DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

On 1 December 2025, President Luis Abinader presented the National Disability Plan 2025-2035, an integral public policy aimed at guaranteeing equal conditions and opportunities for all people with disabilities in the Dominican Republic.

This initiative is a national commitment to ensure that the more than 478,000 people living with a disability in the country—57% women and 43% men, according to the 2022 National Census—can live with dignity, autonomy, and full rights.

The plan is supported by Law 5-13 on Disability, constitutional guarantees, and the UN’s International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Dominican Republic has a large number of persons with disabilities, especially thousands who have suffered traffic accidents, mostly caused by imprudent motorcyclists.

Key strategic pillars and advances

Equal opportunities for all persons• Training: 15,497 people from 180 public and private institutions participated in workshops on dignified...

Global brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), already the owner of the popular local brand Presidente beer, is expanding its foreign investment footprint in the Dominican Republic, announcing the country has been selected as the new production base for its iconic Corona beer brand, the Presidency reports.

The significant investment is being hailed by the Dominican government as a powerful endorsement of the nation’s legal security and economic health, attributed to recent government policies and strengthened institutions.

President Luis Abinader personally received executives from AB InBev, who formally delivered the news. The President extended congratulations to Jean Jereissati, CEO of AB InBev’s Middle Americas Zone, Fabián Suárez, President of CND (Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, the local AB InBev subsidiary), and AB InBev executives Luis Álvarez and Jochi Pérez.

President Abinader emphasized the profound implications of the investment for local economic...

CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, has significantly bolstered its commitment to the Dominican Republic with the inauguration of new offices in Santo Domingo, an event attended by Vice President Raquel Peña. The opening was paired with the presentation of the institution’s new 2024–2028 Country Strategy, a four-year roadmap designed to drive sustainable and inclusive national development.

The strategic plan, formally handed over to the government, is structured around three core pillars, all aligned with the Dominican Republic’s national priorities. CAF executive president Sergio Díaz-Granados emphasized that the strategy aims to “close historical gaps, expand opportunities, and accompany the country in a productive transformation.” Vice President Peña echoed this sentiment, stating the vision “fully coincides with the program of transformations we are promoting” and arrives at a “crucial moment.”

Pillar 1: Inclusive Human Development: This area...

The economist Ellen Perez Ducy argues that the current sluggishness in the Dominican economy, evidenced by slow growth in 2025 despite favorable external conditions, is primarily due to domestic factors, specifically an overemphasis on social and current expenditures (a policy of “induced demand or social predominance”) rather than strategic capital investments.

The bottom line is that the money is going to make interest payments on foreign borrowing by the government that has grown 40% in two years (2022-2024). Social benefits are up 30%, electricity subsidies are up 27% and the government payroll is up 22%.

The DR is expected to reach about 2% growth for 2025, despite the rebound to 5% of the economy in 2024.

Perez Ducy argues that any one of these increases could, by itself, explain the fiscal deficit. This deficit, in turn, prevents the execution of necessary capital investments, leading to the deterioration of essential services like electricity and transportation...

The Dominican Republic’s National Zoological Park (Zoodom) in Santo Domingo has begun receiving a shipment of exotic animals from Puerto Rico, prompting questions about the potential challenges this influx could present to the receiving nation, EFE reports. The animals are being relocated from the island’s Center for Rehabilitation of Native Species and Management of Exotic Species in Cambalache, Arecibo, which suffered severe damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017, with reconstruction efforts not starting until August 2024.

Efe reports that the initial transfer, funded by Zoodom, has included six rhesus monkeys (two males and four females) and two caimans, according to a statement from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA).

The news reports says that the relocation provides a safe haven for the exotic animals but presents potential problems for the DR.

Mentioned is that the arrival of new exotic animals places an immediate strain on the...

The Dominican Republic’s Lime Cluster (Clúster Limón) has issued an urgent public warning, demanding that the Ministry of Agriculture halt massive lime imports, particularly from countries confirmed to harbor serious agricultural pests and diseases that do not currently exist in the nation, as reported in Hoy.

National lime producers fear that a surge in foreign fruit could jeopardize the hard-won recovery of the Dominican citrus industry and devastate other staple crops like plantains and bananas.

