DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Carlos Segura Foster, the former administrator of Banco Agrícola, has raised an alarm over what he describes as a severe institutional and financial decline at the state-owned agricultural bank. Speaking on the news program El Despertador, Segura Foster characterized the current state of the bank’s loan portfolio as “scandalous,” claiming delinquency rates have soared to between 15% and 25%.

The former official alleged that this deterioration is the result of “premeditated decisions” that have distorted the bank’s credit policies. According to Segura Foster, the “Zero Rate” loan program—originally designed to support small-scale farmers—was mismanaged, with significant funds allegedly diverted to large-scale entrepreneurs and institutions that did not meet the program’s requirements.

Segura Foster detailed a series of irregular accounting practices used to mask the bank’s true financial health. He claimed that many loans were reclassified as “managed portfolios” to bypass...

President Luis Abinader is convinced that the Dominican Republic is on a definitive path to doubling the size of its economy by 2036, citing institutional stability and a diversified growth model as the primary engines for this ambitious goal.

Participating in the High-Level Presidential Panel “Latin America’s New Chapter: What’s Next?” at the 2026 World Government Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, 4 February, Abinader joined counterparts Santiago Peña of Paraguay and Daniel Noboa of Ecuador to discuss the region’s economic and political trajectory.

During his intervention, Abinader highlighted that the Dominican Republic has consolidated its position as one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean. He specifically emphasized a strategic roadmap aimed at 100% economic growth over the next decade.

“We have mapped out a clear...

Minister Roberto Alvarez and Secretary of State Marcos Rubio / El Caribe

In a significant move to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s position in the global energy transition, Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Minister of the Presidency Joel Santos represented the nation at a high-level ministerial meeting on critical minerals at the US Department of State on 4 February 2026.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial at the US Department of State in Washington, D.C. Delegations from around 50 nations were invited to advance collective efforts to strengthen and diversify critical minerals supply chains. The gathering was scheduled to create momentum for collaboration to secure these critical components vital to technological innovation, economic strength, and national security.

The meeting, convened by the...

Carlos Janariz / N Digital

The new regulation governing distributed generation in the Dominican Republic was recently published on 19 January 2026, marking a significant shift in how solar panels are installed for residential and commercial use. Carlos Janáriz, president of the Association of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Companies (Aseefer), has described this as a “considerable positive advance” that removes many of the bureaucratic barriers that previously hindered solar development.

In an interview for Esta Noche con Mariasela, Janariz spoke to the considerable reduction in red tape. The new rules aim to eliminate discretionary interpretations by utility companies. “Zero injection” systems (those that do not send energy back to the grid) no longer require formal permits. Users only need to submit technical designs and install anti-spill mechanisms.

Another...

In a major push for transparency, the Chamber of Accounts of the Dominican Republic (CCRD) has officially launched Ojo Ciudadano, a digital platform designed to empower the public in the fight against government corruption. The CCRD describes the portal as a “fast and easy” way to interact with the auditing office in real-time.

The new portal serves as a direct channel for citizens and civil society organizations to report the misuse of public funds and institutional irregularities. By providing a mechanism for anonymous reporting, the CCRD aims to lower the barriers for whistleblowers and foster a culture of social oversight.

Users can now submit claims of corruption and resource mismanagement without revealing their identity. The tool is designed to facilitate “social control,” allowing the public to actively monitor state institutions.

Beyond reporting, the site...

A high-level international team of archaeologists, led by the renowned Dr. Kathleen Martínez Nazar, has officially launched field operations at the Ruins of Pueblo Viejo to locate the remains of the Taíno leader Enriquillo.

The initiative, titled “Following the Traces of Cacique Enriquillo,” is a joint effort between the Macarrulla Foundation and the Dominican government via the Strategic and Special Projects of the Presidency (Propeep). The mission seeks to provide scientific closure to the historical mystery surrounding the final resting place of the 16th-century indigenous leader who spearheaded the first successful resistance against Spanish colonial rule in the Americas.

The mission, which is scheduled to run throughout February, began this week with a rigorous three-step protocol. According to Martínez, who is internationally recognized for her...

The Ministry of Environment has taken the side of environmentalists who protest actions to change the limits of the Parque Nacional Jaragua. The change would be to enable tourism developments in the southwestern area known for its biodiversity.

The Fifth Chamber of the Superior Administrative Court (TSA) has issued protection ruling no. 0030-1643-2025-SSEN-00786. This ruling orders the modification of the boundaries of Jaragua National Park to allow for tourism development, following a legal challenge filed by a private company.

