AGP Executive Report

Sports & Youth Football: Jamaica’s U14 Reggae Boyz kept rolling in the Dominican Republic, beating Curaçao 2-0 to finish Tier I group play perfect and book a semi-final spot. Arts & Craft Spotlight: Selecta RD 2026 wrapped in Santo Domingo, spotlighting Taíno footprints in Dominican crafts and honoring master artisans, researchers, and cultural managers. Music & Tourism: Cap Cana’s Las Iguanas Golf Course gets a major design check-in from Jack Nicklaus, as the destination pushes deeper into golf and sports tourism. Local Culture & Travel: A new Marriott option opens in Las Terrenas—Donoma Las Terrenas Resort & Villas—bringing 94 rooms, villas, and multiple pools to Playa Las Ballenas. Sports on TV (DR-linked): Little League Baseball World Series coverage kicks off with a Caribbean matchup featuring the Dominican Republic, with games airing on ESPN. International Sports Intrigue: A report says Cuban security agents infiltrated Santo Domingo venues during the Central American and Caribbean Games to monitor athletes and prevent defections.

Crafts & Taíno Heritage: Selecta RD 2026 wrapped in Santo Domingo, spotlighting Dominican craftsmanship with awards for entrepreneurs, researchers, cultural managers and master artisans under the theme “Taíno Footprints in Dominican Crafts,” including a Taíno Gathering with music and dance. Arts & Travel (Punta Cana/Samaná): A new Marriott option opens in Las Terrenas—Donoma Las Terrenas Resort & Villas, Autograph Collection—bringing 94 rooms, villas, pools and a spa to Playa Las Ballenas, adding another artsy, beach-town draw for culture-minded visitors. Music & Community: Musikfest 2026 in Bethlehem hit 1.26M attendees and ranked among the top three most attended festivals, underscoring how Dominican and Caribbean communities keep building cultural influence abroad. Sports on TV (Dominican spotlight): The Little League World Series kicks off with Dominican Republic vs. Nicaragua in the Caribbean bracket, with ESPN coverage starting Wednesday. Sports/Media: Coverage also keeps tracking Dominican star Ketel Marte’s sudden absence and reported MRI plans as the MLB season tightens. Caregiving Book Promo: Dr. Pam Mullarkey Robbins’ dementia caregiving stories book is being promoted across multiple outlets, emphasizing humor, compassion and resilience.

Cultural Spirits Launch: I LOVE DR, a new premium Dominican spirits collection (Peanut, Coconut, Cherry, Mango) by Ziantix Group, debuted at Las Américas International Airport with traditional music, folklore, and tastings—aimed at bringing Dominican flavor to travelers through Avolta/Dufry Travel Retail. Arts & Community Spotlight: Boston’s 41st annual Dominican Festival drew thousands to Franklin Park with merengue, bachata, and today’s reggaeton, reflecting the community’s growth and Dominican cultural influence in Greater Boston. Sports, Youth & DR on the Map: The 2026 Little League Baseball World Series kicks off in Williamsport with Dominican Republic represented in the International bracket; today’s TV slate includes multiple ESPN broadcasts featuring the DR matchup. Security & Sports Integrity: Diario Libre reports Cuban state security agents infiltrated sports venues during the Santo Domingo Central American and Caribbean Games, allegedly using athletes’ uniforms to monitor competitors and prevent defections. Local Sports Results: Mount Pleasant Football Academy fell 2-1 to Cibao FC in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup opener, despite chances—while Jamaica’s U14 Reggae Boyz beat Aruba 1-0 in the CFU Challenger Series in the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Spirits in Travel Retail: I LOVE DR, a new premium Dominican spirits collection (Peanut, Coconut, Cherry, Mango) by Ziantix Group, launched at Las Américas Airport with traditional music, folklore, and tastings—now rolling out through Avolta and Dufry Dominicana stores for international travelers. Arts & Community in the Diaspora: Boston’s 44th National Dominican Day Parade drew thousands for merengue, bachata, and reggaeton, highlighting the community’s growth and cultural pull. Youth Recognition: The Dominican Republic’s National Youth Award (PNJ) opens with an official launch next Wednesday at the Eduardo Brito National Theater, inviting nominations and spotlighting young people shaping their communities. Baseball Experience in Santo Domingo: Passport Sports and USA Tournament Series announced the Dominican Beisbol Experience in Santo Domingo (Feb. 15–20, 2027), pairing US youth teams with Dominican academy training and four guaranteed games. Music Spotlight: Bad Bunny’s tour continues to ripple from the Dominican Republic—he’s closing the Debí Tirar Más Fotos run with two Puerto Rico concerts (Aug. 22–23) at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Sports on the Dominican Radar: Little League World Series coverage flags Dominican Republic matchups (Aug. 19 schedule includes Leon, Nicaragua vs. Santiago, Dominican Republic).

