US Labor Department recognizes a lifelong champion for change WASHINGTON – At 13, Sonia Pierre began her stand for workers’ rights in the Dominican Republic, leading a march to demand humane working conditions for sugar cane harvesters in the batey – the worker settlement in which she grew up. From the single-room, dirt-floor barrack she shared with 12 …

Washington, D.C.- The Ambassador of the United States in the Dominican Republic, James W. Brewster, joined Dominican LGBT leader Deivis Ventura in receiving the “Global Thinker 2016” award from Foreign Policy Magazine in Washington D.C. yesterday.  Foreign Policy Magazine bestows the honor annually on 100 individuals from around the globe who have made a significant …

Regional delegation from Tampa Bay, Florida, visits the Dominican Republic to increase commercial linkages between Tampa Bay and Dominican businesses. Santo Domingo, DR. – (Dec. 5, 2016) – This morning, a group of 36 local business leaders from Tampa Bay, Florida, flew to the Dominican Republic to participate in a trade mission hosted and organized …

Punta Cana International Airport submitted a letter of interest to add Preclearance operations during the first Preclearance open season in 2014 WASHINGTON—The United States and the Dominican Republic signed an agreement today in Santo Domingo to implement U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance operations at Punta Cana International Airport. U.S. Ambassador James Brewster signed …

USAID launches first Accessible Tourism application for Smartphones   This application promotes the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the tourism sector   SANTO DOMINGO – The United States Government, through its Agency for International Development (USAID), launched the first accessible tourism application in the Caribbean for smartphones called RD4ALL.  This guide seeks to promote …

The donation is valued at more than $800,000. The United States Ambassador, James Brewster, attended the ceremony held on Friday September 30th at the Dominican Navy base “27 de Febrero” to commemorate the donation of a 37 foot Boston Whaler Interceptor Patrol Boat and a package of spare parts from United States’ taxpayers to the …

Ambassador Brewster met with business leaders to discuss trade and economic issues  On September 21, Ambassador James Brewster and other U.S. Embassy representatives visited Pisano Industrial Park (El Parque Industrial Santiago Norte, S. A.), the second-largest industrial park in Santiago, for a full-day tour and visit with plant leaders.  A private industrial park founded in …

SANTO DOMINGO, N.D. – The Embassies of the United States, Canada, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom, Argentina, Netherlands, and Austria jointly hosted a “Workshop for Consular Wardens” at the Hotel Crowne Plaza in Santo Domingo on September 15, 2016. The workshop, attended by 140 Consular Wardens, focused on the role of consular wardens in …

This donation is under USAID Read Project, Implemented by UNIBE University in 600 public schools  Santo Domingo, D.N. Within the celebration of International Literacy Day, United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, James W. Brewster, donated 2,000 tablets to public schools participating in USAID’s Read Project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), …

The United States has received an invitation from the Junta Central Electoral to accredited diplomatic missions to observe the Dominican presidential, congressional and municipal elections on May 15, 2016.  The United States has customarily accepted invitations from the Dominican government in past elections to observe, with other members of the diplomatic corps, in furtherance of …

On March 18, Ambassador Brewster discussed security for tourists with Asociacion de Hoteles y Proyectos Turisticos de la Zona Este.  Punta Cana is the number one tourist destination in the Caribbean.  Of the 2 million U.S. visitors to the Dominican Republic in 2015, almost 1.4 million chose to visit Punta Cana.  Punta Cana’s economic success …

James W. Brewster, U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. In light of recent events I feel it is important to share with you some information about the U.S. Embassy.  As Ambassador, my job is to build on our strong bilateral relationship and support President Obama’s foreign policy goals across the full spectrum of issues, including …

The United States Embassy in the Dominican Republic announced that  Ambassador James W. Brewster concluded his mission today, January 20th, after three years of service. To date, the Department of State has not appointed an ambassador to the Dominican Republic in his stead. During the transition period before a new ambassador is appointed to the …

Santo Domingo, D.N.–  The United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, James W. Brewster, and his spouse, Bob Satawake, held their final courtesy call with Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  They discussed a host of issues pertinent to the maintenance of our strong bilateral relationship including the shared fight …

