Controversial guayabera purchase at the Ministry of Foreign Relations

[Dolores]

The Ministry of Foreign Relations has uploaded a tender that calls for the purchase of “chacabanas” or “guayaberas”, the classic Caribbean-style linen shirts, with up to RD$12,000, or about US$200 each. While a stylish shirt can go in better stores and designer shops here for around RD$25,000, the same linen shirt (Cubanera brand) can be purchased online for US$75 or about RD$4,500.

The shirts are used instead of suit and tie attire for men and as dresses for women.

The purchase would be for 3,250 of these shirts to be used for the 10th Summit of the Americas that the Ministry of Foreign Relations is organizing together with the Organization of American States and the US Secretary of State Department. It is not known if the funds for the shirts would come from the OAS fund.

The 10th Summit of the Americas is scheduled to take place in Punta Cana this coming December 2025...

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[JLSawmam]

It would be nice if the article said something to explain why it's controversial...is it the cost, the number of shirts, why the purchase is being made in the first place, etc etc etc. In my opinion, just let the attendees know what function(s) are "island formal" and let them bring their own appropriate attire.

 

[AlterEgo]

It would be nice if the article said something to explain why it's controversial...is it the cost, the number of shirts, why the purchase is being made in the first place, etc etc etc. In my opinion, just let the attendees know what function(s) are "island formal" and let them bring their own appropriate attire.

It does. They’re paying $200 a shirt when they’re available online for $75

 

[veraugamike]

3,250 dress shirts? That is going to be one crowded summit.

 

[JD Jones]

3,250 dress shirts? That is going to be one crowded summit.

*sigh* ................... Do I have to explain how it works?

 

[PJT]

It does. They’re paying $200 a shirt when they’re available online for $75

That's government for ya! Why get it cheaper if a commission is a benefit. Sponsor for the tender ring bells.

Regards,

PJY

 

[NanSanPedro]

That's government for ya! Why get it cheaper if a commission is a benefit. Sponsor for the tender ring bells.

Regards,

PJY

But yet the Dominicans accept it.

 

[JD Jones]

Extra bonus for buying and paying for 3250 when they only needed 325, and that's all that will get delivered. As subtle as a heart attack.