AGP Executive Report

Jet Set Trial: A judge ordered Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, owners of Santo Domingo’s Jet Set nightclub, to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter over the April 8, 2025 roof collapse that killed 236 people and injured more than 100. Anti-Crisis Plan Debate: The AIRD says the government’s Anti-Crisis Plan is a chance to balance the economy, but calls for tweaks—especially questioning the VAT elimination on asphalt and AC-30. Remittances Up: The Central Bank reports remittances reached US$5.1701B in the first five months of 2026, up 5.4% year-on-year, with the U.S. sending 82.3% of formal flows in May. Tourism & Ports: Puerto Plata will host the PAMAC Cruise Summit 2026 (June 22–26), while Royal Caribbean is adding La Romana to some 2026 itineraries. Security & Trade: The DR and U.S. Southern Command reaffirmed military cooperation; CCC signed a MoU with the DR Defense Ministry to expand Canadian defense trade. Health & Justice: Operation Onco14 prosecutors say former Cibao oncology executives face charges tied to alleged diversion of SeNaSa-linked cancer funds. Infrastructure Tech: DNV was selected for cybersecurity services for Santiago’s monorail system.

Operation Onco14: Dominican prosecutors say former Cibao Regional Oncology Institute executives will face charges including fraud, bribery, money laundering, and high-tech crimes after an alleged scheme to divert SeNaSa-linked cancer funds. Public Procurement Training: PROLIDERCOOP will host a forum for MSMEs on the new Public Procurement Law (47-25) and its regulation (52-26), guiding suppliers on bidding rules and compliance. Remittances: Central Bank reports remittances hit $5.1701B in the first five months of 2026, up 5.4% year-on-year, with the U.S. sending 82.3% of formal flows in May. Energy & Environment: Solar power is driving renewable growth, with installed solar capacity up 100 MW between 2025 and June 2026, while researchers at Intec extract alginate from sargassum for industrial use. Tourism & Ports: La Romana is set to appear on some Royal Caribbean itineraries, and La Romana-Bayahibe hotels report occupancy near 92%. Aviation Safety: Authorities are searching for a Dominican-registered plane missing en route from St Vincent to Tobago. Security & Crime: A surge of June violence is reported, alongside ongoing investigations into multiple deaths and community demands for answers.

Aviation Tragedy: A private plane carrying former MLB star Yadier Molina and his family crashed near La Romana, killing both U.S. pilots; no passengers were aboard and authorities say the cause is under review. Tourism & Competitiveness: The Dominican Association of Airlines warned that a proposed RD$10 airline-ticket charge could hurt connectivity and tourism demand. Energy Transition: Solar power is driving renewable growth, with installed solar capacity up 100 MW since 2025 and clean sources now targeted to supply about a quarter of electricity use. Public Spending & Social Protection: The government is reviewing social programs to save about RD$10 billion in subsidies by tightening beneficiary targeting. Politics & Institutions: PLD says it has added hundreds of new members nationwide; CARD’s Diego Babado Torres accepted his bid for the bar presidency, promising better health, housing and pensions for lawyers. Security & Crime: Early June reports point to a violent spike, including a teenager’s death in a Conani shelter case and other homicides across provinces. Business & Transport: Merchants back regulating heavy-vehicle traffic during peak hours to reduce congestion and accidents.

Migration & Border Security: U.S. CBP and the Coast Guard intercepted a 30-foot boat near Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico, after it appeared disabled, then seized 40 migrants from the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Uzbekistan. Political Party Building: The PLD says it added hundreds of new members from across the country to strengthen its territorial presence. Legal Sector Leadership: Lawyer Diego Babado Torres announced his bid for the presidency of the CARD, pitching unity and reforms for health, housing and pensions for legal professionals. Public Safety & Justice: In La Ceiba and nearby communities, residents demanded clarity in the death of 15-year-old Anser Daniel Rincón, alleging unanswered questions after months without definitive results. Aviation Tragedy: A private plane en route to pick up former MLB star Yadier Molina crashed in the Dominican Republic, killing both pilots; no passengers were aboard. Energy & Industry: Solar power continues to surge, with SENI reporting major growth in installed capacity and renewables now exceeding 2,000 MW. Tourism & Policy: Tourism officials warned that land-use planning will be the key regulatory challenge for the next decade as the sector grows. Cybersecurity Push: The Dominican Republic launched a Cyber Cluster to boost digital resilience through public-private coordination.

