A LITTLE TASTE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC RECENT HISTORY

Hi everyone,

Once, I asked my English Composition Students what historical fact was commemorated that day. Nobody knew. I was astonished and kept on doing the same with the rest of my classes. I got almost the same answers. After that, I concluded that Dominican students needed to know more about Dominican recent history. From that day on, I decided to change the general topic of the writing project in my English Composition Class. As a consequence, I had my 2017 summer class find out and write about the history of the Dominican Republic from 1959 to 1978. Here are the results. I hope you enjoy these essays my students wrote. What calls your attention the most? Why does that call your attention?

CARACOLES BEACH EXPEDITION

By Ameli Sánchez

              Caracoles Beach Expedition was very important for Dominican society. Dominicans were suffering and their rights were being violated by Joaquin Balaguer regime. Therefore, the said expedition was created to put that government out of power.

Very important facts led to Caracoles Beach Expedition. The 1965 war broke out and was commanded by a military named Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó who was tired of the situation that was happening with all the governments that had ruled the country. Mr. Caamaño organized a small group with some men to face Balaguer’s military and defend Dominican rights such us religious freedom, right to housing, equality between natural children and the ones born under marriage, among others. When Balaguer discovered what Col. Caamaño wanted to do, he said through the radio as a news, “there’s no jail for Caamaño.” He said that because he wanted to get rid of him.

            After that, on February 2nd, 1973, nine men landed at Caracoles Beach, whose names were Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó, Ramón Euclides Holguín Marte, Hamlet Herman Pérez, Mario Nelson Galán Duran, Claudio Caamaño Grullon, Juan Ramón Payero Ulloa, Heberto Lalanes José, Alfredo Pérez Vargas and Toribio Peña Jaquez. In groups of three, two, and one, they headed to the south of the country. They created a Guerrilla front against Joaquin Balaguer’s government. Mr. Caamaño was criticized because he had already fought against a coup and again, he was in another fight. Baleaguer said. “I saw it by myself and Las Fuerzas Armadas (The Armed Forces) secretary of state, and the army chief went with me.’’ They had had the first bloody shock with a military gang and a Guerrilla group.   

Moreover, the results of Caracoles Beach expedition were surprising for Dominican society. Thirteen days after landing, on February sixteenth, the Armed Forces, commanded by General Enrique Pérez y Pérez and the brigadier, Juan René beauchamp Javier, saw the corpses of Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó and two of his partners in Nizaito neighborhood in San Jose de Ocoa city. After that, they showed the corpses to a small group of journalists that were transported by helicopter to the place where the lifeless bodies of Col. Caamaño and his partners, Heberto Lalanes Jose and Alfredo Perez Vargas were. However, the Armed Forces had reported that Mr. Caamaño had died in combat. Others informed that National Army troops persecuted him; he was shot, dismembered, and burned. After an intense persecution in the mountains of the Cordillera Central (Central Mountain Range), by the end of March, the Armed Forces announced the elimination of the guerrilla group, remaining Hamlet Herman Pérez, Claudio Caamaño Grullón, and Toribio Peña Jaquez as sole survivors. Time after that, they were country exiles. 

In conclusion, Dominican rights were defended by a group of brave men, commanded by Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó, who landed at caracoles beach. Unfortunately, the group of guerrilla was caught in the Central Mountain Range. With that expedition, those heroes taught Dominican people that they must not be afraid to defend their rights.

 

Santo Domingo 2017

The Mirabal Sisters

By Francheska Diaz Jimenez

    

The Mirabal sisters is the most important group of heroines in the Dominican Republic. They became not only a group of heroines but also a symbol for having contributed to eliminate a dictatorship by offering their blood. Thanks to the Mirabal sisters, people celebrate the day of non violence against women. There are movies, a museum, books, poems, and statues in their honor.

