DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Dominicans are preparing to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day dedicated to friendship and romance. With this in mind, El Día newspaper brought together a panel of experts to identify the most iconic romantic songs in the Dominican Republic’s history. The list celebrates the enduring legacy of local composers and performers who have shaped the romantic “cancionero” (songbook) across generations.

According to the report by Fior Taveras, these pieces continue to thrive on digital platforms and radio stations, proving that the Dominican Republic’s romantic repertoire remains a vital part of the national identity.

The crown jewel: “Por Amor”Topping the selection as the most emblematic Dominican song of all time is “Por Amor,” composed by Rafael Solano in 1968. The song gained international fame after being performed by Niní Cáffaro, and it has since been covered by numerous global...

The Dominican government successfully placed US$2.75 billion in sovereign bonds on the international capital markets on 11 February 2026. The issuance was conducted through the Ministry of Finance and is split into two tranches to manage the nation’s financial obligations and capital investment needs for the 2026 fiscal year.

The placement consists of an eight-year bond and a twelve-year bond. According to reports from the Ministry of Finance and local news outlets, the transaction was heavily oversubscribed, reflecting continued investor confidence in the country’s macroeconomic stability and tourism-led growth.

However, the new borrowing comes amid growing scrutiny regarding the government’s adherence to its own fiscal guidelines. A separate report from Diario Libre highlights that the government failed to comply with its own Public Debt Management Strategy during the 2025 fiscal cycle...

Marking its 28th anniversary, the Metropolitan Bus Services Operator (OMSA) has unveiled a sweeping modernization plan for 2026, headlined by the launch of the country’s first electric bus corridor and the acquisition of hundreds of new vehicles to bolster public transit.

Onésimo González, executive vice president of OMSA, confirmed an expansion of service with the incorporation of 200 new electric units this spring.

In addition to the electric initiative, the agency is set to significantly scale its capacity. González confirmed 200 new 90-passenger electric buses will soon be added to the 27 de Febrero Avenue service. Furthermore, the current administration reported a savings of RD$524 million, which will be reinvested to purchase an additional 35 to 45 buses.

Units will be assigned to a route in the historic Ciudad Colonial. This move is designed to establish a “sustainable...

The service industry has solidified its position as the primary engine of the Dominican labor market, El Dia reports. According to recent data from the Dominican Social Security System (SDSS) for November 2025, the sector accounts for 1,265,240 contributing workers out of a total private-sector pool of 1,695,256 employees.

The dominance of this sector is not limited to headcount; it also leads in the number of contributing employers. Of the 107,266 private-sector employers registered, the service subsectors, led by commerce, represent 83.81% of the total. Specifically, commerce alone accounts for 32.81% of all contributing employers, followed by “other services” at 21.34%.

Historically, this reliance on the service sector reflects the Dominican Republic’s transition from an agrarian economy to one centered on tourism and retail, which now accounts for approximately 60% of the nation’s...

Manuel Estrella and Yayo Sanz Lovatón / El Caribe

In a move to further solidify the Dominican Republic’s position as a premier regional logistics and manufacturing hub, the National Council of Export Free Zones (CNZFE) has officially greenlit the development of the Savanna Free Zone Park. The project was formalized through a contract signing between the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, Yayo Sanz Lovatón, and the president of the Board of Directors of Grupo Estrella, Manuel Estrella.

Located in the Boca Chica area, near the Las Americas International Airport and the Punta Caucedo Multimodal Port and Logistics Center, the park is designed to be a high-tech ecosystem integrating medium and advanced technology companies. According to the development plans, Savanna aims to attract high-value-added manufacturing and efficient services through a dedicated logistics...

A recent ruling by the Superior Administrative Court (TSA) ordering the exclusion of private land from the Jaragua National Park registry has triggered a firestorm of criticism from environmental groups and legal experts. The decision, which favors the company Inversiones del Sur, S.R.L., has been labeled a “dangerous precedent” that could undermine the integrity of the National System of Protected Areas (SINAP).

The court’s decision stems from a legal dispute involving the Gadhala-María family, that argues that their property rights were being violated by administrative omissions. They claimed that although Law 266-04 reduced the park’s boundaries two decades ago, the official cadastral records were never updated to reflect these changes, preventing them from developing or selling their land.

Jaragua National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a critical...

