DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

President Luis Abinader said during his weekly Monday press conference on 8 September 2025, that it is a fact that the Kenyan forces will not continue in Haiti. He cited as his source, Kenyan President William Ruto.

Abinader said that the objectives of the Kenya mission were never met. He acknowledged the funds for the proposed force of 2,500 were never provided. The mission ended up being of 800 men and most were dedicated to protect key institutions and entities in Haiti.

President Abinader said that the United States has stated it is backing different policies and strategies for Haiti.

Abinader said that he would once again speak at the United Nations General Assembly this September to advocate for more support for Haiti and to criticize the international abandonment of Haiti. He said the current situation puts the greatest burden on the Dominican Republic...

A recent feature in BBC explains how crime has surged in Turks and Caicos, the country, aside from the Dominican Republic, closest to Haiti. Like the Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos has benefited from low cost labor of Haitians, but the migration has also come with a high price of increase in crime.

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• BBC

The United States Federal Aviation Administration has extended the ban prohibiting certain US flights over parts of Haiti through 7 March 2026. The FAA issued the updated security NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) due to what the agency calls “safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing instability.”

The new restrictions, effective from 5 September 2025 to 7 March 2026, ban US air carriers, commercial operators, and all US-registered civil aircraft from flying at or below 9,999 feet in specific areas of Haitian airspace. The restricted zones include the territory and airspace south of 19°10’N and north of 18°20’N, between the Haiti/Dominican Republic border and 073°20’W, and an additional area within a 10-nautical-mile radius of 19°28’11″N, 072°35’11″W.

The prohibition, designated as KICZ A0008/25, does not apply to foreign air carriers operating US-registered aircraft.

The FAA states that it may authorize exceptions to the flight ban on a case-by-case basis. Operators...

Investigative reports carried out by Nuria Piera and Julissa Cespedes (CDN) have brought forward complaints of major corruption at the state health insurance plan, Senasa, when under former executive director Santiago Hazim. During his weekly press conference on Monday, 8 September 2025, President Luis Abinader confirmed the situation, explaining that it was the government that had requested an investigation in November 2024.

For months, there have been rumors, the state health plan was being decapitalized.

Hazim was replaced at Senasa on 17 August 2025 after a five-year term. He was replaced by Edward Guzmán Padilla.

The Ministry of Housing and Buildings has now issued orders for several commercial megastores in Greater Santo Domingo citing significant structural and safety risks. The action was taken through the Vice Ministry of Standards, Regulations and Procedures.

As per the names and photos the mega stores are not of known local store chains. The names seem to reflect these are of the kind set up by Chinese investors to sell bargain-priced goods. The constructions seem to follow a very similar construction model.

For years, local businesses have been protesting the lack of action by the Ministry of Housing and Buildings regarding the construction violations by the mega stores. Now, after these are built, Mived is acting and announcing the “temporary closures.”

Among the establishments shut down were prominent Chinese retailers including Suplax, Plaza Hope, Central Depot...

When former Attorney General Miriam German Brito retired from the position after almost five years on the tough job, she did not retire from government. She was named vice president of the board of directors at the National Petroleum Refinery. The former general manager of the government’s commercial bank, Banco de Reservas, Samuel Pereyra was named to head the National Petroleum Refinery.

The board positions usually come with high wages.

Read more in Spanish:

• El Dia

Just before his start of his first government in August 2020, Luis Abinader was a vocal critic of the Fonper, or the Patrimonial Fund of Reformed Enterprises, denouncing it as a hive of corruption. He vowed to eliminate the institution, which he claimed “has generated innumerable cases of corruption,” and redirect its funds. Yet, five years into the Abinader presidency, the Fonper remains operational with a budget that surpasses many key government agencies.

Listin Diario reports that despite these controversies and President Abinader’s earlier promises, the Fonper has continued to function, its future uncertain.

Fonper was created by Law 124-01 to manage the state’s shares in capitalized or reformed companies, and use the assets for development and poverty reduction.

However, under the leadership of Fernando Rosa, husband of Carmen Magalys Medina Sanchez, sister of then...

With his home run on 7 September 2025, Juan Soto needs just to hit two more home runs to reach the 40 home run mark for a second consecutive season. In the 2024/25 season he hit 41 home runs. His 41 home runs tied him for fourth in MLB.

A feature in MLB News says that Soto is on pace for 42 home runs, which would set a career high for the Dominican slugger.

