Duvergé is a town in the Independencia Province of the Dominican Republic, located in the Neyba Valley between the Bahoruco and Neyba mountain ranges. With a population of over 25,000 inhabitants, it is the largest municipality in the province. It bears the name of General Antonio Duvergé Duval (1807-1855) who stood out in the independence struggles of the Dominican Republic.
Welcome sign
Motoconcho in Duvergé's center
Duvergé
History[]
Historic photo of Duvergé, c.1930
The first settlers in the area were the Dons Cristóbal Pérez and María del Pulgar, originally from San Juan de la Maguana, who settled in Bermesí. These were Spanish ranchers who, accompanied by some relatives and African slaves, founded the town of Las Damas in 1772. Some historians suggest that the town's name may have derived from the shouts of men returning to their wives after engaging in battle. These men, who fought for the country in these lands, kept their wives at the edge of the river and when they finished their fights they exclaimed: "Ladies!"
On July 22, 1850, under the administration of Buenaventura Báez, the area was incorporated into the commune of Neyba, located in the Province of Azua de Compostela, within the Department of Ozama. Later, on May 17, 1876, President Ulises Francisco Espaillat enacted Decree 1524, which elevated the former village of Las Damas to the status of a cantonal post, affiliated with the municipality of Neyba in Azua Province. Then on September 12, 1881, the Las Damas cantonal post was integrated into the Maritime District of Barahona, alongside Petittrou, which is now recognized as the municipality of Enriquillo.
In 1891, President Ulises Heureaux designated the town as a municipality within the Barahona Province, renaming it Duvergé in honor of General Antonio Duvergé Duval for his contributions during the War of Independence.
The first private car in Duvergé is believed to belong to Evaristo Pérez Méndez, a wealthy merchant of that time. In 1919, another successful merchant, Juan Herrera, who also lived in Duvergé where Evaristo was born, began a public transportation service between Barahona and Santo Domingo using his own car. While some say Evaristo was the first checkerboard driver to own a car, Army General Rafael Leonidas Pérez y Pérez offers a different perspective.
On April 22, 1938, during the regime of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina, the Miguelito Section was transferred from Duvergé to the municipality of La Descubierta. Then, on March 18, 1943, another change occurred under Trujillo's rule with Law No. 229. The commune of Duvergé was detatched from the Province of Barahona and added to the Province of Bahoruco. This new province also included the communes of Neyba, La Descubierta, and the commune of Tamayo, which was also separated. At that time, the municipality of Duvergé comprised the sections of Angostura, Las Baitoas, Los Charquitos, Cristóbal, Mella, Palma Dulce, Puerto Escondido, Las Salinas, Los Saladillos, San José, and Venga a Ver.
On July 10, 1943, the municipal section of Las Salinas was transferred from Duvergé to the municipality of Cabral in Bahoruco Province.
On September 12, 1949, Law No. 2107 separated Duvergé from Bahoruco province, placing it in the new Independencia Province, effective January 1, 1950. Finally, on December 21, 1952, Law No. 3455 was enacted, updating the Municipal Organization Law.
On March 9, 1956, Law No. 4400 established the municipality of Duvergé, which included the main town of Duvergé and the following sections:
- 1. Angostura (a combination of Angostura and Los Saladillos)
2. Cristóbal
3. Mella (a combination of Mella and Palma Dulce)
4. Puerto Escondido
5. Venga a Ver (a combination of Vengan a Ver and Las Baítos).
After the formation of the municipality of Duvergé on June 22, 1891, the city council members were not chosen through public voting but were appointed by decree. It wasn't until February 27, 1963, that Mr. Antonio Perdomo Andino became the first democratically elected Mayor. Mayors served for two-year terms until 1970, after which the term length changed to four years. During the period from 2010 to 2016, there was an extension to a six-year term.
Currently, Duvergé stands as the largest municipality in the province, with a population exceeding 25,000 residents.
Geography[]
Heights in Duvergé
Duvergé is situated in the Independencia Province at 18.3788° N, 71.5234° W, in the southwestern region of the Dominican Republic. It lies within the Neyba Valley, nestled between the Bahoruco and Neyba mountain ranges. According to the ONE, this municipality has a total land area of 521.64 square kilometers (201.41 square miles). Although it is known for its arid landscapes with abundant cacti, the municipality has underground and surface water currents. It is bordered on the north by Lake Enriquillo, on the east by the town of Mella, on the south by the city of Pedernales, on the southwest by the Haitian towns of Anse-à-Pitres and Fonds-Verrettes, and on the west by the city of Jimaní.