A high-ranking member of the Dominican Air Force has been extradited to the United States to face federal charges of drug trafficking and money laundering, according to government records.

Pedro José Espinal Arthur, a captain in the Air Force who served as the military coordinator for the Migration Agency at La Romana International Airport until May 2024, was handed over to US authorities in late January. The extradition was finalized through Decree No. 48-26, signed by President Luis Abinader.

The chargesEspinal Arthur is facing a multi-count indictment in the US District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. According to the judicial documents, the former officer is charged with:• Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.• Aiding and abetting the distribution of controlled substances.• Conspiracy to commit money laundering and facilitating...

Freezing temperatures have returned to the mountainous region of Valle Nuevo, Constanza, where a minimum temperature of -1°C was recorded for the evening of 10 February 2026. This drop in temperature is part of a broader cooling trend affecting the central Cibao region and northwestern provinces due to a stationary cold front currently over the Dominican Republic.

Local meteorological reports confirm that the intense cold in Valle Nuevo resulted in frost formation, specifically in the Rancho en Medio area near the entrance to Alto Bandera in the Valle Nuevo National Park in La Vega province.

Other reports of low temperatures are for”• Santiago: 14°C• Constanza and Jarabacoa: 13°C to 14°C• Moca, La Vega, and Bonao: Lows between 13°C and 14°C

The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) predicts that these pleasant, cool temperatures will persist for...

Anyone who has had the opportunity to tune into Channel 9, Color Vision, on Wednesdays, as of 8pm, is treated to an enormous display and variety of Dominican artistic talent. The producers accurately describe the show as being a mirror of the Dominican identity.

The reality show has several months in the happening. On Wednesday, 11 February the reality decided who would be the 10 finalists. Their stories are ones of resilience and passion more than outstanding innate talent. The winner will receive an award of RD$3 million.

The following are the ten finalists for Dominicana’s Got Talent, slated to compete for the RD$3 million grand prize on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, on Color Vision.

• Roblox: A high-energy dance group known for their intricate choreography and synchronized movements.

• Royalty: A vocal ensemble characterized by powerful, soulful...

The Spanish royal family formally recognized Dominican Republic’s athletic icon Marileidy Paulino on Wednesday during a high-profile ceremony at the Royal Palace of El Pardo. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia presented Paulino with the prestigious Ibero-American Community Trophy (Trofeo Comunidad Iberoamericana) for 2023, an award honoring the athlete who most distinguished themselves in international sports throughout the year.

The recognition primarily celebrates Paulino’s historic gold medal in the 400 meters at the 2023 Budapest World Championships. At age 29, she secured her legacy as the first Dominican woman to ever stand atop a world championship podium in athletics—a feat she later cemented by capturing the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

While Paulino could not attend the ceremony in person due to her ongoing training and...

After two years of delays, the 2C extension of the Santo Domingo Metro is set to begin operations for the general public on 24 February 2026.

As the first metro line built under President Luis Abinader’s administration, the project broke ground in February 2022. The 7.3-kilometer stretch, which connects the María Montez station at Kilometer 9 of the Duarte Highway to the Los Alcarrizos municipality, was originally scheduled to open in February 2024.

The government has attributed the significant delays to a decentralized construction strategy, which involved dividing the project among more than 30 different contractors. While officials intended for this approach to distribute the workload across multiple local companies, it led to logistical challenges and timeline setbacks. Additionally, the quality of construction has remained under public scrutiny throughout the...

President Luis Abinader issued Decree No. 84-26 on Monday, 9 February 2026 appointing Rafael Santos Badia to head the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MESCYT). He had served in government as the director of the vocational training center, Infotep. He will replace Franklin Garcia Fermin who had been in the position since August 2020 and has not been named in another role in government.

The appointment comes as the administration continues to navigate a proposed merger between MESCYT and the Ministry of Education (MINERD), a project aimed at streamlining the national educational system. Garcia Fermin was a strong opponent to the announced merge of the Ministry of Higher Education with the Ministry of Education.

A veteran educator and lawyer, Santos Badía has extensive experience in vocational training and legislative reform, previously served as a...

In Decree 84-26, President Luis Abinader appointed Geraldo Espinosa Pérez as the new Comptroller General of the Republic. Espinosa Pérez, a seasoned accountant with over 24 years of experience in the public sector. Previously he had served as Sub-Comptroller.

