DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

More than 1.4 million private-sector workers in the Dominican Republic should be getting a boost in their paychecks starting 1 February 2026, as the government implemented the final 8% installment of a scheduled minimum wage hike. The Ministry of Labor made the announcement calling for all companies to follow through with the pay change.

The adjustment completes a total 20% increase mandated by the National Wages Committee (CNS) under Resolution 01-2025.

The Ministry of Labor has released the official updated salary tiers for non-sectorized private businesses:Large companies: RD$29,988.00 (an increase of RD$4,998)Medium companies: RD$27,489.60 (an increase of RD$4,582)Small companies: RD$18,421.20 (an increase of RD$3,070)Micro-enterprises: RD$16,993.20 (an increase of RD$2,832)

For the lowest-income bracket, the cost of essential goods is estimated at...

The Listin Diario has published a list of the companies included in the recently passed law that calls for the government to pay companies that reportedly carried out infrastructure but did so without standard contracts.

The President’s office vetoed the bill, sending it back to the Chamber of Deputies for revision.

Read about these companies that hope to get a major financial break: Listin Diario

DR1 News

DR1 News

4 February 2026

Angel del Pino Cuya / Diario Libre

Recent reports from the Dominican and international press provide details regarding the case of Peruvian Ángel del Pino Cuya, also identified in some documents as Ricardo Casas, who is currently facing terrorism charges in the Dominican Republic.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Dominican Republic has formally accused the Peruvian national of terrorism following the false bomb threat at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) on 6 January 2026.

The hoax caused significant logistical and economic disruption to civil aviation with operations at Las Americas International (SDQ), the main airport serving the Greater Santo Domingo area, that was paralyzed for around three hours. The emergency triggered a massive deployment involving the Specialized Corps in Airport and Civil Aviation Security (CESAC), the National Intelligence Agency (DNI)...

The Dominican Republic is under the coldest weather in the past 10 years. Making matters worse, the country is under the effect of a system that brings wind gusts that make it all seem colder. Known as bomb cyclone or bombogenesis, this type of storm forms when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, rapidly intensifying the system.

The cold weather extends all the way from the north Atlantic Ocean down to Central America to the south. Weather forecaster Jean Suriel has described the phenomenon as one of about 5,000 to 6,000 km2. He says people will need sweaters and jackets for most of the week.

El Dia reports that the temperatures dropped below 10C in mountain areas such as Valle Nuevo, in Constanza, La Vega. Morning temperatures of 18C are forecast for Greater Santo Domingo.

The Weather Institute (Indomet) says that the cool temperatures and localized weak rainfall...

The Association of Art Chroniclers (Acroarte) has officially unveiled the nominees for the 2026 Soberano Awards, the most prestigious honor in Dominican art and entertainment. This announcement marks the beginning of the countdown to the gala, scheduled for 18 March at the Carlos Piantini Hall of the Eduardo Brito National Theater.

The nominations, finalized after intensive deliberation by juries across film, classical arts, popular music, and communications, highlight the standout performances of 2025. The long-lasting evening show, that includes a red gala of the stars, is an opportunity to get up to date with who is who in the entertainment business in the Dominican Republic.

Highlights of the 2026 nominationsThe merengue and urban categories remain the heartbeat of the awards. Veteran performers like Eddy Herrera, Miriam Cruz, and Manny Cruz are vying for...

Luguelin Santos / El Día

The countdown for his return to international competitions is nearing its end for Dominican track star, 33-year old Luguelin Santos. After nearly four years away from professional competition due to an age document alteration suspension dating back to when he was 18 years old, the London 2012 silver medalist is preparing to return to the world stage, with his sights set on competing before a home crowd.

The 400-meter specialist from Bayaguana, Monte Plata, revealed he is physically and mentally ready to reclaim his place in the sport. His immediate roadmap includes the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland (March 20–22, 2026), followed by a cornerstone appearance at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games (July 24 – August 8, 2026) in Santo Domingo this summer.

During his time away from the track, Santos remained a visible figure in...

With forecast of the “polar” temperatures to continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Dominican Republic is experiencing its coldest February in years. The cold weather is affecting cities, mountains and even low lying beach areas.

The defining characteristic of this week’s weather is the arrival of a polar air mass. Forecaster Jean Suriel noted that the fresh northeasterly breeze will keep daytime temperatures pleasant, while nighttime lows drop to unusual lows.

