DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic
DR1.com is the leading English news source in the Dominican Republic for over 30 years.
Showing articles from the past 7 days. To read past articles, visit our DR1.com Daily News Forum.
Click here for DR1 Travel News
In an unprecedented display of national unity, former Presidents Leonel Fernández, Hipólito Mejía, and Danilo Medina met on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 with President Luis Abinader to address the escalating crisis in Haiti and its profound impact on the Dominican Republic’s security, economy, and stability. President Abinader and former Presidents Fernández, Mejía, and Medina emphasized that this meeting marks a milestone in political maturity and national unity.
Leonel Fernandez was President for Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) for the terms 1996-2000, 2004-2008 and 2012. Hipólito Mejía was President from 2000-2004 for the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD). And Danilo Medina was President from 2012-2016 and 2016-2020.
The Presidency reported that the two-hour meeting held at the Ministry of Defense, fostered a candid, patriotic, and constructive dialogue. President Abinader, accompanied by key officials including Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Defense Minister Lt. Gen...
Haitian experts writing for Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Atlantic Council of the United States warn the violence and gang control is moving beyond the capital city in Haiti. They say that the escalating of the control of the gangs in Haiti would result in the eliminating of the Transitional Presidential Council and the complete takeover by the gangs. The DR as land border with Haiti is the country that has most to lose, but the experts say the destabilization in the Caribbean would have a major impact also on the United States.
For decades, the US and other regional countries have left the situation up to the Dominican Republic that has taken on education, health responsibilities and employed the destitute Haitian migrants. Nevertheless, the worsening of the situation in Haiti has increased the migratory pressures leading to a widespread rejection of the Dominican solution to the Haitian crisis and seeks a solution in Haiti to the multidimensional...
The Dominican government’s Banco de Desarrollo y Exportaciones (Bandex) has already made available RD$2.8 billion, benefiting 46 companies that sought to mechanize farms and construction operations, El Dia reports. The bank’s general manager, Juan Alberto Mustafá, announced plans to double the program that seeks to modernize the agricultural and construction sectors, reduce dependence on foreign labor, and enhance productivity through technological advancements.
To facilitate the transition to mechanization, Bandex has created a catalog of required equipment for both sectors and established a financing line with a preferential annual interest rate of 9.5%, compared to 12-13% available in private banking. The financing terms include a repayment period of up to seven years and, in some cases, a grace period during the initial months of the project.
Mustafá emphasized that the program is establishing a new way of operating. He highlighted that testimonials from producers and...
Dominican Republic and Haiti border officials and the “Frontera Caribe” project emphasize the need to view the shared border region as a space for life and prosperity. The “Frontera Caribe” project, led by the Autonomous University of Barcelona, aims to improve education, research, and journalism related to the Dominican-Haitian border.
Following a tour of development projects showcasing government and private sector interest, representatives, including Erick Dorrejo from the Ministry of Economy and Spanish journalists Santiago Tejedor, David Jiménez, and Álvaro Laforet, highlighted the area’s potential for economic growth through trade, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture.
The group visited key sites like the Manzanillo port, energy plants, the border fence, the Dajabón market, and ITESIL. Tejedor stressed the importance of new narratives focusing on the people and stories within the border region.
Dorrejo underscored the government’s focus on public policies...
Customs Agency director Eduardo Sanz Lovaton encouraged UASD students to engage in a career in logistics. He told UASD Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences students that the Abinader administration will be making available scholarships for post-graduate studies in logistics-related fields. In his talk with the students of the state university, the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, Eduardo Sanz Lovaton said logistics is already the top foreign currency earner for the Dominican economy when factoring in exports from free trade zones and national industries.
Sanz Lovaton described logistics as “the Dominican oil”, with an enormous growth potential. He emphasized the country’s potential as a regional logistics hub, citing advancements in air connectivity and technology implemented in ports and airports to streamline customs and commercial operations.
“Many people don’t recognize that we have the capacity to be an exporting powerhouse, and the main generator of foreign...
The Dominican Republic is significantly advancing its energy transformation with 20 renewable energy projects currently in development. These will add 1,006 megawatts (MW) to the national energy grid.
This announcement was made by Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos during his address at the business breakfast organized by the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic (Camacoesrd), titled “Government Perspective on the Growth and Integration of Renewable Energies in the Dominican Republic’s Generation Sector.”
Minister Santos detailed the nation’s progress in expanding its energy supply, diversifying its energy sources, and strengthening its transmission system, while also highlighting the improvements in efficiency. He underscored the critical role of international cooperation in the development of the Dominican Republic’s energy sector.
