AGP Executive Report

UNICEF & Online Safety: UNICEF warns that 1 in 5 youths ages 12–17 have faced online sexual abuse, spotlighting how social platforms can endanger young people. Education Research: ISFODOSU and IESED-Chile teamed up to train educators in academic scientific writing, aiming to raise research quality and influence classroom practice. Youth Reading Challenge: The Ministry of Youth launched “Youth Out Loud,” with five young Dominicans attempting a Guinness World Record for 20 days of continuous team reading aloud, broadcast live and supported by schools nationwide. Local Culture & Heritage: Bible societies across the Dominican Republic mark Bible Month with festivals, exhibitions, and major anniversaries. Community Security: A Joint Task Force rescued 14 minors in Haina and arrested 13 people after allegations of forced labor and abuse, while authorities expand preventive patrols. Museums & Heritage: The new Director General of Museums, Joan Ferrer, was sworn in with a plan to modernize museum management and broaden public access. Cultural Tourism & Food: Dominican Restaurant Week 2026 kicks off National Gastronomy Month, expanding to Puerto Plata and Jarabacoa with 200+ participating spots. Fashion Philanthropy: Oko Lifestyle links shoppers in Florida with work opportunities for women in the Dominican Republic to help break generational poverty. Policy Debate: A bill proposes mandatory military service for Dominicans ages 18–35, using registration and a lottery system.

Women & Mental Health: Influential Women spotlighted Brenda Tenison as founder of Bbright, and also profiled Yudelka Columna, a multi-awarded Dominican social worker pushing culturally sensitive mental health care. Human Rights & Policy: Dominican feminist, labor, and community groups urged the government to reject the Geneva Consensus Declaration amid renewed U.S. pressure, arguing it clashes with constitutional and women’s and children’s rights. Child Protection Transparency: A father in Santiago says he’s still waiting for autopsy results a year after his baby died in an ASFL custody case, calling out negligence and lack of transparency in the child protection system. Security & Forced Labor Probe: A Joint Task Force reported rescuing 14 minors in Haina and arresting 13 people after allegations of forced labor and abuse, with more preventive surveillance planned. Culture & Tourism: Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana opened as an adults-only, experience-led all-inclusive; and Dominican Restaurant Week 2026 kicks off National Gastronomy Month with a multi-city culinary tour. Tech & Aviation: Dominican AI aviation initiative SARA won Most Disruptive Award at Women in Tech LATAM 2026.

Child Protection Accountability: A father in Santiago says he’s still waiting—ten months later—for official autopsy results after his baby died in an ASFL child-care facility, raising fresh questions about transparency and negligence in the Dominican child protection system. LGBTQ+ Rights: A trans couple, Jayden Resto Holguín and Regina Balaguer de Resto, legally formalized their marriage before the Central Electoral Board (JCE), calling it a milestone for visibility and recognition of trans rights. Culture & Museums: Joan Ferrer was sworn in as Director General of Museums, outlining a six-pillar plan to modernize heritage care, expand access with technology, and strengthen museum management nationwide. Tech for Aviation: Dominican AI aviation initiative SARA won a Women in Tech LATAM 2026 Most Disruptive Award, aiming to support aviation professionals with faster, traceable decision support. Tourism & Lifestyle: Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana opened as an adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a flexible “flow, discovery, presence” experience—plus new direct-booking golf trip options from Villa Espada at Punta Espada. Community & Education: The government delivered 186 initial classrooms nationwide for 6,500+ students, while a joint task force rescued 14 minors in Haina and arrested 13 in a forced-labor investigation.

Gastronomy & Tourism: Dominican Restaurant Week 2026 kicks off National Gastronomy Month in September, with the culinary tour expanding into Puerto Plata and Jarabacoa and featuring 200+ participating spots nationwide. Museums & Culture: Joan Ferrer was sworn in as Director General of Museums, with a six-pillar plan focused on heritage preservation, wider access, tech upgrades, and stronger museum management. Tech & Women in STEM: Dominican AI aviation initiative SARA (System for Aviation With Real-time AI) won Most Disruptive Award at Women in Tech LATAM 2026, aiming to support aviation professionals with faster, traceable decision support. Hospitality & Lifestyle: Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana officially opens as the brand’s first Dominican property—adults-only, all-inclusive, and built around a flexible “Flow, Discovery, Presence” experience. Literature: The Santo Domingo International Book Fair (FILSD 2026) runs Sept. 24–Oct. 4, with Panama as Guest Country of Honor and 600+ events planned. Housing: MIVED says 1,600–2,000 homes are targeted for delivery in Sept–Dec, alongside new groundwork for about 2,600 more. Education: The School Infrastructure Directorate delivered 186 initial classrooms for 6,500+ students under the “Aulas 24/7-365” plan. Community & Arts: Salsa at Kinsmen Park returns after a popular first event, bringing people together through dance and live cultural programming. LGBTQ+ Rights: A trans man and trans woman legally formalized their marriage before the JCE, described as a first publicly registered trans-to-trans marriage in the country. Sports & Culture: Festival Presidente returns Dec. 11–12, revamped into an immersive multi-stage experience at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium.

