AGP Executive Report

Santo Domingo 2026 Sports Buzz: The XXV Central American and Caribbean Games keep delivering records and drama, with Dominican Republic’s own spotlight growing as the swimming finals and meet benchmarks pile up. CAC Games Records: Guyana’s Raekwon Noel grabbed historic double gold in Santo Domingo, while Puerto Rico’s Kristen Romano added more gold with record-breaking swims (100m and 400m IM). Tourism & Waterfronts: Tourism Minister David Collado broke ground on a RD$136.9M renovation of Los Almendros Beach and the Baní boardwalk, aiming to upgrade public spaces and boost coastal tourism. Culture & Arts Education: The Ministry of Culture toured renovation progress at the Schools of Fine Arts and Manuel Rueda Hall, upgrading lighting, equipment, and learning spaces for music, dance, visual arts, and performing arts. Arts Residency Call: Applications opened for the Atelier Yubarta Artistic Residency at Cayo Levantado Resort, pairing Dominican talent with sustainability and community-linked contemporary art. Music Spotlight: Cardi B teased and released “Ah Ha,” previewing the track with Dominican Republic flag styling as the single drops. Local Health Infrastructure: SNS began the first phase renovation of Salvador B. Gautier Hospital, a nearly one-billion-peso upgrade to modernize facilities and care.

Tourism Waterfront Upgrade: Tourism Minister David Collado broke ground on a RD$136.9 million renovation of Los Almendros Beach and the Baní boardwalk, adding plazas, terraces, landscaping, lighting, utilities, vendor kiosks, restrooms, play and fitness areas, plus parking and waste management. Arts Education Overhaul: The Ministry of Culture reviewed renovation progress at the Schools of Fine Arts and the Manuel Rueda Hall, including upgraded lighting and equipment, painting and maintenance, and refreshed academic and admin spaces for Music, Dance, Visual Arts, and Performing Arts. Cultural Residency Call: The Ministry of Culture and Piñero opened applications for the Atelier Yubarta Artistic Residency at Cayo Levantado Resort (8–12 weeks), welcoming Dominican and eligible foreign artists in disciplines from fashion and jewelry to traditional crafts, with applications due Aug. 20. Music & Pop Culture: Cardi B announced her new single “Ah Ha,” with a Dominican Republic-themed cover, while Symphonic expanded its global A&R team with hires across the UK, Canada, Europe, and Africa. Sports Spotlight: David “Big Papi” Ortiz was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, adding to the Dominican legacy in Cooperstown.

Sports & Pride: President Luis Abinader met Salcedo FC at the National Palace to celebrate the club’s 2025-2026 Dominican Soccer League title, praising teamwork and promising support for Dominican soccer, including a hoped-for stadium in Salcedo. Tech & Culture-Adjacent Innovation: Dominican Republic’s first “Dominicana Tech Week” launches with more than 70 events aimed at boosting innovation and creativity across sectors. Santo Domingo 2026 Spotlight: The Games keep rolling with major medal tallies and standout performances, including Cuba’s strong rowing day (one gold, two silver) and Guyana’s Raekwon Noel record-setting swim gold—showing how the region’s sports culture is taking center stage in the Dominican Republic. Music Buzz: Cardi B continues to spotlight her Dominican roots online, while Arcángel & Bad Bunny’s “Me Acostumbré” keeps climbing on YouTube.

Tech & Innovation: Dominicana Tech Week kicked off in the DR with 70+ events across Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Punta Cana, aiming to connect startups, universities, investors, and communities around AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Arts & Culture: Alofoke Music scored two Premios Juventud 2026 nominations—“Zaza” for Best Urban Rhythmic Song and “Saca punta” for Best Dembow Song—highlighting the platform’s growing international reach. Music Spotlight: Bad Bunny and Arcángel’s “Me Acostumbré” hit 1 billion YouTube views, with the video directed in the Dominican Republic. Local Governance & Nightlife: The Constitutional Court struck down a 2006 decree that permanently restricted alcohol sales hours, and the government says it will respect the ruling and work with Congress on new legislation. Wildlife & Public Education: AP reports the DR’s zoo is taking in confiscated exotic animals as seizures surge, with authorities citing a growing crackdown on illegal ownership. Beauty Pageants: Miss Universe Fátima Bosch is set to attend Miss Dominican Republic 2026 as the countdown heats up.

