DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

The Jose Briceño baseball stadium in Puerto Plata city was given a RD$200 million makeover this year, and President Luis Abinader was there to make the first pitch to formally inaugurate the newest baseball stadium. The new stadium hosted the current champions of Dominican baseball, the Tigres del Licey and the Gigantes del Cibao from San Pedro de Macoris in the pre Winter Championship game.

President Luis Abinader was in Puerto Plata this weekend where he held his weekly meeting of ministers and cabinet officials.

The stadium was completely remodeled with new lighting, playing surface, and a much-improved seating capacity. Security and protection of both players and fans was also part of the project. With the new stadium, there will be pressure for the expansion of the Dominican Professional Baseball League (Lidom)...

Minister Luis Miguel De Camps and President of Senate Ricardo de los Santos / Presidency

Labor Minister Luis Miguel De Camps has submitted a comprehensive reform of the country’s Labor Code to the Senate. This significant legislative proposal, which has been over a decade in the making, aims to modernize labor regulations, strengthen worker protections, and enhance the Ministry of Labor’s enforcement capabilities.

The measures introduce guidelines for teleworking, extend paternity leave, and have enhanced conditions for domestic workers and pay for overtime work.

One of the proposals establishes that if a worker has received 36 hours of uninterrupted rest in a week, any work done on Sunday would not be considered overtime and would be paid at the normal rate. The length of the workday is also being modified in the reformed Labor...

The Dominican Republic has been selected to host the 41st session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in 2026.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Relations following the 40th session of ECLAC held in Lima, Peru. The Dominican Republic’s bid, presented jointly by Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Minister of Economy, Planning, and Development Pável Isa, was unanimously approved by member states.

The Dominican government expressed its pride in this achievement, seeing it as a testament to the country’s growing leadership role in the region under President Luis Abinader.

Minister of Energy and Mines Joel Santos says some 30 energy projects have been approved and are sufficient to satisfy the growing demand for electricity. The investment over the coming four years should double the current energy output, adding 3200 megawatts to the national system.

Taking part in the symposium hosted by the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC) and the Dominican Association of the Electricity Industries (ADIE), Energy Minister Santos said that the growing demand for electricity will be met when some 2200 MW of electricity enter, produced by hydrocarbon fuels, and another 1000MW produced by renewable energy sources.

Perhaps the most important announcement made by Santos was when he said that the government would be investing some US$450 million in the renewal of the nation’s system of electricity transmission. It is a well-known and...

The Abinader administration has presented its Bill for Fiscal Modernization. Many of those who understand what the term “fiscal” means also understand that this is just a euphemism for tax increases. In this case, across the board.

The groundswell of negative reactions began even before the proposal was released, as the information that was leaked alarmed many business sectors. Nearly a week previous to the introduction of the new proposals in Congress, the rum manufacturers were complaining about reduced sales, movie-makers were alarmed, and the tourism sector began to brace itself for the shocks.

Small business associations advocate that the modernization of the fiscal code should instead incorporate measures to simplify taxes to encourage more businesses to legalize their status. Most businesses in the Dominican Republic are in the informal sector and many attribute...

Dominican courier companies are concerned they would see considerable drop in sales if Congress approves the Ministry of Hacienda proposal to apply VAT to the import of low value goods (LVG), or (Envios de Poco Valor). These are purchases normally made via the Internet and that are shipped here via courier with a cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of US$200 or less for the goods. As proposed, the VAT would be calculated based on the CIF value of these products, regardless if they are for personal use.

The proposal grants the Tax Agency (DGII) 120 days to prepare the necessary regulations for implementing the measure after it is passed in Congress.

The Dominican association of couriers (Asodeo) alerts that the tax on low value goods would affect the availability of cargo space for exports, impacting the country’s desired positioning as a regional logistics hub.

Local...

