DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

The First Court of Instruction of the National District has rescheduled the preliminary hearing against Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, owners of the iconic Jet Set nightclub, for Monday, 16 March 2026. The adjournment was granted to ensure all parties involved in the legal process are formally notified. El Dia reports that the Attorney General Office has received 346 claims of the at least 365 deaths caused by the collapse of the concrete roof on patrons and staff.

Presiding Judge Raymundo Mejía announced that once the proceedings resume, sessions will be held every Monday to maintain a consistent schedule for the high-profile case.

The hearing aims to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the Espaillat siblings to a plenary trial. They face charges stemming from the catastrophic roof collapse on 8 April 2024, which resulted in at least 236 deaths and dozens of injuries.

The atmosphere at the Palace of Justice was charged with emotion on Monday morning...

As of January 12, 2026, the Lidom Round Robin (semifinal) has entered its final and most intense stretch.

With only five games remaining in the schedule, the yellow (Águilas Cibaenas) and orange (Toros del Este) teams are in a direct sprint to see who will face the Leones del Escogido in the Final. Because they are tied, their head-to-head matchups and games against the eliminated Gigantes del Cibao are crucial.

Upcoming matchups:Tuesday, 13 Jan: Gigantes at Águilas / Escogido at Toros.Wednesday, 14 Jan: Toros at Águilas (Direct Duel – This could be the tiebreaker).Thursday, 15 Jan: Gigantes at Águilas / Escogido at Toros.Friday, 16 Jan: Águilas at Toros (Direct duel – Final showdown between the two).Saturday, 17 Jan: The Round Robin is scheduled to officially end on this day.

The winner of the Lidom championship will represent the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean...

What was once a single home residential area where two thirds of the population of Greater Santo Domingo lives is now suffering a mega transformation. Developers are building the city’s tallest skyscrapers and more are coming. The municipal legislation allows for building up to 50 floors and that seems to be happening, Adalberto de la Rosa reports for Diario Libre.

Santo Domingo East, the large area located between the Ozama River and Las Americas International Airport is growing in density of construction in leaps and bounds.

The area is served by the Mega Centro shopping center, but more commercial centers are opening and more to come. There is extensive area for developers of residential and commercial properties.

According to a report by Adalberto de la Rosa for Diario Libre on 12 January 2026, Santo Domingo East (SDE) is undergoing a massive urban transformation...

Minister of Interior & Police Faride Raful announced that experts from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation have joined the search for the whereabouts of three year old Brianna Genao. Fadul said that the FBI agents are working with specialists from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Department of State. The US crime specialists join the National Police as a new sweep is undertaken to find new evidence of what could have happened leading to the little girl’s disappearance.

According to Minister Raful, the US agencies are providing critical logistical support, including specialized canine units. These teams have already arrived in the country and will be deployed this week to assist the National Police in scouring the area where the child was last seen.

“This is a deeply regrettable case,” Raful stated, emphasizing that...

A marked spike in residency permits issued by the Migration Agency (DGM) in May 2024 has sparked questions after data revealed that the agency processed more documents in that single month than it typically does in four years, Listin Diario reports. The newspaper did not report the DGM explanation for the unusual increase in residency permits.

In May 2024, the Dominican Republic’s Migration Agency (DGM) was led by Venancio Alcántara. Alcántara remained at the helm of the agency until late September 2024, when today director, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, was officially sworn in as his successor.

According to DGM statistics, the Dominican Republic historically maintains a steady flow of 25,000 to 33,000 residency permits annually. However, 2024 shattered these norms with a total of 148,301 permits, a nearly 400% increase over previous...

As of January 12, 2026, the Lidom Round Robin (semifinal) has entered its final and most intense stretch. The victory by the Águilas Cibaeñas has completely shifted the race for the second spot in the Final Series.

With only 5 games remaining in the schedule, the “Yellow” (Águilas) and “Orange” (Toros) teams are in a direct sprint to see who will face the Leones in the Final. Because they are tied, their head-to-head matchups and games against the eliminated Gigantes will be crucial.

Upcoming matchups:Tuesday, 13 Jan: Gigantes at Águilas / Escogido at Toros.Wednesday, 14 Jan: Toros at Águilas (Direct Duel – This could be the tiebreaker).Thursday, 15 Jan: Gigantes at Águilas / Escogido at Toros.Friday, 16 Jan: Águilas at Toros (Direct duel – Final showdown between the two).Saturday, 17 Jan: The Round Robin is scheduled to officially end on this day.