Santos further noted that the Dominican Republic offers favorable conditions for foreign investors. “Here...
The government bank, Banreservas has organized a second Real Estate Fair to back projects in the Dominican Republic and promote their sale to Dominicans who reside in the United States. The real estate promotional event is taking place in New York City and Lawrence, Massachusetts.
The Banreservas is lending to buyers at 10% fixed rate for seven years. This compares to the best rate for mortgages offered by Banreservas in the DR that is at 14% and 15 years. Samuel Pereyra, executive president of the government bank, says the financing is up to 90% of the value of the property and for up to 20 years.
In a press release, the government bank says that the loans are available for a wide portfolio of pre-selected projects. As reported in the press release, more than 80% of the properties covered by the Banreservas loans have trusts ensuring the solidity of the offer.
The fair is taking place at the Banreservas representation office in Washington Heights, New York City from 14...
The Ministry of Culture confirmed that the 27th Santo Domingo International Book Fair (FILSD 2025) will take place from 25 September to 5 October 2025 at the Juan Pablo Duarte Cultural Plaza. The event, announced by Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo during a press conference on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, will honor renowned historian Frank Moya Pons for his significant contributions to Dominican history and cultural identity.
Moya Pons, author of the history textbook “Manual de Historia Dominicana” (Dominican History Manual), is widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost contemporary historians. This year’s fair will focus on children’s literature, positioning it as a platform to explore international trends, approaches, and perspectives in this genre.
FILSD 2025 will feature the Latin American Network of Literary Fairs and Festivals as its guest of honor, further solidifying Santo Domingo’s role as a hub for book promotion and reading in the region. According to...
The Dominican Republic and Spain have formalized a bilateral cooperation agreement, setting the stage for sustainable development initiatives over the period 2025-2029. The pact, signed on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 in Santo Domingo by Dominican Republic’s Minister of Foreign Relations, Roberto Álvarez, and the Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation Eva Granados Galiano, outlines a framework supported by an estimated EUR110 million investment.
Key areas of focus include bolstering the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, enhancing working conditions, and fostering inclusive technical-professional education with a strong emphasis on gender equality. The agreement also prioritizes the sustainable management of territory, addressing critical aspects such as water, sanitation, and climate resilience.
The Ministry of Economy’s Vice Minister of International Cooperation Olaya Dotel Caraballo and Vice Minister for Economic and Social Analysis Alexis Cruz...
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the executive director of the Dominican Republic’s Civil Defense, Juan Salas, held a high-level meeting at the NYC City Hall on Monday, 12 May 2025 to finalize details of an upcoming memorandum of understanding (MOU) on disaster risk management.
The meeting, witnessed and facilitated by the DR’s consul general, Jesús Vásquez Martínez, strengthens the bonds between the two communities. New York City is regarded as the second largest city in number of Dominican origin population.
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in strategic areas such as risk management, disaster preparedness, and emergency response. It also facilitates the exchange of best practices and technological advancements aimed at saving lives and mitigating risks.
This initiative follows Mayor Adams’ commitment during his 13 April 2025 visit to Santo Domingo, after the Jet Set nightclub tragedy, where he offered institutional and technical support to Dominican...
The legal fallout continues following the tragic collapse of the Jet Set nightclub on 8 April 2025 that resulted in 235 deaths, including merengue singer Rubby Pérez, and over 180 injuries. The number of legal actions against the club’s owners has now reached 41 placed in the Dominican Republic and in the United States.
Among the latest to file legal action is Massiel Javier Almonte, the wife of former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel. Her complaint was placed with the National District Prosecutor’s Office that is investigating the case and has yet to release the expert opinion on what caused the collapse of the roof.
The legal actions target Antonio Espaillat López, his mother Ana Grecia López, and their company, Inversiones E y L.
Families of the deceased and injured are seeking millions in compensation and are urging prosecutors to seek preventative detention for the club owners. Some lawsuits also name the Dominican state and the National District...
The National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) announced the seizure of 20 containers disguised as shampoo and hair treatment products, filled with liquid cocaine, at the Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo.
In an initial intervention operation, authorities located a box in one of the airport’s storage areas after a canine unit detected controlled substances within the package. Following instructions from the prosecutor, officials opened the box, discovering 12 containers of hair products, all filled with liquid cocaine. The box would have been shipped to France.
Likewise, in another drug capture, the DNCD reports the seizing of four scented candles filled with cocaine destined for London that were being shipped via the Dominican Postal Institute (Inposdom).
While inspecting shipments at Inposdom’s warehouse in the Centro de los Heroes, a K-9 unit had alerted authorities to a package containing narcotics. Following the protocol, a more thorough inspection...
