Earlier this month the Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to Jamaica Angie Martinez hosted a glamorous reception at her residence in St Andrew to celebrate the 178th anniversary of her country’s independence.

Speaking at the event, Martinez said: “Today we celebrate the heroic Dominicans, who have defended and continue to courageously defend their status as a sovereign, free and independent people throughout our history and have been characterised by their tireless struggle for freedom.

“However the fight for freedom does not stop, it evolves and transforms. Today we have new challenges. We are no longer shackled by chains, but by poverty, injustice, inequality and lack of opportunity.”

Our Today brings you these pictures from the Dominican Republic celebrations.