The winner of the Lidom championship will represent the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Series in Mexico.

Read...

With December arrivals growing by over 14%, and as many as 42,494 persons arriving in just one day (20 December 2025), the month rounded off a new record for tourists in a calendar year: 11,676,901. This is a solid 4.3% increase over the previous year, and a 37.8% increase over 2022, when the Covid-19 pandemic was over.

Nearly nine million arrived by air, and nearly three million by sea. Both these numbers are improvements are solid improvements over 2024, with cruise line passengers up fully 6%.

The director of the Dominican Institute for Civil Aviation, Igor Rodriguez, was happy to report that well over 19.5 million passengers, both arrivals and departures, used Dominican airports in 2025. These numbers have -placed the Dominican Republic as one of the major airline hubs in the entire Caribbean.

The number of arrivals was boosted by thousands who were rerouted to the Dominican...

The Dominican Republic’s aviation sector reached a historic milestone in 2025, processing 19,676,193 inbound and outbound passengers, according to data released by the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC).

The figures represent a significant year-over-year increase compared to 2024, which saw 19,078,752 travelers. This growth of 597,441 additional passengers underscores a sustained upward trend that is solidifying the nation’s position as a primary aerial connectivity hub in the Caribbean.

Igor Rodríguez Durán, director general of IDAC, attributed the surge to the general continued growth within the tourism sector, strengthening of international routes and the opening of new destinations and the increased frequency of flights already operating here.

Flight operations also saw an uptick, with 217,620 recorded flights in 2025...

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) has officially cemented its position as the premier aviation gateway in the Caribbean and Central America after closing 2025 with a historic milestone of over 11 million passengers. This record-breaking performance underscores the airport’s role as the primary hub for tourism in the Dominican Republic and a dominant force in air travel in the Americas.

The year-end data reveals a transformative year for the terminal, when total air operations surged to 35,092 flights, a remarkable 15.6% increase compared to 2024. Overall passenger traffic grew by 9.9%, driven by an aggressive strategy of infrastructure expansion and global connectivity.

The airport’s ascent was most visible during a high-octane December. The terminal recorded an 11.5% year-on-year increase in passenger flow, jumping from 975,450 travelers in 2024 to 1,087,621 in the final month of 2025.

Operational capacity reached unprecedented levels during the peak season...

Private planes are well received at the new world class FBO Terminal built by Universal Aviation for Aerodom/Vinci Airports, the operators of the Samana International Airport (AZS). The terminal was delivered on 2 December 2025.

The US$500,000 initiative covers a 3,500-sq-ft facility with passenger and pilot lounges, concierge service, a full catering kitchen, coffee bar, and in-house customs and immigration clearance. The FBO offers aircraft ground handling, transportation, and fueling services, and has the capacity to handle 1,000 international flights a year.

A press release from Universal Aviation describes the opening as a significant milestone in the growth of premium business aviation infrastructure in one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing luxury destinations.

The director general of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), Igor Rodríguez...

In the very late 1930s or very early 1940s, Billy Strayhorn wrote a jazz piece called “Take the ‘A’ Train” for Duke Ellington. (Link to the song below). It became the theme of the Ellington band for all eternity.

The ‘A’ train referred to, is, of course, the A Line of the New York City subway system. It runs from Inwood at 207th Street, all the way down to Rockaway Park on Long Island, during rush hours. It is also called the 8th Avenue Express.

Every Dominican who lives in New York City has probably been on the A Train. So have hundreds of millions of other folks. This is why Tourism Minister David Collado launched the “Subway to Paradise” campaign last week, a campaign that reaffirmed the very important connection between the Dominicans that live in the Big Apple and their island homeland.

The campaign features everything from A to Z regarding the Dominican experience...

The first person to officially begin the new ID process is Digna Mercedes Díaz Rodríguez on Thursday, 8 January 2026. The process is underway to renew the identification cards in the Dominican Republic that at present are all expired.

Diaz Rodriguez was chosen because she is the longest-serving employee of the Central Electoral Board (JCE). She was the first person to undergo the biometric data capture process (fingerprints, photo, etc.) when the JCE launched the internal enrollment phase on Thursday.