In a landmark agreement designed to create jobs and lift economic growth, countries accounting for nearly half of the world’s economy have committed to cut trade barriers and set common standards. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is designed to encourage trade between the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim countries. “It includes the strongest commitments …

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was request assistance by the Ministry of Health of the Dominican Republic after 17 construction workers from the Taveras Bao Dam (Santiago Province) presented at a hospital with severe respiratory distress. Five cases required intensive care unit admission and three have died.  The workers had recently …

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC September 14, 2015   Under the Foreign Relations Authorization Act (FRAA), the President is required each year to notify Congress of those countries he determines to be major illicit drug producing countries or major drug-transit countries that “significantly affect the United States.”  This year’s list consists of …

Please be advised, due to an issue with an internal mechanical system, the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo will be closed on Monday, July 6 and Tuesday 7th 2015. It is expected that the embassy will re-open as soon as the mechanical issue is resolved. All consular appointments will be rescheduled.

The United States Ambassador in Dominican Republic, James W. Brewster and his husband, Mr. Bob Satawake, hosted a reception at their residence commemorating the two hundred and thirty ninth anniversary of the United States independence. Upon arrival, guests were received by Ambassador Brewster and Mr. Satawake. The celebration began with the American Flag presentation by …

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE SUPREME COURT DECISION ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY Rose Garden 11:14 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Our nation was founded on a bedrock principle that we are all created equal. The project of each generation is to bridge the meaning of those founding words with the realities of changing times …

The Ambassador of the United States of America to the Dominican Republic, James Brewster, applauded today the Supreme Court’s approval of marriage between same-sex couples. “We celebrate today with our fellow Americans worldwide and our friends and allies around the world knowing that our democratic values became stronger with the ruling of the U.S. Supreme …

The United State Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, James W. Brewster along with his husband Mr. Bob Satawake hosted a breakfast in honor of LGBT Pride month.  Over 100 attendees participated in the breakfast including: LGBT advocates, local LGBT community allies, business leaders, and representatives from the Dominican Government and Diplomatic Corp. The keynote address …

Santo Domingo, D. N. On Sunday April 26, the Embassy of the United States of America through its Green Team hosted for the fifth consecutive year its traditional “Green Fest”  to commemorate International Earth Day, whose theme this year was “our time to lead”. Each year, the Embassy of the United States seeks to raise …

Punta Cana.- Yesterday, U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo Agricultural Attaché, Morgan Perkins along with a team of experts from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) visited the eastern part of the country to conduct tests and assess the progress of eradication and containment efforts of the Mediterranean fruit fly in the area. APHIS …

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  This is obviously a historic meeting.  The history between the United States and Cuba is obviously complicated, and over the years a lot of mistrust has developed.  But during the course of the last several months, there have been contacts between the U.S. and the Cuban government.  And in December, as a consequence …

The United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Health are sponsoring the Eleventh Medical Mission for Reconstructive Surgery from Saturday 11 April to Thursday 23 April. The medical team is headed by Walter Reed Military Hospital from the United States and the Children’s Hospital Dr. Arturo Grullon in …

The Ambassador of the United States, James W Brewster, led the delegation of representatives of Dominican companies that attended the “Select USA” Business Summit, which was held on 23 and 24 March, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The “SelectUSA” Summit offers participants on one same stage the basic …

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) San Juan Office of Field Operations announced today the enforcement of a federal quarantine order suspending imports of fruit and vegetable commodities identified to be hosts of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) stemming from the Dominican Republic. On March 18, the United States Department …

Ambassador James Brewster leading a delegation of Dominican firms to SelectUSA, March 23-24, 2015, Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland. With a resurgent economy and the economic foundation to support strong growthfor years to come, the United States is the world’s top destination for companies doing   business  and  looking  for  their  next …

SOSUA, Dominican Republic – Twenty-nine sex trafficking victims were rescued in Sosua, Dominican Republic, March 11 following an international undercover law enforcement investigation. The U.S. Embassy’s  Office of  Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Dominican National Police, the Dominican Republic’s Attorney General’s Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Person’s Unit and the …

Santo Domingo, D.N.- The U.S. Embassy Consular Section launched its new antifraud campaign with the slogan “Watch out for that Maco” (Ten Cuidao con ese Maco in spanish) with the objective of educating the public on the correct and legitimate process of obtaining a non-immigrant and immigrant visa. The antifraud campaign was presented by the …

