Dominican President Sends a Message of Peace and Prosperity To The Dominican Family

President of the Republic, Leonel Fernández, sent a Christmas holiday message of peace, harmony and prosperity to the Dominican people. In his message, the president expressed his wish “that every Dominican, man woman and child in this country continue to realize their dreams and aspirations,” according to a communiqué released by the President’s Office of Information, Press and Publicity.

Fernández reminded people that “next year is an election year in the Dominican Republic and the Dominican people will be going to the urns to vote; the participation of our people in the electoral process will continue to be a way to reinforce and consolidate the democratic state in which we live in this country,” according to the same government sources.
President Fernández gave these declarations after the lighting of the Christmas Tree on the esplanade in front of the National Palace, marking the official beginning of the Christmas holidays.

The Children’s Orchestra, directed by Darwin Aquino, played various Christmas carols such as Silent Night, Silver Bells and Hallelujah. Tenor Otilio Castro and Soprano Antonia Chabebe also participated in the musical presentation.

Accompanying the President
Accompanying President Fernández was First Lady, Margarita Cedeño, and their daughter, Yolanda América as well as Vice-President Rafael Alburquerque and his wife. Presidential Administrative Secretary, Luis Manuel Bonetti, and Secretary of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant Ramón Aquino García, among other functionaries, were also present.
After the artistic presentation, President Fernández walked around the Nativity Scene with Baby Jesus and the Christmas Tree in front of the National Palace. He then posed for photos with various people.

Two of the children, Ramses Cid and Estefani Vásquez, presented President Fernández with a plaque in appreciation of his support in launching the Children’s and Adolescent Symphony Orchestras. José Fernando Bonetti and Rosalía Carbonell handed the president the switch to light up the Christmas Tree in front of the National Palace.