La Romana and La Altagracia clash over Bayahíbe tourism district

Santo Domingo.- A proposed law has reignited a decades-long territorial dispute between La Romana and La Altagracia over the Bayahíbe district, which has transformed from a small fishing village into a major tourist hub. The proposal, submitted by La Romana deputy Wandy Batista, seeks to transfer Bayahíbe and surrounding areas—including Padre Nuestro, El Valle, La Orquesta, El Valle Francés, and Dominicus—back to La Romana, citing historical, social, and economic ties since the town’s founding in 1874.

The controversy dates back to 1961, when Law 5597 created La Altagracia province, taking 87% of La Romana’s original territory, leaving it among the smallest provinces in the country. Batista argues that Bayahíbe residents maintain strong connections to La Romana, including schooling, labor, and tourism clusters, and that traveling 40 km to Higüey for administrative matters is burdensome. He claims that returning Bayahíbe would benefit local residents and better align governance with historical ties.

Opposition comes from La Altagracia legislators and officials, who insist that Bayahíbe’s identity, tourism development, and economic contributions are deeply linked to La Altagracia. The Higüey Council of Aldermen declared Batista “persona non grata,” while Senator Rafael Barón Duluc called the initiative a “mistake” that would create unnecessary conflict. Critics warn that shifting jurisdiction would negatively impact municipal revenues from tourism and real estate investments.

Bayahíbe remains a thriving area, with over 5,800 hotel rooms generating 43,000 jobs, basic services, and a strong tourism economy, including 1.5 million visitors in 2024. While some residents support the move to La Romana, others prefer to maintain the current status, citing the need for local development, such as improved health and shopping infrastructure. The debate continues as the bill moves through legislative channels, with lawmakers from both provinces preparing to weigh in.