DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Foreign Minister Serguei Lavrov and President Luis Abinader / El Caribe

President Luis Abinader met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday, 30 April 2025 at the Presidential Palace, a confirmation of the long-standing diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and Russia. Lavrov had arrived at 10pm on Tuesday. The meeting coincided with the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The one-on-one meeting with President Abinader lasted approximately 35 minutes and focused on the historical context of Dominican-Russian relations and opportunities to strengthen economic, cultural, and political collaboration. Abinader emphasized the importance of building on the 80-year legacy of diplomatic engagement, while Lavrov underscored Moscow’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Caribbean region...

Sergey Lavrov and Roberto Alvarez / MIREX

Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez after the first bilateral meeting with his colleague Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Ministry of Foreign Relations in Santo Domingo on 30 April 2025 gave an overview of the closed-door talks for the press, with no questions allowed to be asked.

Alvarez said it was a “very productive” meeting and marked the diplomatic milestone of relations that go back 80 years.

Minister Alvarez highlighted the extensive and candid exchange. “One of the main topics of our conversation was the deep political, security, and humanitarian crisis affecting Haiti and its impact on the Dominican Republic. I presented Foreign Minister Lavrov with the Dominican Republic’s position, which advocates for coordinated and urgent action by the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. We hope the...

Patricia Aguilera, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in the Dominican Republic, lauded President Luis Abinader for the nation’s “courageous” response to the United States’ call to join a global effort against synthetic drug threats. The remarks came during the opening of an international conference on emerging trends in illicit synthetic drug trafficking, attended on day one by President Abinader himself and high-ranking Dominican officials and global experts.

Aguilera emphasized the partnership between the two nations, stating: “The Dominican Republic’s leadership in this critical area is a testament to President Abinader’s commitment to public safety and health.”

The conference is being held over three days and focuses on collaborative strategies to enhance drug seizures, dismantle criminal networks, and address the risks posed by...

The Ministry of Public Health announced it is phasing in a new children vaccination scheme. The hexavalent acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine is introduced to replace the pentavalent vaccine in its childhood immunization program, marking a significant step in public health.

The new vaccine, administered at 2, 4, and 6 months with a booster at 18 months, protects against six life-threatening diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and polio. The vaccine is available starting 1 May 2024 and aims to reduce the number of injections children receive, easing the burden on families and improving vaccination adherence.

The hexavalent vaccine consolidates protection against polio into a single shot, eliminating the need for a separate polio injection. This innovation cuts the total number of...

The National Transit and Transport Institute (Intrant) is now banning parking on the Las Damas Street in the Colonial City. The measure is in effect from 1 May 2025. The historic street gives access to several museums, including the Museo de Casas Reales, Alcazar (under renovation), the Museo Trampolin and Museo Fortaleza.

Read more in Spanish:

• Diario Libre

In the aftermath of Spain’s 29 April 2025 blackout, which left millions without power across the Iberian Peninsula, the Dominican government and private sector are accelerating efforts to strengthen its national energy grid. Minister of Energy and Mines Joel Santos emphasized the urgent need to learn from the crisis during a keynote address at the “Regulation of the Energy Sector: Keys to a Stronger, Modern Industry” forum, hosted by the Dominican Electrical Industry Association (ADIE) at the Intercontinental Real Santo Domingo hotel.

As reported in El Caribe, Santos underscored that while each country’s energy challenges differ, the Dominican Republic must adopt proactive measures to avoid a similar collapse. “Every situation has its unique aspects, but we must all learn from what happened in Spain and other parts of Europe,” he stated, highlighting the role of technological...

For decades, Hendrik Kelner, president emeritus of ProCigar, has been on the road promoting Santiago de los Caballeros, as the historical and current heart of tobacco production. “Santiago became the capital of tobacco thanks to the quality of its soil and the culture of free men, small-scale farmers, committed to their independence,” Kelner has repeatedly stated.

