President Luis Abinader has announced significant changes within the Dominican Republic's National Police leadership. General Esteban Figuereo García was named Deputy Director General, and General Ernesto Rafael Rodríguez García was appointed Inspector General, alongside other promotions and retirements, formalized by Decree No. 133-26.
The Dominican Republic men's basketball team secured an 87-79 victory over the USA in the opening game of Window 2 of the 2027 FIBA Men's World Cup Qualifying. The game took place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California.
Minister of Housing, Habitat and Buildings, Ito Bisonó, visited Gaspar Hernández, Dominican Republic, on February 27, 2026, to evaluate severe damage caused by the overflowing Joba River. Intense rains on February 24-25 led to over 350 homes inundated and at least 24 destroyed, with commercial establishments also affected. Bisonó pledged government support for reconstruction through the 'Dominicana Se Reconstruye' program and delivery of essential aid.
Miguel Ángel Álvarez García, a Dominican national accused of ordering the murder of Cristofer Díaz Rodríguez and illegal arms possession, has been extradited from Spain to the Dominican Republic. He arrived at the Las Américas International Airport and was handed over to authorities for legal proceedings.
ProCompetencia and Codopyme have formalized a four-year inter-institutional cooperation agreement in the Dominican Republic. Signed on February 16, 2026, the alliance aims to strengthen commercial loyalty and transparency, ensuring fair competition for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which are vital to the nation's economy.
The National Health Service (SNS) in the Dominican Republic, led by Dr. Julio Landrón, has halted a contracting process for nutrition services due to identified irregularities and lack of transparency. The decision, announced on February 17, 2026, also includes a comprehensive review of all ongoing bidding processes, including those for dialysis, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP).
The opposition PLD party, led by former President Danilo Medina, has reignited claims that the Monte Grande dam's budget in the Dominican Republic has tripled from an initial US$249 million to over US$800 million. The government, through INDRHI, refutes this, stating the original contract was US$354 million and costs increased under previous administrations.
Banyan Group is set to debut in the Dominican Republic with two new resorts in the Punta Cana area: Angsana Cap Cana and Cassia Punta Cana. These properties, opening in 2026, will introduce luxury resort and extended-stay options, enhancing the region's hospitality landscape.
Víctor 'Ito' Bisonó, the newly appointed Minister of Housing, Habitat and Buildings, has inspected the progress of sports infrastructure for the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, confirming that construction is proceeding on schedule. The Dominican Republic is investing over RD$5 billion in venues, with nearly 90% completion targeted by December 2025.
Santo Domingo mourns the passing of prominent journalist and lawyer Hugo Ysalguez, who died this past Saturday at the age of 77 after a battle with cancer. Ysalguez was a key figure in Dominican media and justice, known for his extensive career in journalism, his role as a judge, and his active participation in political and social movements.
The Partido de la Liberación Dominicana (PLD) is considering an early selection of its presidential candidate for the 2028 elections, as indicated by Secretary General Johnny Pujols. This initiative follows a 2025 ruling by the Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE) that previously annulled the party's attempt to accelerate its candidate selection timeline.
Cuba has accused the United States of imposing on the Dominican Republic the decision to exclude Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua from the upcoming 10th Summit of the Americas in Punta Cana, scheduled for December 2025. The Dominican Republic cited multilateral criteria and OAS membership for the exclusions.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General, Qu Dongyu, has projected that the Dominican Republic could achieve its 'Zero Hunger' goal within the next two years. The announcement was made during President Luis Abinader's participation in the UN General Assembly, where Abinader's food security vision was praised.