Ossygeno Models, the leading local modeling talent agency, reported on its Instagram of its pride in the graduation of Tamila Naser, a Ukranian woman who had made a career through the agency since when she was 15 years. She had arrived here from Ukraine with her parents when she was four years old. Through Ossygeno Models, she debuted in modeling with Prada in Milan, and worked in fashion runs in Paris, London, Milan and New York
Eventually, Naser decided to return to the DR to study medicine and chose Intec, in Santo Domingo. This 26 April 2025 she graduated as a medical doctor.
With the game at Santiago’s Gran Arena del Cibao Dr. Oscar Gobaira, Vice President Raquel Peña officially launched the 2025 season of the Dominican Republic’s National Basketball League (LNB) on Wednesday, 14 May 2025. She spoke of the government’s commitment to supporting sports. Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz, other government officials, and sporting personalities were present for the Santiago game.
Peña, who has actively backed recent major basketball events including the Santiago Superior Basketball League closure and the start of the 2025 National Women’s Basketball League (LNBF), led the ceremonial tip-off at the Gran Arena del Cibao. The first games matched the Metros de Santiago with the Cañeros del Este.
On the same evening, the Titanes del Sur, the defending champions matched the Reales de la Vega at the Polideportivo in San Cristobal.
The regular national basketball season will consist of 14 games per team, concluding on June 22nd. The top six teams will advance...
New York Mets’ Juan Soto has reaffirmed his commitment to be on the national team to the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The WBC 2026 tournament will take place across four cities — San Juan, Puerto Rico; Houston, Texas; Miami, Florida; and Tokyo, Japan from 5-17 March 2026.
The announcement was made this Monday, 12 May 2025 during a press conference in New York City, where he was also officially presented as a brand ambassador for Banco de Reservas (Banreservas).
“I am 100% available for the World Classic. As long as I am healthy and the team allows it, I will be there giving my all for my country,” Soto assured.
The New York Mets slugger noted that he has been in constant communication with the Dominican Baseball Federation and with Albert Pujols, who is the team manager.
Soto, 26, signed a historic contract with the New York Mets before the start of this season for 15 years and US$765 million, becoming the highest contract in the history of the Major Leagues.
Read...
Minister of Education Luis Miguel de Camps announced plans to double the number of high schools offering arts programs within the next three years.
Speaking on 13 May 2025 at the opening ceremony of the 12th National Arts Gala at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, De Camps said the Ministry of Education aims to reach a 15% coverage rate in the country’s technical high schools by 2028.
“From the Ministry of Education, we are committed to achieving this goal, convinced that the talent of our people cannot be left without a stage, workshop, or classroom,” he stated.
Currently, around 14,000 students in 86 centers across the country’s 18 educational regions receive artistic training in fields such as music, dance, theater, film, photography, multimedia, visual arts, and crafts.
De Camps emphasized that the artistic expressions showcased at the gala are a result of public...
President Luis Abinader and Minister of Public Health Victor Atallah held a virtual ground-breaking event from the InterContinental Hotel on Av. Winston Churchill to mark the beginning of construction on a state-of-the-art private medical facility, the new Clínica Abreu CDD, El Caribe reports. The Clinica Abreu has been a leader in medical emergency services and other medical services from its location in Gascue, where decades ago most of medical centers were located.
Now, Clinica Abreu owners announce an association with Grupo CDD and GE HealthCare International for the expansion to a new facility on 27,000 square meters at a location on Av. Winston Churchill and Av. Romulo Betancourt in the capital city. The facility will have 20 above-ground floors and eight underground levels.
Dr. Servio de Peña, president of Clínica Abreu’s board of directors; Dr. Wilson Mourad, CEO and...
President Luis Abinader hosted a courtesy visit from Musalia Mudavadi, the Foreign Minister and First Secretary of the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya, at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
The Presidency reported the meeting began at 3pm and lasted about 45 minutes. It provided an opportunity to discuss the Haitian situation and bilateral matters of mutual interest, as well as explore ways to enhance diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two nations.
The Presidency said the encounter underscored the shared desire to establish robust bridges between the Caribbean and East Africa, laying the groundwork for future joint initiatives that will benefit both peoples. President Abinader was joined by Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and other government officials during the meeting.
Kenya has deployed 617 soldiers...
Hon. Frederick A. Mitchell / Commonwealth of the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex) announced that Frederick Mitchell, the Foreign Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, will pay an official visit from 14 to 17 May 2025.
