DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Minister Victor Atallah / Presidency

In a major push to modernize the nation’s mental healthcare infrastructure, President Luis Abinader and Minister of Public Health Víctor Atallah unveiled a series of strategic advancements on Monday, 9 February 2026. The centerpiece of the announcement is the launch of 8-1-1, a new, simplified emergency hotline for free mental health assistance.

The new 8-1-1 number replaces the previous 10-digit line (809-200-1400) to provide citizens with more immediate access to psychological help. According to Minister Atallah, the service will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing confidential counseling, initial containment, and specialized referrals.

To support this expansion, the Ministry has reinforced its staff with more than 45 clinical psychologists. Early data indicates the high demand for such services: since...

President Luis Abinader has officially promulgated Law 1-26 governing the National Intelligence Agency (DNI), effectively repealing the controversial Law 1-24. This move follows months of intense public debate and negotiations aimed at balancing national security needs with fundamental constitutional rights.

The previous legislation, passed earlier in 2024, faced significant backlash from civil society, press associations, and legal experts. Critics argued that the original language granted the DNI excessive powers to compel private citizens and entities to hand over information without prior judicial authorization, potentially infringing on the right to privacy and freedom of the press.

The new version of the law includes several critical adjustments:• Judicial oversight: Reinforces the requirement for a court order before the DNI can access private information.• Clarified Scope...

The Dominican Republic is likely to become the fueling station for flights traveling to Cuba. The government of Cuba recently announced that its nine international airports would not have stocks of Jet A1 fuel to service airplanes as of 10 February 2026. The lack of fuel impacts around 400 scheduled weekly flights.

Airlines operating to and from Cuba were notified that they need to plan alternative measures, such as carrying additional fuel, conducting technical stopovers in third countries, or canceling flights.

The airports named include Havana (José Martí International), Varadero, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Cayo Coco (Jardines del Rey), Holguín, Santiago de Cuba and Manzanillo.

Among the operators referenced are American Airlines (73 weekly flights), WestJet (97), and Copa (29), which may need to reroute, add technical stops, or cancel selected services. The...

In the historic display of Caribbean influence, the Dominican Republic occupied a central role at Super Bowl LX through high-profile fashion, direct musical tributes, and a standout opening performance. While the halftime show was a celebration of Latino identity led by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, the cultural fingerprints of the Dominican Republic were woven throughout the spectacle, El Nacional highlighted in its covering of the half time event.

One of the night’s most talked-about moments occurred when Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance to perform a salsa rendition of “Die With a Smile.” For this global stage, Gaga moved away from her traditional gothic aesthetic to wear a custom creation by Raúl López, the Dominican-American founder of the brand LUAR.

López, who was born to Dominican parents and often draws inspiration from the streets of Santo Domingo and...

The “magic” of Disney is officially setting a course for the Dominican Republic.

In a landmark development for the country’s maritime tourism, Disney Cruise Line has confirmed its first-ever arrivals in Puerto Plata, scheduled for October and November 2026. The Disney Dream will dock at the Taíno Bay port in the city of Puerto Plata.

The announcement was made by Mauricio Hamuy, CEO of Taino Bay port on the radio program, El Sol de la Manana. He emphasized that the inclusion of the North Coast in Disney’s elite itinerary is no accident. “For a company like Disney to bring its ships, with children and families, it is because the tourists feel comfortable and safe,” Hamuy stated. “That is not a coincidence; it is a clear sign of confidence in the security, the infrastructure, and the tourist experience that this destination offers.”

The arrival of the...

President Luis Abinader led the inaugural ceremony on Sunday, 8 February 2026 for the Holiday Inn Puerto Plata in the Cofresí Bay Area, a US$26 million investment that marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of the Dominican Republic’s northern coast. This is the residential and tourism area best known for the Ocean World Adventure Park.

He was accompanied by Minister of Tourism David Collado and Minister of Environment Paino Henriquez. Also present for the inauguration were José Ignacio Paliza, Minister of the Presidency, who is a former senator for Puerto Plata and by the current senator for Puerto Plata, Ginette Bournigal.

The new 115-room facility is expected to generate over 100 direct and indirect jobs, reinforcing private sector confidence in the region. During the event, President Abinader characterized investment in Dominican tourism...

