JohnS Posted February 27 Posted February 27 Lost in all the current news concerning tariffs and oil blockades, the Dominican Republic's President, Luis Abinader visited the Procigar Festival (an event that first originated with the Association of the Dominican Cigar Manufacturers) last week. Can you imagine your country's President/Prime Minister doing that? Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, at Procigar February 19, 2026 - Javier Blanco Urgoiti It is no secret that the government of the Dominican Republic, led by Luis Abinader, is committed to the country’s tobacco industry. He is a firm supporter of a sector that creates wealth and numerous jobs, adds value to the Dominican economy through exports, and has been formally recognized by the Dominican Tobacco Congress as part of the “Cultural Heritage of the Dominican Republic.” Here, tobacco is not only a source of wealth and stability, but also an acknowledged cultural asset. This strong support was further demonstrated last night at the Procigar 2026 Welcome Party, when the presence of Luis Abinader himself at the dinner was announced, accompanied by his Minister of Industry and Commerce, Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, the Governor of the province of Santiago, Rosa Santos, and the city’s mayor, Ulises Rodríguez. Although President Abinader made no statements, his mere attendance at the welcome party was interpreted as a clear indication that his government stands with the industry. This support extends beyond his presence at the Procigar 2026 dinner and has already materialized in concrete actions, such as the development of the San Juan de la Maguana area for tobacco cultivation and the defense, in international forums and agreements, of tobacco as an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage. Source: https://www.cigarjournal.com/luis-abinader-president-of-the-dominican-republic-at-procigar/ 2
loose_axle Posted February 27 Posted February 27 I can. And him grandly announcing that the taxes on tobacco have been reduced to 45 cents a kilo, that Australia will once again grow its own tobacco, that we will encourage stores nationwide and whilst at it announcing government incentives and tax breaks for craft distillers. Then I wake up. 1 3
ha_banos Posted February 27 Posted February 27 It's not too surprising in this case where it's a major cigar producing nation. Even in a time of global anti tobacco zeitgeist. 10% of the DRs total exports, that's significant. Over here? It won't happen. We have seen Nigel Farage out at our preferred herfing spot a couple of times 🤣 So if I did see Keir Starmer at a cigar event in the UK I'd be deeply, deeply suspicious of whats going on... 🤨 3
BrightonCorgi Posted February 27 Posted February 27 Our last cigar smoking president in the US was Clinton; tobacco smoking was Obama. The closest I could imagine is (fill in the blank current or future president) addressing a tobacco farming conference. Doing so for any president is going to bring the wrath the anti-tobacco lobby. Even if the address is for "supporting organic farming / scientific research" or whatnot, it's a fool's errand. There are a handful in Congress that are open cigar smokers. I can see any of them going to the Big Smoke and like. 2
Popular Post Montezüma Posted February 27 Popular Post Posted February 27 8 hours ago, ha_banos said: It's not too surprising in this case where it's a major cigar producing nation. Even in a time of global anti tobacco zeitgeist. 10% of the DRs total exports, that's significant. Over here? It won't happen. We have seen Nigel Farage out at our preferred herfing spot a couple of times 🤣 So if I did see Keir Starmer at a cigar event in the UK I'd be deeply, deeply suspicious of whats going on... 🤨 Would love to see King Charles at a cigar event. Might need a fat cigar for his royal fingers though, 54 RG at least. 1 5
Puros Y Vino Posted February 27 Posted February 27 I would love it and hope it would spearhead the separation of cigars vs cigarettes as health risks debate in Canada. Sadly, this won't ever happen. As the symbolism of such an act would be too powerful and being anti-tobacco as a politician is a big plus. In our Province (Ontario) a cigar loving politician walked into the Toronto LCDH and proudly proclaimed to those enjoying a cigar, indoors, that they should enjoy it because he proudly voted in favor of stopping this "privilege". 😡 2 1
BrightonCorgi Posted February 27 Posted February 27 The politician would need to be a maverick with strong sense of individualism & liberty. 2
JohnS Posted February 27 Author Posted February 27 8 hours ago, loose_axle said: I can. And him grandly announcing that the taxes on tobacco have been reduced to 45 cents a kilo, that Australia will once again grow its own tobacco, that we will encourage stores nationwide and whilst at it announcing government incentives and tax breaks for craft distillers. Then I wake up. (This is all) Too funny @loose_axle! Imagining our Australian Prime Minister admitting that we got it wrong on taxation on tobacco and we created a black market for it, and a criminal underworld to boot...pipe dreams, yeah! 1
Puros Y Vino Posted February 27 Posted February 27 13 hours ago, JohnS said: (This is all) Too funny @loose_axle! Imagining our Australian Prime Minister admitting that we got it wrong on taxation on tobacco and we created a black market for it, and a criminal underworld to boot...pipe dreams, yeah! That's the Canadian experience as well. Lots of enforcement efforts on curbing the black market smokes (mostly cigarettes) thereby reducing the sin taxes they were collecting before they got really stupid and greedy. 2
Popular Post Cigar Surgeon Posted February 27 Popular Post Posted February 27 MIchael Herklots has a hilarious story from the first time the President of DR attended. Michael was super tired and making his way out because he just finished the big fund raiser piece and the President thanked him for all he had done for the festival. It was dark and Michael didn't recognize him and he 'thanks bro''d him. 🤣 1 4
BrightonCorgi Posted February 28 Posted February 28 15 hours ago, joeypots said: Trump Cigars? It worked for Henry Clay, lol.
joeypots Posted February 28 Posted February 28 7 hours ago, BrightonCorgi said: It worked for Henry Clay, lol. Let's look at the record, LOFL.
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