Carib Scope

标签： Dominican Republic

多米尼加共和国

  • Punta Cana Airport sets record with 896 flights in a single week

    Punta Cana Airport sets record with 896 flights in a single week

    Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) has shattered its operational records by handling an unprecedented 896 flights within a single week, marking the highest weekly traffic volume in the airport’s history. This achievement solidifies its status as the Dominican Republic’s most active and rapidly growing aviation hub.

    The record-breaking figure represents a substantial year-on-year increase of 125 flights compared to the same period in 2024, when the airport managed 771 weekly operations. This surge demonstrates both the sustained growth in regional air travel demand and the airport’s enhanced capacity to manage intensified air traffic efficiently. Airport management credits this exceptional performance to Punta Cana’s strengthened position as the Caribbean’s premier tourist destination, coupled with continuous expansion within the hotel industry and diversification of tourism attractions.

    Additional growth drivers include the development of emerging destinations such as Miches, which has seen the addition of over 2,000 new hotel rooms this year alone. This infrastructure expansion has motivated airlines to increase flight frequencies and establish new routes to the region. The airport’s ongoing development program has significantly enhanced regional connectivity, reduced layover times, and optimized travel efficiency, further establishing Punta Cana Airport as a regional leader in operational excellence, connectivity, and passenger satisfaction.

  • Health system prepared to handle holiday emergencies during Christmas 2025

    Health system prepared to handle holiday emergencies during Christmas 2025

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic’s National Health Service (SNS) has launched a comprehensive medical readiness initiative dubbed ‘Conscience for Life’ to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery throughout the 2025 Christmas holiday period. The operation, commencing December 23rd at 2:00 PM, represents the nation’s most extensive seasonal medical mobilization.

    Dr. Mario Lama, Director of the SNS, confirmed that all public medical facilities across the country have implemented enhanced protocols to manage anticipated patient surges. The strategic plan mandates 24/7 emergency coverage at all hospital centers with activated Emergency and Disaster Plans. Specialized protocols for mass casualty incidents and methanol poisoning outbreaks have been distributed to clinical teams nationwide.

    Yocasta Lara, Director of SNS Hospital Centers, revealed that real-time epidemiological surveillance has been intensified through the SITREP digital platform. Emergency situation rooms within Regional Health Services will continuously monitor alcohol-related incidents, food poisoning cases, traffic accident victims, and holiday-related fatalities.

    The health authority has verified nationwide stockpiles of essential medicines, medical equipment, and critical resources including water reserves, backup generators, and fuel supplies. While emphasizing that emergency services will operate continuously, officials urged citizens to practice responsible celebration behaviors – particularly avoiding alcohol impairment while driving – to prevent preventable tragedies during festive gatherings.

  • INPOSDOM highlights modernization and digital advances in 2025

    INPOSDOM highlights modernization and digital advances in 2025

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Postal Institute (INPOSDOM) has released its comprehensive 2025 General Report on Institutional Progress, showcasing a transformative year of strategic advancements. Spearheaded by Director General Erick Guzmán and bolstered by the administration of President Luis Abinader, the institution has executed a robust agenda centered on modernization, nationwide service expansion, and digital innovation.

    A cornerstone of this progress is the significant territorial expansion, marked by the reopening and technological upgrading of post offices in Esperanza (Valverde) and Guayubín (Montecristi). Furthermore, substantial advancements have been made in relocating the Santiago facility, a move designed to significantly enhance operational efficiency and service delivery across the Northern region.

    In the realm of digital transformation, INPOSDOM achieved a national milestone with the implementation of its proprietary INPOSOFT platform. This system introduces real-time parcel tracking capabilities, a leap forward that drastically improves last-mile delivery transparency and customer experience. The innovation’s impact was formally recognized with an Honorable Mention at the prestigious 2025 National Public Innovation Award.

    Demonstrating emerging regional leadership, INPOSDOM fortified international ties by hosting a major postal and customs conference, convening delegates from over 19 nations. Concurrently, the institute pioneered enhanced air logistics regulations to guarantee greater transparency and reliability in cross-border mail transportation.

