DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

President Luis Abinader addressed the nation on Sunday, 22 March 2026, warning of inevitable continued price hikes in electricity, transportation, and food. He attributed these pressures to the “large-scale external shock” caused by the conflict in the Middle East involving Iran. He made the statements before leaving for a three day trip to France, where he will be meeting with French President Macron.

The President emphasized that the Dominican economy is bolstered by international reserves exceeding US$16 billion, robust liquidity, and reliable access to international financing. These fiscal buffers, he noted, allow the government to anticipate potential shocks and act decisively in response to any global or domestic contingencies.

The government highlights the figure of US$16 billion in reserves is a critical metric for economic stability, especially...

Magín Díaz / Diario Libre

The volatility of the international commodity markets, especially petroleum and its derivatives, has tasked the Dominican government to assess the situation seriously. Minister of Hacienda and Economy, Magin Diaz, has stated that this is a serious crisis, and it will have a direct effect on the Dominican Republic.

The statement came after an all-hands meeting with President Abinader, the Vice President, Raquel Peña, and all of the cabinet in attendance. Minister Diaz noted that the barrel of oil had increased by as much as 70% in a question of days, and, in answer to this, the government has laid out three points: the preservation of macro-economic stability; guarantee fiscal sustainability; and protect social stability.

During the meeting, the government discussed setting aside RD$12.0 billion as a fuel subsidy based on the budgeted projection of West Texas...

Haivanjoe Ng Cortiñas issued a sharp rebuttal to President Luis Abinader’s recent optimistic economic outlook, characterizing the first-quarter 2026 budget execution as “alarming” and a direct contradiction to the administration’s claims of fiscal strength, as reported in Listin Diario.

According to Cortiñas, official data reveals a primary operating deficit where total revenues are failing to cover even the government’s basic day-to-day functional expenses.

Cortiñas says the government is spending beyond means. He highlighted two critical figures to illustrate the current fiscal imbalance. Between 1 January and 20 March 2026, total government revenue reached RD$261,747 million, while total spending surged to RD$327,459 million.

The result is a staggering overall deficit of RD$65.71 billion thus far this year.

“Technically, the country is in a position of temporary...

Kristi Noem, the former US Secretary of Homeland Security, met with President Luis Abinader in Punta Cana on Sunday, 22 March 2026 to discuss regional security. The meeting was hours before President Luis Abinader traveled to France. Noem was recently appointed Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas multinational military and security coalition, following the 7 March Shield of the Americas regional heads of government summit in Miami, Florida.

The United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, through Public Affairs Counselor Chelsia Hetrick, confirmed to Listin Diario that President Luis Abinader and Special Envoy Kristi Noem signed a Declaration of Intent in Punta Cana on 22 March 2026. The document is designed to set the base for “deepening biometric cooperation.” According to the US Embassy, this strategic agreement aims to strengthen border security and facilitate legal travel while...

Representing President Luis Abinader at the Miami Security Forum, Minister of Interior and Police Faride Raful presented a report on the Dominican Republic’s historic shift in public safety and international cooperation. The event, hosted by The Heritage Foundation, convened over 200 political, defense, and private sector leaders to strategize against transnational crime and regional instability.

The Miami Security Forum, which featured the participation of Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful, took place from 20 March to 22 March 2026.

Minister Raful made her presentation, titled “Dominican Republic: A Strategic US Partner in Security Affairs,” on 21 March 2026. During this session, she shared the historic milestone of the Dominican Republic achieving its lowest homicide rate in history (8.15 per 100,000 inhabitants) during 2025.

This figure represents the lowest in the...

The trust entity known as RD Vial Trust is currently financing RD$15 billion worth of highway improvement projects in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works (MOPC), El Caribe reports. This financing includes remodeling of the toll roads, beltways and boulevards all around the nation.

The Abinader administration reports that since 2021, the RD Vial Trust has executed over RD$50 billion in different projects to improve ground transportation. The money has come from tolls and bond issues, and they are currently the largest investors in the improvement of the country’s highways and thoroughfares.

Nearly RD$6.0 billion is being spent on improvements along the Duarte Highway, the nation’s most important roadway.

The entire project will cost over RD$17.0 billion. Another project is the Navarrete Beltway. Navarrete is the key intersection of the...

