DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Fine pearls and precious stones are ranked high in Dominican exports in 2025, playing a pivotal role in a banner year for the nation’s foreign trade. According to the latest year-end report from the Customs Agency (DGA), total exports reached US$14,645.23 million, marking a robust 13.41% increase compared to 2024, as reported in El Dia.

The data reveals a significant shift in the country’s trade dynamics, with the “national regime” sector, which excludes free trade zones exports, seeing a dramatic 36.77% growth to reach US$5.46 billion. Within this category, pearls and precious stones accounted for a dominant 45.08% of the total value.

The export landscape remains heavily specialized. While pearls and stones led the way, metallic goods like gold and silver remained critical, making up nearly 45% of the national regime’s metallic exports. Gold is riding a wave of record prices.

Other key...

Environmental advocates have leveled sharp accusations against the Ministry of Environment claiming the government body has shifted from being a regulatory watchdog to a “facilitating agency” for corporate interests. Since August 2024, the Ministry of Environment is under Paino Henriquez, a highly reputed corporate lawyer. It is his first position in government.

Critics argue that the Ministry’s handling of the Los Negros case in Azua provides concrete evidence of its complicity with both national and foreign capital. The controversy centers on three power-generating barges owned by the Turkish firm Karpowership. According to the environmentalists, the ships burn “Bunker C,” which they describe as one of the dirtiest fuels in the world. They allege the barges emit thick black smoke and persistent noise that have degraded a “natural paradise into a living...

Members of the Dominican Republic Army intercepted a Canadian national on Tuesday for allegedly transporting undocumented Haitian migrants, marking the second time the same individual has been detained for the same offense since late 2025, Diario Libre reports citing a note from the Army.

The suspect, identified as Creamer Troy James, was apprehended at the El Rubio military checkpoint in Santiago province. During a search of his vehicle, a white Changan SUV, authorities discovered seven Haitian nationals — five men, one woman, and a minor— none of whom possessed legal documentation to reside or visit the country. The authorities said they seized eight mobile phones, five Haitian passports, a laptop and a tablet.

James has been handed over to the Public Ministry to face legal charges. The seven migrants were transferred to the Migration Agency...

Escogido fans gathered at the Quisqueya Ball Park, their home stadium, thought it was a loss. It was the ninth inning and the team was losing 6-2 in the first game of the series of seven to decide the champion of the Dominican Winter Professional Baseball League (Lidom) for the 2025-2026 season.

For the fans of Leones del Escogido gathered at Quisqueya Ballpark, the night felt like a slow-motion heartbreak. By the ninth inning, with the team trailing 6-2 in the opening game of the playoffs, many assumed the loss was already written in the books and left early. They had suffered through eight innings of frustration, watching their home team struggle to find a rhythm against the Toros del Este.

However, in a stunning turn of events, the team delivered. The atmosphere shifted from despair to hope as the Leones ignited an explosive four-run rally in their final at-bat.

The...

DR1 News for Wednesday, 21 January will be compiled for the Thursday, 22 January issue. 21 January is a holiday celebrating the Virgin of High Grace (La Altagracia).

Wednesday, 21 January celebrates the protector of the Dominican people, the Virgin of High Grace (La Altagracia). Hundreds of thousands of Dominicans have Altagracia as first or second name, and over the centuries even those who are not religious have appealed to the virgin in times of need.

As with most Roman Catholic religious holidays, the day will not be moved and so Wednesday, 21 January is a national holiday in the Dominican Republic. Major stores will be open and are enticing customers with sales. But government offices and most businesses and industries will give their workers the day off.

January is the month with the most holidays in the Dominican Republic. Coming up is the celebration of...

Government emergency spending to mitigate damage from Storm Melissa has surpassed RD$11.9 billion (approximately US$195 million), according to a report from the Procurement Agency (DGCP) provided to Listín Diario.

President Luis Abinader declared a national emergency via Decree 627-25 on 31 October 2025, authorizing 23 government institutions to fast-track relief efforts across 14 affected provinces. While Hurricane Melissa did not directly impact the Dominican Republic, it brought intense rains.

The decree specified a 30-day window, legal interpretations of “business days” extended the emergency period from 31 October to 15 December 2025.

Key spending breakdownOf the 18 emergency procurement processes initiated, 16 have been awarded, totaling RD$11,957,663,231. Major expenditures include:• Ministry of Public Works (MOPC): RD$5...

