AGP Executive Report

US Immigration & Courts: A U.S. Supreme Court fight is back in the spotlight after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul pardoned Dominican national Keisy Guerrero Mariano, aiming to block deportation while the case over prolonged detention and bond rights heads higher. Community & Culture: Hispanic Heritage Month programming is spotlighted in the U.S., including events that explicitly name the Dominican Republic among honored countries. Faith & Environment: In Santo Domingo Norte, coadjutor archbishop Carlos Tomás Morel Diplán urged ecological education in schools, calling nature protection an urgent national crisis. Tourism & Diaspora: Arajet and the Dominican tourism ministry wrapped a U.S. campaign using Miami Marlins baseball to promote Dominican culture, gastronomy, and air connectivity. Sports & Giving Back: Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez was nominated for MLB’s Roberto Clemente Award for youth baseball support in Loma de Cabrera and beyond. Weather Watch: Indomet warned of hot, dusty conditions with limited rain and isolated showers, urging extra care for children, pregnant women, and older adults. Education & Tech: “RD Inteligente” AI training is highlighted as part of efforts to scale skills for Dominicans.

Tourism & Culture: Arajet and the Ministry of Tourism wrapped up a U.S. campaign using the Miami Marlins to spotlight Dominican attractions, culture, gastronomy, and air connectivity—aimed at travelers and the Dominican diaspora. Church & Environment: Acting Archbishop Carlos Tomás Morel Diplán urged environmental education in schools and deeper pastoral care for “our common home,” calling out indifference toward natural resources. Weather Watch: Indomet warned of hot, dusty conditions with scarce rainfall and possible isolated showers and thunderstorms in parts of Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces, urging hydration and sun protection. Education & Language Policy: The Dominican Evangelical Alliance responded to falling PISA results by pushing a national education plan, including stronger basic skills, teacher training, and family involvement; separate coverage also points to proposals affecting schooling language and civics. Tech for Citizens: President Abinader’s “RD Inteligente” AI training push continues, with registration details shared for free learning aimed at reaching up to one million Dominicans. Diaspora Lifestyle: Banco BHD held its NYC Real Estate Fair for Dominicans abroad, pairing property listings with financing guidance. Arts Calendar: Puerto Rico’s International Theater Festival announced its 56th program, highlighting Rafael Fuentes and major productions. Community Spotlight: A Dominican Republic–themed festival moment shows how heritage events can help younger generations feel comfortable celebrating their roots.

Tourism & Skills Boost: Turio launches a specialized tourism academy in Santo Domingo, aiming to professionalize talent beyond traditional hotel training with programs in management, operations, tech, innovation, and sustainability. Tech for Citizens: President Abinader rolls out “RD Inteligente,” an AI training push targeting one million Dominicans to build digital skills from scratch. Education Pressure Point: The Dominican Evangelical Alliance calls for a national response to falling PISA results, citing low math/reading/science proficiency and urging limits on cellphone use during school hours. Diaspora Homeownership: Banco BHD hosts its 4th New York Real Estate Fair for Dominicans abroad, connecting buyers with DR projects and financing guidance. Weather Watch: Indomet warns of hot, dusty conditions with Saharan dust and possible isolated showers/thunderstorms in Greater Santo Domingo and nearby provinces, urging extra hydration and sun protection. Culture & Identity: “Julián,” an animated film rooted in Dominican heritage, brings family, identity, and self-expression to the screen ahead of its Sept. 15 showing in the U.S. Community Spotlight: A Dominican educator and public official, Kenia Xiomara Guante Valdez, is profiled for her decades in early childhood education and public service through Inaipi.

AI & Skills Push: President Luis Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” aiming to train 1 million Dominicans in AI literacy through free, beginner-friendly modules via RDinteligente.do—no prior tech knowledge needed. Education & Youth: The Dominican Evangelical Alliance is urging a national response to falling PISA results, calling for limits on cellphone use in schools plus stronger basic skills, teacher training, and family involvement. Tourism Jobs & Training: Turio, a new specialized tourism academy, opened in Santo Domingo to professionalize talent with practical programs spanning management, operations, hospitality, tech, innovation, and sustainability. Diaspora Lifestyle & Money: Banco BHD held its fourth New York Real Estate Fair for Dominicans abroad, pairing property showcases with financing guidance at The Armory Arena in Washington Heights. Culture & Identity: “Julián,” an animated film premiering around Sept. 15, follows a Brooklyn boy exploring his abuela’s Dominican roots and his dream of becoming a mermaid. Human Stories: A report marks 25 years since 9/11, highlighting Caribbean immigrants—including Dominicans—who died or were affected, and keeping their names in the conversation.

