AGP Executive Report

Weather & Risk Alerts: The COE expanded yellow alerts to 11 provinces plus the National District as heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong gusts and possible hail are expected, urging people to avoid rivers and ravines and skip bathing in affected areas. Coastal Sanitation & Flood Protection: President Abinader unveiled a RD$20B+ Boca Chica transformation, with Inapa leading over RD$11B for sanitation and environmental works aimed at protecting the beach and improving groundwater. River Recovery Clarification: The Environment Ministry says Haina River work in Manoguayabo is part of an official recovery and sanitation emergency, including bank stabilization and cleanup to cut flood risk. Early Warning Upgrade: Civil Defense and INDOMET signed an agreement to install meteorological stations at Civil Defense sites to strengthen real-time monitoring and faster disaster decisions. Biodiversity Restoration Spotlight: Eco-Bahia Foundation showcased its Cayo Levantado restoration at an international botanical congress, highlighting native plant recovery and sustainable tourism. Energy Transition Push: Dominican Republic preparations continue for XI Energy Week 2026 in Santo Domingo, focused on renewables, energy security and sustainability. Local Nature Jobs: A feature highlights how protected areas and ecotourism support conservation work and community livelihoods across the Dominican Republic. Aviation Safety Concern: Reports warn that many tall buildings and towers in Greater Santo Domingo lack required night beacons, creating hazards for low-visibility flights.

Early Warning Upgrade: Civil Defense and INDOMET signed an agreement to install thermopluviometric meteorological stations at Civil Defense sites, boosting real-time monitoring and faster alerts for hurricanes, storms, and flooding. River Recovery Clarification: The Environment Ministry says Haina River works in Manoguayabo are part of an official recovery and sanitation emergency (not illegal extraction), targeting sediment buildup, erosion, and drainage problems, including bank stabilization using recycled-tire gabions. Coastal Transformation Push: President Abinader announced a RD$20B+ Boca Chica transformation with major sanitation and environmental infrastructure led by INAPA, including a new sewer system, wastewater treatment, and a submarine outfall to protect the beach and groundwater. Weather Alert Update: COE expanded to yellow alert for 11 provinces plus the National District due to heavy rains, thunderstorms, strong gusts, and possible hail, urging people to avoid rivers and ravines. Biodiversity & Restoration: Eco-Bahia Foundation showcased its Cayo Levantado restoration at an international botanical congress, highlighting native plant recovery and more sustainable tourism. Energy Week Prep: The Dominican Republic is accelerating preparations for XI Energy Week 2026 in Santo Domingo, focusing on energy transition, sustainability, and security. Aviation Safety Concern: Reports warn many high-rises and towers in Greater Santo Domingo lack required nighttime beacons, creating risks for low-visibility flights.

Weather Alerts: The COE expanded yellow alerts to 11 provinces plus the National District due to heavy rains, thunderstorms, strong gusts and possible hail, while keeping green alerts in several other areas; authorities urged people to avoid rivers and ravines during high water. Coastal Transformation & Sanitation: President Abinader announced a Boca Chica overhaul backed by over RD$20 billion, including major sanitation works led by INAPA (new sewer system, wastewater treatment and a submarine outfall) to protect the coast near Las Américas. Road Expansion Land Use: Government declared land of public utility for Las Américas Highway expansion, with MOPC overseeing compensation and possible expropriation if owners don’t agree. River Recovery Clarification: The Environment Ministry said Haina River works in Manoguayabo are part of an environmental recovery and sanitation emergency plan (not illegal extraction), including bank stabilization and cleanup using recycled-tire gabions. Aviation Safety: Diario Libre warned that many high-rises and towers in Greater Santo Domingo lack required night beacons, creating risks for low-flying aircraft. Biodiversity & Citizen Science: A hoverfly discovered via iNaturalist in the Dominican Republic was named Switzerland’s Species of the Year 2026, highlighting local participation in wildlife discovery. Energy & Regional Role: Santo Domingo is set to host Latin America and the Caribbean’s main energy meeting in November, with a focus on energy transition, sustainability and security.

