DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

In a milestone for Caribbean agriculture, Minister of Agriculture Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme announced that the Dominican Republic has secured its position as the leading rice producer in the Central American and Caribbean region. During an event in Bonao headed by President Luis Abinader to launch the annual harvest, Espaillat Bencosme revealed that domestic production now exceeds the combined output of all other nations in the region.

Rice is a leading Dominican food staple. Per capita consumption in the Dominican Republic stands at approximately 128 pounds per year.

The Minister underscored the country’s robust food security, noting that the national inventory currently holds over five million quintals of rice. This figure excludes the ongoing harvest, ensuring a steady supply for the domestic market despite global economic uncertainties.

According to data released...

Foreigns Ministers Reina Forbin and Roberto Alvarez / MIREX

The Dominican Republic and Haiti are working to reopen the airspace between both countries starting in May 2026. The opening specifically connects Dominican airports with the Cap Haitien International Airport to facilitate mobility and economic ties.

The Dominican Republic had closed its airspace with Haiti in March 2024. Only humanitarian flights were allowed. The Dominican Republic cited the high levels of insecurity in the neighboring nation.

The decision is part of a Joint Statement issued by Foreign Ministers of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Roberto Alvarez and Raina Forbin. The ministers led the high-level delegations of their respective government committees that met for the talks at the installations of Codevi Industrial Park on the border to advance the bilateral agenda on 17 April...

President Luis Abinader inaugurated on 16 April 2026 the RD$3 billion Renacer plastic recycling plant in southeastern San Pedro de Macoris. The plant is described as the first facility in the Caribbean capable of producing food-grade recycled PET resin. This milestone supports the country’s circular economy goals and industrial modernization.

Located within the Zona Franca Quisqueya, the project is a collaboration between the Dominican company Diesco and the Honduran-based Invema Group. It is designed to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable packaging, particularly from multinational beverage corporations operating in the region.

Diesco, a prominent multi-sectoral conglomerate headquartered in Santo Domingo, manufactures packaging (Polyplas and Termopac) and beverages.

The new plant possesses the technology to process 124 million bottles annually...

The Dominican economy demonstrated remarkable resilience in the first quarter of 2026. In March alone, the country surpassed the historic US$1.4 billion barrier in exports, recording US$1.45 billion in outward trade. The country exported 20.7% more compared to March 2025.

This time the primary driver of this growth is raw gold, which experienced a 78.2% surge in value, adding US$110.8 million to the monthly total. Gold reached a new record peak of US$5,626.75 on 29 January 2026. Since then, the price has fluctuated due to a “push and pull” between geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and shifting interest rate expectations. This is up from the peak of US$3,613.20 for the ounce of gold in 2025.

Other high-performing sectors included tobacco (up US$16.5 million) and medical instruments (up US$12.3 million). Canada has emerged as a major growth market, with...

The Ministry of Public Works (MOPC) has ordered the total temporary closure of the Ocoa-Cruce de Ocoa highway. The local traffic and transit agency Digesett is currently managing alternate routes while a provisional pass is constructed to restore connectivity.

On 18 April 2026, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) mandated the total and temporary closure of the Ocoa-Cruce de Ocoa highway following a significant geological failure. The collapse was classified as a major sinkhole (socavón). The sinkhole was precipitated by persistent heavy rainfall that destabilized the underlying limestone strata, a condition exacerbated by the region’s complex hydrological network.

The Transit Agency (Digesett) is redirecting traffic through narrow, secondary routes that were not designed for the heavy agricultural transport typical of the Ocoa region.

Engineers from...

Media reports on the heavy rains that have been falling in the Dominican Republic continue to bring forth evidence that builders cannot cut corners. Cheap constructions create new vulnerabilities. Likewise, people need to know the price to be paid for moving into areas where previously there were rivers and streams.

Once again, the rains are headline news.

Greater Santo Domingo was for the most part exempt from the heavy rains over the weekend, with the exception of a downpour on Saturday evening.

As announced by Gloria Ceballos, director of the National Meteorological Institute (Indomet), the rains came on Friday and Saturday, and were intense in the central portion of the nation. The most serious damage was the washout of the San Jose de Ocoa road that halted traffic for more than a day. Rivers have flooded in La Vega and Constanza, causing personal and material...

The Ministry of Public Works (MOPC), now under Minister Eduardo Estrella, says the renovation of Duarte Highway is on track for a 2027 completion. The renovation has included a complex system of overpasses and new tolls booths.