           The Mirabal Sisters’ childhood was very interesting. The first of them was Patria Mercedes who was born on February 27^th, 1924. The second was Belgica Adela who was born on March 1^st, 1925. The third was Maria Argentina Minerva who was born on March 12^th, 1926, and the fourth was Antonia Maria Teresa who was born on October 15^th, 1935. Ojo the Agua, Salcedo was the place where the Mirabal sisters spent part of their lives. Their parents were Doña Chea and Don Enrique who worried about their education. The Mirabal sisters began their studies in Ojo de Agua until fourth grade. In 1937, their parents decided to send two of them, Patria and Minerva, to La Vega to continue their studies. The only one who never attended school so much was Dede. She always showed interest for business. She worked as a homemaker and helped run the family business on agriculture and cattle. The Mirabal sisters stood out at the school. They were very brilliant and liked to read a lot. Patria, the oldest, got married at the age of 16. She finished school and together with her sisters. The Mirabal sisters’ childhood was an interesting experience because they went through good and bad moments. One of those moments was leaving school several times, but they returned to it again. They got where they wanted to get.

            The Mirabal sisters helped to stop a dictatorship. The Mirabal sisters were Dominican heroines who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. They gave up a privileged life to fight against mistreat of a powerful and corrupt dictator, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. The Mirabal sisters took up the struggle to bring down Trujillo’s regime. Those women willingly gave the best of them for the cause.  They followed their convictions with bravery and selflessness to fight for what they believed. Three of them Patria, Maria, and Minerva gave their lives. Dede did not participate, but she helped hiding the guns and other things. The Mirabal sisters were sure that Rafael Leonidas Trujillo would send the country to chaos. For that reason, they created the Movimiento 14 de Junio (14^th of June Movement). Some important persons who were in the group were Manolo Tavares who was Minerva’s husband, Leandro Guzmán, and others. The first sister who fought for overthrowing Trujillo’s dictatorship was Minerva. Next patria and Teresa joined her. Two of the Mirabal sisters, Minerva and Maria, Were raped, tortured, and humiliated. Even through they were victims of Trujillo’s orders, they continued with their plans until they they were assassinated on November 25^th, 1960. The Mirabal sisters will be remembered for the rest of Dominican Republic life.

            As a result, The Mirabal sisters became a symbol in the Dominican Republic. In honor to these brave women, each November 25^th, the Day of Nonviolence Against Women is commemorated. This day was established in the first Feminist Meeting in Latin America and the Caribbean in 1981. On behalf of the Mirabal sisters, there is a museum where people can appreciate their belongings: hair, clothes, pictures, collections, a typical kitchen with firewood, bed, and other things that can be cherished. Pedro Mir who is the Dominican national poet, wrote a poem entitled Amen de Mariposas (Amen of Butterflies) in which he expresses the tragedy of the Mirabal sisters. Also, there is a book about their lives, En Tiempo de las Mariposas (In the time of Butterflies) written by Julia Alvares. Based on that book, Mariano Barroso made a movie, En el tiempo de las Mariposas (In the Time of Butterflies).  All these show that the Mirabal sisters became a symbol of democracy in the Dominican Republic.

             In conclusion, The Mirabal sisters were four smart and cultured girls in their childhood. Three of these girls fought for what they believed: to overthrow Trujillo´s dictatorship. The Mirabal sisters became a symbol. Their legacy and memories will always be remembered. Their loyalty and courage for defending Dominican people from those who mistreat and offend the Dominican Republic make the Mirabal sisters very important Dominican heroines.

Santo Domingo 2017

TRUJILLO’S DEATH

By Hector Frías Fuentes

 Rafael Leonidas Trujullo’s Death is an important fact in Dominican history. It signaled the end of a dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Right away, the people started executing their rights. As a result, democracy came back to Dominican Republic.

Trujillo’s Death was an aftermath of being without freedom in the Dominican Republic. The dictatorship was almost going down, and people decided to pull down Trujillo’s regime. First, people from Santo Domingo were tired of the dictator. In the meantime, Trujillo denied the rights of the people, so there was no freedom in the country. Since 1930, they wanted to stop the dictatorship. During his regime, Trujillo ordered to kill a lot of people who were against him. This made the sociopolitical situation terrible. As an illustration of this, people who were against him made many demonstrations in the capital city. Many people died because of that dictatorship.