The Ministry of Environment issued a press release categorically rejecting the court’s decision. The Ministry warned that this ruling sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the integrity of the National System of Protected Areas.

An editorial in Noticias SIN highlights the concerns. Titled, the Jaragua National Park is Not Available Land,” the...

Officials from the National Health Service (SNS) and the National Health Insurance (SeNaSa) held a strategic planning meeting this week to advance the restructuring of the Dominican Republic’s public health system. Led by new appointees Dr. Julio Landrón (SNS) and Dr. Edward Guzmán (SeNaSa), the meeting focused on several key initiatives aimed at improving healthcare quality and accessibility.

The officials say that Primary Care is a major priority for the current administration. They commit to focus on the equipment, repair, and staffing of primary care units to ensure more efficient and humane service.

During the recent meeting, a joint working group involving the SNS, SeNaSa, the Ministry of Public Health, and Promese/CAL (the essential medicines program) was created. This group is tasked with coordinating hospital services and improving insurance coverage...

Santo Domingo authorities seek to reduce traffic deaths with a new urban initiative. The National District City Hall, working with guidance from the Partnership for Healthy Cities, has launched “Ni un chin más rápido” (Not a Bit Faster), a strategic initiative designed to transform driving habits in the capital, reports Adalberto de la Rosa in Diario Libre.

The initiative, which began with a formal ordinance and a pilot plan, is backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies and Vital Strategies. Moving forward, the project calls for stricter enforcement, the potential use of technology like tachographs for public transport, and a massive public awareness campaign to ensure that the city’s streets become safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.

The project aims to lower the standard speed limit on major thoroughfares from 60 km/h (37 mph) to 50 km/h (31 mph), a threshold the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies as critical for saving lives in urban environments.

“At 50...

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Defense announced the capture of a Haitian national allegedly linked to a series of gruesome murders in his home country. The suspect, identified as Chin Laduse, was apprehended during a border patrol operation along the Macasías River in Elías Piña.

According to official reports, Laduse was found hiding in dense brush near the riverbank on 27 January 2026. He was accompanied by a minor, identified as his son.

Investigations have revealed a chilling modus operandi involving a criminal network operating on the Haitian side of the border. The group reportedly targeted Haitian women with false promises of safe passage into the Dominican Republic. Instead of receiving help, the victims were subjected to sexual assault and murdered.

“The victims were killed on Haitian soil, and their bodies were thrown into the...

In a game that will be etched into the record books of Caribbean baseball, the Caribbean Series defending champions Leones del Escogido (Dominican Republic) edged out the Federales de Chiriquí (Panama) with a staggering 16-15 victory on 4 February 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico. This marathon matchup during the 68th Caribbean Series set a new historic milestone for the most combined runs in a single game.

The slugfest produced a total of 31 runs, shattering the previous Caribbean Series record of 28, which had stood since 1990 (when Hermosillo defeated San Juan 20-8 in Miami). The game was a relentless back-and-forth affair with 34 total hits (falling just three short of the all-time tournament record). Fifteen pitchers were used across both teams.

The hero of the night for Escogido was Marco Hernández. The Moca native put on a masterclass at the plate, going 4-for-5 with three...

The Dominican Republic has officially submitted its star-studded roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, assembling what many are calling a US$2 billion “Dream Team” aimed at bringing home the trophy. The DR has only won once, in 2013.

General manager Nelson Cruz and team manager Albert Pujols reportedly finalized the team roster this week, following a high-level strategy meeting in Santo Domingo with legends including Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz, and Juan Marichal. The roster represents a massive investment in talent, featuring some of the highest-paid and most accomplished players in Major League Baseball history.

The lineup: A Major League powerhouseThe Dominican squad is built around a “core four” of elite MLB stars, headlined by Juan Soto (New York Yankees), who recently committed to leading the offensive charge. He is joined by fellow perennial MVP...

According to reports from the Presidency, President Luis Abinader arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, 2 February 2026, to participate in the World Governments Summit (WGS). The President’s agenda centers on positioning the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in economic stability, innovation, and sustainable development. President Abinader has been active inviting Arabs to invest in the Dominican Republic.

During his stay, the President has been holding bilateral meetings with other world leaders and representatives from international organizations. A key focus of his mission is to highlight the Dominican Republic’s role as a “logistics bridge” between the Caribbean and global markets, and very especially the United States. The DR last year hosted the regional WGS-LAC Dialogue in Punta Cana in late 2025.

Abinader is accompanied by...

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...