The National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) and another smaller agency, the Specialized Corps for the Control of Fuels and Commerce (CECCOM), have launched a nationwide operation to inspect places that sell alcoholic beverages, as reported in El Caribe.

The idea? To prevent the sale of illegal, adulterated, or contraband alcohol during the mega-Dominican holiday known as Holy Week, a time when the beaches and recreational areas are truly flooded with revelers enjoying a very long break in school or work.

This year, Semana Santa, or Holy Week/Easter Week, starts on Palm Sunday, 29 March, and goes through Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026.

The people from Pro Consumidor will be on the lookout for alcoholic beverages that produced somewhat like moonshine in the Appalachian regions of the United States, in hidden stills or mixing barrels where illegal substances can be added to the product. Every year there have been multiple deaths from ingesting...

The V-Dem Institute’s Democracy Report 2026 (titled “Unraveling The Democratic Era?”), considered one of the most prestigious and statistically rigorous assessments of global governance, gave Dominican Republic high marks. The V-Dem stands for Varieties of Democracy).

The report released 17 March 2026 points to “a great reversal” in global democratic standards. The same V-Dem Report data confirms that the Dominican Republic has avoided the “Autocratization Wave” currently sweeping 42% of the world. As per the findings of the report, the DR today serves as a regional benchmark for institutional stability in the Caribbean.

Based at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, the V Dem Report is widely cited by major international organizations (OECD, UN, World Bank), academic researchers, and premier news outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian.

The V-Dem...

A collaborative environmental initiative led by AVSI Dominican Republic and its partner SOH Conservación successfully executed a series of strategic reforestation days on 17, 18, and 20 March 2026. The efforts, coordinated with the Ministry of Environment and the Center for Research and Popular Education (CIEPO), focus on the long-term stabilization of the Lago Enriquillo National Park ecosystem, as reported in Primicias.

The intent is to combat sedimentation and erosion with strategic planting. Brigades planted approximately 6,000 specimens of native and endemic species, including Red Cedar (Cedro Rojo), Ceiba, Guama, and Corazón de Paloma. These activities took place in the communities of Sabana Real (La Descubierta), Majagual (Villa Jaragua), and El Aguacate (Neyba).

Máximo Díaz, project manager for AVSI, explained that the...

So far this 2026, the weather has been good in the Dominican Republic, with the intense tropical heat kept away by frequent systems from the north. Especially this past week, those in the DR have been enjoying relatively cool temperatures that make it unnecessary to use air conditioning. Gusty winds have prevailed recently.

Weatherman Jean Suriel says the pleasant temperatures will continue as a cold front moves south from Canada and the United States to the Caribbean.

Read more in Spanish:

• Indomet

• Jean Suriel

Dominican pitcher Cristopher Sánchez has agreed to a six-year, US$107 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies. The deal follows the left-hander baseball player’s standout performance for the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The deal, which guarantees his presence in Philadelphia through 2032 with a club option for 2033, is being described by MLB analysts as a “good faith” restructuring.

Sánchez was already under a team-friendly extension signed in 2024 that would have kept him under control through 2028 for approximately US$22.5 million. However, following a spectacular 2025 season where he finished as the National League Cy Young runner-up and a dominant showing in the WBC, the Phillies opted to “rip up” the old deal to reward his elite performance.

The new contract breakdown:• Total guarantee: US$107 million...

The 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) opens this week on Wednesday, 25 March, when the New York Yankees will play the San Francisco Giants at 8pm. For professional baseball players, being on the Opening Day roster is considered to be a milestone, and for pitchers, in particular, to open the season of is a big deal.

This year, there will be 15 opening day games, and fully 33% of them will have a Dominican pitcher opening for his team. Five very good pitchers from the Dominican Republic, Luis Severino, Freddy Peralta, Cristopher Sanchez, Sandy Alcantara, and Jose Soriano will be on the mound to throw the first pitch of the 2026 MLB season.

Christopher Sanchez had an outstanding 2025 season, coming in second in the voting for the Cy Young Award. He will be opening the season for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Curiously, three of the five were part of the rotation for the...

The Ministry of Energy and Mines has authorized three mining exploration permits within the Cordillera Septentrional, according to a preliminary report from the Environmental Commission of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD). The findings, first published by the Listín Diario, reveal that the concessions encompass thousands of hectares across several communities in the northern region of the country.

