标签： Dominican Republic

In a tragic incident on Saturday night, a Haitian man identified only as ‘Blanco’ lost his life after being brutally attacked by a mob in the Gozuela area of Pepillo Salcedo municipality, Manzanillo. The incident occurred on a rice farm in the Santa María district, near the Dominican-Haitian border. According to the National Police’s Criminal Investigations Division (Dicrim) in Montecristi, the man allegedly attempted to rob a group of Haitians crossing into Dominican territory, which incited the violent response from the crowd. Dr. Rosibel Grullón, the medical examiner, confirmed that the victim succumbed to severe head trauma. Local residents revealed that the deceased had a reputation for targeting other migrants who used unofficial border crossings. Following the incident, judicial and police authorities transferred the body to the Padre Fantino Hospital morgue before sending it to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) in Santiago for an autopsy. Prosecutor Francis Alexander de Jesús Peña Sabés has initiated a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full details of the case and assign accountability.

In a significant development at the Codevi free trade zone, located near the Dominican Republic-Haiti border, hundreds of Haitian workers organized a peaceful demonstration to voice their opposition to the industrial park’s decision to withhold taxes at the request of the Haitian government. The protest, which unfolded without violence, prompted the evacuation of Dominican personnel from the area. In response, the National Police of the Dominican Republic heightened security measures on their side of the border to ensure stability and prevent any potential escalation. According to Goidy Reyes, a correspondent from RC Noticias, an urgent meeting has been scheduled to address the grievances and facilitate the swift return of workers to their jobs. The situation underscores the ongoing economic and political tensions between the two neighboring nations, particularly concerning labor rights and cross-border trade policies.

The picturesque municipality of Polo in Barahona is gearing up to host the 17th Organic Coffee Festival (FestiCafé 2025) from October 24 to 26. This annual event, deeply rooted in the region’s coffee-growing heritage, serves as a platform to celebrate organic coffee production, foster international partnerships, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices. This year’s festival will spotlight innovation in coffee production, featuring exhibitions by local and international producers, thought-provoking keynote lectures, and expert panels on topics such as sustainability, market expansion, and technological advancements. The event aims to highlight the superior quality of Polo’s organic coffee, bolster its production chain, and enhance its global presence. Costa Rica has been invited as the guest country, while San José de Ocoa will be recognized as the special guest province, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among coffee-growing communities. FestiCafé 2025 will also pay tribute to the late Luisa Feliz (Mamá Gueda), a revered community leader and co-founder of the festival, through music and cultural performances that honor her enduring legacy. With support from the Presidency of the Republic, INDOCAFÉ, FEDA, and local institutions, the festival cements Polo and the Enriquillo region as a beacon of organic coffee, cultural richness, and sustainable development on both national and international stages.

In a landmark announcement, President Luis Abinader and Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz unveiled a transformative investment of two billion pesos aimed at revitalizing sports infrastructure in La Vega province and 27 municipalities. This unprecedented initiative, funded by assets recovered from corruption cases, signifies a pivotal step in leveraging public funds to enhance sports, health, and cultural facilities nationwide. Abinader underscored that this marks the initial phase of a comprehensive strategy to ensure equitable development across all regions of the Dominican Republic.

Minister Cruz elaborated on the ambitious plan, which includes the construction of 25 new roofed sports centers in municipalities currently lacking such amenities. La Vega will witness the creation of the state-of-the-art La Vega Arena, capable of accommodating 4,500 spectators, alongside the refurbishment of the local baseball stadium and the transformation of the Fernando Teruel Sports Center into a dedicated Volleyball Palace. Additionally, the project encompasses the reconstruction of a World Athletics-certified athletics track, the renovation of the Olympic swimming pool, and upgrades to handball and tennis courts.

The initiative extends its reach to San Juan de la Maguana and San Pedro de Macorís, where major sports complexes will undergo extensive renovations, including the addition of pavilions for wrestling, karate, gymnastics, and weightlifting. Cruz emphasized that this endeavor is not merely a promise but a tangible reality in progress, expressing gratitude to President Abinader for converting recovered assets into meaningful opportunities for youth and communities.