In a bold move aimed at safeguarding national security and social cohesion, Representative Elías Wessin, leader of the Quisqueyano Christian Democratic Party (PQDC), has announced plans to introduce legislation banning the practice of Sharia law and the construction of mosques in the Dominican Republic. Wessin emphasized that the country “cannot afford that luxury,” expressing concerns over the potential risks posed by the coexistence of Islamic practices and voodoo to national unity. Drawing a stark comparison, he likened the possible outcomes to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, highlighting the dangers of ideological and cultural divides. While acknowledging anticipated opposition from legal experts and diverse political factions, Wessin asserted that “the security of the Dominican state, and therefore of all Dominicans, is above any other interest or right.” He pledged to unveil the full details of the initiative soon, framing it as a measure to protect the cultural and spiritual values integral to Dominican identity.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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Dominican and British delegation discuss cooperation on technology
In a significant step toward fostering international cooperation, Representative Vicente Sánchez Henríquez, head of the Permanent Commission on Information and Communication Technology in the Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Deputies, convened with a delegation of British parliamentarians on Tuesday. The meeting, led by UK MP Jessica Morden, centered on enhancing collaboration in technology and digital governance. Both parties delved into critical areas such as digital transformation, technological innovation, and the reinforcement of parliamentary ties between the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom. Sánchez Henríquez emphasized the pivotal role of innovation and digitalization in driving institutional progress and ensuring government transparency. The British delegation, in turn, expressed a keen interest in sharing legislative expertise and best practices, particularly in digital education, cybersecurity, and public-sector modernization. The discussions aimed to lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives that would yield mutual benefits for both nations.
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Banco BHD and Dominican Consulate in New York launch “Origins of Excellence”
Santo Domingo – Banco BHD, in partnership with the Dominican Consulate in New York, has unveiled the ‘Origins of Excellence’ campaign, a groundbreaking initiative designed to honor exceptional Dominican students living in the United States. This program celebrates young individuals who have demonstrated remarkable academic prowess, active engagement in cultural activities, sports, and a commitment to community service.
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Dominican Republic condemns attack on Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s convoy
The Dominican Republic has publicly denounced the violent assault on a convoy transporting Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, extending its solidarity to the people of Ecuador. In an official statement released via social media by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dominican government expressed its firm opposition to all acts of violence that jeopardize peace and democratic stability, reiterating its unwavering support for Ecuador in the wake of this alarming incident. The attack took place on Tuesday afternoon in the province of Cañar, where President Noboa was engaged in official duties. Reports indicate that his vehicle was targeted with bullets and stones while en route to an event in El Tambo. Despite the attack, the president emerged unscathed and proceeded with his scheduled activities. Ecuador’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Inés Manzano, subsequently lodged a formal complaint for attempted assassination, highlighting that the presidential vehicle had been struck by gunfire, though this was not distinctly evident in the official footage.
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DR firms Newlink and Multiplicity launch alliance to transform national talent management
In a groundbreaking move, the Dominican Republic’s corporate sector is set to undergo a transformative shift with the strategic partnership between Newlink, renowned as The Engagement Company, and Multiplicity, a trailblazer in competency evaluation. This collaboration aims to introduce cutting-edge methodologies for talent selection and development, with the ultimate goal of enhancing employee loyalty, fostering innovation, and boosting competitiveness across the nation’s productive industries. The alliance directly responds to the growing demand within the Dominican business community for more sophisticated and effective tools to attract, evaluate, and nurture talent, while simultaneously strengthening strategic communication and external relations capabilities. Newlink brings to the table its expertise in strategic communication, digital management, organizational reputation, and market analysis, underpinned by its globally recognized “Orbital Thinking” framework. Additionally, the firm will integrate its internal Culture Unit, which focuses on organizational well-being, internal communications, and change management. Multiplicity, operating across Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela, contributes its innovative talent diagnostics portfolio, including precise competency detection and a high-technology evaluation system. Natalia Batista, CEO of Multiplicity, emphasized that this partnership will mark a pivotal moment in how Dominican companies attract, retain, and empower their human talent. Eduardo Valcárcel, Managing Partner of Newlink, highlighted the broader vision of the alliance, stating that it aims not only to foster company growth but also to create a positive societal impact by building more dynamic, productive, and human-centered workplaces. This strategic association is poised to professionalize the Dominican Republic’s labor market, enhance its competitiveness, and position the nation as a sophisticated and attractive player in the regional market.
