The 16 of August 2023 commemorates the 160th Restoration of the Republic. The date marks the celebration of the Dominican Republic after Spain desisted from the government. In modern times, the date marks the start of a new government. It is also when the incumbent President reveals his plans, government objectives, and new cabinet ministers.
Until 2021, all Presidents of the Dominican Republic had addressed the nation from the venue of the National Assembly, the joint assembly of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Congress located at the Centro de los Heroes in the capital city.
In his first year, President Abinader broke tradition and spoke from the front esplanade of the Presidential Palace. In 2022, he spoke from the steps of the Monument of Santiago.
This 16 August 2023, the Presidency announces President Luis Abinader will speak from Pedernales.
Last year, President Abinader focused his speech on the activities that his administration was carrying out to mitigate the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.
Many speculate that this year, the President will concentrate on the two major investments the government is carrying out on the border with Haiti —Manzanillo and Pedernales. His speech will be broadcast and televised at 11 am on Wednesday, 16 August 2023.
President Abinader will be speaking from the Port of Cabo Rojo in Pedernales. Pedernales is slated to be the next Dominican tourism destination, with the construction of a major cruise ship port that is expected to kick-start tourism in the southwestern region.
The Permanent Committee of Patriotic Anniversaries, on behalf of the Dominican government reminds Dominicans the events leading to the Restoration of the Republic began on 16 August 1863, with the Cry of Capotillo in Cerro Capotillo, Dajabón on the border with Haiti. The movement was led by the patriots: Santiago Rodríguez, Benito Monción, Segundo Rivas, Pablo Reyes, Pablo Reyes, Juan de la Mata, Alejandro Bueno, Eugenio Belliard, Juan de la Cruz Álvarez, Sotero Blan, José Angulo, San Mézquita, José Cabrera, Tomás Aquilino Rodríguez.
Juan Pablo Uribe, president of the Permanent Committee of Patriotic Anniversaries, said that this coming 16 August a military patriotic parade will start at 2pm in the area of the Monument of the Restoration in Santiago.
Read more in Spanish:
El Caribe
Diario Libre
14 August 2023