Renewable Energy Push: Solar is leading the Dominican Republic’s clean-energy expansion, with installed solar capacity up 100 MW from 2025 to June 2026 and renewables now topping 2,000 MW—aimed at reducing exposure to oil and gas price swings. Drug Interdiction: U.S.-led maritime operations with partners seized about 5,612 pounds of cocaine in three separate busts, detaining smugglers across routes involving Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Panama. Sargassum Innovation: Intec researchers extracted alginate from Sargassum seaweed, turning a coastal environmental problem into a useful biopolymer for food, pharma, cosmetics, and other industries. Tourism Regulation: Tourism leaders say the next decade hinges on land-use planning and investor legal security, warning that regulation will shape how destinations grow. Public Safety: June is already marked by nearly a dozen violent deaths in early-month reports, including a 14-year-old girl killed in a Conani shelter and other killings of teens and young adults. Government Finance: The Finance Ministry is reviewing social programs to target subsidies better and generate about RD$10 billion in savings. Cybersecurity: The DR launched a Cyber Cluster Dominican Republic to strengthen cybersecurity talent and digital resilience through public-private coordination. Trade & Diplomacy: The DR will coordinate GRULAC before the ILO for the first time, signaling rising regional labor leadership.

Social Protection Overhaul: The Finance Ministry says it’s vetting state subsidies to save about RD$10 billion this year by removing beneficiaries who no longer meet vulnerability criteria. Presidential Agenda in Santiago: President Luis Abinader will lead a Council of Ministers Sunday, then inaugurate sports, water, health, education, and road works across Santiago and the Cibao region. Fiscal Measures Debate: The Bar Association (CARD) calls the government’s anti-crisis fiscal steps constructive but asks for incentives for independent lawyers amid rising costs and informality. Tourism & Culture: Veteran tourism journalist Cristina Rosario becomes the first Dominican woman inducted into OMPT’s Hall of Honor. Digital Resilience: The Dominican Republic launches a Cyber Cluster to strengthen cybersecurity, talent, and public-private coordination. Cruise Growth: Tourism Minister David Collado says 15 more cruise ships will arrive in June and July, including more calls at Cabo Rojo in Pedernales. Local Development: Larimar City signs with TK Elevator and JCQ Ingeniería for elevator and mobility solutions for its residential and hospitality projects.

Defamation Case: Communicator Claudia Pérez “La Tora” was sentenced to one year in prison for defamation and slander carried out via electronic means, with RD$5 million in moral damages ordered. Foreign Policy: The Foreign Ministry (MIREX) launched a book compiling Dominican diplomacy on the Haiti crisis from 2024-2026, stressing Haiti as a national security priority. Tax & Cost Pressures: The government is moving ahead with a fiscal package to offset oil-price shocks, including proposals for higher corporate income tax for large firms, a RD$10 airline ticket increase, and changes aimed at micro-enterprises; separate plans also seek to freeze fuel prices for three months if oil stays under US$95. Media Freedom: The National Union of Social Communication Workers (UNTC) rejected any initiative that could restrict press freedom or journalism, warning against “gag law” effects. Business & Infrastructure: Larimar City signed with TK Elevator and JCQ Ingeniería for vertical mobility solutions for its residential, hotel, and commercial developments. Health & Agriculture: The Dominican Society of Medical Oncology urged early prostate cancer screening; meanwhile, a report highlights Dominican mango export momentum and global demand.

Tax Reform Push: The Dominican government’s anti-crisis fiscal plan is moving through Congress, aiming to raise an extra RD$40–50 billion (total RD$80–90 billion with spending cuts) to cushion oil-price shocks, including a 30% corporate income tax for large firms for three years, higher taxes on checks/e-transfers, and new levies tied to airline tickets, casinos, gambling, and e-cigarettes. Small-Business Relief: The package also targets tax simplification—repealing the ISR advance payment for micro-enterprises and shifting small firms to three annual payments—while keeping ITBIS and most selective taxes unchanged. Fuel Price Stability: Officials say fuel prices could be frozen for three months if oil stays under US$95 a barrel. Business vs. Informality: CODESSD backs the reform’s simplification and anti-evasion goals but urges deeper action to tackle high informality that weakens tax collection and fairness. Public Health: The Dominican Society of Medical Oncology urges early prostate cancer screening, stressing that timely detection can mean survival rates above 99% over five years. Education & Health: A new study finds 37.11% of Dominican primary students are overweight or obese, raising concerns about long-term health and learning impacts. Trade & Agriculture: The Senate approved a bill to create a Dominican Institute of Cassava to boost production, processing, and exports. Health Security Cooperation: The U.S. and Dominican authorities completed specialized training to dismantle clandestine drug labs, including a new interagency team for synthetic drug sites. Sports & Media: The DR will broadcast all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches across TV, radio, and digital platforms via Multimedios del Caribe.