The Dominican Republic continues to solidify its status as a global leader in premium cigar exports, driven by a thriving industry that blends tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation, El Caribe reports. Dominican premium cigars have become symbols of quality and prestige in international markets.

In 2024, the Dominican Republic reported cigar exports valued at over US$1.3 billion, with approximately 130 countries importing its products. The industry is supported by 470 companies, generating over 100,000 jobs—40,000 of...

Lidia Pérez / Hoy

Congresswoman Lidia Esther Pérez (PRM-Puerto Plata), sister of iconic merengue artist Rubby Pérez—who tragically died alongside 232 others when the roof of the JetSet Club collapsed during a performance on 8 April 2025—has introduced a bill in the Chamber of Deputies. The initiative aims to ensure “no Dominican ever again endures” the anguish caused by the disaster, as reported in Hoy.

Titled the Supervision and Inspection of Infrastructure and Buildings Act, the proposal, submitted on 23 April 2025, seeks mandatory periodic inspections of existing structures, particularly those hosting large crowds.

“Many families, like myself, are enduring this same pain. I must mention the loss of my beloved brother, Rubby Pérez. Since this tragedy, my presence in Congress carries added meaning: to ensure no other Dominican ever suffers as we are suffering now,” the ruling Modern...

The Minister of Foreign Relations of Russia, Sergey Lavrov arrived at around 10pm on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 for his official visit to the Dominican Republic. He is the highest-ranking Russian official to visit. On his agenda for Wednesday, 30 April in Santo Domingo is a visit to Foreign Minister Robert Alvarez at the Ministry of Foreign Relations. He will then visit with President Luis Abinader at the Presidential Palace.

During his visit, Lavrov will inaugurate the Russian Embassy in the capital city. The visit commemorates the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries. Alexey Seredin is the new Russian ambassador.

The Ministry of Labor, in conjunction with the National Wage Committee (CNS), has announced a significant 25% increase to the minimum wage for workers in the country’s manufacturing and service free zone sector.

The raise will be implemented in two phases: a 13% increase effective 1 June 2025, followed by a further 12% increase on 1 June 2026, stated Labor Minister Eddy Olivares Ortega. The minimum wages are reviewed every two years.

“This is the largest wage increase in history for free zone workers and will directly contribute to improving their quality of life,” affirmed Minister Eddy Olivares Ortega. He added that the raise aligns with the government’s commitment, spearheaded by President Luis Abinader, to ensure dignified jobs and fair wages as outlined in the Labor Code.

The minister emphasized the government’s ongoing dedication to...

The director general of the Migration Agency, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, revealed that between 2016 and April 2025, the Dominican Republic has deported a total of over 1.1 million irregular migrants, with 114,884 of those cases occurring in 2025 alone. The deportations come at a high cost to the Dominican Republic. Making the issue more serious, Minister of Foreign Relations Roberto Alvarez has said the border, nevertheless, is a revolving door, meaning that a very large number of those deported return in a short time.

During a conference titled “The Migratory Reality of the Dominican Republic and the Republic of Haiti,” organized by the Central American Parliament (Parlacen) and the Senate’s Foreign Relations and Migration Committee, Ballester stated that Haitian immigration poses the country’s primary migratory challenge, as reported in N Digital...

The importance of excursion groups taking very serious weather advisories is again stressed after the death of an excursion guide. One of three leading a group of 12 hikers, Wilson Miguel (Culebra) was swept away by the gushing waters of the Candongo Stream in Loma de Blanco, Bonao. His body was recovered on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, after a two-day search effort by the Civil Defense.

The unexpected heavy rain caused the swelling of the Candongo Stream, putting the lives of the guides and the hikers in danger on Sunday, 27 April 2025. Culebra had been dragged by the gushing waters of the Tireito River. As the search continued, there was always hope he would have caught a branch and held on. The body would be found in the place known as Charco La Tinaja, above the Tireo Dam.