MLB highlights how after a slow start with the Mets, Soto is also on the pace for his first 30-30 season.

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• MLB
• MLB
• MLB
• El Nacional

The Dominican Republic welcomed over eight million visitors in the first eight months of the year, continuing a strong trend of growth for the country’s tourism industry.

A total of 8,005,227 tourists and cruise passengers arrived between January and August 2025, a 2.8% increase from the 7,790,809 who visited during the same period in 2024. The figures, released by the Ministry of Tourism, show a 2% rise in air arrivals (6,085,053) and a 5% jump in sea arrivals (1,920,204).

Tourism Minister David Collado presented the results at a press conference, highlighting the achievement as a new record for the nation.

While August arrivals were strong at 707,175 tourists and 100,238 cruise passengers, they did represent a slight 0.7% decrease compared to August of last year. This dip was primarily attributed to minor declines from the country’s top two source markets...

President Luis Abinader inaugurated a new road between Villa Elisa in Montecristi province and Punta Rucia in Puerto Plata province on Saturday, 6 September 2025. The new, 23.2 km road was said to cost taxpayers RD$1.224 billion. It gives easy access from Santiago to one of the most beautiful beaches on the north shore, La Ensenada.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Villa Elisa road was just a part of the president’s very active weekend where schools and a bridge in the town of Imbert, new Infotep classrooms and workshops in Puerto Plata, and an outdoor concert by the National Philharmonic Orchestra.

The road from Villa Elisa, located on the highway between Santiago and Montecristi, and Punta Rucia, located at the very western tip of Puerto Plata province, provides much-needed access to that area. Previously, a four wheel-drive vehicle was the preferred...

President Luis Abinader announced the acquisition of prime land for a major new convention and exhibition center in Santo Domingo, a project that officials say will be a game-changer for the capital’s tourism industry. The new facility, to be built on the site of the former Hotel Santo Domingo, is expected to create new economic, commercial, and employment opportunities for Dominicans.

At the announcement event, President Abinader expressed confidence that the project would be a success, not just for Santo Domingo but for the entire country. “This success won’t just be for the city of Santo Domingo, where it will have immediate effects, but also for the entire country,” he said.

The President also praised Tourism Minister David Collado and the Santo Domingo Hotel Association for the efforts in pushing forward the project.

Tourism Minister David Collado hailed the new...

President Luis Abinader inaugurated on Sunday, 31 August 2025 the first large-scale Wastewater Treatment Plant (PTAR) in Cabo Rojo, marking a major milestone in the development of the Pedernales tourism project.

The plant, which represents an investment of approximately RD$1.3 billion, is the first major environmental infrastructure completed as part of the government’s ambitious tourism initiative in the region. It underscores a commitment to sustainable development, coming online even before the opening of any hotel rooms in the area.

The project was executed by the Pro-Pedernales Trust Fund, and includes not only the treatment facility but also an integrated system of sewage networks, wastewater collection, and water distribution. These systems are designed to support the planned tourism infrastructure, which will eventually include hotels, a port, an airstrip, a golf course, and public spaces.

“Cabo Rojo will be the great legacy of President Abinader’s...

We are now three-quarters of the way through 2025, and we can look forward to 2026 and do some planning. For the rest of 2025, there are three more holidays and one long weekend. On Wednesday 24 September, the nation celebrates Our Lady of Mercy, and, since it is a religious holiday, it is not moved. This is the day when many faithful make a pilgrimage to the Santo Cerro in La Vega.

Next, comes Thursday, 6 November, the day commemorating the first constitution back in 1844. This celebration is moved to Monday, 10 November 2025.

The last holiday of 2025 is Christmas Day, Thursday, 25 December. Since it falls on a Thursday, expect work outside of Christmas-related to stop on Tuesday, 23 December as people will be busy preparing for the long Christmas holidays. In the Dominican Republic, the 24th is the day when most families gather and the 23rd is the day when most preparations get underway.

Now, for 2026, the Ministry of Labor has not yet officially announced the schedule...

Late last week, Vice President of the Dominican Republic Raquel Peña announced the construction of the Ambar Expressway, a modern highway that will considerably cut travel time to Puerto Plata from Santiago.

 The 40 km new road would connect the Santiago Bypass (Km 18 Circunvalación Norte) with La Gran Parada near Montellano in Puerto Plata on the north coast, some five km east of the Playa Dorada hotel complex. It would mean easy access to beach destinations in Playa Dorada, Sosua and Cabarete.