The cluster is primarily concerned about the potential introduction of several specific threats, including the Mediterranean fruit fly, thrips of the marvels, leprosis, black spot, and, most critically, Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4). This last pathogen, a soil-borne fungus, is described as a “mortal threat” to the country’s extensive plantain and banana plantations.

The group specifically alerted authorities to imports from nations such as Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and Chile...

76-year old mining engineer Ramón Alburquerque, is reported hospitalized and receiving care for liver cancer at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) of the New York Persbyterian/Columbia University Hospital in Upper Manhattan, El Nacional reports.

Alburquerque is the general manager of the Empresa Minera Dominicana, S.A. (Emidom), created by presidential decree 453-24 to coordinate efforts for the exploration, assessment and exploitation of rare earth elements deposits in the country’s southwest.

In August 2025, he had given a conference at the San Francisco de Macoris Catholic University, Universidad Católica Nordestana (UCNE), to highlight the potential of the rare earth findings in the southwest, as reported at the time in Acento.

The Amelia Vega and Al Horford family welcomed their fifth daughter, Vail, on 26 November 2025. Horford and Vega married in December 2011. Their children are first-born son Ean, and daughters Alía, Ava, Nova, Mila and now Vail.

Amelia Vega is the Dominican Republic’s only Miss Universe (2003). Al Horford, who now plays for Golden State Warriors (2025-present), in 2024 won his most coveted trophy, that of the NBA championship when playing with the Boston Celtics. Horford had played for the Celtics from 2016 to 2019, and then from 2021-2024. On 1 October 2025, Horford signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Golden State Warriors.

Horford is a Puerto Plata-born Dominican, son of Tito Horford, first Dominican to play in the NBA. Al Horford played for the Dominican Republic national team from 2008 to 2012. In 2011, he won a bronze medal at the FIBA Americas Championship and earned All-Tournament Team honors.

Read more in...

Mexico came back with a vengeance and did to the Dominican team what the Dominican team had done to Mexico last week, when Mexico lost 92-85 playing in Mexico. The Mexicans surprised with a 89-88 victory in Santo Domingo to tie with the Dominican Republic in the qualifier for the Qatar FIBA World Cup in 2027.

The Dominican Republic is in Group A of the qualifier with the United States, Nicaragua and Mexico. The Group A spot will be decided by points.

The DR will next play Team USA.

Read more in Spanish:

• El Dia
• DR1 News

Destination Santiago continues to add attractions. A second Centro Cultural Banreservas has opened at the historic Hotel Mercedes in Santiago. The first is in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo.

When the Hotel Mercedes opened in 1929, it was the most luxurious in the city and perhaps the country. Its eclectic façade is regarded as one of the most outstanding in all the country. It is located in the city center at Calle 30 de Marzo corner Maximo Gomez.

For decades, the legendary 20th Century hotel had been awaiting a remodeling to restore it to a boutique hotel appropriate for 21st Century visitors. This didn’t happen, and the government bank intervened and chose to restore it for the delight of Santiago residents and those who visit Santiago.

President Luis Abinader was in Santiago for the inauguration of the Centro Cultural Banreservas Santiago. The renovation by the government bank has preserved the outstanding 1920s architectural style. The cultural center incorporates...

The Dominican Republic has shattered its tourism records, officially receiving 10,284,251 visitors in the first 11 months of this year, virtually guaranteeing a historic, record-breaking close for 2025 with projections exceeding 11 million, the Ministry of Tourism announces.

Minister of Tourism David Collado announced the positive numbers on Monday, 1 December 2025 in the capital, highlighting the sustained and robust growth of the nation’s key industry. “These arrivals, both by air and sea, mark another record: 10,284,251 visitors in eleven months. We did it again,” stated Minister Collado.

The total number of visitors recorded between January and November represents a massive 52% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, a 13% jump over 2023, and a 3.1% rise compared to last year.

Breakdown of arrivalsThe report details strong performance across both major arrival channels:Air arriving tourists: The country received 7,884,421 tourists by air, marking a 35%...

