AGP Executive Report

Aviation Safety: A U.S.-registered private jet crashed at La Romana International Airport during an emergency landing attempt, killing both crew members; authorities say there were no passengers and no immediate reports of injuries on the ground, while an investigation is underway. Sargassum & Coastal Impacts: Dense sargassum mats are smothering major beaches, especially around Boca Chica and Guayacanes, piling up on shore and hurting tourism and small beach businesses as the seaweed decomposes and drives visitors away. Flood Risk & Weather Alerts: The COE raised alert levels in 18 provinces plus the National District as Indomet warns of a trough and tropical wave bringing moderate to heavy downpours, thunderstorms, wind gusts, and risks of urban flooding, river overflow, and landslides. Water & Environmental Accountability: On World Environment Day, communities again flagged pollution and contamination concerns tied to the Hatillo Reservoir in Cotuí, calling for remediation and stronger protections. Agriculture & Water Efficiency: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to modernize farming through training, technified irrigation, and more rational water use to cut environmental impacts and improve food security. Wildlife/Health Threats: Reports on the New World screwworm’s spread in the region (including confirmed cases in Texas) highlight the need for vigilance around animal health and movement.

Severe Weather Watch: Indomet and the COE kept multiple provinces on alert as a trough plus a tropical wave brings unstable conditions—downpours, thunderstorms, and wind gusts—raising risks of urban flooding, river overflow, and landslides. Water & Sanitation Priority: President Abinader urged Latin America and the Caribbean to treat water and sanitation as a climate and public-health necessity, pointing to major DR investments like the Verón-Punta Cana project. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand technified irrigation, aiming to use water more rationally and cut environmental impacts. Community Environmental Pressure: On World Environment Day, citizens in Santo Domingo flagged trash as the top environmental problem, citing weak municipal collection and poor public habits. Biodiversity & Resilience: UNESCO approved Aruba’s Biosphere Reserve designation—another reminder of how Caribbean conservation and sustainable development can move together. Coolcation Demand: A new Americas coolcation ranking highlights growing travel interest in cooler, nature-focused destinations, with the Dominican Republic included. Public Health Update: The Ministry of Public Health reported strong control of priority diseases, with dengue cases at 111 cumulative and malaria sharply down versus last year.

Heavy Rain Watch: The Dominican Republic’s COE raised green alerts in 18 provinces plus the National District as a trough and tropical wave bring heavy showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, with warnings about river flooding, landslides in vulnerable areas, and unsafe conditions for small boats. Water & Sanitation Priority: President Luis Abinader urged Latin American and Caribbean leaders to treat water and sanitation as a top development goal, citing public health, environmental sustainability, tourism protection, and climate resilience—while pointing to major DR investments in coastal and tourist wastewater systems. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand technified irrigation, aiming for more efficient water use, higher productivity, and lower environmental impacts. Trash as Top Concern: On World Environment Day, citizens in Santo Domingo flagged solid waste as the country’s biggest environmental problem, blaming both municipal collection gaps and low public awareness. Coolcation Demand: A new Americas-and-Caribbean “coolcation” ranking put the Dominican Republic among top cooler-escape picks for 2026, reflecting how extreme heat and climate shifts are reshaping travel choices. Saharan Dust Monitoring: Scientists warn more Saharan dust could keep moving across the Caribbean and beyond, with potential haze and air-quality impacts.

COE Flood Watch: Dominican authorities raised alert levels in 18 provinces (plus the National District) as a trough and tropical wave set up heavy rains, thunderstorms, river overflow risk, and possible landslides—officials urged people to avoid swollen waterways and stay tuned to bulletins. Water & Sanitation Push: President Abinader called for water and sanitation to be a regional priority, citing public health, environmental sustainability, tourism, and climate resilience, while pointing to major coastal water and sewer investments. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand technified irrigation, aiming to use water more rationally and cut environmental impacts. World Environment Day—Trash Spotlight: Citizens in Santo Domingo flagged solid waste as the top environmental problem, blaming weak municipal collection and low public awareness. Hatillo Reservoir Concern: Communities again raised alarms over pollution and degradation around the Hatillo Reservoir in Cotuí, demanding stronger protections. Regional Climate Risk Finance: Saint Lucia launched a Coral Reef Response System to speed damage assessment and recovery after storms, tying reef protection to insurance and preparedness. Saharan Dust Monitoring: Dust is expected to keep moving across the Caribbean and could reach farther north, with health and air-quality concerns for the region.

