DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Mildred Gabriela Martínez Mejía / RTVD

President Luis Abinader has appointed Mildred Gabriela Martínez Mejía as the new director of the National Bureau of Statistics (ONE). She replaces Miosotis Rivas, who was named to direct the ECLAC Caribbean region office, a UN agency.

The Presidency reports that Martínez Mejía brings to the position over two decades of extensive experience in applied social research, with a distinguished career marked by significant contributions to public administration and sustainable development initiatives.

A clinical psychologist by training, she graduated cum laude from the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) in 2001. Her academic achievements include a master’s degree in High Strategic Public Management from the Global Institute of Higher Social Sciences Studies in collaboration with King Juan Carlos University, Spain; a...

The recent panel of experts that met on Tuesday, 27 May 2025 for the Esta Noche con Mariasela top issue discussion focused on the Dominican economy. The conclusion was that all sectors need to align to strengthen the position of the country as an exporter of goods and services if the country is to successfully navigate all the turbulent external impacts and the expansion of government.

4.75% GDP growth had been forecast for 2025, but after the first quarter of the year the forecast is down 25 points mainly reflecting new external factors that threaten the local economic development, such as tariffs and taxes on exports (10%) and remittances (3%) from the United States.

The evening TV variety show host Mariasela Alvarez invited economists Jose Luis de Ramon, Jaime Aristy Escuder, Mercedes Carrasco and Jacqueline Mora (vice minister of...

The Chamber of Accounts, the government auditing agency, now under its new president Emma Polanco Melo, has made public several audits carried out by the past teams.

The audits look into the findings of the 2016-2019 term of the authorities at the Instituto Nacional de Atención Integral a la Primera Infancia (Inaipi) and others related to the ministries of Hacienda and Industry and Commerce.

In the case of the Inaipi, inconsistencies in purchases and others were found for around RD$800 million between 2016 and 2019.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the assassination of the 1961 Dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo on 30 May, local media are reminding the Dominican people of who Trujillo was and the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives to remove the ruthless dictator.

Among the media presentations, journalist Camila Garcia for her “Para contarlo” interview on Color Vision Channel 9, on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, gathered several of the relatives of the 21 involved in the assassination plot.

The heart-breaking words of the relatives tell of the major sacrifices of the victims of those who were motivated by the murder of the Mirabal sisters to give their lives and risk those of their families and friends to put an end to the cruel regime.

The relatives called for a strengthening of Dominican institutions, more education and for an increased awareness...

The Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) announced the passing away of its rector, Julio Sanchez Mariñez on the morning of Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at the UCE medical center. He was 72 years old. He was the ninth rector of the city university. He was first appointed in 2021-2024 and had been confirmed for a second 2024-2027 term.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our rector, Julio Sánchez Maríñez, due to health complications,” the statement read. “Sánchez Maríñez was an exceptional leader, a visionary academic, and a human being of profound values, committed to the transformation of higher education in the Dominican Republic.”

The university added, “His legacy will forever be etched in the history of our university and in the hearts of those of us who had the privilege of knowing him and working by his side. We extend our deepest condolences...

Listin Diario reports that the remains of the collapsed roof of JetSet Club that had been taken to a lot in Santiago, off the Santiago Bypass, were relocated to an unknown site. The remains are key to the forensic investigations into the causes of the collapse of the roof that caused the death of still an unidentified number of persons, at least 235, as reported by the authorities.

The Abinader administration delegated in an Onesvie committee and the Attorney General Office to prepare the report on the causes of the tragedy.

Read more in Spanish:

• Listin Diario
• Listin Diario

State prosecutors did not present evidence that the Venezuelan medical doctor title presented to the Ministry of Superior Education by Venezuelan Karla Moya Boada was not real, nor that she was irregularly exercising medicine in the country. Moya Boada has sustained she is a legit practicing physician graduated as a doctor in Venezuela.

The charges were initially made by TV investigative journalist Nuria Piera as she investigated the irregular practice of medicine in the country by several practitioners. Piera presented testimonies by former patients of Moya Boada who complained about botched-up procedures.

A first court had cleared Moya Boada and the second court concurred the evidence against Moya Boada was not presented by the prosecutors.

Read more in...

Anyone living in the Caribbean needs to be ready to experience a Hurricane 5 any year. The likelihood of this happening is minimal, but it is real.

As the Atlantic hurricane season officially kicks off on Sunday, 1 June and will run through Sunday, 30 November, the Dominican Republic is bracing for what forecasters predict will be an above-average year for cyclonic activity. Projections for 2025 indicate the formation of 13 to 19 named storms, with 6 to 10 potentially strengthening into hurricanes, and 3 to 5 reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale).

The names of the storms this year are: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.

The last storms to impact the Dominican Republic have been:Hurricane...

Dominican Republic’s rising national basketball team player, Jean Montero has earned a coveted spot on Spain’s Liga Endesa’s 2024-25 Best Five, solidifying his position as one of European basketball’s most promising talents. At just 20 years old, Montero has spearheaded Valencia Basket’s impressive campaign, boasting an average efficiency rating of 19.2 per game, the second-highest in the league.

