The narrative of Dominican startups is frequently misrepresented. Typically, the story begins with a flashy investment from Miami or New York, followed by media attention and photo opportunities. Only then do people question whether the company can truly operate in pesos, withstand tax audits, or assemble a reliable operations team that won’t abandon ship for the next lucrative opportunity. The reality, however, is far more challenging: peso power is not a luxury—it’s the cornerstone of Dominican entrepreneurship. While dollar investments may bring prestige, it’s the peso that ensures survival.
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UN approves 5,500-strong force to combat Haitian gangs
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic has expressed its approval of the international community’s decision to transform the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti into a specialized 5,500-member ‘Gang Suppression Force.’ This initiative, spearheaded by the United States and Panama, aims to address the escalating violence perpetrated by armed groups in Haiti. Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez emphasized that this decision represents a pivotal step toward restoring stability in the neighboring nation. The revamped mission will adopt a more robust and focused strategy, directly targeting criminal gangs that have severely disrupted the security and daily lives of Haitians. Álvarez also reiterated the Dominican Republic’s unwavering support for the initiative, underscoring its potential to mitigate the broader regional security crisis stemming from Haiti’s instability.
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“Viajero Sin Límites” brings connectivity and care to tourists
Santo Domingo – SimLimites, a seasoned technology startup with more than ten years of expertise, has unveiled its innovative service, ‘Viajero Sin Límites,’ marking a first in the Caribbean region. This pioneering offering combines unlimited connectivity, comprehensive medical assistance, and emergency air coverage tailored for international tourists visiting the Dominican Republic. The service package features an eSIM with unlimited data, complimentary travel assistance including medical coverage up to USD 10,000, and access to AeroAmbulancia for emergency situations, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience. Emmanuel Wu Rivera, CEO of SimLimites, emphasized that the product transcends conventional connectivity solutions by integrating care and immediate response into a unified service. The initiative is bolstered by partnerships with Universal Assistance, a prominent regional travel assistance provider with over 45 years of experience, and AeroAmbulancia, renowned for its rapid emergency response capabilities. This groundbreaking service positions the Dominican Republic as a trailblazing destination in the Caribbean, offering an all-encompassing travel solution that surpasses traditional insurance models tied to hotel accommodations.
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Chinese community in Dominican Republic celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival
The Chinese community in the Dominican Republic marked a dual celebration on Sunday, commemorating both the Mid-Autumn Festival and the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The festivities, held in Santo Domingo’s Chinatown, showcased a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, including the Lion Dance, musical performances, and children’s acts. Attendees also enjoyed traditional cuisine and participated in rituals such as the giving of red envelopes and the distribution of over 400 gifts, symbolizing goodwill and hospitality. Rosa Ng Báez, president of the Flor Para Todos Foundation, highlighted the 161-year history of the Chinese community in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing their significant contributions to national development. She also acknowledged the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 2018 and China’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ng called on Dominican authorities to assist Chinese companies facing challenges and expressed gratitude to collaborators and institutions for their role in organizing the event. The celebration was attended by Zhou Yuqi, counselor of the Chinese Embassy, leaders of the Chinese Colony, and descendants of early Chinese pioneers who fostered ties since the 19th century. The event concluded with the screening of the documentary “Migrants” and a tribute to Dominicans who traveled to China in the 1960s and 1970s, underscoring the enduring cultural and historical connections between the two nations.
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Abinader vows to end impunity in Dominican Republic
In a decisive statement on Monday, Dominican President Luis Abinader declared that he would await the conclusion of the Public Ministry’s investigation into alleged irregularities at the National Health Insurance (Senasa). This announcement followed the government’s submission of a detailed report on the matter. Speaking during his weekly press briefing in Santiago, Abinader underscored his administration’s unwavering stance against corruption and its efforts to dismantle the entrenched culture of impunity that has plagued the Dominican Republic for decades. The president emphasized that all corruption cases, including those involving government entities, would be rigorously addressed. He also highlighted ongoing preparations for preventive measures to mitigate the risk of similar offenses in the future. While acknowledging Senasa’s autonomy and its exemption from the Public Procurement and Contracting Law, Abinader reiterated his expectation for a thorough and transparent explanation from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Reaffirming his commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, he vowed to hold all parties accountable, irrespective of their affiliations.
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Netflix, Amazon, and Disney sue after Dominican IPTV piracy ring is dismantled
In a groundbreaking operation, Dominican authorities have dismantled one of the most advanced piracy networks in recent history, uncovering a sprawling illegal IPTV scheme that has drawn the ire of global streaming giants. Dubbed ‘Operation Domo,’ the investigation spearheaded by the Public Prosecutor’s Office revealed a sophisticated operation that offered thousands of Dominican families access to premium content at a fraction of the cost. Platforms like IPTV66.com and ServidorPrivado.is enticed users with over 1,400 TV channels, 14,000 movies, 1,000 series, and exclusive sports events for as little as $1.29 per month or $25 annually. The service, compatible with popular apps like IPTV Smarters, Kodi, and Fire TV, became a magnet for subscribers, while a reseller system turned it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. At the heart of the operation were Leonardo Alberto Casci Ocumárez and his associates, who allegedly laundered profits through Bitcoin transactions exceeding $9.7 million, luxury car purchases, and real estate investments. Judge Fátima Veloz has imposed stringent measures, including travel bans and bail ranging from RD$1.5 million to RD$7 million. Meanwhile, international streaming companies like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and HBO are pursuing legal action, estimating damages of over RD$282 million. This case highlights the growing challenge of digital piracy in the Dominican Republic and the global fight to protect intellectual property.
