Jarabacoa community leaders protest over communal building dispute

More than 40 neighborhood association presidents in Jarabacoa, La Vega, held a protest to demand the return of a community building located on Avenida General Norberto Riburcio. The protesters claim the property, which was constructed by the state during the administration of former President Hipólito Mejía, is being illegally occupied.

According to community representatives, the building was legally deeded to two organizations: the Junta de Vecinos de Rincón, INC. and the Junta de Desarrollo Comunitario de Jarabacoa, INC., with each entity holding a 50% ownership stake. However, demonstrators allege that Rina Shon, the daughter of a former leader of one of the organizations, has taken exclusive control of the entire facility, preventing the other entity from using its designated space.

Raúl Canela, president of the Association of Neighborhood Associations of Jarabacoa, has called for an official investigation to ensure the building serves its original community purpose. Milagros, president of the Junta de Vecinos de Rincón, also requested state intervention to clarify the ownership status and guarantee the rights of both community organizations.