European sports media reports that Montero’s inclusion in the elite quintet underscores not only his individual star player level but also his remarkable maturity and leadership in his inaugural season with Valencia Basket. His ability to positively influence team performance has been a key factor in the team’s success, guiding their offense and propelling them to a strong league standing.

Montero previously has been honored as the Liga Endesa’s Best Young Player for three...

The legendary Buena Vista Orchestra, hailed as the “soul of Cuban son,” is booked for a performance at the Teatro La Fiesta at Hotel Jaragua in Santo Domingo on Saturday, 19 July 2025.

Noticias SIN reports that the orchestra, under the direction of the iconic Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos—a trombonist, composer, and pivotal figure in the original Buena Vista Social Club—arrives with a fresh yet authentic sound that stays true to the essence that has captivated the world.

Performing in Santo Domingo will be many of the musicians who have been fundamental to the original legacy, including “Betún” Luis Mariano Valiente Marín on percussion, Emilio Senón Morales Ruiz on piano, and Fabián García on bass. They will perform the timeless songs that have resonated with generations.

With over 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, the Buena Vista Orchestra continues to charm new...

The European Union (EU) has consolidated its position as the Dominican Republic’s leading foreign investor in 2024, pouring over US$1.52 billion into the nation, representing 33.7% of the total foreign direct investment (FDI), Diario Libre reports. This significant influx has bolstered key sectors, including tourism, renewable energy, manufacturing, sustainable urban transport, and digital services.

On 27 May 2025, Vice President Raquel Peña highlighted the robust relationship between the two entities, stating: “The commercial relationship between the Dominican Republic and the European Union has reached historic levels. In 2024, foreign direct investment flows into the Dominican Republic reached an all-time record of over US$4.5 billion.” Her remarks came during a forum organized by the EU, its member states, and the Pontificia...

Miosotis Rivas Peña, the local economist who took on the challenge of organizing the National Statistics Office and was in charge of the 2021 National Census, was chosen to direct the Caribbean Subregional Headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She begins her new responsibilities on 2 June 2025. She replaces Diane Quarless who had been director of the division since 2011.

With over 25 years of experience in public policy, international organizations, and applied research, Rivas Peña steps into this crucial role at a pivotal moment for the Caribbean region. From her new position, she will lead the coordination of studies, technical advisory services, and strategic cooperation that ECLAC provides to its 16 member states and 13 associate members in the Caribbean, including...

At a time when the government has spearheaded efforts to merge ministries, the congresswoman representing the ruling political party has submitted a bill that would create the Ministry of Men. Why not, there is already a Ministry of Women?

The proposal to increase government bureaucracy comes at a time when President Luis Abinader has fostered the merge of the Ministry of Economy with the Ministry of Hacienda, and that of the Ministry of Superior Education with the Ministry of Education for a reduction of costs in government.

El Nacional reports that the proposal presented by Altagracia de los Santos (PRM-Santo Domingo province) seeks to concentrate efforts to champion the “transformation” of men through guidance, training, and support, with a key objective being to curb abuse and femicides against women.

“We work with men here, but only after they commit a homicide...

Dominican business owners are demanding “clear rules” be applied to Chinese businesses operating in the country. Local business owners complain of unfair competition stemming from alleged violations of fiscal, customs, and labor regulations by Chinese-owned businesses that in the past five years have boomed all around the country.

The concerns were recently voiced by the National Council of Provisions Trade (CNCP), an umbrella organization representing 74 national commercial associations, during the 27 May 2025 “Listín Diario Breakfast” event held at the newspaper’s headquarters in Santo Domingo.

During the interview, the representatives of the CNCP highlighted that hundreds of Chinese-operated businesses are creating an uneven playing field, severely impacting Dominican micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and...

The Ministry of Foreign Relations has uploaded a tender that calls for the purchase of “chacabanas” or “guayaberas”, the classic Caribbean-style linen shirts, with up to RD$12,000, or about US$200 each. While a stylish shirt can go in better stores and designer shops here for around RD$25,000, the same linen shirt (Cubanera brand) can be purchased online for US$75 or about RD$4,500.

The shirts are used instead of suit and tie attire for men and as dresses for women.

The purchase would be for 3,250 of these shirts to be used for the 10th Summit of the Americas that the Ministry of Foreign Relations is organizing together with the Organization of American States and the US Secretary of State Department. It is not known if the funds for the shirts would come from the OAS fund.

The 10th Summit of the Americas is scheduled to take place in Punta Cana this coming December 2025...

Graciela Abinader y Ahmed Hasbun / CDN

The speculation of a possible future wedding between Graciela Abinader Arbaje and Ahmed Hasbun comes about after Hola RD published a photo of Graciela Abinader Arbaje, second daughter of President Luis Abinader and Raquel Arbaje, about to enter a ceremony at the Santo Domingo Cathedral.

Ahmed Hasbun is the director general at Medico Express, a modern medical center in Santo Domingo East that caters to local and medical tourists. Medico Express is operated by Alejandro Cambiaso, the guru of medical tourism in the Dominican Republic.