He succeeds Félix Antonio Santana García in a move described by the Presidency as a step toward enhancing the transparency and efficiency of state financial controls.

Read more in Spanish:

• Presidency

The Dominican government has announced that the 2026 National Agricultural Fair (Feria Agropecuaria Nacional) will offer a major financial boost to the country’s farming sector, headlined by specialized low-interest loans aimed at modernization and genetic improvement.

The event, organized by the National Patronage of Cattle Ranchers (Patronato Nacional de Ganaderos), is scheduled to run from 12 to 22 March 2026 at the Feria Ganadera facilities in the capital. The fair has the backing of the Ministry of Agriculture.

A central highlight of this year’s fair is the involvement of the Agricultural Bank (Banco Agrícola). Fernando Durán, the bank’s administrator, confirmed that loans will be made available at a preferential annual interest rate of 6%. These funds are specifically earmarked for the acquisition of machinery, equipment, livestock, and new technologies...

President Luis Abinader officially launched the first phase of a historic transformation and environmental cleanup of the Duquesa landfill on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. The landfill site is located in northern Santo Domingo.

The initiative is a new phase in the major effort toward sustainable solid waste management for Greater Santo Domingo’s 3.8 million residents.

The program is being executed by the Ministry of Environment with financial backing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).

The project, which carries a total investment of US$110 million, aims to mitigate long-standing public health risks and environmental degradation. During the ceremony, President Abinader emphasized that the intervention is not merely a closure of a dump site...

The Superintendency of Health and Occupational Risks (Sisalril) has announced a significant increase in medical coverage for traffic accidents under the Family Health Insurance (SFS) plan.

Effective 1 February 2026, the new coverage ceiling for medical care resulting from traffic incidents has been raised to RD$1,393,380.00. The adjustment aims to provide greater financial security for affiliates facing emergency medical costs in a country with high road incident rates.

The increase reflects the government efforts to act after the accidents. The Abinader administration has built new traumatology hospitals on highways that have been effective in reducing traffic accident deaths. Nevertheless, important preventive actions have yet to be taken in areas such as enforcing traffic laws for motorcyclists, known to cause around 80% of the accidents, and...

The Migration Policy Observatory (OPM) has officially inaugurated its new Data Center and digital platform at the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), marking a significant expansion in the oversight of national migration strategies.

The initiative aims to bridge the transparency gap regarding the enforcement of the 15 security and migration measures established by President Luis Abinader last year. By integrating technology and academic rigor, the OPM seeks to transition from internal monitoring to an open, participatory model.

Citizen-led oversightThe new digital portal, opm.com.do, serves as a “window to the public,” allowing citizens to actively participate in the surveillance of migration policies. Through the platform, users can report incidents that contradict the national legal framework.

To ensure the credibility of these reports, the system...

According to the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, the Dominican Republic continues to show progress in its fight against corruption.

In the latest Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released in February 2026, the Dominican Republic is ranked 99th globally out of 182 countries. The country received a score of 37 out of 100. This marks the fifth consecutive year of improvement, as the nation has climbed steadily from its 2020 low point, when it was ranked 136th with a score of 28 and a regional position of 18th out of 33 countries in the Americas.

The report, analyzed locally by Participación Ciudadana, indicates that while the country has managed to avoid the sharp declines seen in several neighboring nations, it has yet to achieve the structural breakthroughs necessary for a significant leap in the...

Nelson Espinal Báez / RC Noticias

For decades, the Dominican Republic has been the buffer zone for Haiti with the country benefiting from trade and low cost labor, but also absorbing an uneducated and undocumented population and thus picking up heavy social costs. For decades, Haiti has continued in the grasp of a small group of business people who live abroad but control the country’s borders and supplies.

There has been hope for US involvement to bring major changes that will reinstate Haiti on the road to development. But a recent column by Nelson Espinal Baez in Diario Libre warns the buffer zone role of the Dominican Republic in regards to Haiti may be instead strengthened by the Trump administration.

In his recent column for Diario Libre, Nelson Espinal Báez, a lawyer who is an Associate MIT-Harvard Public Disputes Program at Harvard Law School, presents a sobering...

The Dominican Republic is bracing for the high-octane return of its most storied cycling event. The Dominican Cycling Federation (FEDOCI) has officially released the six-stage route for the 47th Vuelta Ciclistica Internacional Independencia Nacional, set to sweep across the country from 24 February to 1 March 2026.

