Fw: NOUVELLES DE LA REPUBLIQUE DOMINICAINE (Mercredi 9 avril 2025)
Joel Lorquet
LA REPUBLIQUE DOMINICAINE : Ce pays, a-t-il opté pour le dialogue, le progrès et la modernité
ou l'anarchie, le sous-développement et l’avilissement ?
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Opinion: The crisis in Haiti and its impact on Latin America
(El Caribe; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
The political paralysis, armed gang control, environmental degradation, food and health crises, and potential mass deportations from the U.S. have pushed Haiti into an unprecedented humanitarian emergency with wide-reaching implications for Latin America. The author warns that the Dominican Republic, as Haiti’s immediate neighbor, will remain the primary destination for irregular migration, challenging its capacity to respond. While President Abinader’s recent migration measures are notable, the article calls for a more comprehensive and humanitarian regional approach, urging the international community to abandon indifference and recognize the broader impact of Haiti’s collapse.
(LD; Hoy; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Haitian journalists are increasingly targeted by violent gangs that have murdered, kidnapped, or displaced dozens, with at least two reporters missing since a recent attack in Mirebalais on March 31, and several others fleeing the country. Newsrooms have been burned, media offices shut down, and many journalists have lost homes or been forced into exile, creating a crisis for press freedom and significantly reducing the quality of media coverage. The Association of Haitian Journalists and Reporters Without Borders are calling for urgent protection measures, stressing that attacks on the press are direct assaults on democracy and demanding concrete action from Haitian authorities.
(El Caribe; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Due to escalating violence and direct attacks, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has withdrawn from two key medical facilities in Port-au-Prince—Turgeau and Carrefour—for at least three months, citing unsafe conditions for staff and patients. The decision follows a March 15 assault on an MSF convoy that was transporting personnel between the two centers, making continued operation impossible due to lack of safe transport. Despite the painful withdrawal, MSF will maintain medical services in other areas of Port-au-Prince and southern Haiti, as the need for emergency care continues to rise amid the crisis.
(DL; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Although 158 complaints were filed in 2024 under Law 137-03 for migrant and human trafficking in the Dominican Republic, only eight cases reached the first stage of trial, revealing deep judicial inefficiencies. Provinces like Dajabón and Monte Cristi lead in reported cases, and former migration chief José Ricardo Taveras emphasized that trafficking networks often involve Dominican civilians and border officials. In response, the government has proposed a reform to the law that would increase penalties up to 40 years in prison, aiming to more effectively combat illegal migrant trafficking.
Death toll rises to 113 in Jet Set collapse
(LD; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
The official death toll from the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo has risen to 113, according to COE director Juan Manuel Méndez. Rescue and emergency response teams remain active at the site over 24 hours later, while 155 individuals have been transferred to hospitals for treatment. The National Institute of Forensic Sciences (Inacif) is tasked with identifying the victims, and the tragedy occurred during a concert by merengue singer Rubby Pérez. This is a developing story.
(LD; DL; SIN; Acento; CDN; Hoy; El Día; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez was confirmed dead after being trapped under the rubble during the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse, where he had been performing; he was 69 years old. Known as “the loudest voice in merengue,” Pérez’s death brought deep sorrow across the Dominican Republic’s music and cultural communities. His remarkable journey—from overcoming a life-altering accident at age 15 to becoming an icon of Dominican music—was marked by resilience, talent, and national recognition, including a recent lifetime achievement award just weeks before his passing.
(CDN; El Nuevo Diario; LD; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Celebrated Dominican designer Martín Polanco was confirmed among the victims of the Jet Set nightclub collapse. Polanco, known for blending art, tradition, and modernity in his fashion, represented the Dominican Republic at major international shows and mentored aspiring designers through a municipal design school he founded in 2021. His death has sent shockwaves through the local and international fashion community, marking a profound loss for Dominican culture and creative industries.
(DL; LD; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Grupo Popular has confirmed the deaths of five members of its extended family, including executives Eduardo Grullón and Alexandra Grullón, in the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse that has so far claimed 113 lives. The financial group expressed deep sorrow and solidarity through a public statement, acknowledging the support received and extending condolences to all affected by the national tragedy.
- Lawrence mourns restaurant owner killed in Jet Set tragedy
(NBC Boston; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Fray Luis Rosario, owner of Terra Luna Cafe in Lawrence, Massachusetts, was among the victims of the Jet Set nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Lawrence community mourned his loss, remembering him as a beloved figure. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, while family members continue to search for missing individuals, including 68-year-old Florinda Rojas.