Médico Express has officially earned the Certification for Excellence in Medical Tourism by Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA).

Medical tourism is a booming sector of the local tourism industry. The Abinader administration has made available relatively low cost financing for the importing of...

President Luis Abinader highlighted historic employment levels and a growing formal labor market in the Dominican Republic today, citing figures from the Central Bank’s National Continuous Labor Force Survey.

Speaking under the slogan “More work, better future,” Abinader announced that as of the first quarter of 2025, the country has reached 5.1 million people employed, with 2.3 million in formal jobs (46.6%) and 2.8 million in informal work (53.4%). This represents a net increase of 176,581 new jobs compared to the same period in 2024.

He emphasized a consistent trend of job creation, with an average annual growth of 102,000 new formal sector jobs over the past 4.5 years.

Notably, female labor force participation reached a historic high of 50.6% in May 2025, surpassing 50% for the first time. Overall employment rates also hit a record high of 62.8% during the same period.

The President highlighted significant progress in reducing unemployment, which stood at 4.9% in...

President Luis Abinader for the first time has asserted that the Haitians need to tackle the crisis in Haiti and break from the historic tradition of blaming other nations.

“They have a big problem there. They need to stop this historical tradition of blaming others,” the President stated, challenging narratives that downplay the severity of the situation in Haiti and the real causes. “The claim that there is no problem in Haiti is invented, I question it. We are trying to draw attention to the problems they face.”

The President insisted that the worsening of the situation in Haiti poses a challenge for the entire region and underscored this as a reason for the involvement of the international community.

Abinader emphasized that since September 2021, his government has been advocating for effective measures to address the crisis. “I am responsible for Dominican...

The Dominican government should provide a robust response to Haiti’s allegations blaming the Dominican Republic for the crisis. The president of the Dominican Evangelical Unity Council (Codue), Feliciano Lacen Custodio, affirmed that these accusations are part of an international campaign pressuring the Dominican Republic to take responsibility for Haiti’s crisis.

“Firstly, we reiterate that these allegations against the Dominican Republic are nothing more than the plan by international organizations to make our country responsible for the situation of the Haitian people,” he stated.

Lacen Custodio emphasized that President Luis Abinader has repeatedly declared that the Dominican Republic cannot bear the burden of the grave crisis in the neighboring country.

The pastor argued that Haitian authorities must recognize their responsibility in finding a solution to...

The regular practice of the governments in Haiti for decades has been to accuse France, the Dominican Republic, the United States and Colombia for the current problems.

The rhetoric has yet to focus on the arming and financially supporting gangs by the elite in Haiti, to use these to control territories, disrupt elections and exert political influence in efforts to pursue short-term goals. Analysts have concluded this led to the widespread violence, instability, and breakdown of governance.

The elite’s power struggles, corruption, and lack of accountability have created a climate of political instability, which has further fueled the crisis.

The blame rhetoric ignores the fact that it is the elite in Haiti that controls two private ports of entry.

The elite private sector owns and operates with no outside oversight the ports of Port Lafito and Terminal Varreux in...

In a significant boost for the country’s tourism sector employees, hotel workers in the Dominican Republic will benefit from a substantial salary increase of up to 30%, effective June 2025. This decision was announced following negotiations between the National Hotel & Tourism Association (Asonahores) and the Federation of Free Trade Unions of Workers in Tourism, Commerce, and Similar Industries (Futrahotel).The salary increase is expected to positively impact over 100,000 tourism sector workers and their families. Workers in various hotel roles, including housekeeping, maintenance, and food service staff, will receive the higher wages. This agreement covers employees in hotels, resorts, and other accommodation establishments across the Dominican Republic.

President Luis Abinader said during the La Semanal press conference on Monday, 26 May 2025, that the record pay...

Presidency Minister José Ignacio Paliza announced on Monday, 26 May 2025 a new preventive patrol plan by the National Police, set to launch on June 2nd in the National District and Santo Domingo province. The new model would next be expanded to the country’s second largest city, Santiago on June 5th. He made the announcement following the weekly Citizen Security Plan meeting at the National Police Officers’ Club,

The minister revealed that the innovative model will involve 1,100 meticulously trained and equipped officers.

He said the pilot system aims to establish intelligent, planned, and permanent patrolling to enhance crime prevention and improve interactions between officers and citizens.

Paliza explained that the new model will be implemented in four prioritized areas, covering 72 previously identified sectors. Each unit will have specific...

A feature in N Digital by Raul German Batista blasts those who enjoy the bounties of the Caribbean Sea-bordering maritime boardwalk, but leave behind litter. The journalist reports that the city government spent US$50 million to build the Paseo Maritimo Malecon, spanning 3.5 kilometers (2.1 miles) along the Caribbean Sea as a vibrant public space for recreation and tourism. Yet, the scenic waterfront is continuously impacted by litter left behind by the nighttime visitors.

As things stand, while intended as a gathering place for outdoor activities and a catalyst for urban renewal, the Malecón now grapples with this serious problem of accumulated trash, primarily due to carelessness from those enjoying the nightlife, especially on weekends.

