DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic solidified its position as a leading agro-export power in the Caribbean with the successful conclusion of business rounds at Agroalimentaria 2025, a trade fair organized by the Dominican Republic Export and Investment Center (ProDominicana) and the Dominican Agribusiness Council (JAD), the Presidency reported.

The event, one of the region’s most important agri-food sector gatherings, generated business leads totaling US$528.6 million, marking a 28.9% increase in sales compared to the previous edition. This figure makes it the largest and most successful Agroalimentaria to date, according to ProDominicana Executive Director Biviana Riveiro Disla.

Riveiro also reported that beyond the business leads, the international fair attracted over 200 international buyers from 33 countries, underscoring global interest in Dominican agri-food products...

The Dominican government is stepping up to provide comprehensive support for families shattered by the recent Jet Set tragedy, where a roof collapse claimed the lives of an estimated 236 people. A multi-institutional committee determined that 232 households required immediate financial and ongoing psychological care.

The government assistance is parallel to more than 60 legal suits presented demanding financial reparations from the owners of the entertainment center. State investigators have yet to present a report on the causes of the collapse of the roof. Official tally of deaths is at 236, but a detailed report on the number of people at the club at the time has yet to be presented.

Meanwhile, the government authorities have established a RD$30,000 support fund for the selected affected families, to be disbursed over a six-month period. Gloria Reyes, director of...

President Luis Abinader announced the plan is for the Los Alcarrizos Metro (Line 2C of the Santo Domingo Metro) to be in operation as of February 2026. He said the trial run of the metro line will happen in September 2025.

Speaking during the Monday, 2 June 2025 press conference, and responding to a journalist questioning the delays in the completion of the line, he referred journalists for more explanations to the Epsa Labco engineering firm that is responsible for the supervision of the metro line. Alstom of France and Spain is supplying the metro cars.

The Metro line would have been in operation in 2024, but corrections have had to be made to enable its completion.

Follow the story: La Semanal 3 June Epsa Labco ...

Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful declared the Dominican Republic is the safest country in the Caribbean and ranks among the top ten safest nations in Latin America according to citizen security indicators, when speaking on occasion of the formal start of a new Police patrol model.

Raful made the remarks emphasizing the nation’s commitment to maintaining its low crime rates through “humility, vocation, and unwavering dedication,” alongside robust training for new officers.

“Citizen security indicators consistently place the Dominican Republic as the safest country in the Caribbean and among the top ten safest in Latin America. We are committed to continuing this positive trajectory, focusing especially on the training and oversight of all personnel involved in public safety,” stated Minister Raful.

As part of the new patrol strategy, the National Police will...

Radar installed in Puerto Plata / El Día

The Presidency used the 2 June 2025 press conference to announce the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and the preparations the government has advanced, including the operation of the radars in Punta Cana on the East Coast (Punta Cana International Airport) and that in Puerto Plata (Isabel de Torres Mountain) on the North Coast.

President Luis Abinader called for people living in vulnerable areas to leave these in case of a weather threat when these are announced by the more precise weather forecasting that is possible thanks to the radars.

The weather radars installed are of the Doppler C-band that uses C-band frequencies (4-8 GHz) to detect and measure various weather parameters, including precipitation, wind speeds, and the movement of storms. C-band radars are particularly effective at penetrating through moderate atmospheric...

Wander Franco / Diario Libre

Suspended Tampa Bay slugger Wander Franco faces serious charges including sexual abuse and human trafficking involving a 14-year-old girl during his trial underway in Puerto Plata, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. The case came to the open when the child complained she was not getting her fair part of the deal that had the complicity of at least her mother. In addition to the baseball player, the victim’s mother, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, is also charged with alleged sexual exploitation and money laundering.

The start of the actual trial was initially slated for December but was postponed for June 2025.

If convicted, Franco and the mother of the minor could face up to 30 years in prison.

24-year old Franco, who was an All-Star in 2023 before the allegations emerged, told judges he seeks “justice to be done.”

The US media...

Paris Olympic gold medalist Marileidy Paulino capped off an impressive weekend by winning the 200-meter dash during the third day of the Grand Slam Track (GST) 2025 at Philadelphia’s iconic Franklin Field on Sunday, 1 June 2025. Paulino clocked a seasonal best time of 22.46 seconds, solidifying her dominance in the tournament organized by athletics legend Michael Johnson.

She was the long sprints champion of the meet. The win in Philadelphia also means cash prizes of US$100,000 for each race for Paulino, or US$200,000 over the weekend.

