AGP Executive Report

Climate & Cities: A new report highlights how extreme heat is hitting vulnerable communities hardest, with health impacts already showing up in Global South housing conditions. Bilateral Trade & Tech: The Embassy of Israel relaunched the Dominican-Israeli Chamber of Commerce, aiming to boost investment, partnerships, and innovation between firms. Tourism & Recognition: The Dominican Republic and Secrets Playa Esmeralda won top honors at the 2026 Wave Awards, reinforcing the country’s luxury tourism momentum. Science Policy: The DR will chair UN climate science talks (SBSTA 64), with a focus on science-based adaptation and mitigation discussions in Bonn. Security Tech Transfer: Costa Rica’s security minister visited the DR to study the Joint Task Force coordination model and the C5i command tech used to support operations. Mobility Tech: Iteris’ BlueTOAD Spectra CV roadside unit earned OmniAir certification for interoperable connected-vehicle communications. Biotech: SK bioscience licensed CDC rotavirus vaccine technology to develop an injectable candidate and move toward clinical trials. Disaster Preparedness: Onesvie and local authorities in Bahoruco plan public campaigns to reduce seismic risk and improve building and lifeline preparedness.

Tech Workforce & AI Education: ITLA’s 20th graduation in Santo Domingo marked a record 642 new tech professionals, as the country pushes to build AI-ready skills and reduce brain drain. Local Innovation & Research Talent: PUCMM students won the Huawei ICT Global Competition 2025-2026 Grand Prize in Computing, a first for Latin America and the Caribbean in that category. AI for Schools on TV: Tabuga and Chile’s CENIA launched an “AI adoption in education” series for Dominican broadcast on CDN Channel 37, aiming to help teachers and school leaders use AI responsibly. Climate Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic will chair UNFCCC’s SBSTA 64 session in Bonn, with a focus on science-based climate solutions. Public Safety & Infrastructure Resilience: Onesvie and Bahoruco authorities are rolling out a seismic-risk prevention push, while engineers warn that lightning deaths often come from people being outdoors during storms. Energy & Solar Costs: TW Solar says its regional push (including in the Dominican Republic) helped drive down solar equipment prices locally in the Caribbean. Aviation Incident: A US-registered Gulfstream G200 crash at La Romana airport killed two crew members; an investigation is underway. Regional Security Cooperation: Costa Rica’s security minister visited DR to study the Joint Task Force coordination model.

Climate Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic will chair UNFCCC’s SBSTA 64, with Dr. Carol Franco leading technical talks in Bonn—another win for science-led climate leadership. Tech Education & Workforce: ITLA’s 20th graduation (5 June) set a record with 642 new tech professionals, pushing the country’s AI-era skills pipeline. AI in Schools (TV): Tabuga and Chile’s CENIA launch an “AI adoption in education” series for Dominican broadcast TV (CDN Channel 37), aiming to help teachers and families use AI responsibly. Local Tech Talent: PUCMM students won top honors at the Huawei ICT Competition in China, bringing Dominican Republic computing bragging rights. Security Tech: The Dominican electronic passport earned a High Security Printing Latin America award for its identity-protection upgrades. Aviation Safety: A US-registered Gulfstream G200 crashed at La Romana airport after declaring an emergency; two crew members died and an investigation is underway. Public Safety (Weather): Experts warn lightning deaths often come from risky exposure during storms, urging better prevention and standards.

Aviation Safety: Two crew members died after a US-registered Gulfstream G200 business jet crashed on the runway at La Romana International Airport while attempting an emergency return; the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute says the aircraft declared an emergency about 16 nautical miles southwest and an investigation is underway. AI in Education: Tabuga and Chile’s CENIA launched an “AI adoption in education” series for Dominican broadcast TV via T al Cubo®, airing Sundays on CDN Channel 37, aiming to help teachers and school leaders move from basic AI use to classroom and school management decisions. Tech Talent: PUCMM students won the Grand Prize in the Computing category at the Huawei ICT Global Competition 2025-2026, marking the first Latin America & Caribbean win in that category. Public Safety (Weather): Lightning protection experts warn that many Dominican accidents come from risky behavior during storms and stress seeking shelter indoors and avoiding outdoor exposure. Identity Tech: The Dominican Republic’s electronic passport received a High Security Printing Latin America award for its new secure ID/travel document design. Energy & Infrastructure: Edeeste urged families to avoid kite-flying near power lines and to use safe charging practices to prevent electrocution risks.

