Dominican Republic: Teacher protests nationwide February 22 /update 1

Event

Teachers will hold demonstrations throughout the country on Thursday, February 22. Protests are expected in the capital cities of at least 14 provinces: Santiago, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Duarte, Puerto Plata, Santiago Rodríguez, Espaillat, María Trinidad Sánchez, Hermanas Mirabal, Montecristi, Valverde, Dajabón, Samaná, and Sánchez Ramírez. The demonstrations will be held in front of the provincial governor buildings. In the national capital Santo Domingo teachers will gather in the central Independencia Park. Associated school closures are likely.

This day of protests comes a week after a teacher strike in Santo Domingo on February 15-16. Another protest has been called for to take place on April 13 in front of the Ministry of Education in the capital.

Context

The protests and strikes have been spearheaded by the Dominican Association of Professors (Asociación Dominicana de Profesores; ADP) over various issues.

Advice

Individuals in the Dominican Republic are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.