DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Minister Roberto Alvarez and Luis Fidel Yañez / CEPAL

The Dominican Republic has been officially designated as the host for the 41st Session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), scheduled to take place from 7 to 9 October 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Relations announces. Santiago de los Caballeros, the second largest city and a key economic hub for the Cibao region. The selection was formalized during a meeting in Chile between Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and ECLAC Secretary of the Commission Luis Fidel Yáñez in the name of ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs.

The 41st Session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is its most important biennial meeting. The accord penned on Tuesday, 10 March at ECLAC’s central offices in Santiago, Chile details the...

Mauricio de Vengoechea and President Luis Abinader / Diario Libre

Utilizing a legal framework dating back to the Trujillo era, President Luis Abinader has granted Dominican citizenship via “privileged naturalization” to 22 prominent foreign figures during his administration, Diario Libre reports. The list of beneficiaries spans a diverse spectrum, including former heads of state, political consultants, religious leaders, and cultural icons.

Under Law 1683 of 1948, the President of the Republic holds the authority to bypass standard immigration procedures to confer nationality upon individuals who have made “extraordinary contributions” to the nation’s social or economic fabric.

Records from the Legal Executive Branch reveal that Abinader has utilized this executive power more frequently than his predecessor. In his nearly six years in...

A staggering 70% of motorcyclists in the Dominican Republic fail their written driver’s test on the first attempt, according to new data from the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant). Milton Morrison, director of Intrant, shared the figure in an interview with Diario Libre.

The figures confirm a harsh reality clear to anyone driving in the Dominican Republic. The vast majority of motorcyclists blatantly violate the rules of the road. For decades, authorities have allowed motorcyclists to do so, so these have not had any need to learn the rules.

The revelation now comes following the implementation of a new licensing system launched on 2 March 2026. Motorcyclists are being encouraged to get their licenses.

Under the direction of Milton Morrison, Intrant has replaced previous shortcuts with a stringent four-step process:• A mandatory...

The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reported Wednesday, 11 March 2026 that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by a marginal 0.03% in February 2026. This stability marks 34 consecutive months that year-over-year inflation has remained within the government’s target range.

According to the official report, annual inflation settled at 4.67%, a decrease of 31 basis points from the 4.98% recorded in January. The figure remains firmly within the target of 4.0% ± 1.0% established in the nation’s monetary program, a streak maintained since May 2023.

Food supply normalizes after weather disruptionsThe BCRD attributed the month’s stable performance to a recovery in the supply of high-consumption staples. Prices for fresh chicken, various types of plantains, and other agricultural products saw reductions as production normalized following heavy rains and the...

A unified bloc of opposition political parties has filed a formal challenge before the Constitutional Court (TC), alleging that the 2026 National Budget Law is unconstitutional for failing to index the tax-free salary threshold for private-sector employees.

The coalition argues that by freezing the income tax brackets despite rising inflation, the government is effectively imposing a “hidden tax” on workers that by law would be protected through the automatic indexing of the tax-exempt base.

The constitutional “gatekeeper”The success of this challenge rests on navigating the Constitutional Court’s increasingly strict criteria for review. Throughout early 2026, the TC has reinforced its role as a specialized protector of fundamental rights rather than a “super-Supreme Court.”

According to recent jurisprudence, including Sentencia...

Omar Fernández / Acento

National District Senator Omar Fernández, representing the opposition Fuerza del Pueblo party, has officially reintroduced a legislative proposal to eliminate the mandatory Income Tax (ISR) advance payment, locally known as el anticipo, for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The bill seeks to overhaul a controversial tax mechanism that requires businesses to pay taxes based on projected future earnings rather than actual realized profits. Fernández argues that this system “permanently decapitalizes” emerging businesses, forcing them to divert critical liquidity away from operations and investment to meet government mandates.

According to the senator, the burden of pre-paid taxes creates a precarious financial environment for the backbone of the Dominican economy. Data cited in the proposal highlights the following:• Market...

The recent meeting of the PLD Central Committee was ostensibly about the registration of eight presidential hopefuls, most notably the return of Gonzalo Castillo, who has been largely invisible since 2020. However, the real story lies in the structural shifts that further consolidate power within the party’s elite, political analyst Yanessi Espinal writes.