Duvergé is located on a flat coastal plain adjacent to Lake Enriquillo, the largest lake in the Caribbean. The surrounding landscape features diverse vegetation, including tropical dry forests and shrublands. Although the terrain is primarily low-lying, there are mountainous regions to the north, specifically the Sierra de Bahoruco, which runs along the border with Haiti. The Sierra de Bahoruco contributes to the region's biodiversity, featuring lush forests and a variety of plants and animals at higher altitudes. The presence of Lake Enriquillo creates rich wetland ecosystems, which attract numerous wildlife species, particularly birds. The lake's proximity has a profound impact on the local ecosystem and economy, especially in the fishing and agricultural sectors. This saltwater lake, located just north of Duvergé, serves as a prominent geographical feature in the region. It plays a vital role in the area's hydrology and influences local weather patterns. Additionally, the Río Yaque del Sur, one of the principal rivers in the Dominican Republic, flows nearby and is an essential water source for the community.
Neighborhoods
| Duvergé | 19,598 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Duvergé
Zona Urbana |
Urban | Brisas del Río, Buenos Aires, Camboya, Las Damas, Las Mercedes, Nuevo, Nuevo Amanecer, Placer Bonito, San Isidro, and San José. | ||
| 2. | Puerto Escondido | Suburban | Altamisar, El Aguacate, Escondido, Palo de Leche, and Puerto Escondido. | ||
| 1. | Vengan a Ver
Municipal District |
Urban | Brisas del Lago, Centro, Duarte Arriba (Duarte Atrás), El Barrio, Las Piedras, Los Yesos, | ||
| 2. | Las Baitoas | Rural | Las Baitoas, San José, Vuelta Grande |
Climate[]
Duvergé has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. It stays warm throughout the year, with average high temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 21°C (69°F). The wet season runs from May to October, while the dry season lasts from November to April.
The area deals with problems like drought and desertification because of its arid climate and agricultural methods. This affects local farming and the overall ecosystem. Additionally, rising water levels in Lake Enriquillo have led to flooding in surrounding regions, impacting farmland and local infrastructure.
Economy[]
Helado store in Duvergé
The predominant economic activity in the region is agricultural production, along with an informal market that has become a significant economic hub, albeit lacking oversight or regulation. The town's economic foundation is fragile, lacking industries and technical schools, with agriculture and livestock practices being minimal. Trade is limited, and agricultural activities are primarily small-scale, particularly following the encroachment of Lake Enriquillo on their lands. Consequently, many residents resort to smuggling with Haiti as a means of livelihood. The main informal activities include Motoconcho services and foreign currency exchange, particularly in the municipality of Jimani, alongside irregular trade with Haiti. Most currency exchangers do not possess their own capital and receive only a small portion from the actual owners of the funds.
Employment opportunities are scarce, with the government serving as the primary employer across various departments, where job security is tenuous and contingent upon the ruling political party. The main source of income comes from their crops of bananas, bananas, cassava, yams and coconuts. Duvergé also benefits from tilapia fishing in Lake Enriquillo and cross-border trade.
The educational attainment of the province's population is low, resulting in limited job qualifications and a high rate of unemployment. Here, it stands out that women tend to be better educated than men, although this remains a small percentage. Approximately 70% of households are unable to meet their basic needs, with an average monthly income of RD$ 6000 (US$ 160). Farmers and day laborers primarily engage in seasonal work, which is predominantly available to the Haitian immigrant community. Day laborers earn an average of RD$250 per day, translating to roughly US$165 if they work throughout the month. Women play a crucial role in supporting the family economy, contributing through agricultural activities, selling products, and providing for day laborers, despite not receiving formal compensation. Many of these women are housewives, and their contributions often go unrecognized, leading to increased dependence on others. Women rarely handle the family finances; usually, their partner provides them with a portion of the family income to pay for household costs. Additionally, since it is a border province, there is a significant flow of goods to Haiti, boosting trade, particularly in rice, beans, bananas, oil, and clothing.
Duvergé municipal marketplace
Agriculture[]
Agricultural practices in the region are predominantly subsistence-based, influenced by several factors including low soil fertility, limited funding for technology, long distances to markets, adverse climatic conditions, and environmental degradation. In the Independencia Province, most crops are grown for personal use, with sweet potatoes, cassava, plantains, bananas, rice, corn, pigeon peas, beans, and highland coffee being the most significant.
Livestock such as cattle, pigs, and poultry are primarily raised for local consumption. Typically, there are three harvest seasons each year: from March to July, August to October, and December to February, particularly for bean cultivation.
A significant issue contributing to poverty in the region is the lack of land titles, as land is a crucial means of production. Most properties are either used without ownership or come from agrarian settlements established by the State. This situation discourages formal financial institutions from providing financing in the area due to the absence of mortgage guarantees.