Listin Diario reports that during the most recent car sale fairs organized by the state commercial bank, BanReservas, requests for loans for RD$23 billion were received. BanReservas eventually granted financing for RD$7.8 billion for the purchase of 11,000 new vehicles. The rates for car loans are among the lowest, if not the lowest, in the Dominican Republic, a country under the duress of intense traffic jams.

Read more in Spanish:

• Listin Diario

Eduardo Hidalgo / Diario Libre

The Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP) announced on Friday, 11 October 2024 the results of its elections. Eduardo Hidalgo received the votes to repeat as spokesperson for the public school teachers for three more years. He secured over 62% of the votes, or 66,514. The runner-up was Nolberto Ortiz with 21.58% of the votes, or 23,146 votes.

The public school teachers union is probably the largest and strongest in the country. The highly-politicized union has been criticized as a cause of many of the problems of the school system, given that on most occasions, the ADP has been known to put its interest in securing teacher privileges way above the welfare of the students and quality in education.

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Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah and the director of the National Institute of Forensic Pathology, Santos Jiménez Pérez, officially inaugurated the renovated and expanded Dr. Sergio Sarita Valdez National Institute of Forensic Pathology on Friday, 12 October 2024.

The revamped facility, which underwent a significant overhaul costing approximately RD$66 million, now boasts expanded storage and freezing capacities, capable of accommodating up to 200 bodies, a substantial increase from the previous limit of 20 to 30.

Minister Atallah emphasized the dire conditions of the previous facility, which had been undergoing renovations since 2019. “Today, we are delivering modern facilities that will improve the quality of services offered to the public,” he stated.

The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the health...

Judge Fatima Veloz of the Permanent Attention Office of the National District has ordered 18 months of preventive detention for seven individuals implicated in the corruption scheme named Operation Camaleon regarding capital city traffic lights and national security contracts.

Among those ordered to serve time in the Najayo Men’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Center is the former National Institute of Transit and Transportation (Intrant) director Hugo Beras, Intrant official Pedro Vinicio Padovani Báez and Jochi Gómez, said to be the man behind the recent Intrant traffic lights contract and the owner of the security company Aurix, that is linked to the Camaleón case.

The judge also imposed house arrest and a travel ban on defendant Samuel Gregorio Baquero Sepúlveda, while other defendants were ordered to appear periodically in court and pay bail...

Kevin Alberto Calderón / Listín Diario

Media reports on the death of 28-year old Kevin Alberto Calderon Peña of bullet wounds in Laval, Montreal, Quebec, on Thursday, 10 October 2024. The incident occurred while Calderon Peña was outside his car in a parking lot near the intersection of Daniel Johnson and Le Carrefour boulevard, as reported by the Laval Police Department. Calderon Peña is described as an employee of a cryptocurrency company.

The shooting occurred around 5pm in the parking lot near Carrefour Laval in broad daylight while several people were on site. Calderon Peña was attacked while heading to his vehicle in the parking lot near his office. He was accompanied by his girlfriend who was not injured by the gunshots.

The case is under investigation. Canadian media reported the victim was not known to the police nor had a criminal record.

Read...

A strange traffic incident occurred on Thursday, 10 October 2024 in the Ciudad Juan Bosch. Three persons in a family that had gone shopping were run over. Diario Libre reports that the video of the crime seems to indicate it could have been more than a transit accident.

The next day in the late afternoon, the driver, said to be a minor, reported the crime. The driver said he ran the family over because he did not notice they were crossing.

The relatives of the injured and deceased, nevertheless, had a hard time filing their report. Diario Libre explains that when the brother of the deceased, Alfredo Trinidad sought to report the incident with the Ground Safety Agency (Digesett), they were not allowed to file the statement.

Altagracia Trinidad would be buried on Saturday in Constanza. Her sister, Eulalia Trinidad is hospitalized in the ICU...

A tropical wave moving across the southern Caribbean Sea, coupled with a trough of low pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere, is triggering widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across the Dominican Republic.

