The Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD) began activities this Friday, April 24, at its National House in Santo Domingo to commemorate the April Revolution of 1965. The event reaffirms the party’s commitment to the defense of democracy and national sovereignty, in an act that included a photo exhibition open to the public.
Origins of the constitutionalist movement
The April Revolution arose after the 1963 coup d’état against Juan Bosch, the first democratically elected president after the Trujillo dictatorship. Far-right sectors interrupted his social reforms, which led the PRD, led by figures like José Francisco Peña Gómez, to drive the resistance. The central motto was to reinstate Bosch and restore constitutionality, evolving into a struggle for the defense of democracy and sovereignty in the face of the United States military intervention in 1965.
Key speeches at the commemoration
Héctor Guzmán, executive president of the PRD, explained the party’s decisive role in the movement. He highlighted the broad participation of society: workers, women, artists, and intellectuals. Peggy Cabral, general secretary, and Henry Blanco, secretary of Education and Doctrine, also spoke, passing on the legacy to new generations.
Historical context of the 1965 uprising
Historically, the April Revolution divided the country between constitutionalists and loyalists to the coup, with more than 4,000 dead according to estimates by historians like Frank Moya Pons. The intervention of 42,000 U.S. marines tipped the balance, leading to a tripartite government. The PRD underlines its pride in leading this patriotic cause, a symbol of Dominican dignity in the defense of democracy and sovereignty.
- Photo exhibition: Documents and photos from the era available all day.
- Educational workshop: Scheduled for Sunday at the Santo Domingo Norte Municipal Library.
These activities seek to educate about the role of the PRD in recent history, keeping the defense of democracy and sovereignty alive. The event reflects the continuity of values in a current political context marked by debates on institutionality.
