AGP Executive Report

ICE Shooting: A Dominican man was shot in the neck by U.S. immigration agents during an arrest operation in New York, with his 5-year-old child in the car. The child was unharmed. Federal officials say the driver posed a threat; city leaders have called for an investigation. A judge temporarily blocked his deportation while his legal challenge proceeds. Shipping: Accordia Shipping is adding Caucedo to its South Florida–Dominican Republic route, expanding cargo options alongside Santo Domingo’s Sans Souci port. Energy: President Luis Abinader opened the ECLAC summit in Santiago and outlined a plan to tender more than 2,500 megawatts of energy and battery-storage projects by 2028. Tourism: The Dominican Republic has welcomed 9.2 million visitors this year; September arrivals topped 533,000, with Puerto Plata showing signs of recovery. Haiti Border: Dominican lawmakers are urging an investigation into a UN report that ammunition from Dominican military and police stocks was found with the Haitian gang 400 Mawozo.

New York Shooting: A Dominican man, Oscar Belgal, was shot in the neck by an ICE officer during an arrest attempt in New York while his 5-year-old son was in the car; the child was unharmed. A federal judge has temporarily blocked Belgal’s deportation as his detention challenge proceeds, and the shooting is under investigation. Haiti Security: Dominican lawmakers are calling for an investigation after a UN report found 41 of 89 cartridges linked to Haiti’s 400 Mawozo gang bore markings associated with Dominican army or police ammunition. Aviation: Arajet carried 158,407 passengers in September, up 62% year over year, ranking second among airlines serving the Dominican Republic, behind JetBlue. Tourism: The country welcomed more than 9.2 million visitors through September, as arrivals continued to grow. Energy: The government plans to tender more than 2,500 megawatts in power and battery-storage projects by 2028.

Dominican Diaspora: A Dominican man was shot in New York by an ICE officer during an arrest operation, with his five-year-old child in the car. The child was unharmed. New York police say the officer fired seven rounds; the incident remains under investigation. Energy and Growth: President Luis Abinader opened the ECLAC summit with a call for regional cooperation, while the government plans to tender more than 2,500 megawatts of energy and battery-storage projects by 2028. The World Bank says the Dominican Republic remains among the region’s stronger performers. Tourism: The country welcomed about 9.24 million visitors through September, as officials highlighted Puerto Plata’s recovery and Punta Cana tourism leader Frank Rainieri received a global industry award. Trade and Diplomacy: The government reversed rice import tariffs following U.S. pressure. Venezuela has also signaled interest in gradually normalizing diplomatic relations with the Dominican Republic.

Venezuela Ties: The Dominican and Venezuelan foreign ministers met at the ECLAC session in Santiago de los Caballeros to discuss gradually restoring diplomatic relations. Public Opinion: A national survey found 57.3% of respondents consider President Luis Abinader a good president, while 52.4% approve of his administration. Regional Leadership: Abinader opened the ECLAC summit with a call for closer regional cooperation; the Dominican Republic will hold the body’s rotating presidency through 2028. Energy: The government plans tenders for more than 2,500 megawatts of power generation and battery storage by 2028. Public Safety: Searchers recovered a body believed to be that of missing 13-year-old Josnely Álvarez from the Yaque del Norte River; forensic officials are working to confirm her identity and cause of death. Tourism and Trade: The country welcomed more than 9.2 million visitors through September, while shipping firm Accordia is adding Caucedo to its South Florida–Dominican Republic service.

Missing Girl: A body believed to be 13-year-old Josnely Álvarez was recovered from the Yaque del Norte River after a suspect said he attacked her and another teenager with a knife. Forensic officials are working to confirm her identity and determine how she died. Tourism: The Dominican Republic welcomed 9.24 million visitors from January through September, up 7.5% year over year; officials project more than 12.4 million by year’s end. A partnership with Visa is using traveler data to sharpen tourism marketing. Regional Energy: Ministers from across Latin America and the Caribbean are meeting in Santo Domingo on energy security, investment and cooperation, with Guyana’s prime minister set to attend. Haiti Tensions: The government clarified that Haiti may play in the Dominican Republic as a visitor, but cannot use local facilities for home matches, narrowing a ban imposed after a contentious soccer game. Environment: The Dominican Republic joined an Interpol operation across nine countries that led to 233 arrests and the recovery of more than 1,000 animals; investigators also identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Migration Oversight: Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the death of a young man during a migration operation in Verón.

