Las Terrenas, Samaná.– The Union of Neighborhood Associations of Las Terrenas, an entity that brings together and represents 29 neighborhood associations in the municipality, expressed its deep indignation this Monday for having been excluded from the presentation of the main community needs during the recent visit of the President of the Republic to the province of Samaná.
Through a public statement, dated July 13, 2026, the organization described it as “unacceptable” that, after participating in several coordination meetings and investing time and resources in the collection and socialization of the communities’ demands, their representation was replaced at the last minute by individuals who, they claim, maintain political ties and do not represent community organizations nor have close knowledge of the problems in the different sectors of the municipality.
The entity maintained that neighborhood associations constitute the legitimate representation of communities, as they are the organizations that work permanently alongside citizens, managing solutions and knowing firsthand the needs of each sector.
Likewise, he considered that leaving out the organization that represents 29 neighborhood associations constitutes a lack of recognition for the community work carried out for years with responsibility, commitment, and selflessly.
The Union of Neighborhood Associations called on the central government and provincial authorities to ensure, in future official visits, the participation of community organizations that truly represent the population.
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Finally, he reiterated that Las Terrenas deserves for the voice of its communities to be heard by those who have the responsibility of making decisions. At the same time, he affirmed that the work of neighborhood associations must be respected, recognized, and taken into account in spaces for dialogue and municipal development planning.
