The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has issued a weather forecast for this Saturday, predicting scorching temperatures and scattered showers across various regions. These conditions are attributed to the indirect effects of Tropical Storm Jerry, which is currently active in the Atlantic.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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The country registers 123 maternal deaths this year
As of week 39, the Ministry of Public Health’s epidemiological surveillance system has documented 123 maternal deaths, marking a 9% decrease compared to the 135 cases recorded in 2024. Health authorities project a continued downward trend in maternal and infant mortality rates by 2025. However, this overall improvement is overshadowed by significant regional disparities. Provinces such as Santiago, La Altagracia, and Distrito Nacional have reported increases in maternal deaths, with 22, 14, and 7 cases respectively. These figures underscore ongoing challenges in the accessibility and quality of obstetric care, particularly in high-demand areas. Maternal mortality serves as a critical indicator of healthcare quality and is influenced by social determinants like poverty, systemic inefficiencies, and inadequate primary care. Most maternal deaths occur within the public health system, raising concerns about the effectiveness of healthcare personnel and support networks. On the infant mortality front, 1,331 deaths have been reported, reflecting a 22% reduction from the previous year’s 1,700 cases. While provinces like El Seibo, Monseñor Noel, and Monte Plata have shown progress, others such as Independencia, Bahoruco, and Sánchez Ramírez continue to face challenges due to limited healthcare infrastructure. Neonatal mortality, a key measure of perinatal care, has decreased by 16%, from 1,378 to 1,145 deaths. Significant improvements were observed in Monseñor Noel (-63%), Duarte (-43%), San Cristóbal (-39%), Puerto Plata (-38%), and La Altagracia (-35%). However, alarming increases were noted in San José de Ocoa (150%), Independencia (100%), Bahoruco (71%), and Hato Mayor (64%), albeit with smaller absolute numbers. The neonatal group remains the most vulnerable, accounting for the highest number of infant deaths. For nearly three decades, monitoring maternal and infant mortality indicators has been a persistent challenge. Maternal deaths are tracked by hospital committees and reported to the Department of Epidemiology. Experts emphasize the need for greater integration of specialized professionals in public healthcare centers to address these critical issues effectively.
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Shooting leaves one injured in abandoned hotel
A violent shooting erupted early Thursday morning at the former Pam Village Hotel in the El Batey area of Sosúa, Puerto Plata, leaving one man critically injured. The incident, which occurred during a conflict between illegal occupants of the abandoned complex, involved a group of individuals arriving in a white Sonata vehicle and opening fire on those present. The victim, identified as Miguel de la Rosa, 39, known as “La Barba,” sustained multiple gunshot wounds and is in critical condition at Ricardo Limardo Hospital. Authorities have linked the shooting to an internal dispute among squatters vying for control and management of the occupied apartments. A man referred to as “Amparo” was also implicated in the altercation, alongside others who fled the scene. The attackers abandoned their vehicle, which is now under investigation. The Pam Village Hotel, abandoned years ago, has become a hub for illegal activities, including drug trafficking, and a source of escalating violence in the tourist-heavy area. Local residents have expressed concerns over the deteriorating safety, calling for police intervention. Three individuals have been arrested so far, with the National Police continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators and clarify the motives behind the confrontation.
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National District Mayor’s Office receives international recognition from World Urban Parks Association
Santo Domingo’s Fernández Environmental Project and Park has been honored with the Outstanding New Park Project Award for the Latin American Region at the World Urban Parks International Awards. This accolade, presented in Istanbul, Turkey, recognizes the park’s innovative and sustainable design, which has significantly impacted the local community. The project, spearheaded by National District Mayor Carolina Mejía, transformed a 19,000-square-meter area in the Fernández Urbanization by rehabilitating a lagoon and constructing a new park. This initiative not only resolved a longstanding 25-year stormwater drainage issue but also contributed to the development of over 205 parks and plazas under Mejía’s administration, fostering a healthier and more organized Santo Domingo. The award was accepted by Elizabeth Mateo, who led the Dominican delegation and expressed gratitude on behalf of Mayor Mejía. Selected from more than 100 international submissions, the Fernández Park was lauded for its excellence, innovation, and environmental commitment, further solidifying Santo Domingo’s reputation as a leader in sustainable urban development.
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COE warns of dangerous waves on Atlantic coast from Tropical Storm Jerry
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) in Santo Domingo has issued a critical alert this Friday, warning of deteriorating sea conditions along the Dominican Republic’s Atlantic coast. The heightened risk is attributed to the indirect influence of Tropical Storm Jerry, which is currently active in the region. According to the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet), the storm is expected to generate perilous waves starting this afternoon, posing significant threats to maritime activities. In response, authorities have strongly advised operators of small and medium-sized vessels to remain docked until the situation stabilizes. Furthermore, civil protection units in coastal zones have been mobilized to enforce preventive measures, ensuring the safety of fishermen, recreational boaters, and swimmers. The COE emphasized the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to mitigate potential hazards during this period of heightened weather activity.
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President Abinader travels to Mexico for family commitments
Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader embarked on a brief trip to Mexico this Friday, accompanied by First Lady Raquel Arbaje and their daughters, to fulfill personal family obligations, as confirmed by an official statement. The president is expected to return to the Dominican Republic on Sunday, October 12, where he will promptly resume his official responsibilities. Upon his arrival, Abinader will lead a significant inauguration ceremony in Santo Domingo Este, underscoring his commitment to public service. Later that afternoon, he will oversee the handover of new apartments in the Ciudad Real Ecológica housing project, a key initiative in the government’s broader strategy to enhance access to affordable and dignified housing for citizens.