This multi-phase project, which spans from Santo Domingo to the Cibao region, also involves the elimination of over 150 illegal U-turns and the construction of safe-access ramps and elevated pedestrian crossings to reduce the high fatality rate historically associated with this route. The government is also working on the structural reinforcement of the aging bridge infrastructure that connects the northern provinces to the country’s main ports on the south side.

The Duarte Highway renovation has picked up pace after an excruciatingly slow start when Deligne Ascencion was the minister. When the project began in May 2022, Ascencion had announced that the...

On the fiscal front, small business (Mipymes) are facing a strict 15 May 2026 deadline for the mandatory implementation of the electronic invoicing system. This new regime, overseen by the Tax Agency (DGII), is designed to reduce tax evasion and streamline fiscal reporting, but it has met with resistance from small business owners who cite the high cost of digital integration and the lack of reliable internet in remote provinces.

The government has promised technical support, but analysts warn that if the deadline is not extended, a significant percentage of small businesses could face heavy fines or forced closures.

Read more in Spanish:

• El Día

Recent audits and investigative reports have highlighted transparency concerns within the National Congress. Diario Libre reports that the administrative staff of a single senator’s office now rivals the size of a medium-sized private company.

In its report on the perceived excesses at the Senate offices, Diario Libre reveals that the payroll for senatorial offices has ballooned to 1,284 employees, with a monthly salary expense exceeding RD$41 million.

The most glaring example is the office of Senator Dagoberto Rodríguez Adames in the sparsely populated province of Independencia, which employs 69 people, outnumbering the staffs of senators from major urban centers like the National District and Santiago. This spending represents roughly 40% of the Senate’s total budget, sparking a renewed debate over the “barrilito” (the controversial discretionary fund) and the lack of a...

In the DR, traffic cops do not enforce traffic laws with motorcyclists. For years, people have been complaining that the negligence of local authorities in applying the law to motorcyclists is empowering these in the wrong way. Making matters worse, motorcyclists are known to band together if anything happens to their kind.

The inevitable happened this Sunday, 19 April 2026. A garbage dump truck driver who had brushed a motorcyclist saw himself under the siege of eight motorcyclists. He bled to death when one of the motorcyclists knifed him.

Ironically, he had entered the Santiago Justice headquarters seeking protection.

Minister of Interior and Police Faride Raful pledged that the case not escape justice.

The Dominican Republic is currently embroiled in several high-profile legal battles concerning environmental management and natural resource extraction. The legal battles are ongoing regarding environmental evaluations for mining operations in the Cordillera Septentrional and the Cordillera Central, the central and northern mountain ranges.

Senator Daniel Rivera of Santiago has emerged as a vocal opponent of mining permits in the Cordillera Central, arguing that the protection of the nation’s primary water sources must take precedence over economic gain. Rivera is a former Minister of Public Health.

However, the Abinader administration’s Ministry of Energy and Mines has defended the issuance of exploration permits, claiming the exploration permits do not authorize actual extraction and are necessary for the country to understand its mineral potential. Exploration permits are the...

A heartwarming story of entrepreneurship is trending as Gregory Adames, the key witness in the Jet Set Club roof collapse case, has received widespread public support for his “catibias” (yucca plus fillings) business following a social media push.

The intersection of tragedy and entrepreneurship has captured the national attention through the story of Adames. The former employee of the Jet Set nightclub is regarded as the key witness in the investigation into the April 2025 roof collapse that killed 236 people. The technical report on the collapse, which occurred during a Rubby Pérez concert, attributes the collapse to inadequate structural support and the weight of equipment on the roof. The file on the case reveals that Adames on numerous occasions had notified the owners of the need to carry out major works and the vulnerabilities of the roof.

Adames, worked as a waiter...

Michael Lee-Chin / El Nacional

The Dominican government could still appeal, yet this month a US court confirmed a previous sentence and awarded around US$44 million to Jamaican businessman Michael Lee-Chin after the government takeover of the Duquesa garbage dump, El Nacional reports. The judge determined his ownership of the property had been violated.

The multi-million dollar consequence resulted from the lack of action by Dominican legislators and officials to determine the fraud of the title. If the government had acted to dispute the ownership, the businessman would have had to sue who sold him the fraudulent title and not the Dominican government. The businessman had bought Lajun company that claims it is the owner of the land where the dump site for garbage in Greater Santo Domingo is located.

The businessman took the Dominican government to court under the Caricom Free Trade...