The Ambar Highway would place Puerto Plata just a 25 minute drive from Santiago, making it easy to arrive by the well-served Cibao International Airport.

Financing for the construction will be provided by the “complementary budget” that was recently sent to Congress, and that assigns an additional 20% to public works.

At the present time, access from the Cibao Valley to the...

The Dominican peso hit a new historic low against the US dollar on Friday, 5 September 2025, closing at an unprecedented RD$64.05 to the US dollar. The Central Bank′s reference exchange rate saw the selling price of the dollar climb. The buying price settled at RD$63.36.

This marks a significant depreciation, with the peso losing approximately 4.6% of its value in just over a month. On 1 August 2025, the buying rate was RD$60.58 and the selling rate was RD$61.26.

Listin Diario reports that the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) is set to tackle the rising value of the US dollar. This week, the bank will present a package of measures to the Monetary Board aimed at curbing the currency’s appreciation.

Officials at the Central Bank believe the dollar’s recent gains are only temporary. The institution has stated that the current exchange rate is still within its monetary...

A new report from the Central Bank highlights a dramatic shift toward digital payments, Listin Diario reports. Bank transfers lead the charges, but credit, debit, prepaid cards and government subsidy cards are also growing.

Data from the first seven months of 2025 shows a total of 692.5 million transactions, valued at over RD$12.36 trillion, flowing through the country’s payment system.

Cards –credit, debit, prepaid and subsidy– accounted for the lion’s share of transactions. With 452.1 million transactions, cards represented 65.3% of the total volume.

While cards dominate in transaction volume, electronic fund transfers are moving the most money. These transfers, which include direct debits, credits, and instant payments, recorded 223.8 million transactions — 32.3% of the total volume. Yet, they represented a staggering 78.2% of the system’s value...

The Environmental Commission of the state university opposes the proposal presented by Peravia senator (PRM) Julio Fulcar to legalize the invasion of Baní Dunes lands by families. The lawmaker is now pushing for Congress to approve a bill that would grant land ownership to residents of Salinas. The municipality has allowed for the families to pay rent to the Bani city government for the properties.

Fulcar submitted a resolution asking President Luis Abinader to instruct the Minister of Environment to recognize the right of Salinas residents to remain in the area and to define the boundaries of the Bani Dunes.

The proposal has faced opposition. The Environmental Commission of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) has rejected the senator’s plan to change the boundaries of the Dunas de las Calderas Natural Monument to accommodate the families.

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President Luis Abinader has appointed Juan Bienvenido Crisóstomo Martínez as the new commander of the Dominican Navy.

The appointment, announced in Decree 516-25, elevates Crisóstomo Martínez to the rank of vice admiral. He replaces Vice Admiral Agustín Morillo Rodríguez, who had held the position since August 2023.

Born on 27 December 1968, Juan Bienvenido Crisóstomo Martínez is a seasoned naval officer, a graduate of the Naval Academy in 1990.

Since then, Crisóstomo Martínez has held numerous leadership positions, including head of studies at the Naval Academy, executive officer of the 27th of February Naval Base, and subdirector of the Personnel and Order Division, Naval Intelligence Division, and Naval Operations Division.

His career also includes serving as the director of the Naval Command of Education and Training, director...

The United Nations needs to decide the future for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. The mission is set to expire in October. The 800-men mission does not have much to show for itself, nor was it fully deployed. Haitian Times reports: “Despite its presence alongside the Haitian National Police (PNH), the MSS has yet to secure any territory or help arrest a notorious gang leader.”

Now, there is the effort to approve a US-backed plan to shift the force into a UN-funded peacekeeping model. The present model has done little to curb gang violence and control in Haiti.

“Greater clarity is expected in October, when the MSS mandate will either be renewed or adapted under a new model,” Jack Ombaka, the spokesman for the MSS, told The Haitian Times.

The Haitian Times reports that as the multinational force faces challenges to deliver, the...

Government vehicle purchases soar despite austerity plan, Diario Libre reports. Data shows that in the first three years of President Luis Abinader’s administration, annual spending on vehicle acquisitions skyrocketed by 123%.

The increase comes despite a directive from the president himself to limit these purchases, first issued in June 2021 as part of a broader austerity measure.

