The Dominican Republic remains on high alert as it reports three suspected cases of cholera in the final week of the year, according to the Ministry of Public Health (MSP). While no confirmed cases or deaths have been recorded, the country faces significant risk due to the ongoing cholera outbreak in neighboring Haiti. Health authorities emphasized that Haiti continues to report community outbreaks of cholera, with confirmed circulation of the Vibrio cholerae O1 bacterium, raising concerns about potential imported cases through land and river routes. To date, 30 suspected cases have been identified, primarily concentrated in Santo Domingo, Santiago, the National District, Barahona, and Monte Cristi. In response, the Dominican Republic has activated its National Contingency Plan to strengthen prevention and control measures. This includes active surveillance of acute diarrhea, screening at border points and binational markets, water and food sampling, and distribution of essential supplies like oral rehydration salts, chlorine, and emergency kits. Public health officials are also conducting health education campaigns on hygiene, handwashing, and safe water use. Cholera, a bacterial intestinal infection transmitted through contaminated water or food, can cause severe watery diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration and, in extreme cases, death. Authorities urge individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. Preventive measures include proper handwashing, consuming safe food and water, and maintaining optimal sanitary conditions. The Dominican Republic has intensified surveillance in border provinces such as Dajabón, Elías Piña, Independencia, and Pedernales to mitigate the risk of cholera spreading from Haiti. The crisis in Haiti, exacerbated by poor sanitation and heavy rains, has resulted in 17 confirmed deaths since September, with fears of further escalation due to the country’s extreme vulnerability and internal displacement caused by armed gang violence. Despite these challenges, Dominican health authorities remain confident in their ability to prevent the spread of cholera within their borders.
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Wrap up warm tonight! The coldest weather of the season is coming this weekend: temperatures by location
Residents of the Dominican Republic are set to experience a notable shift in weather conditions as the first polar air mass of the season sweeps across the region. Weather analyst Jean Suriel has forecasted that Saturday night and early Sunday morning will bring the most pronounced cold spell of the weekend, particularly in mountainous areas and the Cibao region. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. over the coming days, offering a welcome respite from the usual heat. This cooling effect is attributed to the arrival of polar air from the north, which has already caused sub-zero temperatures in parts of the United States. The Dominican Republic will feel the full impact of this phenomenon tonight, with temperatures plummeting to unusually low levels. Additionally, a stationary cold front in the northern Caribbean and an advancing frontal system are further intensifying the chill. Suriel provided detailed minimum temperature forecasts for various locations, including Pico Duarte at -1 °C, Valle Nuevo at 2 °C, and Santo Domingo at 20 °C. This weather event is linked to two cold fronts that have recently affected the United States, with the polar air now extending its reach into the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic is expected to experience the strongest effects of this cold spell tonight, marking a significant departure from its typical tropical climate.
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Impact revealed How many homes has the Luis Abinader administration delivered?
In a recent announcement, Luis Madera, Deputy Minister of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic, underscored the remarkable achievements of President Luis Abinader’s administration over its first five years. Notably, the government has significantly accelerated the pace of housing delivery, doubling the annual rate compared to previous administrations. While the average number of homes delivered annually stood at 1,400 during the last four government terms, the current administration has delivered over 15,000 housing units since 2020, averaging 3,000 per year. Madera emphasized that this represents a substantial improvement in addressing the nation’s housing needs. Beyond housing, the administration has successfully translated the country’s economic growth into tangible poverty reduction. Madera highlighted that poverty levels have dropped from 27% to below 19%, lifting approximately 800,000 to 900,000 people out of poverty since 2022, when the nation recovered from the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Dominican Republic has seen a surge in foreign investment, which has grown by over 80% from $2.5 billion in 2019 to $4.5 billion in 2024. This investment has been channeled into key sectors such as hotel construction, electrical projects, and infrastructure, fostering job creation and economic development. Madera also pointed to the administration’s efforts in granting property titles, with more than 140,000 titles issued in the last five years, further enhancing the dignity and security of citizens. These accomplishments, according to Madera, reflect the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Dominicans and strengthening the nation’s international standing.
