DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic
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In a global climate marked by uncertainty, the Dominican Republic is emerging as a beacon of stability and strategic leadership, attracting a record-breaking flow of foreign investment and enhancing its reputation as one of the most competitive and dynamic destinations in Latin America.
President Luis Abinader announced during the Monday, 3 November 2025 press conference that the Dominican Republic is increasingly strengthening its position among Latin American nations that generate the highest confidence and attract the largest volume of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
The UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025 highlights a continued decline in global foreign direct investment (FDI), driven by factors like trade tensions, geopolitical uncertainty, and high interest rates, overall FDI has been up 6% in the Caribbean, with the Dominican Republic leading the way. The Dominican Republic saw a 7% increase in inflows year-on-year.
Globally, FDI fell by 11% in 2024 due to...
The Dominican government announced on 3 November 2025 the decision to postpone the 10th Summit of the Americas until next year, citing a careful analysis of the current regional situation.
Bloomberg had reported that only three Latin American and Caribbean heads of government had announced they would attend the heads of government meetings of the Summit.
The move, which was reportedly consensus-driven, involved close consultation with key partners, including the United States, the forum’s original proponent, and other essential nations. Representatives from major international organizations involved in the Summit’s organization, such as the secretary-general of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), were also consulted, the Ministry of Foreign Relations announced in a press release.
The government confirmed that all resources invested to date, including those allocated for hemispheric meetings scheduled in...
President Luis Abinader announced he would travel to Belem, Brazil to be present for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). He made the announcement responding to a journalist question during the La Semanal press conference. He said he would be participating with the block of Caribbean nations that will again call for support as victims of climate change damages caused by developed nations to small island states. COP30 will take place 10 to 21 November 2025. The President did not specify the dates of the trip.
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President Luis Abinader said the government will draft a detailed report on the use of emergency funds and contracting to repair and provide relief for damages caused by recent heavy rains. The government recently declared emergency state status for 14 provinces to expedite contracting. Speaking during the weekly press conference, the President said the funds would assist in repairs to school and road infrastructure damages by the intense rains.
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Public Health Minister Victor Atallah traveled to San Francisco, California to present the Dominican Republic’s comprehensive national strategy against dengue at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Convention 2025. The country is reporting a dramatic reduction in cases and zero deaths so far in 2025.
Health Minister Víctor Atallah delivered the presentation, marking the first time a Dominican minister has participated in the prestigious convention. Atallah detailed how a combination of prevention, control, and widespread educational campaigns led to an over 80% drop in case incidence and effectively eliminated dengue-related fatalities this year.
The need for a robust response became evident in early 2024 following a significant surge in cases. This motivated the design and implementation of the National Plan for Dengue Prevention, Control, and Education, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health in coordination with the Presidency and other government sectors...
Senator Omar Fernández (Fuerza del Pueblo – National District) has submitted a resolution urging the President to instruct the Tax Agency (DGII) to implement the legally mandated indexation of the Income Tax (ISR) for salaries up to RD$52,000 per month. Fernández argues this is a necessary act of “fiscal justice” that would benefit approximately 720,000 workers, as reported by Noticias SIN.
The last time wages were indexed was in 2017 during the first year of the government of President Danilo Medina (PLD). The general tax law orders the annual indexing of wages to adjust these to inflation.
The proposal, deposited on Monday, 3 November 2025, specifically seeks compliance with Article 327 of the Tax Code, which requires the automatic indexation of the tax-exempt income bracket to counteract inflation. This adjustment, the senator noted, has been successively suspended in various budget laws.
In his call for action, the Fuerza del Pueblo legislator highlighted the severe...
The Central Electoral Board that handles the official document registry in the Dominican Republic reminds all that the Dominican Constitution does not recognize same sex marriages. Any same sex wedding officiated in the Dominican Republic is thus symbolic.
The opinion is issued after former US Ambassador Wally Brewster carried out a symbolic marriage of two same sex persons.
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) of the Dominican Republic issued the public clarification on Sunday, 3 November 2025, asserting that only marriages between a man and a woman are recognized under the nation’s legal framework.
The statement follows a social media post by former U.S. Ambassador to the country, Wally Brewster, who published an image on his Instagram account claiming to have officiated a same-sex wedding in the city of Santiago.
“It was an honor to officiate the wedding of José Fernández and Jeremy Gottschalk in the beautiful setting of Camp David, Santiago, Dominican Republic,”...
Public health officials in La Altagracia have launched an intensive, door-to-door anti-rabies vaccination campaign targeting 60,000 dogs and cats in a critical effort to protect both animal and human health.
