President Leonel Fernandez Praises DANR’s Initiative to Convene 100,000 Dominicans in Washington, DC in Summer 2012

President Fernandez was welcomed by DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano.

“We welcome President Leonel Fernandez addressing such an important issue to both Dominican Americans and Dominicans in the Dominican Republic, as is the relation between US Dominican Elected Officials and the Dominican Republic,” said DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano.

“Despite the disparity in geographical and demographic size, the affinity between the Dominican Republic and the United States draws on a long standing relationship and various historical facts, including a sizable migration that teeters on 2,000,000, at the present time. On a personal basis, the two nations also share strong ties, as an overwhelming majority of Dominicans have relatives and friends in the United States with whom they maintain close contact. In fact, the number of phone calls between the Dominican Republic and the United States ranks as one of the highest per capita in the world.”

“Developing meaningful connections between DR and US, in trade, education and other exchanges, including government, will strengthen that relationship and benefit both nations.  The role of elected officials in this interaction is of paramount importance.  I would say that the measure in which the Dominican Republic, as a country, can benefit from its relationship with its northern neighbor hinges on the level of political empowerment Dominican Americans can attain,” concluded President Feliciano before introducing President Fernandez.

President Feliciano met with President Fernandez regarding DANR’s strategic plans, including a massive gathering DANR and its National Dominican American Council (NDAC) is currently coordinating to bring over 100,000 Dominicans living in USA to Washington, DC in the summer 2012 to celebrate their presence and contributions to America and the Dominican Republic.

“In doing the math, of the 2 million Dominicans living currently in the United States, DANR could bring at least 100,000 to Washington, DC,” said President Fernandez.

President Fernandez addressed the audience for about 40 minutes regarding the relation of Dominican American elected officials and the Dominican Republic. He offered an account of Dominican Republic’s advancements over the past five decades in demographics, trade and partnership with the United states.

After his lecture, President Fernandez met with elected officials present including U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel, NYS Senator Adriano Espaillat, NYS Senator Jose Peralta, NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera, NJ Freeholder Tilo Rivas, NYC Councilwoman Julisa Ferreras, NJ Councilman Julio Tavarez, NJ Councilman Rey Martinez, NY Yonkers Councilman Wilson A. Terrero, NJ Commissioner Fiordaliza Frias, and among others NJ Commissioner Ruben Vargas.

The event concluded with a reception attended by DANR friends, dignitaries, supporters and members of the DANR’s Trinitarios Circle, a select group of friends and major supporters of the research and advocacy mission of the DANR. The list of dignitaries, leaders and academics attending included the Hon. Roberto Saladin Selin, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the US, Dominican Republic Counsul General Rafael Evans and several officers of the Dominican Republic’s executive cabinet including Alejandro Santos, Minister and Secretary of State of the Consejos Nacionales para las Comunidades Dominicanas en el Exterior de La República Dominicana (CONDEX), Dr. Ramona Hernandez, Executive Director of the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, Dr. Rafael Lantigua, Attorney Manny Matos, Attorney Peter Cedeno, Hon. Maria Luna, Cira Angeles, Nelson Valdez representing SEIU-1199, members of the National Supermarket Association, Nelson Eusebio, Rudy Fuertes, Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, President of Hostos Community College, and among dozens of others, Dr. Dilcia Granvilla.

Reflecting on the event, Trinitarios Circle member Cira Angeles, a well-kwnon business woman in the US said, “I attended the event with my son who is an alumnus of the DANR Fellowship program and he said to me: ‘Mommy, I am glad to see the direction the Roundtable has taken.’ The event was of the highest caliber, with power brokers present. We all felt empowered. For the first time I felt that we have indeed a powerful organization representing the interests of our community and we must continue to support it. Se sintio que estamos empoderados,” she said.

DANR officers present included DANR Chairman and Chief Development & Communication Officer Nestor Montilla, who was the master of ceremonies, Treasurer & NYS Vice President Luis Facundo, NYS Vice President Miguel Santana, and among other members Amaris Guzman, DANR National Youth President.

The transcript and video of President Fernandez’ speech will be available at www.danr.org