For years, the mining companies had sought the exploration rights but these had been denied under past administrations given the concerns of impact on water availability, the experience with mining and the impact on the land, water sources and communities. The communities are concerned they may follow the destiny of the evicted communities and contaminated environment, especially in the gold-producing province of Sanchez Ramirez.

Pathway to exploitationA primary concern raised by the UASD commission and local stakeholders is the “Eighth Clause” found in the...

President Luis Abinader visited the Arturo Fuente “La Milagrosa” tobacco farm in Monte Plata on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. The visit focused on the advanced technology being used by the Arturo Fuente company to produce high-quality “capa” (wrapper) leaves, with the goal of replicating this model in other regions of the Dominican Republic.

President Abinader was accompanied by chairman Carlos Fuente and CEO Ciro Cascella. The President emphasized that the “La Milagrosa” model is a benchmark for the industry, specifically for the production of the “capa,” the finest and most expensive leaf used in premium cigars. The government cited the Fuente model as the “gold standard” it seeks to replicate across other provinces to improve leaf quality and export value.

It is important to distinguish between “premium” and “machine-made” cigars...

The Dominican Republic is accelerating its territorial organization efforts through a sweeping modernization of national geospatial data, centered on the expansion of the national geodesic network and the implementation of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. This high-resolution cartography is a cornerstone of a broader initiative to refine land-use planning, prevent the occupation of high-risk zones, and enhance the precision of both public and private sector decision-making.

The initiative was announced by the Ministry of the Presidency on 17 March 2026 as part of general advances on an overall Regional Plan for Territorial Planning and Development with World Bank backing. The works are aimed at overhaulng the Dominican Republic’s territorial planning and urban growth models to foster long-term resilience and...

An opinion piece in Diario Libre today by Carlos Sully Bonelly Ginebra raises the concerns of the lack of transparency in mega projects the government has been executing under the structure of public trusts. The structure removes regular oversight from government actions.

Bonelly Ginebra writes on how public trusts have become one of the main instruments for executing large infrastructures in the Dominican Republic, yet their rapid expansion raises a key question: Which rules should govern their governance and public control?

He observes that the first trust was the Red Vial created during the Danilo Medina administration in 2013. The lack of transparency and free hand of the government in this trust has been questioned. The mechanism allowed the government to make international bond placements guaranteed by the tolls.

The RD Vial Trust was created back in 2013 for the operation...

The Dominican peso has reached its strongest level against the U.S. dollar in over a year, a trend driven by recent sovereign bond issuances and robust inflows from the tourism and remittance sectors.

According to data from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) and reporting by Diario Libre, the exchange rate dropped by 37 cents on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, closing at RD$59.08 (down from RD$59.45 the previous day). Central Bank historical data shows the major downward trend actually accelerated following the bond announcement in late January 2026.

Factors driving the appreciationEconomists interviewed by Diario Libre highlight a combination of fiscal strategy and strong external sector performance:Sovereign Debt Issuance: Economist Henrys Espinal attributes the March decline primarily to the influx of foreign currency from the government’s bond sale. He anticipates relative stability...

Financial group-owned pension plan administrators are reporting billions in earnings, while those retiring on these plans feel they are being shortchanged. The pension plans paid are so low the government is spending billions on awarding complementary pensions to selected beneficiaries to compensate for the low pensions in the system. Big banks and financial companies control the AFPs.

A new comprehensive study released on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, reveals that the Dominican Republic’s Pension Fund Administrators (AFP) recorded profits of more than RD$5.93 billion in 2025. This financial success comes despite the grim outlook for contributors, whose future pensions are projected to be uncertain and, on average, will not exceed 30% of their final working wages. The situation at retirement is not worse because workers still get their severance payments from many companies.

The “Analysis of...

The Coalition for the Defense of Protected Areas issued a firm warning on 18 March 2026, rejecting a legislative proposal to construct a high-security penitentiary on Beata Island. The coalition characterized the project as a “flagrant environmental crime” and an “outrage” against the Dominican Republic’s conservation system. The project for the 10,000-inmate jail on Beata had received a favorable report from the Permanent Commission of the Public Ministry on 26 November 2025.