     The dictator was killed during the night of May 30th, 1961. The dictator was being driven to San Cristobal at 9:45 p.m. by his driver, Zacarías. There was a complot waiting for them on November 6th Avenue. Seven men who were against him shot the car he was in. The dictator died immediately. There was a terrible situation in the capital city. There were many  demonstrations  in Santo Domingo. Moreover, the Service of Military Intelligence chased the ones who killed the dictator. First, they killed Lieutenant García Guerrero. Second, Trujillo’s son, Ramfis came back from Paris and took control of the situation. Next, on June 2nd, 1961, Ramfis killed the rest of the complot. Once the funeral of the dictator was over, Trujillo’s  family was forced to go out the country. Then, crowds in the streets pulled down Trujillos symbols. Trujillo’s Death finished a terrible dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. He spent 30 years controlling the country and his death started another stage in Dominican history.

                After Trujillos Death, the Dominican Republic became a country of freedom and public liberty. People can do whatever they want because of freedom. Second, different political parties were established in the country and ran for governing the country. Whenever any political party in office intended to perpetuate ruling the country, the other parties worked harder for their candidates. The main party was Partido Revolucionario Dominicano (Dominican Revolutionary Party) and its leader was Juan Bosch. Also, there was Union Civica Nacional (National Civic Union) whose leader was Viriato Fiallo. Last but not least was Movimiento 14 de Junio (June 14^th Movement) with Manolo Tavares Justo as its leader. On december 20th, 1962, the first democratic elections were celebrated. The country chose Juan Bosch as the president of the Dominican Republic. He was the first president after the dictatorship of 30 years.

                In summary, Dominican people were tired of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo’s dictartorship. The killing of the dictator changed Dominican society. As a result, the Dominican Republic established itself as democratic country.

Santo Domingo 2017

THE COUP D`ETAT AGAINST PRESIDENT JUAN BOSCH

By Jennifer N. Beato Mena

                How would the Dominican Republic be nowadays if President Juan Bosch had not been overthrown? Would the country be at the same level of development as a nation? Right after the Coup d`Etat led by the Colonel Elias Wessin y Wessin in the dawn of September 25^th, 1963, the Dominican Republic has not been the same. The political environment got contaminated in many ways. Nowadays, Juan Bosch is considered one of the most important politicians with values never seen in Dominican history.

            Before the coup d’état against President Juan Bosch, many significant and interesting facts happened. During his stay in exile, Juan Bosch had founded the Partido Revolucionario Dominicano (Dominican Revolutionary Party), which stood out as the most active front against Rafael Leonidas Trujillo`s dictatorship outside of the Dominican Republic. It was created in 1939. After 23 years in exile, Juan Bosch decided to return to his lovely homeland right after Trujillo was assassinated on May 30^th, 1961. The first democratic elections in this country were on December 20^th, 1962, in which Juan Bosch and his mate, Armando Gonzalez Tamayo won over Viriato Fiallo. Once Juan Bosch got elected as the President of the Dominican Republic, he immediately launched a deep restructuring of the country and a new liberal constitution. This document granted the people freedoms they have never known. However, Bosch faced powerful enemies. His manner of speaking, direct and simple, were reasons enough to be accused by the church and by conservatives of being a communist.

             The Coup d`Etat was an event that changed the course of Dominican history. Unfortunately, on September 25<sup>th</sup>, 1963, the President Juan Bosch got arrested. After 7 months in office, Bosch was pulled down in a coup led by the Colonel Elias Wessin y Wessin. Juan Bosch`s honest  government was replaced by a three-men military government named the Triunvirato composed by Emilio De los Santos, Ramon Tapia, and Manuel Tavarez. As a result, Bosch went to exile in Puerto Rico. The church thought Bosch was trying to over secularize the country and industrialists did not like the new constitution. Juan Bosch`s government was one of the most honest and respectful governments in the history of the Dominican Republic. However, the church, the military, and industrialists’ interests were affected, so they conspired against him. Less than 2 years later, during the Triunvirato`s government, a big dissatisfaction was generated.  This provoked another military rebellion on April 24^th, 1965 that demanded Bosch`s restoration. This military rebellion was led by the Colonel Francisco Caamaño, who removed the 3 three-men`s government from the power on April 28^th, 1965. Additionally, the USA dispatched around 42,000 troops to the island in order to support the anti-Bosch forces. During the civil war in 1965, the Unite States was always trying to avoid that Juan Bosch take the command of the country again.