During the FITUR 2026 Madrid tourism trade fair, the renowned Italian brand Tonino Lamborghini announced a strategic partnership to develop major branded tower projects in the Punta Cana and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, marking its official entry into the Caribbean market. The projects are being developed by Dominican Republic based Duna Development Group. Tonino Lamborghini hospitality portfolio with the new partnership with Archipelago International.

The expansion begins with the flagship Tonino Lamborghini Residences and Hotels by Huxley in the residential and hotel enclave of Cap Cana, in southern Punta Cana. Located in the marina area of Cap Cana, the project is designed to mirror the aerodynamic lines and carbon-fiber aesthetic of the iconic Italian brand. The 53-floor tower will offer panoramic views of Juanillo Beach and Indigo Bay. The number of floors...

Humpback whales have adjusted their migratory patterns this season, arriving to the northern waters of the Dominican Republic earlier than usual. Samana City becomes the whale-watching capital of the Dominican Republic from mid January through March every year.

According to a report by El Día, the extreme cold and winter storms currently affecting the United States and the North Atlantic, linked to climate change, have triggered an early migration for these marine mammals.

While the official whale-watching season in the Silver Bank and Navidad Bank Sanctuary typically runs from 15 January to 31 March, local fishermen, whale watcher organizers and authorities began spotting humpbacks as early as December. Lenny Moris Rosario, the sanctuary’s administrator, noted that the whales have been arriving in larger quantities than normal.

The whales travel from the North Atlantic...

President Luis Abinader has officially unveiled the “Ruta del Encuentro de Dos Civilizaciones” (Meeting of Two Civilizations Route), a 450-kilometer historical and cultural trail designed to position the Dominican Republic as a global destination for pilgrimage and heritage tourism.

Inspired by Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago, the project aims to revitalize the original 15th-century trails used during the early years of European arrival in the Americas.

The trail is designed to span approximately 450 kilometers, connecting the northern coast of Puerto Plata to the capital city of Santo Domingo. The route begins at the La Isabela Historic Park in Puerto Plata, the site of the first European settlement in the New World.

The route is being developed by phases. The initial phase will connect La Isabela to Jánico, passing through significant landmarks such as the Paso de los Hidalgos...

In a strategic move to cement the Dominican Republic’s positioning as a top-tier destination for Mexican travelers, Tourism Minister David Collado hosted a “Meet in Paradise” roadshow in Mexico City.

The event, held at the Centro Banamex, drew over 1,600 industry professionals, including travel agents, tour operators, and media representatives from across Mexico. The massive turnout underscores the growing synergy between the two tourism destinations.

During the presentation, Minister Collado highlighted the significant growth of Mexican arrivals to the Dominican Republic. In 2025, 163,579 Mexicans visited the island, marking a 39.3% increase compared to 2024.

This demand is supported by robust aerial connectivity. Throughout 2025, the two countries were linked by 1,461 direct flights, maintaining a steady 64% occupancy rate. Travelers are taking advantage of attractive fares...

In a move aimed at bolstering youth development and athletic infrastructure, President Luis Abinader inaugurated two modern indoor multi-use sports complexes in Puerto Plata on Sunday, 8 February 2026. The day before he had been in Dubai promoting investments for the Dominican Republic.

The sports venues in Puerto Plata represent a combined government investment of more than RD$76 million, the Presidency reports.

The facilities serve two of the province’s prominent athletic organizations: the Gustavo Behall Club, completed at a cost of RD$38.6 million, and the Gregorio Luperón Club, which saw an investment of RD$37.4 million. Both projects were executed under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports (Miderec).

Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz described the initiative as a “sports revolution” for the region. He noted that the...

President Luis Abinader, Minister Victor -Ito- Bisonó and H.E. Mohammead Abdullah Al Gergawi

In early February 2026, President Luis Abinader and Minister of Housing, Victor Bisono took part in the World Governments Summit in Dubai. As a result of the conversations at the summit, President Abinader witnessed the signing of an agreement that will have the Dominican Republic hosting the World Governments Summit Regional Dialogue for Latin America here at the end of 2026.

The dialogue will promote foreign investments from the UAE in Latin America and lead to the greater integration of the two regions, according to President Abinader.