President Luis Abinader is scheduled to receive his new identity document on Monday, 26 January 2026 (Juan Pablo Duarte’s birthday). His enrollment is intended to mark the symbolic start of the mass issuance phase. Meanwhile, the internal staff process that began with Digna Mercedes Diaz Rodriguez is underway.

The JCE says the ID issuance process has begun with an...

Julio Cesar Landrón and Victor Atallah / Hoy

Julio César Landrón, an orthopedic surgeon, was sworn in as executive director of the National Health Service (SNS) that coordinates the public hospitals in the Dominican Republic. His appointment followed a formal institutional process where the Servicio Nacional de Salud board of directors approved a shortlist on 6 January 2026, which was then submitted to President Luis Abinader. The appointment came with Decree 6-26, dated 8 January 2026.

Dr. Landrón is a past president of the Dominican Society of Orthopedics (SDOT). He replaces the resigning Dr. Mario Lama, an ob-gyn who had been named to the position in August 2020, at the start of the first term of President Luis Abinader.

The replacement comes at a time when an overhaul of the public medical system is underway after major irregular get-rich schemes...

The Senate granted final approval to the organic law that establishes the National Intelligence Agency (DNI) and regulates the National Intelligence System.

The newly passed bill, which had already cleared the Chamber of Deputies, provides a formal legal framework for state intelligence as mandated by Article 261 of the Constitution. The DNI will serve as the governing body for the nation’s security and intelligence apparatus.

The legislation now heads to the Executive Branch for official enactment.

Read more in Spanish:

• Senate
• Hoy

The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic has announced a historic milestone for the nation’s economy, reporting that remittances reached a record US$11.86 billion in 2025. According to the report, 80% of these funds originated from the United States.

The remittance total is 10.3% more than that of the previous year, further solidifying remittances as one of the three vital pillars of the Dominican economy, alongside tourism and exports. The Central Bank expects more than US$46.8 billion in hard currency to enter the economy in 2026.

However, the Central Bank has adjusted its 2026 forecast to a more modest growth of 3.5%, projecting total remittances of US$12.2 billion. This deceleration is attributed in part to a new 1% tax on cash remittances implemented by the Trump administration.

The Central Bank highlights, nevertheless, that the impact of the tax...

Henri Hebrard / Hoy

Economist Henri Hebrard issued a stark warning on Friday, 9 January 2026 that the Dominican Republic will need to spend approximately RD$1 billion daily solely on debt interest payments throughout 2026.

Speaking on the news program Uno más Uno (Teleantillas), Hebrard detailed that annual interest obligations have surged to roughly RD$360 billion. He described the figure as a critical red flag for the country’s financial stability.

Hebrard highlighted the scale of these payments by comparing them to vital public sectors. According to his analysis, the interest on the national debt now is triple the total deficit of the national electricity sector, is more than the national education budget and doubles the resources allocated to the healthcare sector.

“If there is one worrying figure for 2026, it is this: the debt interest commitment,” Hebrard stated. “The Dominican...

The latest Epidemiological Bulletin issued by the Ministry of Public Health for the last week of 2025 registered 26 infant deaths, bringing the yearly total to 1,819 for all of 2025. This is down an impressive 19% from 2,255 in 2024, Diario Libre reports.

Regarding post-partum fatalities for the mothers, there were two reported for December, both Haitians, bringing the total to 177 for 2025, quite similar to the previous year.

The decline in infant mortality can in a good part be attributed to the new birthing tourism restriction measures implemented by the Dominican government starting in April 2025. The measures have resulted in a decline of about half of the Haitian births in the country at public hospitals. The Haitians had usually reached the emergency rooms to take advantage of free services without previous health records and many with serious conditions, impacting the local...

The Santo Domingo Metro Office, officially known as the Office for Transport Reorganization (OPRET), announced Friday, 9 January 2026 that a scheduled preventive maintenance program will temporarily affect evening service on Metro Line 1 beginning Saturday, 10 January 2026.

The maintenance work is slated to run through Sunday, 25 January, and will specifically impact the northern section of the line.

To accommodate the technical work, service between the Gregorio Urbano Gilbert and Mamá Tingó stations will be suspended nightly starting at 8pm. Operations across the rest of the network will continue until the standard closing time, and full service will resume each morning at the usual opening hour.

