标签： Dominican Republic

In a significant historical tribute, the Commission on Indigenous and Afro-descendant Peoples of Parlacen commemorated Fray Antonio de Montesinos (1475-1540), a Spanish Dominican missionary renowned for his groundbreaking 1511 Advent sermon. Delivered merely nineteen years after the discovery of the Americas, Montesinos’ sermon was a bold denunciation of the mistreatment of indigenous peoples on Hispaniola, advocating for their rights and dignity. His powerful message condemned the abuses of Spanish colonizers and called for adherence to principles of charity, justice, and Christian law in interactions with the native population. Montesinos’ advocacy played a pivotal role in shaping the Laws of Burgos (1512), enacted by King Ferdinand “The Catholic,” which aimed to regulate the treatment of indigenous peoples. His influence also extended to inspiring Bartolomé de las Casas, a fellow Dominican and lifelong defender of indigenous rights. The tribute took place at the Montesinos monument in Santo Domingo, a site inaugurated in 1983 and now a prominent tourist attraction. Angola Didiez, president of the Parlacen commission, led the event, emphasizing Montesinos as a historic figure who “marked a before and after” in the fight for human dignity.

In Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic faces significant challenges in enforcing the Law on Comprehensive Management and Co-processing of Solid Waste (Law No. 225-20), despite its October 2, 2025, deadline for compliance. Many businesses continue to distribute plastic bags for free, directly violating the regulation. The law also bans the use of expanded polystyrene (foam) containers for food and beverages, mandating a shift to sustainable alternatives within five years. However, most supermarkets, grocery stores, and retail outlets have yet to meet this requirement. Article 172 of the law emphasizes the transition to reusable or biodegradable bags to combat environmental pollution, foster responsible consumption, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Producers are required to participate in extended responsibility programs and use oxodegradable or biodegradable materials, while businesses must provide recyclable, eco-efficient bags with environmental awareness messaging. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is tasked with conducting annual evaluations to ensure compliance. Lawmakers have debated extending the deadline by another five years to accommodate small and medium-sized businesses, but President Luis Abinader rejected the proposal, supporting industrial and environmental groups advocating for strict enforcement. Although the Senate announced plans to review a modified proposal, progress remains stalled. Environmental organizations are urging immediate sanctions and stronger policies to curb single-use plastics and ensure adherence to the law.

Santo Domingo – In a prestigious ceremony at the National Theater, Vice President Raquel Peña presided over the 2025 Dominican Emigrant Award, named in honor of the late fashion icon Mr. Oscar de la Renta. The event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX), celebrated the remarkable contributions of Dominicans abroad, with this year’s top accolade awarded to Augusto Taveras, founder of the Rancheros Unidos Foundation in New York. Taveras was recognized for his extraordinary social work, which has profoundly impacted hundreds of families in Los Ranchos de Babosico, Santiago de los Caballeros.

Through his foundation, Taveras has constructed and donated over 500 fully equipped homes, established schools, sports facilities, and health centers, and supported scholarship and medical programs in collaboration with local institutions. In her address, Vice President Peña lauded the dedication of Dominicans overseas, emphasizing that their achievements embody ‘the heart of an entire nation.’

Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez underscored the importance of protecting Dominicans abroad as a cornerstone of President Luis Abinader’s foreign policy. María Alejandra Castillo, MIREX’s director of Specialized Diplomacy, added that true legacy is measured ‘in touched lives and shared hope.’ Alongside the award, Taveras received a cash prize of one million pesos, sponsored by Banreservas.

The seventh edition of the event also honored nine other Dominicans from Canada, the United States, Spain, and Scotland for their excellence in fields such as psychology, medicine, education, technology, and community leadership. The selection committee, chaired by Haydee Rainieri with José Luis ‘Pepín’ Corripio as permanent advisor, highlighted the global impact of Dominican emigrants.

The ceremony brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and cultural figures, culminating in Vice President Peña’s closing remarks, where she described Dominican emigrants as ‘ambassadors of the best of our nation,’ embodying the spirit and values of the Dominican Republic worldwide.

In Santo Domingo, a heated legislative debate is unfolding over the future of mandatory restaurant gratuities in the Dominican Republic. While the Senate is deliberating on extending the compulsory 10% tip to takeout and delivery orders, members of the Chamber of Deputies are revisiting a decade-old proposal to abolish the legal tip requirement altogether. The original initiative, introduced in 2011 by former PLD deputy Nelson Guillén, argued that customers face triple taxation: a 16% VAT, the mandatory 10% tip, and additional voluntary payments to staff. Although the bill failed to pass at the time, it has resurfaced amid discussions on digital food delivery platforms. Gustavo Sánchez, PLD spokesperson in the Chamber of Deputies, revealed that legislators are reviewing an updated version of the bill. The proposal aims to eliminate mandatory tips while ensuring fair compensation for employees. Sánchez pointed out that current labor laws, under Article 229 of the Labor Code, mandate employers to distribute tips equally among staff weekly. However, in practice, this system often leads to unequal distribution, raising concerns about whether consumers should bear the responsibility of subsidizing low wages. The debate coincides with the Senate’s consideration of an amendment, supported by Asonahores, to include legal tips for services on digital platforms. Critics argue that this extension would further burden middle-class consumers, who already grapple with multiple taxes and payments. Sánchez also noted that restaurants often benefit twice—by collecting mandatory tips and receiving voluntary gratuities from dine-in customers—highlighting the complexity of the issue.

The Eco-Bahia Foundation, an initiative by Grupo Piñero, has been recognized at the National Tourism Award for its significant efforts in promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and education within the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry. The award acknowledges organizations that drive innovation, excellence, and responsible practices in tourism. Álex Matás, the Foundation’s director in the country, accepted the accolade during a ceremony attended by prominent political and business leaders, entrepreneurs, and tourism representatives. Matás emphasized the Foundation’s dedication to a tourism model that harmonizes enjoyment of nature with its protection, stating, ‘Sustainability is essential for safeguarding our ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.’ Since launching operations in the Dominican Republic in 2023, leveraging over 25 years of experience in other regions, the Eco-Bahia Foundation has implemented a responsible tourism framework. This model integrates conservation, ecological restoration, and environmental education. Notable achievements include the protection of more than 1,700 sea turtle hatchlings, environmental awareness programs reaching thousands of children, youth, and visitors, and tourism experiences that actively involve travelers in conservation efforts. Additionally, the Foundation has spearheaded ecosystem restoration projects and forged strategic partnerships with national institutions, creating a synergy between tourism and sustainability.