Isabella Whittaker of the United States placed second with a time of 22.82 seconds, followed by Jessika Gbai in third with 22.85 seconds, and Salwa Eid Nasser in fourth with 22.90 seconds.

Marileidy Paulino is the first and only winner of an Olympic gold medal for the Dominican Republic. Her weekend performance earned her...

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched a new Tourism Task Force during the Plenary Meeting of the Americas Business Dialogue (ABD). The meetings were held in Santo Domingo.

The ABD is a private sector-led initiative facilitated by the IDB that promotes high-level dialogue between governments and the private sector in the region to advance development-focused policies. This strategic partnership between the IDB and WTTC outlines a roadmap to shape public policy recommendations, mobilize investment, and scale solutions that benefit communities and tourism destinations.

The Tourism Task Force initially gathers 22 companies, including Marriott International, Copa Airlines, Grupo Aviatur, The Leading Hotels of the World, Anato Colombia, Carnival Cruise Line, COHEP, and Grupo PuntaCana, among others.

The Task Force will convene...

President Luis Abinader announced in Samana advances on the construction of the Samana Port, the US$68 million joint venture of the Dominican government and the Mexican cruise terminal company, ITM Group. ITM Group has built and operates the Puerto Plata city Taino Bay and the beach port in Cabo Rojo, Pedernales on the southwest coast.

Mauricio Hamui, CEO of ITM Group, the company leading the project, expressed his honor in participating in Samaná’s sustainable transformation. “The arrival of major cruise lines will bring new economic opportunities and dynamism to the region,” he said.

The new port is constructed on the south side of the Samana peninsula, a 10 km drive west from Samana City, at the site of the old Duarte Port in Arroyo Barril. It will have capacity for two Oasis class cruise ships.

The Oasis Class ships are a class of...

With a call for unity of the Samana population, President Luis Abinader inaugurated the renovated Samana waterfront, the Santa Barbara de Samana Malecon on Sunday, 1 June 2025. He urged the residents of Samaná province to unite and work together with the government for the comprehensive development of the region. He emphasized the potential of ongoing central government projects to boost the area’s competitiveness as a tourist and economic destination.

The Samaná Malecón project includes hydraulic solutions to mitigate flooding during heavy rains, as well as the comprehensive revitalization of the urban and leisure space. It encompasses 1.3 kilometers of the Samana Bay oceanfront in the municipality of Samaná.

The project features 1.1 km of bike lane, benches and chairs of polished concrete, sidewalks with fiber-reinforced concrete, universal accessibility ramps...

The Dominican Republic is a world leader in the business of wedding tourism. Statistics presented at the recent International Association of Destination Wedding Professionals indicate the country is number one in destination weddings in the insular Caribbean and Central American region and number four worldwide.

And wedding tourism is not, according to Tourism Minister David Collado, a small business by any means. According to the minister, this is a US$90 billion-dollar industry.

The Dominican Republic hosted the International Association of Destination Wedding Professionals 2025 Destination Wedding Congress from 26 to 29 May 2025. The world wedding tourism congress was attended by over 400 professionals tied to the industry.

The president of the International Association of Destination Wedding Professionals, Kitzia Morales, noted that the Dominican...

Uber has partnered with Aerodom, the managing company at Las Americas International Airport (AILA – SDQ) and Sichala, the airport’s taxi company, to enhance mobility at AILA and provide a better experience to travelers.

Effective immediately, travelers landing at SDQ will encounter clear signage guiding them to designated Uber pickup points. These areas are differentiated for premium service Uber Select and other options like UberX, Comfort, UberXL, and Uber Planet.

“We understand how crucial it is for tourists to feel comfortable and well-oriented upon reaching a new destination,” said Laura Santillán, general manager of Uber for Central America and the Caribbean. “Through this partnership with strategic allies, we aim to make that first journey from the airport easier and more accessible. This alliance further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to...

Twenty-three of 34 voting countries for the executive council of the United Nations Tourism gave a yes to Shaikha Al Nowais to become the next Secretary-General from 2026. The position still needs to be confirmed by the UN Tourism General Assembly in November 2025.

Following protocol, the executive council elected Shaikha Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General, to begin in January 2026. The nomination represents a landmark first for the sector, as the first woman leader of UN Tourism in its 50-year history.

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais is an Emirati business leader with over 16 years of experience in global hospitality. As corporate vice president at Rotana Hotels, she has overseen owner relations across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey. A graduate of Zayed University in Finance, she also chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group and serves...