    Operational metrics for 2025 underscore its critical role in commerce and logistics, with the institution processing an impressive 2.75 million domestic items, over 500,000 international shipments, and facilitating 246 metric tons of exports. This logistical backbone provides indispensable support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), fueling economic development and social inclusion.

    Reaffirming its mandate, INPOSDOM is committed to continuing its evolution into a modern, competitive, and citizen-centric postal service, fully aligned with the Dominican Republic’s overarching development objectives.

  • FEDA delivers 120,000 coffee seedlings to mountain communities in Azua and San Juan

    FEDA delivers 120,000 coffee seedlings to mountain communities in Azua and San Juan

    AZUA, Dominican Republic – In a significant push to revitalize highland agriculture, the Special Fund for Agricultural Development (FEDA) has distributed 120,000 coffee seedlings and essential farming equipment to producers across mountainous communities in Azua and San Juan de la Maguana provinces. The initiative, executed during the 8th Compostela Route program, represents a strategic investment in sustainable mountain development.

    Executive Director Hecmilio Galván emphasized the critical need to reclaim the nation’s mountain identity, revealing that approximately 70% of Dominican territory consists of highland areas despite most citizens residing in lowland regions. This geographical disparity underscores the importance of FEDA’s ‘Saving the Mountains’ Agroecological Production Promotion Program, designed to empower farmers through sustainable practices and economic reinforcement.

    The Technical Unit for the Execution of Agroforestry Development Projects of the Presidency (Utepda) contributed the coffee plants, enhancing inter-institutional collaboration for agricultural advancement. Beneficiary communities span the Central Mountain Range, including Padre Las Casas, Monte Bonito, Las Lagunas, Bohechío, Los Guayuyos, La Siembra, San José de la Cueva, Arroyo Cano, Los Fríos, and El Yaque.

    Galván reaffirmed FEDA’s unwavering commitment to preserving southern mountain communities, stating that environmental sustainability in these regions is intrinsically linked to national economic growth and public wellbeing. The program aims to create a sustainable agricultural model that balances ecological conservation with productive farming, ultimately strengthening rural economies and ensuring food security.

  • Merchants confirm chicken shortage and rising prices during holiday season

    Merchants confirm chicken shortage and rising prices during holiday season

    Santo Domingo – A significant poultry supply crisis has emerged in the Dominican Republic during the critical holiday season, contradicting official claims of market stability. Major commercial associations report severe chicken shortages nationwide, creating operational challenges for retailers and forcing consumers to face rationing measures and substantial price increases.

    Industry representatives appearing on the television program ‘Despierta con CDN’ provided detailed accounts of the situation. Jorge Jerez from the National Provisions Council, Lesseps Divani de León representing the Santo Domingo Provisions Wholesalers Association (Amaprosado), and José Veras of the Dominican Federation of Merchants (Fenacerd) unanimously confirmed that suppliers are delivering dramatically reduced quantities compared to merchant requests.

    The supply chain disruption affects businesses across scales, from major supermarket chains to small grocery stores, food stalls, and fried food vendors. Current market prices reflect the severity of the shortage, with supermarket chicken selling for approximately RD$79 per pound while wholesale markets reach RD$93 per pound. After accounting for additional distribution costs, consumers ultimately pay between RD$110 and RD$120 per pound.

    Evidence of the crisis includes the rapid sellout of nearly 80,000 pounds of chicken at a recent Inespre fair. Market analysts point to multiple potential causes including intermediary manipulation, production planning failures, discrepancies between official data and actual output, and residual effects of previous avian health outbreaks that impacted poultry production capacity.

    Compounding the problem, anticipatory buying driven by shortage fears has created speculative market behavior that further drives price inflation. The protein shortage coincides with rising costs for other essential food items, with plantains now selling for RD$30-RD$35 in markets and up to RD$45 in smaller shops, while cassava reaches RD$35-RD$40 per pound, indicating broad inflationary pressure on Dominican food baskets during the holiday period.