Weather Watch: The COE expanded yellow alerts to 11 provinces plus the National District as heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong gusts and possible hail are expected, while green alerts remain for parts of the country—authorities urged people to avoid rivers and ravines and skip recreational bathing. Coastal Transformation: President Abinader announced a RD$20B Boca Chica transformation with major sanitation, road, housing and public-space upgrades, including a large sanitation push led by Inapa to protect the beach and improve groundwater. Infrastructure Push: Government also moved to declare land of public utility for the Las Américas Highway expansion, with compensation and possible expropriation if needed. Environment Update: The Environment Ministry clarified that Haina River works in Manoguayabo are part of an official recovery and sanitation effort, not illegal extraction. Energy Agenda: Dominican Republic is ramping up for XI Energy Week 2026 in Santo Domingo, positioning the capital as a regional energy hub.

Aviation Safety Warning: Greater Santo Domingo’s night flights are at risk because many tall buildings and towers still ignore required obstruction beacons, despite IDAC rules—an urgent compliance gap for pilots and emergency helicopters. Environment Watch: The Environment Ministry says Haina River works in Manoguayabo are part of an official basin recovery and sanitation emergency plan, not illegal extraction, after residents complained about heavy equipment. Finance & Investment: Scotiabank announced Santo Domingo will become its new regional hub for the Caribbean, Central America and Colombia, with a new headquarters planned. Culture & Economy: Rio2C will host an Ibero-American Deputy Ministers of Culture meeting for the first time, with the Dominican Republic among participants. Biodiversity & Science: A hoverfly species discovered in the Dominican Republic was named Switzerland’s Species of the Year. Tourism & Growth: Casa de Campo will launch the Caribbean’s first major fashion week in June, aiming to lock the Dominican Republic into the global runway calendar.

Court Ruling: A Dominican judge found baseball star Wander Franco criminally responsible for sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, but he will not serve a prison sentence. Environment Watch: The Ministry of Environment says Haina River works in Manoguayabo are environmental recovery under an emergency resolution—not illegal extraction—after community complaints about alleged material removal. Public Health: The Ministry of Public Health reports COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are circulating at expected seasonal levels, with no epidemiological alerts. Energy Transition: EGE Haina inaugurated Esperanza Renovable in Valverde, the country’s first large-scale hybrid wind-solar injection into the national grid. Youth & Safety Online: UNICEF-backed consultations push for stronger prevention and prosecution of online sexual violence against minors, citing low levels of teens who feel safe online. Tourism Pulse: The DR is set to host the Caribbean’s first major fashion week at Casa de Campo in June, betting on luxury growth.

Fashion & Tourism Push: Casa de Campo Resort & Villas will host the inaugural Casa de Campo Fashion Week June 4–8, turning La Romana into a runway-and-wellness hub and aiming to lock the Dominican Republic into the international fashion calendar. Digital Economy Retreat: BlockCon is bringing a high-level Web3, iGaming, and finance retreat to Punta Cana (Nov. 25–28, 2026), signaling growing interest in the country as a regional convening spot. Energy Transition: EGE Haina inaugurated Esperanza Renovable in Valverde, a 200 MW hybrid wind-solar project—the first large-scale hybrid injection into the national grid—boosting renewable capacity and cutting emissions. Public Health Watch: The Ministry of Public Health says COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are circulating within expected seasonal levels, with no epidemiological alerts. Social Protection & Safety: UNICEF-backed work on preventing early unions and gender violence reported major school and community reach, while a separate national consultation flagged gaps in online safety for teens. Climate Context: Tropics activity is quiet ahead of hurricane season, but the region remains on watch.