Resolution 9-2025 authorizes the Central Electoral Board (JCE) to issue a single standard format effective 1 July 2025. This reform eliminates the previously available “extract” and “extensive” formats for birth, recognition, marriage, divorce, and death certificates. The new measure aims to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve citizen access to these essential services.

The civil status documents are available at National Registry Civil Status offices, both domestically and via JCE’s Overseas Service Offices.

The change is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and simplify document issuance, addressing previous complexities that sometimes hindered citizen understanding and access.

New Fees for Civil Registry Documents

The JCE also announces adjusted fees for civil registry documents:• Birth certificate: RD$600• Recognition certificate...

The Central Electoral Board (JCE) issued Resolution No. 9-2025 authorizing a significant increase in fees for its services both domestically and abroad, effective 1 July 2025. The price hikes range from 17% to 150%. The new fees were announced on Sunday, 1 June 2025.

Justifying the measures, the JCE cited the need to adjust costs associated with various procedures offered through departments such as the Civil Registry, National Identification Office, Electoral Registry Department, Legal Consultancy, and the Secretary General.

Notable increases include:• Cédula certification for DGII (Tax Agency): Up a whopping 150% from 1,000 to 2,500 pesos.• VIP electoral registry certification service: Doubling from 500 to 1,000 pesos.• Cédula ertification for legal purposes: Increasing 67% from 1,500 to 2,500 pesos.• Cédula certification for public ministries (fiscalías): Also up 67%, from 1,500 to 2,500...

Roberto Alvarez / El Caribe

Foreign Relations Minister Roberto Alvarez announced the Dominican Republic and the InterAmerican Development Bank (IADB) will host the 5th Business Summit of the Americas in early December 2025. This event, a precursor to the 10th Summit of the Americas to which heads of government are invited, will bring together business and political leaders to promote private enterprise and sustainable development. The event will be held in Punta Cana.

Among the issues that will be discussed is the management of the mining of rare earths and other strategic minerals, the conditions needed to secure investments which will touch on security and the future of the region’s financial systems.

The announcement was made after a successful meeting of the Americas Business Dialogue, hosted by the IADB and the Ministry of Foreign Relations in Santo Domingo. These talks...

This past weekend, President Luis Abinader was able to provide property certificates to well over 800 person in 21 different sectors of West Santo Domingo and East Santo Domingo. The President told the assembled crowd that his plan is to convert the Dominican Republic into a nation of property owners.

In fact, he said that he intends to deliver as many as 75,000 property deeds between 2025 and 2026. He praised the directors of such agencies as the State Sugar Council, and National Assets who are the spearheads of the drive.

In general terms, the program provides deeds to houses that have been built on state lands, in many cases, and guarantees a roof for needy families.

During his busy round of activities, Luis Abinader also cut the ribbon on the remodeled building housing the remnants of the Sugar Council (CEA), National Assets, and the State...

Santiago’s public transportation system has taken a significant step forward with the formal integration of the Metropolitan Bus Services Office (OMSA) into the Integrated Transportation System (SIT).

The introduction of 23 new buses, to operate on designated corridors, allows passengers to access both buses and the cable car with a single payment of RD$35 (approximately US$0.60). The buses are equipped with GPS systems, video surveillance cameras, and direct connection to the National Emergency System 911. These units join 16 already in operation, bringing the total to 39.

The vehicles will service feeder routes to and from the Santiago cable car’s Terminal Two, expanding the SIT network to over 100 miles (162 kilometers). The new buses have accessibility features, including ramps for passengers with mobility disabilities, positioning them as part of the...

On Friday, 30 May 2025, the Center for Industrial Development and Competitiveness (Proindustria) formalized an inter-institutional agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Loyola Polytechnic Institute. The pact aims to accelerate innovation in the Dominican Republic’s manufacturing industry by strengthening the startup ecosystem.

The agreement establishes the Startup Ecosystem Development and Acceleration Program, an initiative focused on fostering industrial entrepreneurship through training, mentorship, and innovative prototyping for the benefit of the national manufacturing sector.

With a national and inclusive focus, the program aims to train at least 100 Dominican industrial entrepreneurs in startup-oriented methodologies and support 20 of them in developing and...

Effective Monday, 2 June 2025, the Migration Agency (DGM) is no longer accepting cash payments for migration services and procedures for both national and foreign citizens.

Navy Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, who is the director of Migration, highlighted that this policy aligns with their commitment to responsible, efficient, and transparent public administration.

