been renovating sections of the Malecon, making it more attractive to visitors.

Coming up is the 5K Night Run on 23 May 2026. Scheduled to begin at 7:30pm, the event invites runners to navigate a course along the Caribbean Sea, taking advantage of the improved lighting and wide pedestrian paths that characterize the new Malecón Deportivo section. Registration for the event is currently open with a starting cost of RD$1,695.00, marking it as a key fixture in the city’s growing sports tourism calendar.

Beyond its athletic utility, the aesthetic transformation of the Malecón is attracting high-profile social events, N Digital reports. Recently, the area served as the unconventional yet...

Nagua in Color 2026 is a 5K “fun run” scheduled for Sunday, 24 May 2026. Organized by Machuca Entertainment and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Nagua (ASHORENA), the event moves away from traditional competition to focus on a sensory, nature-filled experience with color stations, music, and group energy.

The event is centered at Hotel Villas del Lago (also referred to in listings as Hotel Boutique del Lago) in Nagua, Maria Trinidad Sanchez province.

The 5-kilometer circuit is designed to be immersive within the grounds of the lodging. The natural trails and dirt paths and green areas with lake views along uneven terrain enable runners to connect with the environment.

The packageThe event is promoted as an “active getaway,” and organizers are offering an Official Tour (starting at approximately RD$12,325, around US$200 per person) that includes visits to area...

The dates for Expo Mango 2026, the premier agricultural festival celebrating the Dominican Republic’s “king of fruits,” are 3 to 7 June 2026. This year marks the 26th edition of the fair, which has grown into a vital economic engine and cultural landmark for the southern region. It also marks the start of the high season of fresh mangos and is a time to program a visit to the southcentral province. There is lodging in both Peravia and Azua provinces. And Bani city is just an hour’s drive west from the capital city.

New this year is the 10K run as part of the Expo Mango program. The run starts at the Feria del Mango on Av. Fabio Herrera, near the Residencial Don Marcelo. Registration cost is RD$1,200 per person. All finishers will enjoy a buffet of Bani mangos! The race starts on Sunday, 7 June 2026 at 6am.

This year the fair is not centered in the city’s central park. It has...

A “serious conflict of interest” has made the news after Nuria Piera revealed that a man listed as president of Goldquest has served as a fixed advisor to the Minister of Mines and has been on the Ministry of Energy and Mines payroll for years. Julio Ernesto Espaillat Lamarche simultaneously held roles in the private mining sector and the Dominican government, according to investigations carried out by Nuria Piera Investiga and released on 9 May 2026 in the Channel 9 program.

Espaillat Lamarche appears as a former president of GoldQuest, the mining company that proposes subterranean mining in an area banned by Dominican law. Piera says he continues in the company’s corporate registries.

Legal implicationsThe Nuria Piera report cites Law 41-08 on Public Function, which prohibits public servants from intervening in the procurement of concessions or benefits that imply...

On 2 May 2026, President Luis Abinader said “no” to GoldQuest that seeks to exploit vast gold deposits in San Juan de la Maguana. But there is doubt whether this is a temporary “no” or a permanent “no” to gold mining in the Tireo Formation area in the Central Mountain Range.

Past Presidents Leonel Fernandez and Danilo Medina did not authorize the exploitation for the same implications of threats to water sources and impact on the environment and food security. But GoldQuest has been able to advance its exploration and exploitation permit process under Minister of Environment Paino Henriquez during the Abinader administration.

Luis Santana, spokesperson for GoldQuest, told investigative reporter Nuria Piera during an interview for the 9 May 2026 investigative report on Channel 9 that the company would be using AN/FO to open the underground mining chambers. Santana has...

Luis Carvajal / Esta Misma Semana

In a short interview with Huchi Lora and Diana Lora for Esta Misma Semana, environmentalist and member of the Academy of Sciences, Luis Carvajal, detailed the severe ecological and legal risks posed by the GoldQuest “Romero” gold project in San Juan de la Maguana. While President Luis Abinader recently announced the immediate suspension of the project following intense community protests, Carvajal warns that the threat remains systemic.

The proposed mining site is located in the upper basin of the San Juan River, the lifeblood of the entire region. It would impact the San Juan River, the only source of water for the Valley of San Juan.

