The Dominican Republic has taken a significant step toward enhancing road safety with the introduction of a new Technical Regulation by the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant). This regulation establishes standardized requirements for helmets used by motorcycle drivers and passengers across the nation. Rooted in Law 63-17 and Decree 256-20, the measure has been internationally validated by the World Trade Organization (WTO), underscoring the country’s dedication to transparency and technical collaboration. The regulation was developed with support from the FIA Foundation and involved extensive consultations with importers, sellers, motorcyclist associations, and other stakeholders. The new rule mandates the use of helmets certified under globally recognized standards, such as UN/ECE 22-06, DOT, and SNELL, while banning half helmets due to inadequate protection. Approved helmets must feature a rigid shell, shock absorption capabilities, and a secure retention system. Both drivers and passengers are required to wear certified helmets correctly, avoiding damaged or expired equipment, with penalties for noncompliance outlined in Law 63-17. The regulation was unveiled during the 2025 Regional Dialogue on Public Policies for Transport, co-organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the International Transport Forum (ITF-OECD). Milton Morrison, Intrant’s executive director, highlighted that each certified helmet represents a life saved. Intrant and Digesett will support the initiative with educational campaigns and increased inspections to ensure compliance.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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Prosecutor’s Office creates specialized unit to combat illicit drug trafficking
In a significant move to address the evolving challenges of drug trafficking, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Dominican Republic has launched the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office Against Illicit Drug Trafficking. This initiative, spearheaded by Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso, aims to enhance the nation’s capacity to dismantle drug trafficking and money laundering networks, seize illegal assets, and mitigate criminal activities that threaten public safety. The establishment of this unit, authorized under Article 53 of Law 133-11 by the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, builds on a strategy that has already yielded historic successes in drug seizures, micro-trafficking operations, and international collaboration.
Attorney General Reynoso highlighted the necessity of this specialized office in response to the increasingly sophisticated nature of criminal networks. She pointed out that traditional prosecution methods are inadequate in tackling modern trafficking, which leverages digital platforms, global distribution systems, and advanced techniques to hide illicit profits. The new unit will prioritize anticipating emerging trends, tracking digital assets, and fostering real-time international cooperation. By doing so, it aims to fortify the Dominican Republic’s ability to counter contemporary threats posed by synthetic drugs and cryptocurrency-based money laundering, ensuring a more robust and adaptive approach to combating drug trafficking.
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Environment Ministry signs $300M MoU for ecological restoration
Santo Domingo – In a landmark move to bolster environmental sustainability, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mamaland Company SA, a subsidiary of the Mota-Engil Group. The agreement, valued at USD 300 million, focuses on ecological restoration, carbon credit initiatives, and conservation projects across the nation. This partnership underscores the Dominican Republic’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in green finance and climate action. The MoU highlights comprehensive studies on degraded ecosystems, including mangroves, wetlands, and protected areas, to inform targeted restoration and conservation strategies. Beyond environmental benefits, the collaboration aims to foster green employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, enhance institutional capacity, and provide training for rural communities. Dominican Ambassador to Portugal, Patricia Villegas de Jorge, played a pivotal role in facilitating this initiative, emphasizing its potential to position the country at the forefront of sustainable development in the Caribbean region.
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Pro Consumidor to monitor Bad Bunny concert ticket sales
Santo Domingo – In a significant move to protect consumer rights, the National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) has initiated a large-scale monitoring operation for ticket sales to Bad Bunny’s upcoming concerts. The highly anticipated events are set to take place on November 21 and 22 at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium. Pro Consumidor’s initiative seeks to ensure fair practices and safeguard the economic interests of concertgoers. Executive Director Eddy Alcántara emphasized that the operation will involve teams from the Inspection, Surveillance, Advertising, and Prices departments, who will oversee the entire sales process from Friday through the concert dates. The monitoring effort aims to identify and prevent any practices that could violate consumer rights, as outlined in Law 358-05, which grants Pro Consumidor authority over national market surveillance. Alcántara revealed that the institution has already engaged with all stakeholders to preempt potential violations. Additionally, Pro Consumidor inspectors will be stationed at stadium entrances during the concerts to supervise ticket verification and ensure a smooth, transparent entry process for attendees.
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Police and military agents are the main perpetrators of femicides in the Dominican Republic
A recent study titled ‘Femicide in the Dominican Republic during 2024: An X-ray of Femicide Violence 2016-2024’ has uncovered alarming trends in gender-based violence. The report reveals that active or inactive members of military institutions and armed forces, including the National Police and the Army of the Dominican Republic, are the primary perpetrators of femicide in the country. In 2024 alone, 73 women were violently killed by 74 men, with the majority of these crimes committed by police officers and military personnel against their partners or ex-partners. Shockingly, 67% of these cases involved the use of service firearms, and 83% of the perpetrators chose to take their own lives with the same weapon after committing the crime. The victims, predominantly aged between 25 and 31, left behind an average of one to four children, resulting in 77 children orphaned in 2024. Over the past nine years, femicides have orphaned 1,072 children, with 524 being children of female victims, 418 of perpetrators, and 130 shared by both. Tragically, 21 children were killed during violent conflicts between their parents. The study highlights the devastating physical and emotional consequences of femicide, particularly on children and adolescents, and underscores the urgent need for systemic change to address this crisis.
