DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic
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It will not be before March 2025 that the DR gets a new attorney general. The procedures are lengthy and are underway.
Continuing with the procedures, President Luis Abinader led the inaugural meeting of the National Judiciary Council (CNM) on Monday, 13 January 2025 evening to prepare for the actual selecting of the next Attorney General of the Republic and seven Deputy Attorneys General, in line with Law 1-25, which amends the Organic Law of the CNM. The changes were introduced in the 2024 Constitution. The meeting was by digital means.
The announcement was made by the Executive Branch’s legal advisor Antoliano Peralta, who also shared details about the next meeting, set for Wednesday, 15 January 8am. During this session, members are scheduled to approve the working schedule and authorize the CNM president to submit the draft regulation for a 20-day public...
The Presidency has celebrated the achievements of Milagros German at the Ministry of Culture. She is recognized for designating an excellent team of professionals in culture that accompanied her during her three-year term. One of her most notable accomplishments was the re-engineering of the Santo Domingo Book Fair.
German closed her three-year term in charge of the Ministry of Culture with the celebration of the Berklee Scholarships and the announcements of the winners of the Annual Classic and Popular Music Award to Joel Diaz Suero and the National Visual Arts Award to painter Manuel Montilla.
While the resignation of Culture Minister Milagros German is effective 15 January 2025, the Presidency has yet to announce her replacement. There have been several press reports that the choice for minister of culture is Robertico Salcedo, movie actor and film producer and...
The Public Procurement Agency (DGCP) announced on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 the implementation of the modernization process for the Electronic Public Procurement System (SECP). The goal is to improve user experience in terms of speed, usability, and customization.
The DGCP highlighted in a press release that this step marks the beginning of a comprehensive evolution of the platform, which will be carried out gradually throughout 2025. The process will begin with the modernization of the SECP’s technological infrastructure to strengthen its stability and performance.
The institution reported that this first phase of the process, financed and supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), will temporarily suspend all SECP operations, including the calling for and participation in state purchasing procedures, as well as user...
In a historic ceremony, the National Police welcomed 984 new female recruits to its ranks. The event, presided over by Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful and National Police Director General Major General Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta, marked a milestone in the institution’s ongoing transformation, as reported in a National Police press release.
The new class, named “María Trinidad Sánchez” in honor of a prominent Dominican figure, represents a substantial step forward in promoting gender equality within the police force. These aspiring officers will undergo rigorous training at the Major General Eulogio Benito Monción Leonardo Police Training School in Hatillo, San Cristóbal.
“We have selected the best and brightest to join this prestigious academy,” said General Esteban Figuereo García, Central Director of Human Resources...
Barrick Gold with the backing of Dominican government officials and the participation of church and community leaders seeks to reach an agreement with those who seek better compensation for relocating to make way for a second tailings dam in the province of Sanchez Ramirez. The tailings dam would extend gold mining in the province.
The Ministry of Environment has already given the environmental permission for the construction of the second tailings dam and the company seeks to advance in the construction. While tailings dams are designed to be permanent, they have been known to fail catastrophically as in the recent cases of the Jagersfontein dam in South Africa in 2022, the Brumadinho dam in Brazil in 2019, the Staya Dam in Italy in 1985 and the El Cobre dam in Chile in 1965. Tailings dams are being replaced by the more expensive dry dams, not the...
The Dominican Republic received US$2.7 billion in external financing in 2024 and more loans were approved this January 2025.
In the final ordinary session of the second legislature of 2024, the Senate approved two substantial loans totaling US$445 million in time for the 12 January shutdown of the legislative period. Congress resumes sessions as of 27 February 2025.
The approved loans included:• US$45 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to address the environmental crisis at the Duquesa landfill in Santo Domingo Norte.• US$400 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to develop sustainable development policies to combat climate change.
The Dominican government, through the Ministry of Hacienda’s Public Credit Department, reported a total of US$2.7 billion in external disbursements during 2024.
These...
EFE was the first to report that Venezuelan politician Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia left the Dominican Republic on Tuesday, 14 January 2025. His whereabouts in the country were not known from Sunday, 12 January after he had carried out a significant activities agenda since arriving on 8 January 2025.