Telecom Shake-Up: Viettel approved a $560M investment to enter the Dominican mobile market as the fourth operator, via Viettel Dominicana, aiming to build digital and telecom infrastructure. Public Safety & Drugs: The U.S. Embassy and DNCD completed specialized training to help a new Dominican interagency team dismantle clandestine drug labs, targeting synthetic drugs like meth and fentanyl. Labor Policy: Labor Minister Eddy Olivares defended proposed Labor Code reform at the ILO, saying it boosts workers’ rights and legal certainty while supporting competitiveness. Justice & Media Freedom: Senator Antonio Taveras introduced a bill to modify the Penal Code’s defamation rules, removing prison terms and limiting sanctions that could restrict media operations. Agriculture & Health Security: A U.S. USDA delegation met Dominican officials to strengthen African Swine Fever prevention, including surveillance and emergency response under the national swine biosecurity program. Legislation: The Senate approved in first reading the creation of the Dominican Institute of Cassava (INDOCASABE) to promote production, processing, and exports. Business & Trade: DR and Israel relaunched their chamber of commerce with a tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship agenda. Education: A new study found 37.11% of Dominican primary students are overweight or obese. Sports Media: Multimedios del Caribe will broadcast every FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the DR across TV, radio, and digital platforms. Weather & Health: Forecasts highlighted troughs and tropical waves as hurricane-season systems that can bring heavy rain and localized flooding.

Border Security: President Luis Abinader unveiled a “Strong Border” strategy, adding 1,500 soldiers and expanding the smart perimeter fence to protect the 391-kilometer frontier as Haitian gangs remain a threat. Energy Push: Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos says the Dominican Republic is set for its biggest energy expansion in decades, with firm capacity rising more than 50% by 2028 and renewables already at about 2,000 MW. Sports Infrastructure: MIVHED reports nine sports facilities delivered for Santo Domingo 2026, including pavilions and competition venues at Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and Parque del Este. Regional Diplomacy: The DR was elected First Vice President of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Ports, boosting its role in port modernization and logistics cooperation. Identity & Governance: The new Dominican national ID was named Best Identity Document 2026 in Latin America, highlighting security and digital transformation by the JCE. Environment & Health: The Environment Ministry began modernizing the National Botanical Garden, while authorities warn about New World screwworm risks after cases reported in Texas. Culture & Tourism: Casa de Campo launched its first Fashion Week, positioning the resort—and the DR—as a Caribbean luxury fashion hub. Justice Reform: Senator Antonio Taveras proposed changes to the Penal Code’s defamation and slander provisions to reduce prison use and protect free expression.

Border Security: President Luis Abinader unveiled a “Strong Border” plan to stop Haitian gang threats, adding 1,500 soldiers to the border force and expanding the smart perimeter fence, with drones and real-time monitoring plus new border market and infrastructure projects. Regional Diplomacy: The DR chaired an extraordinary SICA foreign ministers meeting and will hand over the Pro Tempore Presidency to Belize at the end of June. UN Development: UNDP highlighted the Dominican Republic as a regional model for democratic strengthening and poverty reduction in its 2026 Human Development Report launch. Public Spending Debate: The Chamber of Deputies mapped RD$193.6 million for Parlacen participation, drawing criticism over whether the regional body delivers value. Aviation Safety: Dominican pilot leaders urged the country to keep control of the investigation into a fatal US-registered Gulfstream crash at La Romana Airport. Social Protection: Supérate and UNDP launched parametric insurance for vulnerable households, starting with 3,030 families in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo Norte. Business & Quality: ANEIH promoted the National Quality Award for the Private Sector, while APAP announced RD$131 million in 2026 social-impact financing. Culture & Tourism: Casa de Campo launched its first Fashion Week, spotlighting Dominican designers and international fashion ties.

Plane Crash in La Romana: A U.S.-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed during an emergency landing attempt near La Romana Airport, killing pilot Erick Javier Diago and co-pilot Ruddy Ghazal; the aircraft had refueled in the DR and was en route to Austin to pick up former MLB star Yadier Molina and family. Electoral Rules Watch: The TSE dismissed an appeal over JCE regulation governing how political-electoral polls are published and disseminated, keeping the framework in place while a later ruling is pending. Adaptive Disaster Protection: The government, via Supérate with UNDP support, launched parametric insurance for 3,030 vulnerable households in Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo Norte to speed payouts after heavy rains and hurricanes. Tourism Push: Minister David Collado said air connectivity and new hotel capacity are key, citing 100,000+ extra airline seats from Canada and noting 30,000 new rooms are needed to sustain growth. Digital Education Win: DR’s Vocational Schools of the Armed Forces and National Police won top honors at the Latam Digital Awards 2026 in Bogotá. Public Health at Airports: Civil Aviation rules added mandatory health surveillance to help prevent Ebola entry, including denying boarding to confirmed/probable/suspected cases. International Business Link: Israel’s embassy relaunched the Dominican-Israeli Chamber of Commerce to boost investment and partnerships.