Diario Libre says that the majority of the vehicles acquired have been for essential services like emergency response, public safety, and school transportation, yet several SUVs have also been purchased for government officials.

The trend marks a sharp reversal from the previous administration. According to data from the General Public Procurement Agency (DGCP), spending on motor vehicles dropped by 87.21% between 2018 and 2020, falling from RD$4.3 billion to RD$550 million in the...

The Dominican Republic’s public health system reported 9,459 abortions in 2024, according to new figures from the National Statistics Office (ONE). The data was released as part of ONE’s Socio-Demographic Statistics Yearbook, which also includes information on education, employment, and poverty, Listin Diario reports.

The vast majority of the procedures —9,243 of them— were performed within the National Health Service (SNS), the public hospital system. Other cases were reported at the government-owned Central Hospital of the Armed Forces (56), the General Hospital of the National Police (3), and private charities and non-governmental organizations (157).

Regionally, the Ozama area led with 3,026 abortions, encompassing cases in both the National District (527) and Santo Domingo (2,499). It was followed by Cibao Norte with 960 and Cibao Sur with 554.

Listin Diario report...

The governments of the Dominican Republic and the People’s Republic of China have signed two key cooperation agreements, strengthening their bilateral relationship. The agreements include a financial cooperation pact to fund development projects and a memorandum of understanding to provide scholarships for Dominican public officials.

The financial agreement provides the Dominican Republic with a non-reimbursable grant of US$40 million from China. This funding is earmarked for emergency response and disaster relief projects.

The second agreement outlines a plan for 450 scholarships for Dominican public servants. The scholarships are designed to boost technical and institutional capacity in critical fields such as agriculture, construction, transportation, renewable energy, and public health.

Minister of Foreign Relations Roberto Álvarez, emphasized the impact of...

The huge coal-fired power plant at Punta Catalina on the south coast in Peravia province, is in the news, once again. From its beginnings, the facility has made headlines from the day it was revealed that the international tender process did not reward the lowest bidder.

Built during the past Danilo Medina administration, Punta Catalina is at present the most important power plant complex in the country. Yet, cost overruns, defects, constant issues with keeping the plant online, and now, a government audit, have sullied the image of what should be the shining star of the national electric grid.

On Friday, 5 September 2025, a report was released by the government accounting office known as the Chamber of Accounts, which details some RD$21 billion in unsupported and undocumented payments to contractors and media outlets. Because of this situation, the auditors could not...

Fibropapillomatosis has been detected in a large number of young turtles on the North Coast. Conservationists are alarmed, reports Marvin del Cid for Diario Libre.

Over the past week, seven juvenile green sea turtles were found stranded between Montecristi and Samaná, all suffering from fibropapillomatosis. Four of the turtles died, while three were rescued and taken to the National Aquarium.

Marvin del Cid explains that Fibropapillomatosis is a viral disease caused by the Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), which manifests as wart-like tumors that can reach a severe size and gravely threaten the lives of the turtles. The growths, which can range in color from pink to black, often appear on soft tissue like the neck, flippers, and eyelids, and can even grow inside the turtle’s internal organs. These tumors can make it difficult for the turtles to swim, see, and...

Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester and fro UNICEF, Anyoli Sanabria / Diario Libre

The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has donated three shelters for children, adolescents, and pregnant or lactating women who are awaiting deportation by the Directorate General of Migration (DGM). These centers are located in /Santiago, Dajabon, and Elias Piña.

According to the press release, the three areas are valued at over RD$18 million and were set up by Unicef. The DGM signed an agreement that requires the agency to maintain conditions that respect the dignity of the interns, as well as protect them from abuses and provide specialized services to these vulnerable groups.

The treatment of the persons interned in the holding shelters will be under the cover of Law 285-04, which governs the DGM and Law 136-03 that covers the...

In a scathing statement, Guido Gomez Mazara, a leading figure in the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), said that the fight against government corruption and impunity is returning important sums to the Dominican people. He was referring to the sum of RD$3.082 billion that was returned to the government by Max Montilla in a plea deal with the Justice Department.

This was part of the famous Anti-Pulpo case that has been in the courts for years, and involves many members of former president Danilo Medina’s family. The case proved that Max Montilla took advantage of being the President’s brother-in-law.

Gomez Mazara emphasized that the vast sum returned to the government is larger than the budget for Civil Defense and the Ministry of Agriculture, combined. He went on to indicate that at least three other ministries have budgets far less than the returned sum: Culture, Youth, and Women...