According to a statement released by Mirex, Mitchell’s official itinerary begins on Thursday, 15 May when he will be received by his Dominican counterpart, Roberto Alvarez, at the Ministry of Foreign Relations in Santo Domingo. The ministers are expected to discuss bilateral issues and explore potential areas of economic cooperation during their meeting.
The Bahamian foreign minister’s presence is seen as an opportunity to strengthen economic ties. The focus will be on sectors where both nations can complement each other, fostering dialogue to identify trade opportunities, promote...
The Senate approved four international loans totaling US$275 million on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 despite opposition from opposition lawmakers. The ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) has the majority in both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
The loan requests were previously submitted by the Executive Branch and endorsed by the Finance Committee chaired by Senator Guillermo Lama (PRM-Bahoruco).
During the session, the committee’s reports were presented and subsequently approved, following standard legislative procedure. These loans had already been ratified by the Chamber of Deputies last April, enabling the Executive Branch to formalize agreements with financial institutions.
Details of the four approved loans:• The first loan, signed with the Andean Development Corporation (CAF), amounts to US$75 million. It aims to strengthen the national electrical...
On several occasions in past years, a road project that would shorten distances and open up the mountain areas to mining projects comes to the forefront. Once again, environmentalists are explaining that this would be catastrophic for the country’s main water sources, key for the food security and health of the population.
A report in Noticias SIN tells of the findings of a technical report jointly produced by the Environmental Commission of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) and the Academy of Sciences of the Dominican Republic (ACRD) on the proposed “Sabaneta to Sabaneta” mountain road project. The road would link San Juan de la Maguana and Santiago Rodríguez provinces through the Central Mountain Range. Once again the environmental experts say the project should be permanently shelved due to its severe environmental impact, economic unfeasibility, and...
With the participation of 23 member countries and under the motto “Justice on Time to Guarantee the Dignity of People,” the XXII Ibero-American Judicial Summit is taking place from Wednesday, 14 May through Friday, 16 May 2025 at the Eduardo Brito National Theater in Santo Domingo.
The gathering brings together legal experts from Latin America, Spain and Portugal. The objective is to strengthen judicial ties between member countries and generate common strategies for a more modern, accessible, and humane justice system.
President Luis Abinader will officially declare the summit open. Accompanying him will be Henry Molina, president of the Supreme Court of Justice and temporary secretary of the summit; Elena Martínez Rosso, minister of the Supreme Court of Uruguay and permanent secretary of the CJI; and Andrés Allamand, Ibero-American Secretary...
In an editorial on 13 May 2025, Diario Libre executive editor Anibal de Castro focuses on the reality that the DR is a mixed race and ancestry country.
The editorialist writes:
“The election of Leo XIV as Supreme Pontiff has brought about more than just a name change at the Vatican summit. It has brought to the surface a history that many would prefer to ignore: the multiple, complex, and in this case, mestizo origins of the new leader of the Catholic Church.
The fact that the Pope has Dominican blood and Afro-descendant Creole heritage and that one of his grandfathers was classified as “black” in 19th-century America, should not cause much surprise.
But it does: unfortunately, we continue to drag along a cultural discomfort —a visceral resistance— to accept that the Dominican, the Catholic, and the universal can simultaneously be black, mestizo, Creole, and proudly...
Weather forecasters are recommending people to be prepared for major hurricanes in the Caribbean. Colorado State University early forecast expects 17 named hurricanes, compared to the past (1991-2000) average of 14 named storms.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June through 30 November.
In the early seasonal forecast, the Colorado State University meteorologists are predicting 17 named storms, nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
AccuWeather is predicting the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season could bring 13 to 18 named storms, 7 to 10 hurricanes, 3 to 5 major hurricanes and 3-6 direct US impacts.
The US National Hurricane Center will be issuing its Atlantic Season forecasts starting 15 May. This year, the NHC says it will be giving people 72-hour early advance advisories, instead of 48-hour warnings before the anticipated...
The Dominican Weather Office (Indomet) says a current trough and another on the way to Hispaniola island will bring scattered showers for most of the country. Hot temperatures are forecast for most of the day, with the temperature cooling down in the evening.
Read more in Spanish:
President Luis Abinader clarified during his weekly Monday press conference on 12 May 2025 that the meeting on 14 May 2025 at the Ministry of Defense with three former Dominican Presidents is about security. “We are not going to discuss immigration policies,” he clarified.
Former Presidents Danilo Medina (2012-2016, 2016-2020), Leonel Fernandez (1996-2000, 2004-2008, 2008-2012) and Hipolito Mejia (2000-2004) have been convened to discuss the Haiti issue given the scant advances in resolving the multidimensional crisis in Haiti and the impact of the situation on the Dominican Republic.
