AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy & Culture Abroad: The Dominican Republic wrapped up its first Dominican Week in Belgium and the Netherlands with an official reception in The Hague, boosting ties through business forums, new university partnerships, and a cultural showcase of Dominican music, gastronomy, rum, merengue, and bachata. Education Policy: The National Commission for Teacher Performance Evaluation (EDD) begins the final, “Professional Performance Exercise” stage today, bringing in 115,000+ teachers across 122 centers to assess professional practice. Safety & Preparedness: Onesvie and Bahoruco authorities launched a seismic-risk mitigation push in Neiba, promoting prevention, civic education, and community awareness through the “Voices that Prevent” campaign. Women & Sports Leadership: The FIVB’s female coach initiative is gaining traction in VNL 2026, with the Dominican Republic among teams registering female coaching staff. Community & Belonging: A Dominican Republic–born student’s graduation story highlights how discipline, baseball, and service can shape a new life abroad.

Luxury Travel Deals: Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index says booking about a week ahead can unlock better rates, with Sunday nights often delivering the best value—plus a list of destinations where five-star stays are getting cheaper. Democracy & Local Life: President Luis Abinader told the UN that Dominican political consensus and dialogue have helped strengthen democracy, social cohesion, and human development. Education Watch: The Dominican Republic’s teacher performance evaluation enters its final stage today, bringing in 115,000+ teachers across 122 centers for a professional performance exercise. Seismic Preparedness: Onesvie, with Bahoruco and Neiba officials, is rolling out a public campaign to reduce seismic risk and boost building and lifeline preparedness. World Cup Culture: Matchday food and drink hype is ramping up with themed menus and limited-edition items as FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off June 11. Sports & Faith: Karl-Anthony Towns credits Philippians 4:13 and his late mother’s memory as fuel during the NBA Finals run. Aviation Safety: A US-registered Gulfstream G200 crash at La Romana killed two pilots; authorities say an investigation is underway. Community Play: Chuck E. Cheese and The Toy Foundation mark International Day of Play with BOGO offers and activities in the Dominican Republic.

Teacher Training Update: The National Commission for the Governance of Teacher Performance Evaluation (EDD) kicks off the fifth and final ERP stage on Tuesday, June 9, bringing in 115,000+ teachers across 122 centers nationwide to assess professional practice. Tech & Education: ITLA’s 20th graduation (June 5) set a record with 642 new professionals, pushing the Dominican Republic’s push for AI-era skills and specialized tech talent. Missing Persons System: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful celebrates the new Alerta RD law, aiming for joint police–prosecutor activation within 24 hours after a complaint. Gender Violence Support: The Ministry of Women highlights the 212 hotline and shelter referrals for victims of gender-based and domestic violence. Environment Watch: Sargassum is smothering key beaches, with reports of impacts on tourism in Boca Chica and Guayacanes. Safety Reminder: Lightning protection experts warn that many deaths come from people being outdoors during storms, urging safer shelter and better prevention. Aviation Tragedy: A U.S.-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed during an emergency return attempt at La Romana International Airport, killing both pilots.

Aviation Tragedy: A U.S.-registered private Gulfstream G200 crashed at La Romana International Airport while attempting an emergency return after mechanical trouble; authorities say both crew members died and no passengers were aboard. Coastal Environment: Sargassum seaweed is smothering major beaches, with piles decomposing along Boca Chica and Guayacanes and hurting vendors, hotels, and beachgoers as cleanup struggles to keep up. Safety & Health: Experts are urging better lightning-prevention habits in the DR, stressing that people should seek shelter indoors during storms and avoid being outside. Women’s Protection: The Ministry of Women highlights nationwide gender-violence support, including the 24/7 212 emergency hotline and rapid police response, plus shelter options when needed. Missing Persons System: Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful backs the new Alerta RD law, designed to speed up joint police–prosecutor alerts within 24 hours. Culture & Community: Dominican freestyle artists and Puerto Rico’s scene traded battles in a cross-island event, signaling a growing regional rap culture. Road Safety Policy: Deputies will study a bill to boost use of homologated motorcycle helmets via tax breaks, import duty exemptions, and possible subsidies.

