The Dominican Republic is grappling with a nationwide blackout following a significant failure in its electricity transmission system, as confirmed by the Dominican Electricity Transmission Company (ETED) and the Unified Council of Electricity Distribution Companies (CUED). Celso Marranzini, president of CUED, acknowledged the extensive outage and reassured the public that technical teams are mobilizing to restore power promptly. The disruption stemmed from a breakdown in the transmission network, triggered by the simultaneous shutdown of generating units at the San Pedro de Macorís Electricity Company (CESPM). This incident also impacted the Quisqueya Power Plant, causing a domino effect that disrupted other key facilities, including EDAC and AES Andrés. ETED has initiated comprehensive technical efforts across multiple regions to reinstate electricity while ensuring the stability of the national grid. The company issued an apology for the inconvenience and expressed gratitude for the public’s patience, highlighting the unprecedented nature of this event.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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Abinader and Kathy Hochul announce agreement to strengthen Dominican Republic–New York cooperation
In a landmark move to enhance bilateral relations, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a groundbreaking agreement aimed at deepening cultural, social, and economic cooperation between the two regions. The partnership, formalized through a Declaration of Intent, focuses on joint efforts in disaster preparedness, agricultural innovation, and sustainable economic development. The agreement was signed by Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and Governor Hochul, with President Abinader in attendance, marking a significant step in fostering collaboration. Key initiatives include sharing best practices, launching joint training programs in emergency management, and leveraging advanced technologies such as NUAIR drone systems for disaster assessment and prevention. President Abinader underscored the potential of this partnership to open new opportunities in security, education, tourism, and health, benefiting Dominicans both domestically and abroad. He acknowledged Congressman Adriano Espaillat’s pivotal role in facilitating the agreement and expressed gratitude to Governor Hochul for her visit, referring to New York as a ‘second home for Dominicans.’ Governor Hochul emphasized the strong cultural and economic ties between New York and the Dominican Republic, noting the presence of over one million Dominicans in her state. She announced the inclusion of the Dominican Republic in New York’s Global Trade Program, which aims to boost investment and innovation in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and drone technology.
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Dominican Republic records US$692.5 million in Cocoa exports for 2024–2025 season
The Dominican Republic has marked a historic milestone in its cocoa industry, achieving record-breaking exports during the 2024–2025 harvest year. A total of 77,453.6 metric tons of cocoa, valued at $692.5 million, were exported, representing a 25% increase in volume and a significant 63.8% rise in revenue compared to the previous year’s figures of 61,877.11 metric tons worth $422.8 million. This surge added an impressive $269.7 million to the nation’s export earnings.
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Electrical failure and reported explosion force suspension of Santo Domingo Metro
A significant electrical malfunction on Monday evening led to the suspension of operations across the entire Santo Domingo Metro system. The incident, which occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m., was triggered by an explosion at the Gregorio Gilbert station in Villa Mella, Santo Domingo Norte. The explosion disrupted the power supply along a critical section of Line 1, specifically between the Mamá Tingó and Peña Gómez stations. Initially, only the affected segment was closed, but authorities decided to shut down all Metro stations as a precautionary measure. Emergency teams from the 911 National System and the Santo Domingo North Fire Department swiftly evacuated passengers and secured the area to ensure safety. The Office for the Reorganization of Transportation (OPRET) is investigating the cause of the explosion and assessing the extent of the damage. This incident has raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the Metro system, which is a vital transportation link for thousands of daily commuters in Santo Domingo.
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Dominican Navy conducts international maritime navigation training with Spanish collaboration
The Dominican Republic Navy, in collaboration with the Spanish firm Mediterráneo Señales Marítimas SL (MSM), successfully hosted an international training course on Maritime Aids to Navigation (IALA Aton Level 2) from November 3 to 7. The event, held in Santo Domingo, saw participation from the Dominican Navy, local private sector representatives, and delegations from Mexico, Chile, Panama, and Ecuador, marking a significant step in regional maritime safety cooperation. The training program, designed in accordance with the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) standards, focused on equipping specialized technicians with the skills necessary to improve the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation. During the course, Vice Admiral Juan B. Crisóstomo Martínez, Commander General of the Dominican Navy, engaged in discussions with MSM instructors and the Director of the Hydrographic, Oceanographic, and Navigation Aids Service to explore current initiatives and future strategies for sustainable maritime management. This initiative underscores the Dominican Navy’s dedication to modernizing its technical capabilities and fostering international partnerships in maritime operations. By adhering to global standards and advancing specialized training, the Dominican Republic solidifies its position as a regional leader in promoting safe and sustainable maritime navigation.
