AGP Executive Report

Sports & Youth Development: At the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, Dominican sprinter Javier Núñez—who learned to swim after a childhood near-drowning—won two medals: silver in the 100m freestyle (49.43) and bronze in the 50m freestyle (22.46), highlighting how access to swimming schools can shape young athletes’ futures. Public Safety & Gender Violence: A man held in preventive detention for alleged sexual assault escaped from the National District Gender Violence Victim Assistance Unit in Santo Domingo; authorities have not yet explained how he left or what operation is underway to locate him. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Dominican Republic continues to draw global attention as it ranks among Latin America’s most-visited destinations, reinforcing the country’s lifestyle-and-leisure appeal for travelers. Community & Faith Accountability: A tax and fiscal consultant says Pastor Yesenia Then’s explanations about her ministry’s finances can’t be treated as true accountability, arguing key donation and fund-use details were not verifiable.

Tourism Boom: The Dominican Republic hit 11.6 million international visitors in 2025, ranking as Latin America’s second most-visited destination, with growth fueled by more international flights and hotel investment beyond Punta Cana. Tech & Skills for Work: INFOTEP is pushing future-ready technical and vocational training, spotlighting how AI and automation are reshaping what employers need. Wildlife Protection: Santo Domingo’s zoo is becoming a refuge for confiscated exotic animals as seizures surge, with authorities citing a crackdown on illegal ownership and new education efforts. Luxury Hospitality Jobs: Cayo Levantado Resort in Samaná Bay named Maria Lamarche as its new general manager, bringing decades of Caribbean and global luxury experience. Culture Through Sport: Arajet celebrated Father’s Day by sending a Dominican family to Miami for a Marlins game, using its MLB alliance to boost the DR’s U.S. visibility. Youth Spotlight: Dominican softball player Graciela Dominguez is set to represent the DR at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.

Women & Identity: A new Women, Peace and Security ranking puts Northern Europe at the top for women’s inclusion, justice, and security—an international lens that echoes local conversations about rights and safety. Sports & Pride: Graciela Dominguez, a Dominican Republic–linked Princeton softball star, is in Santo Domingo for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, turning heritage into game-day momentum. Public Health & Community: President Luis Abinader delivered the renovated Hacienda Estrella Municipal Hospital, settling a 20+ year debt with a major RD$103.7M investment and new emergency services. Education & Reading: The book “The Art of Educating with the Heart” spotlights teaching as faith and resilience, while the “Book Bank: A book, a hope” initiative collects and redistributes books to vulnerable youth and communities. Tourism & Tech: Punta Cana’s airport rolled out automated border-control kiosks, and Santiago Rodríguez is pushing a tourism app to connect visitors with verified local guides. Lifestyle & Travel: Three new all-inclusive resorts opened in Punta Cana—each with a distinct vibe, from lagoon pools to adults-only calm and a full water park. Culture & Heritage: The Dominican Republic also continues to celebrate the CAC Games build-up, with more stories tying sport, culture, and national pride together.

Tourism Tech: Punta Cana International Airport rolled out six automated border-control kiosks for arriving travelers, aiming to speed processing and reduce contact with immigration agents. Migration Modernization: The Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Migration upgraded its DOM-02 system with biometric checks and multispectral passport scanning to improve security and cut document errors. Consumer Protection: Pro Consumidor and COB-RD signed an agreement to curb abusive debt collection, including limits on calls to people not responsible for debts and tighter rules for digital outreach. Education & Health: Minerd is distributing millions of textbooks, workbooks, and school kits while adding new classrooms for the 2026-2027 school year; meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health says it has secured sustainable coverage for children with spinal muscular atrophy through the High-Cost Medication Program. Culture & Lifestyle: The Dominican Republic’s Cabarete launches a global “Surf and Wind City” campaign to attract adventure travelers, while Miss Universe 2025 Fátima Bosch is set to attend Miss Dominican Republic 2026 in Santo Domingo. Sports Youth: LIDOM named Welington Castillo to manage the Dominican team at the III Kids Caribbean Series in Mexico.

Public Finance: Dominican Republic’s non-financial public sector debt jumped to US$68.0B by May 2026, after US$6.45B in new borrowing in the first five months—about RD$373.84T at current exchange rates, surpassing the Education budget. Education & Youth: Minerd is pushing the 2026-2027 school year rollout, distributing millions of textbooks and workbooks and preparing new classrooms for August starts. Health for Families: Public Health says it has advanced coverage for children with spinal muscular atrophy, setting up a mechanism via the High-Cost Medication Program to keep treatment continuous. Community Reading: DGDC launched “Book Bank: A book, a hope,” collecting used books to distribute free to adolescents in conflict with criminal law and vulnerable communities. Tourism & Lifestyle: Cabarete unveiled a “Surf and Wind City” global campaign to attract adventure travelers, while the DR was ranked among the world’s top beach destinations for 2026. Travel Tech & Borders: Punta Cana airport introduced automated border-control kiosks to speed arrivals and reduce contact with immigration agents. Sports & Culture: LIDOM named Welington Castillo to manage the Dominican team for the III Kids Caribbean Series in Mexico. Local Governance & Assets: National Assets will hold its second 2026 public auction on July 31 with 184 lots, including vehicles and scrap.