According to the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), the Dominican Republic is becoming a preferred Caribbean destination for Mexican travelers, with a 38% year-over-year increase in Mexican visitors between January and October 2025. A recent statistical report indicates peak travel months and details visitor demographics and preferred entry points in both Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

The Ministry of Tourism reports that the Dominican Republic (DR) is rapidly solidifying its status as the preferred Caribbean getaway for Mexican travelers, experiencing a remarkable surge in visitor numbers. The boom is fueled by affordable fares offered by competing airlines, including Aeromexico (Mexico) and Arajet (Dominican Republic). Aeromexico flies into Mexico City’s (MEX) airport and Arajet to the newer NLU airport.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the increase in Mexican visitors underscores a major shift in Mexican travel patterns, favoring the rich culture and...

Two cruise ships docked at the same time on Friday, 28 November 2025 at the country’s newest maritime port, the Cabo Rojo terminal in southwestern Pedernales. The Abinader administration has opened the pristine beach area to mass tourism, and the arrival of cruise ship passengers is a first step as the construction of the airport advances.

The Aida Sol (Aida Cruises/ Carnival Corporation) and the Brilliance of the Seas (Royal Caribbean), mark the first time two cruise liners have docked together since the terminal’s inauguration. The ships collectively disembarked 4,679 passengers, who are set to explore the beach, ecological and community offerings of the region.

The AIDAsol can carry around 2,192 passengers; the Brilliance of the Seas carries up to 2,543 passengers.

President Abinader celebrated the milestone on his X account, declaring it a “historic day for Pedernales.”

“Today, 28 November 2025, Pedernales makes history! For the first time, two cruise ships...

The newly renovated Museum of the Royal Houses (Museo de las Casas Reales), on Isabel la Catolica Street in the historic Colonial City of Santo Domingo, is inviting to the “Nativity Scenes of the World,” a compelling exhibition showcasing crèches from every continent. The free-of-charge display will run throughout December to 7 January 2026.

The exhibition is a joint effort between the Refidomsa Foundation and the Association of Nativity Scene Creators of the Colonial Zone (Asociación de Belenistas de la Zona Colonial).

Samuel Pereyra, president of the Refidomsa Foundation, sponsor of the event, highlighted: “The exhibition seeks to strengthen the Christmas tradition by displaying the birth of the Christ child as depicted in countless places around the globe.”

The partnership with the Association of Nativity Scene Creators of the Colonial Zone has made the collection available for the free enjoyment of local and foreign visitors, students, and enthusiasts, offering a...

President Luis Abinader attended the 27 November 2025 inauguration of the state-of-the-art Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) located at the Azua Thermoelectric Central. The installation is intended to stabilize the electric grid and facilitate the integrating of renewable energy sources, such as the wind generation systems in the Azua area. The EgeItabo BESS is a 100% clean project with 7.5 MW of capacity and cutting-edge technology.

BESS is a type of energy storage system that uses rechargeable batteries to store electrical energy from the grid or power plants and release it later when needed. The system acts as a flexible, instantaneous energy buffer that allows grid operators to maintain the precise equilibrium required for a reliable and high-quality power supply, even as the energy mix shifts toward variable, clean sources.

The BESS Itabo system is an...

The Dominican Republic’s annual Christmas import duty exemption, known as the “Gracia Navideña” (Christmas Grace) or “Bono Navideño” (Christmas Bonus), has been raised to an unprecedented US$5,500, marking the highest value in the country’s history.

The Customs Agency (DGA) stresses the bonus is in appreciation for the significant contributions made by Dominicans residing abroad.

Effective 1 December 2025, through 15 January 2026, Dominican nationals arriving in the country for the holidays will be allowed to bring gifts for their families with an exemption from import taxes, provided the value does not exceed the newly established ceiling of US$5,500.

Key details of the exemption:Eligibility: The exemption applies to nationals arriving via air or sea.Value limit: The FOB (Free On Board) value of the transported goods must not exceed US$5,500.Commercial use...

The Customs Agency has published a new Handbook for Travelers so that both tourists and Dominicans can learn what is permitted and what is not permitted when traveling to avoid paying duties at the port of entry. The booklet is available in Spanish in pdf format online.