Tech Talent in the DR: PUCMM students won the Grand Prize in the Computing category at the Huawei ICT Global Competition 2025-2026, marking the first Latin America & Caribbean win in that track. Public Safety: Lightning protection experts in the DR say many accidents come from people being outdoors during storms, urging safer shelter and stronger standards. AI for Classrooms: Tabuga and Chile’s CENIA launched an “AI adoption in education” series for Dominican TV, aiming to help teachers and schools use AI responsibly. Identity & Security: The Dominican Republic’s electronic passport received a High Security Printing Latin America Award for its new secure ID/travel document design. Infrastructure & Mobility: Santo Domingo’s metro expansion is adding capacity and new stations, with monorail-style rail growth also highlighted across the region. Energy & Agriculture Tech: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and push technified irrigation and new tech. Cybersecurity: Reports detail the Silent Ransom Group’s fast-flux infrastructure and ongoing extortion targeting. Health Alerts: CDC expanded Ebola screening at Atlanta’s airport while also warning about risks tied to travel-related cosmetic procedures.

AI in Education on TV: Tabuga and Chile’s CENIA are bringing an “AI adoption in education” series to Dominican broadcast TV via T al Cubo®, airing Sundays on CDN Channel 37 (June 7, 14, 21, 28) with sessions on teaching skills and how schools should manage AI adoption. Identity Tech: The Dominican Republic’s electronic passport won a High Security Printing Latin America Award for its new ID/travel document security design and anti-fraud features. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and push technified irrigation and new technologies to boost productivity and protect water use. Power Safety Reminder: Edeeste urged families to avoid flying kites near power lines and to be careful with charging electronics, especially around children. Forensic Engineering: A court-appointed report on the Jet Set nightclub collapse says long-term internal deterioration of post-tensioning wires—not visible damage—was a key cause. Cybersecurity: Researchers say the Silent Ransom Group used fast-flux infrastructure to support extortion and data theft, prompting warnings to organizations. Health & Biosecurity: New World screwworm has been confirmed in South Texas, with officials stressing animal-control measures and prevention. Logistics & Innovation Links: DR and the Netherlands held a forum in The Hague focused on logistic connectivity, blue economy, and innovation.

Dominican Tech & Identity: The Dominican Republic’s new electronic passport just won the High Security Printing Latin America Award for Best New ID/Travel Document Series, highlighting stronger design and electronic security features. Infrastructure & Safety: A court-appointed forensic report on the April 2025 Jet Set nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo says long-term structural degradation and defects in post-tensioning wires were the cause—warning that hidden damage can slip past visual checks. Agriculture Modernization: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and push technified irrigation and new technologies to boost productivity and protect water use. Energy & Public Guidance: Edeeste urged families to keep kids from flying kites near power lines and to avoid using phones/tablets while charging, stressing electrocution risks. Cybersecurity: Researchers say the Silent Ransom Group (SRG) is using fast-flux infrastructure, and they’re sharing details to help disrupt attacks. Health & Environment: Communities again raised alarms over contamination concerns tied to the Hatillo Reservoir in Cotuí, calling for stronger environmental accountability.

Earth & Safety: A magnitude 5.4 earthquake was felt in Santo Domingo and Albay, with reports of minor rockslides and a small road crack; engineering teams are checking government buildings. Agritech & Water: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and push technified irrigation, aiming for more efficient, sustainable farming and better water use. Energy & Public Guidance: Edeeste urged families to avoid flying kites near power lines and to be careful with charging electronics, warning about electrocution risks. Food & Exports: The Dominican Republic is targeting nearly 10 million boxes of mango exports in 2026, citing modernization, processing investment, and expanding overseas markets. Digital Identity: The Dominican electronic passport won a High Security Printing Latin America Award for its security and anti-fraud design. Consumer Protection: The DR handed over ICPEN presidency to Georgia, highlighting progress on consumer protection in digital and cross-border markets. Infrastructure Safety: Forensic experts say hidden construction defects and long-term deterioration of post-tensioning wires caused the Jet Set nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo.