Since the early morning hours of Monday, 14 October 2024, provinces including La Altagracia, La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís, and the Greater Santo Domingo area are experiencing these adverse weather conditions. Meteorologists predict Hato Mayor, Samaná, and surrounding regions will also receive heavy rainfall on Monday.

By late afternoon and early evening, the rainy activity with thunderstorms and gusty winds is forecast to spread to the northwest, Central Mountain Range and border regions. However, the rest of the country is expected to remain hot and dry.

For Tuesday, the combination of moisture from the south/southeast winds and the upper-level...

Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez proposes the DR as host for the 2026 41st ECLAC conference. The economic summit is one of the most important in the Americas. He made the presentation when speaking during the Wednesday, 9 October 2024 plenary session of the 40th Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) that is happening in Lima, Peru from 9 to 11 October 2024.

During his turn, Foreign Minister Alvarez urged the transformation of the international systems architecture to meet today’s challenges. He stressed Latin America and the Caribbean have traditionally been a place of peace, where peace and security are fundamental for economic and social development.

In the medium term, he said more funding needs to be channeled to development in favorable conditions.

He called trade integration a necessary tool to achieve development goals. He called for Latin...

US Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Todd D. Robinson is visiting the Dominican Republic from 8 to 11 October 2024 to meet with senior government officials, experts, and civil society organizations to deepen security cooperation in the fight against illicit synthetic drugs, corruption, and other forms of transnational organized crime.

The meetings follow US Secretary Antony Blinken’s 5-6 September 2024 visit to Santo Domingo and President Luis Abinader’s participation in the Summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats on 24 September, where the Dominican Republic joined 10 other Coalition countries to make significant new commitments to address synthetic drug threats.

In Santo Domingo, Robinson said he was honored to join President Luis Abinader for the...

Vice President Raquel Peña officially launched the Dominican national team ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the first World Cup hosted by FIFA in the Dominican Republic. The event is scheduled to be held 16 October to 3 November 2024.

In a statement from the Presidential Palace, Peña highlighted that hosting the tournament is a testament to the nation’s commitment to the development of women’s soccer and gender equality.

“Being the host of this tournament means our young athletes will have the opportunity to shine on an international stage, showcasing the passion for sports and the indomitable spirit of Dominicans. On behalf of the Dominican people and President Luis Abinader, I am honored to present you with our flag, a symbol of our strength, unity, and identity,” Peña said...

The Central Electoral Board (JCE) convened representatives of recognized political organizations to update these on the progress of the National ID Card Renewal Project. A technical commission comprised of JCE directors led the presentation.

Américo Rodríguez, the National Director of Identification, who chaired the technical committee, presented a detailed overview of the project, including its history, the current state of the ID card, its components, the security features of the new document, and the ongoing international public tender to select the company that will produce the new cards.

Rodríguez explained that the JCE faces the challenge of modernizing the ID card’s design and printing to meet international standards, ensuring the security of national identity, considering technological advancements of the past decade, and responding to evolving societal...

The Central Electoral Board (JCE) is tackling the issue of incomplete civil registry records for 2.8 million individuals as part of its effort to issue a new identity and electoral card. This figure represents approximately 34.37% of the electoral roll, which comprises 8,145,548 citizens eligible to vote in the upcoming 2024 elections, as reported in Diario Libre.

During a recent meeting with political party representatives, the JCE outlined the bidding process for the new card’s printing and provided an update on the irregularities within the civil registry, along with plans to rectify these issues.

Janet Camilo, a representative from the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), confirmed that the JCE intends to systematically address the deficiencies in the civil registry while concurrently working on the renewal of identity cards.

“They will categorize the issues into groups. For...

A press note is circulating revealing that Minister of Hacienda Jose Manuel (Jochi) Vicente knew very well the insides and outs of the film production industry and how the incentives works. He had produced six films from 2013 to 2019, taking advantage of the incentives that under the new tax amendment proposal would be removed.

