Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful defended the work carried out by authorities during the Christmas and New Year celebrations to reduce tragedies and injuries.
Raful expressed gratitude for the exemplary behavior displayed by the vast majority of Dominicans during the festive period.
She concluded her remarks by asserting that the country is much more than chaos and entertainment.
During the Christmas holidays, Minister Raful took a firm stance against allowing “colmadones,” convenience stores and other businesses (except bars) to operate beyond the legally permitted hours. Her actions drew backlash from some business owners in the nightlife industry.
Authorities also took action to disperse unauthorized parties or “teteos” held in the streets, which were causing significant noise pollution in several parts of the country.
The Ministry of Interior and Police reports a significant milestone for the Christmas and New Year celebrations: no injuries sustained due to fireworks during the 2024-2025 holidays.
The director of the Fireworks Agency (DEFA) of the Ministry of Interior and Police, Giacomo Cucco, highlighted the importance of following regulations against the illegal sale and use of fireworks, which have caused numerous tragedies in the past. He commended the efforts of his team and the media for their support in this initiative.
The successful outcome, according to the DEFA, is a direct result of the “Christmas with Guaranteed Peace” campaign. The agency expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation in adhering to safety guidelines, which ultimately prevented any reports of injuries or property damage.
Cucco detailed the three-phase campaign, which included: educating students, teachers, and parents in schools; engaging with merchants; and seizing illegal fireworks while imposing sanctions.
The director expressed satisfaction with the public’s positive response to the campaign, noting that the greatest victims of fireworks accidents are children. He emphasized the ongoing dangers posed by fireworks, especially when handled by inexperienced individuals, and urged the public to maintain caution year-round.
Nevertheless, the Center for Emergency Operations (COE) reported that 42 people lost their lives in traffic accidents during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Of these, nine fatalities occurred within the framework of the “Conciencia por la Vida” (Awareness for Life) safety campaign.
According to a joint report from the COE and the National Institute of Traffic and Ground Transport (Intrant), nine of the deaths happened within the operation’s scope, while 21 occurred outside of it. The most affected provinces included Santo Domingo (13%), San Pedro de Macorís (8%), San Cristóbal (7%), La Altagracia and Puerto Plata (6%), and the National District (5%).
In a press conference at the National Police headquarters, Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful announced that October 2024 recorded the lowest homicide rate in the country’s history, with 9.2 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. This marks an unprecedented achievement, although the current figure stands slightly higher at 9.58.
During her address, Minister Raful had urged the public to exercise caution during the holiday season.
Minister of Culture Milagros German has expressed her support for the new efforts unfolded by Minister Fadul to bring law and order and peace to neighborhoods.
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Ministry of Interior and Police
Ministry of Interior and Police
N Digital
Diario Libre
7 January 2025