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Nearly three million Dominicans live outside the Dominican Republic. Where are they?
The Dominican diaspora has grown significantly, with nearly three million Dominicans now residing outside their homeland. According to the 2024 Sociodemographic Registry Report of Dominicans Abroad, published by the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (Index), the total number of Dominicans living abroad has reached 2,874,124. This marks an increase of 27,408 individuals compared to the previous year, reflecting a growth rate of nearly 1%. The registry, updated until December 2024, spans 119 regions, including 95 sovereign states and 24 dependent territories, with new additions such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Women constitute the majority of the diaspora, accounting for 53.5% (1,480,252), while men represent 46.5% (1,284,882). The youth demographic, aged 25 or younger, makes up 37.2% of the total, whereas those aged 55 and older account for 19.1%. Geographically, the Americas host the largest share of the diaspora, with 89.9% (2,580,924) of Dominicans residing there, followed by Europe with 10% (288,515). The United States remains the top destination, home to 2,398,009 Dominicans, followed by Spain (201,162), Italy (29,791), Chile (22,836), Canada (22,125), the Netherlands (17,979), and Venezuela (11,399). Other countries with notable Dominican populations include Mexico (10,539), Panama (8,785), France (8,699), the United Kingdom (8,149), Argentina (7,817), and Germany (6,580). Within the United States, New York has the highest concentration of Dominicans (848,560), followed by New Jersey (380,143) and Florida (312,604). In Spain, Madrid (68,448) and Barcelona (40,353) are the primary hubs for the Dominican community.
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Disaster! Strong winds in Mao knock down houses and trees
On Saturday afternoon, a powerful gust of wind swept through the municipality of Mao in Valverde province, Dominican Republic, causing significant damage to homes and uprooting numerous trees. Meteorological analyst Jean Suriel attributed the phenomenon to a trough that had been affecting various regions of the country since early morning, bringing with it rain, lightning, and intense wind gusts. Suriel noted that the wind was so forceful that it tore roofs off several houses and even led to the formation of a funnel cloud, resembling a tornado, during the event. Meanwhile, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) has issued a green alert for the provinces of Samaná, Santiago, Puerto Plata, and Monseñor Nouel, warning of potential flooding in rivers, streams, and ravines, as well as flash floods. The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) predicts a mostly sunny morning for Sunday, with scattered clouds and no significant rainfall. However, conditions are expected to worsen in the afternoon, with increased cloud cover, downpours, thunderstorms, and strong wind gusts forecasted for several provinces, including La Altagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, Monseñor Nouel, San José de Ocoa, Santiago, Espaillat, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, San Juan, Barahona, Independencia, Elías Piña, Pedernales, San Cristóbal, and the northern part of Greater Santo Domingo. These adverse weather conditions may persist into the early evening.
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Four provinces remain on alert The weather will take a turn this Sunday: stable morning and turbulent afternoon
Sunday’s weather forecast indicates a shift from calm morning conditions to severe afternoon storms across various regions of the country. The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) reported a decrease in rainfall during the early morning hours, with partly cloudy skies prevailing initially. However, as the day progresses, significant changes are anticipated. By evening, cloud development is expected to bring heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to several areas, including La Altagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, Monseñor Nouel, San José de Ocoa, Santiago, Espaillat, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, San Juan, Barahona, Independencia, Elías Piña, Pedernales, San Cristóbal, and the northern part of Greater Santo Domingo. These adverse weather conditions are projected to persist into the early night hours. Indomet attributes this weather pattern to the influence of a surface trough and the remnants of a frontal system lingering near the country. In response, Indomet and the Emergency Operations Center (COE) have issued a weather alert, warning of potential urban flooding in Samaná, Santiago, Puerto Plata, and Monseñor Nouel. Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautionary measures.
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Three provinces account for 95% of malaria cases
The Dominican Republic is grappling with a significant public health challenge as the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) reports a sharp rise in malaria and dengue cases. As of this year, 46,218 suspected cases of malaria have been recorded, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Despite this alarming rise, confirmed malaria cases have decreased by over 15%, from 962 to 810, with no fatalities reported. The southwestern provinces, including Azua, San Juan, and Elías Piña, remain the primary transmission hotspots, accounting for 95% of cases. The MSP attributes this concentration to the region’s endemic corridor, exacerbated by poverty, inadequate housing, limited access to clean water, and the presence of Anopheles mosquito breeding sites. On the dengue front, health authorities have identified 1,672 suspected cases, 258 confirmed cases, and 15 severe cases, with no deaths reported. The disease predominantly affects school-age and adolescent males, particularly those aged 10 to 19, due to greater outdoor exposure and limited preventive measures. In response, the MSP has urged the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, enhance health education, and strengthen community surveillance. Additionally, the country has recorded 144 maternal deaths, with Santo Domingo, Santiago, and La Altagracia reporting the highest numbers. Infant and neonatal deaths have also been noted, with cumulative totals of 1,542 and 1,323, respectively.
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Health officials report three suspected cases of cholera
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.