The Vuelta Ciclistica Independencia Nacional is widely considered the crown jewel of Dominican cycling and is a top-tier regional event known for its grueling stage races. The race is the longest and offers the most diverse terrain challenges.

For 2026, the race has regained its UCI 2.2 classification. This is a major distinction; many regional races are “National Events,” but a UCI ranking allows professional teams to earn international points, which significantly boosts the quality of the peloton.

What makes the...

Active circulation of the Influenza A (H3N2) variant has triggered a surge in medical consultations and hospitalizations across the Dominican Republic. Health experts report that this specific strain is currently the most aggressive of at least five respiratory viruses circulating in the country, often leading to severe clinical outcomes in both children and adults.

The Dominican Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SDNCT) has issued a formal alert, noting that H3N2 symptoms are frequently more intense than other seasonal strains, typically presenting as high fevers, extreme fatigue, and persistent coughs.

While the Ministry of Public Health maintains that the increase falls within expected seasonal parameters, specialized pediatric centers like the Hugo Mendoza Hospital have reported seeing upwards of 50 to 60 respiratory cases daily. A significant challenge for the...

Minister Victor Atallah / Presidency

In a major push to modernize the nation’s mental healthcare infrastructure, President Luis Abinader and Minister of Public Health Víctor Atallah unveiled a series of strategic advancements on Monday, 9 February 2026. The centerpiece of the announcement is the launch of 8-1-1, a new, simplified emergency hotline for free mental health assistance.

The new 8-1-1 number replaces the previous 10-digit line (809-200-1400) to provide citizens with more immediate access to psychological help. According to Minister Atallah, the service will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing confidential counseling, initial containment, and specialized referrals.

To support this expansion, the Ministry has reinforced its staff with more than 45 clinical psychologists. Early data indicates the high demand for such services: since...

President Luis Abinader has officially promulgated Law 1-26 governing the National Intelligence Agency (DNI), effectively repealing the controversial Law 1-24. This move follows months of intense public debate and negotiations aimed at balancing national security needs with fundamental constitutional rights.

The previous legislation, passed earlier in 2024, faced significant backlash from civil society, press associations, and legal experts. Critics argued that the original language granted the DNI excessive powers to compel private citizens and entities to hand over information without prior judicial authorization, potentially infringing on the right to privacy and freedom of the press.

The new version of the law includes several critical adjustments:• Judicial oversight: Reinforces the requirement for a court order before the DNI can access private information.• Clarified Scope...

The Dominican Republic is likely to become the fueling station for flights traveling to Cuba. The government of Cuba recently announced that its nine international airports would not have stocks of Jet A1 fuel to service airplanes as of 10 February 2026. The lack of fuel impacts around 400 scheduled weekly flights.

Airlines operating to and from Cuba were notified that they need to plan alternative measures, such as carrying additional fuel, conducting technical stopovers in third countries, or canceling flights.

The airports named include Havana (José Martí International), Varadero, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Cayo Coco (Jardines del Rey), Holguín, Santiago de Cuba and Manzanillo.

Among the operators referenced are American Airlines (73 weekly flights), WestJet (97), and Copa (29), which may need to reroute, add technical stops, or cancel selected services. The...

In the historic display of Caribbean influence, the Dominican Republic occupied a central role at Super Bowl LX through high-profile fashion, direct musical tributes, and a standout opening performance. While the halftime show was a celebration of Latino identity led by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, the cultural fingerprints of the Dominican Republic were woven throughout the spectacle, El Nacional highlighted in its covering of the half time event.

One of the night’s most talked-about moments occurred when Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance to perform a salsa rendition of “Die With a Smile.” For this global stage, Gaga moved away from her traditional gothic aesthetic to wear a custom creation by Raúl López, the Dominican-American founder of the brand LUAR.

López, who was born to Dominican parents and often draws inspiration from the streets of Santo Domingo and...

The “magic” of Disney is officially setting a course for the Dominican Republic.

In a landmark development for the country’s maritime tourism, Disney Cruise Line has confirmed its first-ever arrivals in Puerto Plata, scheduled for October and November 2026. The Disney Dream will dock at the Taíno Bay port in the city of Puerto Plata.

