AGP Executive Report

Aviation Modernization: IDAC says Punta Cana Airport will get a new ILS-DME system (RD$150M) to improve landing precision and safety, with more radar upgrades planned for Cibao by Feb. 2027. Digital Government: The Dominican Republic launched a framework for verifiable digital credentials to reduce paperwork in Soy Yo RD and the Citizen Folder, using a federated model that keeps institutions responsible for their records. Digital Public Infrastructure Safety: UN ODET urged stronger safeguards, governance, and sustainable financing for digital public infrastructure during a Santo Domingo forum, stressing inclusion, data protection, oversight, and user redress. Sargassum Response: At an EU-Caribbean conference, the environment minister pushed for a coordinated, proactive regional approach, using satellite and geospatial monitoring to manage sargassum impacts. Local Economy Watch: Central Bank preliminary data shows the Dominican economy grew 4.5% Jan–Aug, led by construction, services, and communications. Regional Tech & Policy: The Bahamas joined IDB talks on safe AI adoption across Latin America and the Caribbean, including proposals for shared strategy and investment guidelines. Tech Finance: Jeeves announced a $110M equity round to scale its stablecoin-native banking platform across 35 countries.

Aviation Modernization: IDAC is upgrading Punta Cana Airport with a new ILS-DME landing system (RD$150M) and expanding weather radar coverage, while also planning a bigger surveillance setup at Cibao by Feb. 2027. Digital Government: The Dominican Republic is rolling out a framework for verifiable digital credentials to reduce paperwork by integrating with Soy Yo RD and the Citizen Folder using a federated verification model. AI Skills Push: RD Inteligente has surpassed 54,000 AI literacy participants in just 16 days, aiming for 100,000 next and eventually 1 million trained. Tourism Tech & Infrastructure: Punta Bergantin, a new master-planned golden-sand destination on the northern coast, is being positioned for nonstop access and a major upgrade to the DR’s beach tourism experience. Crypto & Payments: Jeeves raised $110M to scale its stablecoin-native banking platform, expanding payouts to 190 countries—relevant for faster cross-border enterprise payments. Local Research Recognition: Kathryn Derose received a national award for community-partnered research supporting HIV-sensitive social protection and food security in the DR.

AI Skills Push in the DR: The government’s RD Inteligente AI literacy program just topped 54,000 registered participants in 16 days, with 4,968 already completing modules and a goal of training 1 million people for practical AI use. Aviation Tech Upgrade: The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation says civil aviation modernization is underway with new weather radars, updated control-tower systems, and plans for advanced surveillance to improve safety and traffic management. Digital Credentials Framework: The DR launched a framework for verifiable digital credentials to reduce paperwork by integrating with Soy Yo RD and the Citizen Folder using a federated verification model. Stablecoin-Native Banking Funding: Jeeves raised $110M to scale its stablecoin-native banking platform, including a proprietary stablecoin wallet with payouts across 190 countries—aimed at faster cross-border payments for global enterprises. Tech for Cleaner Water: Ocean Cleanup-style plastic-eating autonomous “interceptors” are expanding worldwide to remove river and ocean plastic, using drones, GPS tracking, and remote sensing. Local Research Spotlight: Intec researchers are targeting the silicon microchip bottleneck with ultra-thin, atom-thick materials for next-gen semiconductor designs. Biodiversity Discovery: A new click beetle species was named after the Arawak people, adding to growing Dominican Republic insect research.

Aviation Modernization: The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) says new weather radars, a modern control tower at San Isidro, and upgraded surveillance/navigation/communications are boosting safety and capacity as the country logs hundreds of thousands of air operations and tens of millions of passengers. Digital Government: The DR is rolling out a framework for verifiable digital credentials, aiming to cut down on repeated photo/copy/document submissions by proving issued information stays valid across institutions. AI Upskilling: RD Inteligente has surpassed 54,000 AI literacy participants in just weeks, with a goal of training 1 million people in practical AI use. Critical Minerals Rules: CAMIPE is pushing for clearer, faster mining regulations, including a “single mining window” and digital file tracking, to unlock investment while keeping environmental safeguards. Tech & Research Spotlight: Intec researchers are tackling the silicon microchip bottleneck with ultra-thin, atom-thick materials for next-gen, lower-energy computing. Biodiversity Discovery: A new click beetle species was identified in Dominican cloud forests and named to honor the Arawak people. Health & Community Research: Kathryn Derose received recognition for community-partnered research informing the national HIV response, including work tied to food security. Local Tech-Driven Mobility: The EU and France pledged €10M to modernize Greater Santo Domingo public transit, with funding for Intrant and metro operations.