Tech & Education: PUCMM students made history by winning the Grand Prize in the Computing category of the Huawei ICT Global Competition 2025-2026, a first for Latin America and the Caribbean, with the win announced during PUCMM’s Santiago graduation. Public Safety: Experts are urging stronger lightning-safety awareness in the DR, stressing that people—not lack of technology—often drive preventable deaths during storms. Gender Justice: The Ministry of Women highlighted nationwide gender-based violence support, including the 212 emergency hotline, plus shelter and rapid police response when danger is reported. Missing Persons: Faride Raful praised the new Alerta RD law, which sets a coordinated activation process between the National Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office within 24 hours. Road Safety: Deputies will study a bill to subsidize and incentivize use of homologated motorcycle helmets under a “Safe Helmet RD” plan. Culture & Youth: Tabuga and Chile’s CENIA are bringing an AI-in-education webinar series to Dominican broadcast TV via T al Cubo®, aiming to help teachers and families understand how AI should be adopted in classrooms. Community & Faith: Corpus Christi celebrations drew hundreds of the faithful in Santo Domingo, keeping Catholic street tradition alive. Sports Culture: Dominican freestyle culture kept momentum after the Puerto Rico vs. DR night, with major local and visiting names trading battles and pushing future collaborations.

AI in Education on TV: Tabuga and Chile’s CENIA are bringing an “AI adoption in education” webinar series to Dominican broadcast TV, airing Sundays on CDN Channel 37, with chapters on teaching skills and school management as AI moves beyond basic prep. Road Safety Push: Deputies will study the “Safe Helmet RD” bill to boost use of homologated motorcycle helmets, including ITBIS/import duty exemptions and possible subsidies for lower-income riders. Prison Mental Health Plan: The Penitentiary System, Mescyt and Albizu University are formalizing cooperation to expand mental health care and train prison staff for better rehabilitation. Social Security Improvements: DIDA recognized 31 good practices from 15 entities, highlighting more people-centered health services and prevention of irregularities. Electric Safety for Kids: Edeeste warns families to keep children from flying kites near power lines and to avoid using devices while charging. Culture Spotlight: Netflix’s “Office Romance” highlights Dominican Republic locations, while Romeo Santos and Prince Royce released the “Ay! San Miguel” official video featuring Fefita La Grande; Jarabacoa’s 15th Flower Festival continues through June 7. Weekend Picks: Expo Mango 2026 in Baní and Jarabacoa’s festival headline a family-friendly agenda, plus community events across provinces.

Flag & justice: The Duarte Institute says it will push prosecutors after a national-flag breach at the funeral of “El Bobo” in San Francisco de Macorís, criticizing police for not intervening. Traffic reform: Senator Antonio Marte proposes a new Ministry of Transport to unify agencies and tackle Dominican vehicular chaos with one plan and budget. Prison mental health: Mescyt, the penitentiary system and Albizu University are formalizing a deal to expand mental-health training and higher education for incarcerated people and staff. Social security upgrades: DIDA recognized 31 good practices from 15 entities, highlighting more people-centered health services and prevention efforts. Kids’ safety at home: Edeeste warns families to keep children from flying kites near power lines and to avoid using electronics while charging or in wet conditions. Culture on screen: Dominican music and scenery get a spotlight in Netflix’s “Office Romance,” with local artists featured in scenes. Jarabacoa tourism: The 15th Flower Festival runs through June 7, drawing thousands with concerts, crafts and nature-focused activities. Weekend plans: Expo Mango 2026 in Baní and community events across provinces add family-friendly options.

Weekend Family & Culture Picks: Expo Mango 2026 in Baní kicks off at 8:00 a.m., while Jarabacoa’s 15th Flower Festival runs June 4–7 with music, crafts, gastronomy, and big-name performers. Community & Social Support: Supérate holds beneficiary meetings across provinces, including Santa Cruz de Mao and San Ignacio de Sabaneta. Youth & Pop Culture: In the National District, Blink Respawn 2026 brings video game and geek culture to Sambil, plus a Nursery Fair for families. Transport & Daily Life: Senator Antonio Marte proposes a new Ministry of Transport to unify traffic and mobility responsibilities and tackle street chaos. Health & Rehabilitation: Mescyt, the Penitentiary System, and Albizu University push a mental-health training and degree plan for incarcerated people. Social Security Improvements: DIDA recognizes 31 good practices across 15 entities, spotlighting more people-centered care. Safety Reminder: Edeeste warns families to keep kids from flying kites near power lines and to avoid using electronics while charging. Cultural Spotlight in Media: Dominican music takes center stage in Romeo Santos and Prince Royce’s “Ay! San Miguel” video featuring Fefita La Grande.

