标签： Dominican Republic

In a significant step toward fostering closer ties with the Dominican Republic’s citizens, the National Police has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing public trust and pride in its role. Major General Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta, the institution’s director, emphasized the Police’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the public, upholding individual rights, and delivering essential services. Speaking at the inauguration of a new police station at the El Seibo exit toward Hato Mayor, Guzmán Peralta highlighted the government’s robust support in modernizing law enforcement infrastructure. This includes the construction of new stations, the provision of advanced vehicles and technology, and comprehensive training programs. Additionally, the government conducts weekly inspections across the country to ensure operational efficiency and responsiveness. President Luis Abinader personally oversees these sessions at the Police Palace, addressing progress, needs, and public concerns. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Guzmán Peralta expressed gratitude to God, President Abinader, Central Romana company, and Ángel De La Cruz for their contributions to the state-of-the-art facility, which has garnered widespread satisfaction among the local community.

In a recent critique of legislative changes, former Vice President Rafael Alburquerque voiced strong opposition to a Senate amendment to the Labor Code, which mandates a 10% tip on food deliveries. Alburquerque argued that this law would impose additional financial burdens on consumers while simultaneously undermining the earnings and benefits of delivery workers.

The Dominican Republic is on the brink of losing its most promising coffee harvest in a decade, jeopardizing over RD$6 billion in potential income for coffee-producing families. This year, farmers anticipate producing more than 300,000 quintals of coffee—the highest yield since 2013—coinciding with historic highs in international coffee prices, where a quintal is valued at RD$21,500. However, a severe labor shortage threatens to derail this economic boon. In the southern region alone, producers expect over 120,000 quintals, but many fear the crop could spoil due to insufficient workers for harvesting. Traditionally reliant on Haitian laborers, farmers now face restrictions that have left them without viable alternatives. Compounding the crisis, heavy rains in October have accelerated the ripening process, heightening the urgency. Producers are criticizing the government for its inaction, highlighting that neither the Dominican Coffee Institute (INDOCAFE) nor the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented contingency measures. ‘Every pound of coffee that falls to the ground represents 21 pesos lost forever,’ lamented one grower, warning that without immediate intervention, this golden opportunity for rural communities could turn into an economic disaster.

The Sosúa City Council in Puerto Plata has unanimously decided to dismantle the Atabey statue, a 16-foot underwater sculpture installed in March 2023. The statue, created by the Maguá Foundation and Global Coralition, was intended to serve as both a tourist attraction and a project to restore coral reefs. It represented Atabey, the Taíno mother of water deity, and aimed to promote art, culture, and environmental conservation. However, the decision to remove it was made during a session led by Council President Fausto Santos, following a proposal by Catholic priest Johnny Espinal Castillo and pastor Sebero Cordero Capellán, head of the Federation of Pastors. Since its installation in Sosúa Bay, the sculpture has been a source of controversy. Supporters praised its cultural and ecological significance, while critics, particularly religious groups, labeled it as promoting idolatry. The municipal ordinance has reignited debates on social media, with opinions divided between viewing the statue as a valuable cultural and environmental initiative or as an unwelcome foreign element.