Community and business leaders call for improved safety in Puerto Plata

Santo Domingo.- During the sixth “Let’s Talk About Coexistence and Security” event, community leaders and business representatives in Puerto Plata emphasized the need for concrete actions to enhance both citizen and tourist safety in the province. The event, organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Police, focused on collaborative efforts to create a safer and more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.

Key concerns included the unregulated presence of vendors in tourist areas like Playa Dorada, raised by hotelier Jhonny Cruz Hidalgo, and the misuse of motorcycle taxi vests by criminals, as pointed out by Mileica Brugal from the Chamber of Commerce. Brugal also highlighted the rise in traffic accidents on weekends due to alcohol consumption.

Minister Faride Raful addressed the issue virtually, acknowledging Puerto Plata’s relatively low social conflict rate but emphasizing the need for stronger preventative measures. She mentioned the implementation of heat maps and enhanced police operations to improve crime monitoring and efficiency. Deputy Minister Antonio Palma stressed the link between social coexistence and tourism, urging all sectors to contribute to a safer environment. In response, General Juan Guzmán Badía announced the addition of 100 new officers to the province, part of the ongoing police transformation efforts aimed at boosting security and public trust.