German reports that the absence of clear guidelines for Malecón users has led to the formation of small garbage piles...

Members of the National Police’s South Central Regional criminal investigation division (DICRIM), based in Baní, recovered two lost suitcases containing multiple passports and personal belongings of American citizens. This success was achieved through meticulous investigation and analysis of surveillance camera footage, N Digital reports.

The recovery took place in the Las Cayenas 2 residential area of Santo Domingo Este, following a claim report from a US citizen. One of the suitcases contained seven US passports belonging to the affected individuals, along with clothing, personal hygiene items, and a baby stroller.

According to the woman’s statement, while traveling to Barahona province for religious activities, two suitcases carrying personal documents and daily essentials fell off their vehicle on the Baní-Azua stretch near Cañafistol, Peravia...

Crystal Fiallo returns to the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE) as executive director after a stint in government. She had served as deputy director of the Procurement Agency (DGCP) and as director of the Cabinet of the Ministry of Public Administration (MAP).

She had begun her work career with ANJE in 2015 as a researcher, where she contributed to initiatives focused on institutional strengthening and young business leadership.

Fiallo is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Unibe in Santo Domingo with post-graduate studies in Governance and Development from the University of Sussex (England), and in Administrative Law from the University of Salamanca, Spain and the Global Institute in Santo Domingo. She is completing her thesis for her masters degree in Public Procurement and Contracting remotely with the Universidad Nacional de San...

Karl-Anthony Towns / CBS Sports

Dominicans are celebrating the prowess of national basketball team player Karl Anthony Towns in the Eastern Conference final matches between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. When it seemed as if the third game between the Knicks and Pacers was decided, it was Towns in the final quarter who delivered an incredible 20 points to turn the game around and lead the Knicks to win 106-100.

The next games are:27 May at Indiana Pacers’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse29 May in New York’s Madison Square Garden31 May in Indiana Pacers’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse2 June in New York’s Madison Square Garden

Follow the story: New York Post...

Volodymyr Gurenko / El Nuevo Diario

Top-seeded Canadian tennis player, Volodymyr Gurenko lived up to expectations, capturing the Caribbean Cup J100 Santo Domingo title on Saturday, 24 May 2025.

Gurenko dominated American eighth seed Shaan A. Majeed in the final, securing a decisive 6-2, 6-1 victory. The triumph earns Gurenko 100 ranking points.

The women’s crown was claimed on the previous Friday, 23 May 2025, by Isabelle Thi DeLuccia of the United States.

The tournament, officiated by Cuban Abel Álvarez as referee and Dominican Francisco de los Santos as assistant, was organized by the Dominican Tennis Federation (Fedotenis).

The Caribbean Cup marked the end of two weeks of junior tennis action in Santo Domingo. Last week, the Trinitaria Cup, also held at the National Tennis Center in Parque del Este, saw competition in both singles and doubles...

Casa de Teatro, on the Arzobispo Meriño Street, in the Colonial City invites to the summer jazz performances on Thursdays from June through July.

Now in its 26th edition, the festival has been a cornerstone of Dominican and international jazz since 2000.

The festival kicks off on June 5th with the Jonn Reyna Trio, led by Dutch pianist Jonn Reyna, a recognized figure on the local jazz scene and professor at the International School of Contemporary Music at UNPHU. His style blends gospel, soul, fusion, and bebop.

The following week on June 12th, the Sebastián Murena Trio takes the stage, featuring Argentine guitarist Sebastián Murena, a master of swing, bebop, and hardbop.

June concludes with two more captivating performances: the Eliezer Paniagua Trio on June 19th and the Sebastián Mueses Trio, a young talent who has participated in events like Fiesta Sunset Jazz...

Tourism analyst Juan Llado mentions that the impact of the expansion of accommodations in the Dominican Republic via Airbnb is greatly in the spillover effect in the local community that is greater than in the case of foreign investment and foreign-operated properties. Airbnb turns apartment and home units into hotel accommodations and these generate local buys and the funds go to bank accounts of local people.

In his article on the subject for Acento.com, he estimates there are more than 125,000 Airbnb rooms in the market in the Dominican Republic, located all around the country. This is more than the 90,000 hotel room statistics usually mentioned by the government.

Nevertheless, Llado warns that the overexpansion of the services could cause negative impacts as has occurred in Spain, where these have been banned in many areas.

Llado estimates that 25% of the total tourist arrivals...

Sports tourism consolidates further in the Dominican Republic with the celebration of the MIC Football in Punta Cana, on the country’s eastern coast.

For 25 years, the organizers of MIC Football have congregated young soccer players in Costa Brava, Spain. For the first time, the tournament is held outside of Spain and at the Cap Cana Sports City and soccer venue, The Fields with natural grass. The event will take place 24 to 29 June 2025 in the south Punta Cana residential and touristic and sports tourism area of Cap Cana.

The youth soccer world tournament brings together teams from five continents for a global competition among the best talents in emerging football players. More than 2,000 players and 1,000 family and friends are booked to come from 20 countries for the event.

MICFootball will celebrate its first edition in the Dominican Republic with the support...

