Abinader Honors 12 Dominicans Excelling in Europe
Twelve Dominicans living in Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom were recognized in Madrid for their achievements in medicine, culture, research and entrepreneurship.
Key points
- The "Index Somos Todos" award recognized 12 Dominicans living in Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.
- The ceremony was held at the Cine Capitol in Madrid, with President Luis Abinader and Foreign Minister Víctor "Ito" Bisonó in attendance.
- Honorees excel in medicine, culture, research, sports, innovation and business.
- Deputy Minister Celinés Toribio called their contributions a collective heritage of the country.
In Madrid, President Luis Abinader and Foreign Minister Víctor "Ito" Bisonó presented the "Index Somos Todos" award to 12 Dominicans living in Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom. The ceremony took place at the Cine Capitol in the Spanish capital, a city with the largest concentration of Dominicans in Europe.
The honorees stand out in medicine, culture, research, sports, innovation and business. Among them is Héctor Farías, who has directed the Ballet Dominicano en Europa since 2015, the first professional Dominican dance company established abroad. Dr. Lissette Batista, a gastroenterologist and researcher who leads Prevencolon-RD, an early colorectal cancer detection initiative in low-income Dominican communities, was also recognized.
Minister Bisonó congratulated the awardees for their perseverance and urged them to keep serving as examples of excellence. He also praised President Abinader's work to give Dominicans abroad a more important place in government policy.
Deputy Minister for Dominican Communities Abroad, Ambassador Celinés Toribio, said a nation's international prestige is also built in hospitals, classrooms, companies and community organizations. Bisonó concluded by asking Dominicans abroad to turn to the Foreign Ministry, embassies and consulates.
Why it matters
It recognizes the contribution of the Dominican diaspora and, according to the Foreign Minister, aims to bring the Foreign Ministry, embassies and consulates closer to citizens living abroad.