DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Minister of Public Works, Eduardo Estrella / Noticias SIN

During the official presentation of the República de Colombia Avenue road restructuring project, government officials firmly reiterated that works for the road solution will not be carried out inside the National Botanical Gardens. Space of the outside sidewalks would be used and two lanes would be added to the República de Colombia Avenue along with underpasses and trenches.

The Road and Environmental Solution of the Av. República de Colombia will span seven kilometers from Km 13 of the Duarte Highway to the Los Próceres Avenue.

Present for the presentation on Wednesday, 23 July 2025 at the Botanical Gardens were Minister of the Presidency Jose Ignacio Paliza, Minister of Public Works Eduardo Estrella, Vice Minister for Infrastructure of the Ministry of Public Works Elías Zapata and...

Luis Migiuel De Camps / AMCHAM

Education Minister Luis Miguel De Camps unveiled on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, a comprehensive educational strategy designed to boost national productivity, employment, and ethical development. Speaking as the keynote speaker and guest of honor at a luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AmChamDR), De Camps emphasized that the future of innovation and jobs begins in the classroom.

An AmCham press release explains that De Camps highlighted the recently presented educational roadmap, which centers on teachers, families, students, civil society, and educational system professionals. This roadmap addresses key priorities: true literacy, technical training integrated with the productive sector, broad coverage and inclusion, values-based education, and transparent territorial management.

“The jobs of the future...

Passport Office’s director Lorenzo Ramirez sent a letter to the Diario Libre explaining the intentions of the agency to purchase its newly remodeled location at the former TeleAntillas site in a year. The Passport Office has entered a rent-buy lease, as Diario Libre had reported. Diario Libre had reported the lease would be for three years at about RD$10 million per month.

The revenues to be forthcoming from the issuing of the electronic passport would help finance the purchase, Ramirez told Diario Libre. Ramirez has hopes the first electronic passports will be issued this 2025. The intention is to begin issuing electronic passports first to those whose passports have expired. The government has hopes that the issuing of the electronic passports, with their enhanced security, will open doors for Dominican citizens to be allowed to travel to Europe without having to apply...

The Dominican Republic’s Senate officially passed a bill on Wednesday, 23 July 2025 that seeks to establish a new Ministry of Justice, a move anticipated to significantly alleviate the workload of the Attorney General’s Office. The legislation, which will now head to the Executive Branch for promulgation by President Luis Abinader, aims to streamline the nation’s judicial system, its advocates say.

President Abinader has been a proponent of this initiative since 2022, underscoring the government’s commitment to judicial reform.

Diario Libre reports that the bill, authored by Senators Cristóbal Venerado Castillo (Hato Mayor – PRM) and Félix Bautista (San Juan de la Maguana – Fuerza del Pueblo), had previously cleared the Senate but returned for a final vote to incorporate modifications made by the Chamber of Deputies. After the required two debates in the lower...

The Ministry of Energy and Mines has announced that in a landmark achievement for the Dominican Republic, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has granted the country the International Registration of the Denomination of Origin Larimar Barahona. This certification provides global legal protection for the semi-precious larimar stone, which is found exclusively in the province of Barahona, Dominican Republic.

The certification was officially received by Joel Santos, Minister of Energy and Mines, representing the Dominican government, from Salvador Ramos, director general of the National Office of Industrial Property (Onapi). With this, the “Larimar Barahona” denomination is now protected in 28 countries under the terms of the Lisbon Agreement, establishing a legal safeguard against misuse or appropriation of its origin by third parties internationally...

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) reports on the findings of the scientific whale expedition carried out by the Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) in Samaná Bay, Navidad Bank, and Silver Bank in the Dominican Republic. The study provides strong evidence that there are more whales than expected.

The WWF says the research comes at a critical time. Although humpback whale populations have recovered in many places, whales still face increasing threats from tourism, shipping, underwater noise, and climate change. These factors can disrupt their natural behavior, especially during the calving season.

The researchers highlight they witnessed signs of human disturbance. On several occasions, whale-watching boats came within just a few meters of calves, which is far too close. This underscores the need for better regulation of tourism. Responsible tourism can support the animals instead...

There are pros and cons to the Saharan Dust clouds covering the Caribbean. On one hand, it’s hotter than usual. On the other, weather forecasters say the Saharan Dust weakens weather systems reducing the intensity of the rains that passing troughs may bring this week.