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Fraud: FBI extradites four Dominicans for defrauding US senior citizens from the Dominican Republic
In a significant crackdown on transnational organized crime, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has successfully extradited four Dominican citizens to the United States. These individuals are accused of orchestrating a sophisticated telephone scam that targeted hundreds of elderly Americans. The fraudulent operation, based in a call center in the Dominican Republic, involved deceiving seniors into making urgent payments or money transfers under false pretenses. The FBI’s Boston office spearheaded the investigation, uncovering the extent of the scam and its impact on vulnerable victims. The case highlights the growing threat of international fraud schemes and the importance of cross-border law enforcement collaboration. Political commentator Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, praised the FBI’s efforts in a post on his official X account (@FBIDDBongino), commending the agency for its dedication to protecting senior citizens. This case underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and cooperation in combating organized crime that exploits vulnerable populations.
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Groeiende behoefte betaalbare en duurzame stroomoplossingen
The inaugural edition of the Energy Fair, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources (NH), has concluded on a high note, marking a significant milestone in the region’s push toward sustainable energy solutions. Claudine Saaki, the event’s project lead, highlighted the rapid growth in electricity consumption among both households and businesses. “Many are actively seeking ways to meet their increasing energy demands while simultaneously reducing costs. The fair addressed numerous queries and provided practical solutions,” she stated. The event was held as part of Caricom Energy Month, which this year adopted the theme “Invest, Innovate, Sustain. Leading the Charge in Energy Frontiers.” Held at Utopia Heritage, the fair featured 13 exhibitors from Suriname, France, and China, showcasing a diverse range of energy innovations. These included solar panels for electricity generation, household batteries, and large-scale energy storage systems for businesses and commercial buildings. With the rise of e-bikes and fully electric vehicles, the demand for charging solutions has surged. Visitors explored various options tailored to this rapidly growing user base. Additionally, powerful power banks for charging laptops and other devices on the go were also a focal point. Saaki emphasized the clear need for a repeat of the event, preferably on a larger scale. “We are very pleased with the turnout. The curiosity about alternative energy sources was immense. People are eager to manage their energy consumption more consciously and are looking for energy-efficient devices or cost-saving methods. The fair aimed to inform visitors about the latest innovations in the sector, particularly in clean and sustainable energy,” she added.
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Abinader and the DEA strengthen anti-drug alliance
In a significant move to bolster regional security, a high-level delegation from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently visited the Dominican Republic, engaging in pivotal discussions with President Luis Abinader. The meeting underscored the shared commitment to combat drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and other illicit activities that threaten the stability of the Caribbean region. The DEA team, led by Principal Deputy Administrator Daniel Salter and Deputy Chief of International Operations Miles Aley, emphasized the importance of binational cooperation in dismantling criminal networks. President Abinader expressed gratitude for the DEA’s recognition of the Dominican Republic’s efforts and reaffirmed his government’s dedication to maintaining a strong partnership with the United States. The discussions also included Michael A. Miranda, DEA Special Agent for the Caribbean Division, and Kaleb T. Sanderson, DEA Attaché for the Dominican Republic and Haiti, alongside Vice Admiral José M. Cabrera Ulloa, head of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD). Following the presidential meeting, DEA officials visited the DNCD headquarters, where they agreed to enhance real-time information sharing and improve operational equipment. The focus remains on targeting major criminal organizations, including the Cartel de los Soles, which operates in the region. Salter highlighted the success of the existing alliance and pledged to strengthen international cooperation to dismantle destabilizing criminal structures. Vice Admiral Cabrera Ulloa commended the trust and support extended by the U.S. through the DEA, which has been instrumental in combating transnational organized crime.