“Lo que se saca de Raíz Vuelve a crecer” / Diario Libre

The Dominican Society of Visual Artists (SODAV) is challenging a prize awarded at the 2025 National Biennial of Visual Arts, urging the Ministry of Culture to revoke the decision due to a violation of contest rules.

In an official statement dated 5 September 2025, SODAV requested the annulment of the award given to “Lo que se saca de Raíz Vuelve a crecer” (What is Taken from the Root Grows Again), a piece by artist Karma Davis Pérez that won in the sculpture category. The statement, signed by SODAV president Francisco Sánchez Guanabacoa and secretary Alescar Ortiz, argues that the piece is a “living sculpture” composed of a royal palm tree. SODAV asserts that the National Biennial’s venue, a museum, lacks the protocols and facilities to properly preserve such a piece.

“Within the framework of the current regulations and...

Chicago Cubs outfielder Sammy Sosa was inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame on 7 September 2025. The 2025 Cubs Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place at Wrigley Field.

Chicago Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts has described Sosa:

“Sammy Sosa was not only one of the greatest home run hitters of all time, but he was a favorite of right field bleacher fans by showing, sprinting out to right field to start each game. His defensive play was All-Star caliber in addition to his impressive all-time slugging stats.”

Follow the story: MLB Sammy Sosa statements...

A troy ounce of gold for December futures contracts hit a record high of US$3,622.80 on the global market today, a jump of US$30.10 from the previous trading day. The average price settled at US$3,562.30.

The continued rise in gold prices means more revenues as the Dominican Republic is a major gold exporter. Likewise, a significant windfall for public finances comes with the increase.

As a major gold exporter, the Dominican Republic stands to gain from this price surge.

The government anticipates that these higher prices will lead to a substantial increase in tax revenue for 2025, with a full impact expected on income tax (ISR) and net profit participation (PUN). The government’s 2025 annual budget had projected income based on a much lower gold price of US$2,500 per ounce, as reported in Listin Diario.

The expansion of Barrick Gold’s plant in the country is set to keep...

The Dominican Postal Institute (Inposdom) has temporarily suspended all package shipments to the United States following the implementation of new US customs regulations that have eliminated a key tax exemption, Hoy reports.

The suspension, which took effect immediately, is a response to the US government’s decision to remove the tariff exemption as of 29 August 2025. This change means that all packages sent to the US are now subject to customs duties and taxes, regardless of their declared value.

Inposdom stated the temporary halt will remain in place until official protocols for the application of these new tariffs are established. The measure, however, does not affect all mail. Shipments of letters and documents remain exempt, as do gift packages sent to friends and family with a declared value of up to US$100, provided they are clearly marked as “GIFT.”

The postal...

The first Amazon Air flight was received on 3 September 2025 at Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) by ALK Global Logistics, the Miami-based agent for the airline, Diario Libre reports. The cargo airplane will also serve Dominican exports. The airline has scheduled seven flights a week, with capacity for 700 metric tons.

For months now, Amazon has been delivering in the Dominican Republic door-to-door with no additional cost to subscribers to the service.

Amazon has opened similar logistics hubs this summer in Bogota, Colombia and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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• Diario Libre
• DR1 News

Rosa Amalia Pilarte / Diario Libre

Former congresswoman Rosa Amalia Pilarte (PRM-La Vega) was admitted on Wednesday, 3 September 2025 to the Rafey Women’s Correction and Rehabilitation Center in Santiago to serve a five-year prison sentence for money laundering tied to drug trafficking.

Pilarte was escorted into the facility late Wednesday evening, following her conviction by the Supreme Court of Justice. A video obtained by Diario Libre shows Pilarte being accompanied by several agents from the Penitentiary Surveillance Treatment Department as she was transferred from La Vega.

Pilarte’s arrest took place at the Attorney General’s Office in Santo Domingo. This came after a raid on her home in La Vega by members of the Public Ministry, which led to her presenting herself to authorities.

Read more in...

Tampa Rays’ Junior Caminero has become only the second player in franchise history to reach the milestone and the first Dominican to hit 40 home runs this season, El Dia reports.

When Junior Caminero arrived at spring training, he set an ambitious goal: to hit 30 home runs in his first full professional season. What he likely didn’t imagine was that he would end up making history with a campaign that places him among the greatest young hitters of all time.

