Barahona, Dominican Republic - The UPF chapter of the Dominican Republic celebrated the International Day of Peace in the city of Barahona. It took place at the auditorium of the Regional University Center on September 21. Catholic and Evangelical leaders were invited to attend as well as political, academic, and NGO leaders of the region and students.
Barahona is 200 km west of the capital, Santo Domingo. It is the main city of the southwest region of the Dominican Republic. with a population of around 90,000 people.
Dr. Isaias Zorrilla, the Director, agreed to support this event and offered the partnership of the Regional University Center. He and his team were wonderful hosts. Ambassador for Peace Dr. Victor Terrero, former Congressman and renowned local medical doctor, also gave his support and came to the celebration. Dr. German Castro, former Senator and Ambassador for Peace, drove 400 km. early in the morning to Barahona.
The local Catholic Bishop was invited could not come. The Association of Evangelical Pastors of the South West Region was represented by Rev. Julio Cesar Castillo, who was invited to give the invocation for the event. Also, the Rev. Father Alfredo Romero of the Episcopal Church of Barahona gave the closing remarks and closing prayer.
The M.C. was a young professor and journalist, Miss Ocelia Guevara. Her team helped us prepare the auditorium. She did a marvelous job as M.C. and introduced us to the city through a radio program she co-produces.
The seating capacity of the auditorium is 200; the seats were filled and 50 were standing inside. Inspirational background music before the event helped prepare the atmosphere, and during the program we showed two videos: the UPF presentation video and a popular peace song “Un Mundo Nuevo” (A New World), composed by a Dominican lady composer and sung by several popular female singers.
We finished with three cheers.