The preferential tax treatment for the film industry is being removed in the proposal that was submitted to Congress on 8 October 2024.

Vicente has explained that the preferential treatment and tax incentives awarded in the past is being recognized for the duration of the term granted.

Vicente is the producer of the films: “Biodegradable” (2013), “Arrobá” (2013), “Morir Soñando” (2014), “Primero de Enero” (2014), “Ovni” (2016), and “Una Fiesta Inolvidable” (2019).

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Juan Ariel Jimenez, former Minister of Economy, and professor in Harvard University, recommends the government reduce current spending and tax evasion instead of increasing taxes. In an article in Listin Diario, he looks into alternatives to the submitted tax increase proposal made by the Abinader administration.

He estimates a middle class family will have to pay RD$54,844 to RD$103,865 in increase in taxes in 2025, as per the proposed tax amendment.

The dean of Economics of the state university UASD, Antonio Ciriaco, also mentions that the middle class is being asked to bear the burden of the tax reform, as reported in El Dia. He said the proposed new taxes on real estate will hurt the middle class. The UASD held meetings on 9 and 10 October to debate the proposal for fiscal reform and alternatives.

Anibal de Castro, president of the Diario Libre media, says the...

The Dominican National Police has officially activated a specialized anti-noise division aimed at curbing excessive noise levels and improving the quality of life for citizens. The announcement was made by newly appointed Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful.

This new division will be comprised of 19 regional representations and 50 divisions spread across the country. “We expect a more efficient response to noise complaints,” Raful stated.

The establishment of this division comes after a series of recent initiatives by the Ministry, including the “Operation Guarantee of Peace” conducted in Greater Santo Domingo on September 8th. This operation was designed to reduce conflicts and instill a greater sense of security among citizens.

Raful highlighted the success of these efforts, noting a 30% decrease in social conflict indicators.

The creation of the anti-noise...

A Espaillat province court levied a fine of RD$25 million on the egg-producing company Endy Agroindustrial for dumping industrial waste and contaminated water into the Licey River.

The Attorney General Office said that local businessman Andres Avelino Sarante Castillo and his poultry and egg production company located in Ceiba de Madera, San Victor, Moca was found guilty of violating several provisions of Environment Law 64-00.

Prosecutors argued that the company’s actions had polluted the river, damaged local agriculture, and posed a significant health risk to nearby communities.

Milagros García, the prosecutor in charge of the case, presented compelling evidence demonstrating that Endy Agroindustrial had been discharging waste into the river, contaminating drinking water sources and agricultural lands.

The Attorney General Office says that the court’s decision was a...

The First Collegiate Court of the National District has lifted the house arrest and electronic ankle monitor of former director of the Specialized Body for Tourist Security (Cestur), General Juan Carlos Torres Robiou. He is among those implicated in the alleged corruption schemes uncovered in the Coral and Coral 5G operations, N Digital reports.

While Torres Robiou has been released from house arrest, he is still subject to a travel ban. He had been in preventive detention since May 2023, serving 18 months in prison.

The court’s decision benefits Torres Robiou and two other generals arrested in November 2021 as part of the Coral 5G operation: Julio Camilo de los Santos Viola and Boanerges Reyes Batista. They now face only an exit restriction as a coercive measure.

In the Coral and Coral 5G operations, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has charged 48 individuals—30 individuals and 18 legal entities—with administrative corruption, alleging they defrauded the Dominican State of...

Judge Fátima Veloz of the Permanent Attention Office of the National District has reserved her ruling on the coercive measure requested by the Public Ministry against the defendants in the Camaleón case, N Digital reports.

N Digital reports that the judge is expected to decide whether or not to send the individuals involved in the Intrant-Transcore Latam corruption case to preventive prison by 10 October 2024 at 3pm. The main defendants in this case are former Intrant director Hugo Beras and businessman Jochi Gómez.