The river has a reservoir at the Sabaneta Dam, which provides the water necessary for all human consumption, municipal aqueducts, and the vast agricultural production of the valley.

Carvajal said in case of an...

What rights for compensation do mining companies have if they are not granted exploitation rights based on the social rejection of the project? Experts have yet to go on record, but a quick search online turns up these answers.

In the Dominican Republic, the legal landscape regarding compensation for denied mining rights is complex, especially when a project is halted due to social opposition or environmental concerns.

Under Mining Law 146-71 and the Dominican Constitution, the state maintains absolute ownership of subsurface resources. While a concession provides a legal pathway to explore, it does not guarantee an absolute right to exploit. The current Minister of Energy and Mines is a strong advocate of changing the mining law.

The principle of “State Sovereignty” vs. “Vested Rights”Public Utility Status: Law 146-71 defines mining as an activity of “public utility.” This gives...

As the debate surrounding the Romero mining project in San Juan de la Maguana province continues to intensify, Canadian-based GoldQuest Mining Corporation has come under scrutiny not only for its international backing but for a significant, less visible layer of Dominican ownership. According to recent reporting from Diario Libre, a substantial portion of the company’s capital is held by Dominican investors operating through a society registered in a Caribbean tax haven.

The Dominican Connection: Guess Investments Ltd.The local interest is represented by Guess Investments Ltd., an entity incorporated under the laws of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. While registered in the offshore jurisdiction, Diario Libre reports that the company maintains a physical address in the exclusive Ensanche Piantini neighborhood of the National District.

Controlled by Dominican citizens, the company...

President Abinader met with President Laura Fernández after the inauguration / Listín Diario

Dominican President Luis Abinader concluded a high-level diplomatic mission to Costa Rica on 9 May 2026, after attending the presidential inauguration of Laura Fernández Delgado and holding strategic bilateral meetings focused on regional security, technology, and trade.

President Abinader was among the heads of state and international delegations gathered at the National Stadium in San José on 8 May 2026 for the formal investiture of President Fernández Delgado for the 2026-2030 constitutional term.

The Dominican leader was accompanied by Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez and Dominican ambassador to Costa Rica María Amelia Marranzini Grullón. Following the swearing-in, Abinader attended a protocolary greeting at the Convention Center, where he emphasized that his presence...

JCE President Roman Jaquez Liranzo hands her new ID Card to Ambassador María Isabel Castillo Báez / JCE

The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has officially launched the international phase of its identity document renewal process. María Isabel Castillo Báez, the Dominican ambassador to the United States. She became the first citizen residing abroad to receive the new biometric ID card (cédula) during a focused rollout in Washington, D.C., as reported in N Digital.

The handover was part of a high-level working mission led by JCE President Román Andrés Jáquez Liranzo, accompanied by JCE board member and Overseas Vote coordinator Hirayda Marcelle Fernández Guzmán, and Overseas Vote director Well Sepúlveda.

Upon receiving the document, Ambassador Castillo Báez emphasized that the new card adheres to rigorous...

Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó / N Digital

The Ministry of Housing and Edifications (Mivhed) has announced significant strides in modernizing the construction permitting process, an initiative aimed at reducing turnaround times, simplifying procedures, and strengthening transparency in the technical evaluations of real estate projects across the Dominican Republic.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting between ministry authorities and members of the Association of Builders and Developers of La Altagracia Province (ADECLA). At the gathering, developers and construction sector representatives from the nation’s most active tourism hub presented concerns and proposals regarding the approval processes for works in the eastern region.

During the event, the Minister of Housing and Buildings, Victor “Ito” Bisono explained that the initiative...

The Abinader administration has issued Decree 309-26, a sweeping mandate aimed at restructuring the Dominican Republic’s educational framework through a “National Consultation for the Future of Dominican Education.” While the government frames the move as a necessary evolution to ensure quality and institutional alignment, the influential Dominican Public School Teachers Union (ADP) has interpreted the decree as a strategic pivot toward favoring the private sector.