The Ministry of Environment has announced that a new ecotourism route at the Palomino Dam will officially open to the public on 21 January 2026.

The new trail is located within the José del Carmen Ramírez National Park in the mountainous municipality of Bohechio in San Juan de la Maguana. The trail is part of a strategic overhaul to enhance visitor safety and bolster conservation efforts. The move follows a significant surge in hiking and ecotourism activities in the region over the last five years.

The area is nestled in the southern flank of the Cordillera Central, the Caribbean’s highest mountain range. As part of the José del Carmen Ramírez National Park, it serves as a vital ecological corridor and a primary water source for the region.

Rules for visitingTo manage the environmental footprint of increased foot traffic, the Ministry, through the Vice-Ministry of...

The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced on Monday, 19 January 2026 that it has no plans to authorize mining exploitation in the Cordillera Septentrional, following inconclusive exploration results in the provinces of Puerto Plata and Santiago.

The official statement dated 19 January 2026 clarifies that recent activities associated with a 2024 concession have been “exclusively exploratory” and have failed to identify any mineral deposits of economic significance.

The Ministry of Environment says that according to technical reports, airborne geophysical tests conducted in October 2025 yielded “unsatisfactory” results for those seeking viable mining sites. Consequently, the government confirmed that the project has not progressed, and will not progress, toward a development or extraction phase.

To manage public expectations and environmental concerns, the Ministry...

President Luis Abinader has sent a bill authorizing the payment of decades-old debts for public works projects back to the Chamber of Deputies, following its controversial “urgent” passage last week.

The legislation, which seeks to settle arrears for projects completed without formal contracts, was pushed through by the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) majority without committee analysis. By returning the bill with specific observations, the President has forced a second look; the National Congress must now either accept or reject his amendments without further modifications.

The bill originated from a proposal by the Dominican Engineers, Architects, and Surveyors Guild (Codia). It identifies over 571 companies and beneficiaries awaiting payment for work dating back more than 30 years.

The debt is divided into two primary categories:• Public works: 95 contractors who...

The Tax Agency (DGII) has officially established the price ceiling for “low-cost housing” at RD$5,450,851.12 for the 2026 fiscal year.

According to Resolution No. DDG-AR1-2026-00001, issued on 15 January 2026, this figure represents the maximum sales price allowed for a property to qualify for social housing status. This classification is a critical requirement for homebuyers seeking to access the fiscal incentives and tax breaks provided under the Dominican Republic’s Mortgage Market and Trust Law (Law 189-11).

The resolution outlines significant financial relief for those purchasing their first home through a low-cost housing trust:• Tax exemptions: Properties within this price limit are exempt from the Real Estate Transfer Tax.• Housing bonus: Buyers are eligible to apply for the “Bono Vivienda” (Housing Bonus), an state-funded incentive that assists with the down payment...

Brianna Genao Rosario / Diario Libre

After a week of intensive ground operations, US FBI federal agents and Dominican investigators have concluded that three-year-old Brianna Genao, who vanished on New Year’s Eve, may still be alive and could have been abducted to the United States.

The investigation reached a pivotal turning point on Monday, 19 January 2026 as the FBI withdrew its physical search teams from the community of Barrero in Imbert, Puerto Plata. While the boots-on-the-ground phase has ended, Interpol has escalated the case by issuing a Yellow Alert, officially marking Brianna as a high-priority missing person.

The investigation shifts NorthThe search for Brianna has taken on a transcontinental dimension. While the child lived in the Dominican Republic with her grandmother, her mother resides in the United States. Interpol’s latest advisory specifically notes that...

The coastal town of Miches is undergoing a profound evolution as leading hotel chains from Club Med to Four Seasons open beach resorts in the area that is an hour’s north drive from the Punta Cana International Airport.

Previously the destination was best known as a departure point for dangerous, illegal boat trips to Puerto Rico. Today in addition to tourism, this hidden gem in the El Seibo province is also being rediscovered by filmmakers.

This shift is not just changing the town’s reputation; it is fueling a local economic engine, providing jobs, and offering global recognition to a region that was once overlooked.

The latest project to put Miches on the map is the feature film “Elena y el Mar” (Elena and the Sea). Produced by Aldea Estudio and directed by the local award-winning Tito Rodríguez, the production has effectively turned the entire...

In a dramatic finish at their home base Francisco Micheli Stadium in La Romana, the Toros del Este clinched their ticket to the postseason by defeating the Águilas Cibaeñas 7-6 in extra innings. The victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated playoff matchup between the Toros and the Leones del Escogido of Santo Domingo.