In an effort to minimize disruptions for late-night commuters, the Metropolitan Bus Services Office (OMSA) will provide free shuttle buses along the affected route. These units will bridge...

The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Alfredo Pacheco, has announced that the major differences between labor and management regarding such issues as severance pay and trial-periods of work, have forced the lower congressional house to set aside the proposed reforms to the Labor Code until the next legislative session.

The new proposals include coverage of remote work and changes in the working day. However, there are some 10-12 issues that remain quite contentious, some disputed by labor and others by management.

In his statements, Pacheco noted that the legislative issue will not expire, but rather, since the present legislature recesses on Monday, 12 January, it should be undertaken once again in the next session of Congress that begins on 27 February.

Read more in...

The population of the Dominican Republic is around 11 million. Eulalio Ramírez, the Vice Minister of Agricultural Production, says Dominicans eat around 17 million units of plantains and bananas (both green and ripe) every day. The breakdown is 8 million units of plantains and 9 million bananas.

The official also highlighted the consumption and production of other staples in the Dominican diet:• Chicken: Production is approximately 22 million units per month.• Eggs: Production is around 350 million units per month, with 80 million of those being exported to markets such as Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Cuba.• Cacao exports: For the 2024-2025 cocoa year, the country exported 77,453.6 metric tons, generating US$692.5 million.

Read more in Spanish:

• Hoy

Major advances are underway for the integration of natural gas fired Manzanillo Power Land thermoelectric central (414 MW) into the national electricity grid. The power plant has capacity to provide 7.3% of the Dominican Republic’s total installed capacity.

At year’s end, Energia 2000 had reported completion of 90% of the power plant’s combined cycle gas turbine. The power plant uses Siemens Energy SGT6-8000H technology. While its main fuel source is natural gas, it allows for future hydrogen potential.

As of January 2026, the Manzanillo Power Land thermoelectric plant is in its final stages of commissioning and is transitioning into its operational phase, with testing already begun.

Built strategically in Pepillo Salcedo, Montecristi, the location of the power plant was chosen to enhance national energy security. The northwestern coast location is diagonally...

It is customary, in the Dominican Republic to choose a name for the newborn that is either that of a famous person, or place, or a combination of family names. Examples such as Zelandia, Asia, and Rafalta (for Rafael and Altagracia) are fairly common. There are even cases of children named Hitler, Mussolini, Elvis, Ho Chi, and Lenin.

Over time, the themes of the names have been changing. According to the records of the Civil Registry Department at the Central Electoral Board (JCE), in 2025, the most popular new names or name-combinations for babies in the Dominican Republic were Mia Isabela for little girls and Liam Alexander for the boys.

Other popular names for girls were Adhara Sofia, Emma Sofia, Adhara Michelle, Zoe Valentina, and combinations using Sophia, Emma, and Adhara. For the boys, other names were combinations using Liam, Angel, Jose, Gael, and Manuel...

Dominican military, police, and naval units were successful in capturing yet another “fast boat” that was running drugs across the Caribbean. After a grueling 15-hour chase, authorities captured two men, whose nationalities were not reported, along with 863 packs of drugs, probably cocaine. In layman’s terms this is not quite a ton of cocaine.

The pursuit came to an end off the coast of Cabo Rojo in the far Southwest, in Pedernales province. Carlos Devers, the spokesman for the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD), reported that units of the Dominican Armada, and the Dominican Air Force tracked and pursued the small craft for many hours until it was stopped and seized. Aboard were the 863 blocks, of what is probably cocaine, kept in 26 large fiber sacks, along with communication devices and other stuff.

The two individuals that were arrested were sent to the judicial...

While the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) touts record-breaking cocaine seizures, the reality on the ground tells a different story: a booming local market where drugs are cheaper, more accessible, and overwhelming rehabilitation centers, N Digital reports in its coverage of a recent interview with the director of a leading rehab center.

Julio Manuel Díaz, Director of Hogares Crea Dominicano, issued a stark warning regarding the “extraordinary overflow” of narcotics within the country. According to Díaz, the proliferation of neighborhood drug dens (puntos), the use of residential delivery services, and the rise of the “dark web” have created a distribution network that current authorities are struggling to contain.

Díaz highlighted a shifting landscape in drug distribution, noting that tech-savvy youth are increasingly utilizing the dark web to move...