The remaining members of the group were successfully rescued and...

The Dominican Republic may get a US ambassador sooner than later. The last ambassador had been named by Donald Trump at the start of his first presidency. For his second presidency, President Trump promptly named his choice for ambassador to the Dominican Republic.

The Foreign Relations Committee of the United States Senate now announces that the nominations hearing for Leah Campos to be ambassador to the Dominican Republic will be on Thursday, 1 May 2025 at 10:30am. It will take place at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, SD-419 A livestream of this event will be available here.

During the previous Biden administration, two candidates sat for Senate nomination hearings, but none would eventually be sent to represent the United States government.

The National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) announced on 29 April 2025 the temporary closure of a dozen commercial establishments situated on Boca Chica beach in eastern Santo Domingo. The agency stated the businesses failed to comply with regulations mandating the visible display of product prices, as stipulated by Law 358-05.

Eddy Alcántara, the executive director of Pro Consumidor, explained that a team of inspectors surveyed the area to ensure adherence to the previously communicated regulation. He noted that businesses were informed of the requirement and that meetings were held with merchants and union representatives, where it was made clear that those failing to visibly display prices per pound and per unit would face sanctions or closure.

“And that is precisely what we have done, sanctioning those...

Pensions in the national pension plan end up being about 25% of the last wage made. The amounts are not enough to cover costs of those who retire after years in a job. But a growing privileged few are getting comfy pensions from the state itself.

Diario Libre reports that in 2023, the Abinader administration approved 19,184 solidarity pensions. The government has paid out RD$8.68 billion in pensions over the past four years.

There are now 51,921 beneficiaries of the government special pensions. This is up from 16,112 in 2021.

Read more in Spanish:

• Diario Libre

Manuel Crespo / El Nacional

The Fuerza del Pueblo (FP) political party has requested information from the Central Electoral Board (JCE) regarding the three companies participating in the tender for the renewal of the country’s national identity card project. The FP says they seek the information to ensure transparency and clarity in this crucial process for strengthening democracy.

In a document submitted by FP’s political delegate, Manuel Crespo, through the political party’s secretariat general, the political party requests the names of the physical partners comprising the three consortia: EMDOC, consisting of IqtekSolutions, GSI International Inc., VeridosMhb, Muhlbauer, and Ultra Tech; ID SecureIDSi, made up of Toppan Security (formerly HID Global CID SAS), Midas Dominicana, Litho Formas, Ixla, and Magallanes Media; and Cédula 4.0 FZCO, including...

Relatives of foreign victims of the 8 April 2025 tragedy at the JetSet nightclub in Santo Domingo are preparing to file lawsuits against the establishment’s owners in the United States. They have retained national and international law firms to pursue justice. 232 persons, including foreigners, are reported to have died when the roof came crashing down on a full house gathered for a Rubby Perez merengue concert.

The US-based law firm Silva & Silva, P.A. says it has been hired to represent families of victims from the United States and Europe. The firm will collaborate with the Ángel Lockward law firm in the Dominican Republic. As reported, the American experts will travel to the Dominican Republic to conduct a technical investigation alongside local professionals, gathering evidence for the US lawsuit.

“Silva & Silva is actively working with a team of...

The Dominican Republic Roman Catholic Church will not be represented in the Vatican Conclave 2025 to choose the next Pope. The current Dominican cardinal is Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez, archbishop emeritus for Santo Domingo. He will not be included on grounds of his age. He is 88 years old. He also is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease with significant physical limitations.

Jesuit priest Pablo Mella recently speculated the cardinals are inclined towards choosing a more conservative priest, as reported in Noticias SIN. He said a first black Pope could be chosen.

The rules to participate in the Conclave 2025 require less than 80 years of age. The Conclave is scheduled to start on 7 May, with expectations that the new Pope will be named in two or three days.