The Public Ministry has requested preventive detention for the accused and has also asked that the case be declared complex, given the volume of evidence and the seriousness of the charges against the former director of the National Institute of Transit and Land Transport (Intrant), Hugo Beras; Frank Díaz Warden, former coordinator of the Office and Beras’...

In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, the Dominican Republic Army apprehended a Police captain on Tuesday, 8 October 2024 along with two Haitian nationals who were in the country illegally.

Police Captain Roberto Brito was taken into custody in the municipality of Ranchadero while driving a white Hyundai Sonata. The officer was in full uniform and had the two Haitian women as passengers. Authorities seized Brito’s service weapon as evidence.

The arrest comes amidst ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration and smuggling. On Monday, 7 October 2024, the Army reported detaining approximately 400 Haitian nationals during separate operations conducted across several provinces.

In addition to the human trafficking bust, the Army also made significant seizures of contraband cigarettes in San Juan de la Maguana. Following a pursuit in the La Zanja...

Grupo Estrella of the Dominican Republic is proud of its participation in the construction of the Circunvalación Norte highway, a 5.5 km and US$223 million roadwork in San Jose, Costa Rica.The Dominican-Costa Rican consortium, comprising Ingeniería Estrella and Constructora Hernán Solís, completed the construction of the Northern Bypass after the opening of the central trunk of Functional Unit V. The inauguration ceremony was led by Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chávez.

This project features a peripheral ring around the capital city of San José, including a 600-meter four-lane viaduct, a two-level crossing, and a 450-meter depressed passage, all recognized as the longest of their kind in Central America.

The project was financed by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) with an investment of US$207 million and marks a milestone in...

William F. Maloney / El Día

The World Bank has just released its report on “Taxes on Wealth for Equity and Growth” related to the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region.

Among the different types of wealth, the report identifies property taxes as a possible avenue to focus. It finds that LAC countries have a “property tax paradox”: 80 percent of wealth in the region is held in real estate, even among the top 10 percent of earners, yet countries typically collect only 2 percent of their tax revenue from property taxes. In North America, about 47 percent of wealth is held in real estate, and helps to collect about 12.8 percent of tax revenues.

The report recommends modernizing property valuation systems and collection efforts to benefit from this potential. According to some studies, properly administered property taxes could contribute up to 3 percent of GDP, significantly...

In a major blow to international drug trafficking, Dominican authorities have seized 310 packages of suspected cocaine at the Caucedo Port in Boca Chica, half an hour east of the capital city. The joint operation was carried out by the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD), the Customs Agency (DGA), and the Port’s Military Security, acting on intelligence reports.

A thorough inspection of a container filled with cotton, en route from Guatemala to Belgium, led to the discovery of the illicit substance concealed within 10 black bags. X-ray scans confirmed the presence of the drugs.

This seizure marks another significant victory in the Dominican Republic’s ongoing battle against narcotics. So far this year, authorities have confiscated over 26.1 tons of drugs. With international cooperation, this total has risen to a high 56.4 tons.

Read more in...

USA Embassy / El Día

The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the US Embassy in Santo Domingo announced the opening of the DFC’s regional office in the Dominican Republic, signifying a major commitment to economic development and regional prosperity, according to a press release from the United States Embassy.

The office will identify investment opportunities that are essential for stimulating economic growth, spurring job creation, and tackling challenges in pivotal sectors such as energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, technology, and financial services.

“We are proud to welcome the DFC as the newest member of the 18 United States government agencies represented at the US Embassy in Santo Domingo. The DFC’s presence underscores our commitment to supporting sustainable development and economic growth in the Dominican Republic. Through strategic investments and...

Mountain climber Thais Herrera has become the first and only Dominican to have climbed the Seven Summits. These are the highest mountains in each continent. Only about 500 people around the world have done so, and only around 100 women. Herrera is now one of these.