The Provincial Health Agency (DPS) of La Altagracia initiated the free vaccination drive on 31 October 2025, and it is scheduled to run through 7 November. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects both animals and humans, making the mass vaccination a vital preventative measure.
The goal is to vaccinate over 60,000 pets through a massive house-to-house operation. In addition to the mobile teams, three fixed posts have been established at strategic locations: the Provincial Health Agency office, the Health Park (Parque de la Salud), and the Anamelia Park (Parque de Anamelia).
Wendy Castillo, the provincial health director, urged residents to cooperate with the health teams and allow their pets to be vaccinated.
“Let us remember that rabies is a viral and mortal...
Weather conditions are expected to improve this week after the passing of Tropical Storm Melissa and a follow-up tropical wave and trough brought intense rains. The Center for Emergency Operations (COE) says that San Jose de Ocoa and Barahona continue under emergency conditions, with school classes yet to resume because of the continuing rains and flooding threat and need for repairs.
The official report from the Weather Institute (Indomet) is for heavy showers and thunderstorms to continue to impact the Dominican Republic. The trough system will continue to trigger widespread rain.
Yet only four provinces continue under a green weather alert. These are Monte Plata, Peravia, San Cristobal and Barahona for saturation of the ground.
Indomet in its forecast for 4 November 2025 states that the Dominican Republic is bracing for a period of unsettled weather as a persistent trough system blankets the territory, promising a mix of scattered showers and intense afternoon...
Weather conditions are expected to improve this week after the passing of Tropical Storm Melissa and a follow-up tropical wave and trough brought intense rains. The Center for Emergency Operations (COE) says that San Jose de Ocoa and Barahona continue under emergency conditions, with school classes yet to resume because of the continuing rains and flooding threat and need for repairs.
The official report from the Weather Institute (Indomet) is for heavy showers and thunderstorms to continue to impact the Dominican Republic. The trough system will continue to trigger widespread rain.
Yet only four provinces continue under a green weather alert. These are Monte Plata, Peravia, San Cristobal and Barahona for saturation of the ground.
Indomet in its forecast for 4 November 2025 states that the Dominican Republic is bracing for a period of unsettled weather as a persistent trough system blankets the territory, promising a mix of scattered showers and intense afternoon...
Fernando Tatis Jr. has been named the best defensive right fielder in Major League Baseball National League. The announcement tells of the versatility of Tatis who in 2023 had played shortstop instead of in the outfield.
Tatis Jr. won his second National League Gold Glove award for the 2025 MLB season, joining Tony Gwynn, Dave Winfield, Steve Finley, and Trent Grisham as the only Padres outfielders to take home multiple awards.
Tatis led all NL right fielders last season with +15 DRS, and his +8 OAA trailed only the +9 produced by Arizona’s Corbin Carroll. Known for his cannon of an arm even from his days at short, Tatis was tied for fifth with an average arm strength of 95.5 mph.
Constitution Day this 2025 falls on a Thursday, and the Ministry of Labor reminds all that on its holiday calendar the official holiday has been moved to Monday, 10 November 2025, creating a long weekend.
People should plan accordingly to avoid being caught in traffic as vacationers leave the urban cities for beach and mountain destinations.
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The Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resorts has officially opened its doors, marking a significant step in establishing Miches as a premier, sustainable, and differentiated tourism destination. Miches is a new destination located about a one-hour drive north of Punta Cana International Airport on the eastern beach strip.
The luxury resort was inaugurated on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 in a ceremony led by President Luis Abinader, who highlighted the resort’s future impact on Miches’ economic development and professional training. The resort will operate under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand.
“There is no better place to invest in all of Latin America than the Dominican Republic,” the President asserted, reaffirming the government’s strong commitment to supporting public-private partnerships for large-scale projects like Zemí.
The Zemí Miches resort is a Grupo Puntacana investment. This is the same business group that owns and operates the Punta Cana International Airport...
The North Coast destination of Puerto Plata recently rolled out the red carpet for a major “Mega Fam & Press Trip,” a strategic initiative led by Copa Airlines and its vacation arm, Copa Vacations, to aggressively market the destination across Latin America.
The campaign, organized in close coordination with the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), the Puerto Plata Destination Tourist Cluster, and the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Tourist Companies of the North (Ashonorte), aimed to showcase the multifaceted attractions that make Puerto Plata a complete, versatile, and dynamic travel hotspot.
A comprehensive itinerary was crafted to blend adventure, nature, culture, and signature Dominican hospitality. Guests were immersed in adrenaline-pumping experiences at Chukka Caribbean Adventures and the famed 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, followed by an exploration of the marine ecosystem at Ocean World Adventure Park, complete with a Caribbean seaside lunch.