The proposal, which appeared on the agenda of the Chamber of Deputies’ ordinary session (No. 00006) on 18 March 2026, seeks to request that the Executive Branch establish a “model” prison on the island. The proposal was originally introduced on 21 June 2022 by deputies Elías Wessin Chávez (National District), Miguel Alberto Bogaert Marra (Santo Domingo), and Miguel Ángel de los Santos (National...

Following a 25-year tenure in the Dominican public sector, Julissa Cruz Abreu has been named the Director of Sustainable Digital Infrastructure for CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. She had joined the Dominican Telecommunications Institute (Indotel) in 2001.

In her new regional capacity, Cruz Abreu will spearhead strategic initiatives to bolster connectivity, technological resilience, and sustainable growth across the continent. Her mandate includes overseeing the development of data centers, enhancing regional computing capabilities, and integrating energy efficiency and renewable sources into digital frameworks.

“I firmly believe in the power of regional and multilateral cooperation to accelerate digital transformation with social and environmental impact,” Cruz Abreu stated regarding her appointment.

Cruz Abreu transitions to CAF after serving as the...

The Ministry of Housing (Mived) has officially received the international certification for the newly renovated Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center’s Aquatic Center. Rebuilt by Spanish global leader Fluidra, the complex’s three pools are now now certified for international record-breaking.

What’s new? Full climate control and advanced water heating/cooling, a specialized “dryland” gym for elite divers, and state-of-the-art modular steel construction for 100% Olympic precision.

The renovation of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center’s aquatic complex marks a significant milestone for the Dominican Republic as it prepares to host the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in July 2026.

On 17 March 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Buildings (Mived) officially received the international certification confirming that the facility now meets the rigorous...

Judge Fátima Veloz of the National District Permanent Attention Services Judicial Office has imposed a three-month pretrial detention measure against men implicated in the high-stakes robbery of the Popi Oro Jewelry store in the Cristo Rey sector. Cristo Rey is a low income area and the store was known for its pawn store services. This ruling follows three previous attempts to hold the coercive measure hearing, as the judicial system navigates the complexities of a case involving a “prison-planned” operation.

On Saturday, 7 March 2026, the assailants broke the glass entrance of the store and entered the establishment using heavy weaponry and wearing bulletproof vests, demonstrating a high level of tactical preparation. Thus far, the National Police have recovered 10 yellow-metal chains, several communication radios, and the white SUV used in the escape, which was abandoned...

The French Embassy in the Dominican Republic, in collaboration with the Alliance Française and the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex), is celebrating the 2026 edition of Francophonie Month. Under the theme “Esencias y matices” (Essences and Nuances), this year’s program features over 100 activities across the country, highlighting the cultural, linguistic, and diplomatic ties between the Dominican Republic and the 88 member states of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).

French Ambassador Sonia Barbry has explained that French is more than a language; it is a “political, cultural, and human project based on democracy and solidarity.” Highlighting the local impact, she noted that approximately 900,000 Dominican students learn French in secondary education, supported by a network of 2,000 teachers.

During the 2026 Francophonie event, a first ADEF...

The 41st edition of the Soberano Awards concluded on the night of 18 March 2026 at the Eduardo Brito National Theater, crowning veteran broadcaster Jochy Santos with the Gran Soberano, the highest honor in Dominican arts. The ceremony, organized by the Association of Art Writers (Acroarte) and produced by César Suárez Jr., highlighted a mix of legendary figures and emerging talents across more than 50 categories. This year the show hosts were Georgina Duluc and Irving Alberti.

Jochy Santos, a staple of Dominican radio and television for decades, received the Gran Soberano in a year that coincides with the 30th anniversary of his radio program. Upon receiving the statuette from Acroarte president Marivell Contreras, Santos called for a commitment to “elevate the level of communication” in the country.

Key Winners in Music and Entertainment• Merenguero of the Year: Héctor Acosta...

The show business gala, the Soberano Awards, held annually at the National Theater is also an opportunity to showcase Dominican fashion.

The Red Carpet held from 7 to 9pm before the start of the actual Soberano Awards in the Carlos Piantini Hall of the National Theater is the time when outfits by Dominican designers is presented to the general public. The fashion attire designed for the outstanding figures of the hosts, the nominees and special guests receives equal coverage by the media.

For 2026, the media mentioned the “Veneno” dress by designer Luis Dominguez for Gabi Desangles that incorporated a jeweled scorpion, and the larimar-colored dress by Suzelle Taveras for Amara La Negra. Taveras also designed the red outfit for communicator Oriana Falla.