The Dominican Plastic Surgery Society (Sodocipre) has urged prospective patients to verify the credentials of their surgeons and the accreditation of the facilities. The announcement is reiterated after the death on 15 April 2026 of 27-year old Anyeli Meliza Sanchez Castillo after she underwent multiple surgeries under the responsibility of Dr. Jose Desena Montero. Desena Montero is not listed as a member of Sodocipre.

Diario Libre reports the victim underwent an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction in multiple areas, and a fat transfer, all on the same day. She had a four-year old child.

Health officials clarified that undergoing multiple procedures during a single plastic surgery session is permitted under current Dominican health regulations, provided specific safety protocols are met.

The plastic surgery society reports the complication rates by their members is at...

The National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) executed a major interdiction in Pedernales, seizing 1.6 tons of cocaine following an intense armed confrontation. This operation is part of a broader crackdown that recently included the interception of 151 drug packages at sea and the arrest of a bus driver in Barahona carrying 11 packages of marijuana in the southwestern region last week.

The National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) has executed a series of high-impact operations that underscore the shifting dynamics of Caribbean narcotics trafficking. On 18 April 2026, agents seized a massive cargo of 1,670 packages, weighing approximately 1.6 tons of presumed cocaine, off the coast of Pedernales.

This seizure occurred following an intense maritime chase and an armed confrontation, where the suspects utilized high-powered outboard motors to ground the vessel before fleeing...

Judicial reports from the National District now link approximately 70% of all minor crimes — including petty theft, street robbery, and domestic disturbances — to local drug consumption. This staggering statistic has prompted Magistrate Kenya Romero, coordinator of the Instruction Courts, to advocate for a “restorative and therapeutic justice” model during the 2026 Judiciary Conference.

The goal is to move beyond the traditional adversarial system and implement supervised recovery programs for defendants with narcotic dependencies. This approach, inspired by the Puerto Rican model, acknowledges that the current prison system is an expensive “revolving door,” costing the state far more than targeted health interventions that could potentially resolve the thousands of processes currently stalled by minor infractions.

Vice President Raquel Peña and Minister of Culture Roberto Angel Salcedo officially opened the first Cibao Regional Book and Culture Fair 2026 on Sunday, 19 April 2026. Hosted in the gardens of the Gran Teatro del Cibao, the event serves as a cultural nexus for the 14 provinces of the northern region, aiming to strengthen historical ties and showcase the literary and artistic wealth of the central Cibao Valley region.

The fair, which runs from 19 April to 26 April 2026, was proposed by Santiago Senator Daniel Rivera to the Vice President, a Santiago native.

The inaugural regional edition is dedicated to the memory of former President and intellectual Ulises Francisco Espaillat, marking the 150th anniversary of his administration.

A commitment to cultural decentralizationDuring the opening ceremony held at the Restauración Hall of the Grand Theater, Vice President Peña...

Dominican national basketball team member Karl-Anthony Towns led the New York Knicks to their first playoff victory of the season.

Towns played a pivotal role in the Knicks’ 113-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on 18 April 2026.

The next game is scheduled for 20 April 2026. As of 19 April 2026, Karl-Anthony Towns is currently leading the New York Knicks through the first round of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs following a productive regular season.

Follow the story: Listin Diario

Court Vision

20 April 2026

Preparations for the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 are accelerating following the delivery of two major venues. Last week, the Ministry of Housing and Edifications (Mivhed) officially handed over the fully remodeled gymnastics and table tennis pavilions, signaling a significant milestone in the city’s readiness for the regional event.

Table tennis pavilionMivhed Minister Victor (Ito) Bisono delivered the renovated table tennis pavilion located within the Parque del Este sports complex.The extensive renovation focused on both structural integrity and technological upgrades, including:• Capacity: Stands designed to accommodate 1,344 spectators, including a dedicated VIP area.• Infrastructure: Complete maintenance and painting of the roof structure, alongside generalized interior and exterior lighting.• Facilities: Modernized electrical...

In a televised investigative report, investigative journalist Alicia Ortega looks into evidence that there were serious problems with the roof of the JetSet Club. The long trail of exchanges on the roof problems dates back to 2021. Ortega presents conversations with employees Manuel Jimenez and Gregory Adames.

The correspondence in videos and text highlights the situation and vulnerabilities of the roof.

The report includes several mentions of Maribel Espaillat alerting her brother Antonio Espaillat that the roof was failing.

The official technical report on the roof collapse presented by Onesvie reveals negligence on behalf of the management that had been given years to resolve the infrastructure problems.

The siblings face a maximum sentence of two years for involuntary manslaughter before the case moves to the civil compensation demands...