The Vatican News reports that 135 cardinals were eligible to vote for the next Pope, but for health reasons two...

Born in Italy, Martha Thayer early on married American corporate businessman, James (Jimmy) Thayer and became Martha Thayer. A long time Santo Domingo resident, she was known as a connector and cultural promoter, and for her love of the Dominican Republic and its people.

On 28 April 2025, she passed away in her lovely Colonial City house. She could have lived anywhere in the world, but chose to stay in the Colonial City after widowing because she loved the Colonial City and she loved the cultural life she enjoyed with her friends in the Dominican Republic. She would say frequently, “I am the Colonial City.” She was very active until blinded by failing eyesight that put a damper on her usually active life.

Martha Thayer would help many Dominicans to get to know the best of the Colonial City. She knew the historic city’s traditions, and frequently introduced these to her...

Juan Soto / Diario Libre

Fernando Tatis Jr, Juan Soto, Manny Machado and veteran Robinson Cano are all possible candidates for the key role of captain of the DR team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The last and only time the DR has won the World Baseball Classic was in 2013, when Robinson Cano was the captain of the team. He also served as captain in 2017 and as co-captain in 2023 with Manny Machado.

The United States already announced that Aaron Judge would be the captain of the US team. And Puerto Rico said that Francisco Lindor would be their captain.

An analysis in El Dia by sportswriter Bienvenido Carmona Jr concludes that the two individuals who deserve the position the most are Manny Machado and Juan Soto. Juan Soto played in the 2023 team.

The manager of the team is Cooperstown Hall of Fame slugger Albert Pujols, and the general manager is...

Ryni Merab Mondesi Arias and Cristal Mercedes Núnez on their way to Japan / El Día

The Dominican Republic is in the top ten of women’s volleyball around the world. To keep its elite status, for years the best emerging players receive the opportunity to undergo the intense training available to the best in Japan. The Proyecto de Seleccion director, Milagros Cabral announced the departure of two emerging talents — Ryni Merab Mondesi Arias and Cristal Mercedes Núnez. The two were chosen by the coaches of Japanese volleyball schools that visited here.

The two potential volleyball stars traveled to Japan to begin their training in what is regarded as the most demanding training program in the world for women volleyball players.

Milagros Cabral, herself a past captain of the Reinas del Caribe women’s volleyball team, said: “These two young girls are leaving focused on this...

The Wings for Life World Run international inclusive fun race is taking place in Santo Domingo on Sunday, 4 May 2025 with the course set for the Mirador Park, a popular running and walking venue. Instead of a finish line, competitors race side by side to keep ahead of the Virtual Catcher Car.

The event takes place simultaneously in 169 countries. The race is in its 11th year and is open to runners, walkers and wheelchair participants.

The Santo Domingo route is a flat track from kilometer 0 to kilometer 4 with a return turn, for a total of 8 kilometers.

People are invited to meet up with friends, download the Wings for Life World Run App and join all the other people running until the Virtual Catcher Car catches you of course. The race starts at 7am. The Virtual Catcher Car takes off 30 minutes after the start at 14 km/h and steadily increases its speed...

The Broadway-style musical, “Celia, The Musical” is booked for the Carlos Piantini Hall of the National Theater this coming Saturday, 5 July 2025. This is a Spanish production starring Cuban-Spanish artist Lucrecia in the role of the legendary Cuban singer and performer. An orchestra of 16 musicians, conducted by Braily Ramos, will interpret hit songs by Celia Cruz to celebrate her centenary anniversary.

The world touring musical first premiered in Miami, Florida in December 2024.

Read more and book tickets:

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30 April 2025

President Luis Abinader used his weekly press conference platform to present the Ministry of Education’s new STEAM focus, an evolution of STEM platform to include the arts in addition to strengthening of mathematics and sciences skills in Dominican public schools.

President Abinader invited to the Presidential Palace presentation dozens of students that recently scored high in regional robotics contests.