On 14 January 2025, Diario Libre shared that Gonzalez Urrutia had boarded a private Gulfstream jet operated by the local aviation company Panorama Jets that left from the La Isabela International Airport in northern Santo Domingo to Guatemala. CNN confirmed that Gonzalez Urrutia had traveled to Guatemala. He is scheduled to meet with President Bernardo Arevalo on Wednesday, 15 January.
Gonzalez Urritia had been living in exile in Spain, until traveling on a weeklong tour to the Americas that took him to meet with heads of state in Argentina, Uruguay, the United States...
Mildred Correa, a grieving mother, is now under the protection of La Altagracia province prosecutors after presenting the remains of her deceased daughter at the Higüey Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 in her desperation for delays in the conclusion of the investigations into the death of her daughter. Authorities are currently providing her with specialized care and assistance.
Sixteen-year-old Yeira Idraivia Encarnación Correa tragically drowned in March 2024 while at a river recreational area with friends and an 18-year-old. According to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF), the cause of death was drowning, and there were no signs of violence.
An autopsy ruled out the possibility of sexual assault, as no evidence of sexual violence was found, as reported. Yet the mother suspects otherwise.
The Public Ministry has launched a thorough...
President Luis Abinader dedicated his first press conference of 2025 held on Monday, 13 January, to explain the giant steps taken by the Ministry of Environment to expedite permissions and enforce Environmental Law 64-00. The Ministry is now under Minister of Environment Paino Henriquez, appointed in August 2024.
The Monday, 13 January press conference is one that everyone living in the Dominican Republic should listen to in full. The presentation focused on new developments underway that will have an impact on everyone living in the country.
Among the announcements and statements is that the Ministry of Environment is working to ensure that the 60-meter beachfront in the Dominican Republic is respected and remains public space.
The press conference also covered the expansion of the co-management of protected areas to ensure sustainability of national parks. Henriquez announced...
Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful has reiterated her commitment to combating excessive noise pollution in the Dominican Republic, following ongoing complaints from entertainment businesses about loudspeaker seizures and restrictions on alcohol sales.
In a recent interview, Raful stated that her agency, in collaboration with law enforcement, will continue to take action against those who violate noise ordinances. She attributed the decision to the high levels of conflict and disorder she encountered upon assuming the position, citing uncontrolled noise, extended operating hours, and the sale of alcohol as primary contributing factors.
“We noticed that public spaces were being invaded, that there were many minors in these establishments, and that there was little control in that regard,” Raful explained during a recent press conference.
The minister clarified that law...
2024 ended with a record-breaking US$12.96 billion in merchandise exports. This represents an 8.3% year-on-year increase compared to 2023 and a significant 28.2% surge over 2019, the pre-pandemic year, according to preliminary data from the General Customs Agency (DGA).
“This sustained growth in exports reaffirms the pivotal role of foreign trade as an engine of the Dominican economy. It significantly contributes to job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and solidifying the country’s position in international markets. Moreover, it reflects the success of export promotion policies and the resilience of the domestic productive sector, positioning the Dominican Republic as a benchmark for competitiveness and dynamism in the region,” stated Biviana Riveiro, executive director of the Center for Export and Investment of the Dominican Republic (ProDominicana).
Exports to the...
The sixth edition of Berklee in Santo Domingo concluded on a high note, awarding 29 full scholarships valued at US$3 million to 203 young Dominican musicians. The scholarships will allow the recipients to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Held at the National Conservatory of Music from 6-11 January 2025, the program ended with an emotional closing ceremony at the Manuel Rueda Hall. The event was presided over by Minister of Culture, Milagros Germán, who expressed her pride in the program’s achievements and its impact on the development of young musical talent.
“I am thrilled that my term concludes with this event,” said Germán, emphasizing the importance of supporting initiatives that transform lives through music and education.
The program was made possible through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Culture, the AES...
The Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex) has announced the appointment of five new ambassadors to represent the Dominican Republic in its foreign service. Four of these appointments involve rotations, while one is a new diplomatic posting.
President Luis Abinader, through Decree No. 2-25, appointed the following career diplomats pending Senate approval:
• Francisco Manuel Comprés Hernández as the ambassador to India. Comprés, who was previously serving as the chargé d’affaires at the Dominican Embassy in Israel, has served as alternate ambassador at the Dominican mission to UNESCO and as minister counselor at the Dominican Embassy in the United Kingdom.