The weather report says were scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds due to the passing trough system on Wednesday, 23 July. The trough extending through various levels of the troposphere is currently triggering scattered showers across the southeastern provinces of the Dominican Republic and the capital city.

The most affected areas are expected to include Monte Plata, Sánchez Ramírez, Monseñor Nouel, San Cristóbal, La Vega, Santiago, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, San Juan, Elías Piña, and northern parts of Greater Santo Domingo. Due to these conditions, localized urban flooding may occur...

Jean Andrés Pumarol / CDN

A 30-year old believed to have mental issues killed a 70-year old neighbor and injured several others in the Naco Dorado IV residential complex off Av. Tiradentes on the afternoon of Wednesday, 23 July 2025.

As reported, 30-year old Jean Andres Pumarol Fernandez used a sharp object to stab at least four people, resulting in multiple injuries and the death of 70-year old neighbor Yolanda Handal Abugabir. The incident took place at around 4pm at the Naco Dorado IV residential complex, where both the victim and the attacker reportedly lived.

Witnesses and residents said the young man appeared to be in a state of mental distress when he launched the attack, killing the 70-year old and injuring another five persons, including his own father, 62-year old Guillermo Pumarol Castellanos. Other persons injured are 70-year old Teresa Fabián Heredia, who was the...

The Passports Office (DGP) is set to move its main headquarters to the former Teleantillas building on Dr Defillo street in the National District. A first phase lease is being made with the purchase to be made in three years, Diario Libre reports. The agreement, valued at nearly US$6 million or around RD$360 million, was granted through a sole-source procurement process. The monthly rent would be for RD$10 million over the 36-month term. Diario Libre says this procedure raises questions about the selection method.

The move will see the passport agency occupy the renovated structure located at the intersection of John F. Kennedy Avenue and Doctor Defilló in the Los Prados sector. The building, originally constructed in 1982 with two floors and a basement, has undergone significant remodeling, including the addition of a third story built atop a steel beam structure.

As reported, the contract was awarded on 8 July, following a selection process that bypassed competitive...

There is much expectation for the announced presentation on the morning of Wednesday, 23 July 2025 at the Botanical Gardens by the Ministry of Public Works of the roadworks modernization plan addressing concerns the roadworks would impact the National Botanical Gardens of Santo Domingo.

Minister of Public Works Eduardo Estrella is scheduled to announce the project for the roadworks modernization. In response to generalized concern, President Luis Abinader said in his weekly press conference on Monday, 21 July 2025, that the roadworks “will not touch the Botanical Gardens.” Instead, he said a tunnel would be built.

The Minister of Environment had said earlier in the week that 0.01% of the Botanical Gardens would be impacted. The Botanical Gardens has around two million square meters.

A generalized uproar had demanded more information from the government. Most...

Kelvin Cruz / En Segundos

Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz says he was not aware trees were being felled at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center to make way for venues for the Central American and Caribbean Sports Games 2026.

As reported in En Segundos, the controversy surrounding the felling of trees at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center in Santo Domingo has escalated, with Sports and Recreation Minister Kelvin Cruz publicly distancing himself from the intervention and expressing strong opposition.

“I found out through the media — after it had already happened. I was outraged and immediately called those responsible to demand an explanation. They told me the Baseball Federation requested the space, but I do not agree with what was done,” Cruz said during an interview on El Show del Mediodía on Monday, 21 July 2025.

According to journalist Moisés Mejía in Listín Diario, the...

President Luis Abinader issued Decree No. 396-25, officially approving the Implementation Regulations for Law No. 368-22 on Territorial Planning, Land Use, and Human Settlements. This marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to foster integrated and balanced municipal development across the Dominican Republic.

The announcement was made by Antoliano Peralta Romero, legal consultant to the Executive Branch. He highlighted the collaborative process behind the regulation, which saw input from various government institutions, including the ministries of the Presidency, Tourism, and Housing and Buildings. The draft, initially prepared by the Vice Ministry of Territorial Planning and Regional Development within the Ministry of Economy, underwent a public review and was extensively discussed in a process spearheaded by the Legal Consultancy of the Executive Branch...

Government officials announced several highly anticipated completion and operational dates for state projects, including Line 2C of the Santo Domingo Metro, the Las Parras prison and the Luis Eduardo Aybar Health City.