The official list of the eight approved pre-candidates includes Francisco Javier García, Francisco Domínguez Brito, and Charles Mariotti, who had previously expressed their interest. They are joined by Gonzalo Castillo, Ramón Ventura Camejo, Luis de León, Manfred Mata, and Mario Bruno Gonzales.

PLD Party vice president Ariel Jimenez and 2024 presidential candidate Abel Martinez, both who had expressed their interest in being considered for the candidacy, were not included in the recent list. Gonzalo Castillo was not...

The Utah Jazz are planning to try out the Dominican national team player Andersson Garcia for a limited stretch. The team officially announced the signing of Dominican forward Andersson Garcia to a 10-day contract on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. The move comes on the heels of Garcia’s breakout performance in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers, where he helped lead the Dominican Republic to a historic victory over the United States.

On 26 February 2026, the Dominican national team stunned the basketball world by defeating Team USA 87-79 at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California. It marked the first time the Dominican Republic had beaten the US senior team in a qualifying match since 1989.

Garcia, a 6’7? forward known for his relentless rebounding, was a central figure in the upset. He recorded 14 points and 7 rebounds (6-of-6 from the field) in 22 minutes of play. His...

It was a toque de queda (curfew) with Dominican streets quiet as families and friends tuned into “the game.” Team DR secured a hard-fought 7-5 victory over Venezuela at the IoanDepot ball park in Miami, Florida and moved to the quarterfinals with a first round 2026 WBC record 13 home runs.

Albert Pujols and Nelson Cruz’s team got the job done in Pool D to clinch the group 4-0. The win means Team DR will face South Korea on Friday (6:30pm ET). Quarterfinal games are scheduled for the IoanDepot ball park in Miami, Florida.

Venezuela now gets to face formidable reigning champion Japan (winner of three WBCs – 2006, 2009, 2023) on Saturday. Japan, Italy and the Dominican Republic are the only teams to have won all their games in their pools.

For the game against Venezuela, the Dominican Republic needed all its runs, six pitchers and all the fan support in...

Sheilly Núñez Guerrero / Acento

The Dominican Republic Association of Shippers (ANRD) has strengthened its leadership ranks with the appointment of Sheilly Núñez Guerrero as Executive Vice President. Previously, she was legal advisor at the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom).

With a track record of regulatory expertise, Núñez Guerrero steps into the role at a pivotal moment as the nation seeks to modernize its port infrastructure and logistics capabilities.

A native of Santo Domingo, Núñez Guerrero’s career has been defined by a series of high-level academic achievements. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) with honors from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), where she also completed postgraduate studies in Corporate and Business Law.

Her expertise extends into the geopolitical arena; she earned the title of International Relations Analyst from the...

President Luis Abinader traveled on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 to Chile to participate in the inaugural ceremony of new Chilean leader, Jose Antonio Kast Rist. He is accompanied by First Lady Raquel Arbaje, Minister of Foreign Relations Roberto Alvarez and his daughter Adriana Abinader Arbaje.

The Presidency reports Abinader attended on 10 March a first protocol greeting at La Moneda Palace.

Following the greeting, the head of state attended a reception for heads of state and government hosted by outgoing President Gabriel Boric for the invited international delegations.

The official agenda continues on Wednesday, 11 March with the presidential inaugural and the swearing-in of the new cabinet. The event will take place at the National Congress in Valparaíso, where José Antonio Kast will receive the presidential sash and formally assume...

The Dominican Republic has officially launched its first Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Attraction Plan for ICT Companies 2026–2036, a decade-long roadmap designed to position the nation as a premier regional center for high-value digital services.

The initiative, presented by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to integrate the country into the global value chains of the burgeoning digital economy.

A Vision for nearshoring and innovationDuring the launch event on 10 March 2026, Minister Eduardo “Yayo” Sanz Lovatón emphasized that the strategy capitalizes on the global trend of supply chain relocation. He noted that the country’s stability and geographic advantages make it a “world-class tech hub” candidate.

“The Dominican Republic stands out as a reliable...

The Dominican Republic is moving to solidify its role in the global high-tech supply chain. On 2 March 2026, Minister of Industry and Commerce (MICM), Yayo Sanz Lovatón, unveiled a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming the Caribbean nation into a competitive destination for semiconductor and microelectronics manufacturing.

