2026News

Religious and community leaders march in Santiago against northern mountain range mining permits

A diverse coalition of priests, environmentalists, and rural community leaders took to the streets of Santiago on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, to denounce the government’s “opaque” mining policies and protest potential extraction projects in the Cordillera Septentrional (Northern Mountain Range). The demonstration, which began at the Santiago city center Monument to the Heroes of the …

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2026News

DNCD intercepts 564 cocaine packages in Barahona as Q1 seizures surpass 2025 totals

In a high-stakes maritime pursuit off the coast of Barahona, the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) intercepted a shipment of 564 packages of suspected cocaine, contributing to a record-breaking first quarter for Dominican counternarcotics operations. The mission, supported by the Dominican Armada (ARD), Air Force (FARD), and Army (ERD), is part of a broader crackdown …

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2026News

Abinader in Paris to strengthen OECD ties, improve mining revenues and meet with Macron

President Luis Abinader arrived in Paris on Monday night, 23 March 2026, for an official visit focused on anti-corruption leadership and high-level bilateral diplomacy with French President Emmanuel Macron. The centerpiece of the visit is the OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum, where the Dominican Republic is increasingly positioned as a regional leader in transparency. …

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2026News

President Abinader seeks more revenues from mining with OECD agreement

President Luis Abinader’s trip to Paris on 22 March 2026 to attend the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, more than a diplomatic mission, is a high-stakes economic mission. The Dominican Republic is leveraging its improved reputation to gain the technical power needed to audit multinational mining giants, a …

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2026News

Government implements subsidy after crude hits US$100, prices fluctuate downwards

Dominican consumers are facing a sharp increase in fuel costs as international oil prices hit US$100 per barrel due to Middle East volatility. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce (MICM) announced that premium diesel has risen to RD$257.10 and regular diesel to RD$239.80, both reflecting a RD$10.00 per gallon increase. To prevent further social unrest, the …

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2026News

Government launches online appointment system for vehicle certification

The Ministry of Interior and Police has announced that citizens can now schedule appointments for vehicle certification and verification using the new Plan Piloto online platform. The platform is designed to streamline a process that previously required in-person attendance. The digital transition aims to eliminate intermediaries, increase transparency, and allow vehicle owners to manage the …

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2026 Travel News ArchiveTravel

Digital intelligence brings relief to congested SDQ airport

Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) has transitioned to the Airport Operational Database (AODB) system, a “digital intelligence” upgrade that is also having a positive impact on airport congestion while construction of the third terminal proceeds. In January 2026, the airport handled 505,593 passengers, underscoring the urgency for efficiency. The new system enables operational efficiency at …

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