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‘Bounty’ remanded on murder and conspiracy charges
Nigel “Bounty” Pinder, a 49-year-old shopkeeper from Cox Hill, Church Village, St Philip, is set to reappear in court on October 8 after being remanded to Dodds Prison on serious charges, including multiple counts of murder and conspiracy to murder. Pinder was brought before Acting Magistrate Angela Knight in the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon under tight security, with heavily armed police officers stationed at the Oistins Magistrates’ Court complex. The proceedings drew a crowd of onlookers, some of whom voiced support as Pinder was escorted into the courtroom.
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“Trinitarios” debuts at Santo Domingo International Book Fair
The Dominican Republic marked a cultural milestone with the premiere of its first historical animated series, ‘Trinitarios,’ at the Santo Domingo International Book Fair 2025 (FILSD 2025). Directed by Luis Cepeda, the six-episode series employs cutting-edge motion capture and computer animation to vividly portray the nation’s independence struggle and the founding of La Trinitaria, culminating in the historic proclamation of February 27, 1844. Minister of Culture Roberto Ángel Salcedo emphasized the series’ significance in making history accessible and engaging for younger audiences. Screenings are scheduled from September 29 to October 3 at the Frank Moya Pons Pavilion in the National Library.
In conjunction with the series premiere, the National Film Library is hosting a special FILSD 2025 program featuring a diverse array of events. Highlights include the ‘Emerging Voices’ showcase of student short films, the outdoor ‘Cinemateca sobre Ruedas,’ and a retrospective honoring the late documentary filmmaker René Fortunato, featuring his seminal works on 20th-century Dominican political history. The program also features films exploring themes ranging from baseball’s global influence to historical narratives by Frank Moya Pons, alongside animated and fiction productions. This initiative aims to promote cultural reflection, preserve historical memory, and nurture the next generation of filmmakers.
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Dominican Republic improves ranking in U.S. human trafficking report
Santo Domingo – In a significant development, President Luis Abinader revealed on Monday that the United States has elevated the Dominican Republic to Tier 2 in its annual human trafficking report. This upgrade acknowledges the nation’s ‘significant efforts’ in combating human trafficking, a crime that has long plagued the region. President Abinader highlighted the effective collaboration between the Dominican and U.S. governments over the past year as a key factor in achieving this milestone. The U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report categorizes countries into three tiers based on their adherence to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). Tier 1 represents nations fully meeting the minimum standards, Tier 2 includes countries making substantial progress despite not fully complying, and Tier 3 comprises those failing to meet standards or demonstrate efforts to do so. The Dominican Republic’s new Tier 2 status underscores its commitment to addressing severe forms of human trafficking, including sex trafficking involving force, fraud, or coercion, and imposing penalties commensurate with the gravity of such crimes, particularly when children, rape, kidnapping, or death are involved. This recognition reflects the government’s intensified enforcement measures and its dedication to eradicating human trafficking.
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CMO Laws praises PAHO for partnership in tackling NCDs
St. Kitts and Nevis is reaping significant benefits from its collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in addressing the escalating issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Dr. Hazel Laws, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), expressed her gratitude for PAHO’s support during the 62nd Pan American Health Organization’s Directing Council Meeting of Health Ministers in Washington, D.C. She underscored the importance of this partnership in enhancing the Federation’s healthcare sector. Dr. Laws, speaking at the meeting’s opening session on September 29, outlined recent health initiatives and strategies to tackle critical medical challenges. In an interview with SKNVibes News, she emphasized the need to deepen collaboration with PAHO, particularly in scaling up responses to NCDs, which she identified as the most significant health challenge. She highlighted the importance of prevention through addressing risk factors, early detection, and effective management of patients. The meeting also served as a platform for regional health ministers to exchange strategies. Guyana’s Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, stressed the importance of PAHO’s strategic plan in advancing healthcare across the Americas. He pointed out that NCDs, such as hypertension, heart disease, and cancer, are a major global health concern, contributing to approximately 43 million deaths annually, with 18 million being premature. Dr. Anthony shared that Guyana has implemented several programs, including PAHO’s HEARTS initiative, which focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention and management. Additionally, Guyana is working towards eliminating cervical cancer through HPV vaccinations for both boys and girls. The 62nd Pan American Health Organization’s Directing Council Meeting of Health Ministers is set to conclude on October 3.