The announcement centered on the report “Analysis of the Enabling Environment for the Semiconductor and Microelectronics Industries in the Dominican Republic,” developed in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In 2024, the Dominican Republic had declared the development of its domestic semiconductor ecosystem to be a “high national priority”, aiming to capitalize on shifts in the global semiconductor supply chain towards greater diversification and resilience.

This report, released on...

The surge in consumer loan arrears to 4.65% in January 2026 represents a significant departure from the relative stability seen throughout 2025. While the 2025 average for the entire financial system remained low, the consumer sector began showing signs of stress toward the end of the year. The delinquency numbers focus on personal loans and credit cards and do not include mortgages nor business loans.

The current 4.65% morosity rate for consumer loans is nearly double the average seen for the general credit portfolio in 2025. The annual average as of November 2025 was at 1.9%, according to the Superintendence of Banks.

Throughout 2025, the Superintendency of Banks (SB) and the Central Bank noted that while the general morosity index hovered around 1.9%, the consumer segment, specifically credit cards and personal loans, was consistently...

In a historic shift for the Dominican financial landscape, women have officially overtaken men in the total number of active bank borrowers, the Superintendence of Banks reports. According to the latest figures from the Dominican Banking Market Information System (SIMBAD), the gender gap in credit access has closed for the first time, signaling a significant leap in financial inclusion.

As of January 2026, the number of women with formal credit reached 1,311,792, a 42% increase compared to the 925,670 recorded in January 2021. This milestone was first reached in November 2025 and has since held steady, with women currently outnumbering men in the credit market by a margin of 3,579.

The report, titled Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Financial System 2025 and published by the Superintendency of Banks (SB), highlights that women are also leading the charge as first-time...

The JetBlue system outage on 10 March 2026 caused significant operational disruptions across the Dominican Republic after the nationwide ground stop in the United States for around an hour. Because JetBlue is one of the largest international carriers serving the country, the brief technical glitch created a ripple effect of delays and cancellations at Dominican airports.

The outage contributed to a broader day of travel disruption in the region, with JetBlue seeing high cancellation rates at its primary Dominican hubs. The airports with impacted flights were:• Santiago (STI): This airport saw the heaviest impact for JetBlue, with reports indicating 14 cancellations, representing approximately 56% of the airline’s scheduled flights for the day.• Santo Domingo (SDQ): At Las Américas International, JetBlue experienced 9 cancellations, affecting roughly 37% of its operations at that terminal.•...

Global rap sensation Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar) was in Castañuelas in the Monte Cristi province visiting her paternal grandparents after many years of absence.

Cardi B’s visit to the Dominican Republic serves as a brief respite for the multi-hyphenate star. Known as a rapper, singer, actress, and entrepreneur, her rise to fame is often cited as a quintessential “rags-to-riches.” Her stage name, “Cardi B,” is a shortened version of her childhood nickname, Bacardi.

Cardi B was raised in The Bronx, New York. She has been vocal about a turbulent youth involving street gangs and her experiences as a survivor of domestic violence. After gaining a massive following on social media starting in 2013, she transitioned into television, starring in the sixth season of Love & Hip Hop: New York.

The 34-year old highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and...

In the 2026 World Baseball Classic anyone watching a Team DR match will see that when a player hits a home run is brought a special decorated jacket and a dumbbell made of plantains.

Plantains are a staple food in the DR, and the Dominican breakfast is mashed plantains with salami, cheese and eggs. The Dominican national food (aside from the sancocho stew) is rice, beans, meat and fried plantains.

But how did platano power get to become a symbol of national pride in baseball? In the high-stakes world of international baseball, symbols of national pride usually involve flags or anthems.

The answer is that the “Plátano Power” phenomenon evolved from a spontaneous dugout joke into a global brand of athletic excellence, serving as the definitive cultural calling card for Dominican players on the world stage.

The movement traces back to the 2013 World Baseball Classic (WBC)...

The capital city government of the National District is inviting to watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic Venezuela vs Dominican Republic game on this Wednesday, 11 March at 8pm from a giant screen placed in the Malecon of Santo Domingo. That is, if it does not get rained out. The Dominican Institute of Weather (Indomet) has a green alert for Greater Santo Domingo, San Cristobal, San Jose de Ocoa and Monsenor Nouel. Indomet forecasts rains will fall in the afternoon. It is possible, the rains will have passed by the time the game happens.

