Dominican Republic - Prisoner Pack

INFORMATION FOR BRITISH NATIONALS IMPRISONED IN
THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
BRITISH EMBASSY SANTO DOMINGO
CONSULAR SECTION
Av. 27 Febrero No 233
Edif. Corominas Pepin, 8vo piso,
Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana
Tel: (809) 472-7111
Fax: (809) 381-1238
Web/E-mail: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/dominican-republic
brit.emb.sadom@claro.net.do
Updated: 27 April 2015
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Who can help? ................................................................................................................................................ 4
About the Embassy ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Who are the Consular Representatives? ......................................................................................................... 4
Contact Information ......................................................................................................................................... 4
First Steps........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Who will know I have been detained? .............................................................................................................. 5
What will my family be told? ............................................................................................................................ 5
What will the Embassy do?.............................................................................................................................. 5
Would I have a criminal record in the UK? ....................................................................................................... 5
Visits ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
How do my family and friends arrange a visit?................................................................................................. 6
How many visits am I allowed? ........................................................................................................................ 6
Consular visits ................................................................................................................................................. 6
What can visitors bring? .................................................................................................................................. 6
Prison conditions/services ................................................................................................................................... 7
Arrival at the prison.......................................................................................................................................... 7
General prison conditions ................................................................................................................................ 7
How can I receive money? .............................................................................................................................. 7
Can I work or study in prison? ......................................................................................................................... 8
Can I receive medical and dental treatment? ................................................................................................... 8
Food and Diet .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Mail/Parcels ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Can I make telephone calls? ........................................................................................................................... 8
Leisure and entertainment ............................................................................................................................... 9
Drugs............................................................................................................................................................... 9
How can I make a complaint about mistreatment?........................................................................................... 9
The Dominican Republic Judicial System.......................................................................................................... 10
What should happen when I am arrested? .................................................................................................... 10
For how long can I be remanded in custody? ................................................................................................ 10
What happens when I am charged? .............................................................................................................. 10
What provision is there for bail?..................................................................................................................... 10
What kind of legal assistance is available ...................................................................................................... 11
What happens at the trial? ............................................................................................................................. 11
Sentences ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
How can appeals be made? .......................................................................................................................... 11
What provision is there for reduction of sentence (remission) e.g. for good behaviour? ................................. 11
What provision is there for early release e.g. on parole? ............................................................................... 12
What provision is there for clemency or pardon? ........................................................................................... 12
What about any financial penalties? .............................................................................................................. 12
Is transfer to another prison within the Dominican Republic possible? ........................................................... 12
Is transfer to the UK a possibility? ................................................................................................................. 12
What are the procedures for release and deportation? .................................................................................. 12
Prisoners Abroad .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Annexes …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14
Glossary of Terms ............................................................................................................................................. 15
Useful legal terms .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Key phrases – English into Spanish .............................................................................................................. 15
Disclaimer ......................................................................................................................................................... 25
Introduction
Who can help?
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
The FCO is represented overseas by its Embassies and Consulates (High Commission in Commonwealth
Countries). Both employ consular officers, and one of their duties is to provide help and advice to any British
National who gets into difficulty in a foreign country.
About the Embassy
We are impartial; we are not here to judge you. We aim to make sure that you are treated properly and fairly in
accordance with local regulations, and that you are treated no less favourably than other prisoners.
We can answer questions about your welfare and about prison regulations but you must ask your lawyer or the
court about legal matters. The attached list of lawyers is provided by the British Embassy for your convenience,
but neither Her Majesty‟s Government, nor any official of the Consulate, take any responsibility for the
competence or probity of any firm/advocate on the list or for the consequence of any legal action initiated or
advice given.
We cannot get you out of prison, pay fines or stand bail or interfere with local judicial procedures to get you out
of prison nor secure you an earlier trial date; we cannot investigate a crime.
We have tried to make sure that the information in this booklet is accurate and up to date, but the British
Embassy cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information. If in doubt contact a
lawyer.