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Abinader inaugurates 27 de Febrero–Isabel Aguiar overpass
Santo Domingo has witnessed a significant leap in urban infrastructure as President Luis Abinader officially inaugurated the state-of-the-art overpass linking the 27 de Febrero Extension and Isabel Aguiar Avenue. This ambitious project, funded by RD$2 billion secured through the renegotiation of the AERODOM contract, marks a pivotal moment in the city’s transportation landscape, promising to benefit over one million daily commuters across Greater Santo Domingo. The overpass is projected to slash travel times by up to 40% for routes connecting Santo Domingo Oeste, the South region, and the National District, while simultaneously enhancing safety, fuel efficiency, and overall productivity. Accompanied by Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella, President Abinader highlighted that this initiative is a cornerstone of a broader urban mobility strategy, which includes the development of a new transport terminal, a cable car system, and ongoing metro expansions. These combined efforts aim to alleviate chronic congestion, particularly at the city’s western entry points. Spanning 480 meters, the overpass boasts three sections, eight operational ramps, and six lateral lanes designed to accommodate both heavy and light traffic. Constructed to meet the rigorous AASHTO 2018 international standards, the structure features advanced drainage systems connected to the Guajimía ravine, capable of managing up to one million gallons of water, thereby mitigating flood risks in the area.
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U.S. authorities intercept US$4 million cocaine shipment from Dominican Republic
In a significant operation at the San Juan port in Puerto Rico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted 365 pounds (165 kilograms) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $4 million. The illicit shipment, originating from the Dominican Republic, was discovered during a routine container inspection conducted by CBP’s Anti-Terrorism and Contraband Team. Officers uncovered eight concealed bags containing 149 brick-shaped packages of cocaine. While no arrests have been made in connection with the seizure, authorities are continuing their investigation. Roberto Vaquero, CBP’s Chief of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, commended the officers for their vigilance, stating that such interceptions play a crucial role in preventing drugs from infiltrating communities and highlight the agency’s dedication to safeguarding the Caribbean border.
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Japan education advisor suggests transforming math teaching in Dominican Republic
During his recent visit to the Dominican Republic, Norihiro Nishikata, an education advisor with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), highlighted the urgent need to revamp the nation’s mathematics curriculum and teaching materials to elevate educational standards. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades in educational initiatives across Central America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, Nishikata observed that Dominican educators possess both motivation and capability. However, he stressed that they require access to pertinent resources and collaborative platforms to refine their teaching methodologies. Nishikata advocated for the production and distribution of textbooks tailored to local contexts, which he believes can foster greater accessibility and equity, often surpassing the efficacy of digital tools. ‘The Dominican Republic is endowed with robust human and economic resources. By aligning curriculum content and textbooks with students’ actual learning levels, academic outcomes—especially in mathematics—can be substantially enhanced,’ Nishikata remarked. This visit is a component of JICA’s broader initiative, ‘Strengthening the Capacity for Formulating and Implementing Educational Policies to Improve Learning,’ which is also active in El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. The project aims to pinpoint technical deficiencies and offer customized educational assistance.
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Trump administration enforces US$5,000 penalty for unauthorized entry
The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic has confirmed the implementation of a stringent new immigration policy under President Donald Trump’s administration. Effective immediately, foreigners aged 14 and above who are apprehended for unauthorized entry into the United States will face a mandatory fee of $5,000. This charge, as outlined in an official statement posted on the embassy’s Instagram account (@embajadausaenrd), is non-negotiable, final, and not subject to appeal. Failure to comply with the payment will lead to further financial penalties. The policy is part of the Trump administration’s broader zero-tolerance strategy to curb irregular immigration by imposing stricter economic sanctions. It applies to all individuals deemed ‘inadmissible,’ including those entering without proper documentation, with expired visas, or through unauthorized border crossings. The measure underscores the administration’s commitment to deterring illegal immigration through punitive financial measures.
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Inposdom handles over 500,000 international shipments in first half of 2025
Santo Domingo – The Dominican Postal Institute (Inposdom) has reported significant milestones in the first half of 2025, processing over 500,000 international shipments, moving 2.75 million items, and handling more than 246 metric tons of goods. These achievements underscore Inposdom’s expanding role in the Dominican Republic’s e-commerce and export logistics sectors. The United States, Europe, and the Virgin Islands emerged as the primary destinations, with the U.S. accounting for the majority of shipments. Key exports included vehicle parts, artisanal products such as tobacco and beauty items, and electronic equipment, including cell phone components. Shipments to the U.S. alone surpassed 200,000 kilograms, reflecting a consistent upward trend in Dominican exports. Erick Guzmán, Director of Inposdom, revealed that the postal service now supports over 18,000 active users, with more than 45,000 citizens utilizing its services nationwide this year. Guzmán attributed this growth to the sector’s recovery and enhanced operational efficiency. To optimize underutilized postal facilities, Inposdom is partnering with public institutions to transform these spaces into multi-service centers. A notable collaboration with the Government Office of Information and Communication Technologies (OGTIC) has led to the establishment of GOB Points within postal offices, enabling citizens to access essential public services such as passport renewals and certificate issuance without additional rental costs.