  • China donates electronic equipment to Dominican Chamber of Deputies

    China donates electronic equipment to Dominican Chamber of Deputies

    In a significant diplomatic gesture, the People’s Republic of China has provided advanced electronic equipment to the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Republic, marking a substantial step toward enhancing legislative efficiency and institutional modernization. The formal handover ceremony, presided over by Chinese Ambassador Chen Luning and Chamber President Alfredo Pacheco, underscored the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.

    Ambassador Luning emphasized the remarkable dynamism characterizing Sino-Dominican relations, noting that bilateral ties have reached unprecedented levels of mutual trust and cooperative engagement. The Chinese diplomat reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to treating the Caribbean nation as a pivotal trade partner and strategic ally in international affairs. He further articulated technology’s critical role in driving national development agendas and optimizing institutional performance within governmental frameworks.

    President Pacheco expressed profound appreciation for the technological contribution, highlighting how these resources would directly enhance parliamentary operations and legislative management capabilities. The legislative leader pointed to parliamentary diplomacy as an instrumental mechanism for fortifying relationships between the two countries’ governing bodies. The ceremonial proceedings culminated in a symbolic exchange of gifts and the formalization of a donation agreement, cementing both nations’ dedication to ongoing collaborative initiatives focused on technological advancement and institutional strengthening.

  • Hasta La Tambora brings Dominican merengue and nightlife to Punta Cana

    Hasta La Tambora brings Dominican merengue and nightlife to Punta Cana

    PUNTA CANA – In a significant expansion of its cultural footprint, the acclaimed Hasta La Tambora Lounge has inaugurated a new establishment in Downtown Punta Cana, marking its strategic entry into the Dominican Republic’s eastern tourism corridor. This move follows a five-year period of resounding success at its original location in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City.

    The new venue, situated within one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic entertainment districts, commenced operations with two soft-opening events to optimize service protocols. The official Grand Opening ceremony on December 18th subsequently welcomed local residents, international tourists, and devoted merengue aficionados to the sophisticated space.

    This expansion represents a strategic enhancement of the brand’s foundational objective: the preservation and global promotion of merengue music and authentic Dominican cultural identity within a premier tourist destination. The concept is meticulously crafted as an adult-oriented environment where patrons can engage in social dancing, cultural exchange, and immersive experiences within a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. JJ Romero Construcciones y Diseño executed the architectural vision, delivering a contemporary and inviting design that remains faithful to the establishment’s core brand identity.

    The beverage program, engineered by co-founder and master mixologist Zarait Marquina, presents an innovative menu of signature cocktails. Each creation draws inspiration from legendary merengue compositions, utilizing premium distilled spirits alongside fresh, organic components. The culinary division complements this with a curated selection of traditional Dominican gastronomy, featuring Villa Mella–style chicharrones, artisanal pasteles en hoja, and gourmet Angus beef burgers.

    Musical direction falls under the expertise of Grammy-winning producer Henry Jiménez, who serves as both the founder of Hasta La Tambora and the director of Johnny Ventura & El Legado. Operational management for the Punta Cana location is overseen by businesswoman and co-founder Saire Jiménez, who ensures the maintenance of exceptional service standards. Through this strategic expansion, Hasta La Tambora solidifies its position as a pivotal nexus for Dominican cultural expression, live merengue performances, and high-quality entertainment in the region.

  • Authorities intensify controls to maintain zero deaths from adulterated alcohol during the holiday season

    Authorities intensify controls to maintain zero deaths from adulterated alcohol during the holiday season

    Santo Domingo – The Dominican Republic is ramping up its national campaign against counterfeit alcohol as festive season activities accelerate, aiming to preserve its remarkable zero-death record from methanol-tainted beverages maintained since 2021. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM) has issued a public alert urging citizens, businesses, and distributors to exercise heightened vigilance against illicit alcohol circulation.

    Minister Víctor ‘Ito’ Bisonó emphasized that while government enforcement has been instrumental in achieving the current safety record, sustained public cooperation remains critical during high-risk periods. ‘This achievement stems from coordinated governmental action, but citizen participation is indispensable,’ Bisonó stated, calling for responsible purchasing practices and immediate reporting of suspicious products.