President Abinader and Education Minister Miguel de Camps highlighted how these are the students that will make up the workforce for the country to tackle levels of the semiconductor manufacturing process.

President Luis Abinader says he will convene former Presidents Danilo Medina, Hipolito Mejia and Leonel Fernandez to a meeting to seek harmony regarding the extraordinary measures the Dominican Republic needs to take to deal with the worsening of the multidimensional crisis in Haiti. He made the statement during the 28 April 2025 press conference.

Former President Leonel Fernandez has called for national talks and criticized the government saying that the political parties are just being asked to rubber stamp what the government has already decided.

Meanwhile, others say these are not times for talk but for action. The Abinader government is implementing a 15-point plan to bolster border security and reduce migratory pressures.

The lack of global interest in helping Haiti counter the gang control of the capital city that is spreading to the rest of the country leaves the...

President Luis Abinader said the situation of Haiti came up in the brief conversation with US President Donald Trump when the two met for the first time during the Pope Francisco funeral in Rome. President Abinader said that Trump spoke of liking the Dominican Republic, where he has played golf in the past. He also spoke of the Dominican Republic doing well and mentioned Haiti. Abinader said Trump told him: “You are doing well, the country is doing well.” Then he said Trump lamented what is happening in Haiti and said the situation in Haiti is critical.

When Abinader mentioned the Summit of the Americas that the DR expects to host in December 2025 in Punta Cana, Trump said he expects to come for the summit. The Summit of the Americas is organized jointly with the US State Department.

The statement by the US President confirms the Dominican Republic, that shares a 391 km land border with Haiti, is practically on its own to deal with the critical situation in Haiti. The...

Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez said that the Dominican Republic is in a good position to negotiate the 10% tariff the United States has levied on Dominican exports. He made the remarks when asked to tell about the results of the first meeting in Washington, D.C. he attended last week at the US Trade Representative Office together with Industry & Commerce Minister Victor (Ito) Bisonó and Minister of Hacienda Jose Manuel (Jochi) Vicente.

The high-ranking Dominican mission met with the leading authorities of the USTR to discuss the new tariffs. Alvarez said that given the considerable US trade surplus with the Dominican Republic, the country hopes to negotiate for the removal of the tariff that mainly impacts free zone exports.

Read...

Almost 40,000 Dominicans were naturalized as US citizens in the United States in the US Fiscal Year 2024 (September 2023 to October 2024), according to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) statistics. El Dia reports that the Dominican Republic is the fourth country in number of nationalized citizens. The Dominican and the US constitutions allow for dual citizenship.

USCIS says that the average number of years of a Dominican before becoming a citizen was 9.8.

During the FY 2024, 878,500 persons became US citizens. Of these, Mexican nationals lead with 107,700 new citizens. Next are citizens of India (49,700), the Philippines (41,200), Dominican Republic (39,900) and Cuba (33,700).

Except for Cuba, there is a stark difference in the population numbers of the abovementioned countries when compared to the 11 million...

Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful favored a crackdown on helmet non-compliance during her Monday, 28 April 2025 press conference. While most motorcyclists in the capital city use helmets, those in interior provinces do not, despite the rule being the same for all the country.

Speaking at a press conference following the weekly Citizen Security Plan meeting, Minister Raful emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of responsibility among motorcyclists. “If citizens do not comply with the law and take personal responsibility for their safety, the authorities are limited in their efforts,” she stated, as reported in Listin Diario.

Raful noted that over 75% of traffic fatalities involve motorcyclists, a trend she described as unacceptable. “We cannot continue to lose lives on our roads. That’s why we’re implementing stronger measures, not...

President Luis Abinader confirmed during the 28 April 2025 press conference that the late Peruvian Noble Prize-winning author Mario Vargas Llosa never took on Dominican nationality. The Abinader office had made the offer but the paperwork was never submitted. During the press conference, Abinader explained this was most likely do to health issues.

