Dominican Republic Faces Heatwave, Missing Child Case, and US Visa Renewal Plea

Dominican Republic News Roundup: Missing Child, Heatwave Warning, and Visa Renewal Urged Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – May 21, 2025 – Today's news from the Dominican Republic includes updates on a missing child, a severe heatwave, and a call for early visa renewals. The case of missing boy Roldany Calderón, missing for over a month, continues to capture public attention. Lawyer Ramón Cabral, in an interview with CDN, stated, “We strongly believe the child may still be alive and in someone’s custody. Authorities are working with the public prosecutor's office and following several leads.” A one million pesos reward is being offered for information about his whereabouts. Meanwhile, weather analyst Jean Suriel warned of an intensifying heatwave, with real-feel temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in areas including Barahona, Azua, and Greater Santo Domingo. Suriel cautioned, “Heat index is expected to continue rising over the next 48 hours due to a hot air mass over the Caribbean and the arrival of Saharan dust.” Citizens are urged to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun during peak hours. Adding to the concerns, the US Embassy in the Dominican Republic is urging all visa holders to renew their documents at least six months before expiration, even if their passports have expired. This proactive measure aims to prevent potential complications and encourages visa holders to take advantage of the interview waiver process. The hope for Roldany Calderón's safe return, coupled with the urgent warnings about the heatwave and visa renewals, highlights the importance of staying informed and prepared in the Dominican Republic.