In a statement, the institution clarified that all payments must be made via credit or debit cards, bank deposits, or through their official digital platform. This measure is part of the quality objectives outlined in the Institutional Strategic Plan and the strengthening of administrative controls within its management system.

To assist individuals without bank cards, the DGM now has a consultation module for people to calculate the service fees and administrative charges needed for the...

Ambassador Henry T. Wooster / Wikipedia

The office of the US Secretary of State has announced that Ambassador Henry Wooster will take on the role of Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Haiti beginning 12 June 2025. Ambassador Wooster has been charged with leading a whole-of-government approach to US policy on Haiti. The US Secretary of State says that he is will work with the US partners across the globe, who are providing critical support to Haitian security forces.

The US Secretary of State office explains that Ambassador Wooster has had a long and distinguished career, including service at US Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and as Ambassador to Jordan. He has also served in the United States Army. He holds an M.A. from Yale University and a B.A. from Amherst College.

Wooster is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor. He...

Albert Ramdin / El Caribe

The new Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Surinamese Albert Ramdin, said he would take an “action-oriented” approach when dealing with beleaguered Haiti during his assumption of office speech on 30 May 2025. He said he was committed to shaping an OAS that is more agile, cost-efficient, responsive and impactful.”

Ramdin was elected on 10 March. He had served as assistant secretary general from 2005 to 2015. Ramdin had championed the case of Haiti when he was assistant secretary of the OAS.

Ramdin’s assistant secretary general will be Laura Gil, of Colombia.

At the time of his appointment, he had been serving as minister of foreign relations for Suriname.

He has ample experience with the OAS. After serving as Suriname’s permanent representative to the OAS from 1997 to 1999, Ramdin was principal advisor to OAS...

The Dominican government through its commercial bank (Banco de Reservas) for decades has facilitated low cost borrowing for new cars in the Dominican Republic. The results are showing. Diario Libre reports that the DR now ranks third in Latin America for vehicles per capital.

With a population of over 11 million, the country now boasts 6,081,697 registered vehicles as of September 2023, a nearly 25% increase over the last four years.

This surge in vehicle ownership, outpacing population growth, has led to noticeable traffic congestion in major cities and strained the nation’s otherwise impressive road infrastructure. The Dominican Republic now has 507.8 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants, trailing only Argentina (590) and Brazil (521). This stands in contrast to the regional average of 200 vehicles per 1,000 people as reported by the United Nations’ Economic...

Tensions escalated in the Dominican Republic’s northcentral Cotui region in Sanchez Ramirez province on 30 May 2025 with clashes between local residents and Dominican security forces. Community members have protested against the expansion of the Barrick Pueblo Viejo gold mine.

The mine operators have received government clearing to build infrastructure for a second tailings dam in the province. Populations in other provinces were adamant on not allowing the tailings dam to be built there given the real environmental risks that come with the permanent open sky storing of the toxic mining wastes.

As reported in Diario Libre and Listin Diario, the demonstrations, fueled by environmental and social concerns, were met with tear gas, live ammunition, and reports of militarization, drawing international attention to the long-standing conflict between the mining company and...

After the airing of the El Informe con Alicia Ortega that revealed inappropriate conduct and alleged sexual harassment impacting several female gymnasts, the Gymnastics Federation (Fedogim) ordered the Olympic Gymnastics Academy, a private gymnastics school, to suspend coach Julio Angeles. Angeles also served on the Gymnastics Federation executive committee.

OGA is the private academy of Yamilet Peña, the highest ranked Dominican gymnast. Peña by then had already removed Angeles from the gymn, as reported in Diario Libre. She said she is collaborating with the authorities.

In the El Informe con Alicia Ortega, a mother denounced what she knew of the irregular proceedings by the coach. Her daughter was a long time member of the gym and since 2020 had been on scholarship. The mother presented a complaint for sexual harassment to the Unit...

President Luis Abinader and Vietnamese Ambassador Le Quang Long / Vietnam Plus

Ambassador Le Quang Long presented credentials to President Luis Abinader on 29 May 2025. The Vietnam government release indicates President Abinader proposed enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly telecommunications, agriculture and high technology, the Vietnam News Agency of the Vietnam government reports.

As reported in the Vietnam Plus/VNA release, Ambassador Long affirmed his commitment to advancing bilateral relations to a new level, serving as a bridge to implement agreements reached during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to the Dominican Republic in last November 2024, a milestone in strengthening traditional friendship and boosting economic, trade and investment cooperation.

He called on the government of...

The Dominican Republic is witnessing a troubling trend: a steady increase in divorces while marriages decline, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, as National Office of Statistics (ONE) data reveals. The higher divorce rates are primarily attributed to financial strain.