In urban centers like Santo Domingo and Santiago, lows have been hovering this week between 20°C and 22°C (68°F–72°F). However, in high-altitude areas such as Constanza and Valle Nuevo, temperatures are falling to around 10°C (50°F), marking some of the coolest conditions of the season so far.

The weakening cold front and a persistent trough is expected to maintain unstable weather conditions across much of the...

According to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reached a record-breaking US$5.032 billion by the close of 2025. This represents a significant 14.7% increase compared to 2024, continuing a steady upward trend for the country’s economy.

The surge was primarily driven by the tourism sector, which accounted for approximately 25% of the total investment. The Dominican Republic offers tax and labor conditions that continue to attract foreign investment in the sector.

Other major contributors included the energy, real estate, and commerce sectors.

This influx of capital has bolstered the country’s international reserves and contributed to exchange rate stability, supporting a favorable climate for sustained growth.

The BCRD attributes this success to the Dominican Republic’s legal security, political stability, and its competitive position as a premier investment destination in the Caribbean.

This milestone reinforces the...

The Civil Aviation Board (JAC) of the Dominican Republic has officially authorized the resumption of regular commercial flights between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, ending a suspension that had been in place since July 2024.

According to Resolution 24-26, issued during an extraordinary session on 2 February 2026, the JAC approved the reactivation of air transport operations for passengers, cargo, and mail. This move follows a bilateral agreement reached between both governments to restore air connectivity, which was abruptly halted nearly two years ago following diplomatic tensions.

The authorization includes several airlines that previously operated these routes. Venezuelan carriers such as LASER, Avior, RUTACA, Turpial, and RAV S.A. (Venezolana) are slated to return, alongside Dominican-based airlines including Sky High Aviation and Red Air.

Diario Libre reports that the announcement has brought significant relief to the Venezuelan community residing in the...

Manny Machado / El Caribe

The Dominican Republic’s quest for a second World Baseball Classic title received a significant boost this week as the Dominican Baseball Federation (FEDOM) officially confirmed that superstar outfielder Juan Soto and infielder Manny Machado will represent the nation in the 2026 tournament.

Soto, a native of Santo Domingo and one of the most disciplined hitters in Major League Baseball, is expected to be a cornerstone of the “Plátano Power” lineup. His participation adds elite offensive production and veteran leadership to a roster that aims to reclaim dominance on the international stage.

This will be the third time Machado wears the Dominican uniform. He was not part of the 2013 edition won by the DR, but played in 2017 and 2023. As part of the Dream Team Alberto Pujols is putting together for the DR, Machado has high hopes to be on a 2026 winning team...

Enny Romero / LIDOM

Behind a masterful performance on the mound by Enny Romero and a productive afternoon from infielder Cristhian Adames, the Leones del Escogido defeated Puerto Rico’s Cangrejeros de Santurce 5-3 on Monday, 2 February in the Caribbean Series taking place in Jalisco, Mexico. The victory marks the second straight win for the Team DR that is undefeated at the top of the standings in the 2026 Caribbean Series.

Romero, a key reinforcement for the Lidom champions (he played with the Estrellas Orientales), silenced the Puerto Rican bats over five scoreless innings. The left-hander allowed only three hits while striking out one and walking another, utilizing a sharp sinker to keep the Cangrejeros off balance at Estadio Panamericano.

“I just kept working my fastball and commanding the zone with my sinker,” Romero said following the game. “I was selective with...

The ASTA Globes (American Society of Travel Advisors) granted the Dominican Republic its ASTA International Destination Partner of the Year Awad during the awards ceremony held on 22 January 2026, at the Palmer House in Chicago, USA. The ASTA Globes Awards recognize professional excellence, focusing specifically on the value and integrity of travel advisors rather than just consumer popularity.

The ASTA Globes were established to move beyond traditional tourism awards. They focus on professional integrity, innovation, and advocacy. For travelers, these winners serve as a “trusted benchmark,” identifying professionals who offer expert guidance and dependable support in an increasingly complex global travel environment.

Zane Kerby, CEO of ASTA, stated that the ASTA award winners represent “the best partners of our industry who invest in professionalism… and move our...

The Dominican Republic’s tourism sector has kicked off 2026 with robust growth, recording an 8% increase in visitor arrivals this January compared to the same period last year. The Ministry of Tourism reports arrivals of 1,155,485 visitors in January 2026.

Minister of Tourism David Collado announced the figures during a visit to San Pedro de Macorís to inaugurate works for the new public El Faro beach facility.