(CDN; Acento; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Following the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, which left at least 113 people dead and many injured, the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic issued a safety alert for American citizens. The embassy urged those affected to seek medical attention if needed and contact loved ones to confirm their safety, while affirming its ongoing support during the crisis.
(DL; LD; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Rescue teams from Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Israel have joined the more than 300 responders searching through the Jet Set nightclub rubble, where the death toll has reached 113 and 155 people have been taken to hospitals. Emergency Operations Center director Juan Manuel Méndez affirmed that search efforts will continue as long as even one person is reported missing, with forensic authorities leading the victim identification process. The tragedy, which unfolded during a live performance by Rubby Pérez, has drawn massive national and international response, including psychological support for grieving families.
(DL; El Día; Hoy; Acento; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Media outlets editorials highlight the efforts of all sectors to rescue victims at the Jet Set nightclub.
Diario Libre editorial comments: “The tragedy at Jet Set also reminds us of the importance of strengthening our disaster response capabilities. It is essential to better equip rescuers, provide them with ongoing training, and ensure they have the necessary resources to respond to emergencies.”
El Día editorial comments: “The nation is in mourning. Let us stand with the victims and their families in their grief. Let us support the first responders in their efforts.”
Hoy comments: “The next step is to investigate the causes of the collapse, which reveal structural vulnerabilities that should have been identified through regular inspections by the entities responsible for ensuring that all enclosed public spaces are absolutely safe for the large numbers of people who routinely gather in them, as was the case here.”
Acento editorial comments: “Solidarity must be collective in the face of such a horrific event. Respect for and protection of the victims and their families must be upheld by everyone—especially by the media.”
(DL; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
El Dia, El Caribe; El Dia; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
The Dominican community in New York gathered for a vigil to mourn the tragic deaths of over 114 people, including baseball player Octavio Dotel and merengue singer Rubby Pérez, following the collapse of a nightclub roof in Santo Domingo. Attendees in the heart of the Dominican neighborhood, Upper Manhattan, prayed for the victims and their families while showing their unity. Fans remembered Pérez, who had performed in New York just days before the tragedy. A charity telethon was announced to support the victims' families. Congressman Adriano Espaillat also expressed his solidarity from Washington.
(LD; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Psychiatrist José Miguel Gómez has called for the immediate implementation of a post-crisis mental health intervention to support those affected by the Jet Set nightclub collapse, as symptoms of trauma, depression, and anxiety are expected to emerge now that rescue operations are concluding. He emphasized the importance of professional psychological and psychiatric care, as well as emotional support from families, communities, and spiritual guides, noting that this is a moment of collective mourning. Gómez urged authorities to deploy mental health professionals on-site and provide long-term follow-up to help survivors and grieving families cope with the emotional toll of the tragedy.
Additional U.S. tariffs on China, EU, and about 60 Countries go into effect
(DL; Hoy; El Día; Acento; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
The United States has activated a new round of “reciprocal tariffs,” adding substantial import duties on goods from China, the European Union, and around 60 other countries, with rates reaching up to 104 percent for China and 50 percent for some smaller nations. These surcharges target countries with high trade surpluses with the U.S., significantly affecting export-reliant Asian economies like Vietnam, Taiwan, and India. President Trump, who declared April 2 as “Liberation Day,” maintains that the tariffs are necessary to address what he deems unfair trade practices, though many of the affected nations have already expressed interest in negotiating.
(El Caribe; El Dia; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
President Donald Trump announced that he is pursuing bilateral negotiations with multiple countries over U.S. tariffs, asserting that his recent actions have prompted global interest in striking new trade deals. While meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump reaffirmed that there will be no pause in tariff enforcement and suggested that Israel might not receive relief from a 17 percent rate despite its cooperation. Emphasizing an "America First" approach, Trump also confirmed ongoing talks with Japan and plans to secure trade terms that prioritize U.S. economic interests.
(El Dia; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
In response to President Trump’s threat of a 50 percent tariff hike on Chinese imports, China has vowed to “fight to the end,” denouncing the move as baseless intimidation and signaling additional retaliatory measures. The Ministry of Commerce stressed that its actions aim to protect sovereignty and trade order, while markets worldwide brace for further economic turbulence. With tariffs potentially reaching a total of 104 percent, China may counter by restricting U.S. services, imposing agricultural quotas, or cutting cooperation on issues like fentanyl, further deepening the global trade rift.
