SANTO DOMINGO. – The Dominican government yesterday awarded businessman Frank Rainieri Marranzini the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella in the Grade of Grand Cross Silver Plaque, for his contributions to the development of tourism in the country.
During the event, which was attended by President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje, Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez highlighted that Rainieri's long-term vision and tenacity in the Punta Cana area conceived an unprecedented project that included, in addition to the tourist development of the area, the construction of the Punta Cana International Airport.
“Few people have managed, like Frank Rainieri, to transform a development idea into tangible infrastructure, decent jobs, opportunities for our communities, and international prestige for the Dominican Republic. His work embodies innovation, responsibility, and a sense of national purpose,” he said.
Foreign Minister Álvarez emphasized that this decoration, awarded through decree 489-25, also recognizes Rainieri's valuable contributions to humanitarian diplomacy. “For a decade, Frank served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Dominican Republic, strengthening cooperation in humanitarian assistance, public health, and social action, in accordance with the principles of that distinguished institution.”.
For his part, Frank Rainieri expressed his gratitude for the award. “This recognition not only moves me deeply but also allows me to pause along the way, an opportunity to look back and understand that every step, every effort, and every decision, right or wrong, was part of a purpose. When I look back and remember my first social work projects, I realize that every action has consequences, and we are the ones who decide whether they will be positive or negative. True dignity is not measured by what one has, but by what one is capable of giving,” the honoree stated.
Haydée Kuret de Rainieri was present at the event; as were the Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza; deputy ministers and directors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ambassador of Costa Rica and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Diplomatic Corps, Edwin Arias Chinchilla; the Dean of the Consular Corps, Raysa Rodríguez; members of the Council of the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella; and other relatives of Rainieri.