    Consequently, the Coup d`Etat against the President Juan Bosch was an event that, for better or worse, changed the Dominican Republic history. One month right after the coup led by Francisco Caamaño Deñó against the Triunvirato, a provisional government was formed and elections were held on July 1^st, 1966. This electoral process was totally conditioned by the United States Military intervention. Both Juan Bosch and Joaquin Balaguer were presidential candidates, who campaigned in different ways. For example, Bosch kept a campaign of fear because he was threatened with death if he went out to campaign. That was a big reason why Balaguer took full advantage of this situation and based his campaign on democracy. The United States clearly supported Balaguer. Thus the president of the USA at that time, John F. Kennedy, said that he preferred another bloody regime than a second communist regime in the hemisphere. Even though Bosch did everything possible to win the elections, Balaguer won with 775,885 votes, which is 57%.

            To sum up, without Juan Bosch, Dominicans would not have discovered democracy. With him, the Dominican Republic had the most developed, advanced and progressive Constitution, which was written in 1963. Fortunately, Dominicans should imitate his ways usually described as direct and simple. They are his best legacy, which is still useful for the future generations.

Santo Domingo  2017

  RENÉ DEL RISCO BERMÚDEZ

By Liset Castillo Contreras

         René Del Risco Bermúdez was one of the best writers the Dominican Republic has had. Through his writing, he fought for Dominican Democracy. He was part of 1965 war. This shows that he was not a simple writer who wrote good books. Nowadays, he is considered very important in Dominican Literature.

           René Del Risco was born in San Pedro de Macoris on May 9^th, 1937. His mother was America Bermudez and his father was Victor Del Risco Aponte. Rene’s grandfather was Federico Bermudez who was an important writer in the Dominican Republic. René came from a very good family. When he was 12 years old, he started to feel the passion for poetry. That is why, at his earliest years, he was author of many poems and songs.

           René Del Risco became an unmistakable literary legacy in the Dominican Republic. He was a poet, narrator, and publicist. He wrote his first book in 1954. It was named “Nenufares.” In 1955, he graduated from college and got a degree in Spanish. In 1969, he received a prize for his literature and his book “La Oportuninidad.” He also earned a prize for one of his most famous books, “Ahora que Vuelvo Ton.” His writing marked a great generation that admired his writing. Moreover, he helped on the first step of the democracy the Dominican Republic enjoys nowadays. René worked against a strong social inequality. In his book, “Ahora que Vuelvo Ton” he shares the story of a friend. It leads readers to think from the position of others, especially those who are dispossessed.

          In 2017, the Ministry of Culture dedicated the international book fair to René Del Risco Bermúdez, where his writing was exhibited. This gave people the opportunity to know about his contribution to the Dominican Republic. People can find more documents about his life in the exposition that his daughter makes every year. René Del Risco has a privileged place in the culture and politics of the Dominican Republic.

        To sum up, René Del Risco Bermúdez was immersed in writing since he was a child. That is why he wrote many good books. He is an important piece in the Dominican literature. For all this, he is a good model as a writer and person.

Santo Domingo, 2017

        JOSÉ FRANCISCO PEÑA GÓMEZ

By Rolando Antonio Solano Figuereo

                 Jose Francisco Peña Gomez was an interesting leader in the Dominican Republic. Once, he said, ´´ First, the people.´´ By this expression, he showed he worried about people, especially poor masses. He had a difficult childhood, but it didn’t keep him from becoming the person he wanted to be.