Santo Domingo – The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo hosted a luncheon in honor of Women’s History Month, which is celebrated each month of March in the United States. The luncheon was headed by Mr. Bob Satawake, husband of U.S. Ambassador James W. Brewster and Ms. Meltem Dunn, wife of the U.S. Embassy’s Deputy Chief …

The nine-member delegation was headed by Democratic Party leader, Nancy Pelosi Santo Domingo – The U.S. Ambassador in Dominican Republic, James W. Brewster, hosted a reception to conclude the two day official congressional delegation visit, led by House of Representatives Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi which recently visited the country. During their first visit to the …

Santo Domingo, D.N.- The Embassy of the United States through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Major League Baseball (MLB) Players Association and Major League Baseball (MLBPA) signed an agreement to promote education, help in the fight against domestic violence and address the needs of children with disabilities in the Dominican Republic. The …

Santo Domingo – Jan 28th- Mr. James W. Brewster, Jr., US Ambassador to the Dominican Republic travels to Puerto Rico where he will participate in a number of events related to Minority Enterprise Development Week (MEDWEEK), at the Condado Plaza Hotel. On January 30th, Ambassador Brewster will provide the keynote address for the event.  MEDWEEK …

Santo Domingo – U.S. Ambassador, James Brewster, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andres Navarro, signed an agreement on the Status of U.S. Personnel temporarily present in the Dominican Republic in connection with visits, training, exercises, humanitarian activities, and other activities as mutually agreed between the United States and Dominican Republic.  Also attending the signing …

This agreement falls within the 2014-2018 USAID’s strategy and is aligned with DR’s National Development Strategy Santo Domingo:  US Ambassador James W. Brewster, the Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Alexandria Panehal, and Mr. Temístocles Montás, Minister for Economics, Planning and Development, signed an amendment to the Grant Agreement between the …

Santo Domingo – U.S. Ambassador, James Brewster, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andres Navarro, signed a new extradition treaty to strengthen law enforcement cooperation and enhance the extradition process between the United States and the Dominican Republic.  Also attending the signing ceremony was U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo’s Legal Attaché Alan Santiago and Dominican Attorney …

This week we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first Summit of the Americas, hosted by President Clinton in Miami, a city that exemplifies the vital connections between the United States and its neighbors in the Western Hemisphere.  As we look toward the seventh Summit of the Americas next April in Panama, it is a …

Santo Domingo – The United States Embassy is pleased to announce registration opening for the second SelectUSA Investment Summit in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan region on March 23-24, 2015.   The Summit is aimed at business leaders considering opening or expanding operations in the United States. In 2013, President Obama hosted the first-ever SelectUSA Summit which …

On December 9 of each year, the United States government joins the international community to honor International Anticorruption Day, which was established in 2003 at the conclusion of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.  Corruption, transparency, and good governance are important issues in the United States, but also critically affect relations between countries.  As such, …

Santo Domingo, DN. – The Embassy of the United States of America and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCYT) today signed an agreement to continue to support the Fulbright-MESCyT Scholarship Program 2015-2017. This memorandum of understanding by both organizations represent their strong commitment towards supporting graduate studies in US universities and improving …

Santo Domingo – U.S. Ambassador James Brewster and Mr. Bob Satawake held a roundtable discussion today with entrepreneurs, financiers, and Dominican government leaders to discuss the importance of entrepreneurism in the Dominican Republic and its role as a vehicle for economic growth. The Ambassador led the discussion of best practices for and challenges to entrepreneurship …

Puerto Plata – During his first trip to the city of Puerto Plata, the U. S. Ambassador James W. Brewster visited the Community Center of the Evangelical Church Renacer, located at Padre Granero neighborhood, to observe the trainings on chemical manufacturing offered by Grupo Clara.  These trainings are provided through the at-risk youth (Alerta Joven) …

Puerto Plata – The Ambassador of the United States in the Dominican Republic, James W. Brewster, met with members of the Puerto Plata Tourism Cluster to discuss initiatives to promote sustainable tourism in the Northern zone. Ambassador Brewster was received by the President of the institution, Mr. Maximo Iglesias; Executive Director, Mrs. Jakaira Cid and …