• Raquel Jacobo as the ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. Jacobo, who has been serving as ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda since 2018. She had previously been consul general in Montreal, Canada.
• Jerjes F. Suriel Mota as the...
What is known is that the Venezuelan politician Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia is unlikely to be still registered at the Hotel Embajador in Santo Domingo where he was known to have stayed during his visit 8 to 12 January 2025. The enhanced security is no longer there.
Diario Libre had reported he would leave the country on Sunday, 12 January. But where he was headed was not revealed nor an update given on precisely when he left the country. El Nacional reports there is no certainty on Gonzalez’s departure or where he would be headed.
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Prosecutors of the Attorney General Office on Monday, 13 January 2025 requested coercive measures against seven individuals accused of being part of an alleged drug trafficking network dismantled during Operation Panthera 7, which took place over the previous weekend. The operation followed the seizure of 9.8 tons of cocaine at the Multimodal Caucedo Port in eastern Santo Domingo on 5 December 2024. The bust is the largest in the Dominican Republic and the Central America and Caribbean region.
The drugs were reportedly gradually imported to the Dominican Republic through different coastal areas and stashed to prepare for the big shipment.
The suspects include José Nicolás Castillo Hart, known as “Nikito”; Winston Armando Tejera Rodríguez, alias “Barbikin”; Nelson Neftalí Mercedes Lugo; Cristian Rayner Canela Aybar; Enriquillo Luis Brito...
President Luis Abinader called on Venezuelan authorities Thursday, 10 January 2025 to seize the opportunity to join the right side of history, urging them to open the door to a peaceful transition to democracy and restore freedom to Venezuela. President Abinader spoke on the occasion of receiving Venezuelan politician Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia who has the voting rolls that show that he won in a landslide the 28 July 2024 election in Venezuela.
“Today, we proclaim with the strength of our history and the fervor of our convictions that freedom will prevail. Venezuela will recover its democracy. And together, as brotherly nations, we will continue building a future of hope,” said Abinader during the “Support for Democracy in Venezuela” event, held at the Ambassador’s Hall of the Presidential Palace. The event was attended by national and international guests...
Effective 15 January 2025, tolls at several of the leading roads in the Dominican Republic are going up significantly.
These are the toll at Km 22 Las Americas Highway toll, near the Las Americas International Airport, that will increase from RD$60 to RD$100 effective 15 January.
Other tolls increasing to RD$100 as of 15 January are:Km. 25 of the Duarte Highway6 de Noviembre HighwayKm 12 Carretera SánchezCoral 1 at Km 18 of the El Coral HighwayMarbella at Km. 10 of the Samana Juan Pablo II Highway.
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The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reports that remittances received reached a record high of US$10.756 billion in 2024, surpassing the institution’s projections. This represents a 5.9% increase or US$598.8 million compared to 2023.
The forecast for 2025 is for remittances to continue to grow in 2025, reaching an estimated US$11 billion. However, the BCRD also acknowledged the challenges posed by the global economic environment and pledged to remain vigilant in safeguarding the country’s economic stability.
The BCRD attributed the surge in remittances primarily to the strong economic performance of the United States, where around two million Dominicans live. The low unemployment rate and expansion of the US service sector, which employs many Dominicans, contributed to the increased flow of funds.
In December alone, the country received US$1.003.5 billion in...
Law 225-20 covers the disposal of solid wastes, and the law was modified last week by the Senate. The changes brought forth comments from the Industrial Association of the Dominican Republic (AIRD) that now expresses “deep worries” about the effects of these changes.
The AIRD notes that the changes were made without any consultations with the major actors in this area, and could well have very serious effects on the smallest companies, called “mipymes” (micro-, small, and median-sized enterprises) since the new charges show increases from 140% up to 3,759%.
Mario Pujols, the executive vice president of the AIRD, told reporters that there was a serious lack of a dialogue during the legislative process and that a productive dialogue would have produced a “more balanced and fairer” set of regulations. Furthermore, according to the spokesperson for the association, neither...
A lot of people do not realize that much of the fruits, flowers and vegetables sold in the nation’s supermarkets, markets, and colmados are produced right here in the Dominican Republic under controlled conditions.
Not so long ago, items such as bell peppers, arugula, lettuce varieties, and spinach were scarcely available, and today they are commonplace in local establishments.