On 8 October 2024, Thais Herrera completed her 7th summit, that of Puncak Jaya or Carstenzs located in West Papua, Indonesia (Oceania). On 22 May 2024, she had climbed her sixth, Mount Everest.

Her Seven Summit climbs have been:Everest – AsiaAconcagua- South AmericaDenali – North AmericaKilimanjaro- AfricaElbrus – EuropeVinson – AntarticaCarstenzs – Oceania

Following the presentation during the Monday, 7 October 2024 La Semanal press conference, Minister of Hacienda Jose Manuel (Jochi Vicente) submitted the comprehensive Tax Modernization Bill with the proposed tax laws amendments to the Chamber of Deputies on 8 October. The bill seeks to raise government revenues to meet current spending, including social programs and public safety, and have revenues to meet interest payments on debt and continue with infrastructure projects.

Hacienda Minister said the main objective is to foster the nation’s overall development. “We need more resources,” Vicente stated. “Every sector must contribute if we want to build the prosperous nation we aspire to be and double the size of our economy by 2036,” he says.

The minister highlighted that the increased revenue will enable the government to allocate more funds...

El director de la Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII), Magín Díaz, dijo este lunes que en el primer cuatrimestre del año se recaudaron RD$152,500 millones, por encima de los RD$147, 500 millones que se habían estimado para ese período.

Magín Díaz, director de la DGII

Foto: © Edgar Hernández

Fecha:1/05/2018

The details of how this will be done have not been shared, but news reports say that the government intends to tax digital services such as Netflix, Spotify, Airbnb, and Uber.

Airbnb spokesperson Carlos Muñoz told Diario Libre that the company will not be a collection agent for governments around the world. Airbnb proposes to share the data of its customers with the Tax Agency so that the agency (DGII) can then act accordingly.

In an editorial, Diario Libre points out that minor imports from the United States (under US$200), such as those made via Amazon, are exempt from...

The Association of Non-Alcoholic Beverages Industries (Asibenas) protests the announcement they will be taxed. The Asosiben argues that they make up a good percentage of the sales of around 80,000 colmados all around the country. They are concerned the new tax would increase product prices 25 to 50%, reducing sales, as reported in Diario Libre.

This is the second bad news for the non-alcoholic sugared-beverages industry. Earlier in the year, the government banned the sale of soft drinks and sugary drinks in school cafeterias, attending to health and nutrition recommendations from the FAO.

Read more in Spanish:

• Diario Libre

The National Constitutional Revisory Assembly voted in favor of amendments designed to prevent future Presidents from extending their terms beyond a second term. The so-called ‘five locks were unanimously approved in a first reading on Tuesday, 8 October 2024 with 165 votes in favor and 31 against.

The “five locks” include:• Immutable Article 124: This amendment effectively “freezes” the article governing presidential elections, making it impossible to change the two-term limit.• Mandatory Referendum: Any future constitutional reform must be approved by the Dominican people in a nationwide referendum, which would coincide with the next general elections.• No Self-Serving Reforms: Future amendments cannot benefit public officials who are in office at the time the changes are made, including the President, Vice President, senators, and mayors.• Time Limit for...

Dominican law obliges high-ranking government officers to publish their financial statements. Diario Libre looks into the assets and debts of many of the officers in the Abinader administration.

Read more in Spanish:

• Diario Libre

The newly appointed director general of Migration, Vice Admiral Rafael Lee Ballester met with representatives from United Nations agencies involved in migration, human rights and children’s programs. He outlined a plan to intensify border controls and reduce the perceived influx of migrants in communities across the country. In addition to his role as Migration director, Lee Ballester is also director general of the Centro de Comando, Control, Comunicaciones, Computadoras, Ciberseguridad e Inteligencia de las Fuerzas Armadas (C5i), the Armed Forces intelligence division.

Vice Admiral Luis R. Lee Ballester reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing Dominican laws, as directed by President Luis Abinader. He also pledged to uphold international protocols and standards to ensure the dignity and rights of repatriated individuals.

