Brooklyn declares September 24 Dominican Pride Day during Abinader’s visit

Brooklyn, New York.- President Luis Abinader met Thursday with representatives of the Dominican community in Brooklyn, where Borough President Antonio Reynoso officially declared September 24, 2026, Dominican Pride Day in recognition of the diaspora’s contributions to the borough and to commemorate Abinader’s visit.

Abinader expressed pride in the achievements of Dominicans in Brooklyn and thanked the diaspora for supporting the Dominican Republic through remittances, investments and assistance to their families.

The president highlighted efforts to expand consular services and digitize government procedures for Dominicans abroad, while emphasizing that the greatest benefit for the diaspora would be continued progress in the Dominican Republic.

He cited improvements in infrastructure, tourism, energy and poverty reduction, noting that the poverty rate fell from 25.9% in 2019 to 14.8% during the first half of 2026. He also pointed to mass transit projects, the development of Pedernales and industrial initiatives in Manzanillo.

On security, Abinader said the government continues working to reduce homicides and advance National Police reform, while also acknowledging emerging challenges, including the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

Reynoso, the first Dominican and first Latino to serve as Brooklyn borough president, highlighted the community’s economic, social and cultural contributions. He said Brooklyn is home to more than 100,000 Dominicans and expressed hope that Abinader’s visit would strengthen ties between the borough and the Dominican Republic and create new opportunities for the diaspora.

During the event, Reynoso received an award recognizing his public service and Dominican heritage.

Meanwhile, Dominican Consul General in New York Jesús Vásquez Martínez announced that the Dominican Consulate in Brooklyn is now permanently established and authorized by the U.S. Department of State. He also said the Central Electoral Board will begin operating there to provide voter registration and other services.

The ceremony also included remarks from Reverend Father Jeremías Castillo, who praised Abinader’s recent call for a national day of prayer and emphasized its connection to the Dominican Republic’s religious and historical traditions.