    Enhanced enforcement operations led by the Specialized Corps for Fuel and Merchandise Control (CECCOM) have been deployed nationwide through intelligence-driven inspections and seizures. These measures are conducted in collaboration with the Roundtable for Combating Illicit Trade, targeting criminal networks that jeopardize public health and economic stability.

    Consumer protection authorities have provided detailed guidelines for identifying potentially dangerous beverages, including examining bottles for signs of tampering, verifying security seals, checking labels for inconsistencies, and scrutinizing tax stamps. The ministry specifically recommended using the DGII’s ‘Revísame’ mobile application to authenticate products through digital tax stamp verification at point of sale.

    Beyond enforcement, the MICM continues educational initiatives targeting retailers and distributors, training them to recognize adulterated products and reject illegal suppliers. The judicial system has demonstrated seriousness in prosecuting offenders, with over 50 convictions for illicit trade activities including sentences reaching 30 years imprisonment.

    The ministry reaffirmed that preventing alcohol-related tragedies requires collective responsibility, urging consumers to purchase exclusively from authorized establishments and report suspicious activities to comercioilicito@micm.gob.do.

  • Tortuga Bay and The Westin Puntacana nominated for Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026

    Tortuga Bay and The Westin Puntacana nominated for Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026

    In a significant achievement for Caribbean hospitality, Tortuga Bay Puntacana and The Westin Puntacana Resort have earned eligibility for the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026, marking their continued recognition among the globe’s most distinguished travel destinations. This prestigious inclusion reaffirms the resort group’s dedication to exemplary service, sustainable practices, and unparalleled guest experiences that define luxury in the Caribbean.

    Designed by the legendary fashion icon Oscar de la Renta, Tortuga Bay Puntacana embodies sophisticated exclusivity and refined elegance, attracting discerning travelers seeking privacy and superior accommodation. Meanwhile, The Westin Puntacana Resort distinguishes itself through its holistic wellness philosophy and comfort-driven amenities, catering to guests pursuing rejuvenation and balanced living during their travels.

    The selection process for these acclaimed awards relies on global traveler participation. Through Travel + Leisure’s official platform, international visitors can evaluate properties based on multiple criteria including service quality, facility excellence, strategic location, culinary offerings, and overall value proposition. This democratic voting mechanism ensures that only establishments demonstrating consistent excellence receive this honor.

    This repeated recognition positions both properties as regional benchmarks in luxury tourism, highlighting the Puntacana Resort’s commitment to maintaining world-class standards while promoting sustainable tourism development in the Dominican Republic.

  • Government opens bidding process for Duarte Highway Km 28 overpass

    Government opens bidding process for Duarte Highway Km 28 overpass

    Santo Domingo has initiated a significant infrastructure development to tackle chronic traffic congestion on a key national artery. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), operating via the RD Vial Trust, has officially opened a public tender for the design and construction of a new overpass at kilometer 28 of the crucial Duarte Highway.

    This comprehensive project extends beyond a single structure. The initiative encompasses the design and erection of the overpass, the expansion of existing lanes, and the elimination of two traffic signals in the vicinity of Pedro Brand. A critical component involves building dedicated service roads to create a clear separation between local vehicular movement and through traffic. This development is strategically designed to integrate with an ongoing U-turn construction at kilometer 25, forming a holistic solution to mobility challenges on this segment of the highway.

    Government officials project substantial benefits from the undertaking. Anticipated outcomes include a marked decrease in travel duration for commuters and freight along the Santo Domingo-Santiago corridor, a major boost to logistical efficiency and economic competitiveness, and enhanced urban interconnectivity. Furthermore, the project is expected to create numerous local jobs during its construction phase and contribute to environmental goals by reducing harmful emissions currently caused by idling vehicles in traffic jams.

    The bidding process is being conducted under strict principles of transparency and competitive procurement. Prospective contractors are mandated to submit proposals that include exhaustive detailed designs, comprehensive construction blueprints, and robust strategies for road safety and traffic management throughout the construction period. All submissions must adhere to technical specifications set by the MOPC and align with recognized international engineering standards. This tender underscores the government’s renewed dedication to a national agenda focused on modernizing transportation infrastructure and improving mobility for all citizens.