Miss Universe DR Countdown: Fátima Bosch is set to attend Miss Dominican Republic 2026 in Santo Domingo, with the grand finale on 30 July at the Eduardo Brito National Theater. Sports & Pride: Mexico surged past 100 medals at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, while the Pigozzi family dominated Dominican water skiing with 10 medals. Arts & Education: Teacher Ana Ramírez de Gil presented her book “Beyond Teaching: The Art of Educating with the Heart,” a testimonial on classroom-based social transformation. Music Industry Spotlight: Alofoke Music earned two Premios Juventud 2026 nominations, including “Zaza” and “Saca punta,” boosting Dominican dembow on an international stage. Local Culture in Motion: Cabarete is rolling out a new global campaign to attract more adventure travelers. Trade & Accountability: The U.S. imposed a 12.5% Section 301 tariff on Dominican exports, with Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L. flagged amid forced-labor allegations.

Miss Universe buzz in Santo Domingo: Reigning Miss Universe 2025 Fátima Bosch is set to attend the Miss Dominican Republic 2026 pageant, with the grand finale on 30 July at the Eduardo Brito National Theater (live on Color Visión, Channel 9). Pageant spotlight: 30 candidates have finished prelims in swimsuit, evening gown, and national costume as the country prepares to crown its next Miss Universe. DR music on the international radar: Alofoke Music earned two Premios Juventud 2026 nominations for “Zaza” (Best Urban Rhythmic Song) and “Saca punta” (Best Dembow Song). Caribbean culture in the diaspora: The Bronx Great Dominican Parade (37th edition) honored merengue icon Rubby Pérez and recognized 002 Radio TV for its journalism and digital communication. Sports + youth development: LIDOM named former MLB catcher Welington Castillo to manage the Dominican team at the III Kids Caribbean Series in Mexico (Aug 10–16). Tourism push: The Ministry of Tourism launched the “Cabarete Surf and Wind City” campaign to market Cabarete’s surfing and kitesurfing to global adventure travelers.

Cabarete Adventure Tourism: The Dominican Republic launched the “Cabarete Surf and Wind City” campaign, pitching Cabarete as a year-round hub for surfing, kitesurfing and wind sports, with promos built around Playa Encuentro, Kite Beach and Cabarete Bay. Santo Domingo 2026 Sports Buzz: The opening ceremony of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games generated 134.8 million digital impressions, with social media driving most of the reach. Baseball for Kids: LIDOM named former MLB catcher Welington Castillo manager for the Dominican team at the III Kids Caribbean Series in Nayarit, aiming to defend the title. Road Safety Push: The Movido Foundation renewed calls for stronger enforcement of mobility and road-safety law after UN envoy Jean Todt called the traffic situation a “disaster.” Media & Accountability: Lawyer Eduardo Saint-Hilaire publicly questioned journalist Nuria Piera’s investigation into Dr. Fadul, challenging how key documents were obtained. Diaspora Culture: The Bronx Dominican Parade honored merengue icon Rubby Pérez and recognized 002 Radio TV for its journalism and digital communication.

Santo Domingo 2026 Digital Buzz: The opening ceremony of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games pulled in an estimated 134.8 million digital impressions, with 82% coming from social media and a big jump in positive online chatter. Judo on Home Mat: Dominican judoka Ana Rosa García won the host country’s first gold at Santo Domingo 2026, while Esmeralda Damiano added another gold in -70 kg and Maikor Louis and others kept the medals coming. Medal Tally Update: After the opening days, the Dominican Republic had 13 medals (3 gold, 2 silver, 8 bronze) and sat fifth overall as competition ramps up. Urban Music & Community: Shadow Blow urged young people to vote and pushed artists to take responsibility, while La Perversa and Lil Naay teased new EPs and upcoming U.S. tours, and Michael Flores, Donaty, and others highlighted neighborhood concerts as a way to stay close to fans. Culture Abroad: The Dominican Republic was guest of honor at Canada’s PanamFest in Toronto, spotlighting merengue, bachata, crafts, larimar jewelry, and Dominican food. Sports Youth Pipeline: LIDOM named Welington Castillo to manage the Dominican team at the III Kids Caribbean Series in Mexico. Industry & Logistics: DP World announced ISO 13485 certification in the Dominican Republic to support medical-device supply chains.