The reason, as Minister of Agriculture Limber Cruz Lopez recently announced can be found in the nearly 20% increase in the number of meters of land dedicated to the production of fruits and vegetables during the first Abinader administration.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, 8.9 million m2 were cultivated under greenhouse conditions in 2020, and by the end of 2024, there were 10.5 million m2 under cultivation.
Production rose from 12.2 million pounds of produce to...
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) just released a statement regarding the statistics that cover civilian activities registered on their books in the Dominican Republic for the year 2024.
It seems that marriages were more popular than divorces. Of course, these are the official numbers and do not cover all of the more casual numbers of those people who are “dating” or who are living together. There were 43,000 marriages and 27,000 divorces in the period covered in the report.
There were also more than 142 thousand births registered, and surprisingly, there were more little boys than girls (around 72.5 thousand to 69.5 thousand).
The National District was the leader in births registered with slightly over ten thousand, and the tiny communities of Los Llanos in Elias Piña and La Cueva in the municipality of Cevicos were tied for the least number of...
The Dominican Republic’s Society of Pulmonary Medicine and Thoracic Surgery has confirmed the presence of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) within the country. However, the president of the Society, Alfredo Matos Hoepelman, assured the public that its prevalence is low compared to other respiratory viruses, as reported in Diario Libre.
“While there have been a few cases of metapneumovirus, we’ve seen a higher number of cases involving respiratory syncytial virus and influenza,” Dr. Matos Hoepelman stated.
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms, but can increase risks or lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people.
The pneumologist explained that to accurately detect hMPV, a comprehensive respiratory panel test is...
The Dominican Nursing Professionals Association (Codopenf) has issued a urgent call for the government to implement a nationwide prevention campaign to curb the rising number of traffic accidents.
Berta de la Cruz, president of Codopenf, expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of fatalities and injuries caused by traffic accidents in the Dominican Republic. She criticized authorities for merely citing statistics on casualties without taking meaningful action to address the crisis.
“It is disheartening to see that the government only seems interested in providing figures on the number of victims, while people continue to lose their lives on our roads,” said De la Cruz.
According to the National Institute of Transit and Ground Transport (Intrant), motorcyclists and pedestrians accounted for a staggering 85% of traffic...
The Ministry of Education confirms what is apparent – Haitians are studying in Dominican public schools every day more by the thousands.
Dominican Republic’s educational landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven primarily by a surge in Haitian student enrollment. According to the Ministry of Education (MINERD), the number of Haitian students enrolled in Dominican schools has skyrocketed by 78% between 2021 and 2024, El Nacional reports.
While the overall student population in the country increased by 9.6% during this period, Haitian students have far outpaced this growth. In 2021, there were 105,021 Haitian students enrolled, a figure that jumped to 186,975 by 2024. This represents an increase of 81,954 students in just four years.
In contrast, the growth rate of Dominican students was significantly lower, at only 6.3%.
The...
Within the vast Ministry of Public Health there is an entity known as the Alcohol Cluster, and this small agency has expressed its support for an initiative taken by the local newspaper Listin Diario that would curtail sales of alcoholic beverages throughout the country. Dr. Elias Tejada, the organizer of the cluster, points out that the consumption of alcoholic beverages is a serious health problem in the country. He cited the fact that 52% of pregnant women consume alcohol despite the lifetime damages to their unborn babies.
Dr. Tejada called upon the Committee on Alcoholic Beverages, part of the Ministry of the Interior and the Police, to do its job and force obeyance to the laws covering the sale of such beverages.
Dr. Tejada noted that small corner grocery stores that sold staples such as rice and beans, are now lounges fordancing and drinking...
Journalists Edith Febles and Germán Marte interviewed Catholic priest Johnny Duran from the Monseñor Nouel Diocese who was injured during a protest against the forced eviction of residents as part of preparations to make way for a new tailings dam by Barrick Gold in the northcentral Sanchez Ramirez province.
The second tailings dam in the province seeks to extend the life of the Barrick Gold Pueblo Viejo operation. The company had sought to build the mining wastes dam in another province but met with strong opposition. Finally, the Ministry of Environment authorized the construction in the same Sanchez Ramirez province.
Father Johnny Durán explained during the interview he was mediating between eviction forces and the residents when the incident occurred in Tres Bocas, where residents have been protesting against their displacement.
