Dr. Leonel Fernández Highlights Intellectual Trajectory of Renowned Dominican Writer Aida Cartagena Portalatín

Delivers Keynote Speech in Orlando Book Fair

The former President of the Dominican Republic and president of the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (Funglode), Dr. Leonel Fernández, delivered the keynote address in the opening of the VI International Dominican-Hispanic Book Fair where he highlighted the quality and impressive intellectual trajectory of writer Aída Cartagena Portalatín. This year’s Fair, held in
Orlando, Florida, honors the renowned Dominican writer.

Speaking before a packed auditorium, the former Dominican President also discussed other important issues related to the country’s cultural activities and events.

On writer Cartagena Portalatín, former President Fernández explained that she is one of the Dominican
Republic’s top intellectuals and a distinguished and respected writer in the Caribbean.  He also revealed that she wrote extensively on the impact of African heritage in the region, and was also an expert on Greek culture. She wrote extensively on these two important subjects.

Fernández revealed that he met the writer during her years as a university professor.  She was an active participant in the Caribbean’s “Black
Poetry” literary movement, a genre internationalized by Cuban poet laureate and writer Nicolás Guillén.  She was also a distinguished member of “Casa de las Americas,” one of Cuba’s most important cultural institutions.

“We are talking about an exceptional human being in both the academic and literary worlds, and she was also fully committed to the best interests of all Dominicans… I am profoundly pleased that her
name is being honored in the opening of Orlando’s book fair,” stated Fernández.

Dr. Homero Luciano, president of the Latin American Organization for Social Assistance, the Fair’s organizer, thanked President Fernández for his participation in the event. In his remarks, he highlighted the many contributions made by the former President in the development of the Dominican Republic, not only in the cultural sector but in all other sectors as
well.

During his visit, the Office of the Mayor of Orlando declared former President Fernández a distinguished guest of the city.

Other participants who attended the event: Ramiro Espino, director of the National Council on Dominican Communities Abroad (Condex); Carlos Gabriel García, Vice Foreign Minister; Janet Camilo, Minister of Women’s Issues of the Dominican Republic; Annie Báez, Deputy for Foreign Issues; the executive director of the
National Immigration Institute, Florinda Rojas; Aida Montero, director of the Juan Bosch Library; the president of Orlando’s Metro Chamber, Gaby Ortigoni; and Luis Felipe Aquino, president of the Caribbean Tourism Stock Exchange.

During this recent trip to the United States Dr. Fernández not only participated in this important annual event, but also carried out an extensive agenda that included meetings with filmmakers, artists, academics, and
entrepreneurs.