In honor of the International Day of the Girl held on October 11, the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo announced the launch of project “Building Life Projects of Girls”, which will focus on reducing the incidence of domestic violence, teenage pregnancy and school dropout through workshops and career counseling. This project will  address 500 …

U.S. Ambassador, James W. Brewster, presided over a turnover ceremony where a $1.8 million dollar expansion of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) canine academy in La Cumbre was donated to the Government of the Dominican Republic, represented by the President of the DNCD, Major General Julio César Souffront Velásquez. The $1.5 million dollar construction …

Thank you, Ambassador Brewster, for that overview of what the Visa Application Center will mean for visa applicants. Nonimmigrant visa applicants, or those applying for “tourist” visas, will be the first to experience the new process, beginning November 12, 2014. Immigrant visa applicants, — those applying for “residency” visas — will continue with our current …

The American Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR) and the United States Government through its Agency for International Development (USAID), presented the results achieved under the USAID & AMCHAMDR Basic Education Program, whose main objective is to improve the quality of public education in Dominican public schools with the participation of 91 private …

Latin American and European countries united on Friday to push a resolution on ending violence against homosexuals through the United Nations Human Rights Council, despite strong opposition from Islamic and African states.  The resolution, passed by 25 votes against 14 in the 47-member body, ensured that the issue remained on its agenda in the face …

USAID “Advancing Partners and Communities” Project has obligated US$248,000 for 2014-2106 to Clínica de Familia, through ADOPLAFAM consortium La Romana – The United States Ambassador James W. Brewster and his husband Mr. Bob Satawake visited Clínica de Familia La Romana, located in La Romana province, this organization supported by the United States Agency for International …

The Ambassador of the United States of America, James W. Brewster and his husband, Mr. Bob Satawake hosted a welcome reception in honor of three new officers joining the mission in Dominican Republic: Mr. Patrick Dunn appointed as Deputy Chief of Mission; Ms. Sylvia Johnson, new Consul General and Mr. Philippe Furstenberg as the Regional …

The Ambassador of the United States of America, James Brewster welcomed the new Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States, Patrick Dunn who arrived in  country,  Monday,  September 8 at the Las Americas International Airport. Mr. Dunn replaces Mr. Daniel Foote who held the position until July 2014. Prior to his …

Santo Domingo- United States Ambassador, James Brewster officially donated the 37’ Boston Whaler Interceptor Patrol Boat valued at approximately $250,000 during a ceremony held on Friday September 5that the Dominican Navy base “27 de Febrero”  The event was also attended by Vice Minister of Defense Dominici and Navy Chief Pimentel who thanked the U.S. for …

In a polarized region and a complicated world, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria presents a unifying threat to a broad array of countries, including the United States. What’s needed to confront its nihilistic vision and genocidal agenda is a global coalition using political, humanitarian, economic, law enforcement and intelligence tools to support military …

United States Embassy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Call for Proposals Funding Opportunity Announcement – CDC-RFA-GH15-1519 Improving HIV/STI/TB Prevention, Treatment and Care Services for Mobile Populations in the Dominican Republic under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), invites non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Community Based …

Under the theme “English: A bridge to the world”, the Embassy of the United States of America and the Binational Center Instituto Cultural Dominico-Americano opened this year’s Annual English Teaching Conference. The opening ceremony was presided by the Ambassador of the United States in the country, Mr. James W. Brewster; the President of the Board …

Santo Domingo – U.S. Ambassador, James Brewster will lead a high level Dominican energy delegation to Washington, D.C. for meetings at the State Department August 11- 12.  The designated US Deputy Chief of Mission, Patrick Dunn, who currently works in the State Department Energy Resources Bureau, will also participate in these high level discussions.  The …

At the request of the Government of the Dominican Republic, the United States is providing increased maritime patrol aircraft known as DHC-8 (pronounced Dash 8), to support local operations aimed at detecting, monitoring, and countering illicit drug trafficking operations.   These aircraft directly supported Dominican and international law enforcement operations and led to the recent seizure …

The United States Ambassador in Dominican Republic, James W. Brewster and his husband, Mr. Bob Satawake, hosted a reception at their residence commemorating the two hundred and thirty eight anniversary of the United States independence. Upon arrival, guests were received by Ambassador Brewster, Mr. Satawake, Mr. William Weissman, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and his …