According to a press release from the Executive Branch, the idea behind such an important regional event is to position the Dominican Republic as a regional hub for talks, investment, and international...

In early 2026, the Dominican Republic’s agricultural landscape saw a significant leadership shift with the appointment of Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme as the new Minister of Agriculture, succeeding Limber Cruz, who had been at the helm since August 2020. Cruz was criticized for allowing billions in farm produce imports.

The Minister Espaillat, a former “Agro-entrepreneur of the Year,” has centered his administration on a clear mandate: the comprehensive mechanization and modernization of the Dominican countryside to ensure food sovereignty and reduce reliance on imports. He has been on a road tour since his start to motivate farmers to reduce costs and increase sustainability betting on using equipment versus “low cost” labor.

By shifting away from manual labor toward a mechanized model, the government aims to enhance food sovereignty and increase the international competitiveness of Dominican products.

Under Minister Espaillat, the Ministry has pivoted toward a...

The Tax Agency (DGII) announced a strong start to the fiscal year, reporting total collections of RD$94.75 billion for January 2026. This figure represents an 11% year-over-year increase compared to the same month in 2025, when collections stood at RD$85.33 billion.

The agency’s performance exceeded the targets set in the National Budget by 2.6%, bringing in RD$2.43 billion more than originally projected for the month.

According to the official report, the DGII’s contribution accounted for 81.2% of the State’s total tax revenue for January. Several key sectors and specific taxes drove the surplus:• Value Added Tax (ITBIS): Revenue from ITBIS reached RD$25.14 billion, a 14.8% increase over the previous year. This growth was largely attributed to a rise in taxed sales within the commerce, services, and hospitality (hotels and restaurants) sectors.

• Income Tax...

Media reports are that the Line 2C of the Santo Domingo Metro is likely to go into operation this February 2026. President Luis Abinader, acknowledging delays in its completion, had rode the 7.3 km route north of the train in September and announced it would be ready to open to the general public in February 2026.

Minister of the Presidency Jose Ignacio Paliza is not giving a specific date but says Line 2C is ready and will open to the public in time for President Luis Abinader’s 27 February state of the nation address.

Line 2C was begun in January 2022 and then the government had said it would be operational in two years. The line connects Line 2 to the outskirts of Santo Domingo. A skylift also connects commuters in the populous area of Los Alcarrizos.

Read more in...

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé / RCC Noticias

The Dominican government issued a formal call for institutional stability in Haiti on Saturday, 7 February 2026, siding with the US position to back the continuing of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as acting head of government after his turn at leadership within the Transitional Presidential Council passed.

In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex), the Dominican government emphasizes that preserving Haiti’s institutional cohesion is vital for the success of ongoing international stabilization efforts. The communiqué stresses that the international community requires “clear signals of consensus” from Haitian leadership.

In the official statement, the Dominican government highlights the need in Haiti of a functioning government capable of addressing the Haitian...

President Luis Abinader issued Presidential Decree 67-26 that creates a special commission to monitor measures taken within the framework of the on-going dialogue regarding the multidimensional crisis in Haiti and its implications for the Dominican Republic.

The commission has no operational functions and its operations will be supported by the several ministries that make up the commission. It will be led by the Minister for the Presidency, Jose Ignacio Paliza, and its members will include personnel from the ministries of Defense, Foreign Relations, Labor, plus the Director General of Migration and the executive director of the National Institute for Migration. Other members include the head of the executive commission of the Migration Policy Oversight Commission, and the chairman of the Economic and Social Council.

The task of this working group is to provide the...

The reappearance of an intense olive-green hue in the waters of the Hatillo Dam has reignited a wave of alarm across the Sánchez Ramírez province and the Northeast region. Local residents and civil society groups are demanding “credible and convincing” explanations for the phenomenon affecting the largest freshwater reservoir in the Dominican Republic.

The discoloration, which first emerged in early December 2025, has caused widespread uncertainty in communities along the Yuna River, including San Francisco de Macorís, Pimentel, and Nagua. The Yuna serves as the primary artery feeding the dam and a vital water source for the region.

While government authorities have attributed the change to a natural “algal bloom,” a significant portion of the local population suspects a more industrial cause. Historically, the Yuna River has been a catch-basin for runoff from mining operations in Bonao, Maimón, and Cotuí.

