Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to Jamaica Angie Martinez has made an indelible mark during her tenure. Earlier this week, her wish that visa restrictions for visitors from her country to Jamaica be lifted was granted by the Jamaican Government, a major accomplishment for her as ambassador. 

Last week, she held a gala reception at her official residence to celebrate the 181st anniversary of the Independence of the Dominican Republic.

Below are her remarks: 

Welcome to the gala reception celebrating the 181st anniversary of the Independence of the Dominican Republic.

And yes, my friends, I am still here in Jamaica!

I know that many of you expected that I would have already transitioned to my next post. Some of you even called my assistant, La-Shawn McKay, thinking there was a mistake on the invitation because my name was still on it.

But no, there was no mistake!

I am still here, still in this beautiful country, still sharing moments with so many of you who have become more than friends—you have become family.

Yes, at this moment, I thought I would be in South Korea, starting a new and exciting chapter in my life and in my family. But we make plans, and only God knows. He wanted me to be here tonight, in this very moment, in this very place, with all of you.

And what a privilege it is to be here for six more months!

Tonight, I stand before you not only as the ambassador of the Dominican Republic but as someone who has been embraced by this land, by its people, by its energy.

So tonight, I am deeply honored to have this opportunity, one last time in the capacity of ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Jamaica, to commemorate the 181st anniversary of the Independence of the Dominican Republic—a day that is woven into the fabric of our national identity. 

It is a day that reminds us of the resilience, courage, and unwavering determination of our ancestors, who fought tirelessly for a free and sovereign Dominican Republic.

But independence is more than a historical milestone. It is a living legacy—one that speaks of sacrifice, bravery, and an unbreakable spirit. 

The struggles of 1844 paved the way for the generations that followed, and today, that same indomitable will continues to drive our progress as a nation.

Here in Jamaica, this celebration takes on an even deeper meaning. 

Our two countries share a bond that extends far beyond geography. 

The Dominican Republic and Jamaica are not just neighbors in the Caribbean: We are partners, allies, and above all, brothers and sisters because we are family.

And what a beautiful coincidence that on this very day, February 28, as we gather to celebrate Dominican Independence, we also celebrate Jamaican Day—a day dedicated to recognising and honoring the rich history, culture, and resilience of this extraordinary nation.

Year after year, our national day falls within Jamaica’s Heritage Week, and each time, this alignment feels more like destiny than coincidence.

It is a powerful reminder that our histories are intertwined, our struggles for sovereignty mirror each other, and our futures are bound by a shared commitment to progress, unity, and regional development.

So tonight, we celebrate two nations, two flags, two proud peoples—each with its own identity, yet forever connected.

Over the past four years, the relationship between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica has flourished like never before. We have strengthened our political ties, expanded and consolidated our bilateral agenda, and enhanced cooperation in multiple strategic areas.

Under the leadership of Luis Abinader, president of the Dominican Republic, and Roberto Álvarez, minister of foreign affairs, we have embarked on a new era of cooperation—one built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a steadfast commitment to regional progress.

There have been many milestones, tonight is also about celebrating our achievements together. 

I must highlight just a few of the most impactful moments of the past four years:

One of the first major achievements of our administration was the creation of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic in less than three months after assuming my role as Ambassador. This strong, successful, and active chamber has been a key driver in strengthening economic ties, providing an organized platform for the private sector to flourish, and fostering new trade and investment opportunities.

Additionally, we prioritised the establishment of direct connectivity between our nations, both maritime and air, recognising that this was a fundamental requirement for the expansion of trade and investment.

Before our administration, maritime transport between our countries took 18 to 21 days, making trade inefficient and unattractive. From the very beginning, we took on the task of creating the necessary conditions for maritime connectivity, reducing the shipping time to just two to three days, door to door. This transformation has significantly boosted commercial exchange and strengthened economic cooperation between our nations.

Equally, the launch of direct flights between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica has been one of the most transformative milestones in the 60 years of diplomatic relations between our countries. Thanks to Dominican Airline Arajet, we have moved from traveling 11 to 14 hours with layovers to just one hour and ten minutes of direct flight. 

This achievement has not only facilitated greater trade efficiency but has also fostered stronger business ties and personal connections between our people, creating a more dynamic and integrated Caribbean region.

In just four years, we have signed key agreements across multiple sectors, reinforcing the foundations for long-term cooperation and opening new opportunities for growth and development in both our nations. These include:

• Security and defense

• Education and technical vocational training

• Port and airport cooperation

• Energy collaboration

• Trade promotion and mutual investment agreements

• Agreements between the private sectors of both countries.

Our heads of government, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and President Luis Abinader, held a pivotal bilateral meeting in June 2023 in Brussels, Belgium, during the EU-CELAC Summit. During this meeting, they addressed key aspects of the bilateral agenda and laid the groundwork for deeper diplomatic and economic cooperation between our nations.

