AGP Executive Report

Regional Culture: The Culture in the South Festival will bring 51 events to Azua from Nov. 12–15, featuring artists and traditions from six provinces and honoring visual artist Dionisio Blanco. Dominican Handcrafts: Consultant José De Ferrari is urging legal reform and greater financial formalization to help artisans benefit from a growing tourism market. Arts & Well-Being: Fundación Cortés has brought its education program to the Dominican Republic, combining art, literacy and mental-health support for students, teachers and community leaders. Fashion: RD Fashion Week 2026 will celebrate designer Leonel Lirio’s 40-year career and spotlight emerging Dominican talent. Nationality Rights: A report revisits how a court ruling denied Dominican nationality to more than 200,000 people of Haitian descent born in the country. Music: Dominican band La Armada’s new track “Crónica de una Serpiente” draws on palos, a rhythm used in religious ceremonies.

Beach Escape: Casa de Campo’s Minitas Beach in La Romana offers white sand, turquoise water, snorkeling and a relaxed seaside lunch. Dominican Music: La Armada’s new single, “Crónica de una Serpiente,” draws on palos, a rhythm used in religious ceremonies, and features Yasser Tejeda and Jonathan “Jblak” Troncoso. Women’s Safety: The proposed Mirabal Law would coordinate state services to prevent violence against women and improve protection and support for survivors and their children. Culture Ministry: An audit reported RD$304.8 million in financial and administrative observations during Milagros Germán’s tenure; the former minister is challenging how the figure has been presented. Music: Soprano Natalie Peña Comas has unveiled “Fifth Element: Earth,” blending Mexican boleros with bachata and global influences. Nationality Rights: A report revisits how a 2013 court ruling stripped Dominican nationality from more than 200,000 people of Haitian descent, including people born in the country before 2010. Family Visit: Cardi B celebrated her birthday in Montecristi by helping clean her grandparents’ home, prompting playful fan jokes about her lyrics.

Women’s Safety: A proposed “Mirabal Law” would coordinate state agencies to prevent violence against women, protect victims and their children, and improve investigations and reparations. Global Role: The Dominican Republic won re-election to the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029; Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó said the country would focus on vulnerable groups and the needs of small island states. Culture Watch: Former Culture Minister Milagros Germán disputes the RD$304.8 million in observations cited in an audit of the ministry’s 2021–2023 finances, which flagged weaknesses in controls and accounting. Music: Dominican soprano Natalie Peña Comas has released “Fifth Element: Earth,” blending Mexican boleros with bachata and sounds from around the world. Health: Oncologists warn that cancer diagnosis can take up to three months in public facilities, delaying treatment as many patients reach care at advanced stages. Family & Fame: Cardi B marked her birthday by helping scrub her grandparents’ home in Montecristi, a down-to-earth moment that delighted fans online.

Urban Renewal: Santo Domingo has begun a renovation of 27 de Febrero Boulevard, adding sidewalks, shade, lighting and landscaping to create a safer pedestrian route; work is expected to finish by August 2027. Family & Fame: Cardi B spent her 34th birthday helping scrub her Dominican grandparents’ home, winning praise online for staying close to her roots. Health: Dominican cancer specialists warn that delays for consultations, biopsies and other tests can stretch diagnosis to three months, leaving some patients to begin care at advanced stages. Culture & Sport: Ambassador Edward Pérez says baseball and a 92-year history of migration and exchange help bind the Dominican Republic and Japan. Arts Abroad: President Luis Abinader opened a Dominican Republic hall at FAO headquarters in Rome, where a sculpture by Dominican artist Juan Trinidad will showcase the country’s art. Fashion: Dominican model Andreína Martínez Fournier has reached the top three in Victoria’s Secret’s search for a new Angel.

Fashion: Dominican model Andreína Martínez has reached the top three in the search for a new Victoria’s Secret Angel and is due on the runway October 18. Radio & Heritage: ADORA marked 100 years of Dominican radio with a museum celebrating the medium’s history and its shift to digital platforms. Diaspora: President Luis Abinader opened the Dominican Parade in Rome, celebrating the traditions of nearly 6,000 Dominicans living there. Tourism & Sustainability: Some Canadian retirees are swapping Florida for the Dominican Republic, drawn by lower costs and local culture. Grupo Puntacana sustainability leader Jake Kheel will also be honored for work in conservation and community development. Food & Sport: Abinader called the country’s removal from the FAO Hunger Map a proud achievement; he and Venezuela’s president also proposed a baseball series between the two nations. Health: A review of cosmetic-surgery complications found the Dominican Republic was the most frequently reported destination in studies outside Europe. Dominicans in New York: Oscar Belgal, a Dominican immigrant shot by an ICE agent, remains in detention; his lawyers say he urgently needs surgery, while accounts of the shooting remain disputed.