He said: “We will convene the Social Economic Council (CES) to discuss the best policies.” He said during the 14 May meeting he would share “information that I want them to hear and be aware of both of the present situation in Haiti and the gangs, the...
Visiting Kenya’s First Cabinet Secretary and Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Musalia Mudavadi signed a memorandum of understanding regarding medical evacuation, repatriation of injured personnel, and deceased Kenyans who are part of the MSS. “This agreement demonstrates our genuine commitment to those risking their lives for a safer future in Haiti and our region,” Minister Álvarez stated, adding that the Dominican Republic has already provided medical care to nearly two dozen MSS members, ensuring they receive dignified and respectful treatment.
The meeting took place with the Ministry of Foreign Relations on 12 May 2025. It marks the first political consultation between the two nations, addressing mutual interests such as trade, security, cultural exchange, and cooperation in regards to the Multinational Security Support Mission...
Minister of Industry & Commerce Victor (Ito) Bisono said that the measure in effect that bans the export of Dominican goods by the land border as of 12 May 2025 will not have a major impact on Dominican exports as these are already shipped to Haitian ports. He said the measure will impact Haitian truckers who import the goods by land from the Dominican Republic. Since the worsening of the security crisis in Haiti, Dominican goods transportation to Haiti have been handled by Haitian truckers.
El Dia reports that the Data Market platform indicates that the main Dominican exports to Haiti were T-shirts (9.1%), cotton textiles (7.4%), Portland cement (7.4%), steel rebar (6.6%), soya oil (5.1%). DR exports to Haiti in the first quarter were US$187 million, compared to US$112 million in 2024.
The Minister did not address the impact the ban will have on small vendors that...
President Luis Abinader announced a cash bonus of RD$1,500 to mothers included in the public welfare cards plans under the Social Cabinet of the Presidency (Superate). The President called the bonus a “cariñito.” The bonus will be delivered as of 21 May 2025, through Alimentate, Mio and Banco de Reservas distribution channels.
The Presidency also announced Inespre special markets would offer low-costing produce in time for the celebration of Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day in the Dominican Republic falls on the last Sunday in May. This year, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, 25 May 2025.
Mother’s Day is a good time to purchase appliances. Major stores have deals for the celebration.
Follow the story: La Semanal 12 May 2025
13 May 2025
The Central Bank reported on 12 May 2025 that remittances continue to be a strong component of the influx of hard currency to the Dominican Republic. Remittances from Dominicans living abroad continued to strengthen between January and April 2025, reaching a total of US$3.92 billion. This represents a significant 12.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Looking ahead, the BCRD forecasts continued growth in foreign exchange earnings for 2025, driven by tourism, remittances, exports, and FDI.
The Central Bank reports that remittances in April 2025 were US$954.6 million, marking an 11.0% jump from April 2024. These funds play a crucial role in the country’s development by stimulating consumption, investment, and support for vulnerable sectors.
Despite global economic uncertainty fueled by geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and volatile financial markets...
President Luis Abinader took advantage of the weekly Monday press conference on 12 May 2025 to announce that investigative journalist and lead editor of the Noticias SIN news service, Alicia Ortega is the 2025 choice of the Dominican Journalist and Unesco Award. The award was received by her daughter, journalist Jessica Hasbun.
The award was created in 2021 and is funded by the government’s Banco de Reservas. The Presidency did not announce the amount of the cash award.
The winner is chosen by the permanent delegation of the Dominican Republic to the Unesco with the participation of the Colegio Dominicano de Periodistas, the local journalism guild.
The award is announced on the occasion of the celebration of the World Freedom of the Press Day by the Unesco (3 May 2025), with the backing of the Ministry of Foreign Relations. Previous winners Jose Bujosa...
The president of the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) Vice Admiral Jose Manuel Cabrera Ulloa said that the shipment of three tons of marihuana seized at the East Haina Port had been loaded in Guatemala. He rejected the statement by the government of Guatemala that denied the shipment had been loaded in Guatemala.
“We limit ourselves to inform that the container was loaded in Guatemala. The security seal was placed by the exporter company and is the same with which the shipment arrived to Haina Port. We also have constancy that the merchandise was purchased by a Dominican citizen who appears as the owner of the shipment,” said Cabrera Ulloa on 12 May 2025.
In Guatemala, Minister Francisco Jimenez had denied the shipment of 3,004 packets of marihuana was from his country. Yet the Dominican authorities say they have evidence the shipment was loaded in Guatemala on 16 March and...
