Latin America Leadership Program

By Ana Gomez Garces (B'25)

The Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean, and according to the World Bank, it has been one of the fastest-growing economies in the region over the last two decades. However, more than 40% of Dominicans live in vulnerable conditions and are at risk of falling into poverty due to climate impacts and economic crises. Likewise, gender gaps in employment and wages, shorter working lives, higher unemployment rates, and unpaid work contribute to a higher incidence of poverty among women.  

Investment in telecommunications and public safety is essential to promote country development. Data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) shows that by 2020, the Dominican Republic had a fixed internet penetration rate of 9.51 accounts per 100 inhabitants (9.51%). When comparing this figure to the global average that year, fixed internet penetration in developing countries was 12.1%, while in developed countries, it reached 33.4%. Regarding telecommunications network coverage, the Dominican Republic is in a favorable position compared to other countries in the region. By 2023, around 94% of the population had access to fourth-generation (4G) mobile networks, and more than 50% could connect to fifth-generation (5G) networks. On the other hand, public safety is an essential pillar for building a prosperous and harmonious society. It represents not only a necessity but also a fundamental right that must be guaranteed by the State and its institutions. In this context, the homicide rate in the Dominican Republic decreased to 11.5 in 2023, two points lower than at the beginning of the year. According to the National Police report, 45.4% of the homicides recorded between January 1 and December 31, 2023, were the result of "social conflicts," while only 24.3% were related to "crime."

In this context, Julissa and Edwin, from their current national roles, are working to address these significant challenges by applying innovation and leadership in government.

Julissa Cruz (ILG 2023) was reaffirmed as Executive Director of Indotel, the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications, on August 26 of this year. During her first term in this position, her team achieved significant milestones in a short period. The Dominican Republic developed its national broadband plan, its digital agenda with a 2030 vision, and carried out all the necessary preparations for the private sector to deploy fifth-generation (5G) networks. This has positioned the country as one of the leaders in 5G coverage in the region. That same month, on August 21, Edwin Eusebio Feliz Brito (ILG 2023) was appointed Vice Minister of Interior Security for the Ministry of Interior of the Dominican Republic, where he will have the strategic mission of implementing and updating the National Comprehensive Public Safety Strategy. Previously, he worked for the Office for the Reorganization of Transportation (OPRET), and throughout his professional career, he has held leadership and legal consulting roles in both the public and private sectors.

Julissa has been working to close the digital divide through three main pillars: connectivity, usage, and affordability. In terms of connectivity, the Dominican Republic has achieved 96% population coverage, making significant progress in reducing the gap with projects like fiber optic deployment in underserved areas and satellite internet in rural regions. According to Julissa, this has required substantial state investment in infrastructure. She has implemented initiatives like Canasta Digital Social, the first targeted demand-side subsidy program, which benefits 6,500 female heads of households by providing them with a high-end mobile phone and a two-year connectivity subsidy, on the condition that they receive training in basic digital skills. Additionally, Julissa is breaking stereotypes by being a successful woman in the technology field.

"As women in this field, we have to work twice as hard to be believed that we are capable. There is still much to be done to reduce gender gaps in technology, working on stereotypes from within households so that girls can see technology as something natural, as an important tool for developing their abilities". - Julissa Cruz (ILG 2023).

In her new term as Executive Director of Indotel, Julissa aims to expand already implemented programs, such as Canasta Digital, to a national level with support from the central government. Collaboration with the government and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which will conduct an impact study to measure the reach of these initiatives, will be key. In addition, she will continue working with the Office of Technology of the Governor's Office and other government organizations, as Julissa believes that this interinstitutional collaboration has enabled the Dominican Republic to advance seven positions in the global ranking of public service effectiveness. Likewise, her goal is to continue promoting public policies that ensure this technological progress translates into sustainable economic and social development.

Edwin's story is not as linear but equally impactful. He began his professional career as a lawyer, and through this role, he became familiar with the prison and judicial systems, which introduced him to issues of security and policing. After filling a vacancy as a professor, which later became a permanent position at the police’s university, Edwin has contributed to the training of officers in subjects such as human rights, constitutional law, and civil law. Focusing on the human rights course, Edwin believes this subject is crucial for the Dominican Republic, as some elements of the dictatorship era, when the police were designed to serve the regime, still persist—a legacy the country is continuing to dismantle.

As Vice Minister of Interior Security, Edwin faces the challenge of ensuring both physical and virtual security in the Dominican Republic. His work includes maintaining the reduction of crime, removing weapons from the streets, and keeping minors away from places where alcohol is consumed, all through preventive policies and practices. In virtual security, he highlights collaboration with other countries to prevent criminals from escaping with impunity, fostering the creation of spaces for sharing tools and knowledge. Additionally, Edwin oversees the implementation of preventive public safety policies, leads the consolidation of security data, and coordinates the pilot project for video surveillance in the Colonial City. He is also responsible for regulating establishments where alcoholic beverages are sold and crime prevention efforts to protect both residents and tourists, always ensuring the respect of citizens' rights.

Both Julissa and Edwin share a vision of progress and leadership for the Dominican Republic over the next five years, each from their respective fields. Edwin, from the security sector, envisions the country climbing the ranks among the safest in the region, in physical, legal, and virtual terms, ensuring a better quality of life for its citizens and creating a favorable environment for foreign investment, all under a framework of transparency and zero corruption. Julissa, on the other hand, sees the country at the technological forefront, leveraging its position as one of the first to implement 5G to attract foreign investment, especially in the semiconductor industry, a national priority driven by the government. Through the continued development of human talent and promoting the country in international roadshows, she aims to position the Dominican Republic as a key technological hub, ensuring that no one is left behind and that even the most vulnerable populations benefit from these technological advancements.

During their participation in ILG, both developed projects that are still ongoing. Julissa turned her plan into reality by announcing that in November 2024, 100% of the municipalities in the Dominican Republic will have fiber optic connectivity. Previously underserved communities now enjoy state-of-the-art internet, strengthening state functions and developing digital skills in these areas. Edwin, on his side, leads the transition towards a digital security scheme at the Ministry of Security and Police with the implementation of telepatrullaje (remote patrols), a remote surveillance system using a national camera network. While some institutions have already made progress in this area, telepatrullaje is still being developed throughout the country. This change will allow patrols to focus on preventive and community tasks while monitors manage active surveillance. Edwin is also working on transforming the skills and mindset of police officers to adapt to this new security vision.

The Innovation and Leadership in Government program reaffirmed the motivation, commitment, and drive that Julissa and Edwin have to advance their country. For Edwin, the phrase used by Ricardo Ernst, Executive Director of the program, “If not you, who? And if not now, when?” has been a constant guide throughout this past year. He has always believed that tomorrow doesn't exist and that the present is what is built day by day. Edwin views every mistake as an opportunity to refine his skills and enhance his impact on society. Julissa, on the other hand, is grateful for the chance to meet such extraordinary people from across Latin America, whom she now visits whenever she is in another country. She highly recommends this program to other public servants who are seeking an experience that will fill them with motivation and inspire them to think more deeply about the impact they can have.

Congratulations, Julissa and Edwin! At LALP, we are proud of the work you are doing to transform the Dominican Republic and the region. These two alumni exemplify the magnificent work that our alumni are carrying out across Latin America.