Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Duartian Institute, a prominent national institution, has issued a stark warning regarding alleged attempts by influential sectors to undermine Constitutional Court ruling 168-13. Dr. Wilson Gómez Ramírez, President of the Institute, declared on Monday that powerful forces are seeking to reverse the landmark decision which mandated a comprehensive cleansing of the civil registry and established stringent regulations for nationality criteria.
Dr. Gómez Ramírez emphasized that the ruling provides an unequivocal definition of the status of foreigners in transit, a matter he asserts falls squarely within the sovereign authority of the Dominican State. He delivered these statements during a board meeting at the Duarte Museum and House in the Colonial City, coinciding with the presentation of events commemorating the 213th anniversary of national hero Juan Pablo Duarte y Díez’s birth.
The institution simultaneously condemned initiatives aimed at subjecting the Dominican Republic to the jurisdiction of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, characterizing such moves as a direct assault on national sovereignty and a threat to Dominican identity. To substantiate this stance, the Institute President drew upon the constitutional philosophy and historical writings of Duarte himself, highlighting the founding father’s unwavering defense of popular sovereignty and national honor.
Dr. Gómez Ramírez cautioned that any endeavor to nullify the court’s decision would fundamentally endanger Dominican nationality and territorial integrity. He issued a compelling call to action, urging patriotic, social, political, and professional organizations to maintain heightened vigilance and foster unity in protecting the national interest.
In related developments, the Duartian Institute unveiled an extensive program of activities to honor Duarte’s legacy, commencing January 18 with the ‘Cavalcade for the Homeland’—an equestrian parade departing from the Altar of the Homeland through the Colonial City’s main thoroughfares. The official anniversary ceremonies on January 26 will begin with a flag-raising ceremony at the Duarte-Díez family residence on Isabel la Católica Street, accompanied by a performance of the National Anthem by the Capital Fire Department band. Additional commemorative events are scheduled both domestically and internationally.