标签： Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo’s Colonial City will remain fully accessible throughout the December holiday season, as announced by the Ministry of Tourism. Restoration and construction projects, temporarily paused to accommodate the festive period, will resume in January. This strategic decision aims to enhance the visitor experience and support local businesses during the peak tourism season. Tourism Minister David Collado emphasized that the move is designed to maximize economic activity, benefiting merchants and business owners in the area. Engineer Amin Abel Santos, overseeing the restoration efforts, revealed that 70% of the heritage streets have already been completed. Teams are also working diligently to repair sections damaged by recent storms, ensuring all areas are operational by Christmas. Beyond road improvements, the Colonial City is undergoing extensive revitalization, with over 28 projects in progress. These include the restoration of the Ruins of San Francisco, upgrades to the Mercado Modelo, and the rehabilitation of more than 150 homes. Additionally, five new electric buses will soon connect key cultural and tourist hubs, enhancing accessibility to the historic center while alleviating traffic congestion.

London – In a significant cultural event, Banco Popular Dominicano, in collaboration with the Taíno Cultural Center Casa del Cordón and the García Arévalo Foundation, unveiled the book ‘Our First Settlers’ at the Dominican Embassy in London. This presentation was a highlight of the XI Dominican Week in the United Kingdom, celebrating the island’s rich ancestral heritage. The book delves into the historical and symbolic depth of the Taíno Cultural Center’s permanent exhibition, offering a profound insight into the Dominican Republic’s indigenous roots. Ambassador Rosa Hernández de Grullón hosted the event, lauding the initiative for its role in promoting Dominican identity on the global stage. José Mármol, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Reputation, and Responsible Banking at Banco Popular, underscored the book’s significance in ‘rescuing the essence of our origins’ and reaffirming the bank’s dedication to culture, education, and sustainable development. Renowned archaeologist and museographer Carlos León Amores emphasized the book’s educational and heritage value, stating it would be a vital resource for understanding and disseminating Taíno culture. Following its debut in Madrid during Dominican Week in Spain, the London event marked the second stop on the book’s international tour.

The tragic death of Claire Paula Cullen, a 40-year-old Irish woman, has sent shockwaves through her family and the community. Cullen was fatally struck by a vehicle on George Washington Avenue in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on the morning of November 10, 2025. The incident occurred as she was crossing the avenue, en route to attend her brother’s wedding to Erika Peña, which was scheduled for the same day. Instead of a joyous celebration, the day turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy. The driver, identified as Héctor Julio Taveras Báez, fled the scene immediately after the collision, leaving Cullen fatally injured. Her family has since expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation, noting that her personal belongings have yet to be returned by authorities. As they prepare to repatriate her body to Ireland for burial, the family is demanding justice and accountability, emphasizing that Cullen’s young son has been left orphaned by this devastating event. They are urging Dominican officials to ensure that the case is thoroughly investigated and that the perpetrator is held responsible.

In a groundbreaking event held at the Funglode Auditorium in Santo Domingo, the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (Funglode) unveiled a comprehensive study titled ‘Femicides in the Dominican Republic: X-ray of Femicidal Violence 2016–2024.’ The report, presented by the Dominican Political Observatory (OPD) under the leadership of Nathanael Concepción, delves into nearly a decade of data on gender-based killings in the country. Former President and Funglode President Dr. Leonel Fernández underscored the critical importance of this research in shaping effective public policies, describing the findings as ‘an urgent call to action and collective responsibility of the State and society.’

The study, coordinated by researcher Flor Esmirna Batista Polo, revealed alarming statistics: 706 femicides were recorded between 2016 and 2024, with victims spanning all age groups, from infants to elderly women. In 2024 alone, 73 cases were reported, 89% of which were classified as intimate partner femicides, leaving 77 children orphaned. The data also highlighted the methods of violence, with 53% of the murders committed using bladed weapons and 37% involving firearms. Additionally, 18 cases ended in femicide-suicides, a troubling trend on the rise. Batista Polo emphasized that the persistence of these figures indicates a failure of current policies to bring about structural change.

A panel discussion titled ‘Where Are We and Where Are We Going?’ followed the presentation, featuring representatives from government, academia, and civil society, including Rosalba Ramos, Juliana O’Neal, Ana Iris Linares, Susi Aquino Grauteraux, and Patricia Liranzo. The panelists unanimously called for enhanced institutional coordination, improved prevention strategies, and educational initiatives promoting equality and respect. Key proposals included the development of a georeferenced risk prediction system, early warning protocols, and ongoing training for justice and security personnel.

The event concluded with a resounding call to action, urging stronger national efforts to prevent, address, and penalize gender violence. Attendees were encouraged to utilize existing support services, such as the Ministry of Women (212), 911 Emergencies, and Life Line (809-200-1202), to seek help and report incidents.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Judiciary has finalized its groundbreaking Ten-Year Plan, titled “Justice of the Future 2034,” marking a significant milestone in the nation’s judicial reform efforts. The final document was officially presented to stakeholders during a high-profile ceremony on Wednesday, presided over by President Luis Abinader and Chief Justice Henry Molina at Casa San Pablo. The event drew over 3,000 participants, including Supreme Court justices, prosecutors, public defenders, legislators, business leaders, and civil society representatives, all of whom played a pivotal role in this collaborative strategic planning initiative. Chief Justice Molina outlined the plan’s ambitious goals, which include enhancing accessibility, transparency, reliability, and citizen-centered service within the justice system. The official launch is set for November 19 at 8:00 p.m., broadcasted via the Judicial Branch’s YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook channels. Molina emphasized that the plan was developed using the scenario planning methodology, a first for the Dominican Republic, previously implemented in countries like South Africa and Colombia. He described the initiative as “not merely a technical exercise but an ethical, institutional, and strategic act.” The Justice of the Future 2034 Plan aims to address systemic issues such as judicial delays, geographical and economic barriers, and the exclusion of vulnerable groups, fostering a more inclusive and participatory justice system. President Abinader lauded the plan as a national commitment and a cornerstone of democratic strengthening, stating, “This plan is not just a Judiciary initiative; it’s a commitment to a justice system that transforms lives and strengthens citizen confidence.”