Dominican Culture on Netflix: The DR is getting major screen time in Jennifer Lopez’s new rom-com Office Romance, with filming tied to Samaná and scenes spotlighting Dominican music and artists, including Yasser Tejeda. Music Video Buzz: Romeo Santos and Prince Royce released the official “Ay! San Miguel” video, featuring Fefita La Grande and Dominican landscapes, dance, and tradition. Jarabacoa Tourism & Tradition: The 15th Jarabacoa Flower Festival is underway through June 7, drawing thousands with concerts, crafts, and performances by big names like Sergio Vargas, Fefita La Grande, and Fernando Villalona. Community & Faith: Hundreds of faithful marked Corpus Christi in Santo Domingo churches with Eucharist celebrations and pilgrimages, while priests also urged deeper participation in Catholic life. Education & Rights: The Dominican Teachers’ Association (ADP) rejected a proposal to deduct teachers’ salaries for participating in strikes, saying it violates constitutional and labor protections. Safety Net for Families: Abinader enacted the Alertas RD law, creating rapid national alerts for missing persons (including Amber, Silver, Blue, and Pink categories) and a registry to speed up searches. Everyday Environment Concern: A World Environment Day street check in Santo Domingo found citizens overwhelmingly blame trash and weak collection for the country’s biggest environmental problem. Women’s Protection: Police arrested “Chukito” in Santo Domingo Este for alleged gender-based violence against his ex-partner, acting on a judicial warrant. DR in the Diaspora: The 2026 Dominican Book and Culture Festival heads to New York (July 10–12), with panels, an artisan bazaar, and youth reading activities.

Corpus Christi in Santo Domingo: Hundreds of Catholic faithful filled major temples for Corpus Christi liturgies, with priests urging unity and a deeper relationship with God through the Eucharist. Gender-based violence crackdown: DEAMVI agents arrested “Chukito” (Jean Carlos Hernández Santos) in Santo Domingo Este after a judicial order tied to alleged threats, assaults, and harassment against his ex-partner. Missing persons system: President Abinader enacted Law 25-26 creating “Alertas RD,” with rapid alert categories (including Pink Alert for women at risk) and a national registry to speed up searches. Book culture abroad: The Dominican Republic will bring the 2026 Dominican Book and Culture Festival to New York (July 10–12), spotlighting writers, artisans, women entrepreneurs, and youth reading activities. Education spotlight: MINERD held the National Reading Festival, highlighting progress in early literacy across the country. Local governance style: Abinader’s administration again emphasized its “permanent presence” across all provinces and the National District to supervise public works and programs. Culture & community: Jarabacoa kicked off its 15th Flower Festival edition (June 4–7) with major Dominican performers and festival queens.

Gender Justice & Safety: Former Attorney General Francisco Domínguez Brito says sexism still fuels violence against women, calling for prevention that starts in childhood through homes, schools, and media. Police Action: In Santo Domingo Este, DEAMVI arrested “Chukito” (Jean Carlos Hernández Santos) on a warrant tied to alleged gender-based violence against his ex-partner. Faith & Community: Corpus Christi drew hundreds of faithful across Santo Domingo churches, with priests urging deeper participation—“There is no church without mass”—and highlighting unity, communion, and a 4 p.m. pilgrimage. Missing Persons Reform: President Luis Abinader enacted Law 25-26 creating “Alertas RD,” with Amber/Silver/Blue/Pink categories and a national registry to speed coordinated searches. Culture Abroad: The Dominican Book and Culture Festival returns to New York July 10–12, featuring panels, readings, an artisan bazaar, and a women entrepreneurs pavilion, with special youth-focused activities. Education & Literacy: MINERD launched the National Reading Festival, spotlighting early literacy progress nationwide. Local Culture: Jarabacoa kicks off a special 15th Flower Festival edition June 4–7 with major Dominican performers and international participation from Medellín.

Corpus Christi in the DR: Thousands of Catholic faithful are set to take part this Thursday in processions, prayers, and the famous flower-and-sawdust carpets across the country, with major events in Greater Santo Domingo and La Vega. Jarabacoa Flower Festival: Jarabacoa kicks off June 4–7 with a historic 15th edition featuring top Dominican artists, plus international participation from Medellín’s Flower Fair and new “Queen of the Flowers 2026” honors. Early literacy push: MINERD hosts the National Reading Festival, bringing students from all 18 education regions to spotlight progress in first-cycle reading and comprehension. Social security improvements: DIDA recognizes 31 “good practices” from 15 entities, focusing on more human-centered health services, prevention, and better protection for affiliates. Child safety concern: Residents in San Antonio de Guerra report the escape of more than ten minors from a Conani shelter in Guerra, raising alarms about security and community safety. Education leadership race: Maribel Lorenzo closes her campaign for dean of UASD’s Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences with support from professors, students, and staff. International culture diplomacy: The Dominican Republic launches Latin America and Caribbean Week at UNESCO in Paris, spotlighting UNESCO-recognized traditions like merengue, bachata, and cassava bread knowledge. Diaspora spotlight: Five Dominican women entrepreneurs share how they built thriving careers abroad, from dentistry and aesthetic medicine to fashion and female-led business.

