DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

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 Abinader’s vision of a complete structural transformation rather than a simple administrative consolidation.

A new “Education...

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 Bayardo Manzueta, after expressing her intent to separate.

The violence has spared no age group, recently...

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 reduction in time spent on the clock, compensation has surged. The average hourly income for government servants rose by...

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 combustion are compromising lung function.• Mental health decline: Constant noise and vibrations from the barge generators are...

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...

In a move that signals a massive realignment of the global and local energy sectors, a powerhouse consortium led by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and the Swedish firm EQT has signed a definitive agreement to acquire The AES Corporation.

The transaction, valued at approximately US$33.4 billion including debt, will take the energy giant private, delisting it from the New York Stock Exchange. The deal carries significant weight for the Dominican Republic, where AES Dominicana has operated for over 25 years as a pillar of the nation’s electricity generation and liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure.

The detailsThe investor group, which also includes the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), will pay US$15.00 per share in cash. This represents a roughly 40% premium over the...

It all comes down to the actual commuters for whom Line 2C was built, those who live from Los Alcarrizos to Km 9, the metro service is a godsend, the same way it is for all others who prefer the service to other transport options, including private cars.

Diario Libre reports on the system that went into operation on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, with free service through Easter Week.

Users told Diario Libre the service needs to install the internal signage to notify the stops. This is key because the names of the stops do not correspond with the streets, neither for line 2C nor the previous lines. This makes the announcements key. Usually, the announcer will state the name of the station and the corresponding streets.

Riders also await when the test period is over after Easter so that changing cars is no longer necessary, as the Metro authority has announced...

People are complaining this first week of the switch in contractor of major delays in the new system for issuing drivers licenses, Diario Libre reports. Offices that should have been open, such as the one in Megacentro, did not open as announced on 2 March 2026 under the new operator, Consorcio Mobility ID. The consortium is made up by the suppliers: Midas Dominicana, S.A., G.E.T. Secure ID Corp., Consorcio STC, S.A. and Thomas Greg & Sons. The company received a five-year contract.

Noticias SIN reports there is high demand for the service and confusion regarding the new driver’s license rollout. Key changes include the elimination of simulators in favor of practical exams. The computerized simulators will no longer be testing what people know before authorizing a license. Instead, to get that first license, people will again to make an appointment with an...

The Dominican Republic has completed its preparation for the World Baseball Classic and its first game will be against Nicaragua on 6 March 2026 in Miami, Florida. The DR team last won a championship in 2013 and has not made the quarter finals since. Millions and countless hours have been directed to put together a team and expectations are high that the trophy will be won.

As the final preparation, the Dominican Republic’s national baseball squad, dubbed the “Dream Team,” wrapped up a highly anticipated two-game series of World Baseball Classic warm-up exhibition games against the Detroit Tigers at the Quisqueya Ball Park in Santo Domingo this week. A first game on 3 March 2026 gave fans a glimpse of the firepower on the Dominican roster. It ended with a crowd-exciting 12-4. The second game on the next day ended with a tie of 4-4 and...

Fresh off their exhibition series against the Detroit Tigers, the Dominican Republic’s star-studded roster has officially arrived in Miami, Florida, to kick off their 2026 World Baseball Classic campaign. Managed by baseball legend Albert Pujols, the Dominican team will compete in Pool D, with all of their first-round games scheduled to be played at loanDepot Park.

The Dominican Republic has assembled an unprecedented roster of current stars, hoping to navigate the unpredictable, short-series format of the tournament and secure a second championship. The first and only championship was that of “platano power” in 2013.

The Dominican Republic plays in Pool D alongside Israel, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Venezuela and Netherlands are singled out as the most challenging teams for the DR in this group. The Netherlands has defeated the Dominican Republic twice and...

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is officially underway, with Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) defeating Australia in the tournament’s first game, played by Pool C. 20 nations across four global venues are competing. The tournament features four pools (A, B, C, and D) with five teams each, battling in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals and then the finals in single-elimination rounds.

The series opens with the teams playing four games to decide the top two who will then move to the quarterfinals.

In its final pool-by-pool preview, MLB released its official forecasts predicting which nations will survive the opening round.• Pool A (Hiram Bithorn Stadium – San Juan, Puerto Rico): MLB predicts host nation Puerto Rico and Canada will advance over Colombia, Cuba, and Panama.• Pool B (Daikin Park – Houston, Texas): MLB forecasts the...

For decades, the DR had been a neutral keep-to-are-own-affairs country in the middle of the Caribbean. No more. Under the Abinader administration, the Dominican Republic seems to be aligning itself as an active partner with US geopolitics and the booming space commercial industry.

Last year, the government authorized its Greater Santo Domingo airports for military operations. A recent report in Acento and another in El Informe con Alicia Ortega look into advances towards the installation of the first spaceport in the Caribbean at a time when the demand for satellite launches have doubled and US commercial space launches are booming. Burton Catledge, the CEO of the Florida-based Launch on Demand that is promoting the spacesport, explains the chosen location in Pedernales, nearer to the equator than Cape Canaveral in Florida, makes it more economical for both government and...

The Dominican Oil Refinery (Refidomsa) announced it now has the capacity to store over 111 million gallons of fuel, enough to cover more than a full month of national consumption, a strategic move following global energy volatility.

The announcement is made at a time when the new Iran war is expected to impact fuel prices in the Dominican Republic.

The Ministry of Foreign Relations reports there are two Dominicans living in Iran and these are safe and in touch with Dominican mission officers. The same for several Dominicans who live in Dubai that are also in touch with local authorities, as reported in Listin Diario.

Meanwhile, the Dominican peso has appreciated to the US dollar with US dollars selling for a seasonal low of RD$60 to US$1. The Central Bank has not explained the appreciation, but sources says this could be the result of entry to market of millions in...

Dominican “Dream Team” vs Detroit Tigers exhibition game / Listin Diario

Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. are making headlines after showcasing a new choreographed home run celebration during an exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers that served as warmup. The Dominican “Dream Team” won the first of two games, 12-4, fueling massive local expectations just two days before the World Baseball Classic officially begins on 6 March, with the Dominican team playing in Miami, Florida.

MLB in its coverage of the Detroit mentioned the remembrance ceremony for those who died in the tragedy of the early morning of April 8, 2025, when the roof of the popular Jet Set nightclub collapsed, leaving 235 people dead, including former Major League pitcher Octavio Dotel.

Nelsy Cruz, the sister of former Major League All-Star Nelson Cruz, who is the general manager of the...

A bus transporting tourists from Punta Cana International Airport to local hotels crashed near Cumayasa on Sunday, 1 March 2026. The accident occurred on the Curva del Km 10 on the Autovía del Este.

Reports confirm two fatalities and at least 19 injuries traveling in the late evening. CTVS News reports the Canadian Embassy is currently providing consular assistance to its citizens involved in the incident. The National Health Service told AP that 13 persons were injured, in addition to the two deceased.

The injured were taken to the municipal hospital in La Romana and those with serious injuries to a specialized trauma hospital.

The two named victims are 67-year old Collen Fullerton, de 67 años and 57-year old Kym Lafantasie.

As reported, they had landed at Punta Cana International Airport and were being transported by bus to their accommodations in Juan...