The booklet clearly defines just how much currency can be carried, and notes that any amount over US$10,000 must be declared. Details on filing the obligatory e-ticket are given. The booklet also explains about how to obtain permits for certain products through the special Single Window for Foreign Commerce.

The handbook also warns about fresh fruits, controlled substances, and merchandise for resale. Especially helpful are the pointers on pets and foods for pets.

The booklet even tells how to travel with equipment for disabled persons.

It highlights that gifts are permitted but a max of three of the...

President Luis Abinader headed the ceremony that officially kicked off the delivery of some 2.6 million Christan bonuses to a corresponding number of citizens. This year’s program is called “Christmas Breeze.”

The gifts will be delivered in physical checks and electronic transfers.

President Abinader noted that the Social Cabinet will distribute 1.2 million bonuses “fairly and to those who need them the most.” The other 1.6 million bonuses will be distributed electronically, using the social program known as “Superate” as the basis for proof of need.

These accounts will receive RD$1,500 directly into their bank accounts.

Read more in Spanish:

• Listin Diario

One if not the Dominican Republic’s most important archaeological site, the Pomier Caves in San Cristobal, half an hour west of the capital city, will be closed for about six months for renovations and specialized conservation efforts. The thorough remake of the access, trails, and paths through the caves is being carried out to allow the hollowed grounds of the nation’s Taino past to be preserved for many, many years to come.

Some experts use fancy words such as “sustainable eco-tourism,” but this is really a program to keep the caves suitable for people to see and enjoy. So many of the Dominican national treasures have been marred by human graffiti, that the rescue of the caves has the highest priority.

The Pomier Caves Anthropological Reserve is one of the most important geological spaces in the Caribbean. There are 54 caves with over 4,000 pictographs done by the...

The Specialized Corps for the Control of Fuels and Trade of Goods (CECCOM) reported this Friday, 28 November 2025 that it dismantled a clandestine factory for adulterated alcohol. The intervention seized over 1,200 gallons of alcohol in the process of adulteration in Santo Domingo. This action was executed as part of its preventative operational plan ahead of the Christmas period.

According to the institution, the discovery was made possible by technical surveillance work carried out by teams from CECCOM’s Intelligence Department in an area close to the Ozama River. The illegal structure was operating there and was utilizing water extracted directly from the river that divides the capital city from eastern Santo Domingo.

The water supply was managed through improvised piping connected to a gasoline suction pump, while the fermentation tanks were kept hidden among the...

The Ministry of Housing and Edifications (MIVED) authorized the reopening of the mega store Dulce Hogar on Av. Luperon in the National District this Friday, 28 November 2025 after verifying that the business had met all the requirements approved by the Supervision of Private Works Department, under the Vice-Ministry of Norms, Rules, and Procedures. The establishment is regarded as a Chinese business and primarily sells low-cost items imported from China.

Dulce Hogar was among several businesses temporarily closed by MIVED based on Law 687-82. This law mandates that all building occupants and operators in the Dominican Republic must possess a construction license and a final inspection certification prior to occupation and operation.

The director of Supervision of Private Works at MIVED, Edgar Pellerano, confirmed the successful compliance.

“Today, we...

It is a widely commented fact that driving in the Dominican Republic is risky business. The nation has has been ranked tops in driver fatality rate in the world numerous times. Any one who has ever driven anywhere on the island can understand the reasons why. There is a blatant impunity for respecting driving laws, and speeding and imprudence is the norm.

In 2024, the death rate on Dominican roads was placed at 20.02 per 100,000 inhabitants, a number many would call “inaccurate”. Samana province, for example, posted a traffic fatality rate of 44.96/100,000, and La Altagracia (Higuey, Punta Canta and Bavaro) posted 41.49/100,000. This was followed closely by San Jose de Ocoa at 40.31/100,000.

According to the National Statistics Office (ONE), Santo Domingo province and the National District are “relatively” much safer at 8.31/100,000 and 9.92/100,000, respectively...

There are currently 777,525 persons on the government’s payroll according to the Superintendent of Labor Risks and Health (Sisalril). That number represents a 5.2% increase over the 2024 number for September.

