AGP Executive Report

Aviation Modernization: IDAC says Punta Cana Airport will get an ILS-DME system (RD$150M) to improve landing safety in low visibility, with more radar and ADS-B upgrades planned for Cibao by Feb. 2027. Digital Governance: UN ODET pushed for safeguards, governance, and sustainable financing as the Dominican Republic hosts a Regional Digital Public Infrastructure forum focused on safe, inclusive digital public services. Public Health Tech: PAHO backed Dominican efforts to eliminate bacterial meningitis, urging updated protocols, stronger lab referral, and better links between clinical, lab, and surveillance data. Climate Resilience Planning: Max Puig and partners highlighted how local decision-making should use meteorological, satellite, and early-warning tools to reduce disaster and climate displacement risks. Energy Storage & Renewables: A regional report warns Caribbean solar growth is outpacing official stats, but policy and grid limits are slowing the shift away from imported fossil fuels. Local Tech & Infrastructure: Intrant/AFD/ EU research estimates 6.7M daily trips in Greater Santo Domingo, mapping where transport demand concentrates. Security & Forensics: DNCD, Navy, and Air Force seized 749 cocaine packages off Baní; samples go to INACIF for lab confirmation. Tourism & Investment: Punta Bergantín’s trust says it’s entering a new investment phase with $56M in tourism and real estate infrastructure for Puerto Plata and the North. Aviation Routes: Southwest announced new Austin routes to Punta Cana (plus Costa Rica and the Bahamas) starting June 5.

Book & Culture Tech: The 28th Santo Domingo International Book Fair (FILSD 2026) wrapped up with 714,322 visitors and over RD$97M in preliminary sales, plus 7,000 free books via “Bono Libro,” and it’s set to run Sept. 12–26 in 2027. Climate Resilience & Mobility: Max Puig says DR resilience needs integrated territorial planning, disaster risk management, and turning scientific and satellite data into local early-warning tools tied to climate displacement. Energy Storage Policy: A regional look at BESS growth argues regulation and grid readiness are the bottlenecks—Latin America needs investment in infrastructure to absorb renewables and dispatch power. Urban Transport Numbers: Intrant reports about 6.7M trips daily in Greater Santo Domingo, with major flows between the National District and East/West Santo Domingo—data built with AFD/EU/Systra surveys. Digital Public Infrastructure: UN ODET urges DPI safeguards, governance, and sustainable financing at scale, including inclusion, data protection, oversight, and user redress. Aviation Modernization: IDAC is upgrading Punta Cana with an ILS-DME and expanding weather radar and surveillance systems, including plans for Cibao by Feb. 2027. Tourism Infrastructure: Punta Bergantín is entering a new investment phase with $56M+ in roads, utilities, and amenities to reposition Puerto Plata as a long-term tourism “engine.”

Aviation Modernization: IDAC is upgrading Dominican air navigation with a new ILS-DME for Punta Cana, plus more weather radars and a planned ADS-B + radar surveillance system at Cibao by Feb. 2027. Digital Government: The DR is rolling out a framework for verifiable digital credentials, to plug into Soy Yo RD and the Citizen Folder and cut down on repeated paperwork. DPI Governance: UN ODET urged stronger safeguards, governance, and sustainable financing for digital public infrastructure during a Santo Domingo forum. Tourism & Infrastructure: Punta Bergantín’s North Coast push is entering a new phase with $56M+ in tourism and real estate infrastructure to attract investment and jobs. Energy Transition: A new Ember report says Caribbean solar growth is outpacing official stats, but policy and regulation are slowing the shift away from imported fossil fuels. Stablecoin Banking: Jeeves raised $110M to scale its stablecoin-native banking platform across 35 countries, including the Dominican Republic. Economy Watch: The Dominican economy grew 4.5% (Jan–Aug), with services and construction leading. Regional AI: The Bahamas discussed safe AI adoption with IDB partners, including major tech firms.

Aviation Modernization: IDAC says Punta Cana Airport will get an ILS-DME system to improve landing guidance and safety in bad weather, with RD$150 million allocated, plus more radar and surveillance upgrades planned for Cibao by Feb. 2027. Digital Government & Trust: UN ODET urged stronger safeguards, governance, and sustainable financing for digital public infrastructure during a Santo Domingo forum, as the region scales services like verifiable credentials. Digital Credentials in the DR: The government launched a framework for verifiable digital credentials to reduce paperwork in procedures, using a federated model that keeps institutions responsible for their own records. Renewables Policy Watch: A new Ember report finds Caribbean solar growth is outpacing official stats, but policy and regulation are slowing the shift away from imported fossil fuels. Tourism & Infrastructure: Punta Bergantín’s Puerto Plata project is entering a new investment phase with $56M+ in tourism and real estate infrastructure, targeting roads, utilities, and amenities to spur a broader regional economic push. Regional Tech Diplomacy: The Bahamas joined IDB talks on safe AI adoption, discussing a shared regional strategy, regulation, workforce training, and digital infrastructure. Economy Snapshot: Dominican economy grew 4.5% Jan–Aug, led by construction, services, and financial activity.

Aviation Modernization: The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) is upgrading air navigation at Punta Cana with a new ILS-DME system (RD$150M), adding more weather radars, and expanding surveillance plans for Cibao by Feb. 2027. Digital Credentials: The government is rolling out a framework for verifiable digital credentials to reduce paperwork in services, using a federated model that verifies records without creating a centralized database. DPI Safeguards: UN ODET urged stronger governance, safeguards, and sustainable financing for digital public infrastructure during a Santo Domingo forum, stressing inclusion, data protection, oversight, and user redress. Sargassum Response: Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez called for a coordinated regional approach, with the DR shifting from just collecting seaweed to proactive monitoring using satellite and geospatial data. Stablecoin Banking: Jeeves announced a $110M equity round and a stablecoin-native wallet with payouts to 190 countries, aiming to speed cross-border payments for global enterprises. Economy Watch: The Central Bank reports the Dominican economy grew 4.5% in Jan–Aug, with construction and services leading. Tech & Society: Kathryn P. Derose received recognition for community-partnered research supporting HIV-sensitive social protection and food security policy through 2027.

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.