Santo Domingo is hosting the International Association of Destination Wedding Professionals 2025 Destination Wedding Congress from 26 to 29 May 2025. The IADWP describes itself as the leading authority in destination weddings. The congress is an opportunity to connect with a global community of professionals.

The conferences on the program and business appoints are mostly happening at the Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino on the Malecon in Santo Domingo. The Kimpton Las Mercedes is another venue for participants.

As part of the program, the participants have the opportunity to visit several wedding venues and attractions in the Colonial City and boutique hotels. On the list for site inspections in the Colonial City are Quinta Dominica and Portazul; several colonial city churches Chapel of the Convent of the Dominicans, Regina Angelorum Church, Santo Domingo...

Continuing with its announcements of non-stop flights to the United States, the Dominican Republic-based airline Arajet announced on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 the launch of its newest US route, Punta Cana International Airport to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The flights are set to begin on 15 November 2025 and will operate three times a week.

Tickets are for sale. Travelers can now purchase tickets for the Punta Cana-O’Hare route, with fares starting at US$117 one-way.

Chicago marks Arajet’s fifth US destination from the Dominican Republic, joining Boston, Miami, New York, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The airline’s expansion into the US market follows the open skies bilateral agreement between the Dominican Republic and the United States, which took effect in December 2024, easing flight restrictions between the two nations.

Arajet is based in Santo Domingo...

President Luis Abinader inaugurated the National Vehicle Retention Center (Cenarve), located on the Santo Domingo West off the Santo Domingo Beltway in La Cuaba, Pedro Brand municipality on Saturday, 24 May 2025. The modern facility, constructed by the Ministry of Housing and Buildings at a cost of RD$625 million, replaces the outdated El Coco Racetrack impound lot.

Spread across 141,000 square meters, Cenarve has capacity for 826 vehicles, 1,203 motorcycles, and 15 tow trucks. The state-of-the-art center also includes areas for vehicle scrappage, a workshop, waiting room, mechanical and paint shops, storage, offices, and a fuel station.

“With projects like this, the central government clearly demonstrates the importance it places on public order and the safety of Dominican citizens,” stated Danny Santos, Vice Minister of Construction at the Ministry of...

In a significant step towards modernization and environmental conservation, the Dominican government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mines, launched the National Energy Efficiency Program on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. The initiative aims to overhaul the public lighting system across the country by installing 254,000 state-of-the-art LED streetlights coupled with intelligent management systems.

This ambitious project, covering approximately half of the nation’s public lighting, is expected to slash energy consumption by over 50% in targeted areas and prevent the annual emission of 34 million tons of polluting gases, thereby making a substantial contribution to preserving the environment.

The incorporation of a remote management system will enable real-time monitoring and control of public lighting, significantly reducing operational and...

The reality of the pressures exerted by the highly politicized teacher and public school employees unions versus quality of education is now making news. Studies confirm that the billions of taxpayer money spent on wage increases for the teachers have not translated into more learned graduates.

New Minister of Education Luis Miguel de Camps has the challenge of making a difference.

Read More:

• Diario Libre
• Diario Libre
• DR1 News

The nation’s highest court, the Constitutional Court has ruled on a resolution passed by the National Council on Social Security (CNSS), which established an age limit for a person to receive a disability or survivor’s pension, as well as a time limit to file for such benefits.

The Constitutional Court ruled that Social Security Law 87-01 “does not establish a [time] limit for exercising these rights.” This decision effectively nullified Resolution 569-03 from April of 2023.

The higher court said that the CNSS had given itself an attribute that the law dd otherwise establish, which was to “create, via regulations, limitations or dispositions not foreseen in Law 87-01.”

The case was brought before the high court by several prominent lawyers and a group of associations, foundations, and the Dominican Human Rights Council. The CNSS measures had...

Celso Marranzini, the head of the Unified Council of Electricity Enterprises (CUED) has been known to say things that are obvious but that many consider “not something you want to say out loud.”

For example, several years ago, when Marranzini was the head of the now-defunct Dominican Corporation of State-owned Electricity Enterprises (CDEEE), he visited several barrios in Santo Domingo with reporters and noted how nearly every humble abode in the barrio had a satellite dish for television and Internet on the roof. These barrios did not have electricity meters, and instread each house was charged a small, fixed rate. He asked the reporters in a facetious manner: “And these people do not pay for electricity?” A reference to the fact that they could afford television and satellite internet service but could not afford to pay for the electricity.

Just last weekend...

It’s a clear message to business people to resist the temptation to steal power from the national grid. A court in the eastern Santo Domingo Judicial District has sentenced a businessman to three years in prison for defrauding the Eastern Electricity Distribution Company (EdeEste). The sentence was handed down by the First Penal Chamber of the Court of First Instance on Friday, 23 May 2025 and serves as a reminder the new authorities in charge of the electricity distribution system are seriously cracking down on fraud.

A statement from EdeEste urges its users to regularize their energy consumption practices, warning against engaging in unlawful actions. The call comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure fair and sustainable use of the country’s electrical resources. By adhering to legal guidelines, customers can help prevent potential sanctions while contributing to the...