Tourism: The Dominican Republic welcomed 9.24 million visitors from January through September, up 7.5% year over year. September arrivals jumped 16.4%, and Tourism Minister David Collado projects more than 12.4 million visitors for 2026. Environmental Crime: A regional Interpol crackdown involving the Dominican Republic led to 233 arrests across nine countries and recovered more than 1,000 animals; investigators also identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Regional Cooperation: Santo Domingo opened the 41st ECLAC session in Santiago, beginning the country’s two-year presidency of the regional commission. Haiti Tensions: The government narrowed its soccer ban: Haiti can play in the Dominican Republic as a visiting team but cannot host matches in Dominican facilities, after a heated 4-1 game. Agriculture: Officials say rice producers will get support through mechanization and other measures after the government reversed its rice tariff decree. Migration Oversight: Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the death of a young man during a migration operation in Verón.

Infrastructure & Mobility: Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella says Greater Santo Domingo will see new overpasses on the Duarte Highway, widening near the Port of Haina, and structural inspections at key avenues, with works aimed to finish before August 2028. Regional Policy Spotlight: The 41st ECLAC session opens in Santiago on Oct. 7, running through Oct. 9, with President Luis Abinader set to lead the opening ceremony. Mining & Environment: UASD’s Environmental Commission warns President Abinader and energy/environment ministries to clarify GoldQuest’s renewed push to expand a mining district in San Juan de la Maguana. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister David Collado reports 533,735 air arrivals in September, the best September on record, with Puerto Plata highlighting strong airport recovery. Aviation & Cargo Links: Air France KLM Martinair Cargo expands its winter network, adding Cairo freighter service and new belly cargo links including Punta Cana. Public Safety & Migration Debate: DHS says two Dominican nationals accused in a Bronx stabbing were released after entering illegally, reigniting arguments over sanctuary policies. Trade & Food Security: Dominican rice sector leaders say they trust the government to protect local production as the DR negotiates reciprocal trade with the U.S., after tariff changes.

Tourism Boom: Tourism Minister David Collado reported a record September for the Dominican Republic, with 533,735 air arrivals (+8.8% vs 2025), and highlighted Puerto Plata’s recovery as the Disney Cruise Line makes its debut there. Trade & Food Security: The government repealed U.S. rice import tariffs via Decree 635-26, while agricultural advisor Eric Rivero said compensatory measures will protect rice producers as negotiations with Washington continue. Aviation & Connectivity: The Dominican Association of Airlines welcomed Abinader’s regulated temperature adjustment for aviation fuel, and Sky Cana is preparing a gradual return with charter flights using an Embraer ERJ-145LR. Housing & Water: Abinader said the housing deficit fell from 806,778 homes (2019) to 696,598 (2025), and CAASD chief Fellito Suberví showcased ravine and river cleanup plus vulnerable-family relocations. Governance & Business: Abinader enacted a new gambling law and named Quico Tabar to lead the DGJA, while Claro Dominicana expanded cloud capabilities with AWS. Regional Spotlight: The DR ranked No. 1 in the Caribbean on the WEF Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, and Abinader will inaugurate ECLAC’s 41st session in Santiago.

Trade & Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic reversed course and eliminated previously imposed U.S. rice tariffs, repealing Decree 624-24 via Decree 635-26 after a Trump request, easing a DR-CAFTA dispute. Housing & Social Policy: President Luis Abinader said the housing deficit fell from 806,778 homes (2019) to 696,598 (2025), with both quantitative and qualitative gaps shrinking as construction and targeted social programs expanded. Environment & Urban Resilience: Authorities highlighted cleanup and relocation efforts to reclaim ravines and green spaces, including the Gurabo River project in Santiago. Tourism & Connectivity: DR topped the Caribbean in the WEF Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026 and signed an agreement with Argentina to promote sports tourism; Puerto Plata also kicked off a major modernization of its cable car. Regional Security & Haiti Tensions: The U.S. and nine allies, including DR, condemned Iran-linked “terrorist actions,” while DR banned Haiti’s national team from using Dominican sports facilities after stadium clashes. Health: DR joined a PAHO/MSD-for-Mothers initiative to reduce preventable maternal deaths and adolescent pregnancies, targeting communities with limited access to care. Business & Climate Economy: A US$6.3M package will help Dominican MSMEs turn sargassum into a sustainable value chain.