Baseball and Diplomacy: Dominican President Luis Abinader and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez proposed a baseball miniseries between the countries, dubbed “The Revenge,” during a meeting in Rome. Food Security: At the World Food Forum, Abinader called the Dominican Republic’s removal from the FAO Hunger Map his proudest achievement, citing lower undernourishment and expanded domestic food production. The two leaders also backed sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture. Dominican Culture Abroad: Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje opened Rome’s Dominican Parade, celebrating the diaspora and its traditions. Health and Travel: A review of 58 studies found infections among the most common complications reported after cosmetic procedures abroad; the Dominican Republic was the most frequently reported destination in studies outside Europe. Film: Dominican director José María Cabral’s dark comedy “Sh*t Happens,” a story exploring class and power in a Dominican household, will premiere in competition at Tallinn’s Black Nights Film Festival. Local Traditions: Residents learned to make guavaberry liqueur, a taste of Dominican heritage.

Diaspora & Culture: President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje opened Rome’s Dominican Parade, celebrating the nearly 6,000 Dominicans living there with music, dance and national colors. Abinader also hopes to invite Pope Leo XIV to the DR in 2027, though the pontiff’s planned surgery may affect their scheduled meeting. Dominican Cinema: José María Cabral’s dark comedy Sht Happens*, about class and power in a Dominican household, has been picked up by Latido Films ahead of its competition premiere at Tallinn’s Black Nights Film Festival. Travel: Flair Airlines will launch twice-weekly nonstop flights from Toronto to Puerto Plata on Dec. 19, with one-way fares starting at C$249 before taxes and fees. Hospitality: A historic Marriott in Santo Domingo is getting an $11 million refresh, including padel courts and poolside pizza. Community: The Dominican Republic has become the first Caribbean country to host Make-A-Wish.

Dominican Diaspora: Harry Styles urged fans to “look after each other” while naming Oscar Belgal, a Dominican man shot by ICE in New York; Belgal’s lawyers say he is still awaiting surgery. Energy Transition: Civil society groups used Santo Domingo’s regional Energy Week to call for a stronger role in shaping a fair transition, including action on energy poverty and community participation. Rights & Protection: Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the death of a young man during a migration operation in Punta Cana. The Dominican Republic also advanced to Tier 2 in the U.S. trafficking report. Health: A national flu vaccination campaign is offering more than 400,000 free doses at 1,350-plus centers, prioritizing older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic conditions. Culture & Travel: Santo Domingo’s Book Fair drew 714,322 visitors and generated more than RD$97 million in sales. Flair Airlines plans twice-weekly nonstop Toronto–Puerto Plata flights starting Dec. 19.

Migration & Rights: Amnesty International is calling for an independent investigation into the death of a young man of possible Haitian origin, reportedly shot by a migration agent during an operation in Punta Cana on Oct. 3. The General Directorate of Migration separately reported detaining 2,336 foreign nationals and deporting 1,846 in a single day. Public Health: A national flu-vaccination campaign is offering more than 400,000 free doses at over 1,350 sites, prioritizing older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic conditions. Travel: Flair Airlines will launch twice-weekly nonstop flights between Toronto and Puerto Plata on Dec. 19, adding a new Canadian route for winter visitors. Culture: Santo Domingo’s Book Fair drew 714,322 visitors and generated more than RD$97 million in sales. Community: The Dominican Republic has become the first Caribbean country to host Make-A-Wish.

Migration Accountability: Amnesty International is calling for an independent investigation into the October 3 death of a young man of possible Haitian origin during a migration operation in Punta Cana. The group says authorities must clarify how he died and establish responsibility. Public Health: The government has launched a free flu vaccination campaign, with more than 400,000 doses available at over 1,350 centers, prioritizing older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic conditions. Travel: Flair Airlines plans twice-weekly nonstop flights between Toronto and Puerto Plata from December 19, adding a winter route for Canadian travelers. Dominican Culture Abroad: A planned tribute in Upper Manhattan will celebrate Black identity and Afro-Caribbean traditions in a neighborhood shaped by Dominican and other Caribbean communities.