He noted that the growth comes despite a wave of flight cancellations from the country’s primary source markets. The 8% uptick builds on a record-breaking 2025, which saw 11.7 million visitors.

Collado emphasized the industry’s consistent upward trajectory over the last several years, noting that the Dominican Republic has repeatedly overcome global headwinds.

Read more in...

The La Vega Carnival, the most popular in the Dominican Republic, kicked off on Sunday, 1 February 2026 with the parades of the carnival characters and music events. The parades are set for all Sundays in February. The La Vega Carnival Union organizes the most traditional parade in the country and is the organization that has made carnival popular in the Dominican Republic.

For 2026, La Vega Carnival Union has brought together 230 groups called “ diablos cojuelos” (either ‘naughty’ or ‘limping’ devils), which are basically costumed groups dancing to merengues, or bachata music. Folklorists attest the origin of these dancers to legends of the Devil being thrown to the ground and limping away. They are perhaps the most colorful elements of the Carnival festivities.

La Vega also offers a more tradition carnival celebration at the Central Park where costumes from the 70s, 80s...

Mayor Ulises Rodríguez has officially set the stage for the Santiago Carnival 2026, promising a month-long celebration that blends deep-rooted tradition with modern structural innovations. The festivities will take place every Sunday throughout February, culminating in a grand finale parade on 1 March 2026.

The Mayor says this edition is designed not just as a party, but as a strategic engine for the North region’s economy and cultural identity.

The municipal government has introduced a comprehensive masterplan aimed at elevating the event’s profile on both a national and international scale. A key highlight of this year’s organization is the strategic partnership with Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, which will provide logistical support and help expand the reach of activities centered at Parque Central.

The carnival serves as a vital platform for economic reactivation...

The 2026 Bonao Carnival officially began its Sunday parade season on 1 February 2026. The carnival has the support of Mayor Eberto Núñez, Monsenor Nouel province governor Adela Tejada, and Bonao legislators, Héctor Acosta Orlando Martínez.

The parades will continue on 8, 15 and 22 Sunday. There will be an Independence Day Finale on 27 February 2026. The Grand Finale is set for Sunday, 8 March 2026. This final event traditionally will feature guest groups representing the best from other provinces across the country.

The Bonao carnival festivities are organized by the Bonao Carnival Organizing Committee (COCABO).

The celebration takes place primarily in the area around Parque Duarte, featuring the city’s iconic Macaraos and famous troupes such as Los Tucanes, Los Indios, and Los Leones.?Read more in...

February is the month of carnival in the Dominican Republic, and the Punta Cana Carnival is one of the most organized and colorful, under the direction of Orlando Lora.

The 17th Punta Cana Carnival will take place on Friday, 20 February and Saturday, 21 February on the 1 November Boulevard in the Punta Cana Village.

A selection of the top five on Friday, 20 February when a warm up carnival parade will take place on the same central Punta Cana boulevard as of 6pm.

The major event with 30 groups from all the country, a selection of the best in carnival nationwide, will take place on Saturday, 21 February as of 2:30pm on the same 1 November Boulevard.

On that same day, the Rey Momo or Reina Moma will be announced at 4pm to join the parade. Last year it was merengue queen Mily Quezada. Others have been fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, national...

The City Council of the National District (ADN), in coordination with the Carnival Union (UCADI), has officially announced that the 2026 National District Carnival parade will take place on Sunday, 22 February 2026.

The event is set to transform the Avenida George Washington (El Malecón) into a vibrant display of Dominican folklore and tradition. Organizers confirmed that the procession will span the scenic coastal stretch between the “Obelisco Macho” and the “Obelisco Hembra.”

This year’s edition is dedicated to the late Dr. José Guillermo Mieses, known affectionately as “Pepe,” a distinguished physician, sportsman, and founder of the legendary “Los Leones del Diablo” troupe. The 2026 royal court will be led by Carnival King Francisco Taveras Benítez and Carnival Queen Santa Valdés.

More than 70 troupes (comparsas) are expected to participate, competing for a prize pool that...

President Luis Abinader left for Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday, 1 February 2026 to participate in the 2026 World Governments Summit (WGS) from 3 to 5 February.

The World Governments Summit (WGS), held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai, is supported by a mix of international organizations, governments, and corporate partners. Key partners include the IMF, World Bank (IFC), OECD and UNESCO. Major corporate, knowledge, and technology partners include PwC, EY, Accenture, Oliver Wyman, Google, Oracle, and Emirates. 