In its coverage of the Soberano Awads 2026, Diario Libre features a historic recount on some of the most commented attires...

The Ministry of the Presidency presented the proposal on 17 March 2026 for the nation’s first commercial spaceport. Developed by Florida-based Launch On Demand (LOD) Holdings, the project is slated for the municipality of Oviedo in southwestern Pedernales province, marking a strategic pivot toward the global space economy.

The project is another of many projects to create industry and opportunities to increase the Dominican population in Pedernales province on the border with Haiti.

The population in the area works mainly in farming and ecotourism, with birdwatching excursions popular in the Oviedo Lagoon. The Parque Eólico Los Cocos wind farm is located 50 km from Oviedo. For the windpark installation, a comprehensive study was conducted by the firm Sercitec for EGE Haina. The study characterized the bird species in the Barahona and Pedernales corridor to...

Noise pollution has emerged as the most frequently reported environmental crime in the Dominican Republic, with the Specialized Attorney General’s Office for the Defense of the Environment and Natural Resources (Proedemaren) receiving more than 5,000 cases per month nationwide. Noise pollution is a cultural problem. Dominicans like music loud. High music levels are currently viewed as a public health concern by the Ministry of Public Health.

The Ministry of Interior and Police under Minister Faride Raful has sought to tackle the issue, with many successes, but the cultural issues have yet to be resolved so that the population understands the damage caused by high noise levels.

Assistant Attorney General Francisco Contreras told El Dia that noise complaints significantly outpace other infractions. Regulated under Law 90-19 on Acoustic Pollution, these violations...

The Constitutional Court (TC) has issued a series of rulings reiterating that it is not a venue for reviewing facts, weighing evidence, or reopening closed litigation. The court, now under new leadership, is pushing back against a recurring pattern of legal appeals attempting to use the high court as a “fourth instance” of appeal for ordinary legal matters, Diario Libre reports in its coverage of recent rulings.

In dozens of recent rulings, the TC has insisted that its function is strictly limited to constitutional control and does not extend to the merits of individual cases.

Limits of constitutional jurisdictionIn ruling TC/0489/24, the judges, including Eunisis Vásquez, Miguel A. Valera, and Domingo A. Gil, clarified that cases lack constitutional relevance when the resolution requires the TC to intervene in “matters of ordinary legality” or to “re-evaluate the criteria...

The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has established a tiered schedule for the conclusion of the identity card renewal process, distinguishing between residents within the national territory and those living abroad who are given more time. Anyone who has not transitioned to the new document by their respective deadline will face the “administrative civil death” mentioned previously, resulting in the immediate suspension of their legal and financial identity.

The 2027 cutoff for local residents is particularly critical because the JCE must finalize the administrative closing of the electoral roll for the May 2027 primary elections.

Key deadlines for 2027-2028• National territory: The deadline for citizens within the Dominican Republic to complete the renewal process is 31 March 2027.• Dominicans abroad: For the diaspora, the JCE has extended the grace period. The...

The Central Electoral Board (JCE) is moving to clear up confusion regarding the mass rollout of the new identity and electoral card (cédula), specifically for citizens born in January, February, and March who missed the starting window or wish to obtain their document ahead of schedule.

While the official renewal phase for those born in April begins on 12 April 2026, the JCE has established a specific workaround for citizens whose birth months have already passed or are far off.

24-hour service centersAccording to JCE president Román Andrés Jáquez Liranzo, eight specific centers will operate 24 hours a day to accommodate the demand. These centers are located in:• Greater Santo Domingo: La Feria, Las Américas, and Herrera.• Provinces: San Cristóbal, La Vega, Santiago, and La Romana.•To manage the flow, these 24-hour stations will use two distinct shifts:• 7am to 11pm...

A group of prominent Dominican journalists has filed an injunction (recurso de amparo) before the Superior Administrative Court (TSA), challenging current National Institute of Transit and Transportation (Intrant) regulations that force drivers aged 65 and older to renew their licenses every two years, rather than the standard four.

The legal action, spearheaded by veteran reporters from El Nacional, including Héctor Minaya, José Antonio Torres, Christian Oviedo, Leo Corporán, Pilar Moreno, and Silvio Cabrera, targets Article 21, Paragraph A of Decree 6-19 (General Oversight No. 10927, dated 8 January 2019). The group is represented by constitutional lawyer Alberto Tavárez.

