NYC Gazette

NEW YORK, NY –  On May 1, 2023, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will reintroduce his bill urging the creation of a commission to study interventions and occupations of the United States and develop proposals for the repair and reconciliation to the people of the Dominican Republic as these misguided interventions led to generations of turmoil and civil conflict.

“The United States established diplomatic relations with the Dominican Republic in 1884 following forty years of its independence. Ever since, the country has witnessed periods of dictatorship, austerity, interventions, and political insurrection along with an increasing national debt that led to two occupations by the United States in the Dominican Republic. We cannot change history, but we can ensure such atrocities are never again committed in our future. As the first Dominican American to serve in the United States House of Representatives, I have made it my mission to help strengthen relations between the United States and the Dominican Republic, while ensuring the rights and voices of the citizens of both lands are counted and heard.

”Espaillat’s Commission to Study and Develop a Formal Apology, Repair and Reconciliation Proposals for Dominican Republic will:

1. Examine facts relating to the United States interest to incorporate the Dominican Republic as United States territory in 1869 with the “Annexation for Santo Domingo” Treaty.

2. Examine United States military occupations in the Dominican Republic between 1916–1924.

3. Examine United States military interventions in the Dominican Republic between 1965–1966.

4. Compile and document an accurate number of casualties, including deaths and injuries during all United States occupations and interventions in the Dominican Republic.

5. Document the cost of damage or destruction of private property during all United States occupations and interventions in the Dominican Republic.

6. Recommend programs to build public awareness.

7. Document the impact of the occupations and interventions in the Dominican Republic’s economy and democracy.

8. Recommend programs to build public awareness.

9. Recommending appropriate remedies in consideration of the Commission’s findings to help further U.S. relations throughout the Dominican Republic.

Original source can be found here.