Sargassum-to-jobs push: The Dominican Republic is set to receive US$6.3 million to help small businesses turn sargassum into a sustainable, commercially viable value chain, shifting the focus from emergency cleanup to local financing and technical support. Tourism upgrades: Puerto Plata’s iconic cable car is starting a major modernization after more than 50 years, replacing the system with higher-capacity double-cable cabins and new safety and control tech. Haiti sports tensions: After crowd trouble around a Nations League match, Haiti’s national team was banned from playing at Dominican sports facilities, with Dominican officials citing gate damage and indiscipline. Hispaniola rivalry sparks politics: A post-match remark after Haiti’s 4-1 win in Santo Domingo escalated diplomatic and social tensions, with Dominican authorities pointing to stadium damage and Haitian fans. Maternal health focus: The DR will join a two-year PAHO and MSD for Mothers initiative to reduce preventable maternal deaths and adolescent pregnancies, targeting communities with limited access to care. Culture and books: The Santo Domingo Book Fair closed with 714,322 visitors and over RD$97 million in sales, while the Colonial City saw housing and facade improvements delivered under tourism and urban programs. Maritime and regional planning: Shipping groups urged a long-term national maritime strategy, and Santiago prepares to host ECLAC’s 41st session on economic and environmental issues.

Haiti-DR Football Tensions: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from using DR sports facilities after crowd trouble around the Oct. 1 Nations League match in Santo Domingo, with Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz announcing the sanction and President Luis Abinader backing it; Haiti’s embassy urged respect between neighbors after Haiti won 4-1. Tourism & Ports: Port Samaná will open a new cruise terminal on Nov. 24, starting with MSC Opera, as the country also logged a record day with 16,287 cruise passengers arriving on four ships. Housing in the Colonial City: Tourism Minister David Collado delivered renovated homes and launched facade and paint upgrades under the Colonial City improvement programs, tied to IDB and EU financing. Youth & Health: PAHO estimates about 12,000 teenagers give birth each year in the DR, while the health ministry reports a 55% drop in births among ages 15–19 since 2017; the country will join a PAHO/MSD for Mothers initiative to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Economy: The Central Bank says the Dominican economy grew 4.5% in Jan–Aug, with construction and services leading. Aviation & Connectivity: Government efforts to expand air links continue, including moves to strengthen the aviation hub push and new regional connectivity deals.

Public Safety Push: President Luis Abinader urged people with outstanding arrest warrants to surrender, as four wanted individuals—including two teenagers accused of assaulting a soldier—turned themselves in, bringing the total to 29 handovers. Colonial City Housing & Urban Renewal: Tourism Minister David Collado delivered 254 renovated homes and unveiled facade and paint projects under the Colonial City improvement programs, funded with IDB support and EU co-financing. Tourism Milestone: The Dominican Republic topped the Caribbean in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, ranking 66th globally and scoring 3.93. Adolescent Pregnancy Update: PAHO estimates about 12,000 teenagers give birth each year; meanwhile, the health ministry reports a 55% drop in births among ages 15–19 since 2017. DR–Haiti Sports Tensions: After crowd disturbances around a Nations League match, the Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from using its sports facilities, amid renewed controversy over a player’s “Hispaniola is Haiti” remark. Economy Watch: The Central Bank says the economy grew 4.5% through August, with construction and services leading.