            Firstly, Jose Francisco Peña Gomez´ s childhood was very interesting. He was born in Valverde on March 6^th, 1937. His parents were Haitian. As an infant, he was orphaned when Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, a military dictator of the Dominican Republic, ordered a massacre in which more than 10,000 Haitians were killed in the border.  Therefore, a thousand fled across the border. His parents fled, too. Then, Jose Francisco Peña Gomez was adopted by a Dominican family. Moreover, he had two sets of parents and two sets of family. Both were loved by him. He rose from a childhood of extreme poverty; however, he desired to become a big and recognized person. For that reason, he studied hard and got an A several times. He was born in an era of conflict. Many people didn’t like him for he was black. However, he succeeded by studying hard.

            Secondly, Jose Francisco Peña Gomez was an interesting politician and also was a good spoke person. He became a big leader in the Dominican Republic. Since 1961, Jose Francisco Peña Gomez became a supporter of Juan Bosh. Then, he became the leader of the Partido Revolucionario Dominicano (Dominican Revolutionary Party). Juan Bosh won the presidential elections of 1962 and became the first democratic president in 32 years, but his government was very short. It was stopped, ousted by military on September 25^th, 1963. Jose Francisco Peña Gomez tried to help Juan Bosh to return as a president, but it was not possible. He said things which gave honor to Juan Bosh many times on the radio. Then, he was three-time candidate for president of the Dominican Republic. Moreover, he was considered as one of the most prominent Dominican political figures of the 20^th century.

             Thirdly, Jose Francisco Peña Gomez was one of the most popular leaders in recent political history in the Dominican Republic. He gave an honesty example for everybody who knew about him. There are still some important places that were named after Jose Francisco Peña Gomez. The first one was Las Americas International Airport.´´ There is a statue near El Puente de La Diecisite (Seventeen Street) in his honor. Also, there is a subway station with his name. Some public schools have his name, too. Besides ´´First, the people,´´ he used to say  ´´Freedom or death.´´ In his life, people could see efficiency in all that he did. When he spoke, everyone could realize that he had eloquence in his speeches. Moreover, Jose Francisco Peña Gomez became a giant in the battle for democracy. Honesty was a main quality which identified him very well. Finally, a lot of people appreciate his simple way of living and also he fought for other people to have a better life.

             In conclusion, despite Jose Francisco Peña Gomez grew up in extreme poverty, his dream of becoming an important political character came true. He made a big effort for democracy in the Dominican Republic. He showed that to become a prominent person is difficult, but not impossible.    

Santo Domingo 2017           

     JUAN BOSCH

By Rosa  María Nina Aquino

            Juan Bosch was the first democratically elected president of the Dominican Republic after Rafael Leonidas Trujillo's death. He is considered the father of                    Literature in the Dominican Republic. He also was the founder of Dominican modern short story writing. Moreover he was the founder of Partido Revolucionario Dominicano (Dominican Revolutionary Party). Also, he was the creator and editor of the literary section of Listin Diario Newspaper. Juan Bosch was a prominent man who is considered the father of Dominican democracy.

          First of all, Juan Bosch childhood was very interesting. He was born on June 30^th, 1909, in a rural community named Rio Verde in la Vega. He lived in a nuclear family. His father was José Bosch, from Spain, and his mother was Angela Gaviño, from Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. He was baptized on December 24^th in the cathedral of la Vega by the Priest Florencio Lamarche. His godparents were Juana and Juan who also were his grandparents. His grandfather named him Juan in honor to himself. He finished elementary school in Rio Verde. One important person for him in his childhood was Father Fantino, in San Sebastian private school. After he finished elementary school, he was transferred to a normal school for men where he met his first friend, Samuel Mendoza. When he was a child, he used to play in Hernando de la Mota family’s yard with his friends. Another good friend of him was Silvestre Sanchez. After President Ramon Caceres death, he and his family moved to Cape Haitian in 1911, in search for new opportunities of life. In his childhood he had to confront hard work like his father. When his family returned from cape Haitian, they settled in la Vega again. He also lived with his grandfather who narrated him short stories; therefore, he acquired some abilities from that environment.