This new era of collaboration was further solidified by the official visit of Senator Kamina Johnson Smith to the Dominican Republic in November 2023, a milestone in our diplomatic relations. During this visit, we convened the first-ever Political Consultation Mechanism, led by Foreign Ministers Senator Kamina Johnson Smith and Roberto Álvarez. This high-level dialogue established a structured framework to enhance bilateral discussions and strengthen political engagement at the ministerial level. The consultations resulted in the signing of key agreements that are already fostering greater cooperation in trade, security, and education.

• The historic visit of Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman, chief of staff of the Jamaica Defence Force, resulted in landmark memoranda of understanding, strengthening aeronautical and maritime search and rescue operations, as well as our shared fight against organised crime.

• Economic collaboration has been a priority, facilitating around fifty commercial, trade, cooperation, and investment missions between our two countries.

• Our ‘Dominican Week in Jamaica’ has engaged over 3,000 participants, 200 companies, and 300 business-to-business meetings, every year, unlocking new commercial opportunities.

And let’s talk about trade! 

Trade between our nations has soared to US$134 million. The Dominican Republic has doubled its exports to Jamaica, while Jamaica has tripled its exports to the Dominican Republic.

• Investments in both territories have expanded. Dominican investments in Jamaica included:

• The launch of Bella Castle International, dealers of the Chinese brand Changan.

• The opening of OFIT, a leading cultural exchange company creating adventure, work, and fun experiences for over 15 years.

• The soft launch of the Montego Bay showroom and service centre for Magna Motors Hyundai Jamaica.

• None of this progress would have been possible without the strategic partnership of Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith and the Honourable Aubyn Hill, whose visit to the Dominican Republic, alongside Jampro and a delegation of 30 Jamaican companies, laid the foundation for expanded economic engagement.

• The visit of Minister Daryl Vaz, in his capacity as minister of transport, saw the signing of the long-awaited Air Services Agreement between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

• That same visit led to a landmark energy agreement signed between Metry Seaga, chairman of PetroJam, and the Dominican Petroleum Refinery (Refidomsa), strengthening energy cooperation.

Beyond trade, our commitment to education, cultural exchange, and community development remains unwavering.

Our Dominican Republic School Adoption Programme reinforces our commitment to education and community development.

And finally, the project I am most proud of is the “United by Music” project, which brought together Dominican and Jamaican artists, proving that music is the universal language and its the most powerful and ultimate bridge between cultures.

I have always said that we have been incredibly successful in deepening our political and commercial ties. However, if there is one thing that will ensure the sustainability of everything we have achieved, it is the people-to-people connection—strengthening the bonds between Dominicans and Jamaicans, fostering mutual love and appreciation.

This is exactly what we are accomplished through United by Music, a heartfelt and inspiring project that has brought together seven Dominican and seven Jamaican artists. Among them is our dear and renowned Shaggy, who will record a merengue—yes, you heard that right, a Dominican merengue with Jamaican fusion—alongside our legendary merenguero Toño Rosario and other outstanding artists who are part of this extraordinary initiative.

The Jamaican lineup includes Shaggy, Jesse Royal, Cutty Ranks, Annaleax, Conkarah, Don Pree, and the renowned music producer TroubleMakke.

From the Dominican Republic, leading the musical production of this project, we have the multi-award-winning producer Mafio, along with artists such as Toño Rosario, Vakero, Mozart La Para, Melymel, Sherny 911, Rosaly Rubio, and Musicólogo.

Together, they have created over 16 original songs, filmed four impactful music videos in both Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, and produced a stunning 18-minute short film documenting the entire creative process. This remarkable documentary was directed by the acclaimed Dominican filmmaker Iván Herrera, capturing the essence of this cultural and musical exchange.

These initiatives are not just projects; they are the essence of what binds us as nation, investing in our youth, fostering talent, and ensuring that future generations continue to build upon the bridges we have created today.

I must express my heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors: Banreservas, JMMB, Hyundai Magna Motors, Codelpa, Fersan, Domicem, Arajet, Campari, Select Brands, the amazing Dominican Rum Oliver & Oliver; and the Cigars of Don Rogelio. Your generous support has made this evening possible.

But also thanks to our strategic allies: IMCA, Megamart, Pepsi, Red Stripe, Sygnus, Pan Jamaica Group, Jamaica Teas, our delicious Dominican ice cream Helados Bon, Grupo Bocel with its Avivas and Princesa cookies, Gran Parador Bellamar, Dulcería Doña Edelmira and Intabaco. 

A special thanks to Mrs. Ysis Cruz Valdez and Ana Olivero of The Perfect Host, whose impeccable work has created the breathtaking ambiance we are enjoying tonight.