The cultural pulse of...
Santo Domingo is included in the Sea Cloud II luxury tall ship cruises for 2026 and 2027.
The Colonial City is a high point for the 22 December 2026 to 4 January 2027 13-night Christmas and New Year holiday sail. The fares start at US$11,125 per person all inclusive.
The holiday sail begins in Bridgetown, Barbados and concludes in Santo Domingo. There are stops in St. Lucia, St. Barthlemy, Virgin Gorda (The Baths), among other islands.
The Sea Cloud II has capacity for 94 guests and 65 crew in its 29,000 square feet with three masts.
Read more about Sea Cloud luxury cruises: Sea Cloud Sea Cloud Catalogue
4 November 2025
With the launch of its JaxPort operations last week, Norwegian Cruise Line will be sailing the Norwegian Gem (refurbished 2022 with capacity for 2,344 pax) from November 2025 through April 2028, with itineraries to the Caribbean that includes the Dominican Republic.
Jaxport, a popular drive-to-cruise market, joins Miami and Port Canaveral as the third Florida port for NCL. Norwegian Gem is sailing 11- and 12-day Caribbean voyages exploring a mix of destinations including Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, and the US Virgin Islands, among others.
An 11-day Norwegian Gem Caribbean cruise starts at $749 per person.
A popular drive-to cruise market, Jacksonville, Fla. is within a one-day drive of more than 98 million consumers. The Jaxport Cruise Terminal offers convenient on-site parking and is located near Jacksonville International Airport and major interstates, including I-10 and I-95.
Norwegian Cruise Line also offers trips on board the Norwegian Sky with...
The Dominican Republic Tourism Office in Toronto, Canada has reported on the recent welcoming of 35 travel agents to its local office for an exclusive presentation on MSC Cruises, according to Canadian government-funded Travel Week Canada.
The event highlighted MSC’s upcoming winter 2026 cruise departures from the Dominican Republic’s Port of La Romana onboard MSC Opera.
Tammy Thompson, MSC Cruises’ BDM in Ontario, led the presentation and shared updates and strategic plans for the Caribbean market, noting the “high demand from Canada for non-U.S. ports.”
There was strong applause for MSC Cruises’ expanding offerings from La Romana. MSC will offer more than half a dozen different itineraries from the popular southeastern Dominican cruise port.
Starting in November 2026 and running through November 2027, MSC Opera will offer 7-night Caribbean & Antilles sailings, departing Mondays from La Romana. Thompson noted that 14-night sailings are also available.
Eight...
Merchants, restaurants, and artisans are welcoming the month of November since it represents the beginning of the “season” of cruise ship arrivals at Amber Cove and Taino Bay cruise ship terminals. Amber Cove mainly caters to Carnival Cruise ships and is located in Maimon, about 15 minutes west of Puerto Plata city. Taino Bay is located in the historic district of Puerto Plata.
Just this month, 49 ships are expected to berth at these two tourist ports. So far this year, 1.62 million tourists have arrived in Puerto Plata, about 81% of all cruise line arrivals. Last year, nearly 2.2 million persons arrived at the two ports in Puerto Plata, fully 80% of the sea-borne tourists in the Dominican Republic.
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Sixty-seven cruise ships are expected to dock in Puerto Plata’s two cruise ship terminals this November 2025, marking the second-highest total of the year, as reported in Diario Libre.
The Dominican Republic is set to bolster its maritime tourism sector with the arrival of ten new cruise ships making their inaugural calls to the country’s various port terminals, the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) recently announced.
The introduction of these vessels underscores the nation’s growing appeal as a premier Caribbean destination.
The cruise ships visiting the Dominican Republic for the first time include:• Aida SOL (Aida Cruises)• Cel Xcel (Celebrity Cruises)• Brilliant Lady (Virgin Voyages)• Brilliant OTS (MSC Cruises)• Rhapsody (Royal Caribbean)• Carnival Legend (Carnival Cruise Line)• Majestic Princess and Coral Princess (Princess Cruises)• NCL Getaway and NCL Joy (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Jean Luis Rodríguez, executive director of Apordom, highlighted that the arrival...
In a swift governmental response to widespread damage, President Luis Abinader has enacted Decrees 626-25 and 627-25, placing 14 provinces and several other areas of the country under a state of emergency following the passing of Tropical Storm Melissa.
The key objective of the emergency declaration is to expedite and facilitate urgent government purchases and contracts essential for the immediate relief, repair, and reconstruction efforts. The declaration of emergency reduces the requirements needed for procurement transactions.