According to data from the National Office of Statistics (ONE), in 2024, there were 44,349 recorded marriages and 26,210 divorces in the country. This marks a significant shift from pre-pandemic trends, where the divorce rate hovered around 40% to 50%. Since 2021, however, it has surpassed 60%, meaning six out of ten marriages end in divorce.

Listin Diario reports that while marriage rates have declined overall, with only 4.11 marriages per 1000 inhabitants in 2024, divorce rates are climbing. Urban areas of the National District (capital city), Santiago, that is the second largest city, boast the highest divorce...

The start of dialogue on the “Haitian Crisis and its Implications for the Dominican Republic” at the Economic and Social Council (CES) has been rescheduled for June 5th, from June 3rd.

CES president Rafael Toribio announced the change in a statement, noting the first session will now take place at 4pm in the Professor Juan Bosch Auditorium of the Pedro Henríquez Ureña National Library.

Toribio emphasized that the talks represent a call for democratic maturity and the search for consensus in developing a national strategy to address one of the most complex and prolonged challenges in contemporary history.

He explained that the issues at hand have multiple dimensions requiring a multifaceted approach. As such, six strategic axes have been proposed: migration, bilateral trade, development of border communities, national security, international relations, and labor...

L 87/6.2-liter engine / GM Powered Solutions

There are many GMC Sierras and Chevrolet Suburbans and Tahoes and several Cadillac Escalades in circulation in the Dominican Republic.

Take note that the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall on 24 April 2025, for all General Motors vehicles with the L 87/6.2-liter engine, for model years 2021-2024. This recall (N252494001 and following) is for Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet vehicles with this engine. The recall has been made in three phases: first, for dealers, then for owners within the warranty period, and lastly for all vehicle owners.

This issue is serious. The L87 6.2L engine has a major flaw. The crankshaft is not at the correct tolerance, and the rod bearings tend to disintegrate, and the engines destroy themselves, leaving drivers stranded or worse. To appreciate...

Government justice and police system entities carried out a major raid in the Capotillo sector on the banks of the La Isabela River in the northern part of the National District. The Attorney General Office was represented by 45 prosecutors, and the National Drug Control Agency, the National Police and the Dominican Army put over 600 troops into the operation.

The twin objectives of the operation were to provide a safer, more peaceful environment to the neighborhood and to proactively fight crime.

As a result of their searches, the agents found drugs, money, and illegal slot machines. In a somewhat surprising discovery, the police and army units also found and seized a series of CCTV cameras that were in place illegally, and which were reportedly used to keep track on police and community members.

Together with the show of force, the Ministry of the...

A chaotic scene unfolded Wednesday, 28 May 2025 during a Migration Agency (DGM) raid on a Chinese-owned store, where authorities aimed to detain Haitian nationals working there without proper immigration status, Diario Libre reported.

The incident occurred at the Mudan store on Duarte Avenue in the capital city. Videos circulated online showing store owners and employees attempting to prevent the detention of Haitian workers and even assaulting the prosecutor assisting the DGM operation.

National Police officers deployed pepper spray to disperse the crowd that had gathered outside the store. A Chinese national also appears on the ground as bystanders help her.

Diario Libre reported that the raid that was carried out to identify and detain foreigners working illegally, primarily Haitians, resulted in chaos and violence when met with opposition from the store...

Marileidy Paulino / Bavaro Digital

The Dominican Republic’s Paris Olympics gold medal winner Marileidy Paulino once again showed her class and won first in the women’s 400m Grand Slam Track event held in Philadelphia, USA. She clocked in a season best with 49.12, defeating Nickisha Pryce of Jamaica (50.04) and Isabella Whittaker of USA (50.16). Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain (49.47) ran to the outside lane and was disqualified for lane infringement. Naser was the silver medal winner in the event in the Paris Olympic Games in 2024 and has been Paulino’s main competitor since.

The Grand Slam Track events come with the highest cash prizes in athletics, or US$100,000 in the case of the 400m. The second place gets US$50,000 and the third place gets RD$30,000. The prize money is a significant increase over the Diamond League, where winners received US$10,000...

Karla Moya Boada, a Venezuelan national accused of illegally practicing medicine in the Dominican Republic, was acquitted due to a technicality, despite overwhelming evidence against her, N Digital reports.

The Ministry of Public Health shut down a first medical office where she operated, but then she opened a second parallel one as her case was held in court, N Digital reports, but this was not considered in the ruling calling for her acquittal from charges of irregularities.