The controversy centers on the decree’s linguistic shift. Unlike previous mandates that maintained a rigid distinction between the public and private sectors, Article 4 of Decree 309-26 outlines a “Comprehensive Educational System” without specifying such divisions. This ambiguity has fueled ADP’s claims that the administration is laying the groundwork to redirect state focus—and potentially resources—toward private...

The Dominican government officially inaugurated the “Open and Active School” (Escuela Abierta y Activa) program on 9 May 2026, a strategic move to transform public schools into community hubs. Under this initiative, public educational centers under the Ministry of Education will open their doors every Saturday to provide sports, cultural, and recreational programming specifically designed for local youth and adolescents.

The project is a core component of the “School as a Center for Development” strategy. It launched simultaneously across 208 centers in Greater Santo Domingo (the National District and Santo Domingo province) and eight other provinces — Azua, Barahona, San Juan de la Maguana, La Vega, María Trinidad Sánchez, Puerto Plata, San Cristóbal and Santiago. These territories were prioritized due to a documented need for increased...

The Ministry of Agriculture launched the “Siembra Tamarindo” (Plant Tamarind) Program on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, an initiative designed to transform the border province of Elias Piña into a strategic hub for agro-industrial production and development. The project aims to leverage the region’s semi-arid climate, which is ideal for the resilient Tamarindus indica tree, to create a sustainable economic pillar near the Haitian border.

The event was led by Agriculture Minister Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme at the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Polytechnic. Held during National Tree Day celebrations, the launch is a central component of the broader “Elías Piña: Tamarind Province” project. This initiative seeks to diversify the local economy, which has traditionally relied on subsistence farming and cross-border trade.

Minister Espaillat emphasized that...

The National Health Service (SNS) and the administration of the Dr. Hugo Mendoza Pediatric Hospital in Santo Domingo North have ordered the immediate suspension of medical staff on duty during the emergency room death of Aurora Suárez Fernández, age 5 last week. The measure, announced as part of an internal investigation, aims to ensure transparency following grave allegations of medical negligence.

A new era of oversightThis decisive action aligns with the stricter management style introduced by the new director of the SNS, Dr. Julio Landrón, who was appointed to the post in January 2026. Since taking office, Dr. Landrón, an orthopedic surgeon and former director of the Ney Arias Lora Traumatological Hospital, has emphasized a “humanization of care” and statistical accountability within the public health network.

Landrón has been vocal about cracking down on sub-par service...

Over 100 children and adolescents in Dajabon province on the border with Haiti have graduated from the “Fabricando Sueños” (Manufacturing Dreams) initiative, a strategic program designed to combat high rates of teenage pregnancy, early unions, and gender-based violence. The project, led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and co-financed by the European Union (EU), aims to empower youth through mentorship and rights-based education.

While Dajabón saw a 43% decrease in teenage pregnancies between 2019 and 2025, it remains a high-incidence zone. In 2025, the province recorded 151 cases, a rate of 24.59%.

The graduation comes amid encouraging national statistics. Data from the National Statistics Office (ONE) for 2025 reveals a 7.65% reduction in teenage pregnancies across the Dominican Republic compared to 2024. During the fourth quarter of 2025...

In a coordinated strike against the Dominican Republic’s underground economy, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM), acting through its own Specialized Fuel Control and Goods Commerce Corps (CECCOM), dismantled a clandestine fueling operation in San Juan de la Maguana.

In the Sabaneta municipal district of San Juan de la Maguana, CECCOM agents, accompanied by prosecutor Adolfo Féliz Pérez, executed a raid on an illegal fuel station designed to evade regulatory oversight and safety protocols.

The operation uncovered two underground metal storage tanks with a capacity of 5,000 gallons each. The fueling station used a professional-grade fuel dispenser equipped with hoses and nozzles. The station featured a structural camouflage system consisting of a roof designed to hide the equipment from aerial or street-level detection.

The total...

Hundreds of residents and community leaders marched through the streets of La Vega on Sunday, 10 May 2026, to protest the ongoing deforestation and massive earthmoving operations at the Santo Cerro. The demonstration, held under the banner “Defendamos nuestra loma, defendamos nuestro futuro” (Defend our hill, defend our future), sought to draw national attention to what local officials describe as a private-sector “ecocide”.