Specific concerns have been raised regarding inactive mining...

Copies of famous works of art from the Museo del Prado in Madrid now are temporarily part of the attractions of the Colonial City in Santo Domingo. The exhibition is a joint effort of the Centro Leon, the leading cultural center in Santiago that will soon be opening a branch in the Colonial City.

El Prado en las Calles» exhibition features works of the collection now on exhibition at the Centro Cultural Banreservas, Centro Cultural de España and Centro Cultural Taíno Casa del Cordón, in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, and the Centro León, in Santiago.

The initiative began in Santiago and then moved to Santo Domingo with the sponsorship of the Banco Popular Dominicano among others. The exhibition will be open in Santo Domingo from 4 February to 6 April 2026.

The project “El Prado en las calles” (The Prado in the Streets) transforms iconic spaces within the capital’s historic center into an open-air museum. By displaying life-sized reproductions of masterpieces from the...

People in the DR are enjoying the noticeably cooler and windier weather since Saturday, 7 February 2026 as a weak cold front and a polar air mass has settled over the national territory. According to the latest bulletins from the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) and weather analyst Jean Suriel, the beginning of the week will also be characterized by intermittent rains, strong gusts of wind, and the agreeably low temperatures.

Starting in the early hours of Monday morning, the combination of the frontal system and orographic effects will trigger cloudy skies and intermittent showers. The most affected areas will be the Atlantic coast, the Cibao Valley, and the Central Mountain Range.

Specific provinces under watch for frequent rainfall include:• North and Northwest: Puerto Plata, Espaillat, María Trinidad Sánchez, Valverde, and Monte Cristi.• Central Region: Santiago, La Vega...

The Caribbean Series defending champions, the Escogido Lions of the Dominican Republic, over the weekend disappointed local fans when after failing to defeat the Mexico teams. It was the Green Team of Meixco (Tomateros de Culiacan) and the Red Team of Mexico (Charros de Jalisco), that had defeated the Cangrejeros de Santurce of Puerto Rico, that would make the playoffs.

The Red Team (Charros de Jalisco) won the regional tournament on Saturday, 7 February 2026, with a tightly contested festival of home runs that ended 12 x 11 in extra inning at the Jalisco stadium in Mexico to the delight of Mexican fans.

This was the 10th title for a Mexico team. The DR has won 23 Caribbean Series titles, and Puerto Rico follows with 16.

The World Baseball Classic is just around the corner, and the Dominican Republic will be fielding a very good team. The big event starts of 5 March and will finish on 17 March 2026. Games will be played in Tokyo, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Miami, Florida, and Houston, Texas.

The Dominican team, assembled from both major and minor league players by general manager Nelson Cruz, will include starting pitchers Bryan Bello, Luis Severino, Sandy Alcantara, and Christopher Sanchez. Relief pitchers include Abner Uribe, Dennis Santana, Huascar Brazoban, Wandy Peralta, Edwin Uceta, and Carlos Estevez.

Outfielders such as Fernando Tatis Jr, Juan Soto (the $750 million player of the NY Mets), Julio Rodriguez, and Oneil Cruz will don the Dominicana uniform.

Of course, in the infield that will be Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Junior Caminero, Manny Machado, Ketel Marte, Jeremy...

The former honorary advisor to the Dominican government for Free Zones, Fabio Augusto Jorge-Puras, voluntarily surrendered to United States authorities to answer accusations related to his alleged participation in an international drug trafficking network. The delivery took place on Friday, 30 January 2026 in the city of Miami, where it was taken into custody by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The legal process is being heard in the Southern District of Florida Court and is part of a broader investigation that also involves Gaspar Antonio Polanco Virella, former director of Public Services of City Government of Santo Domingo (the Ayuntamiento del Distrito Nacional), who surrendered to US authorities in mid-October of 2025.

According to the US Department of Justice, Jorge-Puras and Polanco Virella were allegedly part of a transnational criminal organization...

Carlos Segura Foster, the former administrator of Banco Agrícola, has raised an alarm over what he describes as a severe institutional and financial decline at the state-owned agricultural bank. Speaking on the news program El Despertador, Segura Foster characterized the current state of the bank’s loan portfolio as “scandalous,” claiming delinquency rates have soared to between 15% and 25%.