The 25th Central American and Caribbean Games organizing committee and the Ministry of Sports announced last week that Baní was chosen as host municipality for the sailing competitions for the regional sports games.

Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz stated that selecting Baní for sailing reflects both the area’s superior natural conditions and a strategic vision to integrate various provinces into the regional games.

“Baní will play a leading role with the sailing discipline, which will boost sports, tourism, and the local economy throughout the southern region,” Monegro said.

The 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games are scheduled to run from 24 July to 8 August 2026 and will mainly be centered in Santo Domingo.

Read more in...

The eighth edition of the “Berklee in Santo Domingo” academic program concluded this Saturday, 10 January 2026 with a record-breaking 43 scholarships awarded to young Dominican musicians, totaling approximately US$4.8 million (RD$200 million).The week-long intensive program (5-10 January 2026), a collaboration between the Berklee College of Music and the Ministry of Culture, culminated in a high-energy showcase at the Carlos Piantini Hall of the National Theater.

Out of the 220 participants, nearly 20% received financial aid to pursue higher education at Berklee’s prestigious campus in Boston.

Tim Lee, Berklee’s associate dean of Admissions, highlighted that 2026 marks a milestone for the partnership. The 43 scholarships represent nearly double the 23 awarded in the previous year.

“This year, we are granting a record figure of 4.8 million dollars,” Lee stated, sharing a message...

Nelson Cruz, general manager of the Dominican team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, announced he has gathered several MLB stars to give clinics across the DR this month, El Nacional reports. Given the timing, the clinics are likely to serve a warm up to inspire all Dominicans to follow the WBC that this coming March.

The clinics are a joint joint effort between the Dominican Baseball Federation (Fedobe), the Dominican World Baseball Classic team leadership, and MLB. Organizers announced that the clinics will target children aged 8 to 10 and aim to cover key regions of the national territory.

The sessions featured active MLB players, coaches, and technical staff from the Dominican national team. The professionals shared personal experiences, career lessons, and technical guidance with young participants.

The program consists of four events scheduled throughout January...

The Dominican Winter League (Lidom) Round Robin playoffs intensified this weekend, leaving the Leones del Escogido, the capital city team, firmly in command of the semifinals. A fierce battle for the second qualifying spot has emerged between the Águilas Cibaeñas, the Santiago-based team, and Toros del Este, of La Romana.

Following their dominant weekend performance, the Leones (10-3) have separated from the pack. Meanwhile, the Águilas Cibaeñas (7-6) and Toros del Este (7-6) are now deadlocked in a tie for the critical second place ticket to the finals. Both teams are three games behind. The Gigantes del Cibao (2-11) won weekend games, but they remain in the basement, eight games behind.

The schedule:

• Tuesday, 13 Jan:Gigantes del Cibao @ Águilas Cibaeñas (7:30pm, Estadio Cibao)Leones del Escogido @ Toros del Este (7:30pm, Estadio Francisco Micheli)

• Wednesday, 14...

Minister Roberto Alvarez / Noticias SIN

Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez has reaffirmed that while the Dominican Republic has not formally severed diplomatic ties with Venezuela, relations remain “on pause” following the contentious July 2024 elections, as reported in Noticias SIN.

The diplomatic freeze, triggered by the expulsion of Dominican staff by Nicolás Maduro’s administration, has created a secondary crisis for citizens of both nations. Minister Alvarez noted that the absence of consular services has paralyzed document processing and halted regular commercial flights, leaving Dominican residents in Venezuela and Venezuelans seeking to travel to the Island in a state of legal and logistical limbo. The Spanish mission is channeling Dominican matters in Venezuela.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, Alvarez reiterated that the Dominican Republic refuses to...

President Luis Abinader is on schedule to be the first to receive the state-of-the-art biometric passport this coming 14 January 2026, El Dia reports. As of that date, Dominicans who need to renew their passports or request a new passport will be able to do so at new headquarters off John F. Kennedy Avenue and Dr. Defillo Street. The Passport Agency is also keeping its old location in the Centro de los Heroes on the Malecon.

The Passport Agency (DGP) says appointment slots for the general public will open as of 15 January but in person applications are required. While data collection begins in mid-January, the actual issuance and delivery of the physical booklets is scheduled to commence in February.

The Passport Agency had reported that preference will be given to those who have expired passports.

While the progressive rollout at domestic offices begins in February...

