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he relationship between Italy and the Dominican Republic has its roots in the historic voyage of
Genovese explorer and colonizer Christopher Columbus in 1492. Columbus is recognized as estab-
lishing the first outpost in the New World with the formation of the first church, hospital, seminary,
university, and governmental offices in what is now the capital city of Santo Domingo. Although Co-
lumbus was exploring and colonizing in the name of his sponsors, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain,
his Italian heritage cannot be overlooked. In many respects the founding of the New World in what is now the
Dominican Republic is as much an Italian achievement as one of Spain.
While the ties between Italy and the Dominican Republic receded over the centuries as the Spanish, British,
French, and Dutch expanded their control over the western hemisphere, Italian interest in the Dominican Repub-
lic was not abandoned and as will be shown expanded significantly during the modern era. Today Italy and the Do-
minican Republic are partners in economic development, cultural enrichment, social interaction, and commercial
enterprise. But most importantly, the Italian and Dominican people have laid the solid foundation of a relationship
that shows great promise.
The People
Italian migration to the western hemisphere has historically been to South America, as the 19
th
and 20
th
centuries
brought millions of Italian immigrants to Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil. There they formed large enclaves
as a way of avoiding wars, political instability, and economic hardship, while at the same time discovering potential
new opportunities away from the continent of Europe. But these waves of Italian immigrants to South America
overshadowed the growing interest of migrants to Caribbean countries like the Dominican Republic and Cuba.
Although the migration of Italians to the Caribbean was no match for the influx of Italians that populated South
America, nevertheless there is a distinct Italian heritage in the island nations, especially in the Dominican Repub-
lic. Current population data for example shows that in 2019, 43,000 Italians lived and worked in the Dominican
Republic, but if the number of Italians who carried dual citizenship is included, the population jumps to 300,000.
Moreover, the movement of people between the two countries is growing. There are now an estimated 60,000
Dominicans residing in Italy.
1
The migration of Italian people to the Dominican Republic has historically had a significant impact on key
areas of national life. Juan Bautista Cambiaso, an immigrant from Genoa, is considered one of the heroes of Do-
minican independence and the father of the Dominican navy. The first Dominican training ship ever, launched
in 2019, is named after Cambiaso.
2
Worthy of mention is Juan Bautista Vicini Cabral, also an immigrant from
CHAPTER 14
Contemporary
Italian-Dominican Relations
By Dr. Michael Kryzanek, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Political Science and currently Special Assistant to the President
of Bridgewater State University for Global Engagement and University Priorities
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