Miami, Florida – With a deep sense of pride and historical reflection, Guido Gómez Mazara, current President of the Board of Directors of INDOTEL, is recognized for his career in politics, academia, and communications. Guido Gómez Mazara hosted a compelling book signing event for his latest work, “Transición electoral 1966–1996, Tomo I,” on March 21, 2025, in Miami.
The event, organized by Dr. J Amada Vargas, gathered a diverse audience of professionals, academics, students, and members of the Dominican and broader Latin American diaspora. The book, which chronicles 30 pivotal years of electoral transition in the Dominican Republic, served as the axis of a broader cultural conversation about democracy, civic memory, and Dominican identity.
A Cultural Night Rooted in History
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was more than a literary event — it was a historical and cultural encounter. The venue buzzed with conversation, curiosity, and anticipation as attendees settled in to engage with Gómez Mazara’s new work.
Dr. J Amada Vargas, who has long been a force for promoting Dominican cultural and civic awareness in South Florida, welcomed guests by emphasizing the importance of bridging generations and geographies through shared memory.
“This book is not just about politics — it’s about understanding who we are as a people, how we have evolved, and where we must go,” Vargas said. “To examine our electoral history is to trace the roots of our democratic institutions and their challenges.”
Revisiting 30 Years of Democratic Evolution
In his remarks, Guido Gómez Mazara offered insight into the extensive research and reflection that led to the creation of “Transición electoral 1966–1996, Tomo I.” The book dissects the Dominican Republic’s political evolution, beginning with the 1966 elections that followed the 1965 civil war and U.S. intervention, and ending with the 1996 political shift that marked the beginning of a new democratic era.
“The electoral process is the mirror of a nation’s political soul,” Gómez Mazara said. “This book is the first of several volumes that seek to document — not just from a partisan lens, but through a civic and historical one — how the Dominican Republic moved from authoritarian shadows into democratic experimentation.”
He highlighted that this first volume sets the groundwork for understanding the major players, reforms, ideological battles, and civic transformations that occurred during three decades of transition.
“We must understand our past — not to remain in it — but to avoid repeating it,” he added.
Community Leaders and Public Figures Join the Conversation
One of the most applauded moments came when Gerard Philippeaux, a respected civic leader and liaison for Caribbean communities in Miami, stepped forward to present Guido Gómez Mazara with a Distinguished Visitors Certificate from the City of Miami Commissioners Office.
“This recognition is not just for your political and academic contributions, Guido,” said Philippeaux, “but for your commitment to documenting the truth, and for educating future generations of Dominicans at home and abroad.”
The certificate was met with a standing ovation from the audience — a symbolic moment that underscored the impact Gómez Mazara’s work has beyond borders.
Also in attendance was Ángel Martínez, popularly known as “Detective Ángel”, a respected private investigator and media figure within the Dominican diaspora. Martínez praised the book for its clarity, rigor, and timing, noting its value for those seeking to understand not only political history but also the psychology behind institutional change.
A Living Dialogue Between Past and Present
Following the author’s remarks, a Q&A session opened up space for the audience to engage more directly. Questions ranged from how electoral trends shifted during the Cold War era, to how modern-day voters can learn from the political lessons of the 1980s and 90s.
One participant asked how this historical work connects with today’s political dynamics. Gómez Mazara replied thoughtfully: “History is not just a backdrop — it’s a tool. Understanding where we came from gives us strength to fix what still doesn’t work. Democracy must be maintained, not assumed.”
This reflection resonated strongly among attendees, many of whom shared stories of family members affected by political changes in those same decades. The emotion in the room was palpable, as if each chapter of the book spoke not just about national history, but personal memory.
A Symbolic Moment for the Dominican Diaspora
As the book signing commenced, dozens of attendees lined up to receive personalized copies of “Transición electoral 1966–1996, Tomo I.” For many, the act of receiving a signature wasn’t just about owning a book — it was about connecting with a shared narrative and reaffirming their place within it.
“I wasn’t even born during some of these elections,” said one young Dominican-American attendee. “But reading this book, hearing these stories, it’s like unlocking the DNA of our democracy.”
Many others echoed similar sentiments, grateful that someone with Gómez Mazara’s experience and credibility had taken the time to write such an in-depth, thoughtful account of Dominican political history.
A Vision for the Future
To close the event, Dr. J Amada Vargas spoke once more, promising that this would be the first of many similar cultural and intellectual gatherings in Miami.
“We must continue to host authors, thinkers, and historians who challenge us to know more, do more, and remember more. The Dominican community in Miami is vibrant — we need these kinds of nights to fuel that energy,” she said.
In his closing words, Gómez Mazara reminded the audience that “Tomo I” is only the beginning.
“This project is not about nostalgia — it’s about legacy. Let us study our past to serve the future. Let us critique our systems, so we may improve them. Let this book be part of a broader civic awakening, both here and in our homeland,” he said.
The Miami launch of “Transición electoral 1966–1996, Tomo I” was more than a literary event. It was a celebration of memory, a call to civic consciousness, and a proud affirmation of Dominican identity in the diaspora.
It demonstrated that history is not static — it lives in every conversation, every question, and every generation willing to study it. In a time when democratic values are tested across the globe, this work serves as both mirror and map: reflecting where we’ve been, and guiding where we must go.
As the audience departed that night, many carried not only a signed book, but a renewed sense of purpose — a reminder that the past must be honored, understood, and used as a foundation for better things to come.