(Acento; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Acento asks its audience: Do you think the U.S. will listen to the Dominican Republic’s concerns and lower the tariffs?
(Acento; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Economist Isidoro Santana critiques Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies, warning that they are accelerating the U.S.’s global decline and destabilizing the international economic order through unpredictability and broken alliances. He argues that the Dominican Republic will face indirect fallout—such as inflation, job losses in the U.S., and falling remittances—though countries like Mexico, more exposed, have used diplomacy to soften the blow. Ultimately, Santana urges Latin America to approach the global shifts with caution and adaptability, as Trump's policies provoke realignments, expose vulnerabilities in global interdependence, and invite opportunities for nations willing to pivot eastward.
Social Media Trends
- The tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub is currently trending on social media. The death of merengue singer Rubby Pérez is not only a trending topic in the Dominican Republic, but also in several parts of the world. International media outlets have reported on the collapse of the Jet Set roof, which has now claimed 113 lives.
- Following the collapse of the Jet Set nightclub's roof, a tragedy that has left victims among Dominican families, the National Blood Bank has gained attention on social media due to the emergency the country is facing. In response to this situation, the Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic has issued an urgent call for citizens to voluntarily donate blood in order to help the victims of the disaster. Donations can be made at various locations in Santo Domingo, including the National Blood Bank, the parking lot of the General Directorate of Customs, and the parking lot of the Olympic Center.
- #AntonioEspaillat is trending on social media, the owner of the Jet Set nightclub, after he posted a message of condolences through the club's official accounts in response to the tragic collapse. Following his statement, several users, particularly on platform X, have pointed to the owner as responsible for the incident, questioning his involvement in the lack of adequate safety measures at the venue.
@@@@
At least 124 people dead in Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse
(NBC; ABC; NYT; AP; BBC; CNN; WaPo; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
At least 124 people died and 155 were taken to hospitals after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a concert early Tuesday morning. Rescue efforts continue with uncertainty surrounding the cause of the collapse, as high-profile victims—including singer Rubby Pérez, two former MLB players, and government officials—were confirmed among the dead. The tragedy has drawn widespread national and international attention, with emotional reactions from grieving families, government leaders, and celebrities. This is a developing story.
U.S. mourns tragedy at the nightclub in which at least one American died
(DL; El Caribe; SIN; El Dia; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
U.S. Secretary of State
Marco Rubio and his wife expressed condolences and offered U.S. support to the
Dominican Republic following the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse that killed
124 people, including at least one American and several U.S. permanent
residents. Rescue efforts have included assistance from Puerto Rican
firefighters coordinated through the U.S. Embassy, and the embassy has also
issued safety guidance for U.S. citizens affected by the disaster. As the
Dominican Republic observes national mourning, the international community
continues to assist in rescue and recovery while families await news of missing
loved ones.
(El Caribe; LD; SIN; El Caribe; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Following the tragic roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo
Domingo, which killed over 124 people, an outpouring of global support has come
from governments and celebrities alike. World leaders including those from El
Salvador, Puerto Rico, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Cuba, Venezuela, and Panama
have issued official messages of condolence and solidarity with the Dominican
Republic. Celebrities such as Bad Bunny, Juan Luis Guerra, Marc Anthony, Zoe
Saldaña, and others also expressed deep sorrow, joining international voices in
mourning and supporting the victims and their families.
(Hoy; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
In response to the Jet Set nightclub tragedy, the Dominican government has activated a toll-free number (1-800-969-0677) for Dominicans living in the United States to receive official updates on victims and rescue efforts. Operated by trained staff, the hotline provides current information on injured individuals and hospital transfers, and is supported by a coordinated digital platform involving emergency agencies. An updated list of victims is also available on the OGTIC website, reinforcing the government's commitment to transparency, support, and communication with the diaspora during this national crisis.
Twelve Firefighters from Puerto Rico Help in Rescue Efforts in Jet Set Tragedy
(Noticias SIN; SIN-2; El Dia; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Twelve firefighters from
Puerto Rico have joined rescue efforts at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo
Domingo, where a roof collapse during a concert claimed at least 124 lives and
left many others injured or missing. Puerto Rico's governor, Jenniffer
González, expressed solidarity and sorrow for the Dominican Republic, with both
territories observing national mourning and flying flags at half-mast. The
deployed firefighters are part of a coordinated mission to assist Dominican
authorities with search and rescue, bringing critical resources and expertise
to one of the country's worst disasters.