The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel) has announced an enhanced effort to combat what it describes as a rising tide of digital blackmail, extortion, and disinformation. Set to launch in 2026, the initiative marks a coordinated state response to cybercrimes that have increasingly targeted the security and reputation of Dominican citizens.

The strategy, approved by Indotel’s board of directors, focuses on three primary pillars: public education, legal reform, and inter-agency enforcement.

Indotel officials warned that cybercriminals are utilizing increasingly advanced tactics, including AI-generated tools and manipulated imagery, to fuel what they described as the “extortion business.”

The urgency of the rollout follows a sobering statistic: the Dominican Republic recorded the highest number of digital fraud victims in the Americas during the second half of 2024.

“The growth...

Over the past 14 years, the Dominican Republic has emerged as a primary destination for Venezuelan capital, securing US$851.9 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between 2010 and 2024, as reported in Noticias SIN.

According to the latest data from the Central Bank (BCRD) and ProDominicana, Venezuelan investment now accounts for 1.93% of the country’s total FDI. While this figure remains modest compared to giants like the United States, Canada, Spain, and Mexico, it has been enough to propel Venezuela into the 10th spot of the nation’s top 20 foreign investors.

Economic analysts note that Venezuelan capital is not just arriving. It is strategically integrating into the Dominican Republic’s most dynamic sectors, including tourism, real estate and services.

Despite its ranking, the weight of Venezuelan capital remains relatively small within the broader landscape of...

The Chamber of Deputies has approved the second reading of an organic law to create the National Intelligence Direction (DNI), a move that has sparked intense pushback from opposition parties who warn the bill threatens fundamental constitutional rights, as reported in Hoy.

The legislation, proposed by Senate president Ricardo de los Santos, passed despite a formal abstention from opposition lawmakers. The bill now returns to the Senate to reconcile modifications before heading to the Executive Branch for enactment.

The bill seeks to regulate the National Intelligence System, granting the new DNI specialized powers to prevent and counteract imminent acts of terrorism or threats to national security.

Key updates in the latest draft include:• Anti-terrorism coordination: The DNI must act in coordination with the National Anti-Terrorism Directorate (Law No. 267-08) to protect lives and...

The National Central of Unified Transporters (CNTU) has officially launched a pilot nighttime bus service dubbed the “Third Shift” (Tercer Horario). Fares are RD$45. The initiative aims to modernize urban mobility in Santo Domingo and bolster the local economy by providing transit during hours when the city typically grinds to a halt.

Operating strictly between 11pm and 5am, the service fills the vacuum left by the Santo Domingo Metro and traditional bus lines that do not offer the service on those hours. The route is designed to support late-shift workers and nighttime commuters who previously relied on expensive private taxis or faced safety risks while commuting in the dark.

CNTU president William Pérez Figuereo characterized the initiative as a “social duty” rather than a profit-driven venture.

“In this first stage, we are operating under a license we have held...

The number of workers holding multiple jobs has spiked significantly in the Dominican Republic, posting a 13.5% year-over-year increase in 2025, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, El Dia reports.

People need the extra job to make due as wages remain low.

Wages in the Dominican Republic have kept low as companies deal with the high severance payment costs and other benefits awarded to employees.

The second job also surges as companies resort to hiring staff two days a week again to get around the high cost of severance payments. This is common in new medical centers. The labor law excludes severance payments to employees who just work two days a week on a job.

The number of people holding more than one job comes as the country’s total employed population reached 5,149,829 people, a 2.4% expansion compared to the previous year.

The trend toward...

The Toros del Este (La Romana) defeated the Aguilas Cibaeñas (Santiago) 17-1 and the Leones del Escogido (Santo Domingo) defeated the Gigantes del Cibao (San Francisco de Macoris) 5-0.

The race for the Dominican Winter Baseball League (Lidom) Championship continues with the Toros and the Escogido tied for the first place with seven wins and two losses.

The Aguilas Cibaeñas are three games behind, but mathematically, they could still win a slot in the playoffs. The Gigantes have lost all their games.

Outfielder Bryan de la Cruz of the Toros del Este was voted the Most Valuable Player of the 2025-2026 Professional Baseball League Championship (Lidom).

The remaining games are:Thursday, 8 January:Gigantes del Cibao vs Toros del Este. 7:30pm. La RomanaLeones del Escogido vs Aguilas Cibaeñas. 7:30pm. Santiago

Friday, 9 January:Gigantes del Cibao vs Leones del Escogido. 7:15pm. Santo...