“I was begging the police not to keep firing tear...
The Dominican consul in Los Angeles, California, Alfonso Rodriguez is living the nightmare of the forest fires. He had to evacuate his home as many other Dominicans living in the impacted area. He said that those that are not ordered to leave their homes, should not do so because the roads are just as dangerous. He urged Dominicans to follow instructions of the authorities. He says he now needs to find where to relocate as he cannot return to his home.
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At the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) headquarters, US Marshals director Ronald L. Davis met with Vice Admiral Jose Manuel Cabrera Ulloa, president of the DNCD on Wednesday, 8 January 2025. As reported, Davis had praise for the local efforts to combat drug trafficking. The visiting US delegation also congratulated the DNCD for its record-breaking achievements in drug seizures, which totaled over 44 tons of various narcotics in 2024.
Davis was accompanied by Deputy Director Melissa Hyatt, Deputy Chief US Marshal Christopher Barther, Assistant Deputy Chief Jacob Green, Deputy Chief Michael Oliver, Executive Officer Cody Johnson, Regional Attaché Silvestre del Rosario, Deputy Attaché Ulises Alday, and supervisor Sasha Zacarías, Director Davis when he toured the DNCD’s newly renovated facilities.
Director Davis commended the Dominican Republic’s...
The Attorney General Office (PGR) has released the results of the investigation that led to the seizing of 9.8 tons of cocaine at Caucedo Port in eastern Santo Domingo province. The cocaine seized, which was announced by the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) on Friday, 6 December 2024, would have a street value of US$250 million. It was incinerated. The shipment was destined for Antwerp, Belgium in Europe. The case is now named Operation Panthera 7.
In a coordinated operation involving the Attorney General Office’s Public Ministry, the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Dominican authorities dismantled a major international drug trafficking and money laundering network, following the seizure of over 9.8 tons of cocaine. Codenamed “Operation Panthera 7,” the operation unfolded on Saturday, 11...
The National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) seized 766 packages carried to the DR by speed boats near Laguna de Oviedo in Pedernales and another 620 packages on board a speed boat with the occupants getting off near eastern Playa Palmilla, a beach site known for the many luxury boats that park there for a dip in the beach on the same week. The DNCD reports that the men got off and ran into the jungle of the Cotubanama National Park.
Also happening this week, DNCD seized a shipment of 160 packages of marihuana in merchandise that arrived hidden in a freight container to Puerto Plata port.
Juan Soto, the star outfielder for the New York Mets and the best-paid baseball player of all times, paid a visit to Vice Admiral José M. Cabrera Ulloa, president of the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD), on 7 January 2025 to discuss the agency’s sports festivals and youth outreach initiatives across the country.
During the meeting, Soto commended the DNCD for its ongoing prevention programs aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of narcotics among children, adolescents, and adults.
“I want to congratulate you on your recent contract with the New York Mets, and thank you for this very special visit,” said Vice Admiral Cabrera Ulloa. “You are a role model for our youth, and your humility and integrity make you even greater.”
The DNCD president also emphasized his commitment to expanding the agency’s educational and outreach programs in support of Dominican youth...
Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez are on the voting for the Class of 2024 that is currently underway. The latest number of ballots counted, 122 or about 30% of the total, indicate that both Manny and Alex are in the top ten candidates. Rodriguez is followed by C.C. Sabathia, Billy Wagner, and Carlos Beltran.
However, they are far from the 75% required to enter the Hall of Fame. Ichiro Suzuki leads the current balloting and is on 100% of the ballots.
The Baseball Writers Association of America has a screening committee for candidates. Only members of the association can vote for candidates to the Hall of Fame. Each elector can place up to 10 candidates on his or her ballot. A candidate must be on 75% of the ballots cast to enter the Cooperstown Hall of Fame. The results will be announced on Tuesday 21 January 2025.
Read more in...
Juan Soto donned his Licey Tigers uniform and was present for the Licey and Aguilas game on Wednesday, 8 January 2025 at the Quisqueya Ball Park.
Soto posed for photos with fans. One of his fans was the child Leonardo Santana, who pitched that symbolic first ball, a strike, in the game.
Juan Soto signed last year the most lucrative contract ever in baseball with the New York Mets – US$765 million for 15 years. He had a successful 2023 with 41 home runs and the New York Mets playing their first World Series since 2009.
