In Santo Domingo, the patriotic campaign RDPorLoAlto has launched a compelling appeal for the restoration of the Punta Torrecilla Lighthouse. The initiative calls upon the Government, specifically the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, along with the Santo Domingo East Mayor’s Office, to undertake a comprehensive renovation project. This effort aims to preserve the lighthouse’s historical significance while transforming it into a vibrant cultural and community hub. RDPorLoAlto argues that the restoration should be viewed as a strategic investment in the dignity and identity of the residents of eastern Santo Domingo, a region steeped in rich symbolism and heritage. The proposed sustainable restoration plan includes structural rehabilitation with solar-powered LED lighting, the establishment of an interpretive center showcasing interactive exhibits on the Dominican Republic’s maritime history, and the formation of public-private partnerships to host cultural and tourism events. This multifaceted initiative is expected to create local employment opportunities, attract tourists, and generate an estimated annual economic impact of RD$50 million through enhanced tourism and community development.
标签： Dominican Republic
多米尼加共和国
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Cap Cana inaugurates Las Iguanas Golf Course
Cap Cana has marked a significant milestone in its luxury tourism and sports offerings with the official inauguration of the first nine holes of the Las Iguanas Golf Course. Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, this project underscores Cap Cana’s position as a leading destination for high-end leisure and golf in the Caribbean. The course, developed with a sustainable design philosophy, seamlessly integrates with the natural environment, preserving the region’s topography while offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. This addition complements the already prestigious Punta Espada Golf Club, which is consistently ranked among Latin America’s finest. During the opening ceremony, Jorge Subero Medina, CEO of Cap Cana, highlighted the community’s dedication to excellence, environmental stewardship, and responsible luxury. Las Iguanas embodies Cap Cana’s vision of a meticulously planned, sustainable destination that harmoniously combines modern infrastructure, natural beauty, and world-class recreational experiences.
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MINERD confirms return to classes across the country
Santo Domingo – The Ministry of Education (MINERD) in the Dominican Republic has confirmed the nationwide resumption of classes this Tuesday, following a temporary halt due to Hurricane Melissa. After thorough evaluations conducted in collaboration with emergency response agencies, authorities have deemed it safe for students and staff to return to schools in a phased and organized manner.
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Abinader announces humanitarian aid for Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti
In a significant humanitarian effort, the Dominican Republic has initiated aid deliveries to Caribbean nations severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. President Luis Abinader revealed the details during his weekly program, *LA Semanal con la Prensa*, on Monday. The first consignment of aid has already reached Jamaica via air transport, with additional supplies en route by sea. The president also confirmed plans to extend assistance to Cuba and Haiti, with coordination efforts currently in progress. The Ministry of Defense, spearheading the operation, is set to release a comprehensive report by Thursday, detailing the types and quantities of aid dispatched. Abinader emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting neighboring countries during this crisis. Additionally, the Dominican Embassy in Jamaica is actively monitoring the situation of approximately 2,200 Dominican nationals residing there, many of whom are employed in tourism and construction sectors. In collaboration with the airline Arajet, the government is facilitating the repatriation of those seeking to return home, although the exact number of returnees remains undetermined.
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Constitution Day holiday moved to Monday, November 10
The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Labor has announced a significant adjustment to the observance of Constitution Day, originally scheduled for Thursday, November 6. In accordance with Law 139-97, which governs the transfer of public holidays, the celebration has been officially shifted to Monday, November 10, effectively creating a long weekend for workers across the nation. The Ministry clarified that Thursday, November 6, will remain a regular working day, with employees expected to resume their duties on Tuesday, November 11, following the extended break. This change applies uniformly to both public and private sector institutions, ensuring compliance with national labor regulations. The adjustment aims to provide citizens with a more convenient holiday schedule while maintaining productivity and adherence to legal standards.
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Marco Rubio backs postponement of Summit of the Americas
The United States government has extended its gratitude to Dominican President Luis Abinader for his cooperation in hosting the rescheduled Summit of the Americas, now set for 2026 in the Dominican Republic. Originally planned for this year, the event was postponed following a collaborative decision involving the Dominican government, the U.S., the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
In an official statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised President Abinader for his leadership and dedication to regional collaboration. Rubio underscored Washington’s support for the rescheduling, noting that the delay will provide participating nations with additional time to develop robust proposals and foster broader consensus on shared objectives.
