标签： Dominican Republic

New York – The Batey Relief Alliance (BRA), a prominent North American humanitarian organization, showcased significant progress in its 2024 ‘commitment to action’ during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) annual meeting. The initiative focuses on combating maternal and child malnutrition in underserved rural communities of the Dominican Republic and Peru. With a substantial investment exceeding US$596,000, the program has directly supported 54,000 children and 9,180 pregnant women, while indirectly benefiting over 290,000 individuals.

Santo Domingo – Rosa Ng, president of the Flor para Todos Foundation, has called on Dominican President Luis Abinader to intervene in the reopening of Chinese-owned businesses recently closed by the Ministry of Housing (MIVED). The establishments were shut down due to structural deficiencies, but Ng underscored their critical role in supporting thousands of employees and their families who rely on these businesses for their livelihoods. The appeal was made during the dual celebration of the 76th anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Mid-Autumn Festival in Santo Domingo’s Chinatown. Ng emphasized the severe economic repercussions of the closures on both Chinese entrepreneurs and Dominican workers, urging authorities to devise a “viable solution” to restore operations. She also expressed appreciation for her team, the Fujianese community, and supporting companies like Dulce Hogar and Suplax for their contributions to the event. As a prominent advocate for Dominican-Chinese relations, Ng stressed that reopening these businesses would significantly benefit the most vulnerable segments of society.

Santo Domingo is set to host the inaugural World Congress of Veterans from September 28 to 30, organized by the Brotherhood of Retired Veterans of the Armed Forces and the National Police. The event, themed ‘The Transition to Retirement,’ will convene delegates from more than 15 countries to explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities faced by retired service members. Discussions will center on public policies, international collaboration, and the overall well-being of veterans. The congress will feature a robust agenda, including panel discussions and lectures on topics such as national identity, pension systems, physical and mental health, the role of women in retirement, the influence of technology, and global retirement experiences. A highlight of the event will be the screening of the audiovisual series ‘Voices of Experience,’ which will present compelling testimonies from retired military and police personnel. In conjunction with the congress, the Dominican Defense and Identity Museum will be inaugurated, offering visitors a glimpse into the nation’s history through murals, historical artifacts, works by Dominican masters, and interactive exhibits. Major General (Ret.) Valerio García Reyes, president of the Brotherhood, emphasized the significance of the congress as a milestone in honoring veterans and safeguarding national identity.

In a significant move to revitalize Santiago, President Luis Abinader unveiled three transformative projects on Sunday, marking a new chapter in the city’s development. The initiatives include the restoration of the historic Yaque Lodging Center, the creation of the Mirador del Yaque park in the “Nueva York Chiquito” district, and a series of sanitation programs aimed at improving public health and urban aesthetics. These projects are designed to modernize infrastructure, reclaim public spaces, and elevate the quality of life for Santiago’s residents. The Yaque Lodging Center, Santiago’s primary public market, will undergo a comprehensive renovation to serve as a central hub for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local farmers. President Abinader emphasized that this project addresses long-standing community demands and will be developed through inclusive consultations, ensuring representation from all business sectors. The government has committed RD$658 million from the recently approved supplementary budget to fund these endeavors, with approximately 70% allocated to the Yaque Lodging Center and the remainder dedicated to sanitation efforts, including the cleanup of the Gurabo ravine. If the bidding process proceeds as planned, the president anticipates the market’s transformation will be finalized by early 2027, heralding a new era of prosperity and sustainability for Santiago.

Santo Domingo — The Office for Transportation Reorganization (OPRET) announced the resumption of commercial services at the Pedro Francisco Bonó station on Line 2 of the Santo Domingo Metro by 8:25 p.m. this Saturday. This follows an accident that occurred Friday night, which led to the temporary suspension of operations. OPRET confirmed that the damaged access point was swiftly demolished within 24 hours, ensuring user safety and enabling normal train operations. Restoration work on the station’s facade will be conducted during nighttime hours to avoid service disruptions, with a commitment to restoring it to its original condition promptly. OPRET expressed gratitude to commuters for their patience and reaffirmed its dedication to efficiency and safety, prioritizing the well-being of citizens. Meanwhile, Caribe Tours released an official statement detailing the incident. According to the report, a speeding jeep ran a red light and collided with a Caribe Tours vehicle, causing the driver to lose control and crash into the station’s access structure. An OPRET employee sustained injuries in the accident and was transported to a medical center, where she is reported to be in stable condition.