So far this year, there have been 22,500 persons added to the payroll, a 3% increase according to the Sisalril numbers.

Over the past ten years, over a quarter of a million people have become employed by the government.

In 2025, just between July and September there was a 2.3% increase in the people on the government payroll. The year’s end payroll is expected to show a 14% increase.

Payrolls for the different government agencies, ministries and departments now total 23.4% of the total trillion plus budget.

The latest numbers represent an increase of about 121,000 new employees since the Abinader administration took office.

As the Diario Libre newspaper points...

The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) just celebrated its 40th anniversary of operating in the Dominican Republic. The first four volunteers arrived in 1985, and these have been followed by another 1,066 volunteers throughout the years.

These volunteers have ranged in age from 20 to 69, representing college students and highly experienced professionals.

They have worked with government institutions, NGOs, schools and universities.

They have represented 130 specialized areas, covering everything from primary education, sports, and culture all the way to health, environment and farming.

There are currently 27 JICA volunteers in the Dominican Republic. They are located in the National District, East Santo Domingo, Santiago, Azua, San Juan, Hermanas Mirabal (Salcedo), La Romana, Samana, and Monte Plata.

The...

In 2012 he was first arrested for suspected drug trafficking but the case was filed away. Today, the now former Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) councilor, Francisco Alberto Paulino Castro once again faces drug trafficking charges. This time for major trafficking. The opening of his case was postponed for Sunday, 7 December 2025 following a request from his defense.

State prosecutors are handling the case as a major alleged drug trafficking and money laundering ring dubbed Operation Kraken.

The former Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) councilor, Francisco Alberto Paulino Castro, also known by the aliases “Francis” or “El Compadre,” is the most prominent figure among the 16 accused.

Santo Domingo East judge Leomar Cruz Quezada ruled in favor of the defense’s request for more time, after attorneys argued in court that they had not yet had sufficient...

The Espaillat family, owners of the iconic Jet Set nightclub, is facing a new legal challenge following the collapse of its roof on 8 April 2025, killing over 260 during a merengue concert.

The family of one of the victims, Ramón Osiris Blanc Castillo, has filed a private criminal complaint and joined the Public Ministry’s case, formally accusing the establishment’s managers of involuntary manslaughter, and this time including the mother of the two first charged with responsibility in the case, Noticias SIN reports.

The civil suit seeks over RD$50 million (approximately US$850,000) in compensation, arguing that the defendants, identified as executives of the operating company, Inversiones E y L, S.R.L., grossly violated their duty of safety.

Filed before the First Investigating Court of the National District, the complaint targets Antonio Espaillat...

Two New York City subway cars on the R line, which runs between Queens and Brooklyn, have been decorated to celebrate Dominican culture. This initiative transforms the subway cars into a “Caribbean experience.” Population-wise, New York City is the second largest Dominican city anywhere.

The decorations feature images including the country’s flag, traditional instruments such as the güira and tambora, and landmarks such as the statue of Fray Anton de Montesinos. The cars are adorned inside and out with colorful and vibrant images.

The purpose is to showcase the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Dominican Republic and promote tourism to the island to a diverse audience.

The Dominican Republic men’s senior national basketball team is set to clash once more with Mexico this Monday, 1 December 2025, aiming for a crucial second consecutive win in the First Qualifying Window for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.

The rematch is scheduled for 8:10pm at the Ricardo Gioriber Arias Volleyball Palace, in the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center in Santo Domingo.

Team DR secured a first victory against Team Mexico with a thrilling 92-85 on Friday, 28 November 2025 at the Marcelino González Gymnasium in Zacatecas, Mexico.

In the previous Saturday match, the Dominican offense was spearheaded by an impressive scoring effort from the backcourt tandem of Andrés Feliz (21 points) and Jean Montero (20 points), who combined for 41 points. They were strongly supported by Joel Soriano (16 points) and Chris Duarte (13 points).

Notably, this Dominican...

US Secretary of War (Defense) Pete Hegseth and President Luis Abinader / Presidency

President Luis Abinader authorized the provisional use of the Las Americas International Airport and San Isidro Air Base for military and drug combating operations of the US Department of War (Defense). The announcement was made during a press conference following the meeting of President Abinader with visiting US Secretary of War (Defense) Pete Hegseth.