Trans Rights Milestone: A trans man and trans woman, Jayden Resto Holguín and Regina Balaguer de Resto, legally formalized their marriage before the JCE—calling it a first-of-its-kind precedent for trans couples in the Dominican Republic. Education Access: The Ministry of Education’s School Infrastructure Directorate delivered 186 initial classrooms across the National District and 25 provinces, benefiting 6,500+ students under the “Aulas 24/7-365” plan with over RD$800 million invested. Culture & Community: Este Festival 2026 opened in Higüey, spotlighting Eastern Dominican culture, art, and gastronomy across six provinces, with performances and a tribute to artisan Genaro Reyes “Cayuco.” Tourism & Lifestyle: Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana opened as a new adults-only, all-inclusive resort with 467 rooms, multiple dining options, and wellness plus cultural programming. Bilateral Spotlight: President Luis Abinader and Honduras’ Nasry Asfura agreed to deepen cooperation on trade, security, tourism, culture, agriculture, migration, and sports. Weather Watch: INDOMET reports a tropical wave (remnants of Dolly) bringing scattered showers and possible thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and evening.

Bilateral Spotlight: President Luis Abinader hosted Honduras President Nasry Asfura Zablah, signing a new agreement to boost cooperation on trade, security, tourism, health, agriculture, migration and sports. Public Health Watch: UNICEF says 68.2% of births in the Dominican Republic happen via cesarean section—especially in the private sector—urging a review of obstetric practices and stressing surgery should be used when medically justified. Weather & Safety: INDOMET reports a tropical wave (remnants of Dolly) bringing scattered showers, possible thunderstorms and gusts, with heavier rain expected across parts of the east, northeast and Greater Santo Domingo. Culture & Identity: Higüey’s Este Festival 2026 opened with performances and a focus on eastern Dominican culture, art and gastronomy, with events running Aug. 28–30. Migration Tensions: A Moca march by the Antigua Orden movement protests “Haitianization,” demanding tougher action on irregular migration. Regional Context: The U.N. reports nearly 200,000 forced deportees returned to Haiti in the first eight months of the year, amid ongoing gang violence and concerns about arms flows through the DR border.

Immigration & Community Tensions: Border czar Tom Homan defended deportations of Haitians after TPS was revoked, telling CNN he “doesn’t know the conditions in Haiti” even as the U.S. State Department warns against travel amid gang violence; meanwhile in Moca, the Antigua Orden movement marched against “Haitianization,” demanding tougher action on irregular migration. Maternal Health: UNICEF says 68.2% of births in the Dominican Republic happen via cesarean section—especially in the private sector (89%)—and urges a review of obstetric practices given higher-than-global rates. Weather Watch: INDOMET reports a tropical wave (remnants of Dolly) bringing scattered showers, possible thunderstorms, and gusts, with rain likely to increase across multiple provinces including Greater Santo Domingo and the northeast/southeast coasts. Culture & Identity: Este Festival 2026 opened in Higüey, spotlighting eastern Dominican art, traditions, and gastronomy across six provinces, with events running Aug. 28–30 at UASD. Sports & Youth: Venezuela beat the Dominican Republic 6-3 to win the Pan American Children’s Baseball title again in Santo Domingo. Local Life: A Catholic church in the DR community spotlighted a viral feel-good moment as a dog named Simon joined intercessory prayers.

Congress & Community Activism: Darializa Ávila Chevalier, a Dominican-American Muslim and education advocate, is profiled for her school-supply outreach in the Bronx as she aims for a historic seat in Washington. Public Health & Daily Life: A practical guide explains how healthcare works in the Dominican Republic—from choosing hospitals and finding specialists to prescriptions and what to do after hours. Weather Watch: INDOMET reports a tropical wave bringing scattered downpours and isolated thunderstorms this Saturday, with heat staying intense across Greater Santo Domingo and several provinces. Culture in the East: Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo inaugurated Este Festival 2026 in Higüey, spotlighting eastern Dominican art, identity, and gastronomy across six provinces. Education & Equity Legacy: Remembering Ruth Rodriguez Fay, a Dominican-born community activist who spent decades pushing for fair, multilingual education and racial equity in Worcester. Tourism & Local Safety: Puerto Plata launches “Tourism Close to You,” aiming to strengthen destination organization and sustainability with community and business partners. Sports & Youth: Venezuela repeats as Pan American Children’s Baseball champions, beating the Dominican Republic 6-3 in Santo Domingo. International Arts & Diplomacy: The U.S. State Department removed a “woke” Kehinde Wiley painting from its Santo Domingo embassy and says it wants to sell it—sparking debate over art, politics, and cultural diplomacy.