National Youth Award launch: The Eduardo Brito National Theater hosts next Wednesday’s kickoff of the 31st National Youth Award (PNJ), with categories, requirements, and how to apply for the state’s youth recognition call. Sports & youth development: Jamaica opens its CFU Under-14 Boys Challenge Series in the Dominican Republic with a 4-0 win over St Kitts and Nevis, while T&T starts today vs Puerto Rico at Punta Cana. Arts & culture in the diaspora: Rhode Island creates a commemorative Dominican heritage license plate, and Boston’s Dominican Day Parade and festival draw huge crowds—plus safety updates after past incidents. Music spotlight: Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos tour closes with two Puerto Rico shows (Aug. 22–23), after a run that began in Santo Domingo. Local spotlight: A new furnished government apartment is delivered to sprinter Liranyi Alonso in La Vega after her Santo Domingo 2026 gold-medal haul. Travel/arts lifestyle: W Punta Cana debuts an adult all-inclusive concept, while Casa de Campo continues to market its estate-style resort experiences.

Music Spotlight: A fresh batch of new releases is out, from 54 Ultra’s yearning “Tell Me” to Bellakath’s sharp, confrontational “Criticón,” keeping the Dominican Republic’s broader Latin music conversation buzzing. Baseball & Youth Sports: WBSC says the 2027 Premier12 expands to 16 teams and will award two Olympic berths for Los Angeles 2028, while in the Dominican Republic-hosted CFU Under-14 Boys series, Jamaica beat St Kitts and Nevis 4-0 and T&T opens against Puerto Rico at Punta Cana. Local Pride in Motion: President Luis Abinader ordered a fully furnished apartment for sprinter Liranyi Alonso in La Vega after her Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games haul of four gold medals. Politics & Diplomacy: Dominicanos Primero’s founder Santiago Matías shows 3.6% preference in a poll despite lacking official party status, and tensions with Cuba continue as the Dominican government orders nine Cuban officials to leave. Arts & Pop Culture: Propstore is auctioning a screen-matched “Jurassic Park” amber mosquito fossil—an instant collector’s item for film fans.

Cultural & Community Spotlight: Thousands turned out for the 40th annual Dominican parade and festival in Boston, with organizers and city officials emphasizing family-friendly programming and stepped-up safety patrols after past concerns. Sports in the DR: Trinidad and Tobago’s U-14 boys kicked off their CFU Challenge Series in Punta Cana, setting up back-to-back matches against Haiti and French Guiana. Arts & Education Infrastructure: INEFI inaugurated a new roofed sports court at “La Perito” in Santo Domingo’s National District, a RD$16.17M project meant to support more than 800 students and keep youth engaged through school sports. Music & Live Events: The Presidente Festival 2026 announced ticket sale phases and prices starting at RD$3,900, with sales via tuboleta.com.do. Diplomacy Watch: The Dominican Republic’s expulsion of nine Cuban diplomats continues to ripple, with reporting describing embassy staff packing ahead of the deadline and Dominican sources alleging incompatible intelligence-related activities. Regional Arts/Media Leadership: CMEx completed its 2026 Leadership Laureates roster, honoring Caribbean tourism and media leaders ahead of the Dec. 6 awards in Miami.

Legislative Leadership: Deputy Alfredo Pacheco was sworn in for a tenth term as president of the Dominican Chamber of Deputies for 2026–2027, extending his long run at the Lower House helm. Diplomacy & Culture: Cuba’s diplomatic staff in Santo Domingo spent Saturday packing after the Dominican government ordered nine Cuban officials to leave within a week, with the Cuban ambassador downplaying the move during a Fidel Castro centenary event at UASD. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A seismic vulnerability study highlights the need to assess and reinforce schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure, noting thousands of evaluations already underway. Arts & Community Sports: INEFI inaugurated a new roofed court at “La Perito” in the National District, investing RD$16.17M to benefit 800+ students and families through school sports and social integration. Music & Entertainment: Presidente Festival 2026 announced ticket sale phases starting at RD$3,900, with sales via tuboleta.com.do and a lineup featuring major Dominican and regional acts. Tech & Connectivity: Digicel says it’s increasing investment in Trinidad and Tobago—network expansion, security infrastructure, and hiring—after CAN TO talks in Punta Cana. International Spotlight: Dominican Republic Comic Con announced its third edition with Natalia Tena as a star guest.

