Tourism enclave becomes first province to rid itself of the Army

LA ROMANA.- Without any bases, posts or garrisons, La Romana an icon tourism enclave, on Tuesday became Dominican Republic’s first province to rid itself of the Army, the governor Juan Jose Santana announced Wednesday.

He said the eastern region city and towns will be without the services of Dominican Army troops, after they were ordered to report to commanders at adjacent San Pedro province.

Santana said San Pedro commander, colonel Victor Mercedes called to inform that all military serving in banks, government and other agencies, must report to San Pedro.

The official’s announcement comes two days after the building of the St. Rose of Lima, overlooking the cruise ship port, was turned over to the Ministry of Culture, and whose inmates were transferred to a new correctional facility north of the city.

The Army’s presence in La Romana dates back to 1910, when a garrison was established to manage the regional prison.