Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has announced more than 30 leadership changes across government ministries, public institutions, and security forces in Santo Domingo.
The sweeping executive modifications come two years before Abinader finishes his second and final presidential term in office. The presidential decrees alter top leadership positions in the foreign ministry, housing ministry, port authority, transit administration, and multiple military branches.
Among the security moves, the appointment of a new police chief stood out as the most unexpected transition. Under Decree 558-26, Abinader promoted General Ernesto Rafael Rodriguez Garcia to the rank of major general and designated him as general director of the National Police.
Rodriguez Garcia replaces Major General Andres Modesto Cruz Cruz, who leaves the post six months after taking charge. Cruz Cruz recorded the shortest tenure as head of the police force in the past 30 years. President Abinader stated on social media that he issued Decree 558-26 to promote Rodriguez Garcia to major general and place him at the head of the National Police.
Foreign Affairs and Housing Ministries
In cabinet modifications, Victor "Ito" Bisono was designated as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He replaces Roberto Alvarez, who presented his resignation from the position.
Jean Luis Rodriguez was appointed Minister of Housing, Habitat and Edifications, taking over the cabinet seat previously occupied by Bisono.
Alejandro Campos will take over as executive director of the Dominican Port Authority, filling the vacancy left by Jean Luis Rodriguez. Julia Luz Marina Muniz Subervi was appointed president of the Board of Directors of the Dominican Port Authority.
Transit, Aviation, and Consular Posts
Juan Manuel Mendez Garcia was appointed executive director of the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation. He succeeds Milton Morrison, who submitted his resignation from the agency.
Carlos Manuel Paulino Cardenas will serve as executive director of Civil Defense, replacing Juan Salas Rosario, who also resigned.
Julio de Jesus Pena Guzman was named president of the Civil Aviation Board, succeeding Hector Elie Porcella Dumas. Porcella Dumas was appointed advisor to the Executive Power on civil aviation matters and will remain a member of the aviation board.
Kenia Xiomara Guante Valdez was appointed director of the National Institute for Comprehensive Early Childhood Care. Jose Benedicto Hernandez Tejada was designated executive director of the National Migration Institute.
In diplomatic appointments, Josefa Aquilina Castillo Rodriguez was named consul general of the Dominican Republic in Miami, Florida. Elias de Jesus Brache Rivas was designated consul general in Los Angeles, California.
Agriculture, Energy, and Regional Boards
Mariana Tavarez de Santos was appointed director of Dominican Agricultural Supply Markets. Jose Dolores Andujar Ramirez was named director of the Provincial Development Directorate.
Nidio Encarnacion Santiago was designated executive director of the Technical Executive Unit for Agroforestry Development Projects. Merido de Jesus Torres Espinal was named executive director of the Airport Department.
Joel Adrian Santos Echavarria assumes the position of president of the Unified Council of Electricity Distribution Companies, replacing Celso Marranzini.
In regional infrastructure appointments in Santiago, Cesar Andres Pichardo Fermin was named president of the Board of Directors of the Santiago Aqueduct and Sewerage Corporation. Bernardo Antonio Inoa Pichardo was appointed as a member of the board.
Military Command and Security Forces
President Abinader also carried out extensive reorganizations within the military hierarchy. Jimmy Arias Grullon was designated general commander of the Army, replacing Major General Jorge Ivan Camino Perez.
Camino Perez was appointed Inspector General of the Armed Forces, filling the position previously held by Major General Delio Buenaventura Colon Rosario. Colon Rosario was designated Vice Minister of Defense for Military Affairs.
General Enmanuel Marcelino Souffront Tamayo was promoted to the rank of major general and designated general commander of the Dominican Republic Air Force.
Pilot General Manuel Jose Brito Estepan was appointed deputy general commander of the Air Force. Paratrooper Colonel Dionisio de la Rosa Hernandez was promoted to paratrooper brigadier general and designated inspector general of the Air Force.
Presidential Security Corps and Army Ranks
Brigadier General Guillermo Caro Cruz was promoted to major general and named head of the Presidential Security Corps, succeeding Brigadier General Rafael Raimundo Ramirez Tejeda. Ramirez Tejeda was reassigned to command the Presidential Guard Regiment.
Lieutenant Colonel Enmanuel Almonte Polanco was promoted to colonel and named deputy head of the Presidential Security Corps. Major General Celin Rubio Terrero was designated military advisor to the president, replacing Major General Rafael Antonio Carrasco Paulino.
Further army appointments include Brigadier General Jose Manuel Duran Infante as deputy general commander of the Army, and Brigadier General Raul Esteban Mora Hernandez as inspector general of the Army.
The wave of official appointments began to emerge on Sunday afternoon following decisions finalized over the weekend. The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern portion of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.
