The Emergency Operations Center (COE) in the Dominican Republic has raised an alert following a significant deterioration in maritime conditions across the country’s Atlantic and Caribbean coasts. The warning, issued based on the latest meteorological bulletin from the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET), highlights the presence of abnormal winds and waves that pose serious risks to vessels and coastal communities.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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Operation Leopard launched against drug trafficking; 643 packages of suspected cocaine seized
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated Operation Leopardo, resulting in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of 643 packages of a substance believed to be cocaine. The operation, conducted in La Altagracia province, was a collaborative effort involving the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, and the La Altagracia Prosecutor’s Office, with international support from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Among those apprehended are Daniela Amancio Olavarría, Rafael Torres Díaz, Wilson Rafael Inirio, and Néstor Julio Rodríguez, all accused of involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. They are set to face coercive measures at the Judicial Office of Permanent Services in La Altagracia. Additionally, Moisés Severino Inirio, José Ignacio de Jesús Mota, and Pedro Luis Cordero Espinal remain at large and are linked to the case.
The contraband was discovered on El Carmen Street at the corner of Libertad Avenue in San Rafael del Yuma. The operation saw the participation of 27 prosecutors and 194 DNCD agents, with 17 raids conducted across multiple locations, including the National District, Santo Domingo Este, Guerra, Boca Chica, Barahona, Santiago, Higüey, Cap Cana, and Romana.
Deputy Attorney General Wilson Camacho emphasized that Operation Leopardo reflects Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso’s steadfast commitment to combating drug trafficking and organized crime. DNCD President Vice Admiral José Manuel Cabrera Ulloa echoed this sentiment, stating that the seizure deals a significant blow to transnational criminal networks and underscores the Dominican Republic’s strengthened security efforts.
Authorities confiscated five properties, a recreational boat, firearms, motorcycles, vehicles, and substantial sums of cash totaling RD$1,769,400 and US$159,698. This operation is connected to a previous seizure of 993 kilograms of cocaine in April, linked to a transnational criminal organization led by Serbian nationals Nikola Boros and Antun Mrdeza, who are wanted by Interpol for cocaine trafficking across the United States, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Italy.
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There have already been three rock slides on the Jarabacoa highway.
In the past month, the Federico Basilis Highway, a critical route connecting La Vega and Jarabacoa, has experienced at least three significant landslides and rock falls. This section of the highway is currently undergoing a three-year reconstruction project, but the recurring incidents have disrupted traffic and raised safety concerns among residents and officials. The most recent landslide occurred last Thursday, temporarily halting traffic. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as confirmed by the Buena Vista Fire Department, which responded to the scene. By Friday morning, heavy machinery was deployed to clear debris and restore normalcy. This marks the third such incident in just over a month. On September 13, a massive rockfall crushed the front of a passing vehicle, though the passengers escaped unharmed. The construction company promptly compensated the affected individuals. Another landslide on September 30 caused no human or material losses. Local authorities, including the Federation of Neighborhood Associations, the mayors of Buena Vista and Jarabacoa, and the Fire Department, are advocating for enhanced safety measures, particularly improved signage. Joselito Abreu, Mayor of Jarabacoa, emphasized the construction company’s responsibility to ensure pedestrian safety and invest in proper signage. Leomaris Puntiel, President of the Federation of Neighborhood Associations, highlighted the distress among residents who rely on this sole route for commuting and accessing La Vega. Additionally, the landslides have negatively impacted tourism in Jarabacoa, as travelers avoid the area due to safety risks.
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Flags in front of the National Congress do not fly at half-mast despite national mourning
In the wake of the passing of esteemed politician Vicente Sánchez Baret, President Luis Abinader declared this Saturday a day of official mourning. However, a notable deviation from protocol has sparked controversy: the flags at the Centro de los Héroes fountain were not lowered to half-mast, as mandated by Decree 608-25. This decree explicitly requires the National Flag to be flown at half-mast on military and public buildings across the nation during the mourning period. The oversight occurred as the coffin of the late senator was being transported from the National Congress, where President Abinader and congressional members paid their respects. The flags surrounding the fountain, a symbolic site in front of the National Congress, remained fully raised, directly contravening the executive order. Vicente Sánchez Baret, who served as senator for the Sánchez Ramírez province during three separate terms (1986-1990, 1994-1998, and 1998-2002), was widely revered for his unwavering commitment to honesty, transparency, democracy, and social justice. His legacy is particularly cherished in his home province, where he championed national development and equitable progress. Survived by his wife, Yadira Henríquez, former director of the Presidency’s Social Plan, and their three children—Flory, Yessika, and Vicente Sánchez Henríquez, the current representative for District 1 of the National District—Sánchez Baret’s contributions to public service remain a beacon of integrity and dedication.
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Abinader downplays controversy over exclusions and absences from the Summit of the Americas
Santo Domingo, DR—President Luis Abinader addressed the growing controversy surrounding the exclusion of Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba from the upcoming Summit of the Americas, set to take place in Punta Cana during the first week of December. During a radio interview on Friday, Abinader downplayed the situation, attributing the tensions to political and ideological divisions. He emphasized that such exclusions are not unprecedented and expressed hope for the summit’s success despite the absences of leaders from Mexico and Colombia, who withdrew in protest. Abinader reiterated the Dominican Republic’s commitment to dialogue, democracy, and human rights as the core principles of the summit. The decision to exclude the three nations, announced in September, mirrors the stance taken at the 2022 summit in Los Angeles, where they were labeled as dictatorial regimes. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly criticized the exclusion, with Petro stating, ‘Dialogue does not begin with exclusions.’ Abinader responded to Sheinbaum’s remarks with a cryptic ‘No comments,’ while reaffirming the summit’s focus on fostering unity and cooperation among the majority of attending nations.