President Luis Abinader led the opening ceremony of ExpoSostenible 2026 this Wednesday, 15 April 2026, at the Hotel El Embajador in Santo Domingo. The event, scheduled to run through 16 April 2026, positions the Dominican Republic as a strategic regional focal point for sustainability and environmental stewardship.

During his opening remarks, Abinader highlighted the importance of implementing policies that integrate economic growth with environmental sustainability, underlining the role of the DR in the building of a more resilient and sustainable development model.

The event is happening at a time when the capital city of Santo Domingo is an example of what not to do. The city government in recent years has given priority to innumerable high-rises. Constructions did not take into consideration rain drainage, water supply, sewage supply, or parking, and...

Meteorologist Jean Suriel has issued an urgent weather advisory warning of a significant, multi-day rain event with heavy rains forecast for Saturday, 18 April 2026. He warns on his Instagram account that a combination of cold front, a new trough (vaguada), and heavy tropical moisture is expected to stall over the country in the next days, creating a high risk for severe flooding and landslides.

Four people were reported dead due to the severe flooding and landslides in different parts of the country last week. On the positive side, El Nuevo Diario says that the effective management of dams has reduced the damage by the rising waters of rivers.

For Thursday, 16 April, Suriel speaks of partly cloudy skies and that people can expect humid winds to bring moderate rainfall across various provinces. He writes that the direct influence of a trough (low-pressure area) is expected...

European Union (EU) investment in the Dominican Republic reached €1.6 billion in 2024 alone, contributing to a massive cumulative total of €10 billion since 2020. These figures were presented by Raúl Fuentes Milani, EU Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, during his appearance at the high-level “Desayuno del Listín Diario” business table.

Fuentes Milani was joined by German ambassador Maike Friedrichsen, Italian ambassador Sergio Maffettone, Netherlands ambassador Sonia Meijer and French ambassador Eric Fournier for the talk with the editor in chief of Listin Diario Miguel Franjul and deputy editor Fabio Cabral.

The diplomats noted there has been a significant shift in the bilateral economic relationship. European investment is now diversifying far beyond the traditional tourism sector. Attracted by the country’s political stability, the EU is seeing the Dominican...

The Minister of Public Works Eduardo Estrella announced that the formal reception of proposals for the construction of the highly anticipated Autopista del Ambar will begin on 5 May 2026. The highway would cut across the Northern Mountain Range (Cordillera Septentrional) and would be equidistant to Puerto Plata city and Sosua and Cabarete beach destinations. The RD Vial Trust is convening the tender.

Speaking during the Corripio Communications Group’s Weekly Lunch, the official explained that the bidding process underwent several extensions to ensure broader corporate participation. “Several extensions were granted… with the intention that the more companies participate, the better,” the Minister stated.

The 32.7-kilometer highway project is strategically designed to bypass the winding mountain passes of the existing roads, effectively cutting the travel time between Santiago and...

The Executive Branch issued Decree No. 197-26 on 26 March 2026, ordering the immediate reactivation of the National Regularization Plan for lottery shops, agencies, and betting parlors. The move, aimed at finalizing the vetting and formalization of the sector, gains new urgency following a scathing report by the National Federation of Lottery Betting Shops (Fenabanca) regarding the “anarchic” growth of illegal gambling points.

Executive restructuring and tax integrationThe new decree repeals the previous framework (Decree No. 295-22) to establish a more rigorous oversight scheme. A key shift in strategy involves the direct integration of the Tax Agency (DGII), which is now tasked with:• Provisional fiscal integration: Bringing establishments into the tax regime immediately.• Compliance audits: Verifying the tax standing of all operators.• Operational coordination: The Administrator of...

Economist Miguel Collado Di Franco is calling for a rigorous overhaul of government spending, arguing that the Dominican Republic’s ruling political class must lead by example as international geopolitical crises strain the national economy. Speaking on the news program El Despertador on 15 April 2026, Collado Di Franco criticized the current administration’s handling of global volatility, warning that the country lacks a concrete roadmap to mitigate external shocks.

The fiscal deficit threatCollado Di Franco raised the alarm regarding the widening fiscal gap. While the National Budget was initially structured around a 3.4% deficit, he warned that current spending levels could push that figure past 4%, reaching as high as 5% of GDP in an adverse scenario.

Since the beginning of the year, the economist has proposed a minimum 5% reduction in state spending to stabilize public...