Tourism Minister David Collado announced RD$90 million in funds to enhance destination Santiago. Santiago is known as the country’s premium cigar capital, for its medical tourism facilities, gastronomy, cultural and ecotouristic attractions. Collado said the vision is to extend the brand to promote conventions and sports events.
Of the funds, RD$60 million will be used for improvements to the Monumento a los Heroes de la Restauracion, the iconic monument overlooking the city of Santiago. Another RD$30 million will be used to promote the Santiago branding, Visit Santiago. Also planned for this year are improvements to the historic center of the city, the Santiago Marathon and the Typical Music Festival.
Likewise, the Cibao International Airport in Santiago, privately-owned and operated, is presently undergoing an investment of US$800 million for its remodeling and...
The Ministry of Tourism reported 1,020,646 visitors in April 2025, a 7% increase over the same month in 2024.
Minister of Tourism David Collado noted during the monthly statistical presentation, held this time in Santiago, that the number of visitors in April 2025 of 7% from April 2024, is up 18% compared to April 2023, and 55% compared to the pre-pandemic year 2019.
The minister also highlighted that during the first four months of this year, the country has welcomed a record-breaking 4,369,288 visitors. The goal for this year is to set a 11 million tourist arrival record.
“This translates to a 4% growth compared to the same period last year, a 17% increase from 2023, and a remarkable 50% rise from 2019,” Collado stated.
Of these visitors, 3,069,832 arrived by air, and 1,299,456 by sea. The airport at Punta Cana led the way with 64% of air arrivals between...
President Luis Abinader was in Punta Cana on Friday, 9 May 2025 for the inauguration of the St. Regis Cap Cana Resort & Residences, a US$220 million Mariott International-operated project located at the Cap Cana residential and hotel community at the southern end of the beach destination.
Situated on one of Cap Cana’s beaches and overlooking the renowned Jack Nicklaus-designed Punta Espada golf course, the resort features 200 deluxe rooms and 70 private residences.
The project was funded entirely by Dominican capital coordinated by Pioneer Investment Funds, executed and built by Campagna Ricart & Asociados, a leading architectural and engineering firm.
Tourism Minister Callado said at the opening that the new luxury hotel aligns with the country’s strategy to diversify its hospitality offerings: “This remarkable hotel underscores our commitment...
Igor Rodríguez Durán / IDAC
Igor Rodríguez Durán, director general of the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) announced the upcoming installation of three new radars at airports in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata.
In a statement, Rodríguez Durán emphasized that the radars aim to “further enhance air navigation and meteorological coverage in our country.” The new equipment will be deployed to service Las Américas International Airport (Santo Domingo), Cibao International Airport (Santiago), and General Gregorio Luperón International Airport (Puerto Plata).
The director general of the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) says the modern radar doppler to service the Gregorio Luperon International Airport of Puerto Plata is being installed in the Isabel de Torres Mountain, the same where the Botanical Gardens are located at the top. The modern system will...
Arajet is already flying to Miami (MIA) and Newark (EWR) international airports. Boston will be Arajet’s third city in the United States. The airline also already flies to Puerto Rico (SJU).
The Boston Globe now announces the Dominican-based low-cost airline will land at the Logan International Airport (BOS) starting 20 November 2025. The direct flights will be on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The one-ways are priced at a competitive US$170 between the two cities. Arajet includes a personal item weighing less than 15 pounds and charges US$20 for checked luggage and US$30 for carry-on.
The airline that began operations in 2022 now flies to 24 cities, in Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada. Those booking the Boston flight will be able to connect to other destinations in Latin America from the stopover at the Santo Domingo (SDQ) or from the Punta Cana (PUJ)...
Shaikha Al Nowais / Acento
World Tourism Organization secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili (Georgia), in the position since January 2018, seeks a third term as secretary general of the UN Tourism agency.
Nevertheless, reports are that the incumbent secretary general does not have the votes to win a third term. Moreover, there is no clear majority for any candidate.
The UN agency rules establish that 35 members are eligible to vote in the WTO Executive Council. Eighteen of these are needed for the secretary general position to be allocated in the first round.
The first round of voting is scheduled for 29-30 May 2025.
The contenders for the executive position at the leading UN tourism agency are:
Incumbent Zurab Pololikashvili (Georgia), Gloria Guevara Manzo (Mexico), Harry Theoharis (Greece), Mohammed Amin Adam (Ghana), Habib Ammar (Tunisia), and Shaikha...