The former official alleged that this deterioration is the result of “premeditated decisions” that have distorted the bank’s credit policies. According to Segura Foster, the “Zero Rate” loan program—originally designed to support small-scale farmers—was mismanaged, with significant funds allegedly diverted to large-scale entrepreneurs and institutions that did not meet the program’s requirements.

Segura Foster detailed a series of irregular accounting practices used to mask the bank’s true financial health. He claimed that many loans were reclassified as “managed portfolios” to bypass...

President Luis Abinader is convinced that the Dominican Republic is on a definitive path to doubling the size of its economy by 2036, citing institutional stability and a diversified growth model as the primary engines for this ambitious goal.

Participating in the High-Level Presidential Panel “Latin America’s New Chapter: What’s Next?” at the 2026 World Government Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, 4 February, Abinader joined counterparts Santiago Peña of Paraguay and Daniel Noboa of Ecuador to discuss the region’s economic and political trajectory.

During his intervention, Abinader highlighted that the Dominican Republic has consolidated its position as one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean. He specifically emphasized a strategic roadmap aimed at 100% economic growth over the next decade.

“We have mapped out a clear...

Minister Roberto Alvarez and Secretary of State Marcos Rubio / El Caribe

In a significant move to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s position in the global energy transition, Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Minister of the Presidency Joel Santos represented the nation at a high-level ministerial meeting on critical minerals at the US Department of State on 4 February 2026.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial at the US Department of State in Washington, D.C. Delegations from around 50 nations were invited to advance collective efforts to strengthen and diversify critical minerals supply chains. The gathering was scheduled to create momentum for collaboration to secure these critical components vital to technological innovation, economic strength, and national security.

The meeting, convened by the...

Carlos Janariz / N Digital

The new regulation governing distributed generation in the Dominican Republic was recently published on 19 January 2026, marking a significant shift in how solar panels are installed for residential and commercial use. Carlos Janáriz, president of the Association of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Companies (Aseefer), has described this as a “considerable positive advance” that removes many of the bureaucratic barriers that previously hindered solar development.

In an interview for Esta Noche con Mariasela, Janariz spoke to the considerable reduction in red tape. The new rules aim to eliminate discretionary interpretations by utility companies. “Zero injection” systems (those that do not send energy back to the grid) no longer require formal permits. Users only need to submit technical designs and install anti-spill mechanisms.

Another...

In a major push for transparency, the Chamber of Accounts of the Dominican Republic (CCRD) has officially launched Ojo Ciudadano, a digital platform designed to empower the public in the fight against government corruption. The CCRD describes the portal as a “fast and easy” way to interact with the auditing office in real-time.

The new portal serves as a direct channel for citizens and civil society organizations to report the misuse of public funds and institutional irregularities. By providing a mechanism for anonymous reporting, the CCRD aims to lower the barriers for whistleblowers and foster a culture of social oversight.

Users can now submit claims of corruption and resource mismanagement without revealing their identity. The tool is designed to facilitate “social control,” allowing the public to actively monitor state institutions.

Beyond reporting, the site...

A high-level international team of archaeologists, led by the renowned Dr. Kathleen Martínez Nazar, has officially launched field operations at the Ruins of Pueblo Viejo to locate the remains of the Taíno leader Enriquillo.

The initiative, titled “Following the Traces of Cacique Enriquillo,” is a joint effort between the Macarrulla Foundation and the Dominican government via the Strategic and Special Projects of the Presidency (Propeep). The mission seeks to provide scientific closure to the historical mystery surrounding the final resting place of the 16th-century indigenous leader who spearheaded the first successful resistance against Spanish colonial rule in the Americas.

The mission, which is scheduled to run throughout February, began this week with a rigorous three-step protocol. According to Martínez, who is internationally recognized for her...

The Ministry of Environment has taken the side of environmentalists who protest actions to change the limits of the Parque Nacional Jaragua. The change would be to enable tourism developments in the southwestern area known for its biodiversity.

The Fifth Chamber of the Superior Administrative Court (TSA) has issued protection ruling no. 0030-1643-2025-SSEN-00786. This ruling orders the modification of the boundaries of Jaragua National Park to allow for tourism development, following a legal challenge filed by a private company.

