AGP Executive Report

Dance & Folklore: Alina Abreu celebrates 40 years in dance with “La Ciguapa,” a ballet inspired by Dominican folklore, premiering Nov. 13–15 at the National Theater. Children & Families: A UNICEF study finds 54.9% of Dominican children ages 1–14 experience violent discipline, despite only 12.1% of caregivers saying physical punishment is necessary. Stage & Culture: The National Theater Festival opens Oct. 22 with a contemporary play exploring the life of poet and educator Salomé Ureña. Dominican Week in France is also showcasing local artists, cuisine and a new international residency program. Historic Santo Domingo: A RD$61.5 million renovation has upgraded Colonial City streets, sidewalks and lighting as part of efforts to preserve the historic district. Travel: Four Seasons plans to open its first Dominican Republic resort in Miches in mid-2027, with 95 rooms, eight dining venues and a link to a working farm.

Luxury Tourism: The Dominican Republic’s first Four Seasons resort is planned for Playa Esmeralda in Miches, with 95 rooms, three pools and a working-farm connection. It is targeting a mid-2027 opening. Theater: Santo Domingo’s National Theater Festival opens Oct. 22 with a new production exploring the life of poet and educator Salomé Ureña, born on Oct. 21, 1850. Cultural Exchange: Dominican Week in France is showcasing art, cuisine and a new residency program for Dominican artists through Oct. 22. Historic District: Renovated streets in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City reopen after RD$61.5 million in upgrades to paving, drainage, lighting and sidewalks; further work is expected to finish in December. Film and Identity: A Haitian-Dominican film festival in Harlem used screenings and discussions to explore migration, colorism and shared history. Dance: Choreographer Alina Abreu says “La Ciguapa” is her favorite current production; the work is scheduled for Nov. 13 as she marks 40 years in the arts.

Dominican Culture in France: Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo opened Dominican Week in Paris, featuring an exhibition of José Castillo’s work, a new artist-residency program and Dominican-French cuisine. The program runs through October 22. Theater: The National Theater Festival opens October 22 with “Aquí a la sombra, Salomé,” a contemporary portrait of poet and educator Salomé Ureña, born 176 years ago this week. Colonial City: Santo Domingo’s historic district has reopened renovated sections of Colón and Hostos streets after a RD$61.5 million project improving sidewalks, lighting and drainage. Visual History: A new book on 19th-century Caribbean photography, based on a decade of archival research, launches today at Santo Domingo’s Centro de la Imagen. Dance: Choreographer Alina Abreu is marking 40 years in the arts and preparing “La Ciguapa,” set to premiere November 13.

New Santo Domingo Route: Breeze Airways will launch year-round, twice-weekly nonstop flights between Tampa and Santo Domingo on June 18, 2027, opening a new link for Florida travelers to the capital. Fintech Expansion: NCLUSION plans to invest hundreds of millions of pesos in the Dominican Republic, potentially establishing a regional headquarters and technology center and expanding local jobs and financial services. Caribbean Photography: A new book tracing 19th-century Dominican photography and visual culture launches today at Santo Domingo’s Centro de la Imagen, after a decade of archival research. Hunger Progress: The FAO recognized President Luis Abinader for helping take the Dominican Republic off its Hunger Map, highlighting food-security and agricultural efforts. Gender Equality in Schools: Two Dominican educators are pursuing advanced degrees to address persistent gender stereotypes and discrimination in classrooms.

Caribbean Heritage: A new book on 19th-century Caribbean photography, based on a decade of archival research, launches Tuesday at Santo Domingo’s Centro de la Imagen. Education: Two Dominican professionals are pursuing master’s degrees in gender and equality policy to challenge classroom discrimination and stereotypes. Sport & Tourism: Miches will host the Oceanman World Final from Nov. 9–15, welcoming more than 4,500 swimmers from over 100 countries. Culture: RD Fashion Week honored designer Leonel Lirio for 40 years in Dominican fashion, while Azua’s Culture in the South Festival is set for Nov. 12–15. Food Security: FAO recognized President Luis Abinader for the country’s removal from its Hunger Map. Poverty: Officials reported monetary poverty fell from 30.7% in 2021 to 17.3% in 2025, with preliminary figures showing a 14.58% average in the first half of 2026.

Education: Two Dominican professionals are pursuing advanced training in gender and education policy to tackle classroom discrimination and stereotypes. Food Security: The FAO recognized President Luis Abinader for helping take the Dominican Republic off its Hunger Map, highlighting efforts to improve nutrition and support local agriculture. Poverty: Officials say monetary poverty fell from 30.7% in 2021 to 17.3% in 2025, with preliminary figures showing further declines in the first half of 2026. Arts & Culture: RD Fashion Week honored designer Leonel Lirio’s 40-year career, while Abinader announced plans for a Dominican House of Culture in Italy. Tourism: The country is set to host its first international tourism journalism forum, and a new proposal calls for legislation to support Dominican handcrafts as the visitor market expands.