The infamous “Air Cocaine” case, a saga involving a 700-kilogram drug bust, a daring international escape, and a high-profile Netflix documentary, has entered what may be its final chapter in the Dominican Republic, Diario Libre reports. The National Institute for the Custody and Administration of Seized Assets (Incabide) announced that the aircraft at the center of the scandal will be sold at public auction on 13 May 2026. The aircraft, a 1988 Dassault Falcon 50 (serial number 190, registration F-GXMC), is being offered with a starting price of RD$95,200,000.

The Air Cocaine case began on 20 March 2013, when the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) intercepted the private jet at Punta Cana International Airport. Authorities discovered 26 suitcases containing nearly 700 kilograms of cocaine destined for Saint-Tropez, France.

The public auction of confiscated property...

Time Magazine has named actress Zoe Saldaña to the 2026 TIME100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Saldaña is featured on one of the four worldwide covers for the issue. Saldaña has repeatedly described herself as a Dominican-American, being the daughter of a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother. She spent her formative years in Santo Domingo, where she got her first training in the arts.

The tribute for her inclusion was written by Oscar-winning film director James Cameron, who highlighted her status as the highest-grossing actor in history and praised her versatility and pride in her Afro-Latina roots. The recognition follows her 2025 Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez.

James Cameron stated:

“So … How to describe the phenomenon that is Zoe Saldaña? An Academy Award–winning actor, she has starred in...

Meteorologist and weather analyst Jean Suriel has issued an alert regarding a new trough (vaguada) approaching the Caribbean, which is expected to trigger significant rainfall and flash flooding across the Dominican Republic starting 15 April 2026. Jean Suriel is the weather forecaster for CDN News.

The forecast indicates that a combination of a transient low-pressure system north of Puerto Rico and the incoming trough will intensify weather conditions. According to Suriel, the country is currently operating under a “new meteorological normal,” where weather systems evolve rapidly and deliver high-impact results in short timeframes.

Critical forecast timelineThe weather pattern is expected to evolve as follows:• Wednesday, 15 April: Precipitation will increase significantly during the afternoon and evening hours, raising the risk of urban flooding, wind gusts...

On 13 April 2026, meteorologist Jean Suriel explained that the severe weather impacting Santo Domingo was caused by “microbursts” of cold air and heavy rain. These phenomena occur when a dense mass of cold air and rain rapidly descends from a thunderstorm, hitting the ground and spreading out with destructive force.

The National Meteorological Institute (Indomet) and Suriel noted that the event was fueled by a trough and high temperatures, which triggered intense cumulonimbus cloud formations. In addition to the strong winds, significant hail was reported across the capital, particularly in the National District and Santo Domingo West, as the rapid vertical movement within the clouds froze water droplets before they could melt upon descent.

The storm caused widespread damage, including fallen trees, downed power lines, and flooded urban roads. Social media and...

Aníbal Díaz Belliard, the director general of operations for the Presidency, personally supervised the commencement of demolition work on the bridge spanning the Camú River. The infrastructure suffered severe structural failure following a recent and significant rise in the river’s water level along the strategic Touristic Highway (Carretera Turística).

The primary objectives are to restore road connectivity and ensure the safety of citizens traveling to key tourist destinations and rural communities. The road is an alternate route from Puerto Plata to Santiago.

The bridge collapsed under the pressure of recent intense rainfall that caused the river to swell beyond its capacity, forcing authorities to preemptively close the area to traffic to prevent accidents and protect lives. The total removal of the damaged sections is a prerequisite for the installation of...

Luis Carvajal / Z Digital

Following the passage of a significant trough on 7 April 2026 and 08 April 2026 that paralyzed the National District and San Cristóbal, prominent ecologist Luis Carvajal is calling for a radical shift in urban planning, asserting that the resulting “natural disasters” are actually the physical consequences of human negligence. Carvajal, the Coordinator of the Environmental Commission at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) and a member of the Academy of Sciences, argues that the city’s vulnerability stems from a model of development that prioritizes land speculation over “territorial intelligence.”

Carvajal notes that the systematic filling of wetlands, which naturally store excess water, and the sealing of the city with impermeable concrete have transformed streets into high-speed funnels for runoff. The expert explains that the...

The National Institute for the Custody and Administration of Seized and Abandoned Assets (Incabide) has announced its first-ever public auction of confiscated property, organized under the legal framework of Law No. 60-23. This inaugural event marks a significant milestone in the Dominican Republic’s management of assets recovered from criminal activities, including illicit drug trafficking, money laundering, and administrative corruption.

The auction features a diverse portfolio of high-value items, including real estate (apartments, houses and vacant lots), transportation (luxury vehicles, yachts and aircraft), and valuables (jewelry, scrap metal).