The World Governments Summit visit is a follow up to the country hosting the event in Punta Cana in 2025. Previously, Abinader had attended the event in 2024 as part of his first Middle East tour, centered that time in Qatar.

The 2026 summit is under the theme “Shaping Future Governments” and is a global platform that...

President Luis Abinader signed Presidential Decrees, 55-26 that will bring about major changes to the energy sector. The Decree 55-26 establishes the Dominican Electricity Transmission Company (ETED) as a strategic public entity, guaranteeing the continuation of its judicial status as well as its assets.

The decree provides for modern management systems to be utilized, in addition to pathways for the implementation of high-tech computer systems for management and accounting.

Read more in Spanish:

• Decree 55-26

The Presidency announced the issuing of Decree 60-26 that eliminates the previously named OPRET (Office for the Reorganization of Transportation), the Metro Office. The OPRET is replaced by the EMT (Empresa de Mantenimiento de Transporte). The EMT is in charge of handling the operation and maintenance of all mass-transit equipment. In the restructuring the building of transport infrastructure, such as new rail, metro, or cable car facilities, falls under the care of the FITRAM (the Mass Transit System Development Trust).

These decrees come on the heels of the announcement of a US$900 million proposal for a new monorail system in Santo Domingo. The proposal is to create 11 kilometers of a monorail system that will travel from the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center all the way to the King Juan Carlos Bridge at the Las Americas Highway in East Santo...

President Luis Abinader has officially appointed engineer Jimmy Rosario Bernard as the new rector of the Las Américas Institute of Technology (ITLA), according to Decree No. 65-26 issued on 31 January 2026.

Rosario Bernard is described as a veteran professional with extensive experience in computer engineering, the digitalization of public services, and STEM education.

The appointment comes just over a week after the removal of the previous rector, Rafael Féliz García, who was dismissed via Decree 39-26 on 23 January 2026 after TV journalist Nuria Piera aired investigations into irregularities at the state technology institute. The decision reportedly followed a period of administrative evaluation and public scrutiny regarding internal management practices.

President Luis Abinader presented the Gran Premio Nacional de la Juventud (Grand National Youth Award) to Apolo 27, a student team from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC).

The award was presented on 1 February 2026 during a ceremony to commemorated National Youth Day. The award recognizes the team as a benchmark for innovation and excellence in the STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). The student team received the highest honor of the night for their consistent success in international engineering.

Apolo 27 is widely celebrated for its performance in the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC). They have earned multiple global accolades, including “The Most Improved Award” and the “Spirit Award,” for their excellence in designing and constructing rovers intended for space exploration.

During the...

The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has announced the phased rollout for the renewal of the Dominican identity and electoral card (Cédula), will begin nationwide 12 April 2026 for the general public. In an effort to maintain public order and prevent overwhelming crowds, the agency is convening citizens to renew their documents during their respective birth months.

The initiative follows the symbolic delivery of the first new-format ID to President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje on 26 January 2026. The first quarter of the year is being dedicated to internal testing and biometric data capture for JCE personnel and other government staff.

The massive renewal phase starts in April 2026 and is expected to conclude by 31 March 2027, for those within the national territory. The new document features longer expiration periods based on age: 12 years for...

The governments of the Dominican Republic and Venezuela announced a significant breakthrough in bilateral relations on Sunday, 1 February 2026, confirming the imminent reopening of consular services and the restoration of direct commercial flights between the two nations.

The move marks a turning point in a diplomatic freeze that began in 2024, when relations were severed following the disputed Venezuelan presidential elections. According to a joint statement issued from Caracas, the decision was reached through coordinated efforts to assist citizens residing in both countries and to restore regional connectivity.

Under the new agreement, the Dominican consulate in Caracas and the Venezuelan consulate in Santo Domingo will resume operations in the coming days. This reactivation is expected to clear a massive backlog of visa applications, legalizations, and other...

The Operacion Sonrisa (Operation Smile) Foundation in the Dominica Republic has announced the 38th International Surgery Days for Cleft Palats and Harelip restoration at the Dr. Julio Manuel Rodriguez Grullon Maternal-Infantile Hospital, which is located in the huge Luis Eduardo Aybar Medical Center (CECANOT) in the Maria Auxiliadora barrio of Santo Domingo.

Operations are completely free of charge.

The dates are 16 February until 20 February.