“We will ensure due...

The government of Haiti is once again unfolding its muscle and taking its case to international forums to pressure the Dominican Republic to not deport undocumented migrants. The Dominican Republic has traditionally been the escape valve for the failed state in Haiti, and the population of the western third of the island of Hispaniola regularly migrates east to the Dominican Republic seeking jobs and social services. The worsening of the situation in Haiti and few perspectives for improvement has led the Dominican government to take new actions to deter Haitian migration.

Haiti convened representatives of the Organization of American States to a meeting to protest the announcement by the Dominican government that it would deport up to 10,000 undocumented persons per week.

The Haitian diplomats complain that the deportations will worsen the serious social situation...

The Presidency has placed its cards on the table regarding fiscal changes. This is the second tax proposal made by President Luis Abinader. A first in his previous term was rejected by public uproar.

During the La Semanal press conference on 7 October 2024, President Luis Abinader and Hacienda Minister Jose Manuel (Jochi) Vicente outlined the proposed Tax Modernization Law aimed at securing an additional RD$122 billion in funding for social spending, security transportation and other infrastructure projects. The first term of the Abinader government significantly increased current spending, mostly expenditures for staff, in detriment to capital spending.

The Abinader administration presented a National Budget for 2025 with RD$1.3 trillion in current spending, RD$298 billion for interest payments and RD$188 billion for capital spending.

The Abinader...

The Ministry of Interior and Police reports a significant 30% decrease in what it calls “social conflictivity” with no homicides reported in 29 out of 35 high crime areas followed nationwide. The positive figures were presented during a press conference following a meeting of the Joint Task Force, led by President Luis Abinader on Monday, 7 October 2024.

New Minister of Interior & Police Faride Raful attributed the progress to the success of the “Operation Peace Guarantee,” an initiative aimed at enhancing public safety, that is cracking down on irregularly operating night spots and noise pollution.

The minister also noted a significant decrease in fatal traffic accidents, particularly on the Autopista del Este (East Highway), a major thoroughfare connecting the capital city with Punta Cana. “For the first time, there...

On 7 October 2024, Dominican legislators convened by president of the Senate Ricardo de los Santos approved the first reading on seven of 10 constitutional reform amendments submitted by President Luis Abinader. The voting session of the National Revisory Assembly was attended by 212 of a possible 222 legislators. A manual vote was taken because the hall that gathers senators and deputies did not have an electronic vote system installed. The session lasted five hours.

The first articles to be presented to the vote of the members of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate were articles 81, 166, 167, 169, 171, 178 and 179. During the Tuesday session, articles 209, 268, 274, 278 will be read and voted on to complete the first reading and vote. A second reading would then be placed on agenda.

What was passed in the session on Monday, 7 October 2024:

Art...

After a three-hour visit to the Attorney General Office, former Minister of Defense, Major General Ruben Paulino Sem had no comments to make to the press. Paulino Sem was Minister of Defense during the government of President Danilo Medina. He just said: “Regarding the investigations and in due respect to the Public Ministry, we are not going to give statements.” He was interrogated by prosecutors from the Persecution of Administrative Corruption division (Pepca) of the Attorney General Office.

The Pepca is investigating the contract Aurix SAS regarding national security signed when Paulino Sem was Minister of Defense. The ownership of the company is attributed to Jose Gomez (Jochi), who is investigated in regards to irregularities related to the irregularities in transit and security with Transcore Latam traffic and National Transit Institute (Intrant).

Read more in...

Contrary to what had been originally scheduled, Smith Augustin was not named president of the Haiti Presidential Transition Council. Instead, architect Leslie Voltaire was named on 7 October 2024 for the term that ends in March 2025. He is a representative of the Fanmi Lavalas party. His inauguration was not attended by his processor, Edgard Leblanc Fils, Haitian press reported.