The announcements were made during the final session of the Business Forums 2025 on Government Management, titled “Challenges, Objectives, and Goals.” Ministers José Ignacio Paliza (Presidency), Sigmund Freund (Public Administration), and Carlos Bonilla (Housing and Edifications) provided updates on these crucial infrastructure and administrative initiatives.

After years of anticipation, Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza confirmed that the physical works for the Line 2C Metro extension, connecting Kilometer 9 to Los Alcarrizos, are expected to conclude by late summer or early autumn. This will pave the way for full operation by early 2026.

Minister of Housing and Edifications Carlos Bonilla announced that the first phase of the Las Parras...

Tourism Minister David Collado has announced the suspension of the proposed public trust for the Puerto Plata Cable Car, responding to mounting concerns from local communities and business owners who depend heavily on the tourism generated by the attraction. The Puerto Plata Cable Car has around a year closed as the government shuffles amidst optimization options.

President Luis Abinader had issued Decree 162-25 that established the Public Trust for the Management of the Puerto Plata Cable Car (FI-TEPP) with a duration of 40 years. The decree ordered that the Dominican State will serve as both trustee and beneficiary through the Ministry of Tourism, while Fiduciaria Reservas, S.A. will act as the trustee responsible for operations.

The decision to put the public trust on hold calls instead for a new phase of technical review aimed at ensuring its safety and operational...

The Dominican Republic’s tobacco product exports have reached an impressive US$1.34 billion annually, a figure that significantly surpasses pre-pandemic levels. President Luis Abinader announced the milestone during his “La Semanal con la Prensa” address on 21 July 2025, highlighting the industry’s robust recovery and growth.

This represents a remarkable US$400 million increase compared to 2019, firmly establishing tobacco as one of the country’s top three export products. Dominican cigars are globally renowned for their exceptional quality and rich tradition.

President Abinader emphasized that tobacco now accounts for 10% of all Dominican exports, trailing only gold and medical supplies. He underscored the international acclaim received by Dominican cigars, often considered the world’s best due to their superior quality, flavor, and artisanal craftsmanship.

“In...

The Dominican Republic’s imports from China have seen a significant jump in the first half of 2025, reaching US$2.59 billion. This marks a substantial 10.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when imports from the Asian giant totaled US$2.34 billion, as reported in El Nacional.

The surge of US$254.6 million positions China as the fastest-growing source of goods for the Dominican Republic, both in absolute and relative terms, among its primary trading partners. This growth solidifies China’s role as the Dominican Republic’s second-largest import partner, trailing only the United States and expanding its crucial influence on the nation’s productive and consumer sectors.

Long-established large stores in the Dominican Republic have repeatedly complained that the Chinese competitors have been allowed to take advantage of loopholes for importing goods paying low taxes...

The Senate passed the Penal Code that now moves to the Chamber of Deputies for approval. The present legislation closes on 24 July 2025 and reopens on 16 August 2025.

The Penal Code as approved is criticized for articles that would criminalize the right to social protests, allow the prescription of government corruption crimes and child abuse, release from legal responsibility to political parties and city governments, grant penal immunity to church representatives. The Penal Code also failed to incorporate the three exceptions for abortion.

Read more in Spanish:

• El Nacional
• Hoy

The Chamber of Deputies has approved, in two consecutive sessions and with modifications, the organic bill that establishes the Ministry of Justice. The legislation now returns to the Senate for review of the amendments.

The bill aims to create and define the structure and responsibilities of the new ministry, that the government says will strengthen the country’s justice system.

According to one of its provisions, the Ministry of Justice will serve as the executive body responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and implementing powers delegated by the Constitution and laws to the Executive Branch. It will play a key role in supporting the judicial system both functionally and administratively, as well as in representing the State in legal matters.

The bill outlines the structure of the new ministry, which will include the following departments:Vice Ministry of Support and...

In response to what it calls the “passive and complicit” stance of congressional leadership and political parties, the civic watchdog group Participación Ciudadana is calling on the Public Ministry of the Attorney General Office to investigate current and former legislators who have not submitted their sworn asset declarations.

Participación Ciudadana is the local chapter of Transparency International.

Information obtained by Participación Ciudadana from the Chamber of Accounts reveals a significant number of lawmakers in violation of the law. Twenty deputies elected in 2024 and 78 who left office the same year have failed to file their declarations.

