AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity & Innovation: The Dominican Republic launched the Cyber Cluster Dominican Republic, a public-private push to boost digital resilience, train specialized talent, and connect major security and tech firms (CNCS and LAC4 backing). Smart Cities & Mobility Tech: Larimar City & Resort in Punta Cana signed with TK Elevator and JCQ Ingeniería en Ascensores to bring vertical mobility solutions for residential, hotel, and commercial plans. Public Safety: Diageo renewed its road-safety message for World Road Safety Day, stressing prevention before driving and promoting DRINKiQ and the National Pact for Road Safety. Health & Data/Research: A new study reports 37.11% of Dominican primary students are overweight or obese, raising concerns about long-term health and learning impacts. Agritech & Policy: The Senate approved in first reading the creation of the Dominican Institute of Cassava (INDOCASABE) to support production, processing, and export—plus more measures tied to tourism and heritage. Environment & Science: The Environment Ministry unveiled the first phase of modernization for the National Botanical Garden, and also marked World Oceans Day with coastal cleanups and marine conservation panels. Regional Tech/Trade: The DR assumed the First Vice-Presidency of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Ports, aiming to advance port sustainability and technological innovation.

Cybersecurity & AI in Government: El Dia reports that as the Dominican state pushes faster digital transformation and AI-based services, cyberattack risk is rising too—OGTIC says the country needs stronger protocols, investment, talent, and rules to protect citizen trust. Public Health & Tech in Agriculture: The DR and the U.S. are strengthening African swine fever prevention through the National Swine Biosecurity Program, boosting surveillance, emergency response, and farm enrollment. Digital Identity: The Dominican national ID card was named Best Identity Document 2026 in Latin America, highlighting secure digital identity tech developed by the Emdoc consortium. Health Tech Market Entry: VVT Med expands into the DR via Antilles Medical as exclusive distributor for ScleroSafe, with a structured training and evaluation path. Education & Nutrition: A new study finds 37.11% of Dominican primary students are overweight or obese, linking nutrition to learning and health outcomes. Environment & Coastal Science: The Environment Ministry marks World Oceans Day with coastal cleanups and panels on marine conservation, including scientific monitoring and turtle and manatee efforts. Mobility & Infrastructure: The DR was elected First Vice-Presidency of the OAS Inter-American Committee on Ports, aiming to advance port sustainability and technological innovation. Local Safety & Forensics: Authorities are investigating two deaths and one unconscious woman at a Piantini residential tower in Santo Domingo; INACIF is examining the case.

Telecom Expansion: Vietnamese operator Viettel approved a $560M investment to enter the Dominican mobile market as the fourth carrier, via Viettel Dominicana. Public Health & Tech: A new study reports 37.11% of Dominican primary students are overweight or obese, linking nutrition to learning and health outcomes. Cybersecurity: El Dia warns that faster digital government and AI adoption are raising the risk of more sophisticated cyberattacks, pushing for stronger security capacity and rules. Border Tech & Security: President Abinader unveiled the “Strong Border” strategy, adding 1,500 soldiers, expanding the smart perimeter fence, and using drones, surveillance cameras, fiber-optics, and real-time monitoring. Agriculture Innovation: The Senate approved creating the Dominican Institute of Cassava (INDOCASABE) to support production, processing, exports, and research. Digital Identity: The Dominican national ID card was named Best Identity Document 2026 in Latin America for security features and operational performance. Health Tech Market Entry: VVT Med launched in the DR through Antilles Medical as exclusive distributor for ScleroSafe, starting with a trial evaluation pathway. Environment & Data-Driven Conservation: The Environment Ministry highlighted marine conservation progress and held World Oceans Day cleanup and panel activities. Education & Equity: A report on elementary obesity adds to broader concerns about student health and learning conditions. International Cooperation: The DR relaunched the Dominican-Israeli Chamber of Commerce with an innovation and tech-focused agenda. Weather Readiness: Local coverage explains how a trough (vaguada) differs from a tropical wave (onda tropical) during hurricane season.

