Dominican sprinter asks government to build Montecristi road

Sprinter Melvin Marcelino, fresh off winning two medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games, has urged the Dominican government to construct a crucial eight-kilometer road in Montecristi. The athlete made the public appeal during a community event celebrating his athletic achievements in Villa Vásquez.

Marcelino highlighted the long-standing need for the road in the El Manantial coastal area. He explained that its current state severely impacts residents' daily lives. Children, he noted, must travel four to five kilometers to reach school, often on motorcycles, facing risks from dust and poor conditions.

"We trust that you will be the one to hear your request, and we all ask it, not just me, but my entire community," Marcelino stated, directly addressing President Luis Abinader. He expressed confidence that the president would respond, recalling a past promise of a dignified home for his family.

The plea received strong backing from Villa Vásquez Mayor Jenrry Castro. He described the road construction as "just and necessary" for the community. Castro emphasized Marcelino's status as a talent emerging from a small, economically challenged area, underscoring the residents' aspirations for improvement.

Castro also urged President Abinader and Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella to prioritize the demand. He mentioned previous discussions with Estrella, who had expressed willingness to address the road issue. "I believe the time has come for us to respond to these people," Castro added, expressing his confidence that authorities would finally act.