The visiting defense official said that the Dominican Republic is now a regional leader. He said “the Dominican Republic has stepped up.”

“The Dominican Republic has emerged as a regional leader, prepared and willing to face difficult challenges, that is why I am here today. We recognize the leadership of your President and this country,” Hegseth said in his remarks after the meeting with President Luis Abinader.

He spoke of...

Public Health Minister Víctor Atallah has issued a stark warning: the budget allocated to the health sector will never be sufficient unless the country makes an intensive shift toward primary care to prevent diseases and improve national health indicators.

Speaking at a special luncheon hosted by Corripio Media Communications Group, Dr. Victor Atallah asserted that implementing this fundamental level of attention is the most effective mechanism for optimizing resource allocation. Dr. Atallah has distinguished himself from day one for his strong preventive aproach to public health. Dr. Atallah has a regenerative and functional medicine approach in his private practice before being appointed to the position.

“The budget for the health sector will never be enough if we do not work intensively on primary care,” the Minister stressed.

Dr. Atallah announced that 2026 will be heavily...

Luis Peña Núñez / Instagram

50-year old anesthesiologist Luis Peña Núñez was chosen to preside the Dominican Medical Association (CMD) as of 12 December 2025. He replaces Dr. Waldo Ariel Suero who has for the most times held the position. Reportedly, he had the backing of Suero.

Diario Libre highlights that while Dr. Pena Nunez is a seasoned anesthesiologist, he is also known for his successes in the arts. He has credits as an actor and composer for films like “El Sistema” and “Yo Soy Bernabé.”

In an interview with Diario Libre, the incoming medical guild president highlighted his top priority: drastically reducing the rate of medical unemployment, especially among general practitioners.

According to Dr. Peña Núñez, of the over 45,000 doctors registered with the CMD, fewer than 20,000 are currently employed in the public hospital system.

He attributes...

A nationwide power outage that plunged the country into darkness for several hours on Tuesday, November 11, has been traced back to a critical operational error.

The root cause of the general blackout was the manual disconnection of an energized line at the 138 kV San Pedro de Macorís I substation, according to a technical report released Wednesday, 26 November 2025 by the Coordinating Body of the National Interconnected Electric System (OC-SENI).

The report details how this action triggered a catastrophic sequence of failures across the grid:

High-intensity short circuit: The manual disconnection immediately generated a high-intensity short circuit, which activated the system’s protection mechanisms.

The ‘cascade reaction’: As part of a protective cascade reaction, several nearby transmission lines automatically disconnected to isolate the fault.

Generation loss and...

A cultural activist and theater director, Danilo Ginebra writes in Acento an opinion piece where he expresses his concern regarding what he calls “The Alofoke-fication of the country.” He translates this into “when vulgarity becomes culture.” He urges people to watch for the moral, political and social deterioration in the Dominican Republic. Danilo Ginebra is also brother of Freddy Ginebra, the iconic founder of Casa de Teatro cultural house.

He is critical of the impact on Dominican society of the Alofoke reality shows that have reaped the highest viewer ratings in history, causing concern of their impact.

DR1 shares a translation of the opinion piece:

“We live in a society where vulgarity has become the daily landscape. The degradation of human, civic, and moral values is shamelessly displayed across television, radio, and social media. Today, brazenness receives applause...

Following up on the continued success of the concerts of Puerto Rican performer Bad Bunny, and his recent two full-house concerts in Santo Domingo, influential lawyer Jose Luis Taveras shares an opinion piece in Diario Libre on the lyrics of the record-breaking singer.

DR1 shares an English version of the piece originally published in Diario Libre’s opinion section to motivate reflection on the impact of the singer on Dominican society. Many people follow his success but have not taken time to listen to what he is saying.

“The So-Called Death of Poetry“Poetry is Dead” (“La poesía ha muerto”) is not only the title of Leonardo Borges’ work; it is also the admission of quite a few practitioners and people of letters. Valid reasons, as well as elitist prejudices, underlie this belief.

To tell the truth, poetry is not only breathing, it is experiencing a peak moment. The only...

