Governor Kathy Hochul has arrived in Santiago, Dominican Republic, as part of a three-day visit aimed at strengthening ties between New York State and the Caribbean nation. She is joined by Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, along with a delegation of government and community leaders.
The trip underscores Governor Hochul’s intention to build on economic, educational, and cultural connections between New York and the Dominican Republic. According to her office, the Dominican diaspora is the largest immigrant group in New York City.
“New York City is home to the largest Dominican-Americans diaspora, and I will always be committed to celebrating Dominican history, art and culture in our state,” said Governor Hochul. “I look forward to having conversations that will strengthen New York’s relations with the Dominican Republic — boost our economies, help support our businesses, and amplify Dominican New Yorkers’ heritage and culture for generations to come.”
Representative Espaillat highlighted the significance of this community in both states. “Dominican-Americans have made a significant impact across New York, representing more than 40 percent of the Dominican immigrant population in the United States. Governor Hochul has long been a friend to the Dominican community, championing issues facing our families and understanding our cultural impact on local businesses, cuisine, and the overall vibrancy of our great state. I am delighted to accompany this distinguished delegation of leaders to my birth country and further highlight the ongoing collaboration between New York and the Dominican diaspora.”
During her visit from November 9 to 11, Governor Hochul plans meetings with President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic where she will announce new initiatives benefiting both regions. Upon arrival in Santiago, she met with Mayor José Ulises Rodríguez Guzmán. The itinerary also includes meetings with community organizations focused on promoting trade, tourism, investment opportunities, climate resilience efforts, infrastructure development projects, disaster response strategies and educational partnerships.
Officials note that about one million people in New York State are part of the Dominican diaspora—the largest outside of their home country—making substantial contributions to various aspects of life in New York. The governor’s trip aims not only to recognize these contributions but also promote continued exchanges between both communities.