Who are the Consular Representatives?
Steve Morgan, Consul
Viannela Severino, Vice-Consul
Lourdes Martinez, Consular Officer
Contact Information
British Embassy Santo Domingo
Consular Section,
Piso 7,
Ave. 27 de Febrero 233
Edificio Corominas Pepin
Tel: 809 472 7111
Fax: 809 472 7574
Email: www.brit.emb.sadom@claro.net.do
Working Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 08.00 – 13.00
Honorary Consulate in Puerto Plata
Tel. 829 726 0757
Honorary Consulate in Punta Cana
Tel. 829 726 0750
First Steps
Who will know I have been detained?
As soon as a British citizen is arrested and detained in Dominican Republic, the authorities should inform the
British Embassy in Santo Domingo or our Honorary Consulates. But we are frequently not informed within 24
hours. It is essential that you inform the British Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible after your arrest. It is
your right to do so. You may also be able to make a phone call to the Embassy or to family (with a covering
charge).
What will my family be told?
For reasons of confidentiality we are not permitted to tell anyone that you have been detained or what the
charges are without your permission.
However, if you wish to inform your family, we can make contact with them through our colleagues in the FCO in
London. We can give your family or next of kin advice on prison procedure, regulations, and how you are doing.
We can also pass on any messages from you.
What will the Embassy do?
We aim to make contact with you within 24 hours of being notified of your arrest and visit you within 48 hours
unless the offence is a minor one. After this, we aim to visit you every quarter. During our routine visits you will
have the opportunity to discuss any health issues, security concerns, your treatment in prison and any other
general issues that you wish to raise with our consular staff. At each consular visit, our staff will complete a
“Visit Report Form”. If there is any information that you would prefer not to disclose to a Next of Kin you should
let us know during the visit.
If appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you are not treated in line with internationallyaccepted standards.
Would I have a criminal record in the UK?
You should be aware that if you are arrested for certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs
crimes, our staff must inform other relevant UK authorities. The information about the criminal offence will be
sent to the ACPO Criminal Records office in the UK. It is therefore possible that information about this
offence may appear if a criminal records check were carried out by a prospective employer for example.
Visits
How do my family and friends arrange a visit?
We advise the family to contact us well in advance (three weeks) so that we can inform the prison authorities
and work on the visiting programme.
In order to receive visitors you should provide the prison with the names of the people visiting you for them to be
added to the Prison Visiting list.
Visitors must identify themselves when they arrive at the prison by showing an identification document
containing a photograph (e.g. passport). This is held by the prison and returned at the end of the visit. Visitors
will be searched before entering the prison.
How many visits am I allowed?
In the majority of the new model prisons you are allowed to receive visitors on Sundays. 8 adults and 8 children
are allowed per prisoner per day. Old model prisons allowed visits on different days of the week and there is no
restriction on number of visitors. Please check with the prison social workers when visits are allowed.
Priests and representatives from local church groups or non-government organisations visit the prisons
frequently.
When family members come from the UK for visits consular staff usually try to arrange extra visit days
considering the distance families had to travel to see you. These extra days are given by the prison authorities
and the decision is discretionary.
Consular visits
We will visit you every three months; during our routine visits you will have the opportunity to discuss any health
issues, security concerns, your treatment in prison and any other general issues that you wish to raise with our
Consular staff. At each Consular visit, our staff will complete a “Visit Report Form”. If there is any information
that you would prefer not to disclose to a Next of Kin you should let us know during the visit.
What can visitors bring?
Regulations vary from one prison to another. In the old model prisons visitors can bring money, food and
reading material.
In prisons run under the new model system food and other items are not allowed. In these prisons visitors can
only bring money which will be deposited in your prison account. You will have access to your funds through
tickets which are valid to buy stuff from the prison canteen. Families should contact the FCO in advance of their
visit so we can provide them with an updated list.
