Court authorizes enforcement of U.S. ruling requiring JCE to pay over US$906,000

Santo Domingo.- The Third Chamber of the Civil and Commercial Court of First Instance of the National District has authorized the enforcement in the Dominican Republic of a U.S. court judgment ordering the Central Electoral Board (JCE) to pay more than US$906,000 to Latin Events, LLC for unpaid logistical services.

The decision recognizes a ruling issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, which awarded the company US$838,337.50 for services provided, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, bringing the total to more than US$906,000. The Dominican court determined that the foreign judgment met all legal requirements for recognition and enforcement under Dominican law.

According to court documents, Latin Events was hired by the JCE in August 2023 to provide logistical services for institutional activities abroad. The company alleged it fulfilled its contractual obligations but was never paid, prompting it to file suit in the United States.

The Dominican court found that the U.S. judgment was final, properly apostilled and translated, and did not violate Dominican public policy. It also noted that the JCE had been notified of the U.S. proceedings at its New York office but did not appear to defend the case.

Following the ruling, attorney Julio Cury, representing Latin Events, said the decision confirms that Dominican public institutions remain accountable for contractual obligations entered into abroad. He warned that if the JCE fails to comply, the company could seek enforcement through asset seizures and additional legal action for damages.