Hispaniola Football Tensions: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national team from using Dominican sports facilities after crowd trouble around a Concacaf Nations League match in Santo Domingo, with Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz announcing the measure and President Luis Abinader backing it; the Haiti Football Federation said the “Hispaniola is Haiti” remark by striker Wilson Isidor was made in the heat of competition and does not reflect the Haitian government. Economic Pulse: The Central Bank reported the Dominican economy grew 4.5% in the first eight months (Jan–Aug), with August activity up 3.8% year-on-year, led by construction, services, and free-zone manufacturing. Public Safety Push: President Abinader urged around 70 wanted fugitives with extensive criminal records to surrender, saying police will keep running search-and-capture operations. Aviation & Connectivity: The government is targeting expanded air connectivity and aviation hub status, while regional aviation groups highlighted the need for stronger Caribbean safety oversight. Education & Rights: Dominican Education Minister Sarah Al Amiri joined a Geneva event on girls’ right to education, calling for safe, inclusive, equitable schooling for at least 12 years. Energy Transition Watch: A new report says Caribbean solar growth is outpacing official stats, but policy and regulation bottlenecks are slowing the shift away from imported fossil fuels.

Haiti–DR Football Fallout: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national football team from using DR sports facilities after crowd trouble at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium, with Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz announcing the decision and President Luis Abinader backing it; the ban follows Haiti’s 4-1 win and controversy over a Haitian striker’s “Hispaniola is Haiti” remark. Public Safety Push: President Luis Abinader urged about 70 wanted fugitives to surrender, saying police will keep hunting people with multiple criminal records as the country cites tens of thousands of outstanding arrest warrants. Economy Watch: The Central Bank says the Dominican economy grew 4.5% through August, with construction, services, and free-zone manufacturing among key contributors. Anti-Drug Enforcement: DNCD and the Spanish Civil Guard arrested a suspected drug kingpin in Punta Cana as part of an international operation. Aviation & Connectivity: The government is negotiating with foreign carriers to expand air links and pursue aviation hub status. Regional Influence: A Latinobarómetro poll finds China viewed more positively than the US across Latin America, with the DR among the few exceptions. Tourism/Business: Casa de Campo named Magellan Jets its preferred private aviation partner, highlighting faster private arrivals via nearby La Romana access.

Sports & Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic banned Haiti’s national football team from playing in DR venues after crowd trouble around Thursday’s Concacaf Nations League match at the Felix Sanchez Olympic Stadium, with Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz citing damaged entrances and “zero tolerance” for indiscipline; Haiti won 4-1, and the Haitian federation urged “respect for the neighbor.” Foreign Policy: Santo Domingo announced it will withdraw its embassy from Nicaragua, saying freedoms are lacking and power is concentrated under Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, while the OAS approved a resolution calling for restored civil liberties and political prisoners. Environment: Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez told the EU-Caribbean sargassum conference that DR is moving from just collecting seaweed to a more proactive, coordinated regional response using satellite monitoring and geospatial data. Public Safety: The U.S. ICE said it deported “worst of the worst” criminals, including people convicted of murder, human trafficking, sexual assault of a minor, arson and aggravated rape. Media: Communicator Jenny Blanco announced a new Sunday night TV project for Telecentro (Channel 13). Legal/Finance: A lawyer warned Dominican officials could face legal action over alleged noncompliance with pension court rulings, claiming RD$53.06 million in retroactive adjustments plus ongoing costs.

Embassy & Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic will withdraw its embassy from Nicaragua, citing the lack of freedoms and growing power concentration under Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, with the move announced at an OAS foreign ministers meeting. Human Rights & Regional Pressure: The OAS approved a resolution urging Nicaragua to restore civil liberties, free political prisoners, and set conditions for fair elections, including a task force to engage authorities and exiles. Violence Against Women: Vida sin Violencia says 70 intimate femicides occurred in the first nine months—up 23 from last year—and calls for an emergency review of public policies and tighter monitoring of protection orders. Legal & Pensions: A lawyer warns Dominican officials could face legal action over pension rulings, alleging RD$53.06 million in retroactive pension differences owed to four retired public servants. Sports: Haiti beat the Dominican Republic 4-1 in the Concacaf Nations League, putting DR in a must-win situation in the group’s final match. Local Governance: Santo Domingo (Ilocos Sur) shifts municipal offices to a four-day onsite workweek starting Oct. 5, keeping frontline services staffed on Fridays. Media: Jenny Blanco announced a new Sunday night TV project coming soon on Telecentro (Channel 13).