New and reelected deputies and senators put on their best resort wear and headed to a Cap Cana resort in the East for a four-day immersion course, Transformative Legislative Leadership last week.
The course was organized by the Foundation for Institutionalism and Justice (Finjus) in collaboration with the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, and was moderated by Senate president Ricardo de los Santos and Chamber of Deputies president Alfredo Pacheco, both experienced legislators who represent the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM). The PRM has the absolute majority in both houses for the 2024-2028 legislature.
Among those sharing their experiences were former lawmakers Charles Mariotti of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), Janet Camilo of the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), José Horacio Rodríguez of the Democratic Option Party (OD), and Nathanael Concepción of the People’s Force Party (FP).
During the sessions, legislators were trained on consensus-building with peers, managing parliamentary rules, and creating and presenting legislative projects, resolutions, and initiatives. The training also covered handling disagreements and maintaining respect in debates, emphasizing the role of the opposition in representing different party interests.
Senate president Ricardo de los Santos stressed the importance of respect, maturity, and harmony in congressional work. “The legislative chambers are a single body where laws are created, embodying true democracy,” he stated. He added, “Despite our current majority status, we must respect minorities as their contributions foster greater unity.”
Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco advised colleagues to maintain balance, particularly when addressing diverse topics in plenary sessions. He emphasized the need for adherence to the Constitution and party mandates, and urged legislators to thoroughly understand parliamentary rules.
Former legislator Charles Mariotti highlighted the significant political challenges facing the new Congress, noting that legislative bodies serve as a laboratory for public policy, often influenced by the central government.
José Horacio Rodríguez encouraged legislators to foster consensus and build closer relationships with peers. “Projects and reforms must be harmonized because legislative initiatives rely on votes to pass, preventing them from stalling due to a lack of support. Legislators should also understand how to present dissenting reports when necessary,” he advised.
The meetings also featured a panel discussion on “The Relationship Between the Press and Congress; and Institutional Communication,” with journalists Julio Martínez Pozo, Alba Nelly Familia (CDN Director), José Monegro (El Día director), and crisis communication specialist Lara Guerrero. The panel was moderated by Ely Encarnación.
As part of their training, attendees also participated in a session on image, etiquette, and protocol, led by image consultants Laura Villamán, Eddy Santiago, and Melissa Gonell.
Rogelio Alfonso Genao, spokesperson for the Party of Social Christian Reformers (PRSC) minority party in the Dominican Republic, addressed recent criticism regarding the induction process for deputies held at a Cap Cana hotel. Genao emphasized that the purpose of the event was not for leisure but for focused work, as reported in El Nuevo Diario.
He explained to El Nuevo Diario that the selection of a remote location was intended to ensure the legislators’ full attention. Genao also welcomed the broadcast of the induction process on social media, inviting the public to observe the activities of the deputies during these training days.
“Remote locations are chosen to gather a significant number of deputies and ensure their concentration,” Genao stated.
The Presidency has convened the National Assembly, whereby the 32 senators and 190 legislators are scheduled to review the proposal to amend clauses in the 2010 Constitution presented by President Luis Abinader as well as others they would include. Among the proposals by the President is a significant reduction in the number of deputies. Several deputies have said the government should consider reducing the excessive number of departments and employees in government ministries.
Back in the capital city, work at Congress resumes on Monday, 26 August 2024 with the convening of the senate-chamber of deputies committees that will be the first to review the proposal sent by the President. The legislators are also formalizing the other committees of both houses of Congress.
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26 August 2024