Dominican winemakers in New York acquire firearms to defend themselves against a criminal wave

The winemakers of New York, a sector dominated by Dominicans, They have decided to get firearms and train in their use to defend themselves from a criminal wave that affects their businesses and has claimed the lives of several of these merchants.

Radhames Rodríguez, president of the United Bodegas of America (UBA), told EFE this Sunday that two years ago some winemakers began training in the use of firearms; but about six months ago the number of interested merchants increased substantially due to the “high incidence of robberies and murders” in business.

“For more than two years we have been talking about the lack of security we have, about the situation with crime. We believe that we can exercise the right to request a license to have a weapon,” he indicated and recalled that, in many wineries, they have had to protect various products with chains and padlocks due to theft.

The winemakers, who announced today that they created a secret society (SecSoc) that works to manage the training and help them with the procedures to carry a weapon, will be trained in its use by certified instructors – they are members of the armed forces and former law enforcement agents. – hired by the UBA.

Rodríguez stated that the UBA will follow “the strictest guidelines” to obtain permits and that they have warned its owners of the great responsibility that comes with having a weapon and keeping it secret.

“Winery owners who face extreme life or death situations every day have the right to protect themselves”Radhames RodriguezPresident of the United Bodegas of America (UBA)“

“The brutality that winery owners have faced in the last 10 years is unlike anything we have seen since the early 1970s. We have lost our businesses, our dignity and our livelihood at the hands of criminals,” he said. Sunday Rodríguez at a press conference.

Dominican wineries

According to Rodríguez, in New York there are more than 20,000 wineries and more than 15,000 are in Latin hands, particularly Dominicans.