AI & Skills for Citizens: President Luis Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” aiming to train 1 million Dominicans in AI literacy via free, beginner-friendly courses through ITLA—no prior tech knowledge needed, with registration at RDinteligente.do. Tourism Careers: Turio, a new specialized tourism academy in Santo Domingo, opened with practical training for a more tech-driven, specialized industry, reaching beyond traditional hotel programs. Diaspora Home-Buying Help: Banco BHD held its fourth New York Real Estate Fair (Sept. 11–13) to connect Dominicans abroad with property options in the DR plus financing guidance. Education Pressure (PISA): The Dominican Evangelical Alliance urged a national response to falling PISA results, including limits on cellphone use during school hours and calls to strengthen basic skills and teacher training. Culture & Identity: “In the Heights” gets a Sept. 15 Latino cinema screening, spotlighting Washington Heights community life and Dominican roots. Music Roots: A look at how the dancehall riddim “dembow” helped shape reggaeton’s global sound. Community Memory: Multiple 9/11 anniversary pieces highlight Caribbean immigrants—including Dominicans—lost in the attacks and largely missing from mainstream remembrance.

Immigration & Human Rights: U.S. authorities sent a fourth deportation flight to Haiti, returning 98 people (including children) and pushing the recent total to 401 since TPS ended, as UN officials and advocates urge the U.S. to halt forced removals amid Haiti’s worsening kidnappings and gang violence. Tech & Education: President Luis Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” aiming to train one million Dominicans in AI literacy through free, beginner-friendly courses via RDinteligente.do—no prior tech knowledge needed. Tourism & Jobs: Turio, a new specialized tourism academy in Santo Domingo, opened with practical training for a more diverse, technological tourism industry, covering management, operations, hospitality, distribution, and innovation. Diaspora & Finance: Banco BHD held its fourth New York Real Estate Fair for Dominicans abroad, connecting buyers with Dominican projects and financing guidance. Education Policy: The Dominican Evangelical Alliance called for a national response to low PISA results, including limits on cellphone use during school hours, after math/reading/science proficiency lagged. Culture & Identity: “Julián,” an animated film rooted in Dominican heritage and Brooklyn family life, premiered with themes of identity, self-expression, and belonging.

Education & Youth Skills: The Dominican Evangelical Alliance (AEDO) is calling for a national response to PISA 2025 results, urging limits on cellphone use during school hours and pushing for stronger basic skills, teacher training, and more family involvement after the country saw low proficiency levels in math, reading, and science. Tech & Digital Inclusion: President Luis Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” an AI literacy program meant to train one million Dominicans in practical AI and digital skills—aimed at students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, public servants, teachers, and even parents. Tourism Jobs & Training: Turio, a new specialized tourism academy, opened in Santo Domingo to professionalize talent beyond hotel training, with programs spanning tourism management, operations, hospitality, tech, innovation, and sustainability. Diaspora & Real Estate: Banco BHD held its fourth New York Real Estate Fair for Dominicans abroad, connecting buyers with projects across the country and offering financing guidance. Culture & Identity: “Julián,” an animated film inspired by a Dominican heritage story, explores identity, family, and self-expression through a colorful Brooklyn-to-Dominican Republic journey. Community & Faith: Bishop Manuel Rodríguez met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican during a weeklong training for newly appointed bishops, sharing a message about communion and service.

Tech & Education: President Luis Abinader launched “RD Inteligente,” an AI literacy push led by ITLA to train 1 million Dominicans and boost digital skills beyond just programmers, targeting students, workers, entrepreneurs, public servants, teachers, and the general public. STEM & Industry: Abinader also backed PUCMM’s semiconductor lab plan after the university developed the country’s first microchip, aiming to build higher-value tech jobs with international partners supporting design, manufacturing, and training. Youth Opportunities: Humano Seguros rolled out “Excelencia Humano,” offering 20 scholarships with mentoring, internships, and university partnerships across INTEC, UNAPEC, PUCMM, UNIBE, and UNPHU. Culture & Film: INDEX opened registration for its “Footprints of My Quisqueya” short film contest, inviting the Dominican diaspora to share identity and stories tied to the DR, with a Nov. 9 deadline. Public Life: Vice President Raquel Peña marked her 60th birthday, with official congratulations highlighting her academic and public service career.

