Top diplomatic and government officials from the Caribbean were here for the Ministry of Foreign Relations’ tribute to the English-speaking intra-Caribbean migration, the “Cocolo heritage” in the Dominican Republic. The industrious migrants from the English-speaking islands brought with them significant cultural, economic and social contributions.
For the occasion, the Ministry of Foreign Relations inaugurated on 28 June 2025 the Monument to the Cocolos in San Pedro de Macoris. The monument is a permanent tribute to the migrants’ crucial role in the development of the Dominican sugar industry.
The events continued with the launch on 29 June of the book “Contributions of the Cocolos to Dominican National Identity.” The book delves into the wide-ranging influence of these immigrants across the nation’s economy, culture, sports, and academic and literary spheres.
Beyond a mere act of recognition, the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex) press release highlights these events seek to underscore the Dominican Republic’s commitment to strengthening ties with its Caribbean neighbors. Mirex stated that these activities are part of a broader, coherent, and sustained bilateral and multilateral foreign policy strategy aimed at fostering mutual trust and recognizing shared affinities through patient, constructive dialogue that respects the region’s inherent diversity
The visitors included the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) Albert Ramdin, the Governor General Rodney Williams of Antigua and Barbuda, and the Foreign Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, E. Paul Chet Greene; St. Kitts and Nevis, Denzil Lewellyn Douglas; and Grenada, Joseph Andall.
Others visiting were Harlec Doran, president of the Economic and Social Council of Sint Maarten, and its Secretary General, Gerard Richardson. Also attending are Benito Wheatley, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of the British Virgin Islands, alongside Puerto Rican historians and academics Humberto García Muñiz and Jorge L. Giovannetti-Torres.
The dignitaries traveled to the Dominican Republic following their attending the OAS general assembly in Antigua.
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Ministry of Foreign Relations
Ministry of Foreign Relations
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Diario Libre
30 June 2025