Santo Domingo 2026 Opening Ceremony: The XXV Central American and Caribbean Games kicked off with a big cultural show—music, dance, and aerial choreography powered by 1,100 drones and 500 lasers—marking the event’s 100th anniversary and the Dominican Republic’s push to modernize venues for the spotlight. Judo Medal Rush: DR grabbed early judo headlines as Ana Rosa García won host country’s first gold in the women’s 57 kg, while Esmeralda Damiano took -70 kg gold and Maikor Louis added -73 kg bronze. Urban Music Spotlight: La Perversa teased a new EP plus international collabs and confirmed a U.S. tour; Lil Naay announced his next EP with global features and also previewed U.S. dates. Community-First Performers: Michael Flores, Donaty, and Shadow Blow all leaned into neighborhood connection—Shadow Blow also urged young people to vote and said artists must act responsibly. Road Safety Push: Movido Foundation demanded real enforcement of mobility law after UN envoy Jean Todt called Dominican traffic a “disaster,” targeting stalled camera fines and weak implementation. Sports Beyond Judo: Haiti officially entered the Games in Santo Domingo, while DR’s medal momentum continued across disciplines.

Fashion & Trade: A University of Delaware study with USFIA finds Dominican Republic CAFTA-DR sourcing is rising in U.S. fashion—76% of executives sourced from the region in 2026 (up from 64% in 2025), with growth concentrated in a few product categories like T-shirts and activewear. Sports Spectacle: Santo Domingo 2026’s opening is set to lean hard into tech and culture, with 1,100 drones, 500 lasers, and a major arts lineup featuring DGBA companies and national orchestras. Local Arts & Culture Policy: The Dominican Senate approved a Cultural Heritage Protection and Acquisition bill to safeguard tangible and intangible assets, from monuments and archaeology to literature, art, and folklore. Road Safety & Transit: Movido Foundation pushes for stronger enforcement of mobility and road-safety rules after UN road-safety envoy Jean Todt called traffic a “disaster,” while SICHOG denies rumors of a transport strike and says routes will run normally. Music & Pop Culture: New Music Friday spotlights Dominican-leaning releases like “DOMI NYC” and fresh tracks from artists across the region. Human Stories: Cuban goalkeeper Moisés Torres Puig’s family in the Dominican Republic is seeking help after his defection, saying he has “no one and no passport.”

Central American & Caribbean Games Spotlight: The XXV Central American and Caribbean Games opened in Santo Domingo with a high-tech ceremony featuring 1,100 drones, 500 lasers, and a cultural program led by Dominican arts groups and the National Symphony Orchestra. Sports Diplomacy: Haiti officially marched in with flag-bearers Welington Ceneus and Ava Soon Lee as the 100th-edition Games run through Aug. 8 with 37 countries. Local Arts & Culture: The General Directorate of Fine Arts (DGBA) showcased Dominican identity through dance, music, and theater during the opening festivities. Regional Sports Results: Venezuela’s César Amaris and José Guipe won the first gold medal for their country in Santo Domingo with a record-setting men’s short rowing pair. Cultural Pop Moment: Cardi B shared rare family clips from the Dominican countryside, with her kids speaking Spanish and embracing their heritage. Arts/Policy Watch: The Dominican Senate advanced a Cultural Heritage Protection bill to safeguard the nation’s tangible and intangible cultural assets.

Central American & Caribbean Games Spotlight: Haiti officially marched into Santo Domingo 2026’s opening ceremony with flag-bearers boxer Welington Ceneus and taekwondo standout Ava Soon Lee, as the Games run July 24–Aug. 8 with 6,000+ athletes from 37 countries. Arts & Culture on Stage: The Dominican Ministry of Culture’s fine arts companies helped set the tone at the opening, blending sign-language anthem, contemporary dance, and performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and Dominican choir. Big Tech Spectacle: Organizers previewed a high-tech opening built around 1,100 drones, 500+ lasers, and interactive LED wristbands—plus major music and dance acts. Security for the Crowd: Dominican National Police will deploy 500+ officers across venues, transport hubs, and tourist areas for Games safety. Policy for Heritage: The Dominican Senate approved a Cultural Heritage Protection and Acquisition bill to safeguard tangible and intangible cultural assets. Music Buzz: Bad Bunny’s record-breaking DTMF world tour closed out with $467.5M gross and 3.1M tickets sold across 55 shows.

