A report in Acento online portal reveals that the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) presidential candidate’s enormous fortune is due to his long-time procurement contracts with the government. A graduate in business administration, Gonzalo Castillo was appointed to his first government job when he was named Minister of Public Works by President Danilo Medina in 2012. He resigned in August 2019 to seek the PLD presidential candidacy in the primary scheduled for 6 October that same year. He was not replaced until September 2019.
The report in Acento reveals that Castillo had made his first fortune as a leading computer supplier to the government. Micro and Minicomputers was first to benefit largely from government contracting, then his construction company Castillo Lopez would also benefit from government procurement. Coinciding with his appointment as minister of Public Works, Castillo’s Helidosa health emergencies and tourism company would become a major supplier of aviation services for business people and government officials. Acento reports the next spin-off was to sell insurance for vehicles and people.
The young-looking 59-year old businessman turned politician has built his campaign on promises to people that he will help them turn their lives around. He promises opportunities for thousands of those voting for him to repeat his business success.
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Acento
25 May 2020