Travel Boom: The World Travel & Tourism Council says global travel could add about $12T to the economy in 2026—nearly 10% of world GDP—and support 376M jobs, with momentum expected to keep building. Caribbean Angle: With demand rising for cruises and international trips, the Caribbean is positioned as a major beneficiary. Local Weather Watch: For Memorial Day, the tropics are quiet and the Atlantic hurricane season is set to start June 1—with Arthur first on the 2026 name list. Judicial Pressure: In Santo Domingo, judges staged a nationwide work stoppage, demanding better working conditions and pay, after reading a “Manifesto for the Dignity of Justice.” Energy & Climate: EGE Haina inaugurated the country’s first large-scale hybrid wind-solar injection into the grid in Valverde, adding 200 MW of renewables. Public Health: The Ministry of Public Health reports respiratory virus circulation remains within expected seasonal levels. Migration Enforcement: U.S. authorities intercepted a vessel near western Puerto Rico carrying 64 migrants, including 58 from the Dominican Republic.

Tropical Outlook: Memorial Day weekend is quiet for the Atlantic—no tropical cyclone activity expected over the next 7 days as hurricane season nears. Judicial Labor Action: Nearly 400 judges nationwide staged a work stoppage, suspending hearing schedules (except for urgent coercive-measures courts) and reading a “Manifesto for the Dignity of Justice.” Energy Transition: EGE Haina inaugurated “Esperanza Renovable,” the country’s first large-scale wind-solar hybrid injection into the grid, adding 200 MW of renewables and setting up plans for battery storage. Public Health: The Ministry of Public Health says COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses remain within expected seasonal levels, with continued monitoring. Child Safety Online: UNICEF-backed consultations urge stronger prevention and prosecution of online sexual violence against minors, citing low reported feelings of safety online. Tourism Momentum: The Dominican Republic surpassed 1.1 million Canadian visitors, with strong repeat intent reported. Climate/Disaster Watch: USGS notes a notable surge of earthquakes near Puerto Rico in the past month, keeping regional monitoring active.

Caribbean-China cooperation: A new push for practical Caribbean-China collaboration is making the rounds, with leaders framing it as a way to keep small states resilient as global rules get shakier. Energy & climate: EGE Haina inaugurated the country’s first large-scale hybrid wind-solar injection into the grid in Valverde, adding 200 MW of renewables and setting up future storage. Public health: PAHO and the Carter Center signed a technical deal to accelerate river blindness elimination on Hispaniola, alongside work on other diseases. Social impact funding: Cibao Association announced RD$20 million in competitive funds for 12 high-impact community projects. Safety online: UNICEF and partners pressed for stronger action against online sexual violence, citing low levels of teen safety online. Urban pressure: A call is growing for tighter enforcement as Santo Domingo faces sidewalk takeovers and zoning violations.

Hybrid Power Push: EGE Haina inaugurated Esperanza Renovable in Valverde—DR’s first large-scale wind+solar hybrid injection into the national grid—adding 200 MW (Esperanza Solar 2 + Esperanza Wind + Esperanza Solar 1) after a US$246.5M investment, with plans for 200 MWh storage to smooth supply. Community Funding: Cibao Association announced winners of its José Santiago Reinoso Lora Competitive Funds, awarding RD$20M to 12 high-impact social projects nationwide. Public Health Watch: The Ministry of Public Health says COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are circulating at expected seasonal levels, with no epidemiological alerts. Online Safety: UNICEF and partners pushed a national consultation after findings that only 37% of teens feel safe online, urging stronger prevention and prosecution of online sexual violence. Energy Market Moves: Karpowership says it’s entering Mexico with a 250 MW LNG-to-power project for the Yucatán—another sign of regional demand for flexible generation.

Sustainable Funding Boost: The Cibao Association just announced winners of its José Santiago Reinoso Lora Competitive Funds, sending RD$20 million to 12 high-impact social projects nationwide—covering education, housing, health, inclusion, food, reforestation, water protection, waste sorting, and renewable energy. Energy Transition: EGE Haina inaugurated Esperanza Renovable in Valverde, a landmark hybrid wind-solar plant feeding the national grid—adding 200 MW of renewables after a US$246.5 million investment. Education & Research: Minerd and Ideice showcased progress from a “School Seedbeds of Research” pilot, with students advancing real school-based projects. Child Safety Online: UNICEF and justice officials pushed action after findings that many teens don’t feel safe online, urging stronger prevention and protection. Public Health Cooperation: PAHO and The Carter Center signed a pact to accelerate elimination of river blindness (onchocerciasis) across Hispaniola and the Americas. Tourism Momentum: The Dominican Republic also topped 1.1 million Canadian visitors, with strong repeat intent.