Infrastructure[]
Education[]
It is estimated that Duvergé has one of the lowest illiteracy rates among towns in the Dominican Republic. Its professionals and high-ranking military personnel have made notable contributions across the country, with many attaining significant positions within both the public and private sectors.
The Municipality of Duvergé is part of District 05 in Regional 18 Bahoruco, which has 34 educational centers across the Municipalities of Duvergé, Mella, and Cristóbal. For the 2021-2022 school year, Duvergé had 16 public educational centers with a total of 4,242 students enrolled, including 2,120 girls and 2,122 boys. According to the MINERD Educational Statistics Yearbook for that period, out of the 4,242 students, 599 were in the initial level, 1,801 in primary, 1,359 in secondary, and 483 in adult education.
In terms of educational options, the municipality has one initial and primary center in the main area, along with eight schools that offer initial, primary, and secondary education. There is one school in the municipal district of Vengan a Ver, one in Puerto Escondido, and one in La Baitoa, with the remaining five located in the main part of town. Additionally, there are three secondary education centers in the town's center: one for academic studies, one for polytechnic training, and one for preparatory courses. For adult education, Duvergé has four centers, three of which are in the center and one in the municipal district of Vengan a Ver
An important point to note is that according to SIUBEN, the illiteracy rate in Duvergé municipality was 11.0% in 2020, which is the lowest compared to other municipalities in the Independencia Province. Regarding higher education, after finishing secondary school, young people often choose to attend the Universidad Católica Tecnológica de Barahona (UCATEBA) or the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), which has a center in Barahona and extensions in Neiba and San Juan.
These students travel to these universities using a school minibus donated to the main municipality and the Vengan a Ver district by the central government. However, students from Puerto Escondido must use private transportation owned by local residents or, alternatively, they travel on their own motorcycles. The City Council currently lacks a student assistance program and only provides transportation for university students studying in Barahona and Neiba. This measure is not enough, necessitating the communication with the Ministries of Youth and of Higher Education, Science, and Technology to better support the youth in this area.
On the technical side, the municipality has a Community Technology Center, a labor school (Matías Ramón Mella), and a System Operational Center (COS) that is part of the Professional Technical Training Institute (INFOTEP). Regarding human capital and educational opportunities as a basic human right, 94.6% of children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 are enrolled in various educational institutions. This high enrollment rate reflects the strong interest and commitment of the youth in the municipality of Duvergé.
Health[]
The municipality of Duvergé is located within Region IV (Enriquillo) of the National Health System, with its administrative center based in the Province of Barahona. This municipality is home to the Dr. José Pérez Public Municipal Hospital, which provides emergency services and general consultations. The hospital is located at the intersection of General Cabral Street and Restoration, having commenced operations in 1966. It has undergone two renovations, the first of which was an expansion in 2001. In 2013, it was included among the 56 hospital facilities prioritized for reconstruction and renovation by the government at that time, with the process concluding on April 9, 2018, resulting in a new facility.
The hospital offers medical specialties including gynecology and obstetrics, dentistry, and family medicine, along with 24-hour emergency and laboratory services. For specialized medical care that is not available at this facility, patients are referred to the Melenciano de Jimaní General Hospital, the Jaime Mota Regional University Hospital in Barahona, or to facilities in Santo Domingo. During discussions and interviews conducted, it was noted that the services provided in the pediatric and gynecology departments of the municipal hospital are inadequate to meet the current demand within the community.
The Dr. José Pérez Hospital, as reported by its administration, handles approximately 450 consultations each month across various specialties, with a majority of these patients being Haitian citizens. The hospital is equipped with several units, including a Laboratory, X-ray services, Sonography, External Consultations, an Operating Room, Vaccination services, a Delivery area, Tuberculosis (TB) care, Family Planning, Counseling, Emergency services, and Dentistry. Dengue is the main vector-borne disease in the area, while other zoonotic diseases are managed effectively through special programs. The most common emergency cases include high blood pressure, flu, pregnancy-related issues, fevers, tonsillitis, and respiratory illnesses.
The Hospital Score Ranking by Region highlights that the Dr. José Pérez Municipal Hospital of Duvergé has achieved a score of 79.6%, placing it at the top among public medical centers in region number four, Enriquillo. In addition to the hospital, the Duvergé municipality has five UNAP facilities located in the neighborhoods of San Isidro, Las Mercedes, Placer Bonito, San José, and Camboya. The UNAPs in Placer Bonito and Camboya share the same building. Other areas within the municipality that have UNAP facilities include the municipal district of Vengan a Ver, as well as the sections of Puerto Escondido and La Baitoa, each with its own infrastructure. The infrastructure needs of these centers show some similarities in terms of equipment, tools, supplies, and staffing. Health regional number IV covers the provinces of Barahona, Bahoruco, Independencia, and Pedernales, providing healthcare services through agreements with the network structure and contracts with other providers, following the guidelines set by the Public Networks Regulation.
