The group known as “Marchers for Peace” will pass through Santo Domingo on Monday, as they make their way to the Pueblo Viejo gold mine, currently being mined by the Canadian firm, Barrick Gold.

Source: Dominicanos en Noticias

12/22/2010. Julio Peguero, Ángel Rodríguez, Juan Peña, Javier Abreu, Leidy Jiménez, and Rafael Guillén make up the group called “Marchers for Peace.”

The marchers departed from the Higüey Basilica, in the Altagracia province on December 15, and spent Sunday night in the Acuario community of East Santo Domingo.

During a stop at “Puerta de Misericordia,” in the Colonial Area, the group recognized the efforts of Consuelo Despradel, a public speaker; Narciso Isa Conde, a progressive politician; Luis Carvajal, an environmentalist; Hecmilio Galván, coordinator for the “La Multitud” youth organization; and Andrés Fortunato, director of the Association of Young Christians.

The individuals were recognized for their work in protecting the environment.

Later, the young marchers visited the parliament building to meet with Juan Hubieres, a member of parliament, to discuss the need for creating a law to regulate items pertaining to the “referendums,” being considered in Article 210 of the Constitution.  This is in light of the fact that they are considering requesting a recall referendum against the current Barrick Gold contract.

Throughout their march, the demonstrators have found support from parishioners, mainly from Catholic churches that have joined in demanding the withdrawal of the mining company from the Pueblo Viejo Mountains, due to the ecological damage and the disadvantages to the state.