Election Date Set for January 11 as Leadership Battle Intensifies in Dominican Community

A long-simmering leadership dispute within the Dominican (nationals from the Dominican Republic) community is heading for a decisive showdown, with a formal election now scheduled for January 11 at 6 p.m. at the Multipurpose Centre.

The announcement comes amid mounting criticism of longtime community representative Alex Martinez, who some members have accused of holding an unofficial, unmandated position.

Martinez has acted as the voice of the Spanish-speaking population for years. Still, he acknowledges he was never formally elected — a fact that has fueled weeks of tension and calls for accountability.

Martinez said he is ready for any contender to step forward, but as of now, no challenger has emerged. He stressed that anyone wishing to run must publicly declare their candidacy on or before January 6. If no opponent comes forward by that deadline, he says the January 11 event will proceed simply as a ceremony to officially accredit him as the leader of the Spanish community.

Martinez maintains that he has effectively represented the Spanish community for many years, but stepped into a more structured leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting families in crisis and advocating on immigration and social issues.

He believes the community — estimated at more than 17,000 people — will overwhelmingly support him.

Still, tensions persist, including, as Martinez describes, a strained relationship with the Spanish Consulate.