The executive director of Incabide, Manuel Oviedo Estrada, characterized the process as a democratic opportunity for citizen investment. He emphasized that the auction transforms assets once tied to illegal acts into useful...

Aerodom/VINCI Airports, concessionaire of the Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) has announced awarding a contract to the Dominican firm Ingeniería Estrella for the total rehabilitation and maintenance of primary runway 17-35. The project calls for an investment exceeding US$20 million.

The renovation is designed to strengthen operational safety and efficiency at the terminal. According to the concessionaire, the “major construction” project includes extensive milling and repaving, the updating of “as-built” designs, and rigorous quality controls. The objective is to renew the pavement structure to ensure a minimum lifespan of 15 years under optimal operating conditions.

To prevent disruptions to airline schedules and passenger travel, Aerodom successfully transitioned operations in 2025 to taxiway “Juliet,” which currently serves as alternate...

A total of 4,104 newborns benefited from the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) method in the Dominican Republic during 2025, according to new data released by UNICEF. The figures, shared during a high-level site visit to the Dr. Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital, bring the cumulative total of infants treated under this initiative in the Dominican Republic to 38,344 since 2020.

The report was presented to members of the UNICEF Business Advisory Council, who observed the implementation of the model designed specifically for premature infants or those with low birth weight.

Impact and methodology

The Kangaroo Mother Care method is a low-cost, high-impact intervention that prioritizes three pillars of neonatal health:• Skin-to-skin contact between the infant and parents.• Exclusive breastfeeding promotion.• Continuous medical follow-up to reduce complications.

Carlos Carrera, UNICEF...

The corruption case against former Attorney General Jean Alain Rodriguez has been postponed for the 22nd time in five years, as of 14 April 2026. The ongoing delays have sparked significant concern among civil society leaders and judicial observers regarding the potential expiration of the legal action.

Jean Alain Rodríguez, who served as the nation’s chief prosecutor from 2016 to 2020, is the primary defendant in the case originally named the Medusa file by the Attorney General Office, then under the hold of Miriam German Brito at the start of the Abinader administration.

The prosecution alleges a massive corruption network involving overvaluation of public works, bribery and diversion of government funds.

The Second Collegiate Court of the National District continues to navigate a sea of procedural motions that have prevented the start of the substantive trial. While the...

The National Federation of Lottery Betting Shops (Fenabanca) issued a stern warning on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, regarding the massive and irregular expansion of betting shops across the Dominican Republic. The federation claims this “dangerous growth” is fueled by unfair competition and is occurring under the alleged complicity of the Ministry of Hacienda and other state entities.

During a press conference, Fenabanca leadership highlighted a pervasive lack of taxation and rampant fiscal evasion by unauthorized operators. José Armando Cedeño, vice president of the organization, asserted that the current climate violates tax and gaming laws 139-11 and 253-12, as well as multiple regulatory decrees.

Cedeño noted that illegal establishments now “occupy every corner” to such an extent that they outnumber legally registered businesses. He further criticized the disregard for...

Judge Milagros Ramirez Cabrera of the Ninth Criminal Chamber of the National District has sentenced Elizabeth Silverio Silien to five years in prison for the illegal practice of medicine and psychology. This ruling follows a retrial after a previous conviction was overturned last year when the at the time 30-year old woman was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Silverio Silien was found guilty for the second time of posing as a neuroscientist and psychologist to provide specialized therapies to children on the autism spectrum. The court determined that she conducted clinical evaluations and medical recommendations without possessing the required academic qualifications or legal accreditation.

The defendant operated the Knowledge Land Neurocognitive and Psychopedagogical Therapy Center, which was closed by health authorities after irregularities were exposed in May 2023...

Doctor Héctor Guerrero Heredia and Mario Jose Redondo Llenas / El Nacional

With the scheduled release of Mario José Redondo Llenas approaching on 5 May 2026, prominent psychiatrist Héctor Guerrero Heredia has recommended that the convict immediately leave the Dominican Republic to ensure a viable future, as reported in El Nacional. Redondo Llenas is finishing a maximum 30-year sentence for the murder of his 12-year-old cousin, José Rafael Llenas Aybar on 3 May 1996.

Redondo Llenas was 18 at the time of the crime, which remains one of the most chilling cases in Dominican criminal history.

Social reintegration vs. public acceptanceDr. Guerrero Heredia told El Nacional that while the inmate has utilized his three decades behind bars to pursue extensive academic studies and is clinically “prepared” for reintegration, the Dominican public is not prepared to receive him. Guerrero...