As the revitalization program for the historic Colonial City in the National District continues, the digging of old streets and areas to install new water, electricity and telecom pipes has brought to light some interesting archaeological discoveries. The most recent are the human remains found adjacent to the Church of Our Lady of Carmen.

The National Monumental Assets Agency (DNPM) tghat oversees the renewal program has guaranteed that all of the archaeological protocols regarding the discoveries of the very old human remains as well as ceramics from centuries ago will be followed.

It appears that during the colonial period, it was customary for the faithful to request burial in the ground nearest to the church. This can be seen at the century-old church in Santa Barbara de Samana, where there is a tiny graveyard just feet from the church. In Santo Domingo...

There is a little-known entity called Park T-RD, running a program called the National Plan for the Construction of Public Use Parking [Garages], some of which are from 60% to 70% finished, Diario Libre reports.

Obviously, the end game for such a project is to ease traffic congestion in such places as Santo Domingo, and to a lesser extent Santiago, San Francisco de Macoris, and San Cristobal.

The overall plan is to build 16 parking garages, but the initial step is to build just eight.

Some have been finished, such as the one at Atarazana in the Colonial Zone, and the one near the Palace of Justice in East Santo Domingo which is really close to being finished.

Down in the area of the Feria, near the old Indrhi building, they are building another one that is getting near completion. That one is going to have seven levels and is about 70% completed according to the head of the...

Marcos Orellana / El Caribe

Local farmers know the chemicals are not allowed in farm produce exports to Europe, but for local consumption everyone seems to look the other way. The farmers many times are but accepting the recommendations of Ministry of Agriculture agronomists on how to use the chemicals.

In recent years, the fumigation of crops with the toxics has made headlines when the fumes have intoxicated school children and staff when happening near public schools adjacent to farmed areas.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on hazardous substances and waste management has raised serious concerns following his visit to the Dominican Republic. UN’s Marcos Orellana warned about the presence of toxic chemicals used in agriculture to control pests, insects, fungi, and weeds. Roundup (glyphosate) and Paraquat are still used in the DR, despite the availability of...

Vice President Raquel Peña and the coordinator of the Social Policy Cabinet, Tony Peña, led the VIII Ordinary Graduation of the “Oportunidad 14-24” program on Thursday, 22 May 2025 at the Carlos (Teo) Cruz Boxing Coliseum in the capital city. 4,074 young people completed their training in various technical and vocational fields.

The program is aimed at providing young persons with the training in practical areas that allows for a rapid insertion into the labor force.

During the ceremony, Vice President Raquel Peña underscored the significance of this program in strengthening human capital. She pledged ongoing support for the initiative, emphasizing its role in the economic and social development of the Dominican Republic.

Tony Peña, coordinator of the Social Policy Cabinet, stressed that the program has successfully reduced social inequality in the...

The Dominican Republic continues to grapple with a disturbing trend of child and teenage pregnancy. According to the National Statistics Office (ONE)’s Vital Statistics Yearbook, 585 girls between the ages of 11 and 14 gave birth in 2024. This figure highlights a stark reality: young girls are facing early motherhood, jeopardizing their health, development, and fundamental rights.

Of these 585 births, two girls were just 11 years old, 17 were 12, 124 were 13, and 442 were 14-year-olds. These cases are part of a larger trend: 15,977 births registered among women aged 19 and under, accounting for 11.58% of the total 137,946 births in the country during 2024.

While these statistics show a relative decrease compared to previous years, teenage pregnancy remains a critical issue. In 2024, there were 1,140 births to 15-year-olds, 2,007 to 16-year-olds, 2,916 to 17-year-olds, 4,044 to...

Darianny Mercedes Acosta and Maicol Rafael López, residents of Río Seco in La Vega, welcomed quadruplets – three girls and a boy – at the Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS) on Friday, 23 May 2025.

After years of struggling with infertility and undergoing various treatments to conceive, Acosta, 27, delivered the healthy quadruplets prematurely. The infants, named Maia, Mailin, Mailen, and Maicol David, remain in incubators but are doing well.

“It’s a gift from God,” the couple described their unexpected bundle of joy. They have been together for several years and married for three. The parents said they previously worked at the free trade zone in La Vega but had to stop due to the pregnancy.

While overjoyed at becoming first-time parents, the couple acknowledges the challenges ahead. They live in a rented two-bedroom house and will need significant...

Headline news over the Mother’s Day holiday shares the heart-moving message of a mother who lost her only offspring, her daughter Alexandra Grullon due to the collapse of the roof of the capital city night club. The president of the Sur Futuro Foundation, Melba Segura wrote the message. Alexandra Grullon had attended the Rubby Perez merengue concert that evening at JetSet accompanied by her husband Eduardo Guiaronex Estrella, her brother Eduardo Grullón and his wife Johanna Rodríguez de la Cruz, all victims of the 8 April tragedy.

Over the weekend, the media announced the death of 33-year old Army captain Alba Maria Montero Rojas who had been in intensive care for 46 days at the Hospital Traumatológico Doctor Ney Arias Lora. The husband of the young woman and four other friends or family on the same table at the nightclub, also died that evening.

