During the VII edition of the Sovereign Order of Malta Golf Cup, businessman José Miguel Bonetti Guerra was recognised for his leadership, generosity and commitment to those most in need, qualities that have left an indelible mark on Dominican society.
The Dominican Association of the Order of Malta, formally known as the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, is one of the oldest orders of chivalry in the world. Founded in the 11th century to promote spiritual life and provide humanitarian aid and medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin or religion, the Order dedicated its seventh Golf Cup to Mr. José Miguel Bonetti Guerra, a distinguished member and collaborator of the institution.
Mr Bonetti Guerra has been an active and committed member of the Dominican Association of the Order of Malta, dedicating time and resources to initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable communities. His support has been fundamental in the realisation of various social welfare projects that have had a positive impact on thousands of people.
Don José Miguel Bonetti Guerra has been honored by the Order of Malta on several occasions, receiving the Magnam Crucem or Grand Cross, one of the Order’s highest distinctions, which is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in support of the Order’s humanitarian principles and missions, especially outside the religious sphere.
He also received the Grand Cross of Magistral Grace with Sash, awarded by the highest authority of the Order in recognition of his special merits and outstanding humanitarian commitment. He was also named Knight of the Cross of St. Gregory the Great, Civil Class, by Pope John Paul II, in recognition of his faithful service to the Church and his significant contributions to society, both religious and civil.
Don José Miguel’s work began before the founding of the Association, and he was instrumental in its establishment in the country. Thanks to his leadership, alliances were forged that made it possible to obtain resources to provide medical services and inaugurate the first Mother and Child Clinic in low-income neighborhoods.
He went on to open two more clinics, consolidating a network of three primary care centers in Santo Domingo, Monte Plata and Bajos de Haina that continue to serve the most vulnerable. Don José Miguel also directed the restoration project of the Regina Angelorum, one of the most emblematic churches in the country. These legacies were highlighted by Mr. José Vitienes, former president of the Association and a close friend.
During the award ceremony, his vision and spirit of solidarity were highlighted, qualities that have made him a benchmark of social commitment in the country. His work has also served as an inspiration to other businessmen who wish to contribute to the development of a more just and equitable society. José Miguel Bonetti Guerra’s legacy will endure, motivating future generations to follow in his footsteps and join in the search for a more caring world with greater opportunities for all.
“This recognition highlights his contribution to disadvantaged communities, his efforts, his vision and his example of leadership. The work that Don José Miguel Bonetti Guerra has done as a founding member of the Order of Malta has made possible all that the Association has achieved today,” said Maximo Vidal, President of the Association’s Board of Directors.
The event, which brought together more than 120 local businessmen, had as its main objective to raise funds to continue the various initiatives of the Order in the Dominican Republic. He was accompanied by his children Ligia, Ana and José Miguel Bonetti Du-Breil, his brother Roberto Bonetti Guerra and other family members and members of the Order of Malta.
Since 2018, the Order of Malta has received nearly $100,000,000.00 in international donations of medicines, medical supplies and personal protective equipment. These resources have been distributed to a wide network of non-profit organizations, hospitals and health centers, benefiting thousands of people throughout the country. The Order of Malta has provided more than 300,000 medical consultations in the last four years, mainly to low-income people, through its primary care centers in Haina, Buenos Aires de Herrera and Monte Plata.