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The Senate of the Dominican Republic approved changes in the law that provides the framework for contracting young baseball prospects to play in the Dominican Summer League and participate in the different baseball academies that are maintained by Major League Baseball (MLB) in the country.
Previously approved by the Chamber of Deputies, the legislation requires payment of bonus money, to be agreed upon by both parties and which shall be paid upon signing the contract.
The changes allow for the MLB teams to exchange or trade players without their consent and require the player to maintain the best physical condition possible.
The idea behind this legislation is to provide procedures and controls according to the requirements under the Dominican Constitution.
Read more in...
Karl Anthony Towns is a member of the Dominican national baseball team. A son of a Dominican mother, he grew up in the New York and New Jersey area. His next games are Monday, 13 January 2025 against the Detroit Pistons and Friday, 15 January against the Philadelphia 76ers and Sunday, 17 January against his old team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Karl-Anthony Towns is delivering for the New York Knicks to be best of expectations. The Knicks have performed well with him on the court, boasting a record of 24-12 in games he has played. Towns is a possible contender for this NBA season’s MVP award.
On 12 January 2025, he led the New York Knicks to a big win against the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 30 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. Towns also achieved a double-double in the game the Knicks won 140-106.
Towns’ performance has been consistently strong, averaging 25.2 points per game this...
It is unlikely the Aguilas Cibaeñas (1 win and 9 losses) will make it to the playoff games of the 2024-2025 Dominican Winter Professional Baseball Championship as there are only 16 more games to be played. The Tigres del Licey (8 wins and 2 losses), the team that barely made the round robin cut off, is now in first place, but is followed closely by the Leones del Escogido (6-4) and the Estrellas Orientales (5-5).
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13 January 2025
President Luis Abinader signed into law on 8 January 2025 a bill that modifies the method of selecting the Attorney General of the Republic and removes the Attorney General from the National Council of the Magistracy (CNM). The new law, numbered 1-25, adds the president of the Constitutional Court as a member of the CNM.
With the new law in effect, the Attorney General will no longer be unilaterally appointed by the President. Instead, the President must propose a candidate who meets certain constitutional requirements to the CNM for approval.
The CNM, which comprises members from different branches of government and political parties, can approve or reject the President’s nominee, as well as nominees for seven deputy attorneys general.
The enacted law aligns with the amended 2024 Constitution, which was enacted on 27 October 2024. It also introduces...
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has established a definitive timeline for the awarding of the contract to produce the new Dominican Republic national identity card. Hundreds of thousands of people in the Dominican Republic have expired ID cards as the process for renewal has been delayed. The JCE has authorized people to continue to use the expired cards.
In a public announcement on Wednesday, 8 January 2025, the JCE’s Procurement and Contracting Committee revealed that the bid opening for credentials, technical proposals, and samples (Envelope A) and economic proposals (Envelope B) will take place on 25 February 2025. This international public tender, JCE-CCC-LPI-2024-0001, aims to select the company that will provide the necessary equipment, materials, and services for printing the new ID cards.
Following the evaluation of the technical proposals, a “proof of...
The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel) has approved a resolution that significantly increases the minimum speed requirements for broadband internet services in the country. The decision, outlined in Resolution 148-2024, aims to accelerate internet connectivity and foster a more competitive digital landscape.
The Dominican Republic now joins other Latin American countries, such as Argentina, Chile, and Peru, in adopting higher broadband speed requirements. The faster internet access is expected to stimulate economic growth by supporting sectors such as e-commerce and digital services. The new standards are likely to encourage ISPs to invest in network infrastructure upgrades and expand coverage.
Under the new regulations, the minimum download speed for fixed broadband services has been raised from 4 Megabits per second (Mbps) to 30 Mbps, while upload speeds must now be...
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reported that the country’s annual inflation rate decreased to 3.35% in December 2024, down from 3.57% in December 2023. This marks the lowest annual inflation in six years. The figure remains within the target range of 4.0% ±1.0% established in the monetary program.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile items like food and energy, was reported at 4.01% for December 2024, staying close to the Central Bank’s target. This indicator is considered a more reliable measure of underlying inflationary pressures.
The BCRD highlighted that the Dominican Republic’s inflation rate is among the lowest in Latin America, trailing only behind the dollarized economies of Panama, Ecuador, and El Salvador, as well as Peru and Costa Rica.
