By The Star Staff
New Progressive Party (NPP) candidate for resident commissioner William Villafañe Ramos held a meeting Monday with several leaders of the Dominican community in Puerto Rico to discuss his proposals and initiatives in favor of the sector.
During the meeting, which was attended by Consul of the Dominican Republic in Puerto Rico César Cedeño and Gaudy Gómez, director of the Office of Immigrants and Civil Rights of the Municipality of San Juan, legislation and initiatives in favor of the Dominican community were reviewed and the Immigrants’ Bill of Rights was presented, along with a bill that would create an Office of the Immigrant Advocate.
“As resident commissioner, I will have the same commitment to the Dominican community,” the NPP senator said. “I recognize the contribution that these brothers and sisters from our neighboring country have made. We are one people, intertwined, and there is a bridge that connects us. What we want to achieve is that there is no legal or opportunity limitation under any circumstances. In Washington, we will make sure that you are heard.”
Villafañe identified existing federal legislation that he said will facilitate the naturalization process, as well as bills such as: the American Dream and Promise Act and the Dignity Act, both of which promote and facilitate the dignified reception of Dominicans who arrive on U.S. shores.
Among other topics, Villafañe added that “our next governor, Jenniffer González Colón, her work team and this public servant, are clear about the need to reestablish energy service in Puerto Rico to, among other things, contribute to economic development.”
“If the Dominican business community is open to collaborating on the reconstruction of Puerto Rico, they will have open arms,’ he said. “We are going to put a lot of emphasis on strengthening collaboration.”
Cedeño said “I am very happy as a Dominican. The fact that this dialogue took place with the Dominican community and that he can listen to our needs is a great step forward.”
“As resident commissioner, he will have the full support of the government of the Dominican Republic in Puerto Rico,” the consul said.
“William is a hard-working person who remains humble and at the service of our community,” said Dr. Mario Paulino, leader of the Dominican community in Puerto Rico.
During the event, Villafañe urged the Dominican community to exercise their right to vote.
“Our mayor Miguel Romero has been a great ally of the Dominican community and has worked hard for all of San Juan,” he said. “He deserves four more years.”
Villafañe added that he will work to protect the rights to health and education of the immigrant community, as well as to create tax relief, legislation to protect and encourage manufacturing, and economic incentives for moderate-income jurisdictions.
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