Culture[]
In terms of cultural and religious significance, the town features a Catholic church distinguished by its unique architecture, rare among communities in the southern region. Furthermore, Caquén Hill is situated here, where parishioners make an annual pilgrimage during Holy Week, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ through a symbolic way of the cross. The town also hosts other pilgrimages and traditional celebrations, where residents joyfully express themselves through dance, as well as festivities on the nights of San Juan and San Pedro, featuring horse and donkey races.
The community also engages in pilgrimages and stick festivals, celebrating with vibrant dances. The festivities honoring their patron saint, La Virgen de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, occur every year on July 16th, with festivities that bring people together for educational, cultural, and sports events leading up to the main celebration. A special mass is held in her honor at the church. Among the key events is the coronation ceremony, which receives much admiration from the community. There are also health initiatives and discussions about Duvergé's history.
Duvergé is characterized by its deep-rooted religious traditions and beliefs, including folklore about cows transforming into other animals, alongside the presence of witchcraft and Santería as integral elements of its culture.
Food[]
Local cuisine features the "Gualimón," a traditional dish made primarily from corn flour and coconut, wrapped in a banana leaf and secured with a sackcloth thread. This delicacy is an integral part of the culinary heritage and culture of Duvergé. In the past, it was common to find numerous women selling gualimón in the local park or along the streets; however, this practice has diminished, although some individuals continue to prepare it. Clay ovens are utilized for baking bread.
Other notable dishes include Moro de Yonyon, Chaca, and Cafunyi (corn flour with coconut). Local stakeholders emphasize the need for an annual cultural program and a connection with the Ministry of Culture, along with investment in infrastructure to enhance community awareness and preserve the cultural heritage and identity of the municipality.
Sports[]
The most commonly practiced sports include softball, basketball, volleyball, and baseball, with baseball being the most significant. The municipality of Duvergé currently has several sports facilities where young individuals can engage in healthy recreation, including a baseball stadium, sports courts, facilities within educational institutions, and a covered area designated for basketball and volleyball practice. Throughout the year, various baseball and basketball tournaments are organized across the different neighborhoods within the municipality, as well as competitions among nearby communities.
Key weaknesses or needs include a lack of coaches for teaching and sports practice, the absence of sports and recreational guidance programs, insufficient sports facilities in various areas of the municipality, and the need for maintenance of existing ones. Local stakeholders in the sports sector emphasize the need for rehabilitation or construction of sports facilities in the Municipal District of Vengar a Ver and the Puerto Escondido area. According to local stakeholders involved in the sports sector, there is a pressing need for the rehabilitation and/or construction of sports facilities in the municipal district of Vengan a Ver and the section of Puerto Escondido.
Points of Interest[]
Duvergé's position within the Sierra de Bahoruco presents a significant opportunity for the development of agroecological tourism. The following attractions are located in proximity to Duvergé:
Lago Enriquillo National Park and Cabritos Island. This area represents the largest body of water in the Antilles, serving as a habitat for flamingos and various aquatic birds, in addition to crocodiles and iguanas.
Sierra de Bahoruco National Park. Recognized as a site of natural heritage, this park is dedicated to the conservation of avian species and a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a true haven of biodiversity. Notably, it is home to unique orchids that are endemic to the island.
Spas. Among the most impressive spas is La Zurza, which features sulphurous and sweet waters renowned for their medicinal properties due to their high sulphur content. This facility offers cafeteria services and parking for visitors. Additionally, the Neverita de Puerto Escondido boasts remarkable waterfalls and the Las Damas freshwater river. Within the same community, there is also the Rabo de Gato ecological and birdwatching trail.
References[]
Wikipedia [3]
Division Territorial [4]
Duverge Siempre [5]
Ayuntamiento [6]
"DUVERGE" EL MUNICIPIO IDEAL PARA TUS VACACIONES UBICADO EN EL SUR PROFUNDO - MSM TV [7]
Duverge - Erick Montilla, Pere Feliu i Pujol, Local Guides [8], [9]
Escuela Básica José Cabrera - Joseluis Delacruz, Angel Leuris [10], [11]
Imágenes de Nuestra Historia , R.D - Facebook [12]
Oficina BanReservas Duverge - Jose A.H. Sosa [13]
Helado de deisi - Daniel Hernández, Local guide. [14]
Centro Tecnológico Comunitario - Domin Rincón [15]
Mercado Municipal - Andres A Bello Cuevas [16]