The Ministry of Environment issued a press release categorically rejecting the court’s decision. The Ministry warned that this ruling sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the integrity of the National System of Protected Areas.

An editorial in Noticias SIN highlights the concerns. Titled, the Jaragua National Park is Not Available Land,” the...

Officials from the National Health Service (SNS) and the National Health Insurance (SeNaSa) held a strategic planning meeting this week to advance the restructuring of the Dominican Republic’s public health system. Led by new appointees Dr. Julio Landrón (SNS) and Dr. Edward Guzmán (SeNaSa), the meeting focused on several key initiatives aimed at improving healthcare quality and accessibility.

The officials say that Primary Care is a major priority for the current administration. They commit to focus on the equipment, repair, and staffing of primary care units to ensure more efficient and humane service.

During the recent meeting, a joint working group involving the SNS, SeNaSa, the Ministry of Public Health, and Promese/CAL (the essential medicines program) was created. This group is tasked with coordinating hospital services and improving insurance coverage...

Santo Domingo authorities seek to reduce traffic deaths with a new urban initiative. The National District City Hall, working with guidance from the Partnership for Healthy Cities, has launched “Ni un chin más rápido” (Not a Bit Faster), a strategic initiative designed to transform driving habits in the capital, reports Adalberto de la Rosa in Diario Libre.

The initiative, which began with a formal ordinance and a pilot plan, is backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies and Vital Strategies. Moving forward, the project calls for stricter enforcement, the potential use of technology like tachographs for public transport, and a massive public awareness campaign to ensure that the city’s streets become safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.

The project aims to lower the standard speed limit on major thoroughfares from 60 km/h (37 mph) to 50 km/h (31 mph), a threshold the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies as critical for saving lives in urban environments.

“At 50...

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Defense announced the capture of a Haitian national allegedly linked to a series of gruesome murders in his home country. The suspect, identified as Chin Laduse, was apprehended during a border patrol operation along the Macasías River in Elías Piña.

According to official reports, Laduse was found hiding in dense brush near the riverbank on 27 January 2026. He was accompanied by a minor, identified as his son.

Investigations have revealed a chilling modus operandi involving a criminal network operating on the Haitian side of the border. The group reportedly targeted Haitian women with false promises of safe passage into the Dominican Republic. Instead of receiving help, the victims were subjected to sexual assault and murdered.

“The victims were killed on Haitian soil, and their bodies were thrown into the...

In a game that will be etched into the record books of Caribbean baseball, the Caribbean Series defending champions Leones del Escogido (Dominican Republic) edged out the Federales de Chiriquí (Panama) with a staggering 16-15 victory on 4 February 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico. This marathon matchup during the 68th Caribbean Series set a new historic milestone for the most combined runs in a single game.

The slugfest produced a total of 31 runs, shattering the previous Caribbean Series record of 28, which had stood since 1990 (when Hermosillo defeated San Juan 20-8 in Miami). The game was a relentless back-and-forth affair with 34 total hits (falling just three short of the all-time tournament record). Fifteen pitchers were used across both teams.

The hero of the night for Escogido was Marco Hernández. The Moca native put on a masterclass at the plate, going 4-for-5 with three...

The Dominican Republic has officially submitted its star-studded roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, assembling what many are calling a US$2 billion “Dream Team” aimed at bringing home the trophy. The DR has only won once, in 2013.

General manager Nelson Cruz and team manager Albert Pujols reportedly finalized the team roster this week, following a high-level strategy meeting in Santo Domingo with legends including Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz, and Juan Marichal. The roster represents a massive investment in talent, featuring some of the highest-paid and most accomplished players in Major League Baseball history.

The lineup: A Major League powerhouseThe Dominican squad is built around a “core four” of elite MLB stars, headlined by Juan Soto (New York Mets), who recently committed to leading the offensive charge. He is joined by fellow perennial MVP...

According to reports from the Presidency, President Luis Abinader arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, 2 February 2026, to participate in the World Governments Summit (WGS). The President’s agenda centers on positioning the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in economic stability, innovation, and sustainable development. President Abinader has been active inviting Arabs to invest in the Dominican Republic.

