On the National Student Solidarity Day, the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) remembered this Thursday the 57th anniversary of the machine-gunning of university and high school students who were protesting in front of the National Palace and which left 4 dead and more than 40 injured. on February 9, 1966, during the provisional government of Héctor García Godoy.
Rosalía Sosa, vice-rector for Extension of the UASD, Accompanied by professors, employees, and students from that academy, she laid a wreath at the tarja erected on the university campus, in memory of the murdered students Amelia Ricart Calventi, Antonio Santo Méndez, Miguel Tolentino, and Luis Jiménez Mella.
The students marched towards the Government House to demand a higher budget for the UASD, the departure from Dominican territory of the United States troops that invaded it in 1965, the recognition of the university authorities chosen by the Movimiento Renovador and the diversification of the teaching.
The demonstration was organized by the Federation of Dominican Students (FED), under the leadership of Amín Abel Hasbún, then general secretary of that organization’s provisional committee.
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The participants were young people between the ages of 14 and 23 years old.
Some studied in different high schools.
Do not forget
“A day like today we cannot forget it,” said Rosalía Sosa, arguing that the country has an autonomous and independent UASD thanks to the struggle and blood shed by thousands of Dominicans.
“This is an important day for the UASD,” the university official continued.
The tribute was attended by Brunilda Amarante, who as a result of the machine-gunning resulted in an injury that keeps her in a wheelchair.
Also participating were Yoselín Fructuoso, director of the experimental high school Amelia Altagracia Ricart Calventi; Luis de León, founder of the José Martí Chair; the president of the Association of University Employees (ASODEMI), José Rosario and Juan Vargas, president of the February 9 Standing Committee.
The act was graced by flag-bearing students from the Amelia Ricart Calventi high school and a music band.
Wheelchair bound
The tribute was attended by Brunilda Amarante, who as a result of the machine-gunning resulted in an injury that keeps her in a wheelchair. The participants were young people between the ages of 14 and 23, some of whom studied in secondary schools. For example, at the time of her death, Amelia Ricart Calventi was 14 years old.