The ADN invites to Plaza Santo Domingo, located on the Malecon corner Av. Abraham Lincoln, as of 7pm.

The Dominican Republic has already passed to the quarterfinals. The importance of the game is mostly because the loser will have to play Japan, the team to beat in the WBC, in the next phase. Japan has won three tournaments and is...

Following the Shield of the Americas Summit in Miami, President Luis Abinader outlined the Dominican Republic’s strategic position within this new regional coalition in an interview for El Dia. The initiative, involving 11 other heads of state and the United States, aims to solidify security cooperation across Latin America.

President Abinader affirmed that the Dominican Republic’s role will focus on deepening its existing efforts in regional security and the fight against drug trafficking. “We already maintain a very special role in security matters with intense cooperation; through this program, that collaboration will become even greater,” Abinader stated.

To ensure the initiative’s success, the President announced he will soon appoint a special envoy dedicated exclusively to monitoring and coordinating the program’s progress.

A unified military front against...

Minister Rafael Santos Badía / El Día

The newly appointed Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MESCYT), Rafael Santos Badía, has announced a significant pivot in the government’s plan to reform the educational sector. Instead of proceeding with the immediate merger of MESCYT and the Ministry of Education (MINERD), the Minister will request the National Congress to return the current proposal to allow for a broader “consensus table.” He plans to meet with former presidents (Leonel Fernández, Hipólito Mejía, and Danilo Medina) and business leaders (CONEP) to ensure the reform is a shared national vision.

He made the statements during an interview with TV program D’Agenda. Santos Badia had been director of the Infotep vocational school system of the government before his promotion.

The goal, according to Santos Badía, is to ensure the reform aligns with President Luis...

Rosmery Sosa / NotiRed

Despite government “strategic plans” aimed at curbing gender-based violence, the Dominican Republic has recorded a bloody start to 2026. Data from the Fundación Vida sin Violencia (Life Without Violence Foundation) reveals that at least 18 women were murdered by partners or ex-partners in January and February, representing a staggering 200% increase compared to the six cases reported during the same period in 2025, Diario Libre reports in its coverage of the recent Ministry of Interior and Police press conference.

A trail of violenceThe year’s first victim was 30-year-old Rosmery Sosa, allegedly killed by her spouse on 2 January 2026 in the Gualey sector of the National District. Her death was followed by the shooting of Santa Sepúlveda, a 32-year-old teacher in Yamasá. Family members noted that Sepúlveda had faced constant threats from the aggressor, identified as...

New data from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reveals the widening gap between public and private sector employment, continues to show that government workers earn significantly higher hourly wages while working nearly four hours less per week than the national average, Diario Libre reports.

By the end of 2025, public administration and defense employees saw their workweeks shrink to an average of 36.4 hours during the final quarter. This represents a two-hour drop compared to the same period in 2024 (38.4 hours) and sits well below the national private-sector average of 40.3 hours.

Efficiency vs. earnings: The 10-year shiftThe trend toward shorter days and higher pay in government has been a decade in the making. Since 2015, the average government workweek has decreased from 38.8 hours to approximately 38 hours annually.

Despite this...

Medical experts and environmental advocates are sounding the alarm over a sharp increase in respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in the southern region, attributing the health decline to heavy metal microparticles and toxic gases emitted by floating power barges and coal-fired energy infrastructure.

During a panel discussion held on 9 March 2026 at the Héctor J. Díaz Cultural Center, Dr. Senén Caba, former president of the Dominican Medical College (CMD), presented a grim outlook for the residents of Los Negros and surrounding areas.

According to Dr. Caba, the power generation barges anchored in Los Negros are releasing high concentrations of carbon dioxide and fine particulate matter. These pollutants are directly linked to a spike in chronic conditions among the local population, including:• Chronic bronchitis and asthma: Irritants from fuel...

The Baní Bypass in Peravia province, constructed at a cost of RD$7.7 billion to link the south’s 10 provinces, is under intense scrutiny as experts warn that fundamental weaknesses in its design are directly contributing to a string of fatal accidents since its inauguration in August 2025.

A report in Diario Libre points to the risks for those using the shortcut to the southwest from the capital city and warns people should be aware to avoid becoming a victim.

