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 assisting tourists and foreigners residing in the Dominican Republic.
Several embassies use a network of wardens to maintain communication with their citizens in the Dominican Republic. Wardens are volunteers who facilitate communication between their embassy and the community. They also help disseminate information during times of increased threat or actual emergency such as earthquakes and hurricanes.
In his opening remarks, U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Mr. James W. Brewster said: “Providing services to our citizens is the bedrock of why we have Embassies and Consulates worldwide. Despite the very dedicated team we have it simply is not possible to be in every corner of this beautiful country all of the time. The warden system is absolutely essential and your work is critical in assisting us serve our fellow citizens, especially when they are most in need.”
Swiss Ambassador Mrs. Line León-Pernet and Canadian Ambassador Mr. Steve Côte also gave opening remarks and guest speakers included Mr. Osiris De Leon, Deputy Director of ONAMET, Ing. Miguel Campusano, and Director of 911, Dr. Dalvert Polanco.
