Diario Libre reports on political ties of the consuls abroad

[Dolores]

Diario Libre reports that despite a purge of dozens of superfluous appointees in foreign service, the Dominican Republic continues to be one of the few countries in the world with a consular system that is based on political patronage. The leading media outlet says that consular positions continue to be a way for enrichment for a privileged few.

Diario Libre explains that in addition to high salaries, Dominican consuls receive for use at their discretion the bulk of extra charges made to issue documentation or stamps required by Dominicans living abroad and for other services for trade and commerce. The most lucrative consulates are those in the United States, Spain, Italy and Haiti, where large populations of Dominicans live.

The consuls are allowed to collect fees above those set by the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex).

Diario Libre highlights that the...

Continue reading...

 

[windeguy]

I thought all consular heads were appointed based upon political patronage, I mean everywhere in the world by all countries.
Color me wrong if that is not the case.

 

[Regan]

Windeguy, you are correct! Aside from the ambassador, the entire US State Dept assignment and promotion system is based on a supposed meritocracy, that is actually based on who you know and affiliations, personal and political. No different from any governmental agency, at any level in any culture. I imagine the reason there hasn't been an ambassador assigned here is there isn't any left that can top Obama's appointee in disrupting this nation's culture.

 

[JD Jones]

I personally know a couple of the persons in the lineup above, and they are 100% in it for the money.