President Luis Abinader will meet with former Presidents Danilo Medina (2012-2016 and 2016-2020), Leonel Fernández (1996-2000, 2004-2008, 2008-2012), and Hipólito Mejía (2000-2004) on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 at 4pm at the Ministry of Defense. The meeting comes in response to Abinader’s formal invitation sent on 30 April 2025, which was accepted by all three former Presidents.
The meeting was originally convened for the Presidential Palace, but it was later accepted by the three former statesmen to be held at the Ministry of Defense.
The Presidency reports the gathering will focus on national security in light of the growing instability in Haiti and its potential impact on the Dominican Republic. Abinader individually wrote to each former leader highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for a unified national response. He...
First Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister of Kenya Musalia Mudavadi / Wikipedia
The Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex) reported that the First Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister of Kenya, Musalia Mudavadi, arrived on 9 May 2025 to Santo Domingo for talks with Dominican government officials. The visit is after he met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, DC on 7 May.
Mudavadi will meet with Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez to discuss bilateral issues. Following these meetings, on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 the Kenyan minister is scheduled to meet with President Luis Abinader.
Minister Mudavadi will also meet with Minister of Defense Carlos Antonio Fernandez Onofre. This is especially important given the fact that Kenya has over a thousand troops in neighboring Haiti, where the situation has been going downhill. There will be additional meetings with the...
Starting Monday, 12 May 2025, Haiti announced it will be enforcing a new regulation that prohibits the entry of foreign goods through its land border with the Dominican Republic, Diario Libre reports.
The measure, announced by Haiti’s Customs Agency (AGD), has sparked concern among importers, transporters, and traders on both sides of the border. It was initially scheduled to take effect on 7 April but was officially communicated through Circular No. DAJ/BM/AGD/03-25/00479 issued by AGD under instructions from Haiti’s Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Henceforth, all foreign goods transiting through Dominican territory must enter Haiti exclusively via maritime routes for customs processing. Land border crossings between the Dominican Republic and Haiti will no longer accept such cargo starting Monday.
The directive also warns that...
In the wake of tragic events in recent days where Haitians have been alleged perpetrators of violent acts, hundreds of people from the community of Estero Hondo in the northern province of Puerto Plata have united to march against the illegal trafficking and migration of Haitians, Listin Diario reports.
Dressed in black as a sign of mourning and carrying the Dominican flag, participants chanted “No more, not one more death.”
Residents decided to raise their voices after several families in the community have family members that have been victims to violent acts. The most recent case involved Bienvenido Acosta, 90, who lost his life after being assaulted at his residence with a fleeing Haitian national, the lead suspect.
Victims’ families joined the march, including Josefina Acosta, daughter of a victim. In statements to the media, she...
Since the beginning of the year, President Luis Abinader has traveled abroad at an average of once per month, Listin Diario reports.
In early January, he traveled to Puerto Rico for the inauguration of new governor Jennifer Gonzalez.
In February, Abinader traveled to Guyana in South America for the second time to attend an energy summit. Guyana has become an interesting part of Dominican foreign policy with proposals for assistance in agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, energy, and industry currently on the table since 2023.
The day after giving the required State of the Nation speech to Congress on 27 February, Abinader flew to Montevideo, Uruguay for the inauguration of President Yamandu Orsi. While he was there he met with Spain’s King Felipe VI and visited Uruguay’s ailing former president Jose (Pepe) Mujica in his residence.
Just days later, in early March...
President Luis Abinader witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding Friday, 9 May 2025 between the Dominican government, represented by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and DP World Dominicana, a Dubai, United Arabian Emirates company calling for an investment of US$760 million to expand the DP World Economic Zones Dominicana free zone park and increase the capacity of its port terminal located in Caucedo, half an hour from the capital city. The expansion is expected to generate US$4 billion in foreign investment.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Víctor Bisonó and DP World chairman and group CEO, Sultan Ahmed, emphasized the the Dominican Republic’s potential as a logistics hub, the significance of the investment in manufacturing when announcing a major cargo capacity expansion to position the country as the leading regional...
During the first four months of 2025, the cost of the basic food basket increased slightly across the different wage segments. The average cost of food was pegged at RD$46,728 overall in April. This represented a 0.66% increase since January.
For the lowest income quintile, the cost was set at RD$27,828.58 in January, and this went up to RD$27,968.34 in April, an increase of just 0.50%.
It should be noted that the minimum wage for workers varies according to the size of the company, with large companies paying nearly RD$28,000 and the very smallest companies paying a bit over RD$15,000.
According to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, the year-to-year inflation rate has been 3.71% and within the 4.0%+/-1% since late in 2023. According to the results of a national survey in 2018, a bit over 70% of household incomes is the result of economic activities...