In his speech, Voltaire acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with his new leadership role. He paid tribute to the victims of recent violence, particularly those affected by unrest in the Pont-Sondé area earlier in the week. “The hour is grave,” he emphasized, calling for national reconciliation and a commitment to leaving a future free from violence and instability for the next generations.

Recognizing the considerable challenges ahead, Voltaire admitted that the Haitian state has...

The Migration Agency reports in a press release issued on Monday, 7 October 2024 around 9,000 undocumented migrants have been deported in the past seven days.

The Dominican Republic stepped up the deportations in response to the continuing situation in Haiti where rampant gang violence, lack of jobs and social services pressure the population to migrate across the land border to the Dominican Republic.

President Luis Abinader recently appointed Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, head of the C5i intelligence division of the Ministry of Defense, to the position of director of Migration.

The deportations were stepped up last week after the National Defense and Security Council took the decision in view of the stagnation of the crisis in Haiti. The deportations serve as a deterrent to more Haitian migration, a significant burden to Dominican...

Tourism leaders from both Africa and the Americas met in Punta Cana last week and committed to continue working together to make the sector a pillar of collective sustainable and inclusive development across both continents. Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez and Tourism Minister David Collado welcomed the delegates from Africa and the Americas.

The “Punta Cana Declaration” was adopted at the conclusion of the very first joint meeting of UN Tourism’s Regional Commissions for Africa and the Americas and followed two days of shared dialogue around the key themes of education and investments into the sector. Recognizing the historic ties between the two regions, as well their unique and complementary cultures, the Summit served as a landmark platform for strengthened cooperation, capitalizing on innovation, education, investments and creative industries for the...

The Abinader Administration has earmarked the economic development of the Southwest of the Dominican Republic as a top priority, and the construction of cruise ship facilities along with hotels and other tourism-oriented projects are just part of the picture.

The construction of the “Fishermen’s Wharf” at Cabo Rojo is another piece of the plan. The wharf will be able to accommodate the small craft associated with the local fishing population, as well as perhaps some deep-sea fishing boats that visit the area.

The Cabo Rojo area of Pedernales has been home to fishing by the local population for many decades. This is an important economic activity is the economically depressed area of the Dominican Republic. The wharf is part of the dozen or so piers and wharfs that the Dominican Port Authority has announced plans to modernize or construct this year.

The new...

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation announces the signing of a deal that calls for opening five Sonesta ES Suites hotels in the Dominican Republic through 2031. Sonesta joins the many international chains that are booking their customers into Dominican hotels.

The corporation announces that its first property, the Sonesta ES Suites Elements Jarabacoa is scheduled to open in the first in the first trimester of 2026.

The Sonesta ES Suites Elements Jarabacoa is described by the chain as an upscale, extended-stay hotel, in La Vega province. The company says guests will be able to enjoy the annual flower festival celebration and the many natural attractions. Jarabacoa is bordered by four large rivers: the Yaque del Norte, the Jimenoa, the Guanajuma, and the Baiguate.

The hotel will seek to attract tourists coming to enjoy the outdoor adventures in the nearby...

The humor, romance and unforgettable music of Mamma Mia is scheduled for a first performance in the Dominican Republic at the Bellas Artes Theater in Santo Domingo starting 14 November. The local version of the 1999 classic by British playwright Catherine Johnson and successful Broadway musical is produced by veteran Dominican actress Maria Castillo to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the play.

Enjoy the performance of “Money, Money, Money,” “Thank You for the Music,” “Dancing Queen,” “Lay All Your Love on Me,” “Super Trouper,” “Voulez-Vous,” “SOS”, “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “Mamma Mia.”

Mamma Mia in Santo Domingo will feature performances by former Miss Universe and actress Denise Quiñones, Sofía Reyes, José Guillermo Cortines, Luis José Germán, Máximo Martínez, Laura Rivera, Juan Luis Espinal and Laura Leclerc.

The...