The recent renewable energy auction in the Dominican Republic marks a historic turning point for the country’s energy landscape. The marked international interest is unprecedented and a game-changer for the nation because the investors will also be installing battery storage for the solar and wind energy produced by the new renewable energy parks.

The Dominican government, through state-owned distribution companies (EDES), launched tender EDES-LP-NGR-01-2025 to award 600 MW of renewable capacity. The market response was unprecedented. 32 bids for solar and wind projects were submitted. The 2,960 MWp total capacity offered was nearly five times the requested amount.

Strategic Energy Europe reports that the process, to be decided in May 2026, could be expanded in future rounds given the strong level of participation. The technical bids open in February 2026, with final...

President Luis Abinader designated his Customs Agency director, Eduardo “Yayo” Sanz Lovaton to be his Minister of Industry & Commerce and Small Business. Nelson Arroyo is sent to head the Customs Agency for the remainder of the Abinader presidency with Decree 3-26.

Sanz Lovaton is a graduate in law from the PUCMM with a masters in international law from the Centre d’Études Diplomatiques et Stratégiques (CEDS) in Paris, France. He is a long-standing professor of law from 2003 to 2016 and was managing partner of the law firm Staff Legal from 2004 to 2020.

Sanz Lovaton is included among the aspirants to be the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) presidential candidate in the 2028 presidential elections. He is also the current national secretary of finances of the ruling PRM party and as a member of the board of the PRM, he was political director of the Abinader presidential...

Francisco Oiverio Espaillat Bencosme / El Nuevo Diario

Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme has been named Minister of Agriculture. He is best known as a leading rice producer who has spearheaded surviving imported rice and labor problems by mechanizing most of his farms. He also offers the mechanization services to smaller farms.

An agronomy engineer and graduate of the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), Espaillat Bencosme brings over three decades of experience in the national rice sector. He was recognized by the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD) as Agro-Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021.

He replaces Limber Cruz who was not named to a new position.

The appointment is part of the significant cabinet reshuffle made official in Decree No. 2-26.

Read more in...

Pedro Porfirio Urrutia Sangiovanni / Hoy

President Luis Abinader has appointed Pedro Porfirio Urrutia Sangiovanni as the new director general of the Tax Agency (DGII).

A Certified Public Accountant with a master’s degree in Tax Law and Tax Advice, Urrutia Sangiovanni is a founding partner of the firm Moore ULA. His background includes participation in the drafting and revision of legal frameworks related to the country’s tax and corporate systems.

The appointment, formalized Tuesday, 6 January 2026, via Decree 2-26, marks Urrutia’s first foray into a cabinet-level position. He succeeds Luis Valdez Veras, who had led the agency since August 2020 through a period of significant digital transition.

While Urrutia is a fresh face in the halls of public administration, he is a heavyweight in the private sector, regarded as a highly rated tax advisor and Certified Public...

The Tax Agency (DGII) is set to close 2025 with a strong fiscal performance, projecting accumulated revenues of RD$913.14 billion. This figure represents a 7.9% increase compared to 2024.

With December’s collections, the DGII has now exceeded its estimated revenue targets for 64 consecutive months, marking a significant milestone for the Tax Administration.

The year-end projection indicates a compliance rate of 100.9% regarding the goal established in the Reformulated National Budget, surpassing estimates by RD$8.34 billion.

For December alone, projected collections stand at RD$80.32 billion, reflecting a 15.5% growth and an increase of RD$10.81 billion compared to December 2024. This monthly total represents a compliance rate of 109.7%, exceeding estimates by RD$7.11 billion.

DGII Director General Luis Valdez Veras stated that these results reflect strengthened tax management and...

Gloria Roeyly Reyes Gómez / Hoy

President Luis Abinader switched positions for his Minister of Women and Superate social agency. Gloria Roely Reyes Gómez has been designated Minister of Women by Decree 2-26.

A lawyer with training in International Law and Microfinance, Reyes Gómez served as a congressional deputy for the National District’s Constituency No. 5 (2016–2020). She previously held the position of Supérate program director, where she oversaw social assistance and development policies.

