标签： Dominican Republic

In the wake of social media speculation regarding the alleged forfeiture of property belonging to Bahamian national Devree Antoine Holis, known as ‘Ray,’ El Nuevo Norte has issued a clarification. The media outlet emphasized that deportation or forced departure from the Dominican Republic does not equate to the loss of legally acquired private property. Holis, the owner of the Rumba bar on Pedro Clisante Street in Sosúa, Puerto Plata, had recently applied for Dominican residency but lacked legal immigration status at the time of his arrest following an altercation with Politur agents. According to Dominican law, foreigners can engage in legal transactions, such as purchasing property or businesses, within the three-month legal stay period, provided they possess valid documentation like a passport, visa, or temporary permit. A legal expert explained that while the government may deny residency, deportation does not strip foreigners of their assets. Holis’s partner continues to manage the bar, which remains operational. The incident leading to his potential deportation involved an altercation with police officers stationed near his establishment. Legal provisions under the General Migration Law (285-04) govern residency applications and property rights, ensuring that deportation does not invalidate ownership. El Nuevo Norte has urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information as the case remains under investigation by immigration authorities and the Sosúa Prosecutor’s Office.

Santo Domingo, DR — On April 6, 2025, the new toll station at kilometer 32 commenced operations, signaling a significant milestone in the ongoing remodeling and expansion of the Juan Pablo Duarte Highway. While this development represents progress, it does not signify the completion of the ambitious project aimed at addressing the highway’s long-standing issues of deterioration and safety hazards.

A recent inspection by Listín Diario journalists revealed that despite recent renovations, the highway still suffers from numerous potholes. During a round trip from the Santo Domingo toll station to Santiago, over 50 potholes of varying sizes were documented. Notably, three potholes were found near the Montaña Paraíso recreation area and the Villas del Bosque ecotourism project at kilometer 52, a section that appeared to have been recently remodeled. Additionally, five more potholes were identified between Villas Las Marías and the San José del Puerto detachment, despite evident paving efforts.

Further along the route, 11 potholes were counted from kilometer 58 to the entrance of Bonao, and another 12 were observed from Talleres Juma to the Sabaneta bridge in La Vega. In the north-south direction, seven potholes were noted between the GM Muebles store and the Atlantic gas station, with some affecting the motorcycle lanes. Near the Doña Pula barbecue restaurant and the Profesor Juan Ramón de la Cruz Primary School, six additional potholes were spotted. Although most potholes on the Piedra Blanca overpass were paved, some remained unaddressed. Finally, 10 more potholes were identified in the last 32 kilometers leading to Santo Domingo.

The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), responsible for the project since 2022, has made strides in repairing many potholes. However, some repaired areas still exhibit slight depressions, and several potholes remain uncovered, highlighting the challenges in achieving a fully safe and smooth roadway.

The Juan Pablo Duarte Highway, stretching from Santo Domingo to San Fernando de Monte Cristi, serves as more than just a transportation route—it is a vibrant artery of commerce and culture. Spanning six provinces, the highway is lined with vendors and artisans who have turned its bustling edges into thriving marketplaces. These individuals, often rooted in family traditions, showcase the rich diversity of regional products and crafts that define the Dominican Republic. Alejandro, a 27-year-old vendor, has spent over 15 years perfecting his trade of selling chicharrón, a popular pork-based delicacy. ‘I started at nine, helping with plates, and now I handle everything from cutting pigs to serving customers,’ he shared. Similarly, Ariel, a seasoned crab seller, has been offering jaibas (blue crabs) for more than two decades. He attributes his success to his father, who introduced him to the business. ‘This is how I make my living,’ Ariel remarked, highlighting the generational continuity of his craft. Beyond food, the highway is also a hub for artisans like Criselyn Cabreja, whose passion for crafts led her to establish ‘Hermanos Cabreja,’ a business specializing in handmade items. ‘I’ve always loved creating things with my hands,’ she said, reflecting on her journey from childhood hobbyist to successful entrepreneur. Rufino Hidalgo, another artisan, has spent over 20 years in the woodcraft business, crafting kitchen utensils and cockfighting cages. ‘These pieces are made entirely by hand, and the demand is always high,’ he explained. Together, these vendors and artisans embody the resilience and creativity of the Dominican people, transforming the Juan Pablo Duarte Highway into a living testament to their heritage and livelihoods.

Laguna de Cabral, also known as Rincón, situated in the Neiba Valley between the provinces of Independencia and Barahona, is experiencing a critical decline in its water volume. Local communities have raised concerns, attributing this environmental crisis to the activities of the Central Sugar Consortium (CAC). The lagoon, a protected area, is now facing one of the worst droughts in its history, as documented by photojournalist Chaimy Soriano. Her visual report captures the stark transformation of this once-thriving ecosystem, now reduced to a shadow of its former self. The images reveal cracked earth, dwindling water levels, and the broader ecological impact on the region. This alarming situation underscores the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainable practices to preserve vital natural resources.

In a compelling address in Santo Domingo, UNICEF has urged for the recognition, protection, and empowerment of girls’ leadership in the Dominican Republic. The organization highlighted the critical need to safeguard their emotional well-being and ensure their right to grow up free from violence and discrimination. Under the global slogan ‘I am the girl, I lead change,’ UNICEF’s representative in the country, Anyoli Sanabria, reiterated the organization’s steadfast commitment to the rights of girls and young women, particularly in environments plagued by gender inequality and structural violence.

Sanabria emphasized, ‘Girls have the right to grow up without fear, to learn without violence, and to dream without limits. Listening to them and supporting their leadership skills is essential for building a more just and resilient future.’

Despite higher school attendance and completion rates among Dominican girls compared to boys, they face significant structural barriers that hinder their overall development and mental health. These challenges include teenage pregnancy, early marriage, unpaid domestic work, and high levels of physical, emotional, and sexual violence.

A UNICEF report on the situation of children and adolescents in the Dominican Republic revealed alarming statistics: 76% of adolescents aged 15 to 17 have been victims of some form of violence, 52.2% report sexual violence, and 45.5% have experienced physical or psychological abuse in the school environment. These figures underscore a normalized reality where violence not only affects girls’ present but also their future opportunities and emotional stability.

‘Every girl faces a double burden: she must survive violence while constantly proving her worth. Her physical and emotional integrity and her leadership skills go hand in hand,’ Sanabria added.

UNICEF also called for increased investment in mental health services tailored to the needs of girls and young women, and for the strengthening of public policies to combat gender-based violence in all its forms.

‘Investing in girls means investing in a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous country. They are not only the future, but also the present of the social change we need,’ Sanabria concluded.

In a significant move to bolster electrical infrastructure and promote responsible energy consumption, the Eastern Electricity Distribution Company (Edeeste) executed a comprehensive technical intervention program across its concession area in September. This initiative, part of the 2025 Strategic Plan for Loss Control and Reduction, successfully normalized services for over 22,000 customers, dismantled approximately 8,000 illegal connections, and integrated more than 4,100 new users into the grid.