The Dominican Republic’s renowned women’s senior volleyball team, the Reinas del Caribe (Queens of the Caribbean), is set to receive a significant pay raise, thanks to a government initiative.
Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz announced a doubling of monthly stipends for all 500 athletes enrolled in the Athlete Support and New Values Program (PARNI), effective January 2025. Among these athletes, 23, including six members of the national volleyball team, will receive a base stipend of RD$35,000.
However, the real financial boon for the Reinas del Caribe lies in an additional contribution from Marte. The team’s president has pledged to match the government’s stipends for his players, effectively doubling their earnings. This means that star players like Brenda Castillo, Bethania de la Cruz, and Brayelin Martínez can expect to earn up to RD$140,000 per month.
“The idea is for the Queens of the Caribbean to earn like queens,” said Cristobal Marte, the creator and general manager of the women’s volleyball team structure in the Dominican Republic. His commitment to the team’s financial well-being is not new. In the past, he has provided additional bonuses for the team’s achievements in international competitions.
The substantial pay increase is part of a broader effort to recognize and reward the Dominican Republic’s top athletes. The government’s decision to double the stipends for PARNI elite athletes reflects a growing appreciation for the role of sports in national development.
Marte’s recent election to a leadership position within the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) further solidifies his status as a prominent figure in the global volleyball community. Marte was reelected as first executive vice president and secretary general of the FIVB.
Most of the Cristobal Marte league senior team members play in international leagues earning in hard currency. This is in addition to their pay for being part of the elite team in the Dominican Republic.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
4 December 2024