Weather Watch: INDOMET says a tropical wave will bring scattered downpours and isolated thunderstorms this afternoon into early night, with hot conditions (heat index) across Greater Santo Domingo and several provinces, while Tropical Storm Dolly remains under surveillance. Public Health & Daily Life: A new Expats’ Corner guide breaks down how healthcare works in the Dominican Republic—how to choose a hospital, find doctors and specialists, handle prescriptions, and what to do after hours. Culture Spotlight: Minister of Culture Roberto Ángel Salcedo inaugurated Este Festival 2026 in Higüey, celebrating eastern Dominican art, traditions, and gastronomy across six provinces. Tourism & Community: Puerto Plata’s “Tourism Close to You” program was launched to strengthen destination safety, sustainability, and organization by bringing together local tourism stakeholders. Sports & Youth: Venezuela beat the Dominican Republic 6-3 to win the Pan American Children’s Baseball title again in the 11–12 age category. Regional Context: Haiti reported nearly 200,000 forced deportees in eight months after a deadly gang attack, with UNICEF also noting the release of women and children held in a mass kidnapping. Arts & Diplomacy: The U.S. State Department removed a Kehinde Wiley painting from the Santo Domingo embassy wall and is exploring selling it after “woke” criticism.

Culture & Identity: Minister of Culture Roberto Ángel Salcedo inaugurated Este Festival 2026 in Higüey (Aug. 28–30), spotlighting eastern provinces’ art, traditions, heritage, and gastronomy, with performances and a tribute to artisan Genaro “Cayuco” Reyes. Community & Education: Remembering Ruth Rodriguez Fay, a Dominican-born educator and community activist who spent decades pushing for equity in education and multilingual learning. Tourism & Local Life: The Tourism Ministry launched “Tourism Close to You” in Puerto Plata, aiming to strengthen destination safety, sustainability, and organization by involving communities and local tourism workers. Sports (Youth): Venezuela defended its title in the Pan American Children’s Baseball Tournament (11–12), beating the Dominican Republic 6–3 in Santo Domingo. Arts & Diplomacy: The U.S. State Department removed a Kehinde Wiley embassy painting in Santo Domingo and is exploring whether it can be sold after officials criticized it as “woke.” Transport Policy: G12 presented proposals to modernize Dominican public transportation, including safer roads, better schedules, and expanded school transport.

Haiti Crisis & DR Border Links: The UN says nearly 200,000 people have been forcibly returned to Haiti in the first eight months of 2026, after a deadly gang attack near Port-au-Prince; the UN warns illegal arms flow is worsening the conflict, with many guns reportedly trafficked through the land border with the Dominican Republic. Public Life & Mobility: G12 presented proposals to modernize Dominican transportation, including staggered school/work schedules, safer road enforcement across all municipalities, and limits on heavy vehicles during peak hours. Tourism & Community Safety: Puerto Plata’s Tourism Ministry launched “Tourism Close to You,” aiming to strengthen destination organization and safety with local stakeholders. Culture in the East: Este Festival 2026 opens in Higüey (Aug. 28–30), spotlighting eastern provinces’ traditions and gastronomy. Sports (Youth): Venezuela won the Pan American Children’s Baseball title again, beating the Dominican Republic 6–3 in Santo Domingo. Arts & Diplomacy: The U.S. State Department removed a Kehinde Wiley painting from its Santo Domingo embassy, and is exploring whether it can be sold after officials criticized it as “woke.” Data & Policy: ONE unveiled the National Statistical Plan 2025–2028 to close major data gaps and improve how public policy is guided by reliable numbers.

Tourism & Community: Tourism Minister David Collado launched “Tourism Close to You” in Puerto Plata, aiming to strengthen destination safety, sustainability, and organization by bringing together local authorities, hotels, guides, transport providers, health services, and artisans. Culture & Sports Diplomacy: Latino NBA players are reshaping global basketball culture, with NBA rosters hitting a record for international talent—spotlighting how identity and style travel beyond the court. Arts & Politics: A Kehinde Wiley painting commissioned for the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo—“Young Artists After Siamesas 1960”—was removed and is now being considered for sale after officials labeled it “woke.” LGBTQ+ Rights: LGBT+ groups asked the Dominican Constitutional Court to clarify protections in the new Penal Code, arguing sexual orientation should be explicitly included to prevent discrimination gaps. Baseball Governance: The Executive approved new regulations for professional and recreational baseball, including safeguards for minors and a national registry to improve oversight. Diaspora Music: Brooklyn’s Dominican Night at the Bandshell (Aug. 29) brings bachata, dembow, and DJs to Prospect Park, celebrating Dominican diaspora culture. Independence Vibes: Independence Day celebrations are rolling across the region, with community pride and cultural events in the spotlight.