Pre-Surgical Evaluations will take place on 14 February at the Plan Social de la Presidencia. More information can be obtained by calling the Fundacion Operacion Sonrisa Republica Dominicana at 829 470 3945.

Read more in Spanish:

• Listin Diario

Ramón Alburquerque / Listin Diario

The Dominican Republic mourns the death of Ramón Alburquerque Ramírez, a towering figure in the nation’s political landscape and a former president of the Senate. Alburquerque passed away on 30 January 2026, at the age of 76, following a courageous battle with liver cancer.

His family confirmed that he died in Santo Domingo shortly after returning from the United States, where he had been undergoing specialized medical treatment.

A legacy of legislative powerA chemical engineer by trade, Alburquerque was known for his sharp intellect and a political career that spanned over four decades. He was a central pillar of the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD) before becoming a founding leader of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM).

His influence was most felt in the halls of Congress. He served four consecutive terms as senator for the Monte...

Authorities in the National District are investigating the death of a woman who fell from the 11th floor of a luxury residential tower in the Piantini sector on Sunday, 1 February 2026 in the afternoon.

The victim has been identified by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) as Ángela Ortega, a Canadian national approximately 55 years old. Preliminary reports indicate that she was the wife of the Canadian consul in the Dominican Republic.

The incident occurred around 5pm at the Mónaco Tower VIII-IX, located at 55 El Retiro Street. According to witnesses, the victim landed dangerously close to a male pedestrian who was passing in front of the building at the time of the fall. The identity of the pedestrian has not been released.

National Police officers arrived at the scene shortly after to cordoned off the area and begin the initial phase of the...

A cold front drafting east to Puerto Rico is bringing drier air and noticeably cooler temperatures across the Dominican Republic starting this Monday, 2 February 2026. The evening and early morning were marked by intense wind gusts felt in the National District.

Weather Institute (Indomet) reports that coastal and mountainous regions should remain on alert for intermittent rain and hazardous maritime conditions.

Despite the arrival of drier air, a combination of cool northerly winds and local terrain effects will keep the skies cloudy. Indomet reports that residents should expect moderate intermittent showers starting in the morning, particularly in the Atlantic Coast: Puerto Plata, Espaillat, María Trinidad Sánchez, and Samaná; the Cibao Valley provinces from Montecristi to Monsenor Nouel; and the southwest, including Barahona, and Pedernales.

Indomet reports that thermometers nationwide...

The Dominican Republic, represented by the the Leones del Escogido, won game 1 during the Caribbean Series being played at the Estadio Panamericano in Zapopan, a suburb of Guadalajara, in Jalisco, Mexico. The DR defeated the Red Team of Mexico 5-4.

The Caribbean Series that matches teams from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Panama.

The 2026 Caribbean Series will now be hosted by the Charros de Jalisco of the Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacifico. The event features the champions of Puerto Rico’s LBPRC, the Dominican Republic’s LIDOM, both finalists from Mexico’s LAMP, and a team representing Panama. The Caribbean Series schedule is from 1 to 7 February 2026.

2026 Caribbean Series Schedule

All times Eastern Standard Time• – If either or both Mexico teams advance to the semifinals, they will play the late game regardless of seeding.

Sunday, Feb. 13pm...

Emilio Contreras / El Caribe

In a strategic move to overhaul the country’s power distribution sector, the Unified Council of Electricity Distribution Companies (CUED) has appointed engineer Emilio Contreras as the new general manager of EdeEste, the Dominican Republic’s largest electricity utility.

The announcement, made on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, comes as President Luis Abinader’s administration intensifies efforts to stabilize the national grid and reform the financial health of the state-owned distributors. Contreras succeeds Mario Pizarro, who reportedly stepped down to attend to personal matters in his home country.

Contreras takes the helm of EdeEste at a critical juncture. The appointment is a central component of the government’s broader mandate to transform the utility’s operational performance. \

Key priorities for the new leadership include:• Expanding the...

In a move set to reshape the Caribbean’s energy landscape, the administration of US President Donald J. Trump has officially granted a presidential permit for the construction of a submarine electric cable connecting the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, Noticias SIN reports.

The announcement was made Wednesday, 28 January 2026 by President Luis Abinader. The permit serves as the final regulatory hurdle required by Washington to allow the interconnection of the two energy systems, clearing the way for the Dominican Republic to begin exporting electricity to Puerto Rico.

President Abinader characterized the approval as a “pivotal advancement” for regional energy cooperation. He noted that the project not only addresses Puerto Rico’s ongoing energy stability needs but also cements the Dominican Republic’s status as a strategic hub for power generation and sales in...