Read more in Spanish:

• CDN
• La Semanal 28 April 2025 press conference –

Travel has been down in February and March after record setting months in 2023 and 2024. Analysts observe this is because the vacations that were not had in 2020, 2021 and 2022 were had in 2023 and 2024. Another reason cited is that this year, Easter Week happened in April, not March. Travel to the DR in February and March for the first time did not set new records.

The same is happening in the United States. Analysts in the United States are concerned of the impact of new restrictions, trade wars and war in general can have on the tourism industry. What happens in the United States is of concern to the US because of the close trade, tourism, remittances and foreign investment relationships.

Analysts are pointing to the uncertainties caused by the continuing wars and the disruptions in the economy delivered during the first months of the Trump administration, impacting both travel from the United States and Canada. The overall conclusion, nevertheless, is that US inbound...

Monday, 5 May 2025 will be a holiday in the Dominican Republic. It commemorates Labor Day that actually falls on Thursday, 1 May but the holiday will be moved to the following Monday. The change of the Labor Day off-time creates a long weekend.

Take special care to avoid traveling at times when people may be headed for vacations out of the cities.

The long weekend is also a good time for shopping and enjoying the cities because of the reduced traffic congestion.

Read More:

• DR1 News
• Noticias SIN

The Ministry of Tourism reports on the success of the promotional presentations in Houston, Texas at the Marriott Marquis Downtown on 22 April 2025 and Chicago, Illinois at The Palmer House on 26 April 2025 to promote Dominican tourism. The Ministry reports over 700 travel agents and tour operators participated in the roadshows held to boost visitor numbers to the country.

“Our efforts to ensure that more tourists continue choosing our beautiful country as their favorite vacation destination are unwavering,” Minister Collado told the packed audience of travel professionals during his presentation in Houston. “That’s why we’re here with all of you.”

The Houston event drew over 450 agents and operators, strengthening the Dominican Republic’s presence in a city crucial to Dominican tourism. In 2024, nearly 156,000 tourists arrived in the country from Texas via air travel...

The Ministry of Tourism and the National Hotel & Tourism Association (Asonahores) are hosting the Dominican Annual Travel Exchange (DATE) this 14 to 16 May 2025 in Punta Cana. This is the premier event for booking Dominican tourism vacations and complementary services and products. The event will take place at the Barcelo Bavaro Convention Center, centrally located in Punta Cana, La Altagracia.

Business meetings are set up through an online platform and Asonahores reports that appointments in 2024 were 8,398, up 88% compared to the previous year.

In 2024, the event hosted 500 supplier delegates and 340 buyers, marking a historic milestone. Participants include regional associations of tourism companies, national and international hotel chains operating in the country, golf courses, destination management companies, tourism destinations, excursion companies, hotels, airlines, tourism...

During his address as keynote speaker at the American Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos Echavarría presented a strategic overview of the country’s energy, mining, and hydrocarbon sectors, highlighting these as drivers of sustainable development.

Among his key points, he said that electrical transmission infrastructure will be upgraded with US$450 million in planned investments. He also mentioned that the government is investing US$200 million annually in distribution networks that seek to reduce energy losses, improve service quality, and universalize electricity access. An estimated 64,000 households are currently connected to the power grid.

He spoke proudly of the country’s expanding and diversifying energy matrix. He said by 2028, there will be a 54% increase in installed thermal capacity supplying the National Interconnected Electrical System (SENI). Over 2,100 MW of new thermal power plants are under development for 2025-2028...

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Relations has confirmed the official meetings of Sergey Lavrov to Santo Domingo on Wednesday, 30 April 2025. He is scheduled to meet with President Luis Abinader and Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez. During his visit, he will inaugurate the Russian Embassy in the capital city.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Relations says the visit marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing:

“During the talks with the Dominican partners, the prospects for developing bilateral cooperation, including enhancing political dialogue, increasing cooperation in trade, economic, investment, tourism, cultural, and humanitarian fields, and, of course, strengthening the legal framework are expected to be discussed. The parties plan to consider...

The Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) has issued a warning about regulatory backsliding and institutional tensions that are undermining press freedom in the Dominican Republic, according to its latest mid-year report.

The regional body highlighted the persistence of legal uncertainties, the lack of progress in modernizing the legal framework governing communication, and the emergence of legislative proposals that could restrict independent journalism.

Diario Libre reports on the critical points of concern cited by the regional press entity. These are:• Outdated media law reform: A critical issue is the proposed reform of Law 6132 on Expression and Dissemination of Thought, which has been in effect since 1962. Although a draft bill was prepared by a special commission two years ago, it remains under review by the Legal Counsel of the Executive Branch. In March, President Luis...

In a significant diplomatic encounter, US President Donald Trump and Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader met in person for the first time at the Vatican See, during the funeral ceremonies of Pope Francisco. This meeting underscores the importance of bilateral relations between the two nations and marks a new chapter in their political dialogue. The conversation was witnessed by First Lady Raquel Arbaje.

The Dominican Republic is preparing to host the 10th US-sponsored Summit of the Americas. The event is scheduled to take place in Punta Cana yet the US Department of State has not confirmed the agenda or dates.

President Abinader’s attendance at the papal funeral provided the occasion for this unprecedented gathering. The Presidency of the Dominican Republic reported that the leaders seized the opportunity to comment on topics of mutual interest...

During the spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG), the agency presented the Regional Economic Outlook for the Western Hemisphere, and it showed the Dominican Republic in a glowing light. For 2025, the IMF says that the country will see a 4 to 4.5% increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and this is only behind the 5.5% of Argentina.

However, for 2026, the world’s monetary watchdog says that the Dominican’s forecast 4.8% will be above Argentina’s 4.5%, giving the DR the highest forecast for the entire Western Hemisphere. The forecast for 2026 for the Central American region is Costa Rica 3.4%, El Salvador 2.5%, Guatemala 3.8%, Honduras 3.4%, Nicaragua 3.2%, Panama 4.0% and the DR 4.8%.

According to the IMF, the regional GDP growth will be just 2.0% a slight decline from 2024 when the GDP growth was set at 2.4%, mainly...

The world continues to pressure the Dominican Republic to unilaterally take on more of the heavy burden of the multidimensional crisis in Haiti. Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez recently stated at the National Security Council the complicity of the elite in Haiti that operate two private ports in Haiti and how the gangs are better fit with modern weaponry than the Haitian police. The weapons are known to come from the United States.

Left alone to deal with the turmoil in Haiti, last week, the Dominican government stepped up measures to reduce the Haitian migratory pressure. The government sent more soldiers to the border.

At the same time, the government sent another message to discourage Haitians from the free use of medical services in the Dominican Republic. For the first time in decades, the government began to restrict the free medical services offered...

Inspired by the Taimascaros carnival group in Puerto Plata, the typical costume to be worn by Miss World Dominicana, Mayra Delgado, at the competition in Telangana, India this coming 31 May 2025, is sure to draw a lot of attention. Based on Taino and African cultural roots, the outfit is called “Golden Roots” by the designer, Puerto Plata native Yanco Souffront. The costume gives due homage to the Dominican mixed heritage of native Indian, European and African culture.

Mariasela Alvarez, the Dominican Republic’s first and only Miss World (1982) interviewed Mayra Delgado on her Esta Noche con Mariasela variety show and presented photos of the outstanding costume for the 2025 event to be held in India. The 23-year old Delgado has a modeling agency, is a reporter for Univision, and is carrying out a business management at the Tecnologico de Monterrey. She is a community leader and directs ONGs to support and breast cancer prevention groups.

Mayra Delgado told Alvarez she sees...