Digital Credentials: The Dominican Republic launched a framework for verifiable digital credentials that will plug into Soy Yo RD and the Citizen Folder, aiming to cut down on repeated photo and document submissions by using a federated verification model across institutions. AI Skills Push: RD Inteligente hit 54,000+ participants in just 16 days, with free AI literacy training via ITLA as the government targets 1 million people trained. Aviation Modernization: IDAC says new radar, navigation, and communications upgrades are boosting Dominican civil aviation safety and weather monitoring, including three weather radars and a modernized control tower at San Isidro. Public Transit Funding: The EU and France’s AFD pledged €10M to modernize Greater Santo Domingo’s transit network, supporting Intrant and metro operations with a focus on multimodal transfers and station access. Mining Rules: CAMIPE urged clearer, faster mining regulations—proposing a Single Mining Window and digital processes—so the country can better develop critical minerals without weakening environmental checks. Biodiversity Discovery: Researchers described a new click beetle species from Dominican cloud forests, naming it in honor of the Arawak people. Tech & Payments: Jeeves raised $110M to scale stablecoin-native banking for global payments, including a wallet with payouts across 190 countries.

AI Education in the DR: The government’s RD Inteligente AI literacy program has surged past 54,000 registered participants in just 16 days, with nearly 5,000 completing at least one module and a goal of training 1 million Dominicans. Public Safety Tech: The 9-1-1 system unveiled new capabilities including first-response drones, AI support on NVIDIA infrastructure, and a Boston Dynamics robotic platform for high-risk scenarios. Identity & Biometrics: SIC Biometrics launched Bio-Nomad, a portable multimodal enrollment station combining fingerprint, palm, iris, facial capture, and credential reading for field identity programs. Mining Regulation Push: CAMIPE urged clearer, more predictable rules for the Dominican Republic’s critical minerals push, proposing a Single Mining Window, digital processes, and tighter deadlines without weakening environmental safeguards. Urban Transit Funding: The EU and France committed €10 million to modernize Greater Santo Domingo public transit, supporting Intrant and metro operations with a focus on multimodal transfers. Tech Talent Pipeline: MICM launched Talent Up with 15,000 free tech scholarships via partners including Google Cloud and Cisco Networking Academy. Science & Research: Intec researchers are targeting the silicon microchip “physical wall” with ultra-thin, atom-thick materials for next-gen semiconductors. Biodiversity Discovery: A new click beetle species was named after the Arawak peoples, adding to Hispaniola’s growing insect catalog.

Critical Minerals Policy: CAMIPE urged clearer, more predictable mining rules, proposing a Single Mining Window, digital procedures, file tracking, and defined deadlines—while stressing environmental safeguards must stay strong. AI Skills Push: The government’s RD Inteligente AI literacy program hit 54,000+ registered participants in just 16 days, aiming for 100,000 next and ultimately one million trained in practical AI. Tech for Emergencies: The 9-1-1 system unveiled upgrades including first-response drones, robots, and AI on NVIDIA infrastructure, plus geolocation and faster dispatch workflows. Biometrics in the Field: SIC Biometrics launched Bio-Nomad, a portable multimodal enrollment station combining FBI-certified fingerprint tech with palm, iris, facial capture, and credential reading. Semiconductor Research: Intec researchers are targeting the silicon microchip “physical wall” with ultra-thin, atom-thick materials to enable next-gen, lower-energy computing. Public Transit Funding: The EU and France pledged €10M to modernize Greater Santo Domingo transit, supporting Intrant and metro operations with planning for multimodal transfers. Talent Up Scholarships: MICM launched Talent Up with 15,000 free tech scholarships via IDB, Google Cloud, and Cisco Networking Academy. Local Tech & Culture: Dominican Republic presented its digital piracy strategy at Regional Operation Lumen in Peru, detailing technical verification and legal analysis.