Heavy Rain Watch: The COE raised alert levels in 18 provinces plus the National District as a trough and tropical-wave remnants set up heavy rains, thunderstorms, river overflow risk, and possible landslides; authorities urged people to avoid swollen waterways and risky swimming spots. Green Alert Update: A separate COE notice extended a green alert for seven provinces and the National District, again pointing to moderate to locally heavy showers and precautions against flash flooding. Water & Sanitation Push: President Abinader called for water and sanitation to be a regional priority at Latinosan 2026, linking clean water to public health, environmental sustainability, tourism, and climate resilience. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand technified irrigation, emphasizing more rational water use and lower environmental impacts. World Environment Day Voices: In Santo Domingo, residents said trash is the top environmental problem, blaming weak municipal collection and lack of public awareness. Saharan Dust Monitoring: Scientists and forecasters tracked Saharan dust moving across the Caribbean and warned more dust may continue, with potential haze and air-quality concerns. Hatillo Reservoir Alarm: Communities renewed calls for action over contamination risks at the Hatillo Reservoir, citing sediment buildup and weak maintenance as threats to health and livelihoods. New World Screwworm Risk: U.S. reports confirmed New World screwworm in South Texas; since the parasite is endemic in the Dominican Republic and the region, the news highlights the need for vigilance around animal health and wound care.

Visa & tourism ties: Curaçao’s economic development minister met Dominican Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Álvarez and signed an agreement aimed at removing the visa requirement for Dominican visitors—an expected boost for tourism, trade, and connectivity. Water & sanitation push: President Luis Abinader urged Latin America and the Caribbean to treat water and sanitation as a top development priority, citing public health, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience; the push aligns with major Dominican investments in coastal and tourist-city sanitation. Climate finance for Punta Cana: The Dominican Senate approved US$600M in financing—US$200M for climate action policy support and US$400M via IDB/INAPA for the Punta Cana-Bávaro sanitation and wastewater reuse program to protect aquifers and expand safe water. Sargassum response in Boca Chica: Tourism authorities delivered 42 heavy-equipment units (trucks, tractors, beach sweepers) to strengthen cleanup of sargassum-choked beaches. Public health & climate link: The Ministry of Public Health reported dengue and malaria trends, with leptospirosis cases tied to climatic conditions, underscoring how weather affects disease risk. Urban trees under pressure: Experts warned Santo Domingo’s unplanned urban forestry has left toxic, invasive, and unstable trees, calling for a technical tree-management plan. Agriculture & water efficiency: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand irrigation technologies to cut environmental impacts and improve food security. Energy upgrades: Edesur Dominicana began importing six new transformers from China (RD$469.8M) to improve reliability as electricity demand rises. Regional cooperation: Suriname’s president pledged deeper cooperation with the Dominican Republic on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange.

Sargassum Response in Boca Chica: The Ministry of Tourism delivered 42 heavy equipment units—30 trucks, six tractors, and six beach sweepers—to boost cleanup capacity as the seaweed season threatens beaches and tourism livelihoods. Water & Sanitation Push in Punta Cana: The Dominican Republic hosted LatinoSan 2026, the first Caribbean stop for the regional sanitation forum, spotlighting safe water, hygiene, and climate-linked resilience for coastal and tourist cities. Climate Resilience Financing: The Senate approved US$600 million for Punta Cana-Bávaro—US$200m for climate action policy support and US$400m via IDB for the next phase of sanitation and wastewater reuse to protect aquifers. Electric Grid Upgrades: Edesur Dominicana began importing six new transformers from China under a RD$469.8m investment to strengthen reliability as demand rises. Urban Trees Under Pressure: Experts warn Santo Domingo’s past tree planting left a legacy of unstable and invasive species, calling for a technical urban tree management plan. Saharan Dust Alert: Indomet says Saharan Air Layer dust is suppressing rainfall and worsening air quality from June 2–7, bringing hotter conditions across the country.

Sargassum Cleanup Boost: The Ministry of Tourism delivered 42 heavy-equipment pieces to Boca Chica—30 trucks, six tractors, and six beach sweepers—to speed up the annual sargassum response and protect tourism and local livelihoods. Climate Resilience & Water: The Dominican Senate approved US$600 million for Punta Cana-Bávaro—US$200 million for climate action support and US$400 million via INAPA for sanitation and wastewater reuse to protect aquifers and expand safe water. Power Grid Upgrade: Edesur Dominicana began importing six new transformers from China under a RD$469.8 million modernization plan to improve reliability as electricity demand rises. Urban Trees Under Pressure: Experts warn Santo Domingo’s unplanned urban forestry has left toxic, invasive, and unstable trees, calling for a technical citywide tree management plan. Water & Sanitation Leadership: Punta Cana hosted LatinoSan 2026, the first Caribbean sanitation conference, spotlighting safe water, hygiene, and resilience, including major coastal and tourist-city water reuse investments. Hurricane Season Watch: Indomet says Saharan dust and dry air are suppressing rainfall early in June, bringing hotter conditions and worse air quality while limiting early tropical development. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand irrigation tech, aiming for more efficient, sustainable farming with less environmental impact.

