In a significant move to bolster safety and regulatory adherence, ten prominent trade associations in Santo Domingo, representing hundreds of businesses in the formal commercial sector, have released a joint declaration. The coalition reaffirmed its dedication to strict compliance with Dominican building regulations, emphasizing the importance of structural integrity in commercial establishments and the safety of consumers. The statement also expressed unwavering support for the Ministry of Housing and Buildings (MIVED) and other regulatory bodies in enhancing oversight and control mechanisms for commercial structures. The coalition called on businesses, developers, contractors, engineers, architects, and local authorities to maintain the highest standards of compliance. ‘Adhering to building regulations is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental necessity for consumer safety, business competitiveness, and societal well-being,’ the coalition asserted. Among the participating organizations are Fedocamaras, FDC, Codopyme, ANI, Adoimfe, ONEC, Asecensa, Anamara, Ancodomu, and UNE. They underscored the commercial sector’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, job creation, and urban development, while stressing that such progress must align with rigorous legal and technical building standards. The associations highlighted that these regulations, crafted by qualified academic and technical experts, are designed to ensure structural security, safeguard human lives, and maintain service continuity, even in the face of natural disasters or aging infrastructure. Compliance is mandatory for all establishments and extends protection to customers regardless of nationality. The coalition concluded by emphasizing that strict adherence to building regulations is vital for protecting lives, preserving public trust, and fostering fair competition within the commercial sector.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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Tropical Storm Melissa could strengthen as it moves slowly
Tropical Storm Melissa has stalled in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 460 kilometers southwest of Pedernales, moving at a sluggish pace of 4 kilometers per hour. According to meteorologist Jean Suriel, the storm is expected to intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours, with a potential trajectory toward Jamaica. Despite its limited movement, Melissa’s expansive cloud bands are already impacting the Dominican Republic, particularly along the southern coast. This has heightened concerns over heavy rainfall, flash floods, and widespread flooding in both urban and rural areas of the southern and southwestern regions. Suriel further warned that the storm’s outer bands could trigger prolonged rainfall across much of the country, lasting through Sunday. In response, authorities and relief organizations are urging residents to remain vigilant, avoid rivers and flood-prone zones, and adhere to official safety instructions.
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Trapped Cormidom mine workers escape unharmed
In a dramatic turn of events, all 80 miners trapped underground following a landslide at the Cerro de Maimón mining project, operated by the Dominican Mining Corporation (Cormidom), have been successfully rescued. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in a tunnel where copper and zinc extraction takes place. Despite the initial isolation of the workers, there were no reported injuries or communication disruptions during the ordeal. The first group of miners emerged from the site at 3:21 p.m., with the final group exiting by 4:30 p.m. on the same day. Cormidom has assured that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the landslide once the stability of the rock massif is confirmed. The company also pledged to implement necessary corrective measures to prevent future occurrences. This incident highlights the inherent risks in mining operations and the importance of stringent safety protocols.
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Cilpen Global clarifies Yaque del Norte images
In response to concerns over waste accumulation in the Yaque del Norte River, Cilpen Global has clarified that the circulating images depict the ‘Blue Barrier,’ a cutting-edge containment system installed in Santiago de los Caballeros in March 2024. This innovative solution is designed to intercept plastics and floating debris before they contaminate irrigation canals or reach the Caribbean Sea, while simultaneously raising public awareness about environmental pollution. The system employs a submersible belt to transport collected waste to containers, which are subsequently processed at Cilpen Global facilities for sorting, recycling, and proper disposal. Since its deployment, the Blue Barrier has successfully captured over 290,100 kilograms of waste, with 55% being plastic. Notably, more than 30,000 kilograms were removed in recent weeks alone. The initiative is part of the PROMAR project, a collaborative effort led by Parley for the Oceans in partnership with CORAASAN, INDHRI, and Cilpen Global. These organizations are continuously enhancing the system’s efficiency and expanding collection efforts. Cilpen Global stressed that the presence of waste does not signify system failure but rather highlights the alarming volume of improperly discarded materials. The company has called on citizens to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and refrain from dumping trash into rivers.
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Government announces tender for construction of the Ámbar Highway
The Dominican Republic is set to take a significant leap in infrastructure development with the upcoming tender for the Ámbar Highway, a $500 million project designed to connect Santiago and Puerto Plata. President Luis Abinader revealed that the tender will be officially launched within the next three weeks, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s transportation and tourism sectors. The project, initially planned as a public-private partnership (PPP), will now be executed directly by the government due to its anticipated economic and tourism benefits. The RD Vial Trust, under the leadership of Hostos Rizik, will manage the highway’s construction. This entity has a proven track record in nationwide road maintenance and modernization, working closely with the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) to enhance road safety, signage, lighting, and cleanliness. Once operational, the Ámbar Highway will reduce travel time between Santiago and Puerto Plata to just 30 minutes, fostering greater connectivity between the country’s second-largest city and key tourism hubs like Punta Bergantín. The project is expected to drive investment and spur regional growth across the Cibao region, further solidifying the Dominican Republic’s position as a leading destination for tourism and commerce.
