The first lady Raquel Arbaje announced that she would not accompany the president, Luis Abinader, to the IX Summit of the Americas, as planned.
Beyond the fact that she was scheduled to participate in the meeting of first ladies, convened by the Association of Spouses of Heads of State, she preferred to do it virtually.
As explained by the first lady, through her Twitter account, the reason for her absence is due to her desire to accompany the relatives of the late Minister Orlando Jorge Mera.
“I have decided not to travel because I want to accompany my relatives. from our dear friend and colleague Orlando Jorge Mera in these painful hours for them and for all Dominicans. My soul is in mourning,” he tweeted.
The President of the Republic announced that he would travel this followingnoon to Los Angeles, where the summit will be held, following having changed his itinerary due to the death of Jorge Mera.
This Monday, following Abinader and Arbaje left the residence of the Jorge Villegas family, the distressed first lady was seen, with teary eyes and expressions of clear sadness on her face.
I have decided not to travel because I want to accompany the relatives of our dear friend and colleague Orlando Jorge Mera in these painful hours for them and for all Dominicans. My soul is in mourning.
– Raquel Arbaje (@raquelarbaje) June 7, 2022
I will not accompany President Abinader to the XI Summit of the Americas as planned. In Los Angeles I would participate in the meeting of first ladies convened by the Association of Spouses of Heads of State (Alma) to talk regarding my projects. I will do it virtually.
– Raquel Arbaje (@raquelarbaje) June 7, 2022
My condolences and sincere support to the Jorge Mera and Jorge Villegas family, my dear Patricia and Dillia, their children Patricia Victoria and Orlando Salvador. I wish that God grant you much strength and peace in your hearts.
– Raquel Arbaje (@raquelarbaje) June 7, 2022
We will never be sufficiently prepared for the death of a loved one. With great sorrow for the departure of our friend Orlando Jorge Mera, we officiate a body mass present in his honor in the San Rafael Arcángel chapel of the National Palace. pic.twitter.com/p5r1904EtJ
– Raquel Arbaje (@raquelarbaje) June 7, 2022