Mayra Jimenez who had served as Minister of Women since 2020 is now appointed to head Superate, the government social development agency. Jimenez holds a Law degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). She further specialized her expertise with a masters in Economic Regulation Law at the PUCMM and specialization in Public Management Leadership at Barna Management School...

Geanilda Vásquez, who has been serving as the consul general of the Dominican Republic in Miami, has been promoted to coordinator of the Social Policies Cabinet (Sismap) of the Abinader administration. A lawyer, businesswoman, and seasoned politician, Vásquez brings decades of experience in public management, the private sector, and political organization to the role. She replaces Francisco Antonio Peña Guaba, who was not appointed to a new position in Decree 2-26.

A native of Moca, Vásquez is a foundational figure in the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM). She served as the party’s first acting president following its formation in 2012 and later became the first woman to compete for the party’s presidential nomination in 2014.

Her political career began in the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), where she rose through the ranks to become the first woman to hold the position of...

The Ministry of Foreign Relations and subsequently the Presidency of the Republic have published on their websites the remarks of its Vice Minister of Foreign Relations Francisco Caraballo on the Dominican Republic’s official position regarding the situation in Venezuela following the extraction of Nicolas Maduro by US military forces.

Speaking during the meeting called by the Organization of American States (OAS) on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, Vice Minister of Bilateral Foreign Policy Francisco Caraballo reaffirmed the Dominican government’s refusal to recognize the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro’s administration before the Organization of American States (OAS). Caraballo said on Tuesday, 6 January 2026 that the Dominican government cannot validate a “de facto regime” seeking to perpetuate itself against the will of the Venezuelan people.

The position was...

Newly implemented verification protocols for foreign patients have led to a marked decline in demand for medical services by Haitian nationals in Dominican public hospitals, according to the latest data from the National Health Service (SNS), El Dia reports. Most of these services were free for the Haitian migrants and their offspring, putting a heavy burden on the finances of the Dominican health system.

The largest demand for foreign health care is for birthing services. The SNS figures, spanning from April to November 2025, reveal that births among Haitian women in public hospitals have dropped by nearly half in some facilities, while overall consultations and emergency visits have seen a similar downward trend.

Since the protocol was launched on 21 April 2025, the demographic makeup of patient care in the national public network has shifted significantly. In April...

The Vuelta Ciclística Independencia Nacional is gearing up for its 47th edition. The Dominican Republic’s premier cycling event is scheduled to run from 23 February to 1 March 2026, once again positioning the country as a key destination for international competitive cycling.

Jorge Blas, president of the Dominican Cycling Federation (Fedoci), confirmed that the event is expected to feature 15 international teams alongside 10 local squads.

For Dominican athletes, this edition carries significant weight beyond the trophy. The Vuelta will serve as the primary training ground and selection trial for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, which Santo Domingo will host later that summer (24 July – 8 August 2026).

“This 47th edition is expected to provide elite-level preparation for our national cyclists as they look toward the Central American and Caribbean Games...

The Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation has released the schedule for the Caribbean Series that this year will be played in Guadalajara, Mexico with a second Mexican team instead of team Venezuela. The Caribbean Series that matches teams from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Venezuela this year was scheduled to be played in Venezuela. But the political and military tensions forced a relocating of the series. Mexico had hosted the series in 2025 and is scheduled to host in 2027, but stepped in and offered to host the event in 2026.

The 2026 Caribbean Series will now be hosted by the Charros de Jalisco of the Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacifico. The event will feature the champions of Puerto Rico’s LBPRC, the Dominican Republic’s LIDOM, both finalists from Mexico’s LAMP, and a team representing Panama. The Caribbean Series schedule is from 1 to 7 February 2026...

The race for the Dominican Winter Baseball League (Lidom) Championship has tightened significantly following pivotal matchups on 6 January 2026. The Toros del Este (La Romana) have officially claimed sole possession of first place, while the Aguilas Cibaeñas (Santiago) have successfully clawed back into contention.

The momentum in the league has shifted over the last 48 hours. After defeating the Leones on 5 January to force a tie, the Toros continued their hot streak with another victory over the Escogido, the capital city team. This marks four consecutive wins for the Romanenses, catapulting them to the top of the leaderboard and leaving the Leones in second place.

Meanwhile, the Aguilas came out on top in their turn against the Gigantes del Cibao. Following the rainout on Monday, 5 January, the Aguilas took care of business in the rescheduled game on 6 January at...