Aviation & Public Safety: The Dominican Republic strengthened airport health surveillance to prevent Ebola entry, with new mandatory screening rules approved by the Civil Aviation Board (JAC) requiring airlines to deny boarding to confirmed, probable, or suspected Ebola cases and to report symptomatic travelers. Tragedy in La Romana: A U.S.-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed during an emergency landing attempt at La Romana International Airport, killing both pilots; the jet was en route to pick up former MLB star Yadier Molina and his family in Texas, with Molina posting condolences after the crash. Economic Stability: President Luis Abinader met with business, industrial, commercial, and agricultural leaders to review the national price table and coordinate steps to blunt the impact of global oil and natural gas volatility on Dominican households. Security Cooperation: Costa Rica’s public security minister visited to study the Dominican Republic’s Joint Task Force coordination model, including joint monitoring at police headquarters. Governance & Development: UNDP praised the DR for democratic strengthening and poverty reduction, highlighting progress in human development. Consular Updates: Abinader appointed Héctor Pastor Vásquez as Consul General in Caracas, as the DR works to reinforce ties with Venezuela. Health & Risk Alerts: Faride Raful’s approval of Alertas RD was highlighted as a move to speed tracing of missing persons, while public health coverage also flagged ongoing infectious-disease monitoring.

Aviation Tragedy: A U.S.-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed during an emergency landing at La Romana International Airport, killing both pilots. Former MLB catcher Yadier Molina said the jet was headed to pick him up in Texas and return to Puerto Rico, after taking off from La Romana for Austin. Energy & Climate: Energy Minister Joel Santos said DR is already producing nearly 2,000 MW of renewable power and expects non-conventional capacity to reach 2,600 MW by 2028, with storage projects coming online. Public Safety & Seismic Preparedness: Onesvie and local authorities in Bahoruco launched a campaign to reduce seismic risk and improve building and lifeline preparedness. Security Cooperation: Costa Rica’s security minister visited DR to study the Joint Task Force coordination model used to fight crime. Economy & Prices: President Luis Abinader met with business, industrial, and agricultural sectors to follow up on a price roundtable and protect the economy from global oil and gas volatility. International Climate Leadership: DR assumed the presidency of UNFCCC’s SBSTA 64, boosting its role in global climate negotiations.

Aviation Tragedy in La Romana: A U.S.-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed during an emergency landing attempt at La Romana International Airport, killing the pilot and co-pilot. The jet declared an emergency about 16 nautical miles southwest of the airport, tried to return, skidded off the runway area, and erupted into a massive fireball; Dominican aviation authorities have launched an investigation. Yadier Molina Connection: Former MLB catcher Yadier Molina said the flight was headed to Texas to pick him up and his family before returning to Puerto Rico, adding condolences to the crew. New Air Links: Iberojet launched direct Barcelona–Punta Cana flights for summer 2026, weekly on Sundays through September, expanding Spain–DR connectivity. Food Prices Support: President Luis Abinader pledged continued government backing for the flour-processing sector to help stabilize bread costs, citing equipment and technical support. Missing-Persons System: Abinader enacted “Alertas RD,” a real-time national alert law meant to speed up tracing of missing persons within 24 hours. Tech and Payments: Banco Santa Cruz and Visa rolled out a program to prepare for AI-agent commerce, aiming to boost secure digital payments. Trade Pressure: Conep defended Dominican efforts amid U.S. forced-labor tariff scrutiny under Section 301.

Aviation Tragedy (La Romana): A US-registered Gulfstream G200 private jet crashed on the runway at La Romana International Airport on Sunday after declaring an emergency about 16 nautical miles southwest of the airport; authorities say the pilot and co-pilot died and no passengers were reported, with video showing the aircraft skidding across the airfield before erupting into a massive fireball as emergency crews responded and an investigation gets underway. Tourism & Security Diplomacy: Tourism Minister David Collado visited the USS Nimitz at San Isidro Air Base, meeting US Ambassador Leah Campos and Dominican defense officials during a goodwill trip aimed at strengthening DR–US cooperation. Public Safety (Missing Persons): Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful backed the new Alerta RD system, saying alerts for missing people must be activated jointly by the National Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office within 24 hours of a complaint. Environment (Sargassum): Sargassum seaweed continues to blanket major beaches, with reports from Boca Chica and Guayacanes describing heavy shoreline buildup that’s hurting tourism and local businesses. Sports (Local): The King of the Courts Caribbean Championship final is set for tonight after Tola edged the Dominican Republic in a last-second finish and St Thomas won its semifinal comfortably.