标签： Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo – José Ignacio Paliza, President of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) and Minister of the Presidency, is set to deliver a pivotal national address on Monday, November 24, at 8:00 p.m. The speech, which will be broadcast live on major television networks including Teleantillas, Telesistema, Coral, Color Visión, and CDN, will also be streamed across Paliza’s official social media channels on X, Instagram, and Facebook, as well as the PRM’s digital platforms. Promoted under the slogan “What you deserve to know, straight up,” Paliza emphasized that his message will be direct, transparent, and focused on critical matters of national importance. The PRM leadership has urged the public to tune in to hear the minister’s announcement, which is expected to address pressing issues impacting the nation.

Santo Domingo – President Luis Abinader has unveiled a series of cutting-edge military infrastructure projects at the Ministry of Defense headquarters, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to modernizing the Armed Forces over the past five years. During the inauguration ceremony, Abinader highlighted significant investments in vehicles, operational equipment, and advanced technology aimed at strengthening national security. He also announced plans to expand the country’s fleet of drones and unmanned aerial systems, ensuring the military remains equipped to address contemporary challenges. The President reaffirmed that resources will continue to be allocated to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces. Among the newly inaugurated projects are the complete renovation of the Presidential Guard Regiment, upgraded administrative and service areas, and modernized barracks for enlisted soldiers, officers, and military police. These facilities now boast increased capacity, air-conditioned spaces, new bathrooms, lockers, beds, and enhanced rest areas. Additionally, recreational spaces at the Officers’ Club, including the restaurant, cafeteria, pool, and gazebos, have been revitalized to support the well-being of military families. Further advancements include the establishment of the General Directorate of Unmanned Vehicles under the C5i, equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance technology, and the upgraded Special Counterterrorism Command Unit with modernized barracks and equipment. The Ministry of Defense also relaunched the cultural radio station “The Voice of the Armed Forces,” expanding its coverage with support from INDOTEL. To conclude the day’s events, authorities inaugurated a pharmacy exclusively for retired military personnel and expanded service areas for medical consultations, certifications, and social programs.

In a high-level meeting held in Santo Domingo, leaders of the Dominican Republic’s National Congress, Senate President Ricardo de los Santos and Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco, convened with a U.S. congressional delegation led by Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee. The discussions centered on the deteriorating situation in Haiti, with Dominican legislators highlighting the alarming rise in gang dominance, economic collapse, and governance vacuum in the neighboring nation. They underscored President Luis Abinader’s persistent advocacy for international intervention, particularly through platforms like the United Nations. De los Santos and Pacheco emphasized that despite the Dominican Republic’s proactive measures, resolving the crisis necessitates robust international engagement, especially from the United States. They urged the U.S. delegation to convey the urgency of the matter to President Donald Trump, citing the strain on Dominican resources due to the influx of Haitian migrants seeking refuge, education, and essential services. Brian Mast acknowledged the shared challenges posed by Haiti’s instability and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to addressing the issue. He highlighted the enduring bilateral partnership between the two countries and lauded their collaborative efforts in trade and security.

The United States is experiencing a significant decline in its democratic foundations, raising concerns both domestically and internationally. Historically, the U.S. maintained a democratic regime characterized by free elections, universal suffrage, and a system of checks and balances. However, recent developments suggest a shift toward competitive authoritarianism, with the current administration undermining democratic institutions and processes. This transformation has drawn comparisons to autocratic regimes in Venezuela and El Salvador, where leaders like Hugo Chávez and Nayib Bukele have consolidated power at the expense of democratic norms. In the U.S., the executive branch has weakened federal bureaucracy, encroached on legislative powers, and weaponized government agencies to target universities, media, and political opponents. Immigrants and African American citizens have faced violations of due process, further eroding civil liberties. Scholars such as Steve Levitsky and Lucan Way have declared that the U.S. no longer qualifies as a democracy, marking a stark departure from its historical identity. The implications of this democratic erosion extend beyond U.S. borders, particularly affecting Latin America. The Trump administration’s policies, supported by a compliant Congress and Supreme Court, have disrupted international aid, immigration processes, and anti-drug trafficking efforts. Programs promoting democracy and human rights in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua have been suspended, while immigration policies have become increasingly harsh. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has detained and deported thousands, often without due process, leading to widespread human rights abuses. These actions have reduced the flow of remittances, a critical economic lifeline for many Latin American countries. Additionally, the U.S. has escalated military interventions in the region, such as targeting Venezuelan vessels under the guise of drug enforcement, further destabilizing the area. The Trump administration’s support for authoritarian leaders and its erratic foreign policy have exacerbated political polarization and weakened democratic movements in Latin America. As the U.S. grapples with its democratic decline, Latin America must seek collective responses and strengthen regional leadership to mitigate the fallout from these developments.