In his state of the nation speech on 27 February 2018, President Danilo Medina announced that all immigrants that abide with the law are welcome. But at the same time, he stressed the government’s commitment to strengthen the monitoring of the border with Haiti. Medina assured that the rule of law would prevail and that the integrity of Dominican Republic sovereignty and independence will continue to be a focus of his administration.
Medina said the border security for land, sea and air are being reinforced, with a doubling of efforts in 2018. He said these security efforts are being coordinated with the army brigades, the armada, air force, Cesfront (border security force), Migration Agency (DGM), to enforce Dominican law on the border.
He announced 900 additional soldiers would be sent to the border, doubling those who are stationed at the 391 km border. There would be new equipping by May 2018 with 50 ATV vehicles and three helicopters along with a fleet of 30 drones and security cameras to enable constant monitor the border situation. He said the drones have already been carrying out missions to identify the most vulnerable crossing points over the past two months and have shown their effectiveness.
He said a modern video surveillance system is being installed using the same technology as the 911 Emergency System and that this will be under the Ministry of Defense. The President said this would not only help track people crossing the border illegally but also goods and any evidence of corruption.
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Listin Diario
28 February 2018