All bags and parcels will be searched before entry and authorities have the right to withhold items they deem to
be unacceptable (amongst others, weapons, knives, alcohol, drugs, clothes made of black fabric, sunglasses,
caps, play cards, food, medicines).
Prison conditions/services
Arrival at the prison
When someone is arrested they are taken to a detention centre in the first instance. The case is reviewed by the
District Attorney within 48 hours. If the DA finds grounds to file a case, the detainee is sent to prison on remand
until a trial takes place. The District Attorney has 12-18 months to instrument the case.
Remand and sentenced prisoners are not segregated
Any belongings that are not part of the investigation, process, or evidence will be sent to the prison, if the prison
has enough space to keep them. It is unfortunately not unusual for some belongings, including passports to go
missing right after arrest or during prison transfers.
The British Embassy cannot store your personal belongings on your behalf.
Medical checks will be carried out by the prison health department in order to assess if you need any treatment
for ongoing medical conditions (e.g. blood pressure, diabetes, HIV).
General prison conditions
Conditions in prisons run under the old model system are poor/harsh and over-crowding is a major problem,
resulting in poor sanitary conditions, violence and prostitution. The new model prisons though have much better
conditions for inmates and prison staff is more professional. In these prisons each cell has a toilet and wash
basin. Showers are mostly separate and shared with the other cells.
If you experience serious harassment, threats or violence you should report this to the Embassy as soon as
possible. It is our responsibility to take up allegations of mistreatment against a British national. However, we
will only raise concerns with the prison administration if you request that we do so. Money buys everything
inside the old model prisons; therefore, sanctions are imposed on an arbitrary fashion.
Foreigners are usually detained in new model prisons but if you are detained in one of the old model prisons
consular staff could ask the authorities you are transferred to a new model prison.
How can I receive money?
There are two ways in which you can receive financial assistance while in prison.
Private funds: Deposited to you by your family or friends through the Foreign Office in London. Money for
prisoners should be sent to:
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Desk Officer for Dominican Republic
Consular Directorate
Room WH4.8,
King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AH
Tel: +44 (0)20 7008 4507
Prisoners Abroad: If your family can‟t support you financially, you can register with Prisoners Abroad. They
may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials.
Money received from the UK will be converted into local currency and held on your behalf by the Embassy. Our
Consular staff will hand over funds to you during Consular visits.
Please note that the Embassy does not provide financial support to British Nationals in prison abroad.
Can I work or study in prison?
There is little opportunity for employment, especially for those who do not speak Spanish. In prisons run under
the new model there are some opportunities to get jobs in the kitchen or the carpentry or electricity workshops,
which are the most popular options.
New model Prisons offer basic courses of electricity, bakery, carpentry, etc.
Informal Spanish lessons are offered to foreigners by local inmates. Prisoners Abroad can provide language
dictionaries.
Can I receive medical and dental treatment?
If you need medical or dental treatment you should ask to see the prison doctor or dentist. Depending on
number of patients, prisoners can either be assisted the same day or after 2-3 days. Basic medical attention is
free of charge. It is unlikely that you will be treated by a doctor who speaks English.
Prison doctors are often the equivalent of GPs in the UK, so unusual or complex problems may be referred to a
specialist outside the prison for which permission from the Prisons Headquarter is required. Getting this
permission could take several days. Very often medicine apart from common drugs or pain killers is not
available in the prisons. In such instances you or the prison doctor should contact the Embassy. The cost of
prescribed medication has to be covered either by the prisoner or, if a prisoner qualifies, through Prisoners
Abroad´s medical fund.
Food and Diet
There is minimal provision of food within the prison. Prison food is free but is rarely sufficient to fulfil your dietary
needs. You will need funds to pay for supplements to your diet, which can be bought from the prison shop, or
from the cafeteria, when available.