Energy Upgrade: EGE Haina inaugurated Esperanza Renovable in Valverde—DR’s first large-scale hybrid wind-solar injection into the national grid—adding 200 MW (60 MW solar + 49.5 MW wind + 90 MW solar) after a US$246.5M investment, with plans to add 200 MWh of storage to stabilize supply. Construction Reform: CONSTRUEXPO 2026 opened in Punta Cana with new permitting measures, including an upgraded Single Window for Construction and standardized NORM technical evaluations; construction licenses jumped 93% in early 2026. Public Health Watch: The Ministry of Public Health says COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are circulating at expected seasonal levels, with no epidemiological alerts, while malaria and dengue remain controlled. Child Protection Online: UNICEF-led consultations urge stronger action against online sexual violence, citing low “feeling safe online” rates among teens. Tourism Momentum: DR surpassed 1.1M Canadian visitors, and officials highlighted strong air connectivity and repeat intent.

Tourism Surge: The Dominican Republic hit a major milestone with over 1.1 million Canadian visitors, driven by strong demand from Ontario and Quebec and heavy air connectivity. Renewables Push: President Abinader inaugurated the Esperanza Renovable wind-and-solar hybrid plant in Valverde, adding 200 MW to the grid. Gender & Youth Protection: The government, KOICA and UNICEF reported results from a US$4.5M program to curb early unions, teen pregnancy, and gender-based violence. Urban Renewal Leadership: Abinader promoted URBE’s Rocío Vidal Carballo to executive director as Greater Santo Domingo’s renewal work continues. Water Security & Climate Resilience: Indrhi and PUCMM signed a three-year pact to modernize water resource management. Border & Migration: U.S. and partner units intercepted a vessel in western Puerto Rico carrying 64 migrants. Earthquake Watch: USGS says 240 quakes in 30 days near Puerto Rico have kept monitoring active. Mining Pressure: Dominican sanitary engineers backed Abinader’s suspension of the Romero gold project over water and food safety concerns.

Urban Renewal Push: President Luis Abinader promoted Rocío Vidal Carballo to executive director of URBE, signaling fresh momentum for Greater Santo Domingo’s neighborhood and riverbank recovery work. Climate Governance Upgrade: The government approved a National Climate Transparency System to track emissions, adaptation actions, and climate finance—aimed at unlocking more international funding. Water Security & Industry: Indrhi and PUCMM signed a three-year pact to modernize Dominican water resource management, while DP World moved ahead on port decarbonization by adding electric internal transfer vehicles at Caucedo. Mining Pressure on the Table: Dominican sanitary engineers backed Abinader’s suspension of exploration tied to the Romero gold project, framing it as protection for water and food safety. Built Environment Tensions: Urbanist Cristóbal Valdez warned Santo Domingo is becoming a “no man’s land” as sidewalks and zoning rules are ignored. Regional Decision-Making: A SICA foreign ministers meeting in Santo Domingo focused on speeding up cross-border decisions—where climate and crime move faster than policy.

Sidewalk Crackdown in Santo Domingo: Urban planner Cristóbal Valdez says the capital is turning into a “no man’s land,” with developers and businesses grabbing pedestrian space and repeatedly breaking zoning rules—making walking unsafe across neighborhoods, even in upscale areas. Water & Mining Pressure: Dominican sanitary engineers back President Abinader’s suspension of exploration tied to the Romero gold project in San Juan de la Maguana, calling it a key move for water security and food safety. Climate Governance Upgrade: The government approved a National Climate Transparency System to track emissions, adaptation actions, and climate finance—aimed at unlocking more international green funding. Greener Ports: DP World says it’s completed the first phase of electrifying Port of Caucedo operations, adding electric internal transfer vehicles to cut diesel use and emissions. Regional Spotlight: Curaçao will host the first official PARLATINO Caribbean Commission meetings, with Dominican Republic among the delegations.