Animal Health Alert: The USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in South Texas after a positive test from a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, triggering new temporary animal import restrictions in Tennessee and renewed monitoring to stop the flesh-eating parasite from spreading. Forensic Engineering: Court-appointed experts say the April 2025 Jet Set nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo was driven by construction defects and progressive deterioration of post-tensioning wires—hidden internal damage that visual checks may miss. Cybersecurity: Researchers say the Silent Ransom Group (SRG) is using fast-flux DNS infrastructure, and the FBI has warned of ongoing attacks targeting U.S. law firms and other sectors. Digital Security & Identity: The Dominican electronic passport won an international award for security and innovation, recognizing its electronic and physical anti-fraud features. Agriculture & Tech Modernization: Expo Mango 2026 says Dominican mango exports are on track for nearly 10 million boxes this year, while TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and expand irrigation tech. Public Safety Tech: Cyber Police arrested two people in separate electronic fraud and illicit transfer cases, including scams promoted via Instagram and Telegram. Environment Watch: On World Environment Day, communities in the Dominican Republic renewed calls for accountability over water contamination tied to the Hatillo Reservoir.

Forensic Engineering: A court-released report says the April 2025 Jet Set nightclub collapse was driven by long-term internal structural degradation and construction defects in the post-tensioning system—no visible inspection would have caught it. Digital Identity: The Dominican electronic passport won the High Security Printing Latin America Award for its security and anti-fraud design, boosting the country’s reputation in secure travel documents. Consumer Protection Tech: The Dominican Republic handed over the ICPEN presidency to Georgia, highlighting its push to protect consumers in digital and cross-border markets. Cybercrime Crackdown: Dominican Cyber Police arrested two people in separate electronic fraud and illicit transfer cases, including scams using Instagram and Telegram. Prison Mental Health Upgrade: President Abinader swore in a committee to strengthen mental health care in prisons, including new specialized facilities and research-focused plans. Agritech & Water: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and adopt irrigation technologies for more efficient, sustainable farming. Education & Research Oversight: MESCyT and the Health Ministry tightened rules for certifying foreign medical degrees, especially for virtual/hybrid specialty programs. Sports Infrastructure Planning: A commission recommended an MLB-standard stadium in Santo Domingo’s Ensanche La Fe, with a 20,000–21,000 capacity and a public-private financing model.

Consumer Protection & Digital Markets: The Dominican Republic wrapped its term leading ICPEN, handing the presidency to Georgia and highlighting stronger cross-border enforcement for e-commerce and emerging technologies. Identity Security: The Dominican electronic passport won a High Security Printing Latin America award for its electronic and physical security features, boosting confidence in fraud prevention. Prison Mental Health Reform: President Abinader swore in a committee to expand mental health care inside prisons, including new specialized beds, psychosocial centers, and mental-health-focused facilities. Cybercrime Crackdown: Cyber Police arrested two people in separate electronic fraud and illicit transfer cases, including scams using Instagram and Telegram. Agriculture Tech & Water Use: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to train producers and push irrigation technification and new technologies for more efficient, sustainable farming. Logistics Expansion: DP World committed an extra US$100M to expand Caucedo Free Trade Zone warehousing and logistics capacity, strengthening port-to-industry integration. Foreign Credential Oversight: MESCyT tightened rules for certifying foreign health degrees, especially for medical specialties and virtual/hybrid programs. Agriculture Diplomacy: Guyana and the Dominican Republic discussed agricultural cooperation, including technology transfer and capacity building. Public Health Research Debate: A new study claims private ARS firms absorbed RD$87.65B (2007–2025), raising concerns about underfunded public health services.

Prison Mental Health Upgrade: President Abinader swore in a new committee to strengthen mental health care inside Dominican prisons, including specialized beds, psychosocial centers, and new mental-health facilities in Azua, La Vega, and San Pedro de Macorís. Cybercrime Crackdown: Dominican Cyber Police arrested two people in separate electronic fraud cases, including scams using Instagram and Telegram that allegedly tricked victims into deposits. Agriculture Tech Push: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to modernize farming through training, technical irrigation systems, and smarter water use. Medical Credentials Oversight: MESCyT tightened rules for certifying foreign health degrees, with extra scrutiny for medical specialties and virtual or hybrid programs. Logistics Expansion: DP World and the Dominican government pledged an extra US$100M to expand Caucedo Free Trade Zone warehousing and boost port-linked logistics capacity. Alzheimer’s Testing Access: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics partnered to expand Precivity® blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid assessment across the Dominican Republic and the region. Local Tech-Policy Lab: IDEICE met with University of Chicago specialists to explore creating a public policy laboratory focused on applied research and better decision-making. Sports Infrastructure Plan: A commission recommended building an MLB-standard stadium in Santo Domingo’s Ensanche La Fe, with a 20,000–21,000 capacity and a public-private structure.