While the 19.8-kilometer road was intended to modernize regional connectivity, Teodoro Tejada, former president of the Dominican Guild of Engineers, Architects, and Surveyors (CODIA), argues the project was flawed from its inception.

According to Tejada, who audited the engineering of the project, the primary issue is the road’s insufficient capacity. Despite being a major artery for the southern region, the...

On 5 March 5, 2026 the EERI Board of Directors elected Dominican university professor Ashley Morales Cartagena as EERI vice president for 2026. Morales Cartagena has served on EERI’s board of directors since 2023.

Morales Cartagena is a geotechnical engineer and disaster risk reduction professional with over 15 years of experience working across academia, industry, government, and international development. She is the founder and president of GeoRisk Consulting and a professor and researcher at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) in the Dominican Republic, where she previously served as director for four years. At the PUCMM she founded the EERI PUCMM Student Chapter.

She previously led the Disaster Risk Management and Geotechnical Engineering...

The Dominican Republic clinched its pass to the quarterfinals in the 20-team 2026 World Baseball Classic with a victory over Israel. The DR played its third game against Israel on Monday, 9 March 2026. The DR had already defeated Nicaragua (12-3), The Netherlands (12-1) and Israel (10-1).

Head coach Albert Pujols rested star sluggers Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez and Junior Caminero for the 9 March game. Regardless, that game against Israel would again be an extraordinary one for remaining Dominican batters. Seemingly with ants in his pants at his enhanced responsibility in the game, Fernando Tatis Jr delivered six of the 10 runs. MLB reported that the San Diego Padres outfielder hit the first grand slam by a Dominican Republic player in WBC history, setting a team record with six RBIs to lead the DR to its 10-1 victory over Israel at loanDepot park – and the trip to the Classic...

The 2026 World Baseball Classic has unearthed a new sensation, and his name is Lucas Ramirez. While his surname carries significant weight in baseball history, the 20-year-old outfielder made a name for himself as a star for Team Brazil even when that team was not able to win a single game in its pool.

In a tournament defined by national pride, Lucas provided one of its most cinematic moments. During a high-stakes showdown against the United States at Daikin Park, the young phenom sent a leadoff home run deep into the right-field seats off Logan Webb. The blast didn’t just cut the American lead; it served as a loud announcement that the next generation of the Ramirez family had arrived.

Watching from the stands was his father, the legendary Manny Ramirez. Ramirez senior is the two-time World Series champion and a cornerstone of the historic Boston Red Sox teams that featured Pedro...

The Dominican Republic’s tourism sector continues its aggressive upward trajectory, welcoming a record-breaking 1,184,902 visitors in February 2026. The figures represent a 13.1% increase compared to the same month last year, signaling what officials describe as an “extraordinary year”.

Tourism Minister David Collado released the data on Monday, 9 March 2026, during an industry briefing at the Hotel Jaragua. He noted that the current growth far outpaces pre-pandemic levels, showing a 64.2% jump over February 2019.

A breakdown of the arrivalsThe total visitor count is comprised of both air travelers and cruise passengers, both of which saw significant gains:• Air arrivals: 824,172 tourists arrived by air, an 11.3% increase over February 2025.• Cruise passengers: 360,730 visitors arrived by sea, marking a 17.6% rise from last year and a staggering...

The Cibao International Airport (STI) is undergoing a US$200 million transformation designed to double its operational capacity and establish it as one of the most modern in the Caribbean. The Cibao International Airport is an 18 km drive from the city center of Santiago, the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. It is less than an hour’s drive from key tourism attractions on the north coast.

Félix García, chairman of the Airport’s board of directors, recently led a supervision tour of the site, highlighting that the expansion is currently integrating advanced commercial areas, expanded waiting lounges, and next-generation technological systems, Diario Libre reported.

The overhaulThe project, which serves as the primary gateway for the country’s northern region, aims to modernize the passenger experience through more efficient circulation zones and high-tech...

President Luis Abinader has officially sanctioned the development of the Playa Grande International Airport in the province of María Trinidad Sánchez, marking a significant infrastructure addition to the country’s burgeoning luxury tourism sector, Diario Libre reports.