US Ambassador Leah F. Campos characterized economic and national security as “two sides of the same coin” during a keynote address to the Santiago Chamber of Commerce and Production on Wednesday, 29 January 2026. The event was attended by Vice President Raquel Peña and leading Santiago businesspeople, including Manuel Estrella and Micalo Bermudez, as reported in El Caribe.

In her first official visit to the second largest city in the country, Campos advocated for a bilateral agenda rooted in sovereignty, border control, and the strengthening of trade and investment.

“America First does not mean America Alone,” Campos concluded, reiterating that the US remains the Dominican Republic’s leading source of foreign direct investment. She pledged that the US Embassy would continue to foster a “practical and non-politicized” economic relationship.

The...

In a significant expansion of its medical infrastructure, the Medical Center for Diabetes, Obesity, and Specialties (Cemdoe) has officially transitioned from an ambulatory care model to a full-service hospital. As of 19 January 2026, Cemdoe offers patient internment in addition to its comprehensive clinical offerings, marking a new phase in its evolution aimed at providing continuous, long-term care for the community.

Cemdoe is a private clinic that accepts most medical insurance plans. Word of mouth on its efficient medical services and its location in western Santo Domingo have attracted thousands of patients.

The new hospital wing features modern private rooms designed for patient recovery and a multidisciplinary Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These facilities allow the center to manage complex clinical cases that require overnight stays and constant monitoring, moving beyond its...

In a significant legal blow to corporate environmental negligence, a Dominican court has sentenced an agroforestry company to pay substantial damages for the ecological devastation caused by its avocado production operations.

The case has drawn national attention in the Dominican Republic as a landmark victory for Environmental Law (Law 64-00). While the avocado industry is a major economic driver for the country, environmental groups and the Academy of Sciences of the Dominican Republic have long warned that expanding plantations into high-altitude forests and protected watersheds compromises the nation’s water security.

This sentence serves as a stern warning to large-scale agricultural producers that economic profit does not grant immunity from environmental regulations.

The ruling, issued by the Criminal Chamber of the Court of First Instance of San José de Ocoa...

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, in a “march-caravana” to voice a resounding “No” to mining exploitation in the Cordillera Central and Cordillera Septentrional mountain ranges. The mountain ranges are vital to the production of water for human consumption and farming irrigation.

The demonstration, organized by the Catholic movement “Unidos Somos Más” (United We Are More), saw a significant turnout of residents from Santiago and Puerto Plata. Participants traveled in cars and on motorcycles with headlights on and horns blaring, traversing the Juan Pablo Duarte Highway and Las Carreras Avenue before concluding at Santiago’s central monorail and cable car station.

Father Ramón “Nino” Ramos, representing the group of priests and community leaders leading the movement, framed the protest as a defense of “Mother Earth”...

The 18th edition of the Santo Domingo Global Film Festival (FCGSD) officially launched on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Eduardo Brito National Theater, setting the stage for a week-long celebration of international cinema and cultural dialogue.

The opening night’s centerpiece was the world premiere of “Milly: La Reina del Merengue” (Milly: The Queen of Merengue), a musical documentary directed by Leticia Tonos. The film chronicles the life of the legendary Milly Quezada, who fled the Dominican Civil War in 1965 as a youth and rose to musical prominence in New York’s Washington Heights during the 1970s. The documentary explores Quezada’s journey through themes of memory, identity, and resilience.

During the opening ceremony, the festival presented top honors to both Milly Quezada and multi-talented artist Cecilia García, recognizing their enduring impact...

The field is set for the 2026 Caribbean Series that opens 1 February in Mexico, with the Dominican Republic’s Leones del Escogido representing the Dominican Republic. The Leones del Escogido are scheduled to open their title defense against Mexico Red (Charros de Jalisco) at 7:30pm local time.

This year’s regional championship was relocated from Venezuela to Mexico due to ongoing sociopolitical concerns. Following the venue change, the tournament format has been adjusted to feature five teams, including two host squads:• Dominican Republic: Leones del Escogido (Defending Caribbean Series champions)• Mexico Red: Charros de Jalisco• Mexico Green: Tomateros de Culiacán• Puerto Rico: Cangrejeros de Santurce• Panama (guest): Federales de Chiriquí

Thirteen games are scheduled. The tournament begins this Sunday, 1 February 2026 and the finals will be on 7...