Santo Domingo. – The president Luis Abinaderexpressed this Friday his pride and admiration for the Armed Forces and National Policewhen leading the ceremony of solemn salutation of officers that commemorate 35, 30, 25 and 20 years of uninterrupted service, highlighting that the DR has established itself as “a beacon of peace, tranquility and stability” in the region thanks to the strengthening and work of these bodies.
During his speech, the head of state congratulated the anniversary promotions and highlighted their vocation for service. “For me it is a great pride and satisfaction today to congratulate you on this graduation anniversary. I have always had admiration for the Armed Forces and the National Police, but since I came to the Government in 2020 that admiration has multiplied and has become pride, because you are the ones who maintain peace in our nation.”
President Abinader highlighted that, compared to other countries, the Dominican Republic, together with Central America and the Caribbean, remains a benchmark of stability, even in the face of the challenges derived from the situation in the neighboring country.
In this context, he highlighted the international recognition that the country has received for the management of border security, citing the recent visit of the elected president of Chile, José Antonio Kast, who, according to what he indicated, valued the organization and control on the Dominican border, as well as the construction of the perimeter fence.
Likewise, he reaffirmed the commitment of his management to the dignity, improvement and equipment of military and police institutions. “Since I came to the Government it has been an intention to improve the entire infrastructure; we have done it and we will continue to do it. The equipment today is very different from when we arrived, and we will continue strengthening it to have the Armed Forces and a National Police as they deserve.”
The president reiterated his pride in the work carried out by the men and women who make up these bodies, who he said risk their lives daily to guarantee peace and national sovereignty.
“Today I feel like a president who is proud of our Armed Forces, proud of you, for continuing to build an increasingly safe and independent country and, as I said before, we are the beacon of peace, tranquility and stability in the region largely thanks to your work. May God bless you all,” he concluded.
Actions by President Abinader in favor of modernization and professionalization of the Armed Forces. and the P.N.
The welcoming words, on behalf of all the members of the classes present, were given by Major General Rafael Vásquez Espínola, of the Army of the Dominican Republic, who expressed the honor of speaking on behalf of the officers who are celebrating 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of uninterrupted service in military and law enforcement institutions.
In his speech, the officer valued the actions of the President of the Republic Luis Abinader in favor of the modernization and professionalization of the Armed Forces and the National Police, highlighting his closeness with the members of these institutions, the strengthening of equipment and training, as well as the measures aimed at border security and the defense of national sovereignty. He highlighted that these initiatives contribute to consolidating the rule of law, control of the territory and protection of the nation.
Likewise, he highlighted that these decades of service represent more than a commemorative figure, as they constitute a trajectory marked by discipline, loyalty to the Constitution, respect for the laws and permanent commitment to the country. He pointed out that State security is built through training, institutional cohesion, adequate resources, professional command and, above all, ethics, fundamental elements to guarantee democratic stability and public trust.
Likewise, he recalled that during their years of service they have faced complex operations, national emergencies and various social demands, always reaffirming the oath to serve with honor. He highlighted that wearing the uniform implies sacrifice, responsibility and the firm decision to maintain discipline, protect the chain of command and act with dignity even in the most difficult moments, safeguarding ethics as an essential principle of the service.
In conclusion, Vásquez Espínola reaffirmed the commitment of the men and women in uniform to honor, institutional loyalty and the defense of the homeland, ensuring that they will continue to respect the constitutional order, guaranteeing citizen security and working for social stability. He concluded by reiterating his loyalty to the Dominican Republic and expressing the wish that God bless the nation, as well as its Armed Forces and the National Police.
The promotions that were present were: those aged 35, Colonel José Pierret Thomas; Admiral Juan Alejandro Cambiaso and Cacique Caonabo. 30 years old, Colonel Elías Piña. 25 years old, General Máximo Gómez and General Gaspar Polanco y Borbow, and 20 years old, General Gaspar Polanco; Aviation Technical Brigadier General Ernesto Tejeda Matos and Captain Gabino Simonó.
After the salutations, the officers presented presents to the head of state on behalf of the different promotions of the military corps.
Representing the promotion of General Officers and superiors who are celebrating their 35th anniversary, they were presented by Major General, Rafael Vásquez Espinola, ERD, Rear Admiral, Julio Ángel Morales, ARD, Colonel Humberto Guarionex Suero Herrera, FARD and General Juan Pablo Ferreira Veras, PN
While representing the promotion of general and superior officers who are celebrating their 30th anniversary, Major General Jimmy Arias Grullón, ERD; Brigadier General Enrique Aguilera Trujillo, ERD, Captain William Corona Tavarez, ARD, Paratrooper Colonel Onan Aquino Nivar, FARD and Colonel Ornaco Santos, PN
Likewise, representing the promotions of general and superior officers who are celebrating their 25th anniversary, the lieutenant colonel, Alexander Rojas Sánchez, ERD, the frigate captain, Julio De Windt Fernández, ARD, the pilot colonel, María E. Alcántara Manzueta, FARD and colonel Yohanner Martes Cordero, PN
And representing the promotion of general and superior officers who are celebrating their 20th anniversary, the major, Cicely A. Sánchez Hidalgo, ERD, the lieutenant commander, Junior Soto García, ARD, the lieutenant colonel Emmanuel Tineo Guzmán, FARD and the major Jaime Guerrero Cordero, PN
Accompanying President Abinader were the Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General, Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre; the general commanders of the National Army, Major General, Jorge Iván Camino Pérez; of the Dominican Navy, vice admiral, Juan Bienvenido Crisóstomo Martínez; of the Air Force, pilot major general, Floreal T. Suárez Martínez and the director of the National Police, major general, Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta.