Education & Tech Boost: President Luis Abinader backed PUCMM’s push for a shared Dominican semiconductor lab after the university’s first microchip, with international partners and a new chip in the works for AI hardware. Youth Opportunities: Humano Seguros launched “Excelencia Humano,” offering 20 scholarships plus mentoring and internships with Dominican universities like INTEC, UNAPEC, PUCMM, UNIBE and UNPHU. Aviation Workforce: MESCyT and Arajet teamed up to train and certify the next generation of Dominican aviation professionals through programs and scholarships. Culture & Identity: INDEX opened registration for its “Footprints of My Quisqueya” short film contest, inviting the Dominican diaspora to share stories of identity and connection to the island. Community & Faith: Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt joined an interfaith national day of prayer and thanksgiving in Santo Domingo, highlighting religious freedom and unity. Local Civic Spotlight: Vice President Raquel Peña marked her 60th birthday, with public tributes to her academic and public service career.

Vice President Raquel Peña Turns 60: Dominican VP Raquel Peña marked her 60th birthday on Sept. 10, with government and public figures celebrating her career in academia, business, and public service. Aviation Workforce Push: MESCyT teamed up with Arajet to train and certify the next generation of Dominican aviation workers, from pilots to maintenance and cabin crew, with scholarships and university partnerships. Tech Education Boost: AWS launched “Entrena República Dominicana,” offering 50,000 free scholarships in AI and cloud computing through 2028, aiming to grow local digital talent. Miss World Spotlight: Joheirry Mola Domínguez won Miss World 2026, bringing the crown back to the DR after 44 years; Nikita Porwal’s emotional post followed her Top 40 exit. Education & Language Debate: The Chamber of Deputies approved mandatory Morality and Civics education, while a new bill would require Creole (plus English and French) in schools—sparking opposition. Online Safety Alarm: UNICEF-backed research reports about 272,000 Dominican teens faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, with many saying they felt unsafe online. Culture & Sport: A new look at Dominican baseball highlights how early deals and predatory practices can trap young players and families.

Miss World Spotlight: Joheirry Mola Dominguez, a 24-year-old Dominican teacher and journalist, won Miss World 2026, bringing the crown back to the DR for the first time in 44 years. Education Watch: New PISA 2025 results show reading and math declines to record lows across the OECD, while the Dominican Teachers Association says the DR has inched forward but still lags and needs deeper system fixes. Tech & Safety: UNICEF and partners report 272,000 Dominican teens (about 23%) faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse or exploitation in the past year, with WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram flagged most often. Local Culture & Language: A bill would make Morality and Civics mandatory nationwide, and another proposal would require Creole, English and French in schools—sparking debate over identity, resources, and implementation. Migration & Community: The U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 51 Dominican and Haitian migrants to the DR after an interception near Puerto Rico’s Mona Passage. Skills for Tourism: MESCyT will add 4,000 English scholarships for tourism workers, aiming to boost employability and service quality.

Garbage Protest in La Cuaba: Residents of La Cuaba, Pedro Brand, have kept up around-the-clock demonstrations against a planned commercial landfill, saying authorities blocked a peaceful march and construction crews. Traffic Enforcement Push: Civic and legal activist Julio César de la Rosa Tiburcio has served a summons to the new Intrant director, demanding enforcement of rules limiting heavy freight trucks on national highways. Online Sexual Abuse Alarm: A UNICEF-backed study reports about 272,000 Dominican teens (12–17) faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in the past year, with many saying they felt unsafe online. Education Spotlight via PISA 2025: Dominican students show gains in science and equity versus 2018, but results still flag major reading and math gaps, keeping education under intense public scrutiny. Civics in Schools: The Chamber of Deputies approved making Morality and Civics mandatory in pre-university education, pending Senate action. Earthquake Preparedness: A national drill mobilized 3.2 million people across 12,500 institutions, while Intrant reported a fast evacuation during the exercise. Tourism & Skills: MESCyT will fund 4,000 additional English scholarships for tourism workers, and Samaná launched a new bilingual “Go Samaná” guide for 2026–2027. Culture & Pride: Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic won Miss World 2026, with pageant coverage continuing to ripple through the region.