During his stay, the President has been holding bilateral meetings with other world leaders and representatives from international organizations. A key focus of his mission is to highlight the Dominican Republic’s role as a “logistics bridge” between the Caribbean and global markets, and very especially the United States. The DR last year hosted the regional WGS-LAC Dialogue in Punta Cana in late 2025.

Abinader is accompanied by...

More than 1.4 million private-sector workers in the Dominican Republic should be getting a boost in their paychecks starting 1 February 2026, as the government implemented the final 8% installment of a scheduled minimum wage hike. The Ministry of Labor made the announcement calling for all companies to follow through with the pay change.

The adjustment completes a total 20% increase mandated by the National Wages Committee (CNS) under Resolution 01-2025.

The Ministry of Labor has released the official updated salary tiers for non-sectorized private businesses:Large companies: RD$29,988.00 (an increase of RD$4,998)Medium companies: RD$27,489.60 (an increase of RD$4,582)Small companies: RD$18,421.20 (an increase of RD$3,070)Micro-enterprises: RD$16,993.20 (an increase of RD$2,832)

For the lowest-income bracket, the cost of essential goods is estimated at...

The Listin Diario has published a list of the companies included in the recently passed law that calls for the government to pay companies that reportedly carried out infrastructure but did so without standard contracts.

The President’s office vetoed the bill, sending it back to the Chamber of Deputies for revision.

Read about these companies that hope to get a major financial break: Listin Diario

DR1 News

DR1 News

4 February 2026

Angel del Pino Cuya / Diario Libre

Recent reports from the Dominican and international press provide details regarding the case of Peruvian Ángel del Pino Cuya, also identified in some documents as Ricardo Casas, who is currently facing terrorism charges in the Dominican Republic.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Dominican Republic has formally accused the Peruvian national of terrorism following the false bomb threat at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) on 6 January 2026.

The hoax caused significant logistical and economic disruption to civil aviation with operations at Las Americas International (SDQ), the main airport serving the Greater Santo Domingo area, that was paralyzed for around three hours. The emergency triggered a massive deployment involving the Specialized Corps in Airport and Civil Aviation Security (CESAC), the National Intelligence Agency (DNI)...

The Dominican Republic is under the coldest weather in the past 10 years. Making matters worse, the country is under the effect of a system that brings wind gusts that make it all seem colder. Known as bomb cyclone or bombogenesis, this type of storm forms when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, rapidly intensifying the system.

The cold weather extends all the way from the north Atlantic Ocean down to Central America to the south. Weather forecaster Jean Suriel has described the phenomenon as one of about 5,000 to 6,000 km2. He says people will need sweaters and jackets for most of the week.

El Dia reports that the temperatures dropped below 10C in mountain areas such as Valle Nuevo, in Constanza, La Vega. Morning temperatures of 18C are forecast for Greater Santo Domingo.

The Weather Institute (Indomet) says that the cool temperatures and localized weak rainfall...

The Association of Art Chroniclers (Acroarte) has officially unveiled the nominees for the 2026 Soberano Awards, the most prestigious honor in Dominican art and entertainment. This announcement marks the beginning of the countdown to the gala, scheduled for 18 March at the Carlos Piantini Hall of the Eduardo Brito National Theater.

The nominations, finalized after intensive deliberation by juries across film, classical arts, popular music, and communications, highlight the standout performances of 2025. The long-lasting evening show, that includes a red gala of the stars, is an opportunity to get up to date with who is who in the entertainment business in the Dominican Republic.

Highlights of the 2026 nominationsThe merengue and urban categories remain the heartbeat of the awards. Veteran performers like Eddy Herrera, Miriam Cruz, and Manny Cruz are vying for...

Luguelin Santos / El Día

The countdown for his return to international competitions is nearing its end for Dominican track star, 33-year old Luguelin Santos. After nearly four years away from professional competition due to an age document alteration suspension dating back to when he was 18 years old, the London 2012 silver medalist is preparing to return to the world stage, with his sights set on competing before a home crowd.

The 400-meter specialist from Bayaguana, Monte Plata, revealed he is physically and mentally ready to reclaim his place in the sport. His immediate roadmap includes the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland (March 20–22, 2026), followed by a cornerstone appearance at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games (July 24 – August 8, 2026) in Santo Domingo this summer.

During his time away from the track, Santos remained a visible figure in...