Abinader accepts William Paterson University’s Presidential Meda

New Jersey.- President Luis Abinader received the Presidential Medal, the highest distinction awarded by William Paterson University, during a ceremony in New Jersey attended by First Lady Raquel Arbaje.

The university’s president, Dr. Richard J. Helldobler, said the recognition honors Abinader’s leadership and commitment to Dominicans in the country and abroad, including those with dual citizenship.

Helldobler highlighted the Dominican government’s efforts in areas including institutional transparency, citizen security, energy transition, digital transformation, urban mobility, access to drinking water, the electrical grid and environmental protection. He also pointed to the Dominican Republic’s progress in attracting foreign investment, increasing women’s participation in the labor market and recovering economically after the pandemic.

William Paterson University also emphasized its longstanding relationship with the Dominican community in New Jersey and other Dominican institutions and leaders.

After receiving the medal, Abinader said he accepts the distinction as a commitment to continue working under the principles of efficiency, honesty and transparency.

Abinader highlights democracy and political alternation

During his remarks, Abinader described democracy as his administration’s greatest legacy and emphasized the importance of limiting presidential reelection.

He said that although his 2024 reelection and congressional majority could have allowed constitutional changes to facilitate additional reelection, his administration instead supported changes intended to make such modifications for reelection more difficult.

The president stressed that alternation of power is fundamental to democracy and reiterated that he will leave government when his current term ends in 2028.

Abinader also highlighted the Dominican Republic’s expected United Nations Zero Hunger certification on October 12, describing it as another important achievement for the country.

The president expressed pride in the Dominican community in New Jersey and elsewhere, urging Dominicans abroad to represent their country positively through their actions.