The result of the game marked a heartbreaking end for the Águilas, the team that had comfortably dominated the standings for most of the three-month regular season. Despite their early consistency, the Santiago-based team faltered in the final stretch, ultimately being eliminated by a resilient Romanense squad.

The game reached its boiling point in the bottom of the 10th inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Jeimer Candelario showed veteran discipline, drawing a walk from left-hander Andrew Pérez. The “walk-off walk” allowed Bryan...

President Luis Abinader and Minister of Tourism David Collado officially inaugurated the Plaza Multiuso Seibana “Eduardo Lima” on Friday, 16 January 2026. Built with an investment of over RD$430 million, this state-of-the-art cultural and bullfighting arena is designed to serve as a major cultural anchor for the province of El Seibo and its fast-growing coastal gem, Miches, located about an hour north from the Punta Cana International Airport.

The inauguration marks a strategic milestone for the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur). As Miches emerges as the country’s next world-class luxury destination, the new arena provides the “complementary offer” that modern travelers seek, blending sun-and-beach luxury with authentic inland traditions.

During the ceremony, President Abinader highlighted that El Seibo must prepare its infrastructure and production to meet the soaring demand of the...

Fitur 2026 opens Wednesday, 21 January in Madrid, Spain. Dozens of Dominican media will be at the leading European travel show to cover the announcements made by participants for the Dominican Republic. The stories coming forth from Fitur are expected to be the headline news for the week.

Tourism Minister David Collado has announced he will be pushing the country’s emerging destinations, Miches (Playa Esmeralda), Cabo Rojo (Bahía de las Aguilas) in Pedernales and Punta Bergantín (Puerto Plata) during the event. The DR is seeking investors and global recognition for these new tourism locations.

The Dominican Republic will also be promoting itself as the regional sports capital with the 25th Central American and Caribbean summer games coming this year and numerous sporting events on the calendar as the country becomes a leading sports tourism destination.

Fitur organizers announce the participation of more than 10,000 companies from 161 countries, 5.5% or 550 more than in...

The Ministry of Environment has officially inaugurated the 2026 Humpback Whale-Watching Season. The launch was marked by the signing of an inter-institutional management agreement designed to strengthen control, regulation, and shared responsibility for the protection of whales in Samaná Bay and the Silver and Navidad Bank marine mammal sanctuaries.

The initiative coordinates efforts between public institutions, local authorities, environmental organizations, and authorized tour operators, the Ministry of Environment explains in a press release. The primary goal is to ensure that whale watching is conducted in an orderly fashion that prioritizes both the safety of tourists and the preservation of the marine sanctuary.

Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez emphasized that this agreement enhances the state’s ability to regulate the activity under strict conservation criteria. The Ministry of Environment reaffirms its commitment to protect the country’s natural marine heritage...

In a strategic move to maintain its competitive edge in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic has once again extended a measure that allows tourists from select countries to enter even if their passports have less than six months of remaining validity.

The Migration Agency (DGM) announced that the waiver, originally established to bolster post-pandemic recovery, will now remain in effect from 1 December 2025, through 31 December 2026. Under this extension of Resolution DGM-01-2024, eligible travelers only need a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay rather than the standard six-month minimum.

The DGM confirmed that the policy specifically targets “key source markets” to ensure a streamlined entry process. The exemption applies to tourists from:North America: United States and Canada.Europe: European Union and the United...

The Dominican Republic has solidified its position as the premier cruise destination in the Caribbean, closing 2025 with a record-breaking 2,815,732 maritime visitors. According to the latest year-end report from the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), this figure represents a 6% increase over 2024 and a staggering 114.6% growth compared to 2022.

Tourism Minister David Collado presented the statistics, highlighting that December alone saw 415,902 cruise arrivals, contributing to a historic total of 11.6 million visitors when combined with air travel. The surge was driven largely by the northern province of Puerto Plata, which remains the country’s maritime powerhouse. The Taíno Bay terminal welcomed 1,126,485 passengers—a 13% year-over-year increase—while Amber Cove recorded 1,076,149 arrivals. Together, these two ports accounted for nearly 80% of the nation’s total cruise traffic.

Other...

The Dominican Republic is poised to lead Latin America’s economic recovery with a projected growth rate of 4.5% in 2026, according to the latest Global Economic Prospects 2026 report released by the World Bank.