OAS Port Leadership: The Dominican Republic assumed, for the first time, the First Vice-Presidency of the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the OAS, boosting its role in port sustainability, technological innovation, port-city integration, and regional logistics. Botanical Garden Upgrade: The Environment Ministry kicked off the first phase of modernization for the Dr. Rafael María Moscoso National Botanical Garden, adding restored domes, new security and monitoring, accessible restrooms, and plans for trail and lab upgrades plus solar-powered lighting and water-quality work. Cybersecurity & AI: A new workshop for journalists highlights how faster AI adoption in government services is raising the stakes for cybersecurity, calling for stronger protocols, talent, and regulations. Digital Identity Win: The Dominican national ID and voter registration card was named Best Identity Document 2026 in Latin America for security features and operational performance. Marine Conservation Push: World Oceans Day activities included coastal cleanups and a panel on marine protected areas, species conservation, and resilience efforts. Tech Education Recognition: Dominican vocational schools tied to the Armed Forces and National Police won top honors at the Latam Digital Awards 2026, including Edutech and Digital Government placements. Border Tech-Backed Security: Abinader’s “Strong Border” strategy expands the smart perimeter fence and surveillance tech while adding troops and boosting border development.

Environment & Science: The Ministry of Environment launched the first phase of a modernization plan for the Dr. Rafael María Moscoso National Botanical Garden in Santo Domingo, including renovated entrances, restored domes, accessible restrooms, a medical dispensary with a breastfeeding room, and upgrades to the Japanese Garden and Tea House; a second phase will target trails, botany labs, the National Herbarium, and water-quality work using environmentally friendly ozonation plus solar-powered lighting. Coasts & Oceans: For World Oceans Day, the Vice Ministry of Coastal and Marine Resources reported progress in marine conservation via a Fort San Gil beach cleanup and a panel on protected areas, species monitoring, and coastal resilience. Digital Identity: The Dominican national ID card was named Best Identity Document 2026 in Latin America by a high-security printing forum, highlighting security features and the local IQtek role in the Emdoc consortium. Cybersecurity & AI: El Día warns that faster digital government and AI adoption are raising cyberattack risks, pushing for stronger protocols, talent, and regulations. Border Tech & Security: Abinader unveiled the “Strong Border” strategy with more troops, an expanded smart perimeter fence, drones and real-time monitoring, plus development plans for border provinces. Education & Tech Skills: DR’s Armed Forces and National Police vocational schools won top honors at the Latam Digital Awards 2026 for Edutech and digital government work. Connected Mobility: Iteris’ BlueTOAD Spectra CV roadside unit earned OmniAir certification, aiming to help agencies deploy interoperable V2X roadside tech. International Links: The Dominican Republic wrapped its first Dominican Week in Belgium and the Netherlands, announcing new academic and scientific partnerships tied to climate, water, and agriculture.

Border Security & Development: President Luis Abinader says the DR is upgrading its Haiti border with a stronger perimeter fence, a binational market in Restauración, and a 391-kilometer plan built on “STRONG” pillars: fortification, unity, infrastructure, economic resilience, territorial transformation, and stability. Digital Education & Skills: The Armed Forces and National Police vocational schools won top honors at the 2026 Latam Digital Awards in Bogotá, placing first in Edutech and scoring additional recognition in digital government. Security Tech Exchange: Costa Rica’s Public Security minister visited to study the DR’s Joint Task Force coordination model and also toured the Armed Forces’ C5i command center for intelligence and tech support. Climate Diplomacy: The DR will chair UNFCCC’s SBSTA 64 session, with Dr. Carol Franco leading technical talks in Bonn. Biotech/Health: SK bioscience says it has licensed injectable rotavirus vaccine technology from the CDC and is starting process development for future trials. Connected Mobility Tech: Iteris’ BlueTOAD Spectra CV roadside unit earned OmniAir certification for interoperable V2X deployments. Tourism Recognition: The DR and Secrets Playa Esmeralda won major Wave Awards, including top visitor satisfaction for the third straight year.

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.