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Government to introduce law turning sargassum into economic opportunity
The Dominican government has unveiled a comprehensive legislative package aimed at modernizing the nation’s economy and fostering sustainable development as part of the RD 2036 Meta Plan. The initiative, presented to the National Congress, includes 14 proposed laws designed to address key challenges and opportunities in the country. One of the standout proposals is the Law for the Protection of Tourist Areas from Sargassum, which seeks to establish a legal framework for the sustainable management of the invasive seaweed. Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza outlined the plan during a meeting with senators, emphasizing its focus on innovation and environmental stewardship. The proposed law would classify sargassum as special management waste, setting guidelines for its collection, treatment, and economic reuse. By encouraging private sector involvement in converting sargassum into valuable products, the initiative aims to mitigate the environmental and economic impacts of the recurring seaweed influx on Dominican beaches and coastal communities. This legislative effort underscores the government’s commitment to transforming ecological challenges into opportunities for green development and economic growth.
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Parlacen honors Fray Antonio de Montesinos for defense of Indigenous rights
In a significant historical tribute, the Commission on Indigenous and Afro-descendant Peoples of Parlacen commemorated Fray Antonio de Montesinos (1475-1540), a Spanish Dominican missionary renowned for his groundbreaking 1511 Advent sermon. Delivered merely nineteen years after the discovery of the Americas, Montesinos’ sermon was a bold denunciation of the mistreatment of indigenous peoples on Hispaniola, advocating for their rights and dignity. His powerful message condemned the abuses of Spanish colonizers and called for adherence to principles of charity, justice, and Christian law in interactions with the native population. Montesinos’ advocacy played a pivotal role in shaping the Laws of Burgos (1512), enacted by King Ferdinand “The Catholic,” which aimed to regulate the treatment of indigenous peoples. His influence also extended to inspiring Bartolomé de las Casas, a fellow Dominican and lifelong defender of indigenous rights. The tribute took place at the Montesinos monument in Santo Domingo, a site inaugurated in 1983 and now a prominent tourist attraction. Angola Didiez, president of the Parlacen commission, led the event, emphasizing Montesinos as a historic figure who “marked a before and after” in the fight for human dignity.
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Businesses continue free plastic bag distribution despite law deadline
In Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic faces significant challenges in enforcing the Law on Comprehensive Management and Co-processing of Solid Waste (Law No. 225-20), despite its October 2, 2025, deadline for compliance. Many businesses continue to distribute plastic bags for free, directly violating the regulation. The law also bans the use of expanded polystyrene (foam) containers for food and beverages, mandating a shift to sustainable alternatives within five years. However, most supermarkets, grocery stores, and retail outlets have yet to meet this requirement. Article 172 of the law emphasizes the transition to reusable or biodegradable bags to combat environmental pollution, foster responsible consumption, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Producers are required to participate in extended responsibility programs and use oxodegradable or biodegradable materials, while businesses must provide recyclable, eco-efficient bags with environmental awareness messaging. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is tasked with conducting annual evaluations to ensure compliance. Lawmakers have debated extending the deadline by another five years to accommodate small and medium-sized businesses, but President Luis Abinader rejected the proposal, supporting industrial and environmental groups advocating for strict enforcement. Although the Senate announced plans to review a modified proposal, progress remains stalled. Environmental organizations are urging immediate sanctions and stronger policies to curb single-use plastics and ensure adherence to the law.
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Raquel Peña presents Augusto Taveras with the 2025 Oscar de la Renta Emigrant Award
Santo Domingo – In a prestigious ceremony at the National Theater, Vice President Raquel Peña presided over the 2025 Dominican Emigrant Award, named in honor of the late fashion icon Mr. Oscar de la Renta. The event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX), celebrated the remarkable contributions of Dominicans abroad, with this year’s top accolade awarded to Augusto Taveras, founder of the Rancheros Unidos Foundation in New York. Taveras was recognized for his extraordinary social work, which has profoundly impacted hundreds of families in Los Ranchos de Babosico, Santiago de los Caballeros.
Through his foundation, Taveras has constructed and donated over 500 fully equipped homes, established schools, sports facilities, and health centers, and supported scholarship and medical programs in collaboration with local institutions. In her address, Vice President Peña lauded the dedication of Dominicans overseas, emphasizing that their achievements embody ‘the heart of an entire nation.’
Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez underscored the importance of protecting Dominicans abroad as a cornerstone of President Luis Abinader’s foreign policy. María Alejandra Castillo, MIREX’s director of Specialized Diplomacy, added that true legacy is measured ‘in touched lives and shared hope.’ Alongside the award, Taveras received a cash prize of one million pesos, sponsored by Banreservas.
The seventh edition of the event also honored nine other Dominicans from Canada, the United States, Spain, and Scotland for their excellence in fields such as psychology, medicine, education, technology, and community leadership. The selection committee, chaired by Haydee Rainieri with José Luis ‘Pepín’ Corripio as permanent advisor, highlighted the global impact of Dominican emigrants.
The ceremony brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and cultural figures, culminating in Vice President Peña’s closing remarks, where she described Dominican emigrants as ‘ambassadors of the best of our nation,’ embodying the spirit and values of the Dominican Republic worldwide.