Local July 18, 2024 - 11:10 am
Pedro Álvarez Pastor receives privileged Dominican nationality
Santo Domingo.- Pedro Álvarez Pastor, a Theology and Philosophy graduate born on February 23, 1941, in Segovia, Spain, was granted Dominican nationality through privileged naturalization in a ceremony at the National Palace this Tuesday. President Luis Abinader presided over the event, joined by Juan Bolívar Díaz, Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and advocate of this initiative.
President Abinader lauded Álvarez as “a friend of the Dominican Republic,” highlighting his longstanding ties and contributions to the country. Álvarez previously served as the director of Caritas International for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean, focusing on cooperation and development projects across Latin America.
Married to Dominican doctor Bernarda Jiménez since 1980, they have been pivotal supporters of Dominican political leaders in Spain and co-founded the Volunteering of Dominican Mothers in Spain (VOMADE) in 1987. This organization aids Dominican women immigrating to Spain for domestic and tourist services, facilitating the regularization of over 40 thousand immigrants.
Álvarez’s significant impact also includes his tenure from 2002 to 2012 as director of the radio program “Vereda Tropical,” broadcasted in Spain and the Dominican Republic via Catholic radio stations. The program guided Dominicans on legal residency, employment, and integration issues in Spain.
The decree conferring Dominican nationality, Decree number 665-23 dated December 29, 2023, formalizes this recognition of Pedro Álvarez Pastor’s contributions.