Poverty and Food Security: Monetary poverty fell from 30.7% in 2021 to 17.3% in 2025, with preliminary figures showing a further decline this year. The FAO also recognized the Dominican Republic for leaving its Hunger Map, while invoking Juan Luis Guerra’s “Ojalá que llueva café” as a reminder of rural aspirations. Dominican Culture Abroad: President Luis Abinader announced plans for a Dominican House of Culture in Italy, extending the country’s cultural presence in Rome. Fashion: Aurora Dresses brought a children’s collection to RD Fashion Week, where young models—including daughters of communicators Yubelkis Peralta and Amara La Negra—took the runway.

Food Security: The FAO recognized President Luis Abinader for helping remove the Dominican Republic from its Hunger Map. At the ceremony, economist Máximo Torero cited Juan Luis Guerra’s “Ojalá que llueva café” as a cultural touchstone for farmers’ hopes. Child Safety: Police say a four-year-old boy, reported missing in Santo Domingo Este, was found safe in Capotillo. A 12-year-old girl who had run away from a children’s protection center is receiving medical and psychological care as the investigation continues. Fashion: RD Fashion Week showcased Aurora Dresses’ children’s collection, with young models including the daughters of Yubelkis Peralta and Amara La Negra; the event also honored designer Leonel Lirio’s 40-year career. Diaspora Culture: Abinader announced funding from January 2027 for a Dominican House of Culture in Italy, with plans for folklore, carnival workshops and programs on Dominican history. Arts & Heritage: Azua’s Culture in the South Festival is set for November 12–15, while tourism specialists are urging new legislation to support Dominican handcrafts.

Child Welfare: Police say a four-year-old boy reported missing in Santo Domingo Este was found safe in Capotillo. The 12-year-old girl who took him, described as homeless and recently missing from state care, is receiving medical and psychological support as the investigation continues. Dominican Fashion: RD Fashion Week paid tribute to designer Leonel Lirio’s 40-year career, while Aurora Dresses brought young models to the runway in a children’s collection. Diaspora Culture: President Luis Abinader says funding will begin in January 2027 for a Dominican House of Culture in Italy, promoting heritage among Dominican families and young people abroad. Arts & Tourism: The Culture in the South Festival is set for November 12–15 in Azua. The Dominican Republic is also preparing to host its first international tourism journalism forum, as industry voices call for stronger support for local handicrafts.

Diaspora Culture: President Luis Abinader says the Dominican Republic will fund a cultural center in Italy from January 2027, with plans for folkloric groups, carnival workshops and programs for young people. Fashion: RD Fashion Week opened with a tribute to designer Leonel Lirio, celebrating his 40-year career and the role of Dominican fashion in the country’s culture. Tourism Journalism: Adompretur appointed a 13-member jury for its 2026 Epifanio Lantigua awards, recognizing reporting on the tourism sector. Heritage & Craft: Calls for new legislation to support Dominican handcrafts come as the country’s expanding tourist market creates fresh opportunities for artisans. Baseball: A report on the Dominican MLB training system highlights how the sport’s promise of a better future can leave young players vulnerable to exploitation. A Stay in Cap Cana: A review of the St. Regis resort spotlights Punta Espada golf, plunge-pool rooms and an Arturo Fuente lounge as draws for visitors.

Diaspora Culture: President Luis Abinader says funding will begin in January 2027 for a Dominican House of Culture in Italy, with plans for folkloric groups, carnival workshops and programs for young people. Fashion: RD Fashion Week opened with a tribute to designer Leonel Lirio’s 40-year career, spotlighting Dominican talent and fashion as part of the country’s cultural heritage. Tourism: A new look at the St. Regis Cap Cana highlights Punta Espada golf, plunge-pool rooms and the resort’s coastal setting. Crafts & Festivals: An expert is urging new legislation to support Dominican handcrafts as tourism grows, while Azua’s Culture in the South Festival is set for November 12–15. Dominican Art Abroad: The Dominican Republic has opened an FAO Hall in Rome showcasing national art, extending the country’s cultural presence overseas.

Luxury Travel: A stay at Cap Cana’s St. Regis pairs plunge-pool rooms and an Arturo Fuente lounge with access to Punta Espada’s celebrated seaside golf course. Faith & Diplomacy: President Luis Abinader met with Vatican officials to discuss Haiti and regional concerns, and invited Pope Leo XIV to visit the Dominican Republic in 2027. Regional Culture: Azua will host the Culture in the South Festival Nov. 12–15, with 51 events showcasing artists and traditions from six provinces. Arts & Well-Being: Fundación Cortés has brought its art, literacy and mental-health education program to the Dominican Republic, reaching 115 students, teachers and community leaders during its launch. Craft Heritage: A consultant is urging legal and financial reforms to help Dominican artisans meet growing tourist demand while protecting traditions such as larimar jewelry, carved wood and carnival masks. Radio Legacy: ADORA is marking Dominican radio’s centenary by highlighting the medium’s history and influence.

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.