The National Transport and Transit Agency (Intrant) has announced a tender process is underway to find a company to manage the full service of issuing new driver’s licenses in the Dominican Republic. The current contract with DeKolor is said to expire in 2025, yet a Diario Libre editorial speculates that it is unlikely the Jose Angel (Jochi) Gomez-owned company will lose the contract. Gomez, who was accused of being a terrorist by incumbent Intrant director Milton Morrison when traffic lights were disconnected from the platform, recently appeared on Somos Pueblo YouTube channel where he extolled irregularities in government.

Diario Libre had reported on 24 April 2025 that the contract for RD$8.17 billion encompasses a package of digital licensing, simulators, vehicles and biometric security.

Intrant emphasizes that the Dominican government will not invest any public...

The Attorney General’s Office (PGR) has issued new instructions prioritizing the investigation of migrant trafficking rings, particularly those involving public officials and security forces.

The “General Instructions for Investigations into Illicit Trafficking in Migrants,” released on April 25th, come alongside the creation of a specialized unit dedicated to investigating migrant trafficking and related crimes. This unit, the Unit for Investigating Illicit Trafficking in Migrants and Related Offenses (UITIMC), was established by the Superior Council of the Public Ministry at the suggestion of the Executive Branch.

The instructions explicitly direct prosecutors nationwide to prioritize cases where there is intelligence or evidence suggesting the involvement of public officials, police officers, or military personnel in migrant trafficking structures. This includes...

A shadow of doubt is cast over the new Chamber of Accounts member, Francisco Franco. Diario Libre reports that the lawyer was selected despite having been immersed in a conflict of interest legal battle over state-funded contract to defend former officials accused of corruption.

Diario Libre explains that the cloud of controversy surrounding the new member of the Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Accounts, Francisco Franco dates back to a previous Chamber of Accounts membership.

Diario Libre reports that Francisco Franco Soto was sworn in as a member of the Chamber of Accounts by the Senate last week despite the ongoing legal battle regarding a contract he had signed to defend former Chamber president Hugo Francisco Álvarez Pérez (2017-2021) and two other members accused of “doctoring audits.”

The legal services to defend Álvarez Pérez, Félix Álvarez Rivera, and...

The agents from the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) seized 993 packs of what is presumed to be raw cocaine late last week. The raid came after intelligence sources pinpointed a motor launch moored at the Ocean 21 Marina in Cap Cana. A search was carried out and drugs were found in the bow and under the bench on the boat bridge. The inspection also seized cash in pesos and dollars, a satellite telephone, a Glock .40 cal., several cell phones, and a Honda Accord. Two Puerto Ricans and a Dominican were arrested. The alleged criminals were found at a vllla in Cap Cana.

According to the DNCD, these alleged criminals have ties to the international drug trafficking organization headed by Serbian Nikola Boros, a.k.a. Antun Mrdeza, who is being sought by Interpol after escaping from Colombian custody in an operation that included armed rebels. Boros is...

The Presidency has established a new entity to provide comprehensive support to families affected by the tragic roof collapse at the JetSet nightclub in the early hours of 8 April 2025. This initiative introduces a socio-family intervention protocol led by Supérate, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, the Cabinet for Childhood and Adolescence (GANA), the National Council for Childhood and Adolescence (Conani), and the Single Beneficiary System (Siuben).

A survey conducted by the commission identified primary needs among the affected families, including psychological and economic assistance, caregiving personnel, official guardianship for minors, legal representation, and counseling. Many families have also requested financial support for older adults, individuals with disabilities, minors, and mothers who were dependent on the fatal...

The Dominican legal system is notably slow and many times inhumane, concludes Nuria Piera after interviewing several legal experts for their opinion on the 232 deaths and numerous injured persons impacted by the collapse of the roof of the popular nightclub, JetSet Club on 8 April 2025. Piera looks into the possible consequences ahead for what is described as “the tragedy of the century” in the Dominican Republic.

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28 April 2025