Public Safety Tech: President Luis Abinader unveiled upgrades to the Dominican 9-1-1 system, including response drones, AI-supported tools on NVIDIA infrastructure, and a Boston Dynamics robotic platform for high-risk calls. Identity & Access: SIC Biometrics rolled out Bio-Nomad, a portable multimodal enrollment station using FBI-certified fingerprint tech plus palm, iris and facial capture for field identity programs. Digital Government: The DR will host a Regional Digital Government Summit (Oct. 1–2) with 20 countries, focusing on digital public infrastructure, interoperability, digital identity, data governance, cybersecurity and AI. Crime Prevention at the UN: The 15th UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi highlighted people-centered justice and responsible use of AI and digital tech, with bilateral meetings including the Dominican Republic. Citizen Security Plan: Abinader reiterated that authorities are using expanded patrol models and new tech to locate repeat offenders, alongside reforms tied to the updated Penal Code. Tech Policy & Piracy: The DR presented its digital piracy strategy during Regional Operation Lumen, detailing technical review methods for online copyright violations. Urban Mobility: JICA is partnering with Intrant on intelligent transport systems for Greater Santo Domingo, including traffic dashboards and congestion-reduction pilots. Disaster Alerts: After a 4.8 quake, the COE explained why cell broadcast alerts didn’t reach phones—coverage isn’t fully integrated across providers yet. Regional Tech Economy: A new IDB/World Bank/WTO report says Latin America and the Caribbean are growing digital services exports, but intraregional sales remain low.

Citizen Security Tech: President Luis Abinader says the DR denies entry to about 20 foreigners with criminal records each week, and points to expanded tools and personnel to locate and arrest offenders. Emergency Response Upgrade: The 9-1-1 system is rolling out robots, first-response drones, AI support on NVIDIA infrastructure, and a Boston Dynamics robotic platform to speed geolocation and dispatch during emergencies. Digital Government Push: The DR will host a Regional Digital Government Summit Oct. 1–2 with officials from ~20 countries, focusing on digital public infrastructure, interoperability, digital identity, data governance, cybersecurity, and AI. Colonial City Modernization: Abinader inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched a Colonial City Electromobility Route with electric buses, charging equipment, and upgrades funded by the EU and IDB. Digital Piracy Crackdown: The DR shared its technical and legal approach to fighting online copyright violations during Regional Operation Lumen in Peru, including platform technical verification and legal analysis. Earthquake & Alerts: After a 4.8 quake, the COE explained why Cell Broadcast didn’t alert phones—protocol-based activation and partial telecom coverage while the system is still being integrated. Health & Research: The DR reports a 20% drop in maternal deaths and an 82% fall in malaria cases; separate coverage highlights dementia evaluation needs and retinitis pigmentosa warning signs. Space & Data Concerns: Astronomers urge UN action to slow satellite-driven orbital clutter and light pollution, potentially via an ICJ advisory opinion.