The Superintendent of Health and Labor Risks (Sisalril) has launched an educational campaign titled “Don’t fall for it” (No caigas en gancho) to alert affiliates of family health insurance plans regarding some shady practices of local health service providers called Administrators of Health Risks (ARS).
The idea behind this campaign is to alert affiliates to the possible use of possibly illegal enticements in order for the affiliate to change ARS/HMO. Such offers as money, pharmacy bonus or discounts, dental coverage or free doctor consults are among the tricky offers.
Sisalril warns its affiliates to avoid accepting a change of ARS/HMO without a real and informed agreement to the transfer, as this could well put health coverage at risk. While a current provider may be obliged to cover certain medical costs, a new provider could renege on the coverage.
The Superintendent noted that to switch...
Dominican Republic’s SOS (Sea-Land Symbiosis) is included in the finalists for the Institute of Food Technologists and Seeding The Future Foundations’s Growth Prize. The competition gathers proponents of solutions to some of the biggest issues impacting the global ag/food space today. SOS is working on solutions to dealing with seaweed that is impacting fishing and the tourism industry in the Dominican Republic.
The winners will be announced in June 2025. The three Growth Grant winners will receive US$100,000 each.
The five growth grant finalists are:• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Institute – Savanah Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI): Developing an NIR Tool for Rapid Screening of Aflatoxin-Resistant Groundnuts to Combat Aflatoxin Contamination (Ghana).• Munakyalo Agrofresh: Reducing Post-harvest Losses with Solar-Powered IoT Cooling Hubs and...
President Luis Abinader expects new Pope Leo XIV to visit the Dominican Republic soon. It would be his third visit.
It is now known that Robert Francis Prevost, on 11 September 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, of Spanish-speaking parents, and an Augustinian priest, has been at least twice to the Dominican Republic and is said to have a Dominican maternal grandfather.
At the time of his election to the Papacy, the 69-year old Cardinal Prevost was the Prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops, named to this leadership position by the late Pope Francis in 2023. Previously, the American prelate had been the Prior General of the Augustinian Order, and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Following the protocol for the inauguration of the new Pope, Vice President Raquel Peña will travel to Rome to attend the mass marking the beginning of his pontificate at St. Peter’s...
Mary Perez de Marranzini, founder of the Dominican Republic’s Rehab Association, passed away on 8 May 2025. She was 98 years old.
She was a tiny woman, with a very common name: Mary Perez. Yet she was a giant, a truly magnificent individual that changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Dominicans.
Mary Perez had a son who suffered from polio. She found that there were no Dominican institutions that could aid people such as her son. She set out to change all that, and she founded the Dominican Rehabilitation Association in 1963.
Her determination and quiet forcefulness brought into existence the non-profit that today sees about 7,000 a day in 34 different centers around the entire Dominican Republic. It would be very difficult to find another such astounding civic work in the entire 180-year history of the Dominican Republic.
Not a fixture at society events, Mary...
Many Dominican stars have had a difficult time in the opening weeks of the Major League Baseball season. Rafael Devers is not at third base for the Boston Red Sox, and he is not happy. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a great contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, but he has yet to put up numbers that would justify his mega-salary. Juan Soto needs to produce more for the NY Mets. Fernando Tatis Jr. is looking great and his team is happy with his performance.
With all these ups and downs, it is very encouraging to follow the ball player career of Freddy Peralta, fast-ball pitcher in his eighth season for the Milwaukee Brewers. From Moca, the young pitcher has had a fairly spectacular start. In eight outings as a starting pitcher, Peralta has registered four wins against two losses. However, his ERA is just 2.18, with 48 Ks and a WHIP of 1.04, all excellent numbers that put Peralta...
The world of esports witnessed a dominant performance on 11 May 2025 at the Evolution Championship Series known as Evo Japan 2025 by Dominican gamer Samuel “MenaRD” Mena. To win the event held at the Tokyo Big Sight East Exhibition Hall from Friday, 9 May to Sunday, 11 May, Mena defeated 7,194 competitors. The cash prize money win was US$12,070.54.
MenaRD becomes the first returning winner of the Evo Japan title in the history of the tournament. The Evo Japan defending champion was one of only three non-Japanese players to make it into the top eight.
This victory qualified Mena for the Capcom Championship that gathers the elite of the Street Fighter community. Capcom XII has a cash first prize award of US$1 million. The win in Tokyo also qualified him for the Esports World Cup with another millionaire prize award.
Mena RD claimed the Evo Japan 2025 title without...
To read past articles, visit our DR1.com Daily News Forum.