Santo Domingo.- The president of the Duartian Institute, Wilson Gómez Ramírez, denounced that various public institutions continue to display incorrect versions of the National Shield, despite the provisions established in Law 210-19 regarding patriotic symbols.
Gómez Ramírez pointed out that one of the most recurring cases has been recorded in offices of the Attorney General’s Office, where for years errors have been observed in the representation of the coat of arms both on institutional flags and on other official elements.
The leader explained that, although some corrections have been made, irregularities still persist in various public spaces and national monuments. He cited as an example the concrete-carved coat of arms at the National Pantheon, which, he claimed, continues to present graphic errors that have not been corrected.
“It has been claimed that it is a historical coat of arms, but that is not true. From the moment an establishment is officialized, the coat of arms must be displayed in accordance with the current legal provisions,” he stated.
Gómez Ramírez recalled that Law 210-19 granted a period of six months for all public and private institutions to correct defective representations of patriotic symbols. He indicated that said period has already expired and that the legislation contemplates sanctions for those who fail to comply with the regulations.
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As explained, the law establishes the possibility of bringing to justice those responsible for institutions or establishments that maintain incorrect versions of the National Coat of Arms, including fines and prison sentences in cases provided for by legislation.
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The president of the Duartian Institute assured that the entity has prioritized education and civic awareness for years through conferences, official communications, and the distribution of copies of the law, with the purpose of promoting respect for patriotic symbols.
However, he warned that the time might come to resort to the established legal mechanisms to ensure compliance with the regulations. “One has wanted to raise awareness, by giving lectures, sending communications, and providing the law, but there comes a time when the law will have to be applied,” he stated.
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Likewise, he recalled that the legislation entrusts the Duartiano Institute, the Dominican Academy of History, and the Permanent Commission of Patriotic Efemerides with the responsibility of reporting violations related to the incorrect use of national symbols to the competent authorities.
Gómez Ramírez reiterated his call to public and private institutions to review the correct use of the National Shield and contribute to preserving the integrity of the symbols that represent the identity and sovereignty of the country.