In Santiago, Dominican Republic, a tragic incident on September 10 has left five individuals dead following an alleged confrontation with a police patrol. Over two weeks later, the investigation remains sluggish, fueling anxiety and frustration among the victims’ families. The National Police and the Santiago Prosecutor’s Office have yet to release an official report, leaving the public in the dark about the circumstances that led to the fatal exchange of gunfire. Relatives of the deceased have voiced their exasperation over the lack of transparency, urging authorities to provide clarity. ‘We need a clear explanation, not just rumors,’ said one family member, who chose to remain anonymous. Civil society groups and human rights advocates have echoed these demands, calling for a transparent and independent investigation to ensure accountability and prevent impunity. The victims, identified as Edward Bernardo Peña Rodríguez, Carlos Enrique Guzmán Navarro (alias Charly Chasc), José Vladimir Valerio Estévez, Elvis Antonio Martínez Rodríguez, and Julio Alberto Gómez, all succumbed to their injuries at the José María Cabral y Báez Hospital. Vladimir Valerio, a barber, was reportedly serving a client and preparing to go out for a meal when the shooting occurred. His partner, Gabriela, defended his character, stating, ‘He wasn’t a criminal. If they have evidence, let them present it. He was just working hard for his dreams.’ The family is determined to clear Vladimir’s name and seek justice for what they perceive as excessive use of force by the police. Gabriela Mercedes Espinal Estévez, Vladimir’s sister, along with other relatives, has been visiting the site of the shooting daily, holding banners that demand justice and honor their loved ones. Despite the ongoing investigation, both the Santiago Police and the prosecutor’s office have maintained a tight-lipped stance, only confirming that the preliminary phase of the investigation has concluded. An alleged police officer was also injured during the incident, which took place in front of a barbershop on Olímpica Avenue in the La Barranquita sector of Santiago province.

In the Dominican Republic, a significant shift in vehicle ownership is emerging, with women increasingly taking the wheel on smaller roads, while men continue to dominate the main thoroughfares. According to recent data from the General Directorate of Internal Revenue (DGII) and the National Statistics Office (ONE), women now account for 23% of registered vehicles, a notable increase in a traditionally male-dominated sector. The data, updated to 2024, reveals that women own 432,256 motorcycles, 313,113 automobiles, 244,943 Jeeps, 19,410 buses, and 46,648 vehicles in other categories. The eastern provinces of Hato Mayor (28.7%), La Altagracia (28.1%), and El Seibo (27.3%), along with Peravia (27.7%) and Samaná (27.2%), show the highest percentages of female vehicle owners. In contrast, men still hold the majority, with 77% of vehicles registered in their names, including 1,894,849 motorcycles, 712,256 cars, 416,429 Jeeps, 79,229 buses, and 339,853 other vehicles. The 2024 vehicle fleet totaled 6,194,052 units, marking a 384,916 increase from 2023. Motorcycles dominate the fleet at 57.0%, followed by automobiles (18.7%), Jeeps (11.9%), and cargo vehicles, buses, and other categories (12.4%). Color preferences for cars lean towards white (23.7%), gray (22.9%), and blue (12.6%), while Jeeps favor white (28.6%), gray (20.8%), and black (17.4%). The year 2024 also saw a 40% rise in electric vehicle imports, with 6,640 units, and a 33% increase in hybrid vehicle imports, totaling 3,442 units. This data underscores a growing trend of women’s empowerment in transportation and a shift towards more sustainable vehicle choices in the Dominican Republic.

The province of Pedernales in the Dominican Republic has officially launched the National 911 Emergency and Security Response System, marking a significant milestone in public safety and emergency preparedness. Spearheaded by José Ignacio Paliza, Minister of the Presidency, the initiative aims to provide swift medical assistance, ensure citizen safety, and deliver effective emergency responses across the region. Paliza highlighted the system’s role in uniting over 30 government institutions under a shared mission: saving lives. Over the past five years, the 911 System has expanded its reach nationwide, and its establishment in Pedernales reflects both the area’s growing tourism industry and the resilience of its residents. Randolfo Rijo Gómez, executive director of the 911 System, emphasized that this expansion now covers 26 provinces, serving 93% of the population—approximately 9.4 million citizens. Pedernales now boasts a comprehensive emergency response infrastructure, including ambulances, fire trucks, and highly trained personnel available 24/7. This development not only ensures peace of mind for families but also bolsters community confidence and supports the province’s broader development. The 911 System integrates key institutions such as the Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services, the National Police, and fire departments, ensuring coordinated responses for both residents and the burgeoning tourism sector. Governor Edirda De Óleo expressed gratitude to President Luis Abinader for his commitment to the province, while Juan Manuel Méndez García, director of the Emergency Operations Center, underscored the readiness of the new facility and its fully equipped ambulances, staffed by local personnel dedicated to preserving lives.