Month-over-month, the CPI rose 0.70% in December 2024, primarily driven by...
The Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex) and the Dominican Association of Exporters (Adoexpo) have signed a collaborative agreement aimed at promoting and bolstering the country’s exports and investments, as well as strengthening international relations. The partnership leverages the Dominican Republic’s advantages to drive sustainable economic growth.
Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Adoexpo President Karel Castillo signed the document, highlighting the Dominican Republic’s potential to achieve this goal by strengthening ties with other countries. The agreement specifically focuses on fostering integration processes and international cooperation, aligning with the country’s National Development Strategy.
A joint working group, chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Relations and coordinated by the Vice Ministry for Economic Affairs and...
Edesur Dominicana has installed and repaired 31,491 electric street lamps between July and December 2024, according to a press release dated 8 January 2025.
This initiative, aimed at enhancing nighttime visibility and security, called for the repair of 27,103 existing lamps, the replacement of 3,478, and the installation of 910 new ones in the National District and other regions of the country.
Within the National District, neighborhoods such as Cristo Rey, Ensanche La Fe, Arroyo Hondo, Los Ríos, Los Girasoles, Los Prados, San Gerónimo, Piantini, Naco, Mirador Sur, Buenos Aires de la Independencia, Honduras, Centro de los Héroes, and Zona Universitaria now have new lighting, benefitting from 9,266 repairs, 851 replacements, and 248 new installations.
The Northwest region witnessed the restoration of 3,784 lamps, the replacement of 358, and the installation of...
Rafael Mena / N Digital
The president of the Association of Private Clinics (Andeclip) expressed his concern regarding operation of unauthorized plastic surgery business in the Dominican Republic. He estimated 50% of procedures are being performed by unqualified individuals in unregulated clinics, as reported in N Digital. N Digital has frequently denounced clinics operated by persons with questionable accreditations.
Mena echoes similar concerns raised by Dr. Aniceto Rodríguez, president of the Dominican Society of Plastic Surgery (Sodocipre).
“We do not condone any illegal medical practices,” Mena stated. “Clinics affiliated with Andeclip are committed to preventing illicit activities within their facilities.”
Andeclip, which represents 116 clinics, conducts regular audits to ensure that all medical personnel adhere to legal standards and are properly licensed. However, Mena...
According to the National Health Service (SNS), 3,414 adolescent births were recorded in the country’s three main public maternity hospitals from January to November 2024, El Nacional reports.
Of this number, 3,252 births were to girls aged 15 to 19, while 162 were to girls under 15. Nationally, the SNS reported 15,112 births among 15-19-year-olds, with 70% being Dominican and 30% Haitian. For girls under 15, there were 661 births, with 74.6% Dominican and 25.3% Haitian.
The Nuestra Señora de La Altagracia Maternity Hospital in Santo Domingo recorded the highest number of teen births, with 1,299 cases among 15-19-year-olds. Eight of these were twin births, and 20 babies were stillborn. The hospital also reported 67 births to girls under 15.
The Reynaldo Almánzar Maternity Hospital in Santo Domingo Norte followed closely, with 1,050 births to 15-19-year-olds...
Roberto Santana / El Día
Roberto Santana, director of the National Office of Support for Penitentiary Reform, again blasts the the Penitentiary Affairs Cabinet within the Attorney General’s Office. As reported in Noticias SIN, he says there are mafias within the Attorney General Office that protect dark interests and destabilize the efforts to reform the jail system.
Santana says this is the cabinet that has failed to address systemic issues within the Dominican Republic’s prison system, particularly in the aftermath of a deadly fire at La Victoria prison and the denouncing of the widespread Starlink satellites within the jail for service to the prisoners.
Santana says that the cabinet that was established in 2021 to coordinate actions related to the country’s penitentiary system is ineffective and complicit in ongoing corruption. Santana claims that the cabinet has failed to produce a...
Venezuelan presidential contender Edmundo Gonzalez arrived to the Dominican Republic at 10pm on Wednesday, 8 January 2025 on the fifth stop of his Americas tour. Gonzalez has the 28 July election rolls that indicate that he won with a landside and that he, not Nicolas Maduro, is the President-elect who should be sworn in on 10 January. The Maduro government has made it clear that it will not allow Gonzalez to enter the country.