The legal argument: Ageism vs. the ConstitutionThe disputed regulation mandates that for categories 01, 02, and 05, license validity is halved once a driver reaches age 65...

The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (Funglode) and the Santiago Metropolitan Hospital (HOMS) have announced the global forum, “The Health of the Future: Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Medicine,” scheduled for 24 March 2026. The high-level event will convene international experts, academics, and healthcare leaders at the HOMS Health & Wellness Center in Santiago de los Caballeros to analyze the integration of AI and data management in contemporary healthcare.

The summit aims to position the Dominican Republic as a regional hub for medical innovation and health tourism. Proceedings begin on 23 March 2026 with a welcoming reception featuring opening remarks from Dr. Gisselle Castillo, general coordinator of the forum, and Dr. Héctor Sánchez Navarro, deputy director general of HOMS.

Strategic vision and academic programThe core academic agenda...

The 17 March 2026 rollout of PayPal USD (PYUSD) in the Dominican Republic marks a significant shift in how the country’s 850+ free zone companies can manage cross-border liquidity. With free zone exports exceeding US$8 billion annually, led by medical devices, electrical components, and tobacco, the integration of a dollar-pegged stablecoin addresses long-standing frictions in traditional banking corridors.

Strategic advantages for the export sectorAs the Dominican Republic positions itself as a regional semiconductor and logistics hub, the adoption of PYUSD offers three primary benefits to exporters:• Near-Instant Settlement: Traditional international wire transfers to the DR can take 1 to 5 business days. PYUSD allows for settlement in minutes, providing immediate access to working capital for raw material procurement.• Reduced Intermediary Fees: By bypassing the correspondent banking network, firms...

The National District court has issued a dismissal (auto de no lugar) in the criminal case against 31-year old Jean Andrés Pumarol, ruling that the defendant was experiencing temporary insanity and was under a “psychotic episode” when he killed a woman and injured several others in his apartment building.

Defense lawyer Richard Martínez argued in court that his client, who reportedly had been suffering from paranoid schizophrenia since 2017. He was cared for in his parents home in Naco. His 62-year old father, Guillermo Pumarol Castellanos, was the first to be injured on that tragic day.

The Public Ministry’s file states that Pumarol after injuring his father, left his apartment on 23 July 2025 carrying two knives, and went floor by floor, knocking on doors, and assaulting individuals who opened them in the apartment building where he lived in the Naco neighborhood. The attack resulted in the death by stabbing of 70-year-old Ivonne Handal Abugabir and injuries to Teresa...

The Premios Soberano honors the entire spectrum of the arts under one roof and is held at the regal stage of the Carlos Piantini Hall of the National Theater. Consider it the US award ceremonies Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony in a single high-stakes gala that enables people to catch up on the entertainment performers in the Dominican Republic. The event is televised on Color Vision Channel 9 and Univisión/Vix for the United States audiences.

The gala, organized by the Association of Art Chroniclers (Acroarte), is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at the Carlos Piantini Hall of the Eduardo Brito National Theater, with the red carpet beginning at 7pm followed by the main ceremony at 9pm.

The 2026 event will be produced for the third consecutive year by César Suárez Jr., with sponsorship from Cervecería Nacional Dominicana and Banreservas. Acroarte has confirmed that the main gala...

In a historic 3-2 victory over the United States on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 at loanDepot Park in Miami, Venezuela captured its first-ever World Baseball Classic (WBC) title. Venezuela only lost one game in the WBC tournament, to the Dominican Republic in the first round (Pool D).

Following the win, the Venezuelan government declared Wednesday, 18 March 2026, a national holiday.

The win serves as a testament to the Dominican Republic’s role as the primary laboratory for Latin American baseball talent, where the Venezuelan squad’s “made-in-the-DR” preparation provided the competitive edge necessary to secure the title on the global stage. A large number of Venezuelan team members got their professional start in the MLB baseball academies located in the Dominican Republic. Several Venezuelan team staff personnel are also from the DR.

Team Venezuela...

In covering the USA vs DR loss, DR1 had concluded baseball would never be the same after the DR Team participation in the 2026 WBC. Now the controversy over the last pitch in the game, with the tying run on third base, may be remembered as a pivotal moment in baseball history.