Agriculture Tech Boost: TNR and Confenagro signed an agreement to modernize Dominican farming through producer training, technical irrigation systems, and smarter water use. Cybercrime Crackdown: Dominican Cyber Police arrested two people in separate electronic fraud cases, including scams using Instagram and Telegram. Healthcare Credentials Oversight: MESCyT and the Public Health ministry tightened rules for certifying foreign medical degrees, especially for specialties and virtual/hybrid programs, to protect patient safety. AI + Public Policy Research: IDEICE met University of Chicago specialists to explore creating a Dominican public policy lab focused on applied research and evidence-based decisions. Logistics Expansion: DP World committed an extra US$100M to expand Caucedo Free Trade Zone warehousing, adding capacity to link port, free zone, and logistics services. Tech in Health Diagnostics: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics partnered to expand access to blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid assessment, including in the Dominican Republic. Sports Infrastructure Planning: A government commission recommended a new MLB-standard stadium in Santo Domingo’s Ensanche La Fe, citing Quisqueya Juan Marichal’s current mismatch with MLB requirements. Bilateral Tech & Energy Ties: Suriname and the Dominican Republic pushed for deeper cooperation on renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and parliamentary exchange. Regional Fraud Watch: A report flagged South Africa as having the highest suspected digital fraud rate among African countries analyzed, underscoring how fast scams are evolving.

Health Tech & Research: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics are partnering to expand access to Precivity® blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid assessment across Latin America and the Caribbean, with initial rollout including the Dominican Republic. Logistics & Industry: DP World and the Dominican government confirmed an extra US$100M for Caucedo Free Trade Zone warehousing and logistics capacity, building on a US$760M deal to better integrate port, free zone, and temperature-controlled cargo handling. Public Policy Lab: IDEICE is partnering with the University of Chicago’s Development Innovation Lab to model a Dominican “public policy laboratory” focused on applied research and evidence-based decision-making. Energy Update: President Luis Abinader and electricity sector head Celso Marranzini Perez outlined plans to expand generation capacity and improve grid performance through 2032. Tech & Business: Ticketplus filed with the U.S. SEC for a proposed Nasdaq IPO, highlighting its live entertainment tech platform with operations across the Dominican Republic and the region. Digital Health Finance: A new study claims Dominican private Health Risk Administrators accumulated RD$87.65B in profits and expenses (2007–2025), raising concerns about social costs to the Family Health Insurance system.

Logistics Boost: DP World and the Dominican Republic government are adding US$100M to expand warehousing and logistics at the Caucedo Free Trade Zone, building on a prior US$760M deal to better integrate port, free zone, and temperature-controlled storage for regional trade. Health Tech Access: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics plan to expand access to Precivity® blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid assessment across Latin America and the Caribbean, with Dominican Republic included in the initial rollout. Public Policy Lab: IDEICE sent a delegation to the University of Chicago to explore creating a public policy laboratory in the Dominican Republic, focused on applied research and evidence-based decision-making. Energy Watch: President Luis Abinader and electricity sector officials discussed plans to improve power supply through 2032, including tenders aimed at adding 2,000 MW as demand sits around 4,300 MW. Tourism Spotlight: The Dominican Republic is competing in the Wave Awards 2026 for top Caribbean destination visitor satisfaction, with multiple major hotel brands nominated.

Health & Policy: A new academic study says Dominican private ARS insurers captured RD$87.65B in profits and admin costs from 2007–2025, arguing the money drained resources from the Family Health Insurance system and left public hospitals and medicines underfunded. Biotech & Diagnostics: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics plan to expand access to Precivity® blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid assessment across Latin America and the Caribbean, with initial rollout including the Dominican Republic. Logistics & Industry: DP World and the Dominican government confirmed an extra US$100M to expand the Caucedo Free Trade Zone’s warehousing and logistics capacity, building on a prior US$760M plan. Education Research: IDEICE met with University of Chicago specialists to explore a Dominican “public policy laboratory” focused on applied research and evidence-based decision-making. Tech & Telecom: Reports say Viettel is preparing a US$560M push to launch a new operator in the Dominican Republic, targeting mobile, broadband, and e-wallet services before moving into cloud and cybersecurity. Digital Security: A regional fraud trends report flags rising digital fraud complexity in Africa, driven by generative AI—useful context for Dominican financial and consumer protection efforts.