N Digital explains that two crucial pieces of evidence were deemed inadmissible by the Second Collegiate Appeals Court:

University certification: A document from the South American university where she says she graduated as a physician, certifying that Moya is not a graduate of their institution.LinkedIn profile: Screenshots from Moya’s LinkedIn profile where she claims to be a lawyer...

In a recent episode of the morning talk show El Despertador on Channel 9, Chilean geographer Marcelo Lagos and US meteorologist John Morales emphasized that natural phenomena are not responsible for human disasters and tragedies. Instead, they explained that these events are more often the direct result of poor human decisions in planning, education, and prevention.

The experts agreed that prevention, education, and proper planning are the only truly effective tools to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events, which will continue to be a frequent and significant part of life on our planet.

“Talking about natural disasters or natural risks is almost archaic,” Lagos stated. He explained that blaming nature is a way of shirking responsibility, noting that “it’s evidently a political way of shifting blame onto nature and externalizing...

People have to admit it that this year the weather has been good. The sweltering heat of summer has been delayed. But now with still three weeks away from summer, it is getting as hot as it gets. The entire Dominican Republic is sweltering under a combination of Saharan dust, high humidity and plenty of sunshine.

Here are some tips on where to go to escape the heat, compiled in part from a recent El Dia feature.

Number one is Jarabacoa, a small town located in La Vega province and nestled in the foothills of the Central Mountains. It is often the gateway for trips up to the top of the Caribbean, the Pico Duarte.

Very good places to cool off in Jarabacoa are:

Jimenoa Falls, a must excursion. Located just off the road to Jarabacoa, the falls are easy to locate before reaching the town itself, off to the left with good signage along the way.

If you like golf, the local 9 is...

The Indiana Pacers finally outpaced the New York Knicks 125 to 108 in game six of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs and won the slot to match the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. It will be a first Final since 2000 for the Indiana Pacers. Pascal Siakam of the Pacers was named MVP of the series after recording 31 points and three blocked shots during the Saturday, 31 May 2025 game six in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The New York Knicks, who earned their two NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, remain in search of their first trip to the Finals since 1999. Dominican national basketball team player Karl Anthony Towns gave them a good shot at making the finals in 2025 and the team will certainly be one to reckon with in the next season.

The 2025 NBA finals start on 5 June 2025 and it has been announced they will be transmitted live for Dominican audiences on CDN Channel 37.

Read...

The Presidency has convened meetings of the Economic and Social Council (CES), now set to tackle critical national issues as of Tuesday, 3 June 2025, at 11am at the library meeting facility of the Pedro Henríquez Ureña University in Santo Domingo. The CES meeting will focus on six key areas – migration, bilateral trade, border community development, national security, international relations, and labor issues — stemming from a recent agreement between President Luis Abinader and past Presidents Danilo Medina, Leonel Fernandez and Hipolito Mejia.

The upcoming CES discussions are a direct result of the high-level meetings the former Presidents held on 14 May 2025 at the Ministry of Defense. There, President Abinader, along with former Presidents Hipólito Mejía, Leonel Fernández, and Danilo Medina, met to learn about key security issues in regards to the multidimensional...

Mildred Gabriela Martínez Mejía / RTVD

President Luis Abinader has appointed Mildred Gabriela Martínez Mejía as the new director of the National Bureau of Statistics (ONE). She replaces Miosotis Rivas, who was named to direct the ECLAC Caribbean region office, a UN agency.

The Presidency reports that Martínez Mejía brings to the position over two decades of extensive experience in applied social research, with a distinguished career marked by significant contributions to public administration and sustainable development initiatives.

A clinical psychologist by training, she graduated cum laude from the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) in 2001. Her academic achievements include a master’s degree in High Strategic Public Management from the Global Institute of Higher Social Sciences Studies in collaboration with King Juan Carlos University, Spain; a...

The recent panel of experts that met on Tuesday, 27 May 2025 for the Esta Noche con Mariasela top issue discussion focused on the Dominican economy. The conclusion was that all sectors need to align to strengthen the position of the country as an exporter of goods and services if the country is to successfully navigate all the turbulent external impacts and the expansion of government.

4.75% GDP growth had been forecast for 2025, but after the first quarter of the year the forecast is down 25 points mainly reflecting new external factors that threaten the local economic development, such as tariffs and taxes on exports (10%) and remittances (3%) from the United States.

The evening TV variety show host Mariasela Alvarez invited economists Jose Luis de Ramon, Jaime Aristy Escuder, Mercedes Carrasco and Jacqueline Mora (vice minister of...