(DL; LD; El DIa; Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
Puerto Rican rescue teams have detected potential signs of life beneath the rubble of the collapsed Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo using sonar and acoustic sensor technology, with confirmation of one person so far. Lieutenant Colonel Joel Figueroa emphasized that survival beyond 24 hours is possible and depends on various factors, as local and international crews continue the intense search. While the official death toll stands at 124 and 155 people have been hospitalized, hopes remain for more survivors, though no new signs have been reported as of the latest emergency update.
Social Media Trends
- #JetSet remains one of the most
talked-about topics on social media following the collapse of the roof at
the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo. In response, a team of rescue
workers from Israel has arrived to assist with recovery efforts,
tirelessly working to remove debris, a task that has already been ongoing
for over 30 hours. Additionally, the Puerto Rico Fire Bureau has joined
in, contributing to the search and rescue operations for those trapped
under the rubble. @SIN25Horas; @ElDía_do; @DiariodelPais
- The
names that have emerged on social media due to the tragic deaths caused by
the collapse of the roof at the Jet Set nightclub include: #RubbyPerez,
beloved Dominican merengue artist; #OctavioDotel, former Major
League Baseball player; #EduardoEstrella, his son, and his
wife Alexandra Grullón; #NelsyCruz, Governor of
Montecristi; #EduardoGrullón, president of AFP Popular, along
with his wife Johanna Rodríguez de Grullón, his sister, among other
heartbreaking and painful losses.
- #JuanManuelMéndez, director of the Emergency
Operations Center, assured that the search and rescue efforts will not
stop as long as there is a stone within the rubble of the Jet Set
nightclub. He stated: "As long as there is a stone inside
that structure, we will continue searching for people who may still be
alive and recovering the bodies of the victims." @ElNuevoDiario; @NoticiasRNN; @ANoticias
- Recently,
the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo shared on its social media the support provided by the
Puerto Rico Fire Bureau, authorized by Governor Jennifer A. González
Colón. The response on social media to this post has been predominantly
one of gratitude and deep emotion. People have expressed their
appreciation for the efforts and gestures of solidarity received during
this time of great sadness and difficulty for the country.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families following the tragedy at #JetSet through a message on his social media. In his post, he confirmed the death of at least one U.S. citizen and several legal permanent residents of the U.S. He stated: “Jeanette and I are united in prayer as the people of the Dominican Republic grieve the recent tragedy that took place in Jet Set night club in Santo Domingo, which also resulted in the unfortunate death of at least one U.S. citizen and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents, while rescue efforts remain ongoing. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event. The U.S. stands ready to support our Dominican allies amid this difficult time.”
@@@@
Dozens dead after roof collapses at Dominican Republic nightclub
(ABC News; USA Today; CNN; CBS; NYT; Newsweek; Tuesday, April 8, 2025)
A devastating roof
collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, during
a concert by merengue singer Rubby Pérez has left at least 44 people dead and
160 injured. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities search the rubble for
survivors, while President Luis Abinader expressed deep sorrow and affirmed the
government’s full support. Among the victims was Montecristi Governor Nelsy
Milagros Cruz Martinez, sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz; an investigation
into the cause is underway, with officials noting that the club had previously
suffered fire damage in 2023.
Relatives and sports world mourn the death of Octavio Dotel after Jet Set tragedy
(LD; DL; SIN; Hoy; El Dia; El Nacional; CDN; Tuesday, April 8, 2025)
Former MLB pitcher Octavio
Dotel was confirmed dead after being trapped for hours under the rubble caused
by the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo. His passing has deeply
affected the Dominican sports community, with tributes pouring in from teams
like Leones del Escogido, LIDOM, and international media such as ESPN. Dotel,
an inductee into the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame, is being mourned by family,
friends, and fans at the Armed Forces General Hospital.