          Moreover, Juan Bosch did a lot of important things in his life. First of all, he became the first democratically elected president in the Dominican Republic after Rafael Leonidas Trujillo’s death. He was the founder of the Dominican Revolutionary Party on 1938, and later, he founded the Partido de la Liberación Dominicana (Dominican Liberation party) in 1973. Furthermore, he was the founder of short story writing in the country. In 1937, Bosch and other important writers of that time formed a group known as La Cueva. He was the leader of the Dominican opposition in exile against the dictatorial regime of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo for over 25 years. After being elected president, on April 29^th, 1963, he promulgated a new liberal constitution; therefore, the new document granted the people the freedom they had never known. For example, he decreed several rights such as the rights of family, specific labour, pregnant women, farmers, and illegitimate children. He published a lot of interesting works as the essay, Indias, the novel, La Mañosa, and many short stories written in exile. He is one of the most prominent writers in the Dominican Republic.

         Finally, the things that Juan Bosch did for the Dominican Republic were so important that he is still being honored nowadays. In honor of him, the subway of Santo Domingo has one station with his name. Another example of the importance of Juan Bosch is the project of a city that will have his name. He also was a defender of democracy of the Dominican Republic. President Bosch is known as a writer, and he is also considered as a historian. Other important contributions that he made were his library and foundation. Besides, there are some landmarks in different parts of the country in honor of him. Finally, in the Dominican Republic, there are some streets with his name.

      In summary Juan Bosch did a lot of important things in favor of his country. The most important thing that he did for the future generations was that he contributed with the Dominican Republic democracy. Juan Bosch is known as an honest politician and a model to fallow because he never gave up.

San Cristobal 2017

        Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó

By Vimersy Sánchez Pérez                                                           

                     Who was Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó? Francisco Alberto was an important         man who lived to serve to the Dominican Republic. He was a military and Dominican hero that became the Constitutional President of the Dominican Republic during the War in April, 1965.  He also was the hero who restored Dominican Sovereignty. He fought to free the Dominican Republic. He and eight men made The Caracoles Beach Expedition. During the invasion of United States in 1965, he armed the people to defend the country, and followed the ideals of the President Juan Bosch.

           First of all, Francisco Alberto’s Childhood was the beginning of a hard heroic life. He was born on June 11^th, 1932, at Padre Billini Hospital, in Santo Domingo City. He was the third son of Lieutenant General Fausto Caamaño Medina and Enerolisa Deñó. He did first studies at Salesiano and Santo Tomás private schools, in the capital city. Most of his friends were from poor families to whom he gave away, among other things, his clothes and with whom he practiced swimming, baseball, volleyball, boxing, and other sports. He was sent to the Riverside Military Academy in the United States with his brothers and then to Colegio La Salle (La Salle Private School). Thanks to the influence of his strong military kinship, Francisco stood out with efficient and strived vocation of service to the Military Institution of his homeland.

        A very important fact is that Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó was the hero who restored the sovereignty of Dominican Republic. In 1964, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and held the headquarters of Radio Patrulla (Radio Patrol). That year, he joined the Group of Conspirators who, under the direction of Colonel Rafael Tomás Fernandez Dominguez sought to overthrow the regime of Reid Cabral and restore the Constitutional Order that had disappeared in September 1963. After the coup that ended the Government of President Juan Bosch, The armed forces were already clearly divided by two camps, the first was led by Colonel Elías Wesin y Wesin and the Constitutional troops were led by Colonel Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó. When the Constitutionalist revolt broke out on April 24^th, 1965, Caamaño took over the military leadership. Mr. Reid was arrested at Palacio Nacional and Molina Ureña became the head of the new interims Government. On May 3^rd, 1965, the Dominican Congress named the Colonel Caamaño Constitutional President of the Dominican Republic. The country had a new leader, and he soon showed talent for commanding the country. The United States invasion ended with the Reconciliation Act on September 3^rd, 1965. After suffering several attacks, Colonel Caamaño agreed to leave the country as Attached Military in the Dominican Embassy in London, England. He was there planning how to achieve the total liberation of the Dominican Republic. Then he came back to the island to complete his historical role. On February 3^rd, 1973, Colonel Caamaño, the most prominent figure of the Revolution of April 1965, accompanied by eight men, landed at Caracoles Beach on board of the " Black Jack’’ aiming to overthrow the government led by Joaquin Balaguer. The guerrilla group suffered several attacks and Colonel Caamaño was arrested and killed.

Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó was so important that nowadays, he is honored in different ways. For example, there is a station with his name in the first line of Santo Domingo Subway. On the westerm bank of Ozama River, the Avenida del Puerto(the Port Avenue) was renamed Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó Avenue to honor his memory. In a tribute on his behalf, Ramon Leonardo and his band Expresión Joven (Young Expression) composed and sang the song, Francisco Alberto, Caramba (Francisco Alberto, Darn!) a song that deals with the life of this Dominican prominent hero. In honor to his great struggle for Democracy, the name of Colón Avenue in Puerto Plata City was changed into President Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó. Besides, in Valle Nuevo Natural Park in Constanza, there is a modest monument dedicated to that great hero. There is also a plaque that indicates the place where he was assassinated by orders of President Joaquin Balaguer. It was also considered worthy of a post-mortem rise to the rank of General, but this consideration found immediate opposition. Francisco Alberto Caamaño has held the historic rank of Colonel, and as such, he takes his glory, regardless of the rank he has had.

           To sum up, Francisco Alberto Caamaño had a hard life since his childhood until his death. He helped to restore the Sovereignty of The Dominican Republic. He is very important to the Dominican Republic. For that reason, Dominican People remember and honor him.

Santo Domingo 2017

   PEDRO MIR

By Yoselín Martinez

            In life, nothing is easy to get, but it is not impossible. Pedro Mir was an example of this fact. He became an important writer because he was a brave man. He made a big effort to achieve his goals.

            Pedro Mir’s childhood was very important for his successfull life. He was born in San Francisco de Macorís on June 13^th, 1913. The early death of his mother impressed upon him a profound sense of loss. He would later consider this the root of his poetical vocation. His youth was spent in the refinery of sugar near his home town. His inspiration to becoming writer was the Dominican writer, Juan Bosch.

            Furthermore, what he did was interesting. He went to high school and finished it. Later, he got a degree in laws from the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo  (Autonomous University in Santo Domingo). Pedro worked a teaching inspector at a high school.  He also became a professor at Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD). He was a writer, lawyer, and poet. He started writing and publishing his poems in Dominican newspapers under his full name, Pedro Julio Mir. When he showed his poems to his friends, one of them took some to Juan Bosch. He sent his first social poem to Juan Bosch by himself. He got married and had a son named Pedro Julio. He moved to Cuba due to pressure from Trujilloʼs dictatorship. He was living precariously in Cuba. While living in Cuba, he wrote his first famous poem, Hay un País en el Mundo (There is Country in the World). He also wrote a poem in honor of Mirabal sisters, Amén de Mariposas (Amen of Butterflies). Also he wrote an essay entitled Las Raíces Dominicanas (Dominican Roots).

            Additionally, Pedro Mir is very important for future generations. For that reason, he deserved all the awards and honors he earned. His trajectory of living and many of his poems and essays made him an interesting intellectual. One of those things that made him very important was his most famous poem There is a Country in the World, which he wrote in 1949. It is a complaint against mistreats to peasants, exploited in the sugar mills and plantations. Many places around the country have been named after him such as the Ecologic Park, a high school, and a street at the entrance of Las Caobas neighborhood, all in San Pedro de Macorís. Furthermore, in Santo Domingo, a conference room in Cuesta Bookstore and the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo library have his name. Also, there is one of the metro subway stations dedicated to him near Abraham Lincoln Avenue. In 1999, the ministry of culture dedicated him the II International Book Fair in Santo Domingo. In 2013, for the celebration of his birth, San Pedro de Macorís City Hall held the IX Regional Fair in his honor. He was a brave Dominican man. The way he did all the things was a good lesson for the country. His courage made him an important person.

            In summary, Pedro Mir became famous after achieving his goals. He showed that if people have a dream, it is not hard to make it come true. They you just have to make a big effort as he did.

Bonao 2017