The announcement was made by Mauricio Hamuy, CEO of Taino Bay port on the radio program, El Sol de la Manana. He emphasized that the inclusion of the North Coast in Disney’s elite itinerary is no accident. “For a company like Disney to bring its ships, with children and families, it is because the tourists feel comfortable and safe,” Hamuy stated. “That is not a coincidence; it is a clear sign of confidence in the security, the infrastructure, and the tourist experience that this destination offers.”

The arrival of the...

President Luis Abinader led the inaugural ceremony on Sunday, 8 February 2026 for the Holiday Inn Puerto Plata in the Cofresí Bay Area, a US$26 million investment that marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of the Dominican Republic’s northern coast. This is the residential and tourism area best known for the Ocean World Adventure Park.

He was accompanied by Minister of Tourism David Collado and Minister of Environment Paino Henriquez. Also present for the inauguration were José Ignacio Paliza, Minister of the Presidency, who is a former senator for Puerto Plata and by the current senator for Puerto Plata, Ginette Bournigal.

The new 115-room facility is expected to generate over 100 direct and indirect jobs, reinforcing private sector confidence in the region. During the event, President Abinader characterized investment in Dominican tourism...

During the FITUR 2026 Madrid tourism trade fair, the renowned Italian brand Tonino Lamborghini announced a strategic partnership to develop major branded tower projects in the Punta Cana and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, marking its official entry into the Caribbean market. The projects are being developed by Dominican Republic based Duna Development Group. Tonino Lamborghini hospitality portfolio with the new partnership with Archipelago International.

The expansion begins with the flagship Tonino Lamborghini Residences and Hotels by Huxley in the residential and hotel enclave of Cap Cana, in southern Punta Cana. Located in the marina area of Cap Cana, the project is designed to mirror the aerodynamic lines and carbon-fiber aesthetic of the iconic Italian brand. The 53-floor tower will offer panoramic views of Juanillo Beach and Indigo Bay. The number of floors...

Humpback whales have adjusted their migratory patterns this season, arriving to the northern waters of the Dominican Republic earlier than usual. Samana City becomes the whale-watching capital of the Dominican Republic from mid January through March every year.

According to a report by El Día, the extreme cold and winter storms currently affecting the United States and the North Atlantic, linked to climate change, have triggered an early migration for these marine mammals.

While the official whale-watching season in the Silver Bank and Navidad Bank Sanctuary typically runs from 15 January to 31 March, local fishermen, whale watcher organizers and authorities began spotting humpbacks as early as December. Lenny Moris Rosario, the sanctuary’s administrator, noted that the whales have been arriving in larger quantities than normal.

The whales travel from the North Atlantic...

President Luis Abinader has officially unveiled the “Ruta del Encuentro de Dos Civilizaciones” (Meeting of Two Civilizations Route), a 450-kilometer historical and cultural trail designed to position the Dominican Republic as a global destination for pilgrimage and heritage tourism.

Inspired by Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago, the project aims to revitalize the original 15th-century trails used during the early years of European arrival in the Americas.

The trail is designed to span approximately 450 kilometers, connecting the northern coast of Puerto Plata to the capital city of Santo Domingo. The route begins at the La Isabela Historic Park in Puerto Plata, the site of the first European settlement in the New World.

The route is being developed by phases. The initial phase will connect La Isabela to Jánico, passing through significant landmarks such as the Paso de los Hidalgos...

In a strategic move to cement the Dominican Republic’s positioning as a top-tier destination for Mexican travelers, Tourism Minister David Collado hosted a “Meet in Paradise” roadshow in Mexico City.

The event, held at the Centro Banamex, drew over 1,600 industry professionals, including travel agents, tour operators, and media representatives from across Mexico. The massive turnout underscores the growing synergy between the two tourism destinations.

During the presentation, Minister Collado highlighted the significant growth of Mexican arrivals to the Dominican Republic. In 2025, 163,579 Mexicans visited the island, marking a 39.3% increase compared to 2024.

This demand is supported by robust aerial connectivity. Throughout 2025, the two countries were linked by 1,461 direct flights, maintaining a steady 64% occupancy rate. Travelers are taking advantage of attractive fares...

In a move aimed at bolstering youth development and athletic infrastructure, President Luis Abinader inaugurated two modern indoor multi-use sports complexes in Puerto Plata on Sunday, 8 February 2026. The day before he had been in Dubai promoting investments for the Dominican Republic.

