Dominican Republic agricultural professionals march on National Palace demanding pensions and wage hikes

On Friday, 24 July, the National Association of Agricultural Professionals (ANPA) organized a peaceful march to the Palacio Nacional in Santo Domingo. Led by ANPA president Tito Hernández, the demonstrators carried a human chain, sounded trumpets and were escorted by police while demanding a pension for 1,435 agro‑professionals, a salary increase for technical staff and the appointment of 500 new specialists in the sector.

Hernández recalled a meeting with President Luis Abinader on 22 April, when the president promised a response within three weeks. More than nine weeks have passed without an answer, prompting ANPA to resume its protest – a month after a similar rally on 24 June – and to remain in a peaceful vigil before the palace until the government addresses their demands, which they argue are essential for food security and the welfare of the country's agricultural workforce.