Santo Domingo – The United States Embassy dedicated its new facilities located in the Arroyo Hondo sector, in a ribbon cutting ceremony presided by United States Ambassador, James W. Brewster and  Dominican President, Danilo Medina. Also in attendance for the dedication ceremony, was Undersecretary for Management, Patrick F. Kennedy and Principal Deputy Director of the …

The United States Embassy’s Commercial Service announced the recent “Trade Americas‐ Opportunities in the Caribbean Region Business Development Conference” from June 9-10 in the Hotel Crowne Plaza in Santo Domingo. The opening ceremony was attended by the United States Ambassador, James W. Brewster. The conference, which includes thirty-three U.S. companies interested in doing business in …

Santo Domingo – The United States Embassy in Santo Domingo announced several events scheduled for the month of June in commemoration of LGBT Pride Month. LBGT Pride Month aims to celebrate human diversity and inclusiveness around the world. During President Obama’s proclamation on LGBT Pride Month he expressed “Our commitment to advancing equality for the …

The U. S. Government is proud to honor the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) ON May 17 as well as LGBT Pride Month in June.  President Obama said: “Every single person – straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) needs to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and in the …

Santo Domingo – The United States Embassy’s Consular Section in Santo Domingo will be closed from Wednesday, June 11 to Friday June 13. It will continue to be closed during the weekend of June 14 and 15. Limited services will be offered, upon reopening on Monday June 16th. The new Embassy will be located in …

Santiago – On Wednesday, April 30, U.S. Ambassador, James Brewster, began a three-day visit to the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, where he had the opportunity to meet with key representatives from the academic, cultural and business fields. Ambassador Brewster was accompanied by his husband, Mr. Bob Satawake. On his first day in Santiago, …

Santiago – On May 1, during his first trip to the city of Santiago, United States Ambassador, James W. Brewster, visited the facilities of the Agricultural University (ISA). During his visit, Ambassador Brewster participated in the usual tree planting ceremony. This is an important tradition dating back half a century, carried out every time a …

Barahona, Dominican Republic  – The second Medical Readiness Training Exercise (MEDRETE) part of the ‘Beyond the Horizon’ humanitarian training exercise by U.S. and Canadian military medical units has begun at Centro María Auxiliadora in Barahona. Local Dominican medical professionals are also playing an important role of this endeavor which is free of charge for everyone …

Today, at the International Airport Las Americas in Santo Domingo officials from the United States of America Embassy along with representatives from the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Agriculture officially launched the “Don’t Pack a Pest” Program. The event was attended by Mr. William Weissman, Charge d’ Affairs, a.i of the U.S. Embassy, Dominican Republic Minister …

From 25 to 27 March, the Embassy of the United States of America in Dominican Republic seminar “Best Investigative Practices and Joint International Cooperation to combat child sexual tourism and trafficking in persons.” During the opening ceremony, Ambassador Brewster thanked participants for their outstanding work and urged everyone to continue redoubling their efforts in reducing …

The Embassy of the United States held a gala event in celebration of the “Art in Embassies” program at the residence of Ambassador James W. Brewster and his husband Mr. Bob Satawake, which included important personalities from the art, media, business and government sectors. The exhibition “Art in Embassies” has a total of twenty pieces …

United States Ambassador, James Brewster visited on Wednesday March 19 the Armed Forces Central Hospital facilities where the “Annual Medical Readiness Training Exercise” is conducted for its ninth year with Walter Reed National Military Center and Armed Forces Central Hospital physicians performing free reconstructive plastic surgery for patients in Dominican Republic. The Medical Readiness Training …

Santo Domingo – U.S. Ambassador, James W. Brewster, donated firefighter rescue equipment, a radio based communication network, and a revised procedural handbook to the Center for Emergency Operations (COE) Director, General Juan Manuel Méndez García as part of U.S. government effort to help countries prepare for, respond to, and recover from humanitarian crises.  The donated …

Barahona, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC –  The Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and medical professionals from the United States will begin the annual bilateral military humanitarian exercise “Beyond the Horizons 2014,” providing free general and specialized medical services, as well as engineering projects, to benefit the residents of the Province of Barahona on …