The list includes deputy Kinsberly Taveras, who has in her record being removed from the position as Minister of Youth during the first government of President Luis Abinader for questions as to the millions in...

The Police arrested a US citizen who is suspect of having thrown a dog to his death from an 11th floor apartment in the Bella Vista neighborhood. Animal protection units protested the happening and called for an investigation. As reported in El Nacional, the authorities also found another dog with visible signs of abuse in the possession of the US citizen at the time of his arrest.

Upon his arrest, the Police found a brown Doberman with visible neck injuries, further intensifying the accusations of animal abuse pending against him. The case is being handled by the Ensanche Naco Community Prosecutor’s Office.

The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Michael E. Williams. He was apprehended on Monday afternoon, 21 July 2025, by agents from the Department II of Animal and Environmental Protection (Anti Cuatreros) of the Central Investigation Department of the...

President Luis Abinader is set to travel this Tuesday, 22 July 2025 to Georgetown, Guyana, to take part in the launch of the Global Alliance for Biodiversity—an international initiative aimed at addressing the escalating environmental and climate crises.

According to an official statement from the Dominican Presidency, the summit, which runs from 23 to 25 July 2025, will mark a significant step in global cooperation to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

The Dominican Republic will use the platform to highlight its leadership on environmental issues in both the regional and global arenas. The country plans to position biodiversity as a strategic asset for well-being, resilience, and sustainable economic growth.

The Global Alliance will bring together government leaders, multilateral organizations, private sector entities, academic...

President Luis Abinader in his 14 July 2025 press conference had said that the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Public Works were in charge of making a presentation of the roadwork that would be built. He spoke answering a question about the impact of the roadwork on the Santo Domingo Botanical Gardens park that has about 200,000 square meters. Unnamed technicians of the Botanical Gardens, and a former director of the park, have shared concerns that studies were underway for cuts in areas at the beloved city park.

During the La Semanal press conference on 21 July 2025, nevertheless, President Abinader would tell everyone to hold their horses and wait for the government presentation on 23 July 2025 at the Botanical Gardens.

He advanced: “The Botanical Gardens not only will not be touched, instead we will add 20,000 m2 to the North.” He...

President Luis Abinader took advantage of his weekly La Semanal press conference on 21 July 2025 to announce the inauguration of the Bani bypass road for 12 August 2025. The bypass is expected to shave at least half an hour off the driving time for those headed west. Those headed from Santo Domingo to Barahona will now be able to do so in less than two hours. The Baní bypass was the only one missing. The San Cristobal and the Azua bypasses are already in use.

The announcement follows a visit made by Minister of Public Works Eduardo Estrella to the bypass work areas on Monday, 21 July 2025, in the company of Listin Diario executive editor Miguel Franjul and reporters.

The Baní Bypass stretches over a distance of more than 20 kilometers, beginning in Ojo de Agua, in Paya, where it connects with the Sánchez Highway, and ending where it merges...

President Luis Abinader has convened the National Council of the Magistracy to review the performance of several Supreme Court of Justice judges.

On Friday, 25 July 2025 at 8pm, President Luis Abinader is scheduled to lead a session of the National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) at the Presidential Palace.

The meeting will focus on three major items:• Performance evaluations for four sitting justices of the Supreme Court: Blas Rafael Fernández Gómez, Pilar Jiménez Ortiz, Manuel Alexis Read Ortiz, and Moisés Ferrer Landrón.• Discussion of the vacancy left by Justice Napoleón Estévez Lavandier, who is the president of the Constitutional Court.• Selection of new members and alternates for the Superior Electoral Court, as the current members’ terms expire this month.

In addition to President Luis Abinader, the other voting members of the National Council of the...

29-year old Yamilex Hernandez of La Vega, Dominican Republic was named the winner of the Telemundo Miss Universe Latin America televised reality show, aired from Bogotá, Colombia. She had made the Top 5 of the Miss Universe Latin America, competing against Génesis Dávila (Puerto Rico), Gemmy Quelliz (RD), Laura Pérez (México) y Andrea Bazarte (México). Genesis Davila of Puerto Rico was the first runner up, and Gemmy Quelliz of DR the third runner up.

The event serves as a preparatory round for the Miss Universe 2025 that will be held in November in Thailand. But new rules of the Miss Universe pageant allow for the winner of the reality pageant to represent Latin America in the Miss Universe contest, No. 74. This means that the DR could have two candidates in the November Miss Universe contest.

