In a significant move to enhance public safety, the Dominican Republic’s Joint Task Force has unveiled a new sexual offenders registry, to be managed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful emphasized that this initiative is backed by the Penal Code and forms part of broader efforts to combat crime. Additionally, the government plans to implement an action plan in October to confiscate firearms from civilians who violate Law 631-16 on Weapons and Ammunition. These measures were announced during the 109th follow-up meeting of the Task Force, chaired by Vice President Raquel Peña, and will target regions with the highest rates of homicides and firearm-related conflicts under the National Disarmament for Peace Plan (Decree 212-21). A grace period from October to December, established via Ministry resolution MIP-RR-0008-2025, will allow individuals to renew expired firearm licenses under more favorable economic conditions. According to police data, 5,700 firearms have been recovered this year, including 3,958 illegal weapons, 364 with expired licenses, and 1,228 linked to judicial investigations.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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Abinader expects UN to extend Haiti support mission until year-end
Santo Domingo – Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader voiced optimism on Monday regarding the United Nations’ potential extension of the Multinational Mission for Security Support (MSS) in Haiti. He endorsed a U.S. proposal to increase the mission’s troop strength to 5,500, aiming to directly address the escalating threat posed by armed gangs. The current mandate of the Kenyan-led mission, supported by Panama, is scheduled to expire on October 2. Abinader emphasized that the current deployment of 700 Kenyan troops falls short of the initially planned 2,500, criticizing their limited operational scope, which primarily involves facility protection rather than active engagement with gangs. He reassured that the Dominican Armed Forces remain vigilant in securing the border, firmly stating that Haitian gangs will not be permitted to infiltrate Dominican territory. This development follows a recent plea by Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, at the UN General Assembly, where he highlighted the dire situation in Haiti, describing it as a war between gangs and the populace, with half the population facing severe food insecurity.
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Abinader says UN Anti-Drug Office candidacy still under review
Santo Domingo – President Luis Abinader revealed on Monday that the Dominican government is still in the process of selecting a candidate to head the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), despite a recent recommendation from the United States. The announcement was made during his weekly “La Semanal” meeting in Santiago, where Abinader emphasized the importance of the role in addressing global challenges such as drug trafficking, crime, and delinquency. He noted that consultations are actively underway with the U.S. and other allied nations to ensure the right candidate is chosen. The U.S. Department of State, represented by Rebecca Márquez, director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, proposed that the Dominican Republic nominate a candidate, citing the nation’s exemplary efforts in drug control and organized crime prevention. The current UNODC Executive Director, Ghada Waly, is set to step down in November 2025, leaving a critical leadership vacancy.
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Dominican driver Jimmy Llibre wins at Road Atlanta circuit
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Dominican racing driver Jimmy Llibre claimed victory at the renowned Road Atlanta circuit in Georgia, USA. Competing in the esteemed Historic Sports Car Racing (HSR) series, Llibre, alongside teammate Ed Wheatley, piloted a Porsche 991.2 GT3 R to secure the top spot at the Classic 10H / Atlanta Historics event. This achievement not only highlights Llibre’s growing prowess in motorsport but also shines a spotlight on Dominican talent on the global stage. Llibre described the win as a pivotal moment in his career, emphasizing its significance as preparation for his upcoming participation in the Porsche Carrera Cup America. Additionally, he revealed plans to make his debut at the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona in November, one of the most celebrated endurance races worldwide. Expressing gratitude to his sponsors, including Banreservas, Baldom, Arroz Campos, and the Ministry of Tourism, Llibre reaffirmed his dedication to representing the Dominican Republic with pride in international motorsport competitions.
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Stephen Junior Cherenfant appointed as Haiti’s new consul in Santiago
Santiago de los Caballeros – In a strategic move to enhance diplomatic relations and consular services, the Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has named Stephen Junior Cherenfant as the new consul at the Haitian consulate in Santiago de los Caballeros. Cherenfant, who completed a significant portion of his higher education in Santiago, possesses a deep understanding of the cultural and social intricacies of both Haitian and Dominican communities in the Cibao region. His appointment is seen as a step toward fostering stronger bilateral ties and addressing shared challenges. Cherenfant has pledged to prioritize personalized, efficient, and compassionate consular services. His primary objectives include safeguarding the dignity of Haitians, promoting unity within the community, and engaging in constructive dialogue with local authorities to develop collaborative solutions. This appointment underscores Haiti’s commitment to improving the welfare of its citizens abroad and strengthening its diplomatic presence in the Dominican Republic.