Sargassum Response: The Ministry of Tourism delivered 42 heavy pieces of equipment to Boca Chica—30 trucks, six tractors, and six beach sweepers—to speed up cleanup and protect the tourism economy as seaweed returns each year. Climate Resilience & Water: The Senate approved US$600 million for Punta Cana-Bávaro—US$200M for climate action support and US$400M via INAPA to expand sanitation and wastewater reuse, aiming to protect the aquifer and improve safe water access. Electric Reliability: Edesur Dominicana began importing six new power transformers from China (RD$469.8M) to modernize the grid and stabilize service as demand rises. Urban Trees: Experts warn Santo Domingo’s unplanned urban forestry has left residents facing toxic, invasive, and unstable trees, calling for a technical citywide tree management plan. Water & Sanitation Forum: Punta Cana hosted LatinoSan 2026, a regional sanitation conference focused on safe water, hygiene, and climate-linked resilience, highlighting major reuse and aqueduct investments. Hurricane Season Watch: Indomet says the 2026 hurricane season starts today with mostly dry, hot conditions as Saharan dust and dry air suppress rainfall, while advising hydration and dust precautions. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand irrigation tech to use water more rationally and cut environmental impacts. Biodiversity & Tourism: Arajet received its 16th aircraft, “Pico Diego de Ocampo,” named for a protected natural monument, reinforcing the push to showcase Dominican nature.

Urban Forestry & Public Safety: Experts warn Santo Domingo’s decades of unplanned tree planting left behind toxic, invasive, and structurally unstable trees, calling for a technical urban tree management plan to make the capital cooler and more resilient. Water & Sanitation Investment: The Dominican Senate approved US$600 million for climate resilience and Punta Cana-Bávaro water and sanitation, including US$200 million for climate action policy support and US$400 million for INAPA’s sanitation and wastewater reuse expansion to protect aquifers and public health. Power Grid Modernization: Edesur Dominicana started importing six new transformers from China in a RD$469.8 million upgrade aimed at improving reliability as electricity demand rises. Saharan Dust Weather Alert: Indomet says Saharan dust and dry air will keep conditions hot and hazy with suppressed rainfall through early June, plus degraded air quality—stay hydrated and limit sun exposure. World Environment Day in Santo Domingo: The National Botanical Garden offers free admission and an “Eco-Walk for a Healthy Environment” with “A Day Without Emissions,” including a motor-vehicle-free park perimeter. Tourism Water Forum: Punta Cana hosted LatinoSan 2026, a sanitation conference focused on safe water, hygiene, and climate-linked resilience, highlighting major aqueduct, sewerage, and water reuse work in Verón-Punta Cana. Bilateral Climate Cooperation: Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons pushed for deeper ties with the Dominican Republic, including renewable energy, sustainable development, and parliamentary exchange, citing shared climate-change vulnerabilities.

World Environment Day in Santo Domingo: The Dr. Rafael M. Moscoso National Botanical Garden is offering free admission and an “Eco-Walk for a Healthy Environment 2026” on 5 June, with no motorized vehicles inside the park to cut emissions and encourage walking. Saharan dust and heat: Indomet says a Saharan Air Layer dust intrusion is bringing hazy skies, degraded air quality, and sharply reduced rainfall across the Dominican Republic from 2–7 June, with hot conditions and health warnings for dust-sensitive residents. Hurricane season starts: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins 1 June, with Indomet expecting mostly dry, sunny weather due to dry air and dust, plus only scattered showers and isolated storms in some regions. Tourism tied to nature: Punta Cana and Bahía de las Águilas earned major travel rankings, spotlighting the country’s beaches and biodiversity—especially Jaragua National Park’s protected ecosystems. Cruise growth: APORDOM reports cruise passenger arrivals rising from about 1.2 million (2022) to 2.7 million (2025), with 32 ship arrivals expected in June. Air connectivity with conservation branding: Arajet received its 16th aircraft, “Pico Diego de Ocampo,” named for a protected natural monument, and plans more flights from Cibao starting in 2027.

Saharan Dust & Heat Advisory: Indomet says the first June Saharan Air Layer dust intrusion is bringing hazy skies, degraded air quality, and sharply suppressed rainfall across the Dominican Republic (2–7 June), with hot conditions and health warnings for dust-sensitive residents. Hurricane Season Kickoff: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season starts today (June 2) with mostly dry, sunny weather expected, as dry air and dust limit early tropical development—though a tropical wave may still trigger scattered morning showers and isolated storms in parts of the country. World Environment Day in Santo Domingo: The Dr. Rafael M. Moscoso National Botanical Garden marks World Environment Day with free admission and an “Eco-Walk for a Healthy Environment 2026,” including a no-motor-vehicles rule to cut emissions inside the park perimeter. Cruise Tourism Growth: APORDOM reports Dominican cruise passenger arrivals rising from about 1.2M (2022) to 2.7M (2025), with 32 ship arrivals expected in June and continued port investment supporting coastal communities. Nature-Linked Aviation Expansion: Arajet received its 16th aircraft, “Pico Diego de Ocampo,” named for a protected natural monument, and says it plans new Santiago operations in 2027. Organic Waste Collaboration: A “Tierra Común” meeting in the wider region highlights how scaling organic waste programs needs clear rules and shared coordination—an issue that matters for Dominican cities facing emissions and landfill pressure.