Cuban Diplomats Expelled: The Dominican Republic ordered nine Cuban diplomats (and families) to leave within seven days, after MIREX cited Vienna Convention powers but gave no public reasons; Cuban ambassador Ángel Arzuaga Reyes tried to downplay the move during a Fidel Castro centenary gala at UASD. Diplomatic Tensions, Explained: Dominican sources say the expulsions followed alleged intelligence and security-related activities by Cuban officials using diplomatic access—described as a withdrawal request through diplomatic channels, not persona non grata. Baseball & Youth Sports: While Cuba’s youth baseball faces months without competition due to an energy crisis, Dominican Republic ties to the region’s sports ecosystem remain in focus. Arts & Entertainment: Dominican Republic Comic Con announced its third edition for Oct. 24–25 in Santo Domingo Este, with star guest Natalia Tena. Festival Buzz: Presidente Festival 2026 opened ticket-sale phases starting RD$3,900, with tuboleta.com.do as the exclusive seller. Culture Through Sport: INEFI inaugurated a roofed court at “La Perito” in Santo Domingo, investing RD$16.17M to benefit 800+ students.

Baseball & Community: Cardinals prospect Joshua Báez, 21, made his MLB debut unforgettable with a two-run homer on the first pitch he saw at Wrigley Field—an emotional moment tied to his father’s memory and Dominican-family pride. Diplomacy & Culture Politics: The Dominican Republic ordered nine Cuban diplomats (and families) to leave within seven days; Cuba’s ambassador downplayed it during a Fidel Castro centenary event at UASD, while Dominican sources say the move may relate to alleged intelligence activities tied to Havana. Music & Live Events: Presidente Festival 2026 announced ticket phases starting at RD$3,900 via tuboleta.com.do, with Danny Ocean joining the lineup. Arts & Pop Culture: Dominican Republic Comic Con returns for its third edition Oct. 24–25 at Puerto San Souci, Santo Domingo Este, with Natalia Tena as star guest. Sports Development: INEFI inaugurated a new roofed court at “La Perito” in Santo Domingo, investing RD$16.17M to benefit 800+ students through school sports. Media & Entertainment: Paramount’s The F Ward has been licensed to 100 international territories, including the Dominican Republic via Claro video.

Sports & Youth Development: INEFI inaugurated a new roofed court at “La Perito” (Instituto Politécnico Profesor Víctor Rafael Estrella Liz) in Santo Domingo, a RD$16.17M project meant to serve 800+ students and thousands of families, positioning school sports as a tool for health and social integration. Music & Live Events: The Presidente Festival 2026 opened ticket sales in phases via tuboleta.com.do, with pre-sale packages starting at RD$3,900 and discounts for Scotiabank Visa holders before general sales. Arts & Pop Culture: Dominican Republic Comic Con announced its third edition for Oct. 24–25, 2026 at Puerto San Souci, Santo Domingo Este, with star guest Natalia Tena and a lineup spanning cosplay, anime, and Dominican talent. Culture & Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic expelled nine Cuban diplomats and their families, giving them seven days to leave, triggering sharp reactions from Havana and renewed debate across the region. Digital Sovereignty (Policy): At CANTO in Punta Cana, T&T’s economic minister urged the Caribbean to protect ownership and control in the face of “digital colonization,” warning against dependency as data centers and AI infrastructure expand.

DR-Cuba Diplomacy: The Dominican Republic has ordered nine Cuban embassy officials (and their families) to leave by Aug. 16, citing Vienna Convention rules; Cuba calls it “subordination” to U.S. pressure. Arts & Pop Culture: Dominican Republic Comic Con announces its third edition for Oct. 24–25 at Puerto San Souci, Santo Domingo Este, with star guest Natalia Tena. Music & Festivals: Presidente Festival 2026 adds Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean to a lineup that also includes Katy Perry and Juan Luis Guerra. Sports & Youth Development: Guyana’s GFF U14 Boys head to Punta Cana for the CFU Challenge Series, while volleyball’s global growth agenda continues via FIVB board planning. Energy & Tech for the Arts Scene: ETED highlights battery storage plans to stabilize the national grid—important backdrop for future cultural events and media production. Community & Learning: CANTO’s 41st conference in Punta Cana brings together educators and students, including Caribbean language-learning internships.