The march began at the base of the hill (Pie del Santo Cerro) and traversed multiple sectors before concluding in the community of Río Seco. Protesters called for relevant authorities to ensure the prosecution of those responsible for the environmental damage.

This time the concern is high-end real estate development. Reports indicate a private company is clearing large tracts of land to facilitate the construction of luxury villas...

The Caribbean Princess (Carnival Corporation) cruise ship made a scheduled stop at the Amber Cove terminal in Maimón, Puerto Plata on 8 May 2026, amid an active norovirus outbreak that has infected at least 102 people on board. The vessel, carrying 3,116 passengers and 1,131 crew members, arrived under strict surveillance by Dominican health authorities.

The incident occurred during the 13-day “Caribbean Cruise” (itinerary April 28-May 11, roundtrip from Florida/homeport changing from Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale to Port Canaveral) with the ship scheduled to visit Bahamas (Princess Cays), Aruba (Oranjestad), Curacao (Willemstad), Bonaire (Kralendijk), St Maarten (Philipsburg), Puerto Rico (San Juan), Dominicana (Amber Cove) and Bahamas (Nassau).

According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 115 cases of...

Dominican fans filled the Quisqueya Ball Park to be present for the Ed Sheeran concert on Saturday, 9 May 2026. Local media reported on how from his first appearance on stage he connected with his Dominican fans. “¿KLK, Santo Domingo?,” were his opening words. Then he opened with the song: “You need me, I don’t need you.”

The popularity of the British pop star was outstanding, especially since he sang in English. Reviewers made the point of his numerous fans thoroughly enjoying his performance that was 100% talent and how lyrics that did not feature what urban artists say are musts for their popularity — nudity, bad words, sex incitation and drugs.

Sheeran mesmerized his fans, performing for more than two hours. Attending the concert was Laura Pausini, who was scheduled for a concert at the El Ovalo stage of the Feria Ganadera the next evening.

Read more in...

The New York Knicks have surged into the NBA Eastern Conference finals for the second consecutive year, completing a dominant four-game sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers with a 144-114 victory on 11 May 2026.

Dominican fans are especially following the Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns, the seven-footer who is a Dominican national team player. His shooting and passing talents have proved essential in anchoring New York’s historic postseason run.

As reported, Towns contributed 17 points in the clincher, but his impact extended beyond the box score. His presence in the frontcourt provided the spacing necessary for the Knicks to tie an NBA postseason record with 11 three-pointers in the first quarter. By neutralizing Philadelphia’s interior defense and forcing Joel Embiid to defend the perimeter, Towns helped facilitate an offense that produced the most points in franchise playoff history.

“It’s just us...

Jaime Aristy Escuder / Diario Libre

Minister of Mines Joel Santos has been touting the high price of gold in his support of more gold mining in the Dominican Republic. He is an advocate of granting exploitation rights to mining companies. But Santos has not focused on the revenues the government is missing out of for lack of action.

Dominican economist Jaime Aristy Escuder has once again issued a stark warning regarding the national government’s fiscal relationship with Barrick Pueblo Viejo, asserting that the Abinader administration’s lack of action is allowing the mining giant to capture nearly all of the “windfall” profits generated by record-breaking gold prices.

In a series of recent analyses, Aristy Escuder argues that the failure to renegotiate the Annual Minimum Tax (IMA) —which is intended to be reset every three years— has left the Dominican state with a...

President Luis Abinader’s decision on 4 May 2026, to order a halt on all government activities related to advancing toward exploitation rights in GoldQuest’s Romero project has sent a significant ripple through the Dominican mining sector. President Abinader has adhered to provisions that reinforce the social license as a non-negotiable requirement. The population of San Juan de la Maguana has protested arguing water sources are being traded for short term mining profits.

The Abinader administration, as have previous administrations, had authorized mining concessions and enabled advances but then has once again found itself faced by a population that rejects projects that threaten critical water sources like the Sabaneta Dam. The project is located high up in the Central Mountain Range.

Two other junior exploration and permission-seeking entities in the San Juan de la Maguana province...

Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos visited Listin Diario to lobby for the mining sector in the Dominican Republic. Santos called for a positive perception of mining, insisting that sustainable extraction can coexist with environmental protection while providing a critical economic buffer.