The sports venues in Puerto Plata represent a combined government investment of more than RD$76 million, the Presidency reports.

The facilities serve two of the province’s prominent athletic organizations: the Gustavo Behall Club, completed at a cost of RD$38.6 million, and the Gregorio Luperón Club, which saw an investment of RD$37.4 million. Both projects were executed under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports (Miderec).

Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz described the initiative as a “sports revolution” for the region. He noted that the...

President Luis Abinader, Minister Victor -Ito- Bisonó and H.E. Mohammead Abdullah Al Gergawi

In early February 2026, President Luis Abinader and Minister of Housing, Victor Bisono took part in the World Governments Summit in Dubai. As a result of the conversations at the summit, President Abinader witnessed the signing of an agreement that will have the Dominican Republic hosting the World Governments Summit Regional Dialogue for Latin America here at the end of 2026.

The dialogue will promote foreign investments from the UAE in Latin America and lead to the greater integration of the two regions, according to President Abinader.

According to a press release from the Executive Branch, the idea behind such an important regional event is to position the Dominican Republic as a regional hub for talks, investment, and international...

In early 2026, the Dominican Republic’s agricultural landscape saw a significant leadership shift with the appointment of Francisco Oliverio Espaillat Bencosme as the new Minister of Agriculture, succeeding Limber Cruz, who had been at the helm since August 2020. Cruz was criticized for allowing billions in farm produce imports.

The Minister Espaillat, a former “Agro-entrepreneur of the Year,” has centered his administration on a clear mandate: the comprehensive mechanization and modernization of the Dominican countryside to ensure food sovereignty and reduce reliance on imports. He has been on a road tour since his start to motivate farmers to reduce costs and increase sustainability betting on using equipment versus “low cost” labor.

By shifting away from manual labor toward a mechanized model, the government aims to enhance food sovereignty and increase the international competitiveness of Dominican products.

Under Minister Espaillat, the Ministry has pivoted toward a...

The Tax Agency (DGII) announced a strong start to the fiscal year, reporting total collections of RD$94.75 billion for January 2026. This figure represents an 11% year-over-year increase compared to the same month in 2025, when collections stood at RD$85.33 billion.

The agency’s performance exceeded the targets set in the National Budget by 2.6%, bringing in RD$2.43 billion more than originally projected for the month.

According to the official report, the DGII’s contribution accounted for 81.2% of the State’s total tax revenue for January. Several key sectors and specific taxes drove the surplus:• Value Added Tax (ITBIS): Revenue from ITBIS reached RD$25.14 billion, a 14.8% increase over the previous year. This growth was largely attributed to a rise in taxed sales within the commerce, services, and hospitality (hotels and restaurants) sectors.

• Income Tax...

Media reports are that the Line 2C of the Santo Domingo Metro is likely to go into operation this February 2026. President Luis Abinader, acknowledging delays in its completion, had rode the 7.3 km route north of the train in September and announced it would be ready to open to the general public in February 2026.

Minister of the Presidency Jose Ignacio Paliza is not giving a specific date but says Line 2C is ready and will open to the public in time for President Luis Abinader’s 27 February state of the nation address.

Line 2C was begun in January 2022 and then the government had said it would be operational in two years. The line connects Line 2 to the outskirts of Santo Domingo. A skylift also connects commuters in the populous area of Los Alcarrizos.

Read more in...

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé / RCC Noticias

The Dominican government issued a formal call for institutional stability in Haiti on Saturday, 7 February 2026, siding with the US position to back the continuing of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé as acting head of government after his turn at leadership within the Transitional Presidential Council passed.

In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex), the Dominican government emphasizes that preserving Haiti’s institutional cohesion is vital for the success of ongoing international stabilization efforts. The communiqué stresses that the international community requires “clear signals of consensus” from Haitian leadership.

In the official statement, the Dominican government highlights the need in Haiti of a functioning government capable of addressing the Haitian...

President Luis Abinader issued Presidential Decree 67-26 that creates a special commission to monitor measures taken within the framework of the on-going dialogue regarding the multidimensional crisis in Haiti and its implications for the Dominican Republic.

