Santo Domingo. – The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela conferred upon the Dominican Republic the Order of the Hero of Venezuela in its first class, “the nation’s highest recognition for the dedication, nobility, and heroism of those who, defying all difficulties, devote their work to assistance and humanitarian aid in our territory.”
It was granted by its acting president Delcy Rodríguez, who, through a letter addressed to President Luis Abinader, expressed gratitude for the invaluable contribution of the Dominican government following the devastating earthquakes that affected that country on June 24.
“The timely, decisive, and generous humanitarian assistance offered by your Government constitutes an unequivocal sign of the bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation that unite our nations,” the document reads.
It is, furthermore, in moments of adversity, when international solidarity and cooperation acquire an even deeper meaning, highlights Rodríguez in the document.
Recognition of Dominican rescuers
The medal presentation took place at the conclusion of the ceremony led by President Luis Abinader for the imposition of the Ministry of Defense’s “Recognition of Merit” Medal in its Green Badge for the Valor of Solidarity, to the personnel who participated as rescuers in the humanitarian mission “Quisqueya Solidaria 2026,” carried out in Venezuela following the aforementioned earthquakes.
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There, the outstanding humanitarian work, professionalism, spirit of sacrifice, courage, and solidarity of the team were highlighted, working uninterruptedly in search and rescue operations in collapsed structures, assisting victims, and supporting local authorities, contributing to saving lives.
“These are Dominican heroes who went to serve a country that was in need. We can say that they are prepared, we have trained them well, and they have increasing experience to handle situations like this,” said the head of state after beginning his remarks with extended applause.
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On behalf of the Dominican people, Abinader shared the sentiment of pride, eternal gratitude, respect, and commitment for the work performed. “You held the Dominican flag high in that sister nation, in the face of that tragedy.”
Likewise, he sent words of gratitude to the medical staff working in one of the temporary hospitals set up in the affected area of Venezuela, for their dedication and commitment to those in need.
The performance of the Dominican rescuers was widely valued for their dedication, discipline, technical preparation, and responsiveness, evidencing the level reached by the Dominican emergency response system.
The Dominican contingent was composed of members of the Armed Forces, the Civil Defense, and the Emergency Operations Center (COE), with the Specialized Corps for Emergency and Disaster Mitigation (CEMED) of the Ministry of Defense playing a fundamental role, an elite unit specialized in search and rescue operations in collapsed structures and disaster response.
The decoration, instituted by the Ministry of Defense as its Green Badge for Valor in Solidarity, recognizes those who, through altruistic actions, teamwork, and a high sense of duty, make extraordinary contributions for the benefit of society and represent the Dominican Republic with honor in humanitarian assistance missions, both within and outside the national territory.
Recognized rescuers
The Dominican brigade recognized this Friday by President Luis Abinader was composed of Major Carlos Enrique Olivarez Ureña, FARD, who served as the group’s coordinator and publicly thanked the trust and opportunity provided to carry out this work; Sergeant Major Jesús María Soto Payano, ERD; Corporals Darling William Valdez Hernández, ERD, and Juan Carlos Matos Matos, ERD; and Privates Cherki León Batista, ERD, Reilin Manuel Mercedes, ERD, and Raily Aquino Martínez, FARD.
Likewise, the sailors of the Dominican Air Force Lorenzo Sentimet, Emmanuel Rosario Dotel, Cristian Wander Rosario, Enmanuel Rodríguez Lorenzo, Bryan Jiménez Arias, Sterlin Javier Vargas Pérez, Dreifel Manuel Trinidad Pérez, Luis Mario Valdez Morilo and Sandy Crispin Placencia. Also the civilians Luis Bernardo Mora Heredia, from the Emergency Operations Center (COE), Carlos Alberto Mora Morales and Jean Luis Brea Peña, both members of the Civil Defense.
Solidary Quisqueya 2026
Operation “Quisqueya Solidaria 2026” represented a demonstration of the Dominican State’s commitment to international solidarity and humanitarian cooperation. By order of President Luis Abinader, the Dominican Republic immediately deployed its human, technical, and logistical capabilities to support the Venezuelan people, reaffirming the country’s spirit of solidarity and its permanent willingness to assist sister nations when they face disaster situations.
The president was accompanied by the ministers of the Presidency, Andrés Bautista; of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, ERD; and the commanding generals of the Dominican Republic Army, the Dominican Republic Navy, and the Dominican Republic Air Force.