Cabarete Adventure Push: The Ministry of Tourism launched the “Cabarete Surf and Wind City” campaign in Miami, pitching Playa Encuentro, Kite Beach and Cabarete Bay to adventure travelers with year-round wind and wave conditions. Beach Spotlight: The Dominican Republic landed at #25 in Travel And Tour World’s 2026 “50 Best Beach Destinations,” with TTW praising everything from Punta Cana and Samaná to coral reefs, marine activities and Dominican hospitality. Education & Debate: The DR officially submitted its bid to host the 2028 World Schools Debate Championship, framing debate as a tool for critical thinking and democratic coexistence. Youth Sports Leadership: LIDOM named Welington Castillo manager for the Dominican team in the III Kids Caribbean Series in Nayarit, aiming to defend the title. Public Services: Bienes Nacionales announced its second 2026 public auction (July 31) with 184 lots, from vehicles to scrap metal. Justice Access: Bahoruco inaugurated a Comprehensive Justice Access Care Center, including a unit for gender-based, domestic and sexual violence cases. Culture Abroad: The Bronx Dominican Parade honored merengue icon Rubby Pérez and recognized 002 Radio TV’s Pascual Linarez for journalism and digital communication. Aviation Milestone: At Oshkosh 2026, the DR showcased the first locally built and certified Van’s RV-8 experimental aircraft, highlighting growing aircraft assembly capability.

Central American & Caribbean Games: Santo Domingo 2026 kicks off with a high-tech opening at Estadio Félix Sánchez, featuring 1,100 drones, 500+ lasers, and 30,000 LED wristbands—part of the 100th-anniversary celebration running to Aug. 8. Cultural Heritage: The Senate approved a Cultural Heritage Protection and Acquisition bill in a second reading, aiming to safeguard Dominican tangible and intangible assets. Justice for Women: The Attorney General’s Office inaugurated a Comprehensive Justice Access Center in Bahoruco, including a unit for gender-based, domestic, and sexual violence victims and legal representation services. Community Support: The Dominican Republic Army and Community Development (with SeNaSa) delivered medical and social aid in Barahona’s Los Solares de Milton neighborhood. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Urban artists Donaty and Michael Flores shared their DR connection during events tied to the Games. Cost of Living (Father’s Day): Retailers say Father’s Day sales are slower than in past years as shoppers feel price pressure. Travel & Lifestyle: Indomet warns of hot weather with Saharan dust and isolated downpours in several provinces. Environment & Tradition: Experts warn the parrot pet trade is pushing Caribbean species toward extinction, including in the Dominican Republic.

Community Support: The DGDC and the Dominican Republic Army, with SeNaSa, delivered a medical and social assistance day in Barahona’s Los Solares de Milton, reaching hundreds of vulnerable residents. Justice Access: The Attorney General’s Office inaugurated a Comprehensive Justice Access Care Center in Bahoruco, including a unit for gender-based, domestic, and sexual violence victims and legal representation services. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Santo Domingo 2026 kicked off with a high-tech opening ceremony plan (drones, lasers, and major performances), while Haiti officially opened its participation and Cuba’s delegation faced questions after a reported athlete defection. Local Life & Cost of Living: Father’s Day sales in Greater Santo Domingo are down, with shoppers citing higher prices and slower foot traffic. Road Safety Push: Movido Foundation urged stronger enforcement of road-safety policies after UN envoy Jean Todt called Dominican traffic a disaster. Weather Watch: Indomet warned of hot conditions with Saharan dust and isolated downpours in several provinces. Heritage Law: The Senate advanced a Cultural Heritage Protection bill to better safeguard national tangible and intangible assets.