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Security : «The GSF is dangerously underfunded» says Marco Rubio
During a regional security briefing in Canada on January 12, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the critical underfunding of the Kenyan-led security mission in Haiti. The mission, authorized by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2793 on September 30, 2025, has deployed only 1,000 officers out of the required 5,500. Rubio emphasized the urgent need for increased financial and military support from the international community, stating that Kenya cannot manage the escalating violence in Haiti alone. The U.S. has funded the initial phase of the mission but called on other nations to contribute to the remaining months and provide additional personnel. Rubio described the situation as a ‘hemispheric crisis’ requiring shared responsibility, urging countries in the Caribbean and Latin America to step up. He also noted the establishment of a new United Nations Support Office and logistical structures managed by the Organization of American States (OAS), but stressed that the mission is now hindered by a significant funding gap. Rubio reiterated that the U.S. is in daily contact with potential troop-contributing countries and expressed gratitude for Kenya’s leadership while calling for greater regional participation to prevent Haiti from further descending into crisis.
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Education : Tribute to the national Laureates of the State exams (List)
On November 14, 2025, a prestigious ceremony was held at the Montana Hotel in Pétion-ville, Haiti, to honor the national laureates of the 2024-2025 State exams. The event was attended by key figures including Presidential Advisor Smith Augustin, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, and ambassadors from Taiwan, France, and Mexico, alongside representatives from international technical and financial organizations. In his speech, Augustin praised the students for their academic excellence and encouraged them to continue being role models for the youth. He highlighted the government’s dedication to education, noting that it remains a top priority with a significant allocation of 16% from the 2025-2026 budget, totaling over 54 billion gourdes. The Minister of National Education, Antoine Augustin, announced scholarships provided by the Taiwanese Embassy for the honorees. The ceremony recognized eight outstanding students: Thalantina Rozier, Frédéric-Léonel François, Leguirne Brévil, Robinho Julien, Mélissa Samedi, Christina Laguerre, Jephté Pierre, and Christelle Angerville. Each received books, a laptop, an honorary certificate, and a financial award ranging from 150,000 to 500,000 gourdes from the Ministry.
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Suriname verkent lidmaatschap Ontwikkelingsbank CAF
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, held a productive meeting with Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). The discussions took place during the 4th CELAC-EU Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, earlier this week. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas of sustainable development, economic resilience, and regional integration. CAF, which recently secured an AA+ credit rating, is renowned for providing tailored financial and technical support to its member countries. The Surinamese delegation was briefed on the potential benefits of joining CAF, including access to development financing for critical sectors such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare. Both parties agreed that CAF would soon dispatch a technical mission to Suriname to develop a comprehensive business case for potential membership. Minister Bouva expressed gratitude for CAF’s open and collaborative approach, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in fostering sustainable growth and inclusive development. CAF’s regional reputation as a financial institution that prioritizes the socio-economic realities of its member states further underscores the significance of this potential collaboration.
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PM Briceño Marks Milestone with Major Ministerial Moves
In a significant political move, Prime Minister John Briceño has announced a Cabinet reshuffle, marking the fifth anniversary of his administration. One of the most notable changes is the departure of Kareem Musa from the Ministry of Home Affairs after five years of service. Briceño emphasized that the reshuffle is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate his government, though the timing has sparked speculation about potential links to recent controversies, such as the Joseph Budna investigation. Briceño, however, insists the decision was long-planned, citing the demanding nature of the Home Affairs portfolio. Initially, Minister Henry Charles Usher was set to take over the role, but he declined the appointment, opting to remain in his current position at the Ministry of Public Service. Consequently, Defense Minister Oscar Mira will now oversee both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Defense and Border Security. Briceño defended the reshuffle, stating that ministers are policy-makers rather than experts in their respective fields, and their primary role is to implement the government’s Plan Belize manifesto. He also dismissed allegations of nepotism, asserting that the appointments were based on merit and the need for strategic adjustments.