Workers organized a general strike on July 14 in the northeast corner of the Dominican Republic to force the government to finish public works projects in the area.
Protests against rolling blackouts on July 17 in the poor neighborhood of Capotillo in the capital of Santo Domingo were met with police violence. Two people were killed, including 13-year-old Miguel Angel Encarnacion.
The communities of Cervicos and Las Matas have had large demonstrations. The government has refused to repair a public hospital in the area. In La Cueva, the people demand the streets be paved and the electricity work.
The strike and demonstrations in the northeast were organized by The Bloc of Community and Popular Organization of Cevicos and Cotuui. The strike was supposed to last 24 hours, but continued with strong support from the communities.
The total injured during the strike is eight workers with 15 arrested. Movement organizers have called for the struggle to continue until construction starts on the damaged roads and bridges.