The Aguilas Cibaeñas are the first winter professional baseball team to ensure their participation in the semi-finals. The team has a standing of 19 wins and only four losses, too many wins to be eliminated from the cut of four. Four teams move on after the regular season concludes in December. The other five teams all still have a chance at making the cut.

A feature in Diario Libre observes that this could be a playoff without a capital city team. Yet all the other teams are equally far away. The closest is the Toros del Este (La Romana) that is 8.5 games away, followed by the Estrellas Orientales (San Pedro de Macoris), Leones del Escogido (Santo Domingo), Tiugres del Licey (Santo Domingo), 10.5 games away. The Gigantes del Cibao is in the last position, 11 games away.

The National Police has entered a new era of surveillance and transparency, El informe con Alicia Ortega reported on Monday, 24 November 2025.

The street and body cameras are part of a dramatic technological transformation that puts every officer’s movement on record and turns patrol cars into mobile surveillance units. In a push for greater institutional transparency, the force has deployed over 200 body cameras and sophisticated license plate recognition (LPR) systems. The Police say this has fundamentally changed how patrols, how the patrols interact with citizens, and how agents are monitored.

El Informe with Alicia Ortega toured with a a patrol, spoke with officials, and accompanied a patrol to reveal the inner workings of the technology that not only monitors but also safeguards the police.

Ten police units are now equipped with automated License Plate...

Members of the Central Electoral Board (JCE), Rafael Vallejo, Samir Chami Isa, Román Jáquez and Hirayda Fernández / El Caribe

The Central Electoral Board (JCE) announced it has finalized the logistics and preparation for the official rollout of the new Identity and Electoral Card (Cédula) as of January 2026.

The estimated total cost for the ID renewal project is approximately RD$6 billion, the most expensive in the history of the cedula.

The Central Electoral Board confirmed a process to audit and purge all birth certificates is underway. This is directly linked to the ID process and involves correcting administrative errors and disabling records due to irregularities such as identity fraud.

JCE President Román Jáquez predicts a “fever” for the securing of the new digital ID because it offers significant modern conveniences...

The Dominican Republic’s top judicial official, Supreme Court Chief Justice Luis Henry Molina, sounded the alarm over the nation’s high rates of domestic violence, stating that laws alone are insufficient to solve what he termed a “grave problem,” as reported in Hoy.

Molina affirmed, underscoring that the fight against violence extends far beyond the courtroom and requires decisive action from the family, school, community, media, and society at large.

Speaking at an event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Chief Justice Molina revealed that a staggering 55% of all new criminal cases entering the justice system are related to violence. Of these, 36% are specifically classified as gender and domestic violence.

The event was organized by the Judicial Branch’s Gender Equality Commission, coordinated by Magistrate Nancy...

Public teachers are by far the best paid in the education system, but assessments have shown most cannot pass international standard assessments. The Ministry of Education under Angel Hernandez spent billions for a nationwide assessment. When the results came in and most unionized teachers failed, the government was pressured to increase the pass grade. The next step would have been retraining of the teachers, but this did not happen. Instead, a new assessment exercise is announced.

The very influential Public School Teachers’ Union (ADP) announces it has hired experts to advise on a new 2025 Performance Evaluation contracted by Minister of Education Miguel de Camps, appointed to the position for the new term of President Luis Abinader. Formerly he was Minister of Labor.

The ADP states that its advisory team also includes Dalia Herrera Serrano, director of the Department of Evaluation and Supervision at the Enrique Barona University in Havana, Cuba.

Additionally, the...

In the Dominican Republic, most people had never heard of Spanish author Irene Vallejo until she visited with the sponsorship of the Mar de Palabras movement led by literary activist Minerva del Risco. She recently was in Santo Domingo and delighted audiences with her call for reading print books, at a time when all seems to be audio and digital. The author spoke to Dominican audiences at the auditorium of the Central Bank.

Irene Vallejo is a Spanish writer, historian, and philologist born in 1979, best known for her book Infinity in a Reed (El infinito en un junco), which won Spain’s National Essay Prize and has been translated into many languages. She is also a regular columnist for newspapers like El País and has written novels and children’s books.