The Sunday, 15 March 2026 DR vs USA game at loanDepot Park in Miami ended in the bottom of the ninth with a runner on third and two outs. With a full count, Miller threw a pitch that home-plate umpire Cory Blaser called strike three, instantly ending the Dominican Republic’s tournament run.

Perdomo was convinced the ball fell well below the hitting zone. Thus, when home-plate umpire Cory Blaser signaled for a third strike, Perdomo reacted in frustration.

“It was the whole tournament, but we didn’t lose the game right there,” Perdomo concluded. “That’s a part of the game, and I hope we...

The president of the Central Electoral Board (JCE), Román Jáquez Liranzo is reminding all that the massive renewal process for the Dominican Republic’s new identity and electoral card (cédula) will commence on 12 April 2026. To prevent logistical chaos and ensure a streamlined flow, the JCE is implementing a progressive rollout based on the citizen’s birth month. Likewise, at the same time a 24/7 service stations will be open to everyone.

The strategy is designed to distribute demand throughout the year. Under this system, individuals with birthdays in April will be the first cohort called to authorized centers between 12 April and 30 April. The process will then rotate monthly (May, June, etc.) for the remainder of the year.

This renewal follows the JCE’s plenary decision to integrate biometric technology and enhanced security features, a move aimed at curbing...

The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) reports that remittance inflows reached US$1.87 billion during the January-February 2026 period, marking a 1.0% interannual increase.

Data for the month of February alone shows receipts of US$887.6 million. While this contributes to the overall growth for the year, the February figure is US$29.4 million less than the same month in 2025 and US$95.2 million lower than January 2026.

The Central Bank attributes the month-over-month drop to the typical seasonal surge in January caused by visiting non-resident Dominicans.

International headwinds and the US marketThe BCRD notes that current flows are being shaped by a complex global landscape. The conflict in the Middle East has driven up oil prices, fueling inflationary pressures and reducing household disposable income abroad. Furthermore, the US economy, the source of 83.4% of formal flows...

In a high-stakes day for regional security and binational development, senior United States diplomats and Dominican government officials met on Monday, 16 March 2026 in the Dajabon border area, to finalize preparations for an international force in Haiti and to evaluate the economic impact of the CODEVI industrial park.

Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez led the official meeting to review the status of the international support force tasked with dismantling the gangs that have destabilized Haiti. According to the Foreign Minister, the deployment of this new anti-gang force, authorized by the UN Security Council on 30 September of last year, is scheduled to begin on 1 April 2026.

Minister Álvarez emphasized that the meeting was strictly a bilateral consultation between Dominican officials and US diplomats from the embassies in both Santo Domingo...

The Dominican Republic has formalized a strategic partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to accelerate the nation’s entry into the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a move intended to bolster investor confidence and anchor the country’s bid to become a regional hub for the semiconductor industry.

While proponents argue that joining the “club of developed nations” provides a vital seal of approval and a roadmap for institutional reform, critics and analysts note that the transition carries significant risks, including the high fiscal cost of regulatory compliance for a nation with low tax revenues and the potential loss of policy flexibility regarding local tax incentives and Free Trade Zone protections.

Signed during the 2026 IDB Annual Governors’ Meetings, the letter of intent...

Judge Raymundo Mejía, presiding over the First Instruction Court of the National District, has ordered the formal summoning of the mother of businessman Antonio Espaillat, along with the City Council of the National District (ADN) and the Ministry of Public Works (MOPC), as part of the ongoing preliminary hearing regarding the structural collapse at the Jet Set Club.

The tragedy resulted in 236 fatalities and left more than 100 people injured.

The court ruled that Ana Grecia López, mother of defendants Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, must be formally notified to answer for alleged civil liability. Similarly, the ADN and MOPC have been brought into the case to determine the extent of state and municipal responsibility in the disaster.

Defense attorney Miguel Valerio, representing the Espaillat siblings, informed the court that López is 85 years old, suffers from...

The Dominican Republic’s national baseball team concluded its World Baseball Classic (WBC) ranked third. Its journey in the semifinal round secured US$3 million in prize money for its performance in the tournament’s sixth edition. The Dominican Republic ended winning Pool D and a first game in the quarterfinals against Korea, but then lost to the United States (2-1).