Greater Santo Domingo got a taste of tornado-like wind gusts on Monday afternoon, mostly hitting the southern part of the city. To the north, several regions were flooded with rivers damaging inner town connections with main roads. Reports are that the Camu and Veragua bridges over rivers in the north part of the country were impacted.

The message is clear. More solid constructions are needed because the heavy rains will continue to impact the country.

On Monday, 13 April 2026 in the afternoon, sudden yet short-lasting hurricane-style winds and rain grabbed everyone’s attention. On the Malecon, a section of the Malecon Center fell from the intense winds, as reported in Diario Libre. Trees were toppled in the Colonial City. Weather forecaster Heriberto Fabian explained in Diario Libre that the wind gusts come with convective systems and are of short duration.

N Digital reports that...

A technical team from the National Office of Seismic Evaluation and Vulnerability of Infrastructure and Buildings (Onesvie) has launched a comprehensive assessment of the Camú Bridge in Puerto Plata following its structural collapse. The team is conducting technical surveys to determine the exact causes of the failure, the magnitude of the damage, and the necessary intervention measures as part of the Dominican government’s emergency response.

The structure succumbed to intense rainfall recorded over the past few hours, which triggered river overflows and widespread flooding across several sectors of the province. The collapse has completely severed traffic on this alternate road that connects Puerto Plata with Santiago de los Caballeros, causing significant concern among local residents and authorities in the neighboring municipality of Gaspar Hernández.

Technical leadership and...

The close ties Dominican expats maintain with their homeland continues to manifest itself. Remittances continue strong. The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reported that remittance inflows reached US$3.02 billion during the first quarter of 2026 (January–March), marking a 1.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Dominicans living abroad send back their savings to help family and friends, and to invest in their future retirement in the country.

In March 2026 alone, the country received US$1.15 billion, a 3.5% year-on-year increase and a significant 29.5% jump from February 2026. This growth occurred despite international volatility caused by Middle Eastern conflicts, which have driven up fuel prices and pressured household disposable income.

Key drivers and US economic dataThe surge is primarily attributed to the Dominican diaspora in the United...

The second day of the national ID (cédula) renewal process in the National District saw a significant shift toward efficiency on 13 April 2026, following initial delays during the program’s launch on Sunday, El Nacional reports. Operations at the Central Electoral Board (JCE) centers were characterized by orderly queues and rapid processing times, contrasting with the typical crowds associated with mass documentation efforts.

Streamlined operations and logisticsAt key centers, including the Centro de los Héroes, the Second Circumscription Civil Registry, and the Ensanche Luperón office, citizens reported a seamless experience. The JCE has implemented a strict logistics protocol where personnel guide users through biometric data capture and photography immediately upon arrival.

To manage the volume, the JCE has established specific parameters for the renewal phase:•...

The number of state pensioners receiving special pensions in the Dominican Republic has experienced unprecedented growth over the last two years, adding nearly 38,000 new beneficiaries to the social security system. According to data from the Pensions Department (DGJP), a total of 37,983 individuals were added to the payroll between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2026.

The comfortable pensions are granted to select individuals at a time when pensions granted to those who have spent their life working are around 25% of what individuals were making when on the job. Political will has not been available to improve the pensions granted through the general security system, despite the high yield the intermediaries are making on the deal.

Statistics from the entity reveal that while there were 216,228 beneficiaries registered in the January-March 2024 period, that figure...

A recent nationwide audit ordered by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MICM) has revealed that 143 gas stations in the Dominican Republic are failing to meet the minimum octane quality standards for premium and regular gasoline.

The inspections, conducted by the specialized firm AIVEPET S.R.L., evaluated the Research Octane Number (RON) at 1,033 stations across the country. The findings, published on the MICM official website, indicate that approximately 14% of the nation’s fuel pumps are dispensing gasoline that falls below the regulated threshold of 94.5 octane.

Major brands topping the non-compliance listAccording to the MICM report, several major fuel retailers were identified as having the highest frequency of substandard fuel. The breakdown by brand for stations failing quality tests is as follows:•...

The Apolo 27 team from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (Intec) achieved a significant milestone at the 2026 NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC), held at the Aviation Challenge facility in Huntsville, Alabama. On 11 April 2026, the team secured awards, bringing their total historical medal count to 15 awards over seven consecutive years of participation since 2019.

2026 Award SummaryThe team’s performance in 2026 was defined by both technical efficiency and community leadership. They competed in the College Human-Powered category, navigating an 800-meter lunar-simulated obstacle course.