Gonzalez flew in from Panama where he had met with Panama President Jose Raul Mulino who said that receiving Gonzalez Urrutia was not a symbolic act, but rather a commitment..Gonzalez is on a tour of the Americas and has been received by President Javier Milei in Argentina, Luis LaCalle in Uruguay, Joe Biden in the United States, and then Jose Raul Mulino in Panama.
Gonzalez had announced when in the United States that he was cutting...
Father Johnny was injured while accompanying the community members who were protesting the eviction. / Panorama Nacional
Families in the northcentral Sánchez Ramírez province were violently removed from their homes early Wednesday, 8 January 2025 in the morning by the mining giant Barrick Gold as it makes way for the construction of a second tailings dam. The forceful eviction has left the affected communities in a state of crisis and sparked widespread condemnation, Listin Diario reports.
Communities including Zambrana Arriba, Arroyo Vuelta, Laja, Las Tres Bocas, El Ligo, El Rayo, and El Naranjo were the hardest hit by the operation. Reports indicate that residents in the communities were injured during the violent clashes that ensued when residents resisted the eviction.
Accompanied by Dominican Army personnel, Barrick Gold personnel arrived in the communities...
Meteorologist Jean Suriel reports that the Dominican Republic will continue to experience cool temperatures in the coming days due to the approach of four frontal systems to the Caribbean.
Suriel stated, as reported in El Caribe, that these systems will maintain a polar air mass over the country for at least two weeks, causing significant temperature drops, especially at night.
Through his X account, Suriel had detailed that through Friday 10 January 2025, no significant rains are expected nationwide, as the weather will be dominated by a high-pressure system located in the Atlantic. However, scattered showers caused by humid winds cannot be ruled out.
As of Saturday, 11 January, weather will change due to the proximity of a trough. Rain is expected to be concentrated mainly in the northern, northwestern and northeastern regions, and the Central Mountain Range. Precipitation...
The Dominican Republic’s oldest cigar company, La Aurora of the Leon Jimenes family, continues to receive accolades for its 100 Años cigar that celebrates the brand’s long-standing legacy. Originally launched in 2003 to commemorate La Aurora’s centennial, the 100 Años cigar quickly gained acclaim and was awarded “Best Dominican Cigar in the World” by Cigar Aficionado in 2004. The cigar is hand-crafted from 100% Dominican tobacco.
The cigar is getting new media coverage and has been relaunched in new packaging with a high-gloss walnut wood style that incorporates iconic elements from the emblematic lion logo. This blend of nostalgia and modern aesthetics aims to attract both longtime fans and new consumers.
The cigars are available in three sizes: Churchill, Belicoso, and Robusto. Prices range from approximately US$340 for a Robusto to US$410 for a Belicoso per box of 20...
The Santo Domingo Global Foundation Festival (FCGSD) is set to take place from 31 January to 6 February in Caribbean Cinemas and other venues nationwide. The festival began in 2006 and is in its 17th year. It is regarded as the most important in the Caribbean. The country guest of honor this 2025 is India.
The festival opens with the film “The Silence of Marcos Tremmer” dedicated to the memory of Dominican filmmaker Ruben Abud. The plot is about Marcos Tremme, a successful publicist who lives in Madrid, madly in love with his wife, Lucía. One day, Marcos discovers that a deadly illness will end his life in a few months. The film has a 7.4/10 rating on IMDB. The Film was nominated to the 2024 Nominee Best Latin American Film at the Mar del Plata International Film Festival.
The co-production between the Dominican Republic, Spain, Argentina, and...
If you want a cap representing any of the six teams of the Dominican Professional Baseball League (Lidom) teams, you can get it in Washington Heights at the Peligro Sports physical or online stores. They have the baseball merchandise for the Tigres del Licey, Leones del Escogido, Aguilas Cibaeñas, Estrellas Orientales, Toros del Este and Gigantes del Cibao.
The NY Times story explains about how the Dominican Lidom tournament takes place in the late fall and winter, nestled between the final out of the World Series and pitchers and catchers reporting for MLB spring training and is followed by hundreds of thousands of expat Dominicans. New York is the second largest Dominican city anywhere.
NYTimes reports that Jose Matias, the owner of the shop, arrived in Washington Heights from his hometown of La Vega, Dominican Republic in 1989, bringing with him his love of...
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