El Dia in its update on the tragedy...

While gang violence spirals out of control in Haiti, thousands of children are abandoning classrooms to navigate a landscape of chaos. The NGO Confiance Haïti (Trust Haiti), whose focus is that children may continue to go to school, calls out the plight of the children in Haiti at a time when the rest of the world seems largely look the other way.

7 Dias shares the view of the ONG Trust Haiti that argues that the ongoing violence gripping the nation reflects, in part, the failure of the international community and serves as a stark reminder not to be swayed by the silence of Western media outlets. It compels us to ask: what is happening to Haiti’s children?

Trust Haiti says the situation is harrowing. Scenes are nearly apocalyptic. Criminal gangs control major cities, plunging the country deeper into extreme poverty. Many parents can no longer feed their children, leading them to be...

Listín Diario reports it was able to successfully transfer its domain, listindiario.com, to a new provider without any disruption in service. The move comes after the newspaper received a warning from its previous domain host, Network Solutions, requesting the removal of an article for allegedly violating their terms of use.

The article titled “Lisandro Macarrulla Jr. Admits to Charges by the Public Ministry in Medusa Case,” was published on 22 March 2024. It detailed Lisandro José Macarrulla Martínez’s admission of guilt before Judge Amauri Martínez in a case of administrative corruption. Macarrulla Martínez confessed to paying bribes for the construction of a module at Las Parras prison and explained the irregular negotiation process.

Listín Diario expressed gratitude for the support received from various sectors of society. In its editorial on Monday, 26 May...

The Dominican Republic’s 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) campaign begins in Bangkok, Thailand with the matches from 4 to 8 June. The DR’s senior women’s teamm, the Reinas del Caribe will face Serbia on 4 June. In Week 2, they travel to Hong Kong, China from 18 to 22 June to meet Poland, Canada, Turkey and the USA. They close the preliminary phase in Seoul, South Korea from 27 June to 1 July, where they will face South Korea, China, Bulgaria, Japan and Serbia.

The 2025 VNL Schedule for the Reinas del Caribe:Week 1: 4-8 June 2025• June 4: vs. Serbia (Bangkok, Thailand)• June 5: vs. Japan (Bangkok, Thailand)• June 6: vs. Netherlands (Bangkok, Thailand)• June 7: vs. Brazil (Bangkok, Thailand)• June 8: vs. Italy (Bangkok, Thailand)Week 2: 18-22 June 2025• June 18: vs. Poland (Hong Kong, China)• June 19: vs. Canada (Hong Kong, China)• June 20: vs. Turkey (Hong Kong...

Cibao FC has been crowned once more the champion of the Dominican Football League (LDF) Cup Tournament, following a narrow 1-0 victory over Delfines del Este in the return leg final held at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) university stadium.

The only goal of the match came from forward Carlos Ventura, who capitalized on a precise cross from right-back Edwarlyn Reyes in the 90th minute to secure the win for Cibao FC.

As reporterd, the game was intense and evenly matched throughout, with the decisive moment coming in the dying seconds of the encounter.

During the awards ceremony, the match officials —Randy Encarnación, Raymundo Feliz, José Bare, and José Corporán— were recognized for their outstanding performances.

Additionally, Atlántico FC from Puerto Plata received the Fair Play Award.

In the individual awards, Delfines del Este...

26-year old Dominican Pittsburgh shortstop Oneil Cruz has set a new record for the hardest-hit ball ever tracked by Statcast. He drove the ball 122.9 mph in Pittsburgh’s 6-5 series finale loss to the Brewers at the PNC Park. As reported by MLB, Cruz’s ball cleared the right-field wall with ease, traveling a projected 432 feet, and one-hopped into the Allegheny River, all by the time Cruz even left the batter’s box.

“It feels good. I was looking for a good pitch to hit and I connected really well,” Cruz said, through his interpreter and assistant coach Stephen Morales. “It feels even better just to know that it’s the hardest-hit ball in the history of Statcast.”

The blast was Cruz’s 11th of the season and marked the 83rd home run in the history of PNC Park (since its debut season in 2001) to reach the water, and was the sixth time in his career he’s done so.

Cruz broke his own record...

New efforts of the Ministry of Public Health now under Minister Victor Atallah seem to be bearing fruit. The Ministry of Public Health is reporting seasonal lows of dengue cases, despite the consistent rains. The Ministry of Public Health has held major educational campaigns and has purchased mosquito-busting equipment for use in vulnerable areas, creating new awareness.

The Ministry of Public Health announced a significant decrease in dengue fever cases across the Dominican Republic, despite confirming two new cases in young children this past week.

During epidemiological week 19, two five-year-olds, one each from Puerto Plata and San Cristóbal, tested positive for dengue. This brings the total to 13 cases reported over the last four weeks, marking a substantial 73.5% reduction compared to the same period in 2024.

So far this year, the nation has confirmed 94 dengue cases. The...

Jaime Aristy Escuder / Diario Libre

The growing size of government in the Dominican Republic, as hundreds of thousands seek the well-paying jobs, coincides with the declining funds available in the National Budget for capital investments.

