Catholic and Protestant priests were in Cotui on Sunday, 28 April for a protest against the ecological damage caused by gold mining in the area. 15 priests under the Helder Camara group walked from the Cotui municipal park to the Barrick Gold installations, sang the national anthem and raised Dominican flags. The group, describing itself as “a movement for all”, demanded the nationalization of the mining company and for 70% of benefits to go to the Dominican Republic. The vigil was led by Catholic church priests Regino Martinez, Nino Ramos, Rogelio Cruz, Tony Ramos, Carlos Piantini, Ramon Alejo, Rafael Columna, Leonardo Adames, Ignacio Santiago, and Fabio Quezada and Manuel Estevez of the Episcopalian Church, as reported in El Caribe.
The priests also protested the possibility that the government will authorize mining in Loma Miranda. “If they continue with their plans to exploit Loma de Miranda, we are prepared to die, offering our lives,” said Ramos.
Politician Guillermo Moreno also attended and called for changes to the contract signed by former President Leonel Fernandez. He accused Fernandez of being responsible for handing over national assets to the multinational.
www.elcaribe.com.do/2013/04/29/sacerdotes-pueblo-protestan-piden-nacionalizar-minera