标签： Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo’s Colonial City has undergone a significant transformation with the completion of an extensive urban renewal project, spearheaded by Tourism Minister David Collado. The initiative, valued at over RD$103 million, has revitalized 11 streets in the historic district, enhancing accessibility, infrastructure, and the overall visitor experience. Executed by the Executive Committee for Infrastructure of Tourist Zones (Ceiztur), the project includes the reconstruction of sidewalks, curbs, and pavements across 17 streets, alongside drainage improvements, new signage, and universal access ramps. Minister Collado emphasized that the Colonial City, a key attraction for approximately 8% of the Dominican Republic’s tourists, will remain fully accessible throughout December to ensure uninterrupted tourism and local commerce. The project also extends its benefits to neighboring areas such as San Lázaro and San Miguel, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism. Collado highlighted that these efforts aim to preserve the historic charm of the Colonial City while positioning it as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Santiago de los Caballeros, a major city in the Dominican Republic, was hit by severe flooding on Thursday following heavy rainfall. The deluge inundated key streets and avenues, causing widespread disruption and damage. Robinson Cabrera, a councilman from the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), publicly criticized the city’s inadequate urban planning and poor maintenance of drainage systems. Cabrera described the situation as unprecedented, stating, ‘Santiago is flooded like never before.’ He highlighted the extensive impact on homes, vehicles, and businesses, attributing the crisis to clogged storm drains and neglected catch basins. To illustrate the severity, Cabrera shared striking images on Instagram, depicting the city’s main roads transformed into rivers. In an official statement, he called on residents to assist by avoiding littering in public spaces but stressed that the primary responsibility lies with municipal authorities. The torrential rains submerged several neighborhoods, brought traffic to a standstill, and caused flooding in areas previously unaffected by such events. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the city’s infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has issued a weather update indicating that a pre-frontal trough located north of the island, coupled with moisture carried by east-southeast winds, will result in isolated, short-duration showers across parts of the Dominican Republic on Friday morning. As the day progresses, cloud cover is expected to intensify, leading to scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms, and potentially gusty winds in several provinces, including El Seibo, Hato Mayor, La Vega, San José de Ocoa, Azua, San Juan, Elías Piña, Santiago, Santiago Rodríguez, Dajabón, and Puerto Plata. Overnight, the weather is predicted to remain partly cloudy.

In response to the anticipated rainfall, weather alerts and warnings remain active in nine provinces due to the heightened risk of flooding, overflowing rivers and streams, and landslides in vulnerable areas. Nighttime temperatures are forecasted to range between 21°C and 23°C, while daytime temperatures will hover between 31°C and 33°C. In Greater Santo Domingo, encompassing the National District and Santo Domingo Norte, Este, and Oeste, skies will become increasingly overcast, accompanied by scattered showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential risks.

The Central Electoral Board (JCE) of the Dominican Republic, under the leadership of President Román Jáquez Liranzo, has introduced the official designs for the new Dominican Identity and Electoral Card. The unveiling took place during a presentation to the Duartian Institute and the Permanent Commission of Patriotic Ephemerides (CPEP), two institutions responsible for ensuring the proper use of national symbols. The updated card aims to modernize the document while strengthening national identity by incorporating significant historical, cultural, and environmental elements. Key features of the design include the national coat of arms, a portrait of founding father Juan Pablo Duarte, and the Monument to the Heroes of Restoration. Additionally, the cardholder’s image will be superimposed over Duarte’s chest, symbolizing the enduring connection between Dominican citizens and their homeland. The design also celebrates Dominican culture and biodiversity, featuring the güira and tambora—instruments central to Dominican music—and the palmchat, the national bird. This initiative transforms the ID card into a tribute to the nation’s rich heritage, blending history, culture, and nature. Both the Duartian Institute and CPEP have formally approved the designs, praising the JCE for its efforts to foster national pride and preserve the legacy of Juan Pablo Duarte through this innovative project.