Decree 626-25 officially classifies the scale of the destruction caused by the tropical storm as regional damage.
Crucially, Decree 627-25 establishes a national emergency status for all procurement and contracting of goods, services, and works by state institutions. This legislative measure bypasses standard procedures to quickly channel...
President Luis Abinader was in northeastern San Francisco de Macoris on Sunday, 2 November 2025 for the inauguration of the Dr. Ángel María Gatón Regional University Hospital, described as the state-of-the-art medical complex that is now the most complete and advanced regional hospital in the country.
The construction of the hospital generated approximately 5,900 direct jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy in Duarte province.
The new center, boasting 329 beds (294 for hospitalization and 35 for intensive care) is expected to significantly bolster healthcare services across the entire Northeast region.
The facility replaces the San Vicente de Paúl Public Hospital. The Presidency says the hospital was built to the highest international quality and structural safety standards, featuring seismic damping systems and...
President Luis Abinader officially opened the Vallejuelo–Batista, Vallejuelo–Río Arriba Sur and Los Arroyos–Sabaneta roads on Saturday, 1 November 2025. The infrastructure projects were executed by the Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company (Egehid), as part of its corporate social responsibility program. EgeHid is a public-private corporation. The roads are set to impact 18,000 rural residents in the San Juan de la Maguana province.
Egehid Administrator Rafael Salazar said the new roads are a cornerstone of a broader effort to expand necessary infrastructure for the region’s productive development, which is critical for the nation’s water resources, energy supply, and agricultural output.
Salazar noted that the projects are part of the state-owned company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program, aimed at bringing tangible solutions and development to...
Arajet announced free repatriation and relief bringing flights for Dominicans impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Arajet offers regular service to Jamaica that is now suspended. Arajet has also announced that passengers booked on flights to and from Jamaica will be able to reschedule their travel at no additional cost for the next 15 days.
The first relief flight was on Saturday, 1 November 2025. A second flight is scheduled for Tuesday, 4 November.
The director of Social Assistance and Community Food (DASAC) of the Dominican government oversaw the Arajet air cargo of 1.5 million food rations, mattresses, sheets, towels, blankets, mosquito nets, and other assistance to Jamaica, the island that bore the brunt of Melissa’s Cat. 5 fury.
The Presidency announced the signing of a humanitarian agreement with the airline. The initiative is part of Abinader administration’s backing of...
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) has lowered its monetary policy rate (MPR) by 25 basis points (bps), dropping the benchmark from 5.50% to 5.25% annually following its October 2025 monetary policy meeting.
The cut comes to stimulate the economy that is now anticipated to close 2025 with a growth of approximately 2.5%, with a projected return to its potential pace of 4.0% to 5.0% in 2026, supported by coordinated monetary and fiscal policies.
The move, aimed at stimulating domestic demand, comes as the Central Bank projects local inflation will remain anchored within its target range of 4.0% ± 1.0% and global financial conditions continue to ease. The permanent liquidity expansion facility (1-day Repos) rate was also reduced from 6.00% to 5.75%, while the overnight remunerated deposit rate was kept unchanged at 4.50%.
The Central Bank explains the...
Cleary Gottlieb was the US firm that represented the Dominican Republic in its Rule 144A/Reg S offering of US$1.6 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.875% bonds due 2035.
The transaction priced on 22 October 2025, and closed on 28 October 2025.
The offering marked the 27th time the Dominican Republic has tapped the international debt markets. Cleary has represented the sovereign in connection with each offering.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as initial purchasers.
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Moises Ferrer Landron, Pilar Jimenez Ortiz and Manuel Alexis Read Ortiz / Diario Libre
After a delay of more than a month, the National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) has published the minutes of its evaluation meetings on its official website, detailing the rationale behind the controversial decision, Diario Libre reports. The documents provide a comprehensive look at the process used to assess the performances in the three cases of judges that were not confirmed.
President Luis Abinader used his deciding vote to untie the National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) in the cases of Pilar Jimenez Ortiz and Moises Ferrer Landron who sought to be confirmed for a second term. Performance considerations were cited.
There was a vote of six against and two in favor in the case of Manuel Alexis Read Ortiz who had only two years to reach retirement age...
Local media reported the arrival of named US ambassador Leah Francis Campos on Thursday, 30 October 2025. Her arrival had been postponed because of the passing of Tropical Storm Melissa.
She has yet to present credentials to Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez and then to President Luis Abinader to formally begin her term in the Dominican Republic. Her predecessor is Robin Bernstein, who left at the end of the first Trump administration in January 2020.
