Dominican Republic to Deliver $10.2M 'Year's Salary' to Retiring Troops

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Defense announced Sunday that over 600 million Dominican pesos, approximately $10.2 million, will be distributed Tuesday as a 'year's salary' payment to military personnel who retired in 2025.

Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre stated the payment, facilitated through the Armed Forces Social Security Institute (ISSFFAA), is part of government efforts to enhance benefits and improve the quality of life for retired armed forces members.

The announcement came during a traditional Christmas luncheon where President Luis Abinader met with retired military personnel. The event highlighted the president's commitment and profound respect for those who dedicated their lives to national service.

Addressing the retirees, President Abinader expressed admiration for their work in maintaining peace, security, and independence for the Dominican Republic. He encouraged them to strengthen family unity during the holidays, celebrating in harmony and upholding core Dominican values.

Abinader acknowledged that more work remains to achieve greater justice and improve the quality of life for military families. 'I see it, I repeat, as an act of true gratitude,' he said, assuring them of ongoing government efforts despite existing limitations.

Minister Fernández Onofre detailed several significant measures implemented over the past five years to bolster the well-being of military pensioners, following directives from President Abinader since before his August 2020 inauguration.

Among the advancements, the minister highlighted more than 48,000 salary reconsiderations. He explained that efficient administrative management at the Armed Forces Retirement and Pension Fund Board led to progressive and fair adjustments for thousands of retirees.

Central government adjustments included income increases for 5,271 retirees earning less than 10,000 pesos in May 2022. Additionally, in November 2023, tiered increases of 10%, 7.5%, 5%, and 2.5% benefited 29,972 pensioners.

Fernández Onofre also announced the opening of a new, modern, free pharmacy for retirees, operated with support from the Ministry of Public Health. Veterans can receive free medications by presenting their medical prescriptions.

He further noted the upcoming distribution of a 5,000-peso Christmas bonus, authorized by the president, to all armed forces pensioners on Dec. 5.

The minister affirmed that these actions demonstrate the Dominican government's commitment to social justice and ongoing recognition of those who shaped the country's military history.

Fernández Onofre acknowledged a long-standing accumulated debt to both active and retired military personnel, asserting that the current administration is working daily to achieve new improvements, with President Abinader as a key ally.

The minister emphasized that the luncheon represented more than a festive gathering; it reaffirmed the enduring bond between military leadership and those who, though retired, remain essential to the armed forces family.

He described President Abinader's presence as a display of 'nobility, respect, and admiration toward military veterans,' adding that 'no one retires from the love for the homeland, because a soldier remains a soldier until the last day of their life.'

The emotional and fraternal Christmas luncheon brought together hundreds of veterans, widows, widowers, and guardians, who shared a moment of respect, gratitude, and joy with the president and Ministry of Defense officials. The event reinforced the Dominican Armed Forces' tradition of honoring those who loyally served the nation.