Central American & Caribbean Games Hype: Santo Domingo officially kicks off the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games with a high-tech opening at Félix Sánchez Stadium, featuring 1,100 drones, 500+ lasers, and a big cultural lineup as 6,000+ athletes from 37 countries chase medals through Aug. 8. Local Culture on Stage: The Ministry of Culture’s fine arts companies and national music and dance groups take center stage in the Games’ opening programming, spotlighting inclusion and Dominican identity. Property Rights Push: President Abinader delivers 1,000 property title certificates in Los Frailes, aiming to end years of land-tenure uncertainty for 4,000+ beneficiaries and help families access formal financing. Road Safety Call-Out: The Movido Foundation warns traffic danger isn’t random, blaming weak enforcement, stalled photo-fines, and slow rollout of road-safety education. Weather Watch: Indomet forecasts hot conditions with Saharan dust and isolated downpours/thunderstorms in several provinces, urging hydration and sun protection. Law & Media Freedom: Eduardo Saint-Hilaire says parts of the new Penal Code could chill reporting and blur the line between defamation and free expression. Sports Spotlight (International): Haiti opens its Games participation in Santo Domingo with flag bearers Welington Ceneus and Ava Soon Lee. Culture Pop: Cardi B shares Dominican countryside moments as her kids practice Spanish, reinforcing family ties to the island. Heritage Protection: The Senate advances a Cultural Heritage Protection and Acquisition bill to safeguard tangible and intangible national assets.

Central American & Caribbean Games, Santo Domingo 2026: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the XXV edition at Estadio Félix Sánchez, with a centenary-themed show built around high-tech spectacle—1,100 drones, 500+ lasers, and interactive visuals—while tickets for the opening ceremony sold out and the event runs July 24 to Aug. 8. Local Housing & Rights: Abinader delivered 1,000 property title certificates in Los Frailes, saying the legal security helps families unlock formal financing and development opportunities for more than 4,000 people. Sports Spotlight: Cuba’s Alberto Juantorena received a Centennial Athlete honor during Games festivities, and Haiti officially opened its participation with athletes marching behind flag bearers Welington Ceneus and Ava Soon Lee. Culture & Inclusion: DGBA’s artistic companies joined the opening with sign-language anthem, contemporary dance, and performances featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and Dominican choir. Road Safety Push: Movido Foundation urged stronger enforcement of road-safety policies, criticizing stalled photo-fines, weak vehicle inspections, and slow education rollout. Weather Watch: Indomet warned of hot conditions with Saharan dust and isolated afternoon downpours in several provinces, urging hydration and sun protection. Policy & Heritage: The Senate advanced a Cultural Heritage Protection bill to safeguard tangible and intangible assets, and also approved measures tied to health tourism. Lifestyle & Travel: A new Cathay Pacific codeshare adds Santo Domingo to its network via Madrid, boosting long-haul connectivity for travelers. Music Buzz: New releases include Dominican-leaning tracks like “DOMI NYC,” plus fresh picks from Anitta, Feid, and Villano Antillano.

Central American & Caribbean Games: Santo Domingo 2026 is officially kicking off this Friday with a sold-out opening ceremony at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium, featuring 1,100 drones, 500+ lasers, and an interactive show with 30,000 LED wristbands, as more than 6,000 athletes from 37 countries compete through Aug. 8. Cultural Heritage Law: The Dominican Senate approved a Cultural Heritage Protection and Acquisition bill to safeguard the nation’s tangible and intangible assets, from archaeological sites and monuments to folklore and historic structures. Seismic Preparedness: FUDEC is urging stronger earthquake education, noting key fault lines like the Septentrional and Enriquillo faults and calling for better building assessments and citizen readiness. Travel & Lifestyle: New travel connectivity is on the way—Cathay Pacific will add Santo Domingo to its network via Madrid (with Iberia), while luxury travel keeps evolving with fresh resort openings and high-end guest-gift trends. Family & Culture in the Spotlight: Cardi B shared rare Dominican countryside moments with her kids, including Spanish-speaking clips and farm fun. Nature & Pets: Experts warn the Caribbean parrot pet trade is pushing native species toward extinction, including in the Dominican Republic.

Central American & Caribbean Games Hype: Santo Domingo 2026 opening ceremony is sold out, with gates opening at 4:00 p.m. and the show starting at 8:00 p.m. at Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium—expect 1,100 drones, 500+ lasers, 30,000 LED wristbands, and performances that spotlight Dominican culture. Culture & Heritage: The Dominican Senate approved a Cultural Heritage Protection and Acquisition bill to safeguard tangible and intangible assets, from archaeological sites to folklore, plus a move to brand Azua as the “Tomato Capital.” Tourism & Lifestyle: The Games are also being pitched as a tourism engine, with major investment in venues and infrastructure and an estimated 300,000 visitors expected. Local Economy Watch: The Central Bank reports Dominican economy growth of 6.4% in June, led by mining, construction, free-zone manufacturing, and services. Family & Pop Culture: Cardi B shared Dominican countryside vacation moments, including her kids speaking Spanish and learning simple campo traditions. Weather: Saharan dust keeps conditions dry and hot, with scarce rain and highs around 33–35°C—hydration and sun protection urged, especially for kids and older adults. Competition Policy: ProCompetencia calls for modernizing antitrust rules to better handle digital platforms and the fast-changing economy.