The U.S. Embassy issues a message of solidarity over the tragedy at nightclub
(D.L; El Caribe; SIN; NY Post; Tuesday, April 8, 2025)
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo expressed condolences and solidarity following the tragic collapse of the Jet Set nightclub, which occurred during a performance by Rubby Pérez and resulted in 44 confirmed deaths so far and over 160 injuries. Chargé d’Affaires Patricia Aguilera praised the relentless work of Dominican rescue teams and extended sympathies to the victims and their families. President Luis Abinader, along with First Lady Raquel Arbaje, visited the scene and assured that all necessary resources are being used in ongoing rescue efforts
Social Media Trends
- #LutoNacional, amidst anguish, despair, and
tears, rescue teams have recovered 44 bodies from the rubble following the
collapse of the Jet Set nightclub, which occurred in the early hours of
April 8. Around 160 people were injured, some critically, in this tragic
event that has shocked the nation. In solidarity with the victims and
their families, President Luis Abinader declared, through decree 194-25,
three days of official mourning from April 8 to 10, 2025.
- Following
the tragedy of the roof collapse at the JetSet nightclub in Santo Domingo,
the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo shared a message of
solidarity with the victims and
their families on its social media. In the comments, there is a prevailing
sentiment of support and gratitude towards the embassy's gesture. Some
comments question the difference in attention given to other tragedies in
the country, sparking a debate among those who feel that government
responses have been insufficient. Despite this minority of negative
comments, the majority of reactions express comfort, unity, and hope.
- The tragic accident of the roof collapse at the #JetSet nightclub, which has resulted in several deaths and victims, has generated a strong reaction on social media. Approximately 72.5 percent of comments express negative feelings, with 59.6 percent reflecting sadness, while only 1 percent show positive emotions and 26.7 percent neutral sentiments. Many people have expressed their anger and frustration over the lack of safety measures and regulations that may have contributed to the tragedy. In this context, there is a growing demand for a thorough investigation into the causes of the collapse and clear accountability for those responsible. On the other hand, despite the shock, the work of first responders and medical professionals attending to the victims has been recognized and appreciated. Source: Social listening by Hootsuite, 04/08/2025.
More about media outlets:
- Listín Diario: (LD): center-right, establishment, (circ. 112,600) http://www.listin.com.do
- Hoy: reputable, center-left (circ. 97,112), http://www.hoy.com.do/app/frontpage.aspx
- Diario Libre: (DL): free, credible, centrist (circ. 120,000), http://www.diariolibre.com/index.php?l=1
- El Caribe: pro-business, center-right (circ. 50,361), http://www.elcaribecdn.com
- El Día: free, center-left (circ. 160,000), http://www.eldia.com.do
- El Nacional: sensationalist, right-of-center, PM daily (circ. 22,000), http://www.elnacional.com.do
- La Información: conservative, northern regional (circ. 20,000-26,000) http://lainformacion.com.do
- El Nuevo Diario: self-described “nationalist”, (circ. 24,800) www.elnuevodiario.com.do
- SIN Ch 9: reputable, independent, investigative center-right http://www.noticiassin.com/
- CDN Ch 37: reputable, pro-business http://www.cdn.com.do
- RNN Ch 27/Telecentro Channel 13: reputable, conservative, pro-business http://www.telecentro.com.do
- Telesistema Ch 11: reputable, pro-business, popular http://www.telenoticias.com.do
- Color Visión Channel 9: conservative http://www.colorvision.com.do/
- Zol 106.5 FM: reputable, conservative, pro-business http://www.zolfm.com
- Zeta 101.3 FM: interactive, popular www.z101digital.com
- CDN 92.5 FM: conservative http://www.cdn.com.do
- Acento: center-left (digital) https://acento.com.do/
Independent Media:
- De Último Minuto: Provides national and international coverage on economy, entertainment, sports, technology, and opinion. Founded by Santiago Matías (Alofoke).
- Somos Pueblo Media: Covers politics, economy, corruption, environment, technology. Known for amplifying Dominican citizens' voices and public concerns.
- Almomento.net: A pluralistic media outlet that identifies itself as not responding to corporate or political interests. It seeks to inform Dominicans with its content.
- El Pregonero: Covers local and international news related to Dominicans abroad, politics, economy,technology, and justice.
- 7días.com.do: It identifies as independent, innovative, and impartial in news presentation and topic selection; part of the ACD Media group.
- Grupo de Medios Panorama (GMP): covers a wide range of topics. Has national reach and airs in several states in the United States.
Dominican Government Twitter Handles:
- Presidency of the DR
- Congress of the DR
- Ministry of Defense
- Ministry of the Interior and Police
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Judiciary
- DGM