The report identifies the Caribbean nation as the region’s top performer, outpacing its neighbors during a period of otherwise modest regional expansion. While much of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) grapples with structural hurdles and volatile commodity markets, the Dominican Republic has emerged as a “notable exception” fueled by resilient domestic demand and a surging service sector.

World Bank economists attribute the country’s frontrunner status to a combination of disciplined macroeconomic policy and a robust rebound in high-value sectors. “The Dominican Republic continues to distinguish itself through consistent policy...

Following the expiration of the online renewal deadline, vehicle owners in the Dominican Republic now have until 31 January 2026, to obtain and display their annual circulation tax stickers (marbetes) on their vehicles.

According to the Tax Agency (DGII), motorists can still complete the process at 47 financial institutions and 856 physical branches nationwide. As of last Friday, approximately 800,000 owners had yet to renew, even as total tax collections already surpassed RD$2 billion, as reported in El Dia citing DGII stats.

The DGII expects to collect over RD$3.43 billion during this fiscal cycle, covering a record 2.08 million eligible vehicles—an increase of nearly 194,000 units compared to last year.

The costs for the 2025-2026 period remain unchanged and are:RD$1,500: Vehicles manufactured up to 2020.RD$3,000: Vehicles manufactured from 2021 onwards.

Penalties for...

Foreign Relations Minister Roberto Alvarez has flatly denied allegations that the Dominican government is seeking to bypass or reverse a landmark Constitutional Court ruling on nationality, following warnings from political figures regarding international pressure over Haitian migration and citizenship rights.

As the media reported on Saturday, 17 January 2026, Alvarez emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex) remains in full compliance with all decisions issued by the Dominican state’s legal bodies.

“What I have seen in the press has absolutely nothing to do with the institutional position of the ministry,” Alvarez stated, responding to claims that the government might be softening its stance to satisfy the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR).

The controversy centers on Ruling 168-13, a 2013 ruling by the Constitutional Court that established...

The Dominican Republic officially assumed the Pro Tempore Presidency (PPT) of the Central American Integration System (SICA) this Thursday, 15 January 2026 marking the fourth time the nation has taken the helm of the regional leadership body.go

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Relations (MIREX), officials emphasized that the appointment underscores the country’s commitment to regional integration, collective security, and the socio-economic development of member nations.

The transition took place during a handover ceremony from Panama, which held the presidency for the previous six-month term. Representing Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, the Vice Minister for Economic Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugo Francisco Rivera Fernández, highlighted the need for institutional reform.

Rivera stated that the Dominican presidency will prioritize:• Transparency: Ensuring regional institutions respond directly to the needs of the citizenry.• Governance...

The National Congress expedited the approval of a controversial bill authorizing the state to pay the debts claimed by more than 500 builders and contractors who acknowledge they executed public works without formal contracts. The legislation, which was declared urgent and passed in two consecutive readings in both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, aims to settle financial obligations dating back in some cases to over 30 years, covering projects that range from infrastructure maintenance to school repairs.

Proponents argue the measure acts as a restitution for work completed but never compensated due to administrative hurdles, while critics have raised concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the specific amounts involved and the beneficiaries.

The legislators argued the bill addresses a long-standing limbo for hundreds of engineers and small contractors who...

The global medical device sector has the Dominican Republic in its focus. Already 40 manufacturers lead the way, representing 31% of all free zone exports in the country and US$2.6 billion in exports in 2023 alone. DP World is spearheading the next step in positioning the DR as a global medtech manufacturer, a company press release highlights. DP World manages port-manufacturing enterprises at the Dominican Republic’s two main entry points — Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

Behind the renewed manufacturing efforts is location, location, location that favors the Dominican Republic. The geographic location of the country supports speed-to-market. Manufacturers serving North American customers can reduce transit time and inventory pressure compared with longer Asia-based supply chains, while still operating within an established export platform.

Scale matters because medtech...

As global gold prices surge to repeated historic highs, renewing investor appetite for extraction projects, former presidential candidate Abel Martínez has issued a stark warning against mining encroachment in the Cibao region’s most critical water sources, as reported in Listin Diario.

Martinéz, the former mayor of Santiago and a leading figure in the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), has publicly thrown his support behind a grassroots movement led by Father Nino Ramos. The coalition of Catholic clergy, community leaders, and local organizations is mobilizing to protect the Pico Diego de Ocampo, the highest point in the Cordillera Septentrional mountain range, from potential mining exploitation.