Colonial Tech & Mobility: President Abinader inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Colón Museum and launched a new Colonial City Electromobility Route, adding electric buses, charging upgrades, and tech-backed improvements to Santo Domingo’s historic core. Digital Rights & Enforcement: The Dominican Republic shared its digital piracy strategy at Regional Operation Lumen in Peru, detailing how ONDA reviews online platforms and tracks technical setups used to bypass copyright rules. Digital Government Push: The country will host a Regional Digital Government Summit (Oct. 1-2) with 20 countries, focusing on digital public infrastructure, interoperability, identity, data governance, cybersecurity, and AI. Urban Mobility Upgrade (JICA): JICA is expanding cooperation in Greater Santo Domingo for safer, smarter transport, including intelligent traffic planning, training, pilot initiatives, and bridge studies. Emergency Alerts Under Scrutiny: After a 5.5 quake, the COE explained why Cell Broadcast didn’t reach phones, citing protocol criteria and partial telecom coverage while the system is still being integrated. Earthquake Update: A separate 4.8 quake (near Guaymate) was felt across parts of the island, with reports of shaking indoors and minor damage concerns. AI & Youth Mental Health: A new study links affective generative AI use with mental health problems in children and teens, raising calls for better digital literacy. Health & Access: Maternal deaths fell 20% and malaria cases dropped 82% in 2026, according to the Ministry of Public Health. Cultural Tech & Media: A London-based Peanuts Entertainment launch—by Dominican filmmaker Amílcar Franco—rolls out “Alive In Their Garden,” a Mirabal Sisters-inspired period drama.

Earthquake & Alerts: After a 5.5 quake, the COE explained why Dominican phones didn’t all sound Cell Broadcast alerts—protocol triggers and the system not yet fully integrated across providers. Disaster Monitoring: A separate 4.8 quake report said light-to-moderate shaking was felt around the island, with residents reporting it on social media. Urban Tech Mobility: JICA is working with INTRANT on a three-year Greater Santo Domingo plan for intelligent transport systems, including traffic dashboards, training, and studies for new or reinforced bridges. Space & Light Pollution: Astronomers are pushing the UN to seek an ICJ advisory opinion to curb satellite orbital clutter and protect the night sky as mega data-center constellations loom. AI & Youth Mental Health: A JAMA Pediatrics study links affective generative AI use with mental health problems in children and teens, raising calls for better digital literacy. Health & Aging: A dementia-focused piece estimates over 100,000 people in the DR may live with dementia and urges neurological evaluation when forgetfulness disrupts daily life. Public Health Trends: The Ministry of Public Health reported maternal deaths down 20% and malaria cases down 82% in 2026. Climate Finance & Sargassum: Abinader urged faster climate funding at the UN, citing sargassum’s shift from regional nuisance to global challenge. Cocoa & Nature: Oxford research argues biodiversity-friendly farming and pollinator protection can boost cocoa yields, offering a nature-first response to supply shocks. Tech in Culture: A Dominican-founded London production company launched “Alive in Their Garden,” a Mirabal Sisters period drama, blending heritage research with international film ambitions.

Earth & Safety: A magnitude 4.8 earthquake rattled the Dominican Republic on Sunday evening, with light-to-moderate shaking reported across parts of the island near Guaymate. Climate & Oceans: President Luis Abinader urged the UN to speed up climate financing to tackle sargassum, pushing it from a regional issue to a global challenge and calling for faster support for vulnerable Caribbean nations. Health: The Ministry of Public Health reported maternal deaths down 20% (2025 to 2026) and malaria cases down 82%, alongside continued audits and strengthened surveillance. Tech & Society: A Dominican library director said Dominicans still read “a lot,” even as students increasingly rely on phones for information—warning that scientific depth needs books. Education & Skills: Abinader announced 300 scholarships for young Dominicans in New York, including 100 tech training spots at ITLA. Digital Security: The UN General Assembly heard calls for stronger international cooperation against online scam networks that exploit cross-border tech and finance. Research & Culture: A Dominican ophthalmology center highlighted retinitis pigmentosa warning signs like night blindness and peripheral vision loss.