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Abinader highlights air connectivity as key to Dominican Republic’s tourism success
The Dominican Republic has solidified its status as a regional leader in civil aviation, thanks to its robust air connectivity, dedication to sustainable development, and continuous modernization of airport infrastructure. President Luis Abinader underscored this achievement during his weekly press conference in Punta Cana, stating, ‘Without air connectivity, there is no success in tourism.’ The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has lauded the country’s liberalization policy, urging other member states to follow suit. Since joining the Chicago Convention in 1944, the Dominican Republic has maintained a strong partnership with ICAO and remains an active member of the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (CLAC). As part of the upcoming ICAN 2025 conference, the nation will engage in 18 bilateral meetings to sign or update air services agreements with countries such as Oman, Paraguay, El Salvador, and Greece. Additionally, it will negotiate new agreements with Korea, Malaysia, and Scandinavian states, while leading discussions on memoranda of understanding with Switzerland and Panama. According to the 2024 World Economic Forum, the Dominican Republic ranks first in the region for infrastructure and tourism prioritization and third in air infrastructure. Between 2020 and 2025, 1,310 air routes were authorized, supporting the operations of 305 active airlines and a 49% increase in connectivity across Latin America and the Caribbean. With over 11 million visitors in 2024—equivalent to 103.7% of its population—the Dominican Republic stands as the regional leader in per capita tourism.
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Dominican Republic tops Latin American investment rankings in FIU report
Miami, FL – The Dominican Republic has been crowned the leading investment destination in Latin America, according to the 2025 Latin America Country Risk Index and Analysis by Florida International University’s (FIU) Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom. The report reveals that 76% of experts endorse investing in the country, significantly outpacing Paraguay (66%) and Argentina (63%). The Dominican Republic’s governance, institutional strength, and appeal to foreign investors have earned it recognition as one of the region’s most stable, credible, and low-risk nations. Amidst a backdrop of political polarization, economic volatility, and rising insecurity across Latin America, the Dominican Republic stands out for its democratic stability, reliable institutions, and robust business environment. FIU attributes this success to the nation’s consistent macroeconomic policies, fiscal discipline, and investor confidence. Additionally, the country has capitalized on global economic trends like nearshoring and friendshoring, further solidifying its position as a secure and predictable destination for strategic industries. The report also highlights the Dominican Republic’s lower social and security risks compared to the regional average, bolstered by strong foreign relations and a cooperative foreign policy. Its strategic alliance with the United States has further enhanced external stability. The government has welcomed FIU’s findings, viewing them as a testament to its ongoing efforts to modernize, promote transparency, and enhance competitiveness. The administration has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining economic growth and solidifying the country’s reputation as one of Latin America’s most trustworthy and dynamic investment hubs.
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Proposal revives discussion on allowing military and police to vote
The Dominican Republic is once again embroiled in a contentious debate over whether to lift the long-standing ban on voting for military and police personnel. This discussion has been reignited by a proposal from Constitutional Court Judge Sonia Díaz, bringing the issue to the forefront of national discourse. The country remains one of the few in Latin America—alongside Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Paraguay—that continues to prohibit armed forces members from exercising their right to vote.
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Dominican Republic completes humanitarian mission to Jamaica and Cuba
The Dominican Republic has successfully concluded its humanitarian aid mission, Operation ‘Caribbean Solidarity,’ delivering critical supplies to Jamaica and Cuba in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Spearheaded by President Luis Abinader, the initiative underscores the nation’s dedication to regional solidarity and disaster response. Coordinated by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Public Health, alongside DASAC and PROMESE/CAL, the operation ensured a rapid and efficient distribution of aid. Utilizing Air Force and Navy resources, the Dominican Republic transported essential items such as food, medicine, mattresses, mosquito nets, and hygiene kits. These supplies were received by local authorities and promptly distributed to the most vulnerable communities in both countries. Operation ‘Caribbean Solidarity’ marks a significant achievement in the Dominican Republic’s foreign and defense policies, showcasing its enhanced capacity to mobilize humanitarian and logistical support across the Caribbean. The government highlighted that this effort not only reinforces the nation’s leadership in regional cooperation but also reaffirms its commitment to fostering peace, solidarity, and integration within the Caribbean.
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Dominican Republic assumes presidency of Latin American Civil Aviation Commission
In a significant development for regional aviation, the Dominican Republic has been elected to preside over the Executive Committee of the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (CLAC). This decision was made during the XXVI Ordinary Assembly of the organization, where Héctor Porcella, President of the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board (JAC), was chosen to lead the committee. The vice-presidencies will be held by Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Panama, reflecting a diverse leadership structure. This appointment underscores the Dominican Republic’s growing influence in the civil aviation sector and its commitment to fostering air connectivity and collaboration across Latin America and the Caribbean. Established in 1973, CLAC serves as a unifying platform for civil aviation authorities in the region, aiming to harmonize aeronautical policies and enhance coordination. With this new role, the Dominican Republic is poised to drive strategic initiatives that will shape the future of air transport and regional integration.