Economist Jaime Aristy Escuder writes in an opinion piece in Diario Libre about how the historic declining trend of capital investments has increased significantly in the Abinader administration.

He cites data shared by fellow economist Andy Dauhajre that indicates that capital expenditure has declined to a recent low of 2.5% of GDP, reflecting the continued subsidies for electricity and fuel subsidies. This is down from Trujillo’s 8.5%, Joaquin Balaguer’s 6%, Hipolito Mejia’s 5%, Leonel Fernandez’s 4% and Danilo Medina’s 3.8%.

Aristy Escuder says that the low capital investment in the Abinader administration is attributed to the...

The boom in construction of a high rise where there was but a single-family home, authorized by the Carolina Mejia city government without taking into consideration the deficient sewage capacities in the city, is worsening a decades-old problem that needs to be tackled now.

The aging sewage infrastructure cripples Greater Santo Domingo’s precarious sewage system, Diario Libre reports. Greater Santo Domingo’s sanitary drainage system is facing a crisis, with frequent collapses largely attributed to aging, obsolete pipes, an unplanned population boom, and a lack of public awareness. Only 18% of the streets and avenues in the area have sanitary sewage, and even that is severely overloaded, according to Luis Salcedo, deputy director of operations for the Santo Domingo Aqueduct and Sewer Corporation (CAASD).

In its report, Diario Libre highlights that the root of the problem is that many of the...

Rogelio Genao / Listín Diario

A controversy between the Minister of Environment Paino Henriquez and La Vega senator Rogelio Genao brings to the front the importance of the seasonal ban on crab consumption.

After Genao uploaded to his social media a video showing him eating crab meat, he received a note from the Ministry of Environment asking him to rectify and remind people that crab meat consumption is banned until 30 June.

Genao would argue he received the crab meat as a gift from a friend and it was an imported product. He said that Henriquez could take him to court to prove his fault.

The seasonal ban from 1 March to 30 June is obligatory as it enables the species to multiply.

Read More:

• Listin Diario

Jean Michel Moïse / N Digital

Haiti’s government directly accused the Dominican Republic, the United States, and Colombia for exacerbating its internal security crisis, alleging that these nations are key sources for the illegal arms and drug trafficking fueling widespread violence. The accusations were made during a special session of the Organization of American States (OAS) held in Washington on 22 May 2025, as a follow-up to the request of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the OAS take a leadership role in the Haitian multidimensional crisis.

Jean Michel Moïse, Haiti’s Minister of Defense, asserted that the severe security challenges that plague Haiti are not solely due to internal factors but are significantly driven by transnational criminal organizations operating across borders. He specifically highlighted the Dominican Republic as a critical entry point for...

Prime Minister Alix Didier Filx-Aimé and Former Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles / Hati Libre

The Haiti Presidential Transitional Council is fostering advances toward the passing of a new Constitution in Haiti that would enable governance, Haiti Libre reports.

Not everyone is happy about the effort. The Haiti Times reports on some of the controversies that surround this effort. Haiti Times writes:

“As Haiti marks the 38th anniversary of its 1987 Constitution on March 29, a proposed referendum to amend the document is generating controversy. While proponents argue that constitutional reform is needed to address governance challenges, critics say the process is illegitimate, violates the Constitution itself and could further destabilize the country.

“The referendum is moving forward despite legal challenges, a worsening security crisis, and...

First Lady Raquel Arbaje met with Princess Leonor de Borbón on Thursday, 22 May 2025 at the Port of Santo Domingo. The Spanish heiress had arrived in the Dominican Republic aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano. The visit is part of Princess Leonor’s naval training with the Spanish Armada.

Arbaje described the encounter as a “close and enriching” experience, expressing the nation’s honor in hosting the future Queen of Spain and the crew of the iconic vessel.

“Being able to tour this ship, learn its history, and share with its people allowed us to connect with a legacy of commitment, vocation, and service,” the First Lady stated.

The visit is seen as a reinforcement of the historical and cooperative ties between the Dominican Republic and Spain.

From Santo Domingo, the ship sails to New York for the last leg of the training...

Cigar lovers are invited to visit the Feria Agroalimentaria 2025 to take place 28 to 31 May 2025 at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel in the capital city. The Tabaco Institute (Intabaco) has coordinated the participation of 15 tobacco industry companies.

The cigar industry participation is just one of the many sectors participating in the Feria Agroalimentaria is regarded as the pivotal event for the food, tobacco and beverage sectors.

The biennial event has a reputation as an essential gathering for industry professionals and consumers eager to explore the latest trends, production advancements, and market innovations.

The upcoming fair will feature over 200 exhibitors, showcasing a vast array of products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to processed goods and beverages.

The fair is organized by the Junta Agroempresarial Dominicana (JAD) and...

Mother’s Day is the focal point of all activity now happening in the Dominican Republic this weekend. The weather bureau reports mostly good weather with sunny skies and only scattered showers for the Sunday, 25 May 2025 national holiday, the result of a passing trough.

Read more in Spanish:

• Indomet
• Noticias SIN