ADP Jarabacoa protests and demands remodeling of the intermediate school; community demands citizen consultation

La Vega. – The Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP), Jarabacoa section, held a protest against the possible demolition of the José Antonio Guzmán y Fabián school, known as La Intermedia, expressing their position that the school be remodeled and continue to function as an educational center, and not be used for parking. The demonstration adds to the broad debate that has been ongoing in the community for weeks, where different sectors insist that the fate of this public space should not be decided between particular groups or behind closed doors, but through a democratic, transparent and participatory process. Various community voices have reiterated that the school does not belong to any guild, specific sector, or the authorities in power, but to the people of Jarabacoa, as it is an infrastructure built with public resources. In that sense, they believe that its future should respond to the collective interest and the current needs of the municipality.

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Faced with this scenario, citizens suggest that the authorities have the moral and social responsibility to call for a consultation or referendum, where the population decides whether the space should be remodeled as an educational center, transformed into a recreational area and parking, or used for government offices.

Jarabacoa has experienced notable urban and commercial growth, which has generated new demands in education, mobility, and territorial planning. Therefore, imposing a decision without listening to the citizenry is seen by many as a lack of consideration for the popular will. The call is to listen to merchants, parents, students, drivers, professionals, young people and senior citizens, allowing the majority to decide responsibly. Because public spaces are not imposed, they are consulted. And the future of Jarabacoa must be built with citizen participation and open dialogue.

By: SALVADOR GARCÍA