SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic has achieved the highest press freedom ranking in the Americas according to the newly released 2025 Chapultepec Index by the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA). President Luis Abinader celebrated this recognition as a landmark achievement for both his administration and the nation’s democratic development.
The comprehensive evaluation, which assessed journalistic conditions across 23 nations in the Western Hemisphere, awarded the Dominican Republic an exceptional score of 82.17 out of 100 points. This performance positioned the Caribbean nation as the sole country to qualify for the prestigious ‘With Press Freedom’ classification, distinguishing it from regional counterparts.
Through an official statement released by the Government Strategy and Communication Directorate (DIECOM), President Abinader characterized the distinction as evidence of significant progress in institutional development. ‘This recognition fortifies our commitment to broadening public freedoms and strengthening our democratic framework,’ the president stated. He further emphasized that this accomplishment reflects broader societal advancement beyond governmental achievements alone.
The presidential address highlighted the administration’s dual objectives of enhancing citizen welfare while maintaining the country’s status as a regional model for institutional stability and democratic governance. Abinader specifically acknowledged IAPA’s role as a vigilant guardian of expression rights throughout the continent, describing the organization as crucial to defending journalistic integrity.
This international endorsement, according to the president, serves as motivation for continued efforts to safeguard and expand press freedoms within the Dominican Republic. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey and establishes a new benchmark for press freedom standards throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.