Sound start of vaccinations points to light at the end of the tunnel

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Report 08 Mar 2021 by Magdalena Lizardo

A series of important events in February gives us indications of what to expect in the near future.

First, the vaccination process began on February 16th, and as of March 4th, 304,490 people, or 3.9% of the target population of 7.8 million, had been vaccinated. The goal is to vaccinate at least 40,000 people a day, and in recent days it has been possible to exceed that goal: by March 4th, 72,680 people a day were being vaccinated.

Second, the Electricity Pact was finally signed by the political parties (PRM, PLD, PRD, FP and PRSC), and by representatives of the business and labor sectors, as well as by part of the social sector that makes up the Economic and Social Council. However, another part of the social sector did not sign the pact, and has filed an appeal before the Superior Administrative Court, alleging that the pact lacks legality.

Third, in an annual accountability speech marked by optimism, President Luis Abinader on February 27th announced the actions he intends to take to boost economic recovery, and to thereby return the economy to a high-growth path. While the speech was well valued, the persistent question is how all of these promises would be financed.

Fourth, after being questioned about the tender for syringes for COVID-19 vaccinations, Minister of Public Health Dr. Plutarco Arias was dismissed. This is the second minister dismissed after public questioning over possible non-transparent practices. At the same time, in an action considered abusive by some sectors of society, the Public Ministry raided the offices of the Chamber of Accounts, seeking evidence that the Chamber had obstructed the action of justice against acts of corruption in the former Danilo Medina administration. Abinader said in his speech that impunity in the Dominican Republic had come to an end.

Finally, in the economy, inflationary pressures persist, and there is still no information available on economic activity trends during the first months of 2021. However, both the external sector and tax collections are performing well.

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