The Dominican community in Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the recent tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, which claimed multiple lives after the collapse of part of the venue.
Alex Martínez, leader of the Dominican diaspora in Antigua and Barbuda and head of the Dominican Leva movement, expressed his deep sorrow during an emotional Facebook Live address on Monday morning.
Martínez, speaking directly to Dominicans at home and abroad, said he has been grieving since Sunday upon learning of the catastrophic incident. “It’s a loss of unimaginable magnitude,” he said, referring to the victims who were simply enjoying a joyful night without harming anyone.
“This is something that will live in the hearts of all Dominicans,” Martínez said, visibly moved. “Even though we are far from home, we feel the pain as if we lost our own blood relatives. We are one family, one nation.”
In his message, Martínez extended condolences on behalf of the entire Dominican community in Antigua and Barbuda, including members of cultural and political groups such as La Familia, Nuevo Orden Cultural, and Dominican Leva.
He also acknowledged the widespread sadness on the island of Antigua following the news. “Wherever I go, people are talking about it. People are mourning because these were Dominicans, our people,” he said.
While acknowledging uncertainty around some details—particularly surrounding the death of a well-known artist reportedly among the victims—Martínez called for unity and resilience.
“We must shake off the dust and move forward,” he urged. “We must carry on with strength and courage, whether we’re in the Dominican Republic or abroad.”
Martínez concluded his message by calling for prayers and remembrance for those who died in the collapse. “May the remains of all the victims rest in peace,” he said.
The Jet Set nightclub incident has sent shockwaves through Dominican communities around the world. Investigations into the cause of the structural collapse are ongoing.