The commission has no operational functions and its operations will be supported by the several ministries that make up the commission. It will be led by the Minister for the Presidency, Jose Ignacio Paliza, and its members will include personnel from the ministries of Defense, Foreign Relations, Labor, plus the Director General of Migration and the executive director of the National Institute for Migration. Other members include the head of the executive commission of the Migration Policy Oversight Commission, and the chairman of the Economic and Social Council.

The task of this working group is to provide the...

The reappearance of an intense olive-green hue in the waters of the Hatillo Dam has reignited a wave of alarm across the Sánchez Ramírez province and the Northeast region. Local residents and civil society groups are demanding “credible and convincing” explanations for the phenomenon affecting the largest freshwater reservoir in the Dominican Republic.

The discoloration, which first emerged in early December 2025, has caused widespread uncertainty in communities along the Yuna River, including San Francisco de Macorís, Pimentel, and Nagua. The Yuna serves as the primary artery feeding the dam and a vital water source for the region.

While government authorities have attributed the change to a natural “algal bloom,” a significant portion of the local population suspects a more industrial cause. Historically, the Yuna River has been a catch-basin for runoff from mining operations in Bonao, Maimón, and Cotuí.

Specific concerns have been raised regarding inactive mining...

Copies of famous works of art from the Museo del Prado in Madrid now are temporarily part of the attractions of the Colonial City in Santo Domingo. The exhibition is a joint effort of the Centro Leon, the leading cultural center in Santiago that will soon be opening a branch in the Colonial City.

El Prado en las Calles» exhibition features works of the collection now on exhibition at the Centro Cultural Banreservas, Centro Cultural de España and Centro Cultural Taíno Casa del Cordón, in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, and the Centro León, in Santiago.

The initiative began in Santiago and then moved to Santo Domingo with the sponsorship of the Banco Popular Dominicano among others. The exhibition will be open in Santo Domingo from 4 February to 6 April 2026.

The project “El Prado en las calles” (The Prado in the Streets) transforms iconic spaces within the capital’s historic center into an open-air museum. By displaying life-sized reproductions of masterpieces from the...

People in the DR are enjoying the noticeably cooler and windier weather since Saturday, 7 February 2026 as a weak cold front and a polar air mass has settled over the national territory. According to the latest bulletins from the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) and weather analyst Jean Suriel, the beginning of the week will also be characterized by intermittent rains, strong gusts of wind, and the agreeably low temperatures.

Starting in the early hours of Monday morning, the combination of the frontal system and orographic effects will trigger cloudy skies and intermittent showers. The most affected areas will be the Atlantic coast, the Cibao Valley, and the Central Mountain Range.

Specific provinces under watch for frequent rainfall include:• North and Northwest: Puerto Plata, Espaillat, María Trinidad Sánchez, Valverde, and Monte Cristi.• Central Region: Santiago, La Vega...

The Caribbean Series defending champions, the Escogido Lions of the Dominican Republic, over the weekend disappointed local fans when after failing to defeat the Mexico teams. It was the Green Team of Meixco (Tomateros de Culiacan) and the Red Team of Mexico (Charros de Jalisco), that had defeated the Cangrejeros de Santurce of Puerto Rico, that would make the playoffs.

The Red Team (Charros de Jalisco) won the regional tournament on Saturday, 7 February 2026, with a tightly contested festival of home runs that ended 12 x 11 in extra inning at the Jalisco stadium in Mexico to the delight of Mexican fans.

This was the 10th title for a Mexico team. The DR has won 23 Caribbean Series titles, and Puerto Rico follows with 16.

The World Baseball Classic is just around the corner, and the Dominican Republic will be fielding a very good team. The big event starts of 5 March and will finish on 17 March 2026. Games will be played in Tokyo, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Miami, Florida, and Houston, Texas.

The Dominican team, assembled from both major and minor league players by general manager Nelson Cruz, will include starting pitchers Bryan Bello, Luis Severino, Sandy Alcantara, and Christopher Sanchez. Relief pitchers include Abner Uribe, Dennis Santana, Huascar Brazoban, Wandy Peralta, Edwin Uceta, and Carlos Estevez.

Outfielders such as Fernando Tatis Jr, Juan Soto (the $750 million player of the NY Mets), Julio Rodriguez, and Oneil Cruz will don the Dominicana uniform.

Of course, in the infield that will be Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Junior Caminero, Manny Machado, Ketel Marte, Jeremy...