Aviation & Tourism: ITA Airways is launching a new direct Rome–Santo Domingo route, starting Nov. 30 with one weekly flight (Mondays) and expanding to two weekly flights from Dec. 14 through March 2027, using Airbus A330neo aircraft—another boost for European travel and business links. Culture at UNESCO: Dominican Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo kicked off Latin America and Caribbean Week 2026 at UNESCO in Paris, spotlighting Dominican traditions like merengue, bachata, and UNESCO-listed heritage. Education & Credentials: The Dominican Republic tightened rules for certifying foreign healthcare degrees, especially for medical specialties and programs completed via virtual or hybrid learning, aiming to protect patient safety. International Partnerships: Suriname and the Dominican Republic pushed deeper cooperation, including renewable energy, tourism, and a parliamentary exchange, plus visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans with ordinary passports (with a valid US or Schengen visa). Community & Solidarity: Rayjon Share Care marks 40 years with a June 18 open-house celebration, highlighting decades of education, literacy, small loans for women entrepreneurs, and vision support across Haiti and the DR. Public Safety: Authorities transferred key suspects in Operation XL526 to the Santiago Palace of Justice and a correction center after raids tied to alleged extortion and blackmail targeting victims in the U.S. Local Events: Jarabacoa’s Festival de las Flores runs June 4–7, with international cultural exchange and activities at Parque de la Confluencia.

Culture at UNESCO: Dominican Republic Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo inaugurated Latin America and Caribbean Week 2026 at UNESCO in Paris, spotlighting UNESCO-listed traditions like the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit of the Congos of Villa Mella, merengue, bachata, and casabe knowledge. Tourism push: The DR was named Special Guest Country at FIT 2026 in Buenos Aires, with plans to showcase tourism beyond beaches—luxury, wellness, gastronomy, adventure, and cultural experiences. Infrastructure for daily life: President Abinader inaugurated the Enriquillo–El Higüero highway in Barahona to improve access to education, healthcare, and transport across the southwest. Regional ties: DR and Suriname signed agreements including visa-free tourism entry for Dominican passport holders who already have valid U.S. or Schengen visas. Community & giving back: David Ortiz’s Children’s Fund returned to Boston for its Heart Classic, raising support for pediatric cardiac care in the Dominican Republic and New England. Air connectivity: Arajet received its 16th aircraft, “Pico Diego de Ocampo,” and says flights to Santiago are planned for 2027.

Culture Diplomacy: Dominican Republic Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo opened Latin America and Caribbean Week 2026 at UNESCO in Paris, spotlighting DR traditions like merengue, bachata, cassava bread (casabe), and UNESCO-inscribed community heritage. Tourism & Travel: The DR was named Special Guest Country at FIT 2026 in Buenos Aires (Sept. 26–29), aiming to expand beyond beach tourism into culture, wellness, and gastronomy. Infrastructure for Lifestyle: President Abinader inaugurated the 13.5-kilometer Enriquillo–El Higüero highway in Barahona to cut travel times and improve access to education and healthcare. Regional Partnerships: DR and Suriname elevated ties with visa-free tourism entry for Dominicans holding valid U.S. or Schengen visas, plus new agreements on trade, agriculture, education, and air connectivity. Community Events: Jarabacoa’s Festival de las Flores runs June 4–7, blending eco-tourism with arts, flowers, and an international exchange with Medellín. Health & Aging: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics partnered to expand access to blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid pathology, including in the Dominican Republic. Church & Language Access: The Archdiocese of Santo Domingo launched fully English-language monthly masses at the Metropolitan Cathedral for residents and visitors. Sports & Giving Back: David Ortiz’s Boston Heart Classic returned to raise support for children’s cardiac care in the Dominican Republic.

Health & Science: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics are partnering to expand access across Latin America and the Caribbean to Precivity® blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid assessment, with initial rollout including the Dominican Republic. Culture & Faith: The Archdiocese of Santo Domingo launched the first fully English-language monthly mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral, welcoming English-speaking residents and tourists. Education & Public Policy: IDEICE is working with specialists from the University of Chicago’s Development Innovation Lab to build a Dominican “public policy laboratory” focused on applied research and evidence-based decision-making. Travel & Connectivity: Arajet received its 16th aircraft, “Pico Diego de Ocampo,” and says it plans flights to Santiago starting in 2027, spotlighting Dominican natural heritage. Tourism & Economy: The Central Bank reports hotel, bar, and restaurant growth of 5.9% in early 2026 and notes a record month with over 900,000 air arrivals. Diplomacy: INPOSDOM issued a commemorative stamp marking 50 years of Dominican Republic–Guyana relations.