Within the framework of the event, which celebrated Thanksgiving Day, the institution's former presidents, Eduardo Fernández and Alfonso Paniagua, and Ambassador Brewster himself, who spoke on democracy, were recognized.
Santo Domingo, James W. Brewster, United States Ambassador to the country, was the guest speaker at the Thanksgiving luncheon of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR), held at the Embajador Hotel with government officials, business leaders, and AMCHAMDR partners and associates.
William Malamud, Executive Vice President of AMCHAMDR, delivered the welcoming remarks and subsequently presented recognitions to the institution's former presidents, Eduardo Fernández and Alfonso Paniagua, who were recognized for their contributions to consolidating the Chamber's organizational foundations and mission as a manager of bilateral trade.
The president of AMCHAMDR, Gustavo Tavares, also addressed those present, emphasizing the values of gratitude and solidarity, which are the essence of the Thanksgiving celebration. In his speech, Tavares took the opportunity to congratulate President-elect Donald Trump and the new congressmen, especially Representative Adriano Espaillat, for whom he expressed pride, friendship, and the many shared efforts through AMCHAMDR in building business ties with the Dominican diaspora. "We are ready to work with the new administration in the mission of strengthening the economies of both countries," he expressed.
Gustavo Tavares introduced the luncheon's guest speaker, Ambassador James W. Brewster, recalling that democracy is not only representative of the majority but also guaranteeing collective and individual rights and freedoms within a context of equality. In this regard, he highlighted Ambassador Brewster's long career, as he has been an active defender of human rights for decades.
Ambassador Brewster was recognized by AMCHAMDR for his contributions to the country within the framework of his diplomatic tenure. The representative of the United States was said to have been instrumental in resolving the international public opinion crisis that unleashed harsh criticism and misrepresentations about the country following the Constitutional Court's 168-13 ruling, and in which Brewster diligently defended the Dominican Republic. His efforts to promote democracy, transparency, and institutionality in the country, as well as the promotion of bilateral trade and investment, were also highlighted. Of note were Bob Satawake's active participation in articulating greater police and judicial protection against violence against women, and his denunciation before the United States Congress of the indiscriminate production of charcoal and its devastating impact on Dominican forests.
Ambassador Brewster himself, during his address, presented an overview of the diplomatic actions that shaped his three-year mission, serving as a foundation and consistent with the theme of his dissertation, "Democracy: Words into Action."