Hurricane Season Watch: The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) says the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 through Nov. 30, with mostly dry, hot conditions expected thanks to Saharan dust and a dry air mass—though a tropical wave and local systems may still bring scattered morning showers and isolated thunderstorms in parts of the Central Mountain Range and border provinces. Air Connectivity & Nature Protection: Arajet received its 16th aircraft, “Pico Diego de Ocampo,” named for a northern protected area that helps preserve biodiversity and water sources; the airline also plans more Cibao operations starting in 2027. Climate & Food Security Diplomacy: President Abinader and Suriname’s president signed cooperation deals covering tourism, agriculture, trade, education, and regional security, with climate change and food security highlighted. Sustainable Tourism Push: Iberostar and UNDP launched an alliance to make Dominican tourism more climate-resilient and lower emissions, with support for local suppliers and better climate risk management. EU Political Dialogue: The DR and EU held their Fifth Political Dialogue in Brussels, reaffirming cooperation on sustainable development and security, including discussion of Haiti’s crisis. Weather Alerts: Indomet also warned of hazy skies from Saharan dust and advised hydration and dust-sensitive residents to follow health guidance.

Aviation & Nature Protection: Arajet added its 16th aircraft, “Pico Diego de Ocampo,” named for a protected natural monument tied to biodiversity and water in the north—part of a broader fleet push and plans to expand Cibao operations in 2027. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Indomet urged Dominicans to stay informed as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, noting forecasts of slightly below-normal activity but warning that even one storm can be devastating; the institute also launched a “Get Informed on Time” campaign. Weather Watch: Saharan dust and an anticyclonic system are expected to keep conditions hot and hazy, with limited showers and health advice for dust-sensitive residents. Tourism Sustainability: Iberostar and UNDP signed an alliance to make Dominican tourism more resilient and lower emissions, focusing on climate risk management and stronger local supplier practices. Bilateral Cooperation with Environmental Angle: Germany’s “German Week” in Santo Domingo highlighted growing investment and cooperation that includes environmental protection, the circular economy, renewable energy, and rule of law. Haiti Spillover & Regional Stability: The Dominican Government and the UN held a political dialogue on Haiti’s crisis impacts, including border management, security, human rights, and sustainable development.

Tourism & Environment: Iberostar and UNDP signed an alliance to push more sustainable, climate-resilient tourism in the Dominican Republic, targeting decarbonization, better supplier practices, and stronger climate risk management. Hurricane Preparedness: INDOMET urged residents to stay ready as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, noting forecasts of slightly below-normal activity but warning that any storm can still bring major damage. Saharan Dust & Health: INDOMET reported hazy, hot conditions from Saharan dust, with only isolated showers expected; the agency advised hydration, light clothing, and extra care for people sensitive to dust. Local Climate Risk Management: INDOMET and Civil Defense partnered to enhance national risk management, strengthening monitoring and response ahead of the season. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: A Dominican birding/nature experience trend is drawing more visitors—especially younger travelers—seeking local species and guided outdoor learning. Tourism Spotlight: Punta Cana received international travel recognition from Condé Nast Traveller, reinforcing the destination’s appeal as a top tropical getaway.

Hurricane Season Readiness: INDOMET urged Dominicans to stay alert as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, noting forecasts of slightly below-normal activity but warning that even one storm can bring major damage, and launching a “Get Informed on Time with INDOMET” campaign. Saharan Dust Impacts: Meteorologist Jean Suriel reported a second Saharan dust cloud covering about 6,890 km², bringing hazy skies, hotter temperatures, and limited downpours, with higher risks for allergies and respiratory, eye, and skin problems. Tourism Sustainability Push: Iberostar and UNDP signed an alliance to make Dominican tourism more climate-resilient and lower-emissions, including decarbonizing supply chains and strengthening local suppliers and MSMEs. Local Environment Oversight: The Environment Ministry said works on the Haina River are part of environmental recovery, not illegal extraction, after earlier concerns. Regional Aviation Shift: A new interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes highlights a broader Caribbean airline realignment that could reshape connectivity for Dominican travelers. Economy & Energy Pressure: The Central Bank kept its reference rate at 5.25%, citing inflation tied to higher international oil prices and noting medium-term inflation expectations remain anchored.