UN General Assembly Cybersecurity: Cambodia, India and others pushed for stronger cross-border action against online scam centers, terrorism and trafficking, warning that AI and digital tools can fuel transnational crime beyond any one government’s reach. Climate Finance for the Caribbean: President Luis Abinader urged the UN to speed climate funding for sargassum impacts, calling the issue a global challenge and demanding faster access to resources for vulnerable coastal states. Public Health Updates: The Dominican Republic reported a 20% drop in maternal deaths and an 82% decline in confirmed malaria cases, alongside continued audits to improve care quality. Vision Research Awareness: A Dominican health feature highlighted retinitis pigmentosa warning signs like night blindness and shrinking peripheral vision, stressing early detection. Education & Tech Skills: Abinader announced 300 scholarships for young Dominicans in New York, including 100 technology scholarships at ITLA. Electoral Participation Abroad: The DR’s New York consul urged the JCE to fix barriers to voting overseas rather than eliminate the diaspora vote. Safety Alert on Russia Job Offers: MIREX warned Dominicans to verify job offers tied to travel to Russia, especially when arranged digitally or via unverified intermediaries. AI & Youth Mental Health: A large JAMA Pediatrics study linked affective generative AI use with mental health problems in youth, raising concerns about AI as an emotional refuge. Regional Security Politics: Experts criticized the “Shield of the Americas” coalition as a geopolitical move that could also block China’s influence, while Colombia signaled operations would be led by local forces.

Climate & Oceans: President Luis Abinader told the UN General Assembly that the Dominican Republic helped push the first global UN resolution on sargassum, urging faster climate financing so Caribbean countries can respond before storms hit. Public Health: The Ministry of Public Health reported maternal deaths down 20% (126 in 2025 to 101 in 2026 through week 36), while confirmed malaria cases fell 82% (760 to 137). Health Awareness: The DR marked retinal health by spotlighting retinitis pigmentosa warning signs like night blindness and progressive loss of peripheral vision, stressing early detection. Education & Tech Skills: Abinader announced 300 scholarships for young Dominicans in New York—100 postgraduate, 100 undergraduate, and 100 technology training spots at ITLA. Science & Research Capacity: CEMDOE and INTEGRA held the third International Health Quality and Safety Forum, including a panel on strengthening clinical research in the DR with major pharma partners. International Safety: MIREX warned Dominicans about suspicious job offers linked to travel to Russia, urging identity and offer checks before accepting.

Climate & Ocean Health: President Luis Abinader told the UN General Assembly that the Dominican Republic helped secure the first global UN resolution on sargassum, urging faster climate financing for Caribbean countries and highlighting sea-level rise as a shared maritime risk. Public Health: The Ministry of Public Health reports maternal deaths down 20% (126 in 2025 to 101 in 2026 through week 36) and confirmed malaria cases down 82% (760 to 137), with intensified clinical audits and follow-up. Education & Tech Skills: Abinader announced 300 scholarships for young Dominicans in New York—100 postgraduate, 100 undergraduate, and 100 technology training at ITLA—emphasizing selection based on grades and merit. Science & Research Governance: CEMDOE and INTEGRA held the third International Health Quality and Safety Forum, including a panel on responsible innovation and strengthening clinical research standards in the Dominican Republic. Digital Access & Learning: Library director Rafael Peralta Romero says Dominicans still read a lot, but warns students who rely only on phones may miss the depth needed for scientific and specialized study. Security & Mobility: MIREX warned about job offers tied to travel to Russia, urging Dominicans to verify employers and terms before accepting offers made via digital intermediaries.

Education & Reading Habits: Rafael Peralta Romero, director of the Pedro Henríquez Ureña National Library, says Dominicans still read a lot, but warns students who rely only on phones may miss the depth needed for scientific and specialized learning. AI & Youth Mental Health: A large JAMA Pediatrics study links affective generative AI use with mental health problems in children and teens, raising concerns about AI as an emotional refuge. Public Health & Clinical Research: CEMDOE and INTEGRA held the third International Health Quality and Safety Forum, spotlighting patient safety and “responsible innovation” for clinical research in the Dominican Republic. Tech & Payments: Apple expands Tap to Pay on iPhone to the Dominican Republic, enabling contactless payments via compatible iOS apps and NFC. Scholarships for Tech Training: President Abinader announced 300 scholarships for young Dominicans in New York, including 100 technology scholarships at ITLA. International Cooperation: DR reaffirmed its UN commitment to inclusive, sustainable development, stressing financing, technology access, and climate resilience. Security Coalition: The “Shield of the Americas” coalition grows as countries move to label cartel groups as terrorist organizations, with experts questioning the geopolitical motives.