Human Rights: Amnesty International is calling for an independent investigation into the death of a young man of possible Haitian origin, reportedly shot by a migration agent during an Oct. 3 operation in Punta Cana. The group says authorities must clarify what happened and ensure accountability. Migration: The General Directorate of Migration says it detained 2,336 foreigners and deported 1,846 in Wednesday operations. Public Health: A national flu vaccination campaign is offering more than 400,000 free doses at over 1,350 centers, with priority for older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic conditions. Children: UNICEF has warned about violence against girls and controlling practices in the Dominican Republic. Culture & Travel: Santo Domingo’s Book Fair drew 714,322 visitors and generated more than RD$97 million in sales; meanwhile, a historic Marriott in the Colonial City is set for an $11 million renovation with padel courts and poolside dining.

Dominican Community in New York: Dominican national Oscar Belgal was shot by ICE agents during an arrest in the Bronx. Newly released surveillance video shows agents approaching his car; his five-year-old son was unharmed, and a judge has temporarily blocked Belgal’s deportation. Children’s Wellbeing: Make-A-Wish has launched in the Dominican Republic, the first Caribbean country to host the program. It aims to grant 20 wishes to children with critical illnesses by year’s end. Human Trafficking: The Dominican Republic has advanced to Tier 2 in efforts to combat trafficking, according to a recent U.S. report. Culture and Tourism: Santo Domingo’s Book Fair drew 714,322 visitors and generated more than RD$97 million in sales. The country also ranked first in the Caribbean for tourism development, while Disney Cruise Line made its Dominican debut in Puerto Plata.

Dominican Diaspora: Dominican immigrant Oscar Belgal, 28, was shot by a U.S. immigration agent in New York while his 5-year-old son was in the car; the child was unharmed. The shooting sparked protests and sharp criticism from city leaders, while U.S. officials defended the operation and details remain under investigation. Human Trafficking: The Dominican Republic advanced to Tier 2 in the U.S. assessment, citing more investigations, labor inspections and victim protections. A proposed law change would remove the need to prove force, fraud or coercion in cases involving child trafficking. UNICEF also warned of violence and controlling practices affecting girls in the country. Culture & Heritage: Santo Domingo’s Book Fair drew 714,322 visitors and generated more than RD$97 million in sales. Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía was named honorary ambassador of Dominican larimar, the country’s distinctive blue gemstone.

New York Incident: A Dominican man was shot and wounded by ICE during an arrest operation in Marble Hill; a 5-year-old in his car was unharmed. DHS cited the man’s alleged criminal history, while officials have not explained what led to the shooting. Protests followed, and the incident is under investigation. Larimar Heritage: Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía was named an honorary ambassador of Dominican larimar, a gemstone closely tied to national identity, and Queen of Larimar for 2026–27. Children’s Welfare: UNICEF says 54.9% of Dominican children ages 1 to 14 have experienced violent discipline and warns that controlling practices can limit girls’ autonomy. Culture: Santo Domingo’s Book Fair drew 714,322 visitors and generated more than RD$97 million in sales. River Search: A body found in the Yaque del Norte River is believed by relatives to be that of missing 13-year-old Josnely Álvarez; forensic authorities are working to confirm her identity and cause of death.

Public Safety: A body believed to be that of 13-year-old Josnely Álvarez was found in the Yaque del Norte River; forensic officials have yet to confirm her identity and determine how she died. Arts & Culture: Comedian Marcello Hernández spoke about his Cuban-Dominican upbringing and the musical traditions that shaped his family. Santo Domingo’s Book Fair drew 714,322 visitors and generated more than RD$97 million in sales. City Life: The historic Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua is getting an $11 million-plus refresh, including theater upgrades, padel courts and new poolside dining. Football: The Dominican Republic clarified that Haiti’s national team may play in the country as a visitor, but cannot host matches at Dominican facilities, after a post-game dispute stirred tensions.

Cultural Identity: SNL comedian Marcello Hernández discussed how his Cuban mother and Dominican father shaped his upbringing, and why performing comedy in Spanish matters to him. Santo Domingo Lifestyle: The historic Jaragua hotel is getting an $11 million refresh, including restored theater spaces, padel courts and redesigned poolside dining. Football Tensions: The Dominican Republic narrowed its ban on Haiti’s team, allowing visits but barring it from hosting matches locally; remarks after their game have fueled fresh debate. Arts & Culture: Santo Domingo’s Book Fair drew 714,322 visitors and generated more than RD$97 million in sales. Tourism: The country ranked No. 1 in the Caribbean for tourism development, while Disney Cruise Line is set to make its Dominican debut in Puerto Plata.