Azua business owners respond to questions regarding multi-million dollar contracts at INABIE
Amidst intense public controversy over alleged irregularities in the awarding of contracts by the National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE), three young entrepreneurs from Azua appeared on Alofoke Media Group to clarify the origin of their commercial agreements, which amount to more than 110 million pesos destined for school lunches.
In the face of speculation regarding a possible family monopoly or influence peddling, those involved flatly denied having any kinship ties between them. As they explained, the coincidence in their surnames, Ramírez and Beltré, is due to the fact that they are extremely common in the province of Azua, dismissing theories of an organized structure to benefit from public funds.
Award details and commercial strategy
The center of the controversy revolves around how young people with little business experience managed to obtain contracts in educational centers located in San Pedro de Macorís, while residing in the south of the country. The protagonists detailed their profiles and the scope of their commitments:
- Franiel Ramírez Beltré: Individual with a two-year contract worth 24.5 million pesos for the distribution of 645 daily rations.
- Nayeli Carolina Beltré: Representative of the company Beltré Beltré, with a 48 million peso contract to supply 1,200 daily rations during the same period.
- Carolyn Michelle Díaz-Beltré: Holder of a contract intended to serve 939 students in the assigned area.
Regarding their choice to operate in San Pedro de Macorís, the entrepreneurs assured that it was a strategic decision. After analyzing the market, they identified that Azua presented a saturation of suppliers, while in the eastern province there were vacant lots following previous bidding processes, which represented a legitimate opportunity for new bidders.
State resources must be subject to strict monitoring to ensure transparency and effectiveness in the delivery of school meals.
Financing, experience and scrutiny
During the panel discussion, the lack of prior experience in managing public funds was questioned. The entrepreneurs clarified that their investments were made possible thanks to personal savings, family support, and lines of credit obtained through the Cooperativa de Suplidores y Proveedores (COOPSUPLIDER). It was highlighted that these entities usually have more flexible financing schemes than traditional banking, facilitating the participation of emerging entrepreneurs.
The young people reiterated that they have complied with all the terms and conditions required by law and have letters of satisfaction issued by the educational centers that receive their services. However, the Alofoke Deportes panel stressed the importance of maintaining constant scrutiny over the management of these funds to ensure that school meals reach students under the required standards of quality and transparency.