CAC Games Countdown: The Dominican Senate advanced a Cultural Heritage Protection and Acquisition Bill, aiming to safeguard the country’s historical, artistic, archaeological, and cultural assets. Santo Domingo 2026: The XXV Central American and Caribbean Games open with a major tech-forward ceremony—1,100 drones, 500+ lasers, and 30,000 LED wristbands—as the country prepares to welcome 6,000+ athletes from 37 countries. Sports & Security: Organizers say 500+ police officers will support Games security across venues and tourist areas. Culture & Pageantry: The Miss Universe Dominican Republic preliminary narrowed the field of 35 candidates ahead of the grand finale. Music & Pop Culture: Bad Bunny wrapped his record-breaking world tour at $467.5M; and New Music Friday spotlights Dominican-connected dance tracks like “DOMI NYC.” Family Spotlight: Cardi B shared Dominican countryside moments as her kids spoke Spanish.

Central American & Caribbean Games Kickoff: Santo Domingo officially opens the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games today, with a big opening ceremony at Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium and more than 6,000 athletes from 37 countries—plus a cultural show built to spotlight Dominican identity. Sports Tourism Push: Organizers say the event is tied to over RD$5 billion in venues and tourism upgrades, aiming to draw long-stay visitors and boost luxury hospitality. Pageant Spotlight: Miss Universe Dominican Republic held its preliminary round, narrowing the field of 35 candidates with runway and stage presence ahead of the grand finale. Music & Salsa Legacy: Dominican salsa star Sexappeal marks 25 years with a renewed team, a new album planned for Oct–Nov, and fresh collaborations to keep pushing salsa forward. Pop Culture From the Diaspora: Cardi B shared Dominican countryside vacation clips showing her kids speaking Spanish and reconnecting with their roots. Earthquake Update: A 5.2 tremor was felt across the Dominican Republic late Thursday, with authorities reporting no injuries or major damage. Music Picks: This week’s playlist roundup spotlights new tracks including Feid and Villano Antillano.

Miss Universe Dominican Republic: The 35-candidate preliminary raised the stakes ahead of the grand finale, with runway and judge poise deciding key points, plus performances by Mery tu loba, Lemar, and Patty Mol. Central American & Caribbean Games kickoff: Santo Domingo’s July 24 opening ceremony is set, with the day’s agenda also including a major book launch at Foro Pedro Mir and a Thanksgiving Mass for the National Health Service anniversary. Salsa spotlight: Sexappeal marks 25 years with a renewed team, a new album planned for Oct–Nov, and fresh national/international collaborations as he pushes Dominican salsa further. Sports tourism logistics: Sky High Dominicana says it will move 1,435+ athletes and delegations to Santo Domingo 2026, adding capacity and support for equipment. Baseball culture moment: NBA star Jaylen Brown was spotted in Santo Domingo filming and playing ball, showing off the Dominican love for the sport. Migration & enforcement: DGM launches an internal probe after a viral video showed a Haitian migrant transported on a motorcycle by immigration agents in San Juan de la Maguana. Arts & culture beyond DR: A Dominican-descended Cardi B shared that her kids are vacationing in the countryside, leaning into roots and simpler life experiences.

Central American & Caribbean Games Logistics: Sky High Dominicana says it will fly 1,435+ athletes and sports delegations to Santo Domingo 2026, using Embraer 190s and a new Boeing 737-700, plus extra support for equipment. CAC Games Spotlight: Asonahores frames the July 24–Aug 8 event as a tourism and entertainment boost, with thousands of visitors expected to lift hotels, food, transport, commerce, and the wider economy. Cuba Builds Its Team: Cuba continues arriving in Santo Domingo with additional athletes and specialists, aiming to stay among the top medal nations despite major constraints. Local Sports Culture: Jamaica’s golfers Mattea Issa and Oshae Haye head to Corales Golf Club for the CAC Games, where the format ramps up to 72 holes. Arts & Identity (Film): Haitian filmmaker Pascale Solages’ documentary “Born to Dance, Forced to Run” follows a dancer’s migration path from Haiti to the Dominican Republic and beyond, premiering July 25 in Brooklyn. Sports Celebrity Visit: NBA star Jaylen Brown is in the Dominican Republic filming at a Santo Domingo court and joking with local players. Public Safety/Justice: Prosecutors seek one year of pretrial detention in a RD$12 million armored truck heist case in Monte Plata.