Speaking during the recent Listín Diario press breakfast, Santos addressed the recent government decision to halt the Romero gold project in San Juan de la Maguana, framed within the context of a pending legislative overhaul of the country’s 55-year-old mining laws.

The Romero Project and public consensusMinister Santos defended President Luis Abinader’s definitive halt of the Romero project, describing it as a necessary response to “clear public outcry” and social opposition in the San Juan province. However, the Minister noted that from a strictly technical standpoint, the decision ideally...

CEO of Scotiabank Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, Jabar Singh and President Luis Abinader / Presidency

In a high-level meeting at the Presidential Palace, President Luis Abinader met with Jabar Singh, CEO of Scotiabank Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, to reaffirm the financial institution’s long-term commitment to the country.

The discussion underscored the nation’s strategic importance within the global vision of the Toronto-based financial group, positioning the Dominican Republic as a primary hub for regional operations. Yet, few know that for the high-ranking bank executive it was a specially satisfactory homecoming meeting. Jabar Singh grew up in the Dominican Republic and the meeting and his new position are a career and personal high in many ways.

During the meeting at the Presidential Palace, the executives discussed...

President Luis Abinader officially launched the torch relay for the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 during a ceremony at the National Palace on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

Highlighting the event’s role in social cohesion and youth development, the President expressed his vision for the symbolic flame to inspire future generations across every corner of the Dominican Republic.

The ceremony marks the start of the “Wiche García Saleta Route: The Flame of Values,” a journey designed to strengthen national identity. The Games are scheduled to take place from 24 July to 8 August 2026.

The regional sports games return to Santo Domingo 52 years after the city first hosted the regional competition in 1974, a milestone that transformed the nation’s sporting infrastructure.

The Torch RelayThe sacred fire...

The karate pavilion is added to the long list of venues that are ready for the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games that will take place from 24 July to 8 August 2026.

The venue is located in an area of 4,564 square meters at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center covered a total of 4,564 square meters. The government invested approximately RD$182 million in the renovation to bring the venue to international competition standards.

The karate pavilion now has a seating capacity of 2,226 and has been equipped with 1,500-lux lighting in the competition area. The lighting system is at a level essential for high-definition television broadcasting and compliance with World Karate Federation (WKF) international standards.

Key structural upgrades included:Roofing and climate control: Installation of aluzinc roofing with thermal insulation, comprehensive waterproofing, and...

The Tax Agency (DGII) announced an exceptional six-month administrative extension for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), as well as unclassified taxpayers, to complete their transition to the mandatory electronic billing system.

The grace period begins on 15 May 2026. According to the DGII, the extension will be applied automatically to all eligible taxpayers, eliminating the need for formal individual requests or paperwork.

Tax authorities emphasized that this period is intended to finalize the transition to digital systems. Once the six-month window expires, any taxpayer who has failed to implement electronic invoicing will be cited for tax infractions. These violations are subject to the specific penalties and sanctions established under Law 32-23 on Electronic Billing.

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The Export and Investment Center of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana), in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), has officially announced the Americas Investment Forum (AIF) 2026. The event is a chapter of activities leading to the World Investment Conference (WIC) and is scheduled to take place from 1 to 3 July 2026 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Santo Domingo.

Under the theme “Building Opportunities,” the forum aims to solidify the Dominican Republic’s position as a premier investment destination while fostering regional competitiveness. The initiative arrives amidst a significant shift in global value chains, with the Caribbean nation seeking to capitalize on trends in nearshoring, energy transition, and digital transformation.

Biviana Riveiro Disla, executive director of ProDominicana, characterized the forum as a milestone...

The Dominican Republic continues to transform its energy landscape, shifting from an 88% dependence on petroleum derivatives in 2000 to less than 10% today. This evolution was highlighted by Minister of Energy and Mines Joel Santos during his participation in a recent Listín Diario Business Breakfast.

According to the Minister, the current energy matrix is led by natural gas at 38%, followed by coal at 28%, and renewable energy at 25%. The growth in renewables is noted as the most significant shift, offering the greatest long-term sustainability for the nation.

Strategic goals and storageThe diversification strategy aims to reduce dependence on single sources and drive economic growth. The government’s goal is to have renewable sources account for 30% of total electricity generation by 2030.

