During his traditional address at the American Chamber of Commerce pre-Thanksgiving luncheon, United States Ambassador James Brewster focused on widespread corruption, while highlighting that Dominican and US relations were at their peak.
Brewster told his audience that every businessperson he knows, whether from the United States or the Dominican Republic, mentions the fact that corruption is the greatest problem in the country. He described corruption as a cancer that stunts growth, affects trade and blocks the proper application of the law.
Brewster, who denied that his actions and statements violated Dominican sovereignty, pointed out that “a few politicians have been criticizing the US Embassy and myself and for being too involved in Dominican affairs.” Nevertheless, he said that the strong investments and the close relationship between the US and the Dominican Republic give him this right, and called on his critics “to go to the embassy and return your visas.”
He commented that the businesspeople attending the luncheon knew that the perception of corruption was affecting the country’s competitiveness. The ambassador pointed out that as a promoter of bilateral trade he invited the business community present at the luncheon to continue facing up to corruption as a problem “at the highest levels of your government.”
Describing as a “doozy,” or unique the electoral times affecting both the United States and the Dominican Republic, he warned that there is no clean money that can come from people in dirty businesses. He urged politicians to back the people of the Dominican Republic by only making alliances with people who are credible and trustworthy and who share their values.
Nevertheless, he stated: “Despite the challenges faced by the Dominican government and its people, I want to make it clear that the relations between the Dominican Republic and the United States have never been stronger or closer than now.” He mentioned that there are 1.5 million United States citizens of Dominican descent and that the US consular section continues to break records, with an increase of 50% in non-immigrant visa applications this year compared to last year. He pointed out that 250,000 United States citizens live in the Dominican Republic, and almost two million US tourists are expected to visit this year. The ambassador mentioned that the opening of the Amber Cove Cruise Center would boost US tourism to the country.
He said that bilateral trade is now at US$14 billion and increasing. He encouraged Dominicans to see the marked difference in imports compared to exports from the United States as an opportunity. Brewster said that of the US$1.4 billion in farm imports from the US, 60% are raw material for the agribusiness and construction sectors, wheat for Dominican mills, wood for construction and US tobacco for Dominican cigars.
He touched on the issue of Cuba in his talk, telling Dominicans that it would be decades before Cuba became a major competitor. He said the DR has a strong competitive advantage over other countries because of having experience, proximity to the US, pristine beaches, warmth of the people and excellent infrastructure. “You need to make the most of the opportunity to push your businesses to be more competitive, agile and professional. If you are convinced, as I am, that the Dominican Republic has the best infrastructure, the best attractions and the best people working in tourism, you will be strong competitors and do better,” he stressed.
Read the complete speech in Spanish here: http://www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2015/11/25/397728/embajador-eeuu-dice-corrupcion-en-rd-es-un-cancer-que-retrasa-el-crecimiento-y-afecta-el-comercio