The Ambassador of the United States of America in Dominican Republic, James Brewster, received a delegation of nine judges from the state of New York, headed by the honorable Judge Fern Fisher, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for NYC courts. The delegation’s main objective is to establish a dialogue with members of the Dominican judiciary system …

WASHINGTON, DC – The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden will travel to the Republic of Chile and the Dominican Republic in the second week of March.  In Chile, the Vice President will lead the U.S. delegation to the Inauguration of Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet.  In Santo Domingo, the Vice President will meet with President …

Santo Domingo – U.S. Ambassador, James Brewster, and the Mayor of the National District, Roberto Salcedo, signed a memorandum of understanding to increase the resilience of the city’s infrastructure to climate change. The technical assistance is estimated at US$ 600,000 covering a one year period. The city of Santo Domingo is one of only five …

San Pedro de Macorís – In commemoration of Black History Month, the Embassy of the United States and the Robinson Cano Foundation celebrated for its fourth consecutive year the Jackie Robinson Cup in San Pedro de Macoris. The Seattle Mariners player and Cano Foundation President, Robinson Cano gave the opening remarks followed by the United …

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The Dominican Minister of Defense, Admiral Sigfrido Pared Perez and General John F. Kelly, Commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced during a press conference that both countries will host the 2014 Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC) on Jan. 28-30 in the Hilton Santo Domingo. The conference will discuss …

Santo Domingo – The Embassy of the United States hosted a reception to welcome the new ambassador to the country, James W. Brewster and his husband Mr. Bob Satawake, where both had the opportunity to share with important representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to the country, and personalities of the political, judicial, legislative, cultural, …

Santiago- The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic launched its new anti- fraud campaign, this year under the slogan “No le Hagas Coro al Maco”  (Do not hang with the Maco) incorporating the baseball player David Ortiz as this year’s spokesperson. This campaign is focused on educating the public on the …

Santo Domingo-The Charge’ d’ Affairs of the US Embassy in the Dominican Republic, Daniel Foote, swore in 44 new volunteer technicians of the Peace Corps to serve in the Dominican Republic. The ceremony was held at the organization’s training center in Pantoja, on Wednesday, October 30. During the ceremony, Mr. Foote highlighted that over the last half …

The Embassy of the United States reports that in connection with the closing of the U.S. Federal Government by Congress, the diplomatic mission in Santo Domingo will continue working normal hours for the immediate future. Consular services and all routine Embassy operations will also maintain their routine schedules.

On May 23, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a news release to remind U.S. citizens and resident aliens, including those with dual citizenship who have lived or worked abroad during all or part of 2012, that they may have a U.S. tax liability and a filing requirement in 2013.  For such taxpayers who …

Free Trade Agreement between the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States (CAFTA-DR) Seventh Meeting of the Environmental Affairs Council Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic May 9, 2013 JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ The CAFTA-DR Environmental Affairs Council (Council) held its seventh meeting today in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  At the meeting, each Council Member reported on his or her country’s advancements …

Santo Domingo – Ambassador Raul Yzaguirre met with Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso today to inform that he would be resigning and departing the country by the end of the month. Ambassador Yzaguirre leaves the Dominican Republic pleased that our bilateral relationship continues to prosper as the United States and the Dominican Republic work side …

(Baltimore, MD) –  Today, Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy, released the 2013 National Drug Control Strategy, the Obama Administration’s primary blueprint for drug policy in the United States. The science-based plan for reform contains a series of over 100 specific actions to reduce drug use and its consequences and expand prevention, treatment, …

SANTO DOMINGO – The United States Government is troubled by reports in the media indicating that some congressmen yesterday requested that national police “to summarily execute” and “take down” suspected criminals. Like many Dominicans, we are saddened and concerned by recent incidents of crime. Nevertheless, any call for the extrajudicial killing of suspected criminals is not …

Starting Thursday, October 18, the U.S. Department of State will stream the daily press briefing live on www.state.gov . The approximate start time of the daily press briefing is announced in the public schedule .  The schedule is subject to change throughout the day.  For additional information, journalists may contact the Office of Press Relations on (202) 647-2492. Text …