The WBC comes with a US$4.5 million award to the winner that will be decided between Venezuela and the United States on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Beyond the financial gains, the Dominican Republic achieved a major competitive milestone by securing a spot in the 2028 Olympic Games to be held in 2028 in Los Angeles, USA. This will mark the fourth time the nation participates in Olympic baseball. Previous appearances include Los Angeles 1984 (as an exhibition sport), Barcelona 1992, and Tokyo...

Under the relentless South Florida rain, Venezuela’s 4-2 victory over Italy on Monday night (16 March 2026) didn’t just propel them to their first-ever World Baseball Classic final, it highlighted a deep-rooted connection to the Dominican Republic that has fueled this historic run. The grit and “winter ball” style of play that manager Omar López credited for the comeback is a hallmark of the training they received in Dominican professional environments.

While the fans at loanDepot park celebrated a purely Venezuelan triumph, the “Dominican angle” is woven into the very fabric of their 2026 coaching staff and player development.

Dominican influence on the benchThe Venezuelan staff features two prominent figures with direct ties to the Dominican Republic:Miguel Cabrera: The legendary slugger serves as the team’s hitting coach. Cabrera, while a Venezuelan icon...

RD Bridal Week 2026, in its 26th edition, is taking place in March 2026, centering on the Hotel Kimpton Las Mercedes in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City. Featuring designer brands like Giannina Azar, Jenny Polanco, Michelle Reynoso, and Manuel Febrillet, it showcases 2026 bridal trends, including Regency-era romance and structural tailoring. The Dominican Republic is a prime wedding destination.

The 26th edition features bridal talks and multiple runway shows highlighting both local and international designers, such as Calpo Atelier, Melkis Díaz, Joel Reyes, and Noel Newman. This is the first time that the Jenny Polanco brand, now under her daughter Carla Quiñones, presents a complete bridal collection.

Men’s fashion also stars. Manuel Febrillet will present “SHAH,” a collection inspired by African safari sophistication, while Leonardo 5th Avenue showcases its 2026 Ceremony collection.

Trends...

More flights from Dominican airports to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) are happening. PHL handled more than 30 million passengers in 2025, making this an attractive source market for Dominican travel. Of the total passengers using PHIL, over 4.1 million were traveling to and from international destinations, an increase of 7.5 percent from 2024, including many that are choosing the airport as their gateway to the Dominican Republic.

The airport is currently under major expansion and improvements.

American Airlines announced it has added new flights to Philadelphia International Airport. “The arrival of Aeroméxico, flying to Mexico City, and the launch of new seasonal flights from American Airlines to Edinburgh and Milan, and Frontier Airlines to Santiago, Dominican Republic, gave our passengers even more exciting international options last year,” said City of Philadelphia Department of...

The Puerto Plata skylift up to the botanical gardens at Isabel de Torres Mountain in the city of Puerto Plata is unlikely to happen soon, at least for summer travel.

Former Puerto Plata senator Francis Vargas of the Fuerza del Pueblo opposition party recently complained that the authorities, namely the Ministry of Tourism, has delayed in taking action to put the iconic attraction back into service.

The skylift was one of the most popular excursions for maritime visitors. Puerto Plata is the country’s leading cruise ship city, with two ports – Amber Cove and Taino Bay.

Now tourists who want to visit the botanical gardens have to go by road along a winding road up by the back side or hike up the mountain on the northside. The experience on top is worth it, but the skylift was a spectacular and easy way to get there.

The sky lift has been out of operation for two...

Based on current port schedules and shipping announcements for 2026, the Dominican Republic is seeing a significant increase in luxury and “boutique” cruise arrivals. While the main ports like Amber Cove and Taino Bay handle the larger lines, specialized luxury vessels are increasingly selecting Samaná and La Romana for their more intimate settings.

These lines are characterized by smaller ship sizes (typically under 1,000 passengers), all-suite accommodations, and high staff-to-guest ratios.

Luxury and premium ships scheduled to dock in 2026:The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: The newly launched Ilma and its sister ship Evrima have scheduled stops throughout 2026 in Samaná, La Romana, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Plata. For instance, Ilma is noted for a visit to Samaná on 20 March 2026.

SeaDream Yacht Club: SeaDream II, which offers a “yachting” rather than “cruising”...