Mail/Parcels
Friends and family can send mail and small parcels to the Embassy and we deliver to the prison on the next
consular visit. The Embassy is not able to forward mail on your behalf back to the UK. All letters are opened
and checked by prison staff before they are given to prisoners. Mail cannot be sent directly to the prison from
the UK since there is no postal system in the prison.
Can I make telephone calls?
Usually there is access to a public telephone. Prisoners have to pay for international calls.
Mobile phones are not allowed within new model prisons. If you are caught trying to use a mobile phone inside
the prison you will be punished and as a result you might be sent to confinement for a period. Many prisoners
have mobile telephones in the old model prisons.
Leisure and entertainment
Prisons often have a library with a small range of books available for inmates. However, most of the books are
in Spanish language. British citizens living locally, the Embassy and Prisoners Abroad occasionally make
donations of English language books/magazines to prisoners.
Prisoners are allowed several hours per day (this varies from one prison to another) in the patio for recreational
activities. In the new model system prisons there are TV sets available for inmates in common areas.
In the old model prisons radios, TVs are accepted if prisoners can afford them. But having expensive items in
your cell may attract unwanted attention from other inmates. In the new model prison, inmates cannot have
any of these items.
Most prisons have a gym, but often they are not properly equipped.
Drugs
Drugs could be available within some Dominican prisons, although officially prison authorities deny this. Do
everything you can to find other ways to cope with life in prison and avoid consuming drugs. Not only will drug
consumption weaken further your state of health, but drug taking invariably results in the creation of personal
debts. These debts will attract accelerated rates of interest and if not paid off, could result in serious verbal and
physical harassment.
How can I make a complaint about mistreatment?
If you wish to file a complaint you would need to speak or write a letter to the Director of the prison. We
recommend you let us know any case of mistreatment and we will take your concerns forward.
The Dominican Republic Judicial System
Prisoners are presumed innocent until proven guilty, they have a right to legal representative, interpreter, fair
trial and appeal. The remand period, in which the state prosecutor leads the investigation of your case, could be
three to eighteen months. Time served on remand will be counted as part of your sentence.
On the whole the Dominican judicial system is very bureaucratic. Also, lawyers can charge outrageous sums of
money, make grand promises and deliver very little. Prisoners can remain in prison without having been
sentenced for well over a year.
Remember, you should never sign anything you cannot read. If you find yourself under pressure to sign, ask
to speak to the British Embassy
What should happen when I am arrested?
If you are arrested at the airport you will initially spend some time in a police cell near the airport. You will
usually be taken to the competent authority (prosecutor) within 48 hours. Police should read the charges and
your rights. Whilst you are there prosecutor will usually gather evidence and interrogate you. Although the law
states that you are allowed to immediately appoint a lawyer and interpreter, in the case of drug offences, this will
only be permitted shortly before giving your statement. You will then be placed on remand.
At the moment of your arrest you should be made aware of your rights; one of them is to have a phone call.
You should inform the authorities if you wish the British Embassy to be informed of your arrest.
If you can‟t afford a private lawyer or interpreter the Dominican government will appoint a public defender and
an interpreter for you.
For how long can I be remanded in custody?
According to the law, the remand period, in which the state prosecutor leads the investigation of your case,
should not exceed eighteen months. After the preliminary investigation phase, the prosecutor has a maximum of
90 days to reach a judgement. However, the state prosecutor can request an extension of a maximum of 180
days to complete the investigation. In general, a trial could last two - three years.
Time served on remand will be counted as part of your sentence. You can receive visitors whilst on remand.
What happens when I am charged?
The lawyer and the accused are immediately notified of the prosecutor‟s judgement. According to the law, a first
hearing before a Judge should take place within 15-45 days of the judgement. In practice, this does not always
happen (it is often much longer). At this hearing the prosecutor defends his/her judgement. At this point, all
parties can also present more evidence. Immediately after the hearing, the judge should announce his decision.
Hearings can be adjourned several times.
What provision is there for bail?
