The below is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:
From August 6-8, Administrator Samantha Power visited the Dominican Republic to meet with government officials, youth, women leaders and USAID partners and staff.
On August 7, Administrator Power visited Parque Malecon in Boca Chica, touring a community park that was rehabilitated through a partnership between USAID and a private sector partner. She heard from local youth leaders about the challenges they faced in their lives, the support they received through USAID programs, and their commitment to mentoring other youth in their communities.
The Administrator then met with Dominican President Luis Abinader. The two discussed opportunities to bolster collaboration on advancing democratic governance and critical reforms in the Dominican Republic. The Administrator congratulated the President on his recent re-election and the progress toward the passage of the public procurement legislation. They also discussed deepening collaboration on a range of priorities, including citizen security and public health challenges like lead poisoning.
Following the meeting, the Administrator and President were joined by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Nisha Biswal of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and leadership from Dominican bank Banreservas to launch a new initiative focused on advancing inclusive economic growth in the Dominican Republic. Administrator Power welcomed a new $42 million DFC loan portfolio guaranty intended to catalyze up to $84 million in disbursements to increase access to financing for small and medium businesses, with a focus on women entrepreneurs and climate finance projects.
Administrator Power also met with the incoming Minister of Interior and Police Faride Raful, and congratulated Senator Raful on her new appointment. Administrator Power and Senator Raful discussed how USAID can support progress on issues including anti-corruption, addressing the challenges facing women, youth and other marginalized groups, and advancing respect for human rights.
The Administrator met with women leaders in the Dominican Republic’s education and technology sectors, government, and business community to discuss economic empowerment challenges and how the U.S. government can help address key issues including youth economic empowerment and gender-based violence.
On August 8, Administrator Power sat down with Alicia Ortega de Hasbún in an interview with local television station Noticias SIN, highlighting USAID’s support to the Dominican Republic.
The Administrator concluded her trip with a visit to the Memorial Museum of Dominican Resistance, where she heard about the Dominican people’s long fight for freedom. The Administrator saw a USAID-funded commemorative mural at the museum that highlights the fight for LGBTQI+ rights and calls for equality and inclusion.