Martínez characterized the defense of the peak not as an isolated local dispute, but as a matter of national security. He argues that the rush to capitalize on the current commodities boom...

In recent years, the Dominican authorities have requested, and received, investigative assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States. In fact, the federal agency has collaborated with Dominican authorities on cases involving computer hacking, disappearances, fraud and money laundering, and extraditions.

Not always do the authorities in the Dominican Republic provide the circumstances that required the assistance of the FBI. In the latest case, that of the infant Brianna Genao, who disappeared two weeks ago, set off a major investigation assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, since there are similarities with other cases of child disappearances. The case of Brianna Genao has set off a massive effort by every conceivable Dominican agency, but after two weeks there has been no news. As a result, late last week the FBI was asked to collaborate in the case...

Wednesday, 21 January, is the Feast of Our Lady of High Grace, the Protector of the Dominican Republic. For the occasions, thousands travel east to honor the Virgin Mary at the Basilica in Higuey. The government has declared Wednesday a national non-working holiday. Nevertheless, the holiday will be followed by the Duarte Day celebrations that turn the upcoming weekend into a long weekend. The Duarte Day holiday falls on a Monday, 26 January.

The Center for Emergency Operations (COE), working with the provincial governor’s office of La Altagracia, announces the start of traffic control and assistance as of Monday, 19 January 2026 after 2pm on the highways and roads leading to the Basilica of Our Lady High Grace in Higuey, the capital of La Altagracia province.

The operation will continue until 6pm Wednesday, 21 January. Some 9,000 agents and volunteers will be scattered along the...

Unesco has officially opened nominations for the 2026 Unesco/Juan Bosch Prize for the Promotion of Social Science Research in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a statement released Thursday by the Dominican Republic’s Permanent Mission.

Established in 2009 to mark the centenary of the birth of the late Dominican president and scholar Juan Bosch, the biennial award targets young researchers whose work bridges the gap between academic theory and social development policies.

The prize is designed to honor “innovative and rigorous research” that addresses the contemporary challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean. According to Unesco, the goal is to highlight scientific knowledge that fosters inclusive social development across the region.

Eligibility and nomination guidelinesThe competition is open to...

Wandy Asigen / Listin Diario

As of Thursday, 15 January 2026, Major League Baseball teams were allowed to sign young talent. The rules are very simple: the person must be 16 years of age at signing and reach 17 years of age by the following 1st of September and registered with Major League Baseball (MLB) by 1 November. There are also requirements regarding the proper identification, education and training history of the prospect. The deals are not final until the player selected and signed passes a team physical exam.

All that said, last Thursday was a bonanza for young Dominican talent. According to MLB Pipeline, Wandy Asigen, from Monte Llano in Puerto Plata was the second-highest player signed at US$3.8 million. Previously, Asigen had an oral agreement with the New York Yankees, but when the international player director left the Yankees, the NY Mets entered the picture.

Another...

The newly appointed Minister of Housing and Buildings (MIVED), Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, has signaled that completing sports infrastructure is a top priority for his administration, Noticias SIN reports. On Sunday, 18 January 2026, Bisonó led a technical tour alongside Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz to review the progress of venues for the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games, scheduled to take place in Santo Domingo from 24 July to 8 August 2026.

The ministers confirmed that the projects are currently on schedule and proceeding without delays. Significant work is being carried out across two primary hubs:

Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center: Work is ongoing at the Aquatics Center, the baseball and softball stadiums, the athletics track, and the volleyball and taekwondo pavilions. The fencing pavilion has already been completed. Work at the Aquatics Center has been markedly slow, with the pool closing around two years ago and swimmers having to relocate to other pools for their...

Acknowledging that the Aguilas Cibaeñas had enrolled more new players than allowed in their roster for the game against the Toros del Este in La Romana on 16 January 2026, the Dominican Professional Baseball League annulled the game the Aguilas had won 6-2 and ordered a repeat of the game “if necessary.”

The game will be necessary since the Aguilas defeated the Leones del Escogido 4-1 in Santo Domingo at the Quisqueya Ball Park. The annulling of the game had placed the Toros 1.5 games ahead of the Aguilas in the standing.

For the Aguilas to win the second slot for the playoffs, they needed to defeat the Leones on Sunday, that they did, and now they need to defeat the Toros in the rescheduled tie-breaking game. The repeat of the game will be at the same Frank Micheli Ball Park in La Romana.

The Aguilas Cibaeñas have protested the annulling of the game, calling the measure...