标签： Dominican Republic

SANTIAGO – Dominican President Luis Abinader convened a significant meeting with representatives of the Dominican community in Chile, underscoring the strengthened diplomatic relationship between the two nations under Chilean President José Antonio Kast. The engagement, which included First Lady Raquel Arbaje, occurred prior to President Abinader’s attendance at the presidential inauguration ceremony.

Addressing the assembled diaspora, President Abinader issued a compelling call for Dominicans residing in Chile to serve as exemplary citizens and actively integrate into the societal fabric of their host country. He specifically emphasized leveraging educational opportunities. A notable focus of the dialogue was on economic collaboration, with the President highlighting the vast potential for the Dominican grape industry to gain expertise from Chile’s world-renowned viticulture and wine production sector, thereby boosting agricultural development back home.

President Abinader offered assurances to the community, pledging that their concerns would receive the government’s full attention and affirming that no request from nationals abroad is considered insignificant.

Official statistics from the Dominican embassy reveal a community of approximately 23,000 Dominicans in Chile, constituting the fourth-largest overseas Dominican population. Ambassador Juan Cohen elaborated on the government’s dedicated strategy to address the needs of its overseas citizens and fortify connections with the global diaspora. In a move to deepen cultural ties, the embassy unveiled plans for a ‘Dominican Week in Chile’ this November, an event designed to foster greater cultural exchange and integration.

The gathering, which also featured diplomatic and consular officials, served as a platform to discuss ongoing initiatives aimed at reinforcing the bonds between the Dominican state and its overseas communities. Officials unanimously acknowledged the critical role the diaspora plays in driving national development and ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage across generations.

Santo Domingo witnessed significant political declarations on Monday as Wilson Gómez Ramírez, presiding over the Duartian Institute, articulated a firm stance regarding the escalating crisis in neighboring Haiti. During a ceremonial gathering at the Altar de la Patria honoring the 209th birth anniversary of national hero Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, Gómez Ramírez emphasized that resolving Haiti’s multidimensional institutional, political, and social collapse requires robust international intervention rather than unilateral Dominican responsibility.

The institute leader explicitly urged Dominican authorities to intensify the repatriation of Haitian nationals residing in irregular migratory status, framing border control as a matter of national sovereignty. His address connected contemporary immigration policy to historical principles, highlighting Sánchez’s legacy of courage and sacrifice during the independence struggle. Gómez Ramírez asserted that defending sovereignty and maintaining institutional order remain fundamental, non-negotiable tenets for the Dominican state.

The ceremony also served as an educational platform, recounting Sánchez’s pivotal role alongside Matías Ramón Mella and the La Trinitaria movement in advancing independence during Juan Pablo Duarte’s exile. Participants remembered Sánchez’s proclamation of independence at Puerta del Conde, his leadership of the provisional government, and his ultimate execution in 1861 after opposing Pedro Santana’s annexation efforts.

In a concurrent observance, the institute commemorated International Women’s Day with floral tributes at Plaza María Trinidad Sánchez, recognizing foundational female figures including María Trinidad Sánchez, Concepción Bona, Rosa Duarte, and Manuela Díez for their indispensable contributions to Dominican liberation and identity formation.

SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic has achieved the highest press freedom ranking in the Americas according to the newly released 2025 Chapultepec Index by the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA). President Luis Abinader celebrated this recognition as a landmark achievement for both his administration and the nation’s democratic development.

The comprehensive evaluation, which assessed journalistic conditions across 23 nations in the Western Hemisphere, awarded the Dominican Republic an exceptional score of 82.17 out of 100 points. This performance positioned the Caribbean nation as the sole country to qualify for the prestigious ‘With Press Freedom’ classification, distinguishing it from regional counterparts.

Through an official statement released by the Government Strategy and Communication Directorate (DIECOM), President Abinader characterized the distinction as evidence of significant progress in institutional development. ‘This recognition fortifies our commitment to broadening public freedoms and strengthening our democratic framework,’ the president stated. He further emphasized that this accomplishment reflects broader societal advancement beyond governmental achievements alone.

The presidential address highlighted the administration’s dual objectives of enhancing citizen welfare while maintaining the country’s status as a regional model for institutional stability and democratic governance. Abinader specifically acknowledged IAPA’s role as a vigilant guardian of expression rights throughout the continent, describing the organization as crucial to defending journalistic integrity.

This international endorsement, according to the president, serves as motivation for continued efforts to safeguard and expand press freedoms within the Dominican Republic. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey and establishes a new benchmark for press freedom standards throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant legislative move aimed at bolstering small business viability, National District Senator Omar Fernández has once again tabled a proposal to exempt micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) from mandatory advance income tax payments. This marks the fourth occasion the senator has introduced this initiative, underscoring a persistent effort to reform fiscal policy for Dominican Republic’s smaller economic players.

The contentious advance payment mechanism requires businesses to prepay income tax based on projected future profits. Senator Fernández contends this system creates an undue financial strain by compelling companies to pay taxes on revenue they have not yet realized, thereby severely constricting their operational liquidity and growth potential. He emphasized that with over 85% of nationally registered enterprises falling into the micro or small category, establishing a more supportive tax framework is critical for national economic development.

Fernández further argued that the proposed elimination would have a negligible adverse effect on overall government tax revenues, while simultaneously acting as a catalyst for enhanced economic dynamism and entrepreneurship. The senator’s legislative agenda extends beyond this single measure, incorporating additional proposals to abolish property tax double taxation for seniors over 65, eradicate mortgage-related taxes, remove advance tax obligations for the agricultural industry, streamline tax compliance procedures, and initiate comprehensive modernization of the nation’s commercial and judicial frameworks.

Santo Domingo – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader embarked on an official visit to Chile to witness the presidential inauguration of José Antonio Kast, who will govern the South American nation from 2026 through 2030. The ceremonial transfer of power occurred at Chile’s National Congress building in Valparaíso, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.

Following his arrival, President Abinader joined fellow international dignitaries for a formal reception with outgoing President Gabriel Boric at La Moneda Palace in Santiago. The Dominican delegation featured First Lady Raquel Arbaje, their daughter Adriana Abinader Arbaje, and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, demonstrating the importance both nations place on bilateral relations.

The day’s proceedings included the official swearing-in ceremony of President Kast and his newly appointed cabinet members, followed by an exclusive luncheon hosted by the incoming president and First Lady María Pía Adriasola for visiting world leaders. The event gathered prominent figures from across the globe, including Argentina’s Javier Milei, Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, and Spain’s King Felipe VI, highlighting the international significance of Chile’s democratic transition.

President Abinader’s participation underscores the Dominican Republic’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with Latin American partners and observing democratic processes throughout the region. The visit concluded with the Dominican leader’s scheduled return to Santo Domingo following the completion of all official ceremonies.