Neither the United States Embassy nor the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) issued a press release last Friday concerning its view of an educational institution in the province of San Cristóbal.  Several news outlets published stories based on a bogus press release on this subject.  In this regard, USAID confirms that it did not …

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC October 11, 2012 Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, William R. Brownfield, will travel to the Dominican Republic on October 15-16 and to Colombia on October 17-19. In the Dominican Republic, Assistant Secretary Brownfield will meet President Danilo Medina and senior law …

It is with profound sadness that I learned this morning of the death of my colleague and fellow American Ambassador, Chris Stevens, and three other American officials in Bengasi, Libya yesterday.  As President Obama noted this morning, these four public servants exemplified America’s commitment to freedom, justice, and partnership with nations and people around the …

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to the Dominican Republic to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Danilo Medina on August 16, 2012. The Honorable Raul Yzaguirre, United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, will lead the delegation. Members of the Presidential Delegation: The Honorable Thomas Perez, Assistant Attorney General, …

MIKE HAMMER: Hello, good afternoon and welcome once again to the State Department.  I am glad that so many of you were able to come back.  You were motivated after the last one, so I hope that we will continue having these Spanish language press conferences, which we at the State Department believe are important …

Santo Domingo – The Embassy of the United States of America congratulates the people of the Dominican Republic in carrying out orderly and efficient elections on May 20. The Dominican people here and abroad exercised their democratic right to vote and, in doing so, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to democracy. The U.S. Observer Mission joins …

Santo Domingo – The Embassy of the United States of America expresses its most sincere condolences to the surviving family members of Dominican human rights activist Sonia Pierre and to all the communities she touched in her lifelong fight against discrimination in the Dominican Republic. In 2010, Ms. Pierre was among recipients of the U.S. …

Santo Domingo – The Embassy of the United States of America is pleased to announce the visit of the Attorney General of the United States, Eric H. Holder, Jr., who during his two-day stay in the country met with the President; signed an agreement with the Attorney General of the Dominican Republic, Radhames Jimenez Peña; …

Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Embassy of the United States Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic SECRETARY CLINTON: Hi, everyone. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Let me tell you how pleased I am to be back in Santo Domingo. And I am grateful to our hosts, the Government, and people of the Dominican Republic for the leadership …

In an important symbol of our enduring friendship with the Dominican Republic, Dominican Republic President, Leonel Fernandez; U.S. Ambassador to the Domincan Republic, Raul H. Yzaguirre; and Leo Hession, Managing Director for Operations of the Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), broke ground on the New Embassy Compound (NEC) in Santo Domingo today. Situated …

The Embassy of the United States is pleased to announce that, starting next Thursday, September 8, a new system for scheduling nonimmigrant visa appointments or (tourist visas) through the internet, will come into effect.  Henceforth, applicants can schedule their appointments through the internet and won’t necessarily have to purchase a pin from Banco Popular and schedule their appointment …

If you cannot come to the U.S. Embassy for your nonimmigrant visa appointment on Tuesday August 23 due to the impending tropical storm, you may come for your appointment on Wednesday, August 31 at the same time of your original appointment. If you have an appointment for an immigrant visa and cannot make it due …

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) returned a collection of 67 artifacts illegally imported into the United States from the Dominican Republic. The objects were discovered as part of a number of investigations by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and CBP – one in Jacksonville …

The Embassy of the United States of America extends its condolences to the family and friends of Ambassador Charles T. Manatt and to all those in the Dominican Republic whose lives he touched. Ambassador Manatt passed away on July 22, at Kindred Hospital, in Richmond, Virginia, following a long illness. Ambassador Manatt served as Ambassador …

The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo will be closed on Tuesday, August 16 in recognition of Restoration Day instead of Monday, August 15 as previously scheduled. All consular services, including immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments, scheduled for Tuesday, August 16, have been changed to Monday, August 15.  The Consular Section will be unable to individually …

U.S. Embassy operations in Santo Domingo and consular services, including all visa processing, will continue as normal due to a late-night agreement within the U.S. Congress on a short-term funding measure to keep the federal government operating for one week until the budget can be formally approved. American Citizen Services as well as Non-Immigrant Visa …

Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington DC (March 15, 2011) – A U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) medical readiness and training exercise began  in Santo, Dominican Republic, on March 6. At the request of the Government of the Dominican Republic, U.S. Army North Atlantic Regional Medical Command along with the Dominican Armed Forces Medical Team conducted …

Santo Domingo – The Embassy of the United States of America in Santo Domingo joins Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso in repudiating the tragic act of violence that occurred on Sunday, in Batey Altagracia Barahona, in which a three-year-old child lost his life and four families were left homeless. Acts of extra-judicial violence run counter …

Santo Domingo – While the U.S. Government cannot speak to the authenticity of any purported Department of State documents provided to the press, we can and do reaffirm that the strength of the relationship between the United States and the Dominican Republic will not be undermined by WikiLeaks. The Government of the United States maintains …

Santo Domingo – The Embassy of the United States of America regrets the August 5 simultaneous closure of Semanario Clave and Clave Digital. The U.S. Government has a sustained history of supporting the media throughout the world by way of direct and indirect assistance. Support for the media takes on the form of a wide …

Santo Domingo-The United States Embassy in Santo Domingo announces that the United States Consular section will open at 7am as usual on Monday, May 17 to meet the demands of all clients who have appointments or emergencies. In response to the National Decree No. 264-10 stating that due to the Congressional Elections in the Dominican …

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Adm. Thad W. Allen, completed a two-day visit Monday with U.S. Embassy and Dominican Armed Forces senior military officials in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Adm. Allen met with U.S. Embassy Country Team officials Sunday upon his arrival to Santo Domingo to discuss counterdrug initiatives …

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Dominican Republic as they celebrate the 166th anniversary of their independence on February 27. This is an occasion to honor the rich history and culture of the Dominican Republic and the many accomplishments of the Dominican people. …

Julissa Reynoso became Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central America and the Caribbean in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the Department of State on November 16, 2009. Julissa Reynoso is an attorney by trade and, prior to joining the U.S. State Department, practiced law at the international law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett …

Due to the crisis in Haiti and the urgent need for U.S. Consular officials in Port au Prince, the U.S. Embassy will have to suspend nonimmigrant visa services for Tuesday and Wednesday, January 19 and 20.  We will still accept emergency applications for those days.  Applicants with appointments for those days will be contacted and …

Santo Domingo – The U.S. Government, through the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the U.S. Southern Command, has initiated extensive efforts to assist the people of Haiti following the earthquake that struck the country on January 12, 2010. In response to requests from the Government of Haiti, USAID dispatched …

Raul H. Yzaguirre, Sr. is currently  a Presidential Professor  of Practice and Executive Director of the Center for Community Development and Civil  Rights at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona. From 1974 to 2005, Mr. Yzaguirre served as President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). Prior to that, he served as Vice …

In March 2007 the United States and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), known as the U.S.-Brazil Biofuels Partnership Initiative, to promote scientific cooperation, development and use of biofuels, including third country production for domestic consumption as well as international harmonization of standards.  This MOU, which is a collaborative effort with Inter-American Development Bank, …

Since 2005, the Franklin Center maintains an Embassy Youth Book Program to provide books in Spanish to poor and remote communities in the DR.  To date approximately 10,000 books have been distributed through the Peace Corps volunteers in more than 64 rural communities.  In most cases the volunteers have established the very first library ever …

Santo Domingo – Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton conducted a “Digital Town Hall of the Americas” at the Foundation for Global Democracy and Development (FUNGLODE) where she shared for approximately one hour with dozens of Dominicans interested in issues related to US foreign policy and  simultaneously launched a virtual conversation with people from the …

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced a $12.5 million dollar follow-on and expansion of the USAID Effective School Program during a visit to the Rosa Duarte Public Elementary School in the Dominican Republic on Friday, April 17. This new five-year $12.5 million dollar project will increase the number of schools participating and provide a …

What is Cholera? Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. An estimated 3-5 million cases and over 100,000 deaths occur each year around the world. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe. Approximately one in 20 (5%) infected persons …

In keeping with the 2009 Green Diplomacy Initiative of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton  to develop and implement policies that will reduce the State Department’s environmental footprint, empower employees to contribute to greening efforts and work on environmental issues around the globe, the U.S. Embassy Green Team is spearheading a Green 5K Run/Walk/Fair at Mirador …