The Chamber of Accounts, the government auditing agency, now under its new president Emma Polanco Melo, has made public several audits carried out by the past teams.

The audits look into the findings of the 2016-2019 term of the authorities at the Instituto Nacional de Atención Integral a la Primera Infancia (Inaipi) and others related to the ministries of Hacienda and Industry and Commerce.

In the case of the Inaipi, inconsistencies in purchases and others were found for around RD$800 million between 2016 and 2019.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the assassination of the 1961 Dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo on 30 May, local media are reminding the Dominican people of who Trujillo was and the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives to remove the ruthless dictator.

Among the media presentations, journalist Camila Garcia for her “Para contarlo” interview on Color Vision Channel 9, on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, gathered several of the relatives of the 21 involved in the assassination plot.

The heart-breaking words of the relatives tell of the major sacrifices of the victims of those who were motivated by the murder of the Mirabal sisters to give their lives and risk those of their families and friends to put an end to the cruel regime.

The relatives called for a strengthening of Dominican institutions, more education and for an increased awareness...

The Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) announced the passing away of its rector, Julio Sanchez Mariñez on the morning of Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at the UCE medical center. He was 72 years old. He was the ninth rector of the city university. He was first appointed in 2021-2024 and had been confirmed for a second 2024-2027 term.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our rector, Julio Sánchez Maríñez, due to health complications,” the statement read. “Sánchez Maríñez was an exceptional leader, a visionary academic, and a human being of profound values, committed to the transformation of higher education in the Dominican Republic.”

The university added, “His legacy will forever be etched in the history of our university and in the hearts of those of us who had the privilege of knowing him and working by his side. We extend our deepest condolences...

Listin Diario reports that the remains of the collapsed roof of JetSet Club that had been taken to a lot in Santiago, off the Santiago Bypass, were relocated to an unknown site. The remains are key to the forensic investigations into the causes of the collapse of the roof that caused the death of still an unidentified number of persons, at least 235, as reported by the authorities.

The Abinader administration delegated in an Onesvie committee and the Attorney General Office to prepare the report on the causes of the tragedy.

Read more in Spanish:

• Listin Diario
• Listin Diario

State prosecutors did not present evidence that the Venezuelan medical doctor title presented to the Ministry of Superior Education by Venezuelan Karla Moya Boada was not real, nor that she was irregularly exercising medicine in the country. Moya Boada has sustained she is a legit practicing physician graduated as a doctor in Venezuela.

The charges were initially made by TV investigative journalist Nuria Piera as she investigated the irregular practice of medicine in the country by several practitioners. Piera presented testimonies by former patients of Moya Boada who complained about botched-up procedures.

A first court had cleared Moya Boada and the second court concurred the evidence against Moya Boada was not presented by the prosecutors.

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Anyone living in the Caribbean needs to be ready to experience a Hurricane 5 any year. The likelihood of this happening is minimal, but it is real.

As the Atlantic hurricane season officially kicks off on Sunday, 1 June and will run through Sunday, 30 November, the Dominican Republic is bracing for what forecasters predict will be an above-average year for cyclonic activity. Projections for 2025 indicate the formation of 13 to 19 named storms, with 6 to 10 potentially strengthening into hurricanes, and 3 to 5 reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale).

The names of the storms this year are: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.

The last storms to impact the Dominican Republic have been:Hurricane...

Dominican Republic’s rising national basketball team player, Jean Montero has earned a coveted spot on Spain’s Liga Endesa’s 2024-25 Best Five, solidifying his position as one of European basketball’s most promising talents. At just 20 years old, Montero has spearheaded Valencia Basket’s impressive campaign, boasting an average efficiency rating of 19.2 per game, the second-highest in the league.

European sports media reports that Montero’s inclusion in the elite quintet underscores not only his individual star player level but also his remarkable maturity and leadership in his inaugural season with Valencia Basket. His ability to positively influence team performance has been a key factor in the team’s success, guiding their offense and propelling them to a strong league standing.

Montero previously has been honored as the Liga Endesa’s Best Young Player for three...

The legendary Buena Vista Orchestra, hailed as the “soul of Cuban son,” is booked for a performance at the Teatro La Fiesta at Hotel Jaragua in Santo Domingo on Saturday, 19 July 2025.

Noticias SIN reports that the orchestra, under the direction of the iconic Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos—a trombonist, composer, and pivotal figure in the original Buena Vista Social Club—arrives with a fresh yet authentic sound that stays true to the essence that has captivated the world.