Issued via Decree 115-26 on 19 February 2026, the mandate authorizes the construction of a private, non-commercial terminal located near the prestigious Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club on the Río San Juan–Cabrera highway. The project is backed by the commercial entity Fincas Serranía, S.R.L., with high-profile investors including former Major League Baseball star Alex Rodriguez.

Unlike the nation’s primary hubs, this facility is designated strictly for private international flights. Key operational constraints include:• Non-commercial status: The airport is prohibited from hosting regular...

Playa Los Patos / Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet published in February 2026 a list of 13 beaches that highlight the diverse coastal beauty of the Caribbean. The beaches range from bustling tourist hubs to remote, untouched sanctuaries.

Lonely Planet emphasizes that the Caribbean offers much more than just a place to sunbathe; it is a destination for world-class reef diving, expert-level surfing, and tranquil escapes into nature. The list showcases how different islands cater to specific travel desires, whether it’s the convenience of a resort-lined peninsula or the seclusion of a beach reachable only by boat or rugged trail.

The article also underscores the unique geographic features that set these shorelines apart, such as the dramatic volcanic backdrops of St. Lucia or the freshwater rivers that merge with the sea in the Dominican Republic. Beyond the physical beauty, the story...

The biggest rivalry in world football is coming to the Caribbean. This coming Saturday, 14 March 2026, the Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez will host the “Noche de Leyendas” (Night of Legends), featuring iconic former players from FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30pm in what will serve as the official grand reopening of the national stadium following extensive renovations for the upcoming 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Organized by CBR Productions in coordination with FC Barcelona and the Real Madrid Ex-Players Association, the event marks the first time this historic rivalry will be played on Dominican soil.

A star-studded lineupThe event marks the first time a veteran Clásico has been held in the Dominican Republic. Fans will have the rare opportunity to see World Cup winners and Champions League icons return to the pitch. Among the announced...

President Luis Abinader was one of 12 heads of government of the Americas meeting in Florida with US President Donald Trump. At a time when the world is focused on the US and Israel war in Iran and the Middle East, the US President had invited the 12 heads of government from Latin America and the Caribbean to the meeting to create a regional coalition to foster US interests in the Americas. While the White House (in Washington, DC) was the official organizer of the event, the actual gatherings took place at the Trump National Doral Miami golf resort in Florida on Saturday, 7 March 2026.

President Donald Trump hosted the Caribbean and Latin American leaders to discuss regional security, particularly regarding cartels and foreign influence. The meeting came just days after US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had hosted a summit on drug trafficking enforcement with Latin...

President Luis Abinader had an intense weekend as he traveled to Miami, Florida in time to spend time with the DR Team that is competing in the World Baseball Classic. President Abinader was seen in the Dominican dugout at the loanDepot Park during the game played and won on Friday, 6 March 2026 against Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic.

The next day, President Abinader attended the Saturday, 7 March 2026 Shield of the Americas Summit invited by US President Donald Trump. Abinader and Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez, who accompanied the President, also took advantage of the visit to advance in the trade and security talks with US officials and the regional heads of government, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Relations.

The other attending heads of government were:For the Caribbean: President Luis Abinader (Dominican Republic), President Mohamed...

President Luis Abinader was back in Santo Domingo after attending the Trump administration Shield of the Americas Summit in Miami, Florida on 7 March 2026 and made it in time to be present for the 41st edition of the Medal of Merit for Dominican Women. This is the government’s annual event to recognize female leadership and contributions to national development.

During the ceremony held at the National Theater’s Carlos Piantini Hall, 22 women were distinguished for their impact across sectors including science, politics, sports, and community service. The event marked the celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026 and the Minerva Mirabal centenary. Minerva Mirabal was one of three sisters murdered during the Trujillo dictatorship. The murder served as that last drop of water that filled the glass and motivated the...

The Tax Agency (DGII) was able to collect RD$72.09 billion in taxes in February 2026, a RD$6.10 billion increase from a year ago, and 2.1% above the amount forecasted in the 2026 National Budget by RD$1.5 billion.

So far, in 2026, the DGII has collected RD$166.85 billion, some 10.3% more than 2025 and 2.3% more than projected in the budget.

Reportedly, the ITBIS (the Dominican sales/VAT tax) provided RD$19.22 billion or 9% of the total income. Taxes on corporate income brought in RD$14.57 billion, and Income tax brought in RD$13 billion.