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The Dominican Republic’s Public Ministry, through the Public Prosecution Department, has filed formal charges against Isidoro Rotestán Clase, alias “el Men,” and 12 other individuals newly implicated in the international drug trafficking network dismantled last year during the extensive Operation Búfalo NK, the Attorney General Office reports.
The indictment, presented before the Coordinating Office of the Instruction Courts of the National District, signals a significant expansion of the case. It was submitted by Assistant Prosecutor Wilson Camacho, head of the Public Ministry’s Prosecution Department, alongside court prosecutor Hector García Acevedo and prosecutors Miguel Collado, Enmanuel Ramirez, and Jonathan Perez Fulcar.
The initial phase of the investigation saw ten people accused, with nine already convicted after pleading guilty through abbreviated proceedings.
The...
Oscar Chalas Guerrero / El Día
In a major development in the sprawling Operation Calamar corruption case, the former director of the Casinos Department at the Ministry of Hacienda, Oscar Chalas Guerrero, has admitted his participation in the alleged criminal structure and detailed its modus operandi before Judge Altagracia Ramírez of the Fourth Court of Instruction of the National District.
Chalas Guerrero, one of the key defendants, confirmed the charges brought by the Public Ministry (MP) during the preliminary hearing.
The admission by Chalas Guerrero is reportedly part of a negotiated plea agreement with the Public Ministry, aiming for a reduction in his potential sentence. The prosecution expects the admission will help move the case forward, potentially strengthening their position against the other high-ranking officials implicated.
During his testimony, Chalas...
Angely Moreno / Hoy
Beyond its veneer of entertainment, Alofoke’s House 2 has transformed into a genuine social experiment where, almost unintentionally, key structural problems of Dominican society are exposed, Angely Moreno writes for Hoy. She explains how each character, with his/her history, educational level, relationship style, and reaction to conflict, represents a fragment of the local reality that Dominicans often ignore, but which is latent in all social spheres of the country.
She writes that Alofoke’s House 2 is not just a reality show: it is a mirror where the deepest challenges of Dominican society are reflected, crudely and unfiltered—alcoholism, violence, gender inequality, the educational gap, and the frustration of a middle class caught between aspiration and the lack of opportunity.
Alcohol: The catalyst for violenceMoreno explains that one of the most evident...
Without doubt, the World Series 2025 game seven reaped viewer peak ratings as Dominicans tuned in to watch. There were two Dominican players on each of the rosters of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, the World Series 2025.
The teams delivered a true championship game and it took the Los Angeles Dodgers 10 innings to reap the trophy with a 5-4 win.
Right fielder Teoscar Hernandez and left fielder Esteury Ruiz will be wearing their 2025 World Series rings. A second time for Hernandez who was with the team in the 2024 win.
There will still be time for first baseman and slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr to have another shot at being part of a winning World Series team. Without doubt, he had the hearts of Dominicans, slanted in favor of a Blue Jays win to see when Guerrero would deliver the ring to his father, the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of...
With Tropical Storm Melissa behind us, a Friday, 31 October 2025 Aguilas del Cibao and Tigres del Licey game packed the Quisqueya Ball Park. The Aguilas spoiled the night for the capital city fans when that much-awaited game ended 3-0.
The Aguilas are leading the Professional Winter Baseball Championship followed by the Tigres del Escogido Lions and the Toros del Este, both 3.5 games behind.
The 2025-2026 championship got off to a slow start as intense rains of recent weeks forced several cancellations.
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The Felix Sanchez Olympic Stadium in Santo Domingo was the stage of the first half of the semi-final series between the Cibao FC and O&M FC to decide the finalist for the Caribbean Cup 2025. The game, played intensely, was a 1-1 draw.
The Cibao team, five-time Dominican champion and last year’s runner-up in the Caribbean Cup, scored first on a very good play by Che Trinidad at the 3-minute mark. Further attempts were stymied by the stiff O&M defense. At the 25-minute mark Herard Franzetys recorded a penalty goal for O&M.
The game continued with steady play and no mistakes by either side. However, Leonardo Villalba of Cibao was given a direct red card at the 76-minute mark and Cibao had to play with just 10 men for the last 24 minutes (plus adjusted down tie). The last intense minutes saw O&M with at least two good chances but excellent play by the porter Edwin...
The Dominican Republic will continue on Thursday, 30 October 2025 feeling the sequel of the intense Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 2 storm as it moves to the Bahamas.
Despite its distant track, the remnants of Hurricane Melissa are fueling a weather pattern that will continue to bring significant rain, thunderstorms, and potential flooding to the Dominican Republic on Thursday, 30 October and Friday, 31 October 2025, the Weather Institute (Indomet) reports.