U.S.-Dominican cultural diplomacy under fire: The Trump administration removed a Kehinde Wiley painting commissioned for the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo (“Young Artists After Siamesas 1960”) and is weighing a sale, after officials branded it “woke,” sparking fresh debate over art, identity, and politics. LGBTQ+ legal push: LGBT+ groups asked the Dominican Constitutional Court to fix what they call an omission in the new Penal Code’s anti-discrimination protections, arguing sexual orientation isn’t explicitly covered. Sports governance: The Executive approved new regulations for professional and recreational baseball, including tighter oversight, a national registry, and added safeguards for minors. Education & culture: A new School of Fine Arts opened in Mao (Valverde) to expand arts training beyond major cities. Community & diaspora vibes: Brooklyn’s Dominican Night at the Bandshell brings bachata, dembow and more to Prospect Park, celebrating Dominican culture through the diaspora. Visa reality check: The U.S. temporarily paused immigrant visa appointments worldwide, affecting applicants in the Dominican Republic who must follow embassy updates.

Baseball Rules Update: The Dominican Republic approved new executive regulations (Decree No. 601-26) to govern professional and recreational baseball, including a National Baseball System Registry and stronger safeguards for young athletes. Culture & Education: Mao inaugurated a new Daniel A. Colón School of Fine Arts in Valverde, expanding arts training beyond Santo Domingo. Colonial City Revamp: Tourism authorities began restoring Casa Aybar in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City with RD$102.3 million, aiming to turn it into a cultural and tourist hub. Community & Sports: The Dominican Republic also announced it will adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, joining a global effort to tackle hate. Policy & Business: President Abinader said reciprocal tariff talks with the U.S. are a top priority, while deputies defended a gambling regulation bill amid conflict-of-interest questions. Books & Events: FILSD 2026 (Sept. 23–Oct. 4) will bring 70 international writers and 600-plus activities to Santo Domingo.

Art & Culture Clash: The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo removed a Kehinde Wiley painting, with Trump-era officials calling it “woke” and saying they may sell it—sparking fresh debate about politics in public art. Immigration & Visas: The U.S. paused immigrant visa interviews worldwide while training consular staff on new public-charge guidance; reports say the Dominican Republic is among the affected posts. Local Governance & Economy: President Abinader said reciprocal tariff talks with the U.S. are a top priority, stressing free-trade-zone incentives and workforce expansion. Education Progress: UNESCO reports the Dominican Republic hit 93% early childhood education coverage, with big gains in equity—though quality remains a challenge. Public Health: The SNS director launched a maternity-hospital tour with “zero tolerance” for preventable maternal and infant deaths, urging strict protocol follow-through. Sports & Community: The PGA Tour unveiled its 2027 schedule with major Florida-swing changes, while the Caribbean Carnival No. 53 kicks off Saturday. Literature & Culture: FILSD 2026 opens Sept. 23 with 70 international writers and 600-plus activities. Social Media Safety: Dominican authorities promoted StopNCII.org, a tool to help prevent intimate images from being shared without consent.

Early Childhood Education Boost: UNESCO reports the Dominican Republic hit 93% coverage in early childhood education—up from 86% in 2015—showing major progress in access and equity, even as reading and math achievement remain a challenge. Maternal & Infant Care Push: The National Health Service (SNS) director launched a maternity-hospital tour, stressing zero tolerance for preventable maternal and infant deaths and urging strict protocol follow-through. Dengue Prevention Intensifies: The Ministry of Public Health is ramping up “Let’s Beat Dengue” with fumigation, community cleanups, and the “Eliminate, Clean and Cover” message to stop Aedes aegypti breeding. School Year Ready Plan: Abinader and Education Minister De Camps outlined the 2026–2027 school strategy, including RD$1.251B in vouchers, 8 million textbooks/workbooks, classroom delivery targets, and expanded student transportation. Antisemitism Policy Move: Abinader announced the Dominican Republic will adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and plans a first Jewish history and heritage museum. Culture in the East: Miches will host the Este Festival (Aug. 28–30), spotlighting Eastern Dominican arts, crafts, gastronomy, and traditions. Art & Identity in the Spotlight: A Kehinde Wiley painting featuring Dominican models was removed from the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo amid “woke” criticism—sparking fresh debate about culture, politics, and public art. Regional Heritage Discovery: UNESCO, the DR, and Spain say the search for Columbus-era shipwrecks off Puerto Plata enters a decisive phase in 2027 after underwater missions found more than 40 anomalies.