Chú Vásquez and 30 Outstanding Students from NY Participate in “Deputies for a Day” in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, DR:  Thirty outstanding Dominican students residing in New York took part on Friday, August 8, in an educational session at the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Republic, as part of the “Deputies for a Day” program.

The young participants arrived in the country accompanied by Consul General Jesús “Chú” Vásquez Martínez, as part of the “Origins of Excellence” program, which is included in the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan launched by the diplomat in June of this year.

The students were selected by education authorities in the State of New York for their high academic performance, exemplary conduct, and community engagement. During their visit, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Alfredo Pacheco, welcomed them, highlighting that “this institution is the heart of Dominican democracy” and that the experience aims to plant in them “the seed of leadership and future representation.”

Consul Vásquez emphasized the importance of diaspora youth becoming familiar with the country’s institutions. “We could not come to the Dominican Republic without visiting the National Congress, the first branch of government, where I had the privilege of serving for 16 years. We are bringing to this house of democracy young people who represent the best of our community in New York, to instill in them pride and the hope that they will be the future ambassadors of our country abroad.”

The delegation also included Guillermo Linares, President of the New York State Higher Education Commission; Elisa Álvarez, Associate Commissioner of Education; overseas deputies Cirilo Moronta and Kenia Bidó; and Deputy Stalin Vásquez, representative of María Trinidad Sánchez.

During their tour of the National Congress, the students visited the esplanade, the National Assembly Hall, and the Chamber floor.

The 2025–2028 Strategic Plan

The proposal of the Dominican Consulate in New York is structured around five key pillars: Institutional Consolidation, restoring trust in the entity; Management Improvement, optimizing services through technology and ongoing evaluation; Empowerment and Engagement with the Diaspora, educational programs, technical training and scholarships; Promotion and Commercial Cooperation, boosting exports and bilateral relations; Foreign Relations as State Policy, attracting investment, tourism and generating jobs. The plan includes the Rafael Lantigua Award and the “Origins of Excellence” Program for Recognizing Outstanding Students and has the official backing of the Dominican Senate.