Performing in Santo Domingo will be many of the musicians who have been fundamental to the original legacy, including “Betún” Luis Mariano Valiente Marín on percussion, Emilio Senón Morales Ruiz on piano, and Fabián García on bass. They will perform the timeless songs that have resonated with generations.

With over 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, the Buena Vista Orchestra continues to charm new...

The European Union (EU) has consolidated its position as the Dominican Republic’s leading foreign investor in 2024, pouring over US$1.52 billion into the nation, representing 33.7% of the total foreign direct investment (FDI), Diario Libre reports. This significant influx has bolstered key sectors, including tourism, renewable energy, manufacturing, sustainable urban transport, and digital services.

On 27 May 2025, Vice President Raquel Peña highlighted the robust relationship between the two entities, stating: “The commercial relationship between the Dominican Republic and the European Union has reached historic levels. In 2024, foreign direct investment flows into the Dominican Republic reached an all-time record of over US$4.5 billion.” Her remarks came during a forum organized by the EU, its member states, and the Pontificia...

Miosotis Rivas Peña, the local economist who took on the challenge of organizing the National Statistics Office and was in charge of the 2021 National Census, was chosen to direct the Caribbean Subregional Headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She begins her new responsibilities on 2 June 2025. She replaces Diane Quarless who had been director of the division since 2011.

With over 25 years of experience in public policy, international organizations, and applied research, Rivas Peña steps into this crucial role at a pivotal moment for the Caribbean region. From her new position, she will lead the coordination of studies, technical advisory services, and strategic cooperation that ECLAC provides to its 16 member states and 13 associate members in the Caribbean, including...

At a time when the government has spearheaded efforts to merge ministries, the congresswoman representing the ruling political party has submitted a bill that would create the Ministry of Men. Why not, there is already a Ministry of Women?

The proposal to increase government bureaucracy comes at a time when President Luis Abinader has fostered the merge of the Ministry of Economy with the Ministry of Hacienda, and that of the Ministry of Superior Education with the Ministry of Education for a reduction of costs in government.

El Nacional reports that the proposal presented by Altagracia de los Santos (PRM-Santo Domingo province) seeks to concentrate efforts to champion the “transformation” of men through guidance, training, and support, with a key objective being to curb abuse and femicides against women.

“We work with men here, but only after they commit a homicide...

Dominican business owners are demanding “clear rules” be applied to Chinese businesses operating in the country. Local business owners complain of unfair competition stemming from alleged violations of fiscal, customs, and labor regulations by Chinese-owned businesses that in the past five years have boomed all around the country.

The concerns were recently voiced by the National Council of Provisions Trade (CNCP), an umbrella organization representing 74 national commercial associations, during the 27 May 2025 “Listín Diario Breakfast” event held at the newspaper’s headquarters in Santo Domingo.

During the interview, the representatives of the CNCP highlighted that hundreds of Chinese-operated businesses are creating an uneven playing field, severely impacting Dominican micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and...

The Ministry of Foreign Relations has uploaded a tender that calls for the purchase of “chacabanas” or “guayaberas”, the classic Caribbean-style linen shirts, with up to RD$12,000, or about US$200 each. While a stylish shirt can go in better stores and designer shops here for around RD$25,000, the same linen shirt (Cubanera brand) can be purchased online for US$75 or about RD$4,500.

The shirts are used instead of suit and tie attire for men and as dresses for women.

The purchase would be for 3,250 of these shirts to be used for the 10th Summit of the Americas that the Ministry of Foreign Relations is organizing together with the Organization of American States and the US Secretary of State Department. It is not known if the funds for the shirts would come from the OAS fund.

The 10th Summit of the Americas is scheduled to take place in Punta Cana this coming December 2025...

Graciela Abinader y Ahmed Hasbun / CDN

The speculation of a possible future wedding between Graciela Abinader Arbaje and Ahmed Hasbun comes about after Hola RD published a photo of Graciela Abinader Arbaje, second daughter of President Luis Abinader and Raquel Arbaje, about to enter a ceremony at the Santo Domingo Cathedral.

Ahmed Hasbun is the director general at Medico Express, a modern medical center in Santo Domingo East that caters to local and medical tourists. Medico Express is operated by Alejandro Cambiaso, the guru of medical tourism in the Dominican Republic.

Médico Express has officially earned the Certification for Excellence in Medical Tourism by Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA).

Medical tourism is a booming sector of the local tourism industry. The Abinader administration has made available relatively low cost financing for the importing of...