Comic Con Spotlight: Dominican Republic Comic Con announces its third edition for Oct. 24–25 at Puerto San Souci, Santo Domingo Este, with Harry Potter and Game of Thrones star Natalia Tena as the headline guest, plus major voice actors and cosplay talent. Music & Festival Buzz: Danny Ocean joins the 2026 Presidente Festival lineup, adding a fresh Latin-pop/urban/electronic edge to a roster that also includes Katy Perry, Don Omar, Beéle, Juan Luis Guerra, and Milly Quezada. Streaming Culture: Paramount’s The F Ward lands in 100 international markets via Claro video, including the Dominican Republic—another reminder that DR audiences are getting more global TV drama. Energy & Infrastructure: ETED says large-scale battery storage will boost stability for the national grid, improving resilience and restoration after major outages. Diplomacy Tension: The Dominican Republic orders nine Cuban embassy officials (and families) to leave by Aug. 16, triggering sharp Cuban pushback and social-media fallout. Digital Sovereignty: A Caribbean digital sovereignty push takes center stage in Punta Cana, warning the region not to trade control of its digital future for mere connectivity.

Digital Sovereignty: Caribbean leaders are pushing back against “digital colonization,” with CANTO officials in Punta Cana warning that connectivity and cloud/AI deals can create new dependency unless countries negotiate for control of data and infrastructure. Film Industry: The San Sebastián Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum (Sept. 21–23) selects 15 projects, including Dominican director Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias’s “They’re Taking Your Congos Away,” as well as works by Celina Murga, Mariana Rondón, Santiago Loza and others. Migration & Travel Rules: Dominican Migration clarifies that travel bans only stop departures when a formal court order is filed through the proper legal channels—otherwise, the agency follows established protocols. Sports & Culture: Santo Domingo 2026 continues to ripple outward, from netball momentum to regional sports coverage, while Dominican pride remains front-and-center in diaspora celebrations. Arts & Media: “Arthur the King” is climbing Netflix’s U.S. Top 10 again, spotlighting its Dominican Republic-set story and giving the film a fresh audience. Government & Public Life: AtlasIntel reports President Abinader’s approval at 55.5% among respondents with a defined opinion.

Cultural Policy & Industry: Santo Domingo’s ONAPI director Salvador Ramos held an accountability event, touting a double-digit jump in distinctive sign registrations and renewals, plus new university partnerships and stronger enforcement of industrial property law. Arts & Media: “Arthur the King,” a Mark Wahlberg adventure set partly in the Dominican Republic, is climbing Netflix’s U.S. Top 10 after a quieter theatrical run—giving the film a fresh audience at home. Heritage & Community: The Ministry of Culture announced Santiago’s Restoration Day program, including a “Concert for the Homeland” with the Santo Domingo Philharmonic Orchestra and Dominican performers, plus a family “Park Afternoon” at the Heroes of the Restoration monument. Tourism & Food Culture: Sánchez, Samaná’s “Taste Paradise” festival drew thousands for seafood and Dominican dishes, with winners set to represent the country at an international tourism fair. Sports & Identity: The DR marked solidarity with Colombia after a major earthquake, while Santo Domingo 2026’s legacy continues to ripple through regional sports coverage.

Santo Domingo 2026 Culture & Identity: The Ministry of Culture announced Restoration Day programming in Santiago de los Caballeros, capped by a Aug. 16 “Concert for the Homeland” featuring the Santo Domingo Philharmonic Orchestra and major Dominican artists, plus a Park Afternoon with music, dance, youth orchestra, and a monument light show. Samaná Food Tourism: “Taste Paradise” in Sánchez drew thousands for a two-day gastronomy push, spotlighting local seafood and Dominican dishes, with a QR-code vote that sent Food Yummy’s “La Paila Costera” to represent the DR at ANATO in Colombia. Housing Permits Modernization: MIVHED shared progress on the Permitting Modernization Plan, including a new state platform aimed at more traceable, transparent, standardized, and digital construction permit processing. Literature Spotlight: Dominican Wattpad writer Hilaris Rocio officially presented her YA novel “El Heredero” at Cuesta Libros, describing writing as a lifeline and detailing the drama-and-action tone behind the book. Urban Music & Public Image: Bulin 47 addressed controversy around a collaboration on Alofoke, insisting a song isn’t a vow and rejecting attempts to reduce him to politics or nationality. Sports & Community Pride: Netball coverage continues to ripple from CAC Games in Santo Domingo, with coach Liselle Johnson urging national and corporate support after Trinidad and Tobago’s gold success, while Saint Lucia’s Piton Sparks celebrated a bronze win over Barbados.