Education Watch: New PISA 2025 results put the Dominican Republic back near the bottom, with 346 points in reading and 339 in math, and major gaps in basic proficiency—about 91% of students not reaching the math baseline. Tourism Skills Boost: MESCyT will fund 4,000 additional English scholarships for tourism workers, with fast uptake and a push for leadership training in hotels. Earthquake Preparedness: A national drill mobilized 3.2 million people across 12,500+ institutions, while Intrant evacuated its facilities in 1:35 during the exercise. Culture & Arts: The Dominican Conservatory of Music signed a cooperation agreement with the Cleveland Institute of Music to expand training and exchange programs. Travel & Lifestyle: Air Canada launches seasonal non-stop Montreal–Santo Domingo service, and Samaná’s tourism cluster released the new bilingual Go Samaná guide for 2026–2027. Global Spotlight: Miss World 2026 crowned Dominican educator Joheirry Mola, while the Miss World Oceania title went to Cook Islands’ Tiare Henry-Anguna.

Dementia Care Breakthrough (DR): A two-year LatAm-FINGERS trial found structured, hands-on coaching improved cognition 55% more than general health advice, with Dominican Republic among the study sites. Urban Life & Climate: UNPHU researchers say keeping mahogany trees in Santo Domingo can cool radiant temperatures and make walking more comfortable, contrasting with hotter conditions after tree replacements. Faith in Public Life: President Luis Abinader led a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at the National Palace, bringing together multiple Christian denominations and urging service and solidarity. Culture & Music Education: The Dominican Ministry of Culture signed a cooperation deal with the Cleveland Institute of Music to expand training and create new pathways for Dominican musicians. DR–Haiti Relations (Lifestyle angle): The Dominican Center for Strategic Thinking plans the country’s first large socioeconomic study on Dominican-Haitian relations, using a 4,000-person survey and official data on visas, border spending, and students. Beauty & Representation: Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026, spotlighting her work as an educator and community advocate. Family & Rights: A Dominican mother in Spain seeks help to reunite with her minor daughter after nine years without contact, citing Dominican and Spanish legal steps.

National Unity & Faith: President Luis Abinader led a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving at the National Palace, calling Dominicans to turn faith into service, solidarity, and action for families facing illness and hardship. Miss World Spotlight: Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Vietnam, celebrated as an educator and community advocate behind Voices of Tomorrow, pushing English access for youth in vulnerable communities. Culture & Arts Education: The Dominican Ministry of Culture signed a cooperation agreement with the Cleveland Institute of Music to expand training for students and faculty and create new pathways for Dominican musicians. Immigration & Border Reality: Dominican immigration inspectors detained 38 Haitians during raids on food establishments in Greater Santo Domingo, while the Dominican Republic also began building a 14.5-kilometre border fence section with Haiti to curb smuggling. Green Card Lottery Update: The U.S. DV-2026 Diversity Visa excludes 20 countries, including the Dominican Republic, with the rule tied to recent immigration levels to the U.S. Economy Watch: August inflation in the Dominican Republic eased to 5.13% year-on-year, with education-related costs among key drivers.

Miss World Spotlight: Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic won Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, tying her crown to her “Beauty With a Purpose” mission: bringing English education to children in vulnerable communities. Culture & Faith in Public Life: U.S. Ambassador Leah Campos praised the Dominican Republic’s Christian identity, saying Dominicans protect their religious and cultural values despite outside pressure. Border & Migration: The Dominican Republic has started building a 14.5-kilometre border fence with Haiti to curb smuggling, with 13-foot height, watchtowers, and patrol lanes planned. Immigration Enforcement: Authorities detained 38 Haitians during raids at 12 food establishments in Greater Santo Domingo, targeting irregular immigration status. Public Safety & Kids Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse, including in the Dominican Republic. Economy Watch: August inflation in the DR eased to 5.13% year-on-year, with education costs among the biggest drivers. Weather: Indomet warns of heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and hot conditions across several provinces through Tuesday.