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ChequéateRD’ program reaches 124,000 cancer screenings in four years
The Dominican Republic’s national cancer screening initiative, ChequéateRD, has achieved a significant milestone by conducting 124,000 screenings since its inception in 2021. The program, which focuses on the early detection of breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, is set to continue its operations through September 2025. This collaborative effort between the National Health Service (SNS) and the First Lady’s Office has been instrumental in providing free diagnostic and preventive services nationwide. Utilizing a network of 13 prioritized hospitals and 512 mobile health campaigns, ChequéateRD has successfully delivered critical medical care to underserved communities. At the program’s fourth-anniversary celebration, First Lady Raquel Arbaje reaffirmed her dedication to expanding the initiative, emphasizing its mission to bring life-saving opportunities to those in greatest need. Dr. Mario Lama, Director of the SNS, underscored the program’s success in reducing cancer mortality, noting that early detection through mammography can identify breast cancer up to two years before it becomes palpable. To date, the program has screened 89,153 women and 34,603 men, with 354 cancer diagnoses confirmed via biopsy and 276 patients currently receiving treatment, highlighting the program’s crucial role in timely intervention.
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Everything President Luis Abinader will do this Saturday
President Luis Abinader is set to embark on a highly active day this Saturday, balancing solemn duties with celebratory events across Santo Domingo and Bonao. The day begins with the President attending the funeral of Vicente Sánchez Baret, a prominent political leader, at the National Congress in the National District at 10:30 am. Following this, at 12:00 pm, President Abinader will engage with young students from both public and private schools at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo’s Bonao Campus. At 1:30 pm, he will officiate the inauguration of the Padre José Salvador Fernández High School in Sabana del Puerto, Bonao. The day concludes with the President leading the inauguration of the Villa Mella Sports Center at 3:30 pm in Santo Domingo North, located near Central Park on Salomé Ureña Street.
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The eyes of the world are on the Dominican Republic: Why?
Francisco “Paco” Pérez, President of the Official Chamber of Commerce of Spain in the Dominican Republic (CAMACOESRD), highlighted on Wednesday that the Dominican Republic has become a focal point for global attention. Pérez attributed this growing interest to the nation’s remarkable economic, social, and political stability, which stands out in an era of global polarization. He emphasized that these attributes provide investors with a sense of security, ensuring that their investments are well-protected. Additionally, the country’s robust legal framework and attractive profitability further distinguish it as a prime destination for foreign investment. Pérez remarked, “These are the greatest attributes this country has for investment.”
Despite its strengths, Pérez acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in infrastructure development. He stressed the importance of enhancing road networks, water supply systems, and transportation to sustain the country’s growth trajectory. “The government shares this vision, and progress is underway,” he added.
Iban Campo Urriza, Secretary of the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic and Director of Llorente y Cuenca (LLYC), emphasized the critical role of education in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Campo Urriza highlighted the need for skills development in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and closer alignment with technological advancements. He noted that while the Dominican Republic has made strides, there is still work to be done in equipping its workforce with the necessary technical expertise. “Innovation and entrepreneurship demand specific skills and technological proficiency, which the country must continue to address,” he said.
Campo Urriza also pointed to initiatives aimed at training local talent, including collaborations with international experts. He expressed confidence that strengthening these efforts would solidify the Dominican Republic’s position as a regional leader in Central America and the Caribbean. “Investing in talent development and specialized qualifications will make a significant difference in maintaining our competitive edge,” he concluded.
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Spanish businessmen highlight the advantages and challenges of investing in the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic has solidified its position as a global investment hub, attracting significant Spanish investment totaling $1.126 billion, second only to the United States. This surge is attributed to the nation’s robust legal security, macroeconomic stability, and attractive incentives, as highlighted by executives from the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic (CAMACOESRD) and the Dominican Week in Spain (SEDE) platform during a recent luncheon hosted by the Corripio Communications Group. Francisco (Paco) Pérez, president of CAMACOESRD, emphasized the country’s exceptional economic, social, and political stability, which stands out in an era of global polarization. He noted that Spanish investment has diversified beyond tourism into strategic sectors like renewable energy, infrastructure, and communications. José Maldonado, vice president of SEDE, underscored the role of the Renewable Energy Law and the double taxation treaty between the two nations in driving investment. However, challenges remain, particularly in improving service infrastructure and education to meet the demands of new investments. Pérez and other leaders stressed the importance of maintaining tax incentives to sustain the Dominican Republic’s regional leadership, citing competition from countries like Jamaica and Costa Rica. In a bid to further promote the country, Spanish business leaders announced the upcoming SEDE event, scheduled for March 27-31 in Madrid and Asturias, which will showcase the Dominican Republic’s banking system, digital advancements, and creative industries.
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Traffic violations are a constant on Dominican streets
The Dominican Republic’s Law No. 63-17 on Mobility, Land Transportation, Traffic, and Road Safety was enacted to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents. However, widespread non-compliance and lax enforcement have rendered the law largely ineffective. Citizens frequently violate key provisions, such as parking in prohibited areas, excessive honking, and driving under the influence, while authorities fail to implement the necessary measures to curb these behaviors.