And of course, we cannot celebrate without food! I must recognize noted Dominican Chef Erika Infante, who has traveled from the Dominican Republic to delight us with a delicious menu that includes our well-known street food chimi, Dominican-style stewed goat, moro de guandules, chicken and cheese cativías,

cassava montaditos with queso de hoja and confit tomatoes, crispy tostones with roasted meat and cilantro aioli, dominican pizza empanada, mofongo balls with cilantro; a selection of emblematic Dominican desserts such as majarete, tender coconut, candied fruits in syrup, curdled milk, and bread pudding with guava jam.

And, of course, thanks, as always, to my superwoman, Nana, for preparing our traditional roasted pig, delicious salads, and adding some Dominican-style stewed chicken.

Tonight, it’s an authentic taste of the Dominican Republic, right here in Kingston!

I want to thank my neighbors along Norbury Drive and Norbrook Road, who, for four years, have put up with us hosting events like these.

Thanks to my good friend the Commissioner of Police, who ensures that our events have the security and organization they require.

I would like you to allow me to say a few words in Spanish because I have the immense pleasure of having tonight my Dominican community here with us, celebrating our National Independence Day.

Dominicanos! !Dominicanas! ¿Dónde están los dominicanos? Quiénes están orgullosos de ser dominicanos?! Dominicanos orgullosos, levanten la mano! Dominicanos orgullosos, levanten la mano!

Qué alegría poder compartir esta fecha tan especial con nuestra comunidad dominicana residente en Jamaica! Con los dominicanos que viven en Kingston, en Montego Bay, en Lilliput, entre otras áreas.

Dónde están los dominicanos de Lilliput? Vamos, levanten la mano! 

Dominicanas y dominicanos, ser dominicano no se lleva solo en el pasaporte, se lleva en el corazón. Porque no importa dónde estemos, nuestra alma siempre late al ritmo de la patria.

Porque donde haya un dominicano, ahí estará siempre viva la República Dominicana. 

Permítanme confesarles lo emocionada y feliz que estoy al ver esta gran cantidad de dominicanos reunidos hoy aquí en su casa, la Residencia Oficial de la República Dominicana. Sé que muchos de ustedes han viajado desde muy lejos, desde Montego Bay o incluso desde Negril, para venir a celebrar la fiesta más importante del calendario dominicano: nuestra Independencia Nacional.

Hoy celebramos la fecha en la que nos hicimos libres y soberanos, gracias al valor y coraje de nuestros tres Padres de la Patria: Duarte, Sánchez y Mella, así como de miles de hombres y mujeres que, con determinación y valentía, forjaron nuestra nación con su sudor y sangre.

Ya que los tengo aquí reunidos quiero aprovechar para decirles que todo cuanto hacemos en la embajada, lo hacemos con profundo amor a nuestro país, primero para impulsar las relaciones bilaterales con Jamaica a niveles nunca visto, y segundo, y lo más importante, para que ustedes se sientan inmensamente orgullosos de su representación diplomática en Jamaica. 

Nosotros también estamos muy orgullosos de ustedes. Porque cada día se levantan para trabajar con dignidad, aportando a este país que los ha acogido y poniendo la bandera dominicana muy en alto.  

Gracias por acompañarnos!

Hoy vamos a celebrar juntos. Hoy es nuestro gran día. 

I cannot end without expressing my deepest gratitude to my extraordinary team at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica.

A team that works tirelessly, without watching the clock, that has given body and soul to strengthening relations between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, and to raising our flag high.

Thank you to all who have been with me on this journey:

Miguel Balaguer, my deputy chief of mission, for his professionalism and strong sense of responsibility.

Daniel Beltré, because if we are so proud of everything we have accomplished in the commercial and economic sectors, he is the responsible of that area at the embassy and his commitment and involvement have been instrumental in driving these achievements forward. Daniel Beltré deserves a strong round of applause for his tireless dedication to the organisation of this event. 

Julio Rodríguez, who just arrived less than two months ago from Belgium, and who, since taking on his role, has demonstrated responsibility and commitment in every one of his tasks.

Aurora Navarro, who is no longer with us but left a beautiful mark on our Embassy.

Hamlet, who was with us for less than a year but contributed with his experience and commitment.

And all the local staff who have been part of the Embassy and have contributed to the achievements we have reached.

Jeannette, Lisbeth, May, thanks all for your great dedication.

For me, this mission has been an honor, a privilege, an immense source of pride and an unforgettable journey.

I feel incredibly blessed to have been the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica.

Thank you, Jamaica, for your warmth and your friendship.

Thank you for making me feel at home, for embracing me as one of your own.

Thank you, Jamaica, for allowing me to be a part of your story.

Tonight is a celebration of independence, but also of unity. A celebration of everything we have achieved together and everything we will continue to build as partners, as friends, as family.