LYNN — Two prominent members of the Dominican Republic community visited Lynn Friday morning, where they were honored for their efforts to bring awareness to the importance of adhering to COVID-19 precautions.
Dr. Felix Antonio Cruz Jiminian, a prominent doctor from the Dominican Republic who battled severe COVID-19 illness, and Rafael Ventura, a political media analyst, were presented with citations from the city and State House during a brief ceremony on the steps of City Hall.
Lynn was one of several scheduled stops for Jiminian, who traveled to the United States to share his personal experience of contracting the virus with members of the Dominican community.
In addition to Boston, Salem and Lawrence, Jiminian planned to stop in New York City and Philadelphia to help local Dominicans understand the risks of COVID-19.
“Today, I’ve recovered 100 percent,” said Jiminian through a translator. “To all the ones who have not been infected with COVID, I would like to say that this is a real disease, that kills, and that can be prevented.”
People have to follow the guidelines, said Jiminian, 67, who cited the importance of wearing a face mask, social distancing and not touching your face.
Jiminian, who owns a hospital in the Dominican Republic, said he became so sick from the coronavirus that he couldn’t speak, see, or walk, and relied on a ventilator for oxygen 24 hours a day during the peak of his illness.
After testing positive in March, Jiminian said he did not want to go see a doctor, since he was one himself, which complicated matters. His illness turned into “massive pneumonia,” which resulted in him contracting sepsis, a life-threatening organ dysfunction.
While presenting his citation to Jiminian, Mayor Thomas M. McGee thanked the doctor for spreading the word of how people can keep themselves safe from COVID-19.
“He understands clearly the impact of COVID-19,” said McGee, who said the visit from both men aligns with the city’s continuing message of curbing the spread of the virus, which involves following health guidelines such as covering their faces, washing their hands, and social distancing.
“We need to continue to be vigilant, and so I’m happy they were able to come here and the doctor was able to, in his own way, spread that strong message.”
Ventura, 53, who broadcasts a Spanish-language TV show, said he felt great about being honored for helping to spread the message of COVID-19 prevention in the Dominican Republic.
The 35-year journalism veteran has become known as the voice of his community, which has earned him the nickname, “Voice for the Voiceless,” according to Ventura.
“It’s the moral code my parents instilled in me,” said Ventura through an interpreter, of his commitment to his community.
State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) spoke about the positive impact Ventura has had on his community while presenting him with a citation on behalf of the Lynn legislative delegation.
“While some politicians unfortunately demonize the press, media and journalism is crucial to having a well-run and functioning democracy,” said Crighton. “We, here in Lynn, have very strong ties to the Dominican Republic — we appreciate everything you do to give a voice to folks (in that community.)”
Also present for the day’s ceremony were state Rep. Peter Capano (D-Lynn), who presented a citation to Jiminian on behalf of the delegation, and state Rep. Daniel Cahill (D-Lynn), who presented a citation to both men on behalf of the Lynn City Council.