The Dominican slugger hit his 40th home run Tuesday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, becoming just the second player in Tampa Bay Rays history to reach the mark. But his historic night wasn’t over. A two-run double in the seventh inning not only broke a tie against the Mariners but also gave him 100 runs batted in for the season.

Read more in Spanish:

• El Dia

In a move to underscore its commitment to national development, the Abinader administration has released a detailed report on its public infrastructure spending over the last five years. The report, highlighting thousands of completed projects across all 31 provinces and the National District, asserts that no region of the country has been left behind.

According to a document provided to the media by the Presidential Strategy and Communications Department of the Presidency (DIECOM), the administration’s National Infrastructure Investment Plan totals RD$753 billion. Of this, RD$600 billion have already been spent, with work ongoing on other projects, both large and small, many of which are nearing completion.

The department is now making a comprehensive list of all projects publicly available, including their locations, investment amounts, and current status. The Presidency...

Catalino Correa HIciano / Presidency

President Luis Abinader has appointed Catalino Correa Hiciano as the new general manager of the Development and Export Bank (Bandex), effective immediately via Decree No. 498-25.

Bandex has the role of channeling resources to support projects of high economic and social impact for the country. Bandex offers financing with longer terms and grace periods than commercial banks.

Correa Hiciano brings extensive academic and professional experience to the role. A certified public accountant, he holds a degree from the O&M University, a master’s in Tax Accounting from the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), and an MBA in Operations from the Pontifical Catholic University Mother and Teacher (PUCMM). He also specialized in fraud and money laundering prevention at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain.

His...

The Senate has urgently approved a bill to modify the 2025 National Budget Law, authorizing an additional RD$1.28 trillion (US$22.7 billion) in spending. The bill, which was submitted by the Executive Branch, was passed in two readings without modifications, exactly as it was received from the Chamber of Deputies.

The new legislation allows the spending of RD$69.7 billion (approximately US$1.24 billion), that is 4.7% more than had been approved earlier for the year. The expansion calls for an investment of 20% in capital spending, or RD$35.54 billion (US$630 million), or 0.4% of GDP.

The budget amendment allocates funds to several key ministries and projects, including:• Public Health and Social Assistance: Focusing on improving healthcare facilities and services.• Public Works and Communications: Including resources to complete all outstanding road...

The Dominican government designated the armed group known as Cártel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, according to Decree 500-25 issued by the Executive Branch on 2 September 2025. This move authorizes state intelligence and security agencies to take appropriate measures to prevent the group’s incursions into national territory or against Dominican interests abroad.

A Presidency press release says the decision aligns with the Dominican Constitution, which prioritizes combating transnational criminal activities that threaten the country’s interests, as well as national and regional peace, stability, and security.

The decree also instructs the Ministry of Foreign Relations to communicate this decision to relevant international organizations and the Dominican Republic’s strategic partners. Additionally, the ministry is tasked with coordinating with multilateral bodies...

Maxi Montilla / El Día

A high-profile corruption case in the Dominican Republic has concluded with a major settlement, as businessman Maxy Montilla Sierra has agreed to pay a substantial fine and dissolve his companies. Montilla carried out the operations taking advantage of his status as brother-in-law of former President Danilo Medina.

Montilla, who is implicated in the “Operation Antipulpo” case, was accused of using his businesses to fraudulently secure over RD$3 billion (approximately US$51 million) in government contracts.

The agreement, approved by Judge Raymundo Mejía of the First Court of Instruction of the National District, mandates that Montilla pay RD$600 million (approximately US$10.2 million) to the country’s three state-owned electricity distributors—EdeEste, EdeSur, and EdeNorte. The payment serves as restitution for the damages his actions caused.

In addition to the...

The National Police has cleared windshield washers and street vendors from major intersections in Santo Domingo, following numerous complaints from citizens published in Diario Libre.

Newspaper journalists surveyed key city intersections, including John F. Kennedy with Máximo Gómez, 27 de Febrero with Máximo Gómez, and Abraham Lincoln with 27 de Febrero and were told by frequent users that the areas, once crowded with vendors, are now clear. Police presence was visible at many of these locations.

This is not the first time vendors have left the intersections. In the past the Police has undertaken operations to make the vendors understand to clear the streets.

The recent crackdown was extended to vendors of windshield wipers, fruits and other goods who typically operate at traffic lights, Diario Libre reports. An anonymous vendor interviewed at the...