Melissa has been a deadly storm, with reports of at least 20 deaths in Haiti, four in Jamaica and one confirmed in the Dominican Republic in addition to billions in infrastructure and property damages.
Now a Category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, Hurricane Melissa is located approximately 345 km northeast of the central Bahamas. The system is accelerating...
The rains and outer bands of Tropical Storm Melissa delivered a massive blow to the nation’s economy, with estimated daily losses potentially soaring above RD$17 billion, Diario Libre reports. The economic fallout, fueled by widespread production halts and business closures, is sending shockwaves across consumption, production, and commerce sectors, according to alarming reports from leading economists and business groups.
The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo’s (UASD) Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences calculated a production deficit of more than RD$10 billion per day due to the official suspension of activities for four days – from Wednesday, 23 to 25 October 2025, with the exception of a handfall of provinces on the north coast. Small retailers and businesses are facing a cumulative loss of RD$550 million, as reported by the National Council of Merchants...
The US State Department and US Better Business Bureau (BBB) have issued warnings about scams targeting residents and donors in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Melissa caused billions for flooding, agriculture losses and commercial shutdown in the Dominican Republic. Haiti is reported 25 deaths, and wipe out in Jamaica and Cuba.
The US Better Business Bureau (BBB) alerts scammers often exploit the chaos and emotions surrounding natural disasters to steal money or personal information. It urges people to verify organizations before donating.
It says that common scams to watch for are:Fake charities: Fraudulent websites or social media pages mimicking legitimate disaster relief organizations.
AI-generated scams: Scammers use artificial intelligence to create convincing fake images and videos to solicit donations.
Crowdfunding scams: Unverified campaigns on social...
The Superintendence of Private Watchmen and Security (Superintendencia de Vigilancia y Seguridad Privada – SVP) is urgently calling on the National Congress to pass a pending bill that would allow it to impose significant sanctions and fines on private security companies that violate regulations, Diario Libre reports. The call comes as the agency reveals that major irregularities, including the hiring of undocumented Haitian workers and the use of unregistered firearms, are rampant in the sector.
According to José Alberto Hernández Rivera, the deputy director of Operations for the SVP, the agency conducted 454 inspections across the country up to August, uncovering a pattern of illegal activity.
Hernández Rivera, speaking at the XVI International Conference on Security and Defense, detailed several alarming findings...
A recently released audit by the Chamber of Accounts looks into purchases made by the National Health Insurance Company (Senasa) during the second Danilo Medina administration.
During the current Abinader administration, the director of Senasa, Santiago Hazim, recently resigned amidst findings of major corruption within the government health insurance.
The recent audit carried out by the Chamber of Accounts reveals significant irregularities in years back. The Chamber of Accounts has yet to present any findings of auditing into the Hazim administration. The findings for 2017 to 2019 are of irregularities in transactions for over a billion pesos, N Digital reports looking into the details provided by the disclosed audits.
The National Health Insurance (Senasa) is now facing scrutiny after the audit by the Chamber of Accounts (CCRD) flagged improper accounting adjustments totaling...
Public prosecutors of the Attorney General Office have released the findings in the accusations of the investigations into National Transit and Transport Institute (Intrant) operations and these point to widespread institutional weakness and lack of government supervision to impede the major and continuing scams that have impacted the entity.
The prosecutors are looking into the network of companies related to Jose Angel Gomez (Jochi) and reveal that DeKolor (that had the contract for issuing the Dominican driver licenses), Transcore Latam (that had the contract for new traffic lights for Santo Domingo), Aurix and Pago RDXchange generated irregularly sourced resources and these were siphoned off to OML Investments.
The preliminary public prosecution investigations in the case, named Cameleon, look into irregularities after Rafael Arias Ramirez, a high-ranking officer of the...
WhatsApp is pulling the plug on vintage smartphones. This will impact many in the DR.
In the Dominican Republic, it is a general practice that dependants and househelp inherit smartphones when these are changed by the owners. Some smartphones are so good they continue to work for years after the makers remove tech support.
The suspension will hit popular, older lines from major manufacturers, including Samsung, Motorola, LG, Huawei, Sony, and HTC. Users with any of the following models are urged to check their chat backups and plan for an upgrade.
CDN reminds its readers and listeners that Whatsapp, the most used communication via in the country, is withdrawing support on 31 October 2025 through November on cell phones mentioned below. Whatsapp explains this is to prioritize modern security and performance standards.
The measure primarily targets legacy devices—some more than a...