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Government, EU, and France sign memorandum for PMUS-RD project
The Dominican Republic has officially introduced the Sustainable Urban Mobility Program (PMUS-RD) during the eighth National Sustainable Urban Mobility Week. This ambitious initiative, backed by the Ministry of the Presidency, Intrant, Opret, Fitram, the European Union (EU), and the French Development Agency (AFD), seeks to build on prior successes and expedite the transformation of the nation’s transportation infrastructure. The signing of the memorandum of understanding was witnessed by key figures, including Minister José Ignacio Paliza, French Ambassador Sonia Barbry, EU representative Stefaan Powels, and other prominent officials in the transport sector.
PMUS-RD aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway Agenda, a global effort to foster sustainable infrastructure. The program focuses on enhancing urban mobility in Santo Domingo and Santiago by implementing cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport systems. Additionally, it emphasizes climate change mitigation, the shift toward renewable energy, and the reinforcement of national policies to support integrated transportation networks, such as the metro, cable cars, and the Santiago monorail.
This initiative follows the achievements of Aipmus, launched in 2021, which facilitated projects like the expansion of Metro Line 2C and the deployment of six-car trains. With Expertise France joining the collaboration for the first time, the partnership between the Dominican Republic, the EU, and France aims to create a modern, resilient, and eco-friendly urban mobility system. The program is expected to reduce travel times and significantly improve the quality of life for citizens.
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GBC Pharmacy added to SeNaSa case
In Santo Domingo, the National Convergence against Social Security Theft and the Primero Justicia Foundation have formally petitioned the Attorney General’s Office to expand an ongoing embezzlement investigation. The request seeks to include ARS Senasa, GBC Pharmacy, its owner Reymon Rodríguez, and former Superintendents Jesús Feris Iglesias and Miguel Ceara Haton. The case centers on alleged fraud amounting to approximately 41 billion pesos within the State Health Insurance (ARS) system.
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Indotel launches campaign to fight fake news on social media
The Dominican Republic has initiated a nationwide campaign to tackle the proliferation of false information on social media platforms. Guido Gómez Mazara, President of the Dominican Telecommunications Institute (Indotel), unveiled the initiative during a press conference, highlighting that 62% of digital content is inaccurate. The campaign, set to launch at the upcoming Book Fair, will emphasize responsible digital consumption, particularly targeting children and adolescents, who are often vulnerable to misinformation.
Gómez Mazara underscored the alarming statistic that 70% of individuals who encounter false information tend to share it, exacerbating the issue. The initiative seeks to foster a digital culture rooted in truth and accountability, urging political parties and other stakeholders to disseminate accurate information to curb the spread of fake narratives.
In addition to addressing misinformation, Gómez Mazara pointed to positive economic developments, including a 2.7% growth rate in the first seven months of the year and the creation of over 121,000 jobs. These figures, he argued, should serve as factual benchmarks in public discourse, reinforcing the importance of truth in shaping societal narratives.
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UNICEF: over 63% of Dominican children suffer domestic violence
In a stark revelation ahead of the National Day of Children’s Rights, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) disclosed that over 63% of children aged 1 to 14 in the Dominican Republic endure some form of domestic violence. The situation is even more dire for younger children, with 70% of 3- to 4-year-olds affected. Children and adolescents constitute 31.7% of the country’s population, underscoring the gravity of the issue. Beyond domestic violence, UNICEF identified other critical challenges to children’s rights, including high rates of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and child labor—impacting 16.8% of minors not in school. Additionally, adolescent suicide remains a pressing concern, with 174 cases reported between 2017 and 2022, predominantly among 15- to 17-year-olds. UNICEF’s interim representative, Anyoli Sanabria, called for immediate action to bolster public policies, allocate more resources for child protection, and cultivate a culture that respects children’s rights. She emphasized that violence and inequality must not continue to hinder the present or future opportunities of the nation’s youth.
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La Vega–Jarabacoa Highway reopens after landslide
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) has successfully restored traffic on the La Vega–Jarabacoa highway following a landslide in the La Virgen section. The incident, triggered by heavy rainfall, temporarily disrupted transportation in the area. MOPC crews acted swiftly to remove debris, ensuring the road was reopened for both directions. Despite the restoration, authorities have advised motorists to exercise caution due to persistent rain and the heightened risk of further landslides. MOPC teams remain on-site, monitoring the situation closely and providing necessary support to maintain safety and prevent additional disruptions.