A critical component of this transition is energy storage. Minister...

In a move designed to bolster international cooperation against organized crime, Vice Admiral Jose M. Cabrera Ulloa, president of the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD), traveled to Florida for an official visit to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Miami Division headquarters. The meeting, held on 5 May 2026, served as part of an ongoing initiative to strengthen the security partnership between the Dominican Republic and the United States.

Cabrera Ulloa met with: • Miles D. Aley, Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Field Division.• Michael C. Mayer, Special Agent in Charge of the Caribbean Division.• Frank A. Torentino and Gregory M. Millard, Associate Chiefs of Operations for the Northeast and Southeast Regions.• Richard J. Cernuda, Director of the DEA Santo Domingo Office.

A DNCD press release explains that during the session, DEA...

The Senate of the Republic has approved in a second reading and with specific amendments the bill creating the National Alert for the Search of Missing Persons in the Dominican Republic. This comprehensive legislation regulates the operation of alerts as an immediate national search mechanism designed for the prevention, location, assistance, and protection of missing individuals.

Following this legislative milestone, the bill will now be forwarded to the Chamber of Deputies for its final discussion and approval. The piece of legislation was originally introduced and championed in the Chamber of Deputies by Carmen Ligia Barceló, representative for Hato Mayor and Liz Mieses Díaz, representative for the National District.

The primary objective of this legal framework is to provide formal mechanisms to prevent disappearances while ensuring the rapid...

The Las Americas Institute of Technology (ITLA) announced two specialized technical degrees: Semiconductors and Microelectronics and Digital Animation. The career in semiconductors and microelectronics aligns with global industrial trends. The DR seeks to attract high-tech manufacturing and electronic design. Likewise, the new Digital Animation program aims to bolster the local creative economy and multimedia industry. With these two additions, ITLA now offers a total of 18 specialized technical degrees, further cementing its role as the primary driver of technological vocational training in the country.

The introduction of the Semiconductor and Microelectronics program marks a strategic milestone for the Dominican Republic. It is designed to train professionals in the design, assembly, and testing of advanced electronic components. These are critical infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence (AI), telecommunications, and high-tech manufacturing.

This academic shift aligns...

The Chamber of Commerce of Santo Domingo (Cámara Santo Domingo), in coordination with PromPerú (the Peruvian Commission for the Promotion of Export and Tourism), recently concluded a high-level trade mission that is projected to generate US$3.5 million in business deals. The mission focused on strengthening bilateral commercial ties and facilitating smoother trade operations between the Caribbean and South America.

The event served as a specialized platform for 65 Dominican companies to evaluate value propositions from 22 Peruvian exporting firms. According to official figures released following the proceedings, the session facilitated a total of 186 targeted business-to-business (B2B) meetings.

The Peruvian delegation presented a diversified portfolio designed to meet current demands in the Dominican market. Key sectors...

The Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala in the Dominican Republic has extended an invitation to all Dominican exporters to participate in the IV Round of International Business 2026. The event will be held between 10 and 12 June 2026 in Guatemala City. The event is organized by Naut & Associates to provide a platform for businesses that want to export to Central America.

The activity seeks to enable businesses to take advantage of the Central American Common Market, and access to one nation (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, provides access to all of the economic community.

The trade between the Dominican Republic and the Central American Common Market shows a significant US$240.7 million deficit for the Dominican Republic.

The Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala in the Dominican Republic (CamaradeComercioGTRD)...

In a play merging historical memory with social justice, the drama “El Primer Voto de la Mujer Dominicana en 1942” (The First Vote of the Dominican Woman in 1942) will debut at Casa de Teatro on 15 May 2026. The play narrates the transcendental moment when Dominican women secured their fundamental right to vote, a milestone that marked the birth of their formal civic and national identity.

The firm step taken on 16 May 1942 enabled Dominican women to obtain their personal identification cards and their voting rights. The play tells the story of the 84 years it took women in the country to secure these rights.

The production is directed by Wendy Queliz, founder of Studio Teatro Wendy Queliz.

Following successful performances on various national and international stages, including tours in Spain and Puerto Rico, the play will open at the Casa...