New York Mets slugger and one of Major League Baseball’s highest-paid stars, Juan Soto, made a surprise appearance at the San Felipe Port in Puerto Plata on Monday, 27 October 2025. El Nuevo Diario reports that it wasn’t for a baseball exhibition.
The 25-year-old Dominican-born outfielder was at the port’s Customs Agency to personally handle the paperwork and pay the requisite import taxes for a luxury vehicle shipped from the United States: a high-end, special-edition Mercedes-Benz G 500 (G-Wagon).
The vehicle—a cream-colored, 2026 model year SUV—is a collector’s item. It features a powerful 3,000 CC, six-cylinder turbo engine, automatic transmission, and 4WD Full-Time capability. Significantly, it is part of a special production run with only 450 units ever manufactured. El Nuevo Diario says it has a price tag of US$286,000.
Throughout his 10...
Enjoy the timeless music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed by the Santo Domingo Philharmonic Orchestra on Tuesday, 4 November 2025 at 8:30pm. Amaury Sanchez is the orchestra conductor. The Todo Mozart concert will delight audiences with Mozart’s The Magic Flute Overture, Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 23 in A Major, and the Symphony No. 41 Jupiter. The guest soloist is award-winning pianist Antonio Pompa Baldi. The concert will be at the Carlos Piantini Hall of the National Theater.
Tickets are RD$890 to RD$2,290 and can be purchased online.
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The French-Dominican Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFD) is gearing up to host the Semana de Francia 2025 (France Week) in Santo Domingo, the premier business forum aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations. This year the event will take place 12 to 15 November at the JW Marriott Hotel at the Blue Mall in the National District.
This year’s event will focus on the timely theme of “Blue Economy and Smart Cities.” Organizers anticipate drawing over 800 business leaders, investors, and high-level authorities for the four-day event.
The event brings together the governments of France and the Dominican Republic, along with more than 800 participants, including business leaders, investors, and institutional representatives.
The program features conferences, networking sessions, B2B meetings, a trade fair, and cultural experiences...
Despite prevailing adverse global conditions, the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by an accumulated 2.2% from January to September 2025. This is well below the 4-5% GDP growth that has been the normal for the Dominican Republic in the past. Governor Hector Valdez Albizu speaking during the anniversary celebrations for the Central Bank expressed optimism for a stronger outlook, forecasting a gradual return to the nation’s full economic potential.
“The Dominican economy is expected to gradually return to its potential growth in the coming quarters, as global uncertainty dissipates, private investment reactivates, and public sector capital expenditure increases,” the Governor said.
One of the reasons is that the Dominican Republic continues to shine as a premier destination for foreign investment, with direct investment reaching US$4 billion from January to September...
Román Andrés Jáquez Liranzo / Junta Central Electoral
The president of the Central Electoral Board (JCE), Román Andrés Jáquez Liranzo, firmly rejects the use of alternate IDs for voting.
Jaquez Liranzo said that the cédula de identidad y electoral is the sole document with constitutional standing and the only one authorized for Dominicans to cast their ballots in national elections, both domestically and within the Dominican community abroad.
“With all due respect to the state powers, especially the Legislative Branch, the JCE radically opposes the use of any document other than the identity and electoral card to exercise the right to vote. It is the only document mentioned constitutionally, no other can be used, and this is what we will uphold,” he stated.
The JCE president’s remarks addressed concerns raised by Dominicans residing abroad during...
Eduardo Estrella / Presidency
Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella during the Monday, 27 October 2025 press conference, provided clarity regarding a crack that appeared on the recently inaugurated Baní Beltway following Tropical Storm Melissa. He assured the public that the damage is minor and is being promptly repaired by the contractor.
The 20-kilometer highway, which had faced years of delays, was officially opened last August 2025. A section sustained damage after the recent heavy rains. Videos and images of the crack circulated on social media and in local news outlets, prompting public criticism and concern given the short time since the road’s completion.
Speaking during the weekly press conference, “LA Semanal con la Prensa,” Estrella downplayed the incident, characterizing the issue as an “opening” rather than a severe structural failure.“To give you...
The Dominican Republic jumped eleven positions in the World Justice Project’s global ranking, driven by major improvements in criminal justice, transparency, and institutional strengthening, as Diario Libre reported from a Supreme Court of Justice press release.
The president of the Supreme Court of Justice proudly announced the Dominican Republic has been recognized by the World Justice Project (WJP) as the country with the greatest global progress in the 2025 Rule of Law Index, climbing an impressive eleven positions—from 86th to 76th place—among 143 nations evaluated.
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index is a quantitative assessment tool that shows the extent to which countries adhere to the rule of law in practice. The WJP was founded by William H. Neukom and William C. Hubbard in 2006 as a presidential initiative of the American Bar Association.