The event was marred on the day before when the eight finalists were about to...

Four Reinas del Caribe, the world class senior volleyball team of the Dominican Republic, a Puerto Rican and a Cuban Olympian, will be sharing their experiences in sport and how what they have learned can apply to life in general. The event will take place 26 July 2025 at 4pm at the Escenario 360 of Galeria 360 mall on Av. John F. Kennedy.

Gina Mambru, of the Reinas del Caribe, says this is a panel during which the players will help others organize their own life paths. She highlights the importance of mentors and support groups, be they parents, coaches, or members of the sports federation to success in life in general.

The six Olympic volleyball players that will be telling their life stories and sharing insights will be Bethania de la Cruz, Gina Mambru, Camil Dominguez, Karla Echenique, Aury Cruz (Puerto Rico) and Mireya Luis (Cuba).

The panel will be...

Luis Bravo’s “Forever Tango”, the internationally celebrated entertainment event that has played to great acclaim in Europe, Canada, Asia, Mexico and throughout the United States (Broadway), returns to the Teatro Nacional in Santo Domingo for a showing on Friday, 25 July 2025. Forever Tango opened on Broadway June of 1997 for an eight-week engagement and ran for about 14 months, returning for other engagements in future years.

The performance in Santo Domingo will feature 14 world-class tango dancers, 11 musicians, including four playing the bandoneon, the bellows-driven free-reed musical instrument best associated with tango music. Dominican Maridalia Hernandez will be the guest performer.

Follow the story: YouTube Forever Tango Instagram Forever...

In a move aimed at boosting tourism and cultural exchange, Argentina has announced that Dominican citizens holding a valid United States visa will no longer need to apply for an Argentine visa for tourism purposes. The new resolution, published on 18 July 2025, streamlines entry for Dominicans, allowing for stays of up to 90 days. The start date has yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, the official resolution, detailed in Article 1, states: “Entry without an Argentine consular visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is authorized for foreign nationals of the Dominican Republic, holders of ordinary passports, when such entry occurs with the presentation of a valid and current visa for entry into the United States of America corresponding to a similar migratory category.”

This new measure applies exclusively to tourism and permits a maximum stay of 90...

Source: Expedia

Expedia, the leading accommodations booking engine, mentions the Dominican Republic first in its Instagram take on its hot list of 10 top islands for vacations. The list presents the top 10 islands that are trending for 2025, reflected in their billings for hotel accommodations.

The Hot List includes the Dominican Republic and the island destinations of Sardinia (Italy), Aruba, Paros (Greece), Koh Samui (Thailand), Fiji, Bali, Jamaica, Maldives, Oahu (Hawaii).

Follow the story: Instagram Expedia CDN

22 July 2025

The Dominican Republic officially unveiled its new global campaign “Dominicana smiles at you” ( Dominicana te sonríe) at a gala event at the iconic Faena Forum in Miami Beach on 17 July 2025. Designed to capture the warmth, authenticity and lively spirit of the Dominican people, the campaign invites travelers from around the world to discover why the Dominican Republic is more than just a destination ─ it’s a feeling.

Figures from across the travel and tourism industry, including top airline executives, over 200 tour operators and travel agents, and familiar faces from the worlds of television and sports. Attendees got an exclusive first look at the new campaign and heard updates on the country’s continued growth and evolution as one of the region’s leading travel destinations.

The launch event last week drew a mix of industry insiders and recognizable faces, including...

Juan Manuel Martin de Oliva and Monika Infante / MITUR

The Santo Domingo Tourism Cluster (CTSD) has elected Juan Manuel Martín de Oliva, long-standing vice president for tourism businesses at the Banco Popular Dominicano, as its new president for the 2025-2027 term. The election took place during a recent assembly on 18 July 2025.

Martín de Oliva, a seasoned professional with 27 years dedicated to the tourism sector within Banco Popular, expressed his profound commitment to his new role. “From Banco Popular, I have passionately and committedly supported the growth of tourism for 27 years, and I will do the same from the Cluster,” he stated. “For me, tourism is not just an industry; it is a tool for development, inclusion, and national pride. As a professional and a citizen, I have always felt like an ambassador for Dominican tourism.”

Martín de Oliva...