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The World Economic Forum and MICM visit the Renacer Plant in San Pedro de Macorís
San Pedro de Macorís witnessed a significant milestone in sustainable industrial development as the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, Ito Bisonó, alongside representatives from the World Economic Forum (WEF), inaugurated Planta Renacer. This state-of-the-art facility, located in the Quisqueya Free Trade Zone, is the Caribbean’s first plant capable of recycling food-grade PET plastic through a fully integrated bottle-to-bottle process. The initiative is a collaborative effort between DIESCO and INVEMA, designed to reduce the nation’s reliance on virgin plastic imports, minimize waste exports, and transform local waste into high-value raw materials. Planta Renacer is projected to process 24,000 tons of PET annually, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions by 36,000 tons each year. Additionally, the plant is expected to create 500 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs, bolstering the local economy. Minister Bisonó hailed the project as a testament to the Dominican Republic’s potential to spearhead sustainable industrial practices, while the WEF delegation lauded it as a model for the Caribbean’s transition toward a greener economy. The initiative aligns with the National Roadmap for Action on Plastics, developed in partnership with the WEF’s Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), underscoring the country’s commitment to fostering a circular economy and sustainable waste management.
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Storm Melissa triggers red alert in several provinces
In response to the severe weather conditions brought by Tropical Storm Melissa, Dominican authorities have declared a red alert across several provinces. The affected regions include Greater Santo Domingo, encompassing the National District, as well as San Cristóbal, Peravia, Azua, Barahona, Pedernales, San José de Ocoa, and San Juan de la Maguana. The storm has unleashed torrential rains, raising concerns over potential flooding and other related hazards. As a preventive measure, educational institutions in the impacted areas have suspended classes, and government employees have been instructed to conclude their workday by 1:00 p.m. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to the directives issued by emergency and civil defense agencies to ensure safety and minimize risks during this critical period.
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U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo closes due to Tropical Storm Melissa
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced its temporary closure on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in response to the severe weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Melissa. The storm continues to batter the Dominican Republic with torrential rains and powerful winds, prompting widespread safety concerns. In an official statement, the embassy confirmed the suspension of all consular services, including visa and passport processing, affecting both U.S. citizens and Dominican nationals. Affected individuals will receive detailed instructions via email on rescheduling their appointments in the coming days. For urgent assistance, U.S. citizens are advised to contact the embassy’s emergency line at 809-567-7775. The closure aligns with preventive measures enacted by Dominican authorities, who have issued a red alert for Greater Santo Domingo and several southern provinces as the storm persists. The embassy emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety during this hazardous weather event.
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Eighty People Trapped in Cerro de Maimón Mine Collapse
Maimón, Dominican Republic – A significant incident unfolded at the Cerro de Maimón mine on Tuesday afternoon, where 80 workers were trapped following a structural collapse. The mine, operated by the Dominican Mining Corporation (Cormidom), is located in Monseñor Nouel province. As of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, no injuries had been reported, and rescue operations were swiftly initiated to ensure the safety of those affected. Cormidom confirmed that communication had been established with the trapped workers, who were reported to be in good health and safe. Specialized technical and rescue teams are currently focused on stabilizing the affected area to facilitate the safe extraction of the workers. The company emphasized its collaboration with relevant authorities and adherence to established emergency protocols. Cormidom also pledged to maintain transparent communication, providing regular updates as the situation progresses.
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Half of Dominicans could suffer from varicose veins, warns specialist
Varicose veins, a prevalent vascular condition affecting nearly half of the Dominican population, particularly women, have seen transformative advancements in treatment. Historically addressed through invasive surgeries, modern medical techniques now offer minimally invasive outpatient procedures that ensure quicker recovery and superior cosmetic outcomes. Dr. Víctor Canata, former president of the International Union of Phlebology, emphasized the groundbreaking impact of treatments such as foam therapy, laser microsurgery, and the Flebogrif system, which eliminate the need for incisions or general anesthesia. These innovations were a focal point at the 5th Dominican Congress of the Dominican Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SDACV) and the 1st International Symposium on Endovascular Interventions. Dr. Canata urged early medical intervention for initial symptoms like spider veins to curb disease progression. Dr. Amarilis Batista, SDACV president, stressed the importance of compiling national statistics to shape prevention and treatment strategies, highlighting lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and weight management as key to reducing venous insufficiency. The event also celebrated the contributions of Dr. Luis Ardavín Meléndez, a veteran vascular surgeon, for his pioneering work and dedication to advancing the specialty in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Ardavín reflected on the remarkable evolution of vascular surgery in the country, from limited early resources to today’s advanced diagnostic and patient care capabilities.