She became a literary phenomenon for her message in Infinity in a Reed where she delivers a...

President Luis Abinader has announced an expansive holiday relief and celebration package, dubbed “La Brisita Navideña” (The Little Christmas Breeze), which includes a massive cash bonus payout for government workers and digital stipends for over two million low-income families.

During the La Semanal press conference on Monday, 24 November 2025, President Abinader said the government is set to inject RD$34.45 billion into the economy through the “Regalía Pascual” (Christmas Bonus) to ensure all public servants receive their mandated holiday pay promptly in the first week of December.

Beyond the traditional government bonus, the social program is designed to deliver direct relief to an estimated 2.6 million low income people. The programs are broken down as:

Digital Bonuses: RD$1,500 digital vouchers that will be distributed via the Supérate program...

Vice President Raquel Peña and First Lady Raquel Arbaje led the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at the Presidential Palace on Monday, 24 November 2025. Dozens of children and employees from the government house and their families joined the event that began with the blessing of Father Kelvis Acevedo of the San Rafael Arcángel Chapel at the Presidential Palace.

First Lady Raquel Arbaje and Vice President Raquel Peña shared a message focused on the importance of family unity and the hope inspired by this season. Both led the most anticipated moment of the event: the lighting of the tree and the garden lights, which officially signalled the start of the Christmas season at the seat of government.

The atmosphere was filled with music with performances by the Dominican National Children’s Choir and the Koribe coral group, who delighted those present with carols and...

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth / Wikimedia

The Presidency announced that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit the Dominican Republic during the last week of November 2025. The high-level meeting is set to further coordinate joint efforts in the fight against drug trafficking, a move intended to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The upcoming visit follows what both nations have deemed a “successful collaboration” in counter-narcotics efforts. Hegseth’s arrival is expected to bolster and expand the measures and results achieved by the two countries to date.

President Abinader emphasized the ongoing intensity of the struggle and the necessity of continued partnership.

“We continue to work with the United States because this is a strong fight, especially with some countries that have increased drug production, particularly cocaine,” President Luis Abinader...

Minister Faride Raful / Presidency

On ocassion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November 2025, Minister of Interior and Police Faride Raful announced the day before a preliminary, historic reduction of 30.98% in recorded femicides so far in 2025. Minister Raful attributed the significant decline to coordinated actions by a dedicated Task Force and a strengthened institutional response.

Preliminary figures confirm a strong downward trend, showing 49 femicides registered so far in 2025, compared to 71 during the same period in 2024.

Raful reaffirmed that the protection of women and the prevention of femicide remain a national priority.

Minister Raful reiterated that every life lost “is a tragedy for a Dominican family” and underscored the government’s goal to ensure that no woman dies as a result of domestic violence.

The...

Minister of the Presidency Jose Ignacio Paliza is now speaking of political parties getting more involved in putting a stop to activists who may be involved in drug trafficking. For years, the position of the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party has been to say there will not be impunity for those charged and convicted for drug trafficking. Several PRM party members have been charged and sentenced in the United States.

Despite calls from civic society for an active purge of suspected drug activists among candidates for electoral positions in the 2020 and 2024 elections, the party for years has seemed to look the other way. In recent years, several of these traffickers have been charged or called for arrest by the US judiciary. The local judiciary has been less active in charging and sentencing Dominicans for drug trafficking or money laundering.

For the most part, until...

The Latin American Acquisitions Committee (LAAC) of the world-renowned Tate Modern in London recently concluded a significant cultural and professional exchange at the Centro León, the leading Santiago Dominican arts and culture. The Tate Modern, one of the foremost modern and contemporary art institutions globally, was represented by its LAAC members and curatorial staff.

The visit, designed to strengthen institutional ties and immerse the delegation in the country’s rich artistic landscape, culminated with the opening of the new exhibition, Destiempo.

The exhibition Destiempo explores the notion of time and its passage through the work of five late artists: Freddy Rodríguez (1945-2022), Tony Capellán (1955-2017), Jorge Pineda (1961-2023), Belkis Ramírez (1957-2019), and Quisqueya Henríquez (1966-2024). The careers of the five achieved full maturity...