Santo Domingo witnessed significant political declarations on Monday as Wilson Gómez Ramírez, presiding over the Duartian Institute, articulated a firm stance regarding the escalating crisis in neighboring Haiti. During a ceremonial gathering at the Altar de la Patria honoring the 209th birth anniversary of national hero Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, Gómez Ramírez emphasized that resolving Haiti’s multidimensional institutional, political, and social collapse requires robust international intervention rather than unilateral Dominican responsibility.
The institute leader explicitly urged Dominican authorities to intensify the repatriation of Haitian nationals residing in irregular migratory status, framing border control as a matter of national sovereignty. His address connected contemporary immigration policy to historical principles, highlighting Sánchez’s legacy of courage and sacrifice during the independence struggle. Gómez Ramírez asserted that defending sovereignty and maintaining institutional order remain fundamental, non-negotiable tenets for the Dominican state.
The ceremony also served as an educational platform, recounting Sánchez’s pivotal role alongside Matías Ramón Mella and the La Trinitaria movement in advancing independence during Juan Pablo Duarte’s exile. Participants remembered Sánchez’s proclamation of independence at Puerta del Conde, his leadership of the provisional government, and his ultimate execution in 1861 after opposing Pedro Santana’s annexation efforts.
In a concurrent observance, the institute commemorated International Women’s Day with floral tributes at Plaza María Trinidad Sánchez, recognizing foundational female figures including María Trinidad Sánchez, Concepción Bona, Rosa Duarte, and Manuela Díez for their indispensable contributions to Dominican liberation and identity formation.