Dominican Economy Watch: The Central Bank reports Dominican Republic growth hit 6.4% year-on-year in June 2026, its strongest monthly expansion so far this year, driven by mining, construction, free-zone manufacturing, and services (including education and financial services). Tourism & Lifestyle: Moon Palace The Grand–Punta Cana officially debuted June 1, positioning itself as the Palace Company’s biggest Caribbean project with major meeting facilities and a luxury-plus-sustainability pitch. Sports & Community: Santo Domingo’s Central American and Caribbean Games kickoff is set for Friday, July 24, with an evening opening ceremony—while Cuba arrives aiming for a top-three medal finish. Culture & Education: A new book launch and a Games opening ceremony headline Friday’s Santo Domingo agenda, and the country’s road-safety push is highlighted at the UN with helmet rules and a “One Motorcycle, One Helmet” push. Health & Family: A prenatal diagnosis helped plan immediate care for a Dominican baby born with tetralogy of Fallot, showing how early detection can change outcomes. Diaspora & Identity: Cardi B shared her kids’ countryside vacation in the Dominican Republic, urging families to trade constant “Disney” for nature and roots. Business & Skills: Adozona and CNZFE back “Free Zones 4.0,” stressing innovation, training, and competitiveness to move beyond cost-based production.

Tariff Shock: The Trump administration released a list of 85 countries facing new U.S. tariffs over alleged failures to enforce a ban on forced labor, with the Dominican Republic named among the affected economies. Economic Pulse: The Central Bank reports Dominican economy growth of 6.4% year-on-year in June, the strongest monthly expansion of 2026, driven by mining, construction, free-zone manufacturing, and services. Road Safety Push: The Dominican Republic reaffirmed its road-safety commitments at the UN, highlighting helmet rules for certified motorcycle gear, the “One Motorcycle, One Helmet” push, and a plan to train 300,000 high school students by 2028. Free Zones 4.0: Adozona and CNZFE, with Unicaribe, promoted Free Zones 4.0—calling for innovation, specialized talent training, and competitiveness beyond cost. Education Overhaul: President Abinader says education transformation will be a State policy to prepare students for AI, automation, and future tech needs, while Minerd confirms the 2026-2027 school year starts Aug. 24. Culture & Community: Bridgeport’s Dominican Parade and Festival (Aug. 2) will spotlight Puerto Plata and Taíno heritage with music, food, and traditional characters. Diaspora Pride: Abinader welcomed 30 Dominican students abroad for ODEX 2026, mixing academic recognition with cultural visits. Lifestyle Moment: Cardi B shared that three of her children are vacationing in the Dominican countryside, encouraging families to give kids simpler, nature-filled experiences.

Education Reform: President Luis Abinader says education is entering a new stage after the National Consultation for the Transformation of Education, aiming to build skills for AI, automation, and the future of work. School Calendar: Minerd confirms the 2026-2027 school year starts Aug. 24 nationwide, rejecting rumors of a September delay. Migration & Accountability: The DGM opened an internal probe after a viral video showed immigration agents transporting a Haitian migrant on a motorcycle in San Juan de la Maguana, raising questions about safety protocols. Sports Tourism: Asonahores frames the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games as a major tourism boost, with thousands of visitors expected to lift hotels, food, transport, and entertainment. Culture & Community: Dominican documentary “BORU” keeps racking up international wins, including Best Documentary at the LA Docs International Film Festival 2026. Tech Training: MESCYT signed a deal with Casio to expand teacher and student training in AI, robotics, and emerging tech. Local Road Safety: Intrant graduated 58 new “Guardianes del Tránsito” driver-education trainees to strengthen responsible mobility across the country.

Education & AI Push: President Luis Abinader says education is entering a new transformation stage after the National Consultation, stressing reading, writing, math, science plus critical thinking and creativity to prepare youth for AI and automation. School Calendar: Minerd confirms the 2026-2027 school year starts nationwide on August 24, with preparations underway for more than two million students. Migration & Enforcement Scrutiny: The General Directorate of Migration is investigating agents after a viral video showed a Haitian migrant being transported on a motorcycle in San Juan de la Maguana, raising questions about protocol and road safety. Diaspora Spotlight: Abinader welcomed 30 top Dominican students abroad under ODEX 2026, encouraging them to stay connected to the country through cultural visits and institutional tours. Sports Diplomacy: Cuba boosts its Santo Domingo 2026 delegation with new athletes, coaches, and medical personnel arriving to strengthen medal hopes. Culture & Faith: Abinader inaugurated a major evangelical church in Santo Domingo Norte, publicly crediting daily prayer as his source of strength in governing. Real Estate & Community: eXp Realty announced its first Spanish-language eXpcon in Latin America, with the Dominican Republic listed among its CALA markets.