While all this money is entering the government coffers, Minister of Hacienda Magin Diaz announced that his office is working on a legislative proposal that would eliminate some of the more obsolete taxes, correct tax abuses, and make life easier for those who wish to comply with their tax obligations. He is also proposing that all the...

Law 98-25, which covers solid waste, requires the elimination of single-use plastic bags in the Dominican Republic. As a result, businesses are studying just how to deal with this situation via a set of regulations that will allow for the implementation of the law whose application has been postponed to give the business sector more time.

A spokesperson for the National Organization of Commercial Enterprises (ONEC) reported that a meeting was scheduled with representatives of the Ministry of the Environment, the plastics manufacturers, and the commercial sector. The idea is to come up with a set of rules that can be followed by all of the commercial entities, not just the supermarkets and big stores, but also the street vendors, colmados, and pharmacies.

The key point is that Article 27 of the law modifies part of the former Law 225-20 on solid waste...

The National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant) has announced that citizens can begin scheduling appointments online starting Monday, 9 March 2026, to streamline the driver’s license issuance and renewal process.

By implementing mandatory pre-scheduling, Intrant aims to eliminate the “first-come, first-served” bottlenecks that have frustrated drivers in recent weeks in an attempt to return to the expedited service of the past contractor.

While the previous system typically allowed motorists to complete renewals in approximately one hour, the change in the contractor for the license renewals has resulted in long delays.

Intrant says the new digital platform, accessible via www.intrant.gob.do , is designed to restore efficiency by allowing users to pre-program their visits and select specific time slots.

How the system should workTo secure a slot, users must...

A persistent and unstable weather pattern is affecting the Caribbean, primarily driven by troughs that are bringing significant moisture and thunderstorms to the region.

The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) and the Center for Emergency Operations (COE) have announced that residents in the Dominican Republic can expect a week of rainstorms.

Indomet issued yellow alerts for several provinces, forecasting heavy rains and potential flooding for Greater Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, Monte Plata, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Duarte, Samana, San Jose de Ocoa, Sanchez Ramirez and Maria Trinidad Sanchez.

The authorities have issued weather alerts to warn the population of the risk of urban flooding and sudden rises in rivers and streams for the southern, central and northeastern provinces.

Likewise, small and medium-sized vessels are advised to remain in port on both...

The World Baseball Classic (WBC) brings together national all-star teams from 20 nations around the globe. In the first stage of group play, there are five-team groups playing in Tokyo, Japan and in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Houston, Texas, and Miami, Florida. The semi-final and final game are to be played in Miami’s Loan Depot Park on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Team Dominican Republic, competing in Pool D (Israel, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Dominican Republic), won its first game by a score of 12-3 against Nicaragua on Friday, 6 March 2026. However, the old saying that “a baseball is round but it comes in a square box,” meaning anything can happen, was certainly visible during the first five innings of the game. Nicaragua got off to a fast start against Christopher Sanchez, the 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner as the best pitcher in the...

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. / Listin Diario

The Dominican Republic’s historic “Achilles’ heel” in the World Baseball Classic had been the Netherlands, specifically after the Netherlands had surprised and won the two games against Team DR in the 2009 edition, impeding that the DR pass to the next phase back then. But that is now in the past, after Team DR revenged and moved forward with a “knockout” victory against Netherlands.

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the Dominican Republic played the Netherlands at the Loan Depot Park in Miami, Florida. At the beginning of the second inning, major leaguer Didi Gregorious hit a home run for the Netherlands, but that would be all that Netherlands could score. The game at the start was tight, 2-1, in favor of the Dominican team for the first two innings.

Manny Machado, Ketel Marte, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. got the DR off to a...

Manny Machado,Junior Caminero and Julio Rodriguez / Listin Diario

The World Baseball Classic is more than a global championship. For Dominican fans it is a lifetime opportunity to see all the Dominican greats in one game, one series. For the players, it is a memorable time to be on the same team with other greats and wear the Dominicana uniform.

The effort of Nelson Cruz and other former baseball greats, including Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz, is bearing fruit. Regardless of the outcome, it is a unique opportunity to see these stars play together in the name of “platano power” and “mori-soñando”.

Listin Diario, in its reporting on the WBC, has been capturing the feeling and how one and all of the DR dream team players inspire each other. The baseball players express their admiration for one another and appreciation for this...