The DR won the Team Spirit Award for collaboration and attitude for its third consecutive year (2024, 2025, 2026). Likewise, the Dominican students won the award for Industry STEM Engagement for education outreach, recognition for promoting STEM careers in...

A recent scientific expedition aboard the vessel Solace documented a record 513 humpback whale sightings in a single day at Navidad Bank, a submerged coral bank located 100 kilometers off the North/ Northeast coast of the Dominican Republic. The findings reported in Oceanographic Magazine confirm the area is one of the world’s most significant breeding grounds for North Atlantic humpbacks.

While the Marine Mammal Sanctuary of Bancos de la Plata y la Navidad is known as a critical winter nursery, Navidad Bank has historically been the least-studied zone within the sanctuary. The expedition was a collaborative effort between the Fundación Puntacana, the Dominican Foundation for Marine Studies (Fundemar), EYOS Expeditions, and Yachts for Science.

The unprecedented data on whale density will be presented to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to advocate for strengthened regional...

The Dominican Republic’s tourism sector continues to set new records in visitors by air and sea. Tourism Minister David Collado says that 3,710,374 visitors arrived during the first quarter of 2026. Collado reported the figures during a press conference in Santo Domingo, noting that the country has now surpassed the 1.3 million monthly visitor mark for five consecutive months. The country is on a path to set a new record for arrivals in 2026.

The 3,710,374 arrivals recorded from January through March 2026 represent a significant upward trend compared to previous years. The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) highlighted the following growth benchmarks for the quarter:• 10.8% increase compared to 2025• 14.8% increase compared to 2024• 28.7% increase compared to 2023• 64.1% increase compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic baseline)

Of the total quarterly visitors, 2,603,777 arrived...

Just like Colombians did after low cost airlines added non-stop flights on several Colombia-DR routes, Mexicans are now discovering the Dominican Republic. The same is happening for Dominicans who are now flying in groups of friends and families to Mexico, enjoying the world class Mexican attractions.

Once Arajet entered the market with flights in 2022 into Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) on the outskirts of Mexico City, promotions and word of mouth have stimulated travel between both countries.

This has stimulated Mexican tourists to travel to the country to discover what all the hype is about the Dominican Republic. Likewise, Dominican tourists are discovering Mexico’s many destinations, making it a win-win situation for both countries.

The Ministry of Tourism reports that air arrivals of Mexican tourists were 160,953 passengers in 2025, up 39.9% compared to...

Six leading travel agencies and industry organizations participated in the DR Miami Road Show and took advantage of the occasion to recognize the Dominican Republic for its achievements, the Ministry of Tourism reported. The surge in accolades follows a sustained period of growth for the Dominican Republic, which has consistently outpaced regional competitors in arrivals and infrastructure development.

The accolades were presented on Tuesday, 7 April 2026 and distinguished the country as a premier global destination, specifically highlighting its dominance in the Caribbean and its rapid growth within the Latin American market.

Tourism Minister David Collado received the awards. He had words of praise for industry executives for their leadership and vision in positioning the Dominican Republic as a benchmark for quality and innovation in the post-pandemic era...

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism solidified its position as a Caribbean leader during the fourth annual Dominican Republic Roadshow in Miami on 7 April 2026. Tourism Minister David Collado described the event as a “resounding success,” noting that the gathering has evolved into the nation’s most vital commercial platform.

Strategic agreements and market growthThe roadshow served as the backdrop for the signing of more than 42 agreements aimed at securing future visitor flows to the country. While the initial report indicated 15 agreements, later updates confirmed the total reached over 40 partnerships. These pacts were inked between the Ministry of Tourism and a diverse array of airlines, travel agencies, and tour operators.

Key signatories included:• Destination Weddings• Northstar Travel Group• Prince Travel• Signature Travel Network• Voyages en Direct• Viajes Palacio• MSC...

Vice President Raquel Peña, accompanied by Tourism Minister David Collado and Port Authority (Apordom) executive director Jean Luis Rodríguez, officially inaugurated the first of three development stages of the Samaná Bayport cruise terminal in Samana city on Saturday, 11 April 2026. The Presidency reports that the new terminal and tourist complex, executed by the Temarsam Consortium, is designed to transform the economy and tourism experience of Samaná province.

The terminal can accommodate up to three cruise ships simultaneously. It is designed to handle up to 10,000 daily passengers. Beyond port functions, the complex includes commercial areas with food and beverage outlets, a beach club, a swimming pool, and green recreation spaces.

The site features a tourist information center, a transportation hub for excursions and taxis, a multipurpose...