The 2026 summit will center on fortifying regional partnerships, advancing democratic governance, enhancing security cooperation, and promoting sustainable development across the hemisphere. Both governments emphasized that the postponement ensures more effective planning, paving the way for tangible outcomes that will benefit citizens throughout the Americas.
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Body of Norwegian man recovered by Navy in Cabarete
In a tragic incident, the body of a Norwegian national was recovered from the waters off Cabarete, near the Velero Hotel in Sosúa, Puerto Plata province, on Monday afternoon. The Dominican Republic Navy reported that the discovery was made around 2:40 p.m. by the interceptor boat Elnath, approximately two miles from the shore. The victim, identified as 49-year-old Jonas Ovedal, was a resident of Tenares. His remains were transported to the Puerto Plata dock, where forensic pathologist Dr. Miguel Cuevas conducted an initial examination in the presence of judicial authorities. According to the medical report, Ovedal died from drowning. His body was subsequently transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for a detailed autopsy. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to his death.
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MIREX announces postponement of Summit of the Americas
The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) has announced the postponement of the Tenth Summit of the Americas, originally slated to be held in the country. This decision follows a thorough evaluation of the regional landscape and was made in close collaboration with key partners, including the United States, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
In an official statement, MIREX highlighted that the delay aims to foster more productive outcomes for the summit, given the current obstacles to hemispheric dialogue and the aftermath of severe weather events that have affected several Caribbean nations. The Dominican government assured that the resources already allocated for the event will be preserved and reallocated for the rescheduled summit, which will align with other regional meetings planned in the country.
MIREX underscored that since being selected as the host nation in 2022, the Dominican Republic has diligently fulfilled all organizational requirements set by the OAS. The ministry noted that the postponement will allow for broader consultations to determine a new date and to incorporate recently elected democratic governments into the discussions. The statement reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism, regional cooperation, and integration as central tenets of its foreign policy.
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JCE clarifies: no same-sex marriages registered in the Dominican Republic
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) of the Dominican Republic has firmly restated its position against the registration of same-sex marriages, asserting that such unions are not permitted under the nation’s Constitution or existing legal framework. This declaration came in response to recent claims by former U.S. Ambassador James ‘Wally’ Brewster, who publicly stated on social media that he had officiated a wedding ceremony for two men in Santiago. The JCE clarified that only Civil Registry Officials and accredited religious institutions are legally authorized to conduct marriages in the country, and these unions must strictly adhere to the traditional definition of marriage between a man and a woman. The JCE cited Articles 55 of the Constitution, along with Laws Nos. 4-23 and 198-11, to emphasize that Dominican law exclusively recognizes heterosexual marriages, whether civil or religious. The institution concluded its statement by affirming that it ‘has not officiated, registered, nor will it register any marriage that violates the Constitution or the law.’ This development underscores the ongoing legal and societal challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the Dominican Republic.
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Adekoica strengthens Dominican-Korean cooperation
The Dominican Association of Former Koica Scholarship Recipients (Adekoica) has solidified its position as a vital conduit for cooperation between the Dominican Republic and South Korea. This was underscored during its annual meeting on October 30, 2025, which was supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korean Embassy. The event brought together government officials, diplomats, and members of the Korean community to commemorate 62 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The gathering emphasized significant strides in bilateral collaboration, particularly in sustainable development, gender equality, digital transformation, and institutional strengthening. Korean Ambassador H.E. Sang Ryul Lee highlighted the critical role of technological and cultural exchange in fostering mutual growth and understanding. Adekoica, which now boasts over 760 Dominican officials—including 51 new alumni trained in 2025—continues to broaden its network and influence. President Addys Then showcased the association’s 2025 accomplishments, which included initiatives to combat gender-based violence, environmental reforestation in Villa Altagracia, cultural and educational workshops, and capacity-building programs with Dominican government institutions. Since 2014, Koica has invested approximately US$3.9 million in training Dominican public officials, further cementing the robust and dynamic partnership between the two countries.