The Dominican Republic’s...
Silvio Durán / Diario 55
Weak institutions and lack of compliance with local laws has given way to overconstruction and planting of cement where before there were green areas that facilitated drainage. This is a pattern nationwide.
Talk shows are again looking into the drainage issue after the weeklong rains of Melissa flooded the country. News of the devastation in Jamaica is a reminder that the Dominican Republic is in the track of hurricanes, too. The Abinader administration chose to practically shut down the country for four days as a preventive measure causing billions in economic losses.
Esta Noche con Mariasela hosted a panel on Tuesday, 28 October 2025 that clearly stated that the National District should not flood because it is a city built on ground terraces facing the Caribbean Sea. Likewise, it is a city surrounded by rivers and gullies, enabling...
The Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex) has paid tribute to Dominican musician, composer, and artist Juan Luis Guerra, declaring him the Musical and Poetic Heritage of the Dominican Republic.
The event, attended by First Lady Raquel Arbaje, saw Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez emphasize that over Guerra’s four decades of artistic career, the artist has elevated Dominican music to extraordinary dimensions. Alvarez specifically highlighted how Guerra has imbued merengue and bachata with unprecedented poetic sophistication and musical versatility.
“His career transcends the awards and distinctions accumulated,” Minister Alvarez stated during the ceremony dedicated to the Latin American icon. “What is truly significant is his capacity to narrate —with poetic verses that seduce and captivate the imagination and the heart— the daily experiences of...
The Ministry of Culture has annulled the top award from the 31st National Biennial of Visual Arts 2025, disqualifying the winning entry for violating contest rules that prohibit the use of perishable material, Diario Libre reports.
The revoked prize was granted to “Lo que no se saca de raíz, vuelve a crecer” (What is not removed by the root grows back), an installation by artist David Pérez K. The piece, widely dubbed “La Palmita” (The Little Palm Tree) by the public, consisted of a live palm tree planted in a container.
The work was initially awarded the prize on 22 August 2025, but it immediately ignited a firestorm of controversy within the art community. The central debate focused on the work’s ephemeral nature and whether it met the technical standards stipulated in the contest’s guidelines.
The resolution for annulment, signed by Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo on 22...
Jochi Gomez and Hugo Beras / Diario Libre
José Ángel Gómez Canaán, widely known as Jochi, is accused of utilizing at least seven companies he owned or was closely linked to in the execution of alleged crimes that include sabotage of the Santo Domingo traffic light network, terrorism, money laundering, fraud against the state, and criminal association, according to the formal indictment presented by the Public Ministry, Diario Libre highlights after the indictment was made.
Gómez Canaán, who is indicted alongside former National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant) director Hugo Beras and several others, reportedly employed these companies to secure what the prosecution describes as fraudulent contracts with Intrant. This agency, governed by Law 63-17, is the national authority responsible for regulating mobility, land transport, traffic, and road...
Former Dominican Republic congressman, Miguel Andrés Gutiérrez Díaz, could walk free in November 2030, according to official records from the US Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), N Digital reports.
Gutiérrez Díaz is currently serving his sentence at the Federal Detention Center in Miami after being convicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine into the United States and money laundering.
The 62-year-old former ruling party legislator was initially sentenced to 16 years in prison, but his term was significantly reduced to 11 years and 2 months by Judge Roy K. Altman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Based on the BOP’s records, his projected release date is 10 November 2030, meaning he could regain his freedom in approximately five years.
The former lawmaker for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) was arrested in 2021 following a joint...
The National Theater presents the Spanish drama El Protocolo del Quebranto on 29 October 2025 at its main hall. The 12th International Theater Festival (FITE 2025) was impacted by the passing of Tropical Storm Melissa and suffered a six-day suspension.
The Ministry of Culture advises to check with the individual theaters and social media for the final productions that will be presented on 29 October and 30 October.
The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-2 in game four of the MLB World Series. In the 28 October 2025 game, Dominican Vladimir Guerrero made the headlines delivering two runs against star pitcher-batter Shohei Ohtani.
In its report on game four, MLB baseball stated:Guerrero’s home run completely changed the energy of Dodger Stadium, turning one of the loudest ballpark experiences you could imagine from Game 3 into something more normal. This was different than if Guerrero had homered off Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow or Yoshinobu Yamamoto. This was best on best in every sense, two superstars leaning into one another with all of their weight.
MLB explained that Guerrero’s seven postseason home runs are more than any Blue Jays player has hit, with Joe Carter and José Bautista hitting six in their careers. He’s also up to 26 hits, tied for second-most in...
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