Prisoners can apply for bail after serving the half of their sentence provided they have observed a good conduct
in prison. The defendant‟s lawyer is responsible for submitting this application to the court. Your lawyer/public
defender are best placed to advice on this matter.
Bail is only granted to foreign nationals if they have a sponsor who guarantees employment and
accommodation to the prisoner until the end of his/her sentence. Foreigners released on bail cannot leave the
Dominican Republic until the end of their sentence.
What kind of legal assistance is available
Consular staff cannot give legal advice, but they can provide you with a list of lawyers, some of whom speak
English. You can hire a lawyer for yourself at any time after your arrest; a list of lawyers is included in this
information pack. Normally, if you hire a private lawyer she/he will ask for a cash advance on his/her estimated
legal fees (which may be very high) before s/he will take your case on. The British Embassy cannot pay legal
fees or guarantee to a lawyer that you will pay them.
As in any country, some lawyers are better than others (paying a large fee does not guarantee that you will get
a good lawyer). If you do decide to pay for a lawyer, it is wise to agree a flat fee for the whole case before they
begin work or you may find yourself facing „extra expenses‟.
If you do not have funds to hire a private lawyer, legal aid lawyers are free of charge but they rarely speak
English and their ability varies. On the whole, given their heavy workload, legal aid lawyers make very little effort
to compile evidence and move a case forward.
What happens at the trial?
There is no jury system in the Dominican Republic. Courts are usually made up of three legal representatives,
the secretary of the tribunal (court), the prosecutor, the lawyer, the accuser, the accused, and the
translator/interpreter. It is compulsory that all the above are present at the court hearing, otherwise it will be
delayed.
All documents related to a case and further evidence must be submitted to the president of the court. The trial
will be heard in Spanish. Dominican law states that an interpreter should be provided by the State. However if
there is none available the day of your hearing, you would need to appoint and pay for an interpreter.
Consular staff cannot act as interpreters. Consular officers can attend court hearings as observers.
Sentences
Length of sentences varies from case to case. The maximum length of sentence is 40 years. Your
lawyer/public defender will be best placed to advise on length of sentences.
How can appeals be made?
The accused has the right to appeal their sentence to an Appeal Court through their lawyers or public defender.
The appeal process is usually very slow. A lawyer opinion of the case is strongly recommended before
proceeding.
What provision is there for reduction of sentence (remission) e.g. for good behaviour?
There is no provision for reduction of sentence automatically. However, prisoners can apply, through their
lawyers, for a reduction of sentence after serving half of their sentence. Final decision is made by a judge.
What provision is there for early release e.g. on parole?
Prisoners can apply for bail after serving the half of their sentence provided they have observed a good conduct
in prison. Your lawyer/public defender are best placed to advice on this matter.
Bail is only granted to foreign nationals if they have a sponsor who guarantees employment and
accommodation to the prisoner until the end of his/her sentence.
What provision is there for clemency or pardon?
Your lawyer is best placed to advise you on the possibility of clemency or pardon
What about any financial penalties?
The Judge could enforce a fine as part of the sentence. If this is the case prisoner is not released until the fine
is paid.
Is transfer to another prison within the Dominican Republic possible?
Yes, if the prison general director authorises the transfer. Transfers to other prisons are only permitted when
there are exceptional compassionate or medical reasons for doing so. If you are interested in a transfer, please
speak to the Embassy who can raise your request in writing with the prison authorities.
Is transfer to the UK a possibility?
No, although there is a Prisoner Transfer Agreement signed between the governments of the UK and the
Dominican Republic, it has not yet been ratified by the Dominican authorities.
What are the procedures for release and deportation?
At the end of your sentence, and after payment of any fine imposed, you will be deported back to the UK at
your own expense. Friends or family will have to buy you another return air ticket.
Prisoners Abroad
Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned
overseas. It is the only UK charity providing this service and it is available to all, whether guilty or innocent,
convicted or on remand. Prisoners Abroad is concerned with your health and welfare, both during your
imprisonment and also on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst
in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family during your imprisonment. In order to access
any services, prisoners must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation
form.
Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact
for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer will vary from country to country, but generally
they can provide you with information, in English, on:
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your rights as a prisoner and issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
obtaining magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
writing to a pen pal
learning the language of your country of imprisonment
translation of documents
grants for food if you are in a developing country and don‟t have funds from other sources
grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you don‟t have funds from other sources
preparing for release
help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and assistance with the cost of
visiting
Prisoners Abroad
89 – 93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
UK
Telephone: 00 44 (0)20 7561 6820 or, for your relatives in the UK, Freephone 0808 172 0098
(Mondays to Fridays 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, UK time)
Email: info@prisonersabroad.org.uk
Website: www.prisonersabroad.org.uk
Annexes
Annex 1: List of English-Speaking Lawyers
Annex 2: List of Private Translators/Interpreters
Annex 3: FCO leaflet: In prison abroad
Annex 4: Prisoners Abroad authorisation form
Annex 5: Prisoners Abroad family contact form
Annex 6: Prisoners Abroad CFF form
Annex 7: Fair Trials International
Glossary of Terms
Useful legal terms
Key phrases – English into Spanish
In Spanish all nouns have a gender, either masculine or feminine (for example, the word for 'house' (casa) is a feminine
noun so 'a house'/'the house' is translated as 'una casa'/'la casa'. The word for 'book' (libro) is a masculine noun so 'a
book'/'the book' is translated as 'un libro'/'el libro').
The gender of the word will affect adjectives which refer to that word. For example, if you want to say 'the red house' you
would say 'la casa roja'. If you wanted to say 'a red book' you would say 'un libro rojo'.
Where appropriate, the gender of each form of the word has been given below: masculine forms of the word are denoted
by '(m)', feminine by '(f)'. The plural form of the word (i.e when there is more than one of the object concerned) is denoted
by 'pl'. So, 'these houses' would appear as 'estas casas (fpl)' and 'those books' would appear as 'esos libros (mpl)'.
Accents may appear above certain vowels, helping pronunciation by indicating where the stress should be placed in that
particular word (e.g. prisión, miércoles, teléfono). In the absence of accents, words ending in either a vowel or …n / …s will
have stress placed on the penultimate syllable (e.g. nosotros, transferido, urgente). If the word ends in a consonant other
than …n / …s, the last syllable is stressed (e.g. necesitar, enfermedad, español)
Basics
My name is… Me llamo….
I am… (e.g. I am English) Soy…
The El/La/Los/Las
A Un/Una/Unos/Unas
It Lo/la/le
I/We/Me Yo/Nosotros/me
What/Which Qué/Cuál
Left Izquierda
Right Derecha
Here Aquí
There Ahí
What day does the… ¿Qué día…?
I cannot… No puedo…
Verbs
To have tener
I have yo tengo
you (singular) have tú tienes
he/she has él/ella tiene
we have nosotros/as tenemos
you (plural) have vosotros/as teneis
they have ellos/as tienen
(In Spanish, there are two verbs which translate as
„to be‟: „ser‟ and „estar‟. „Ser‟ is meant to convey
something permanent (e.g. „I am English‟, „I am a
man‟), and „estar‟ is meant to convey something more
temporary like a mood or emotion (e.g. „I am ill‟, or „I am
happy‟).
To be ser
I am yo soy
you (singular) are tú eres
he/she is él/ella es
we are nosotros/as somos
you (plural) are vosotros/as sois
they are ellos/as son
To be estar
I am estoy
you (singular) are tú estás
he/she is él/ella está
we are nosotros/as estamos
you (plural) are vosotros/as estais
they are ellos/as están
To want/I want Querer/yo quiero
To need/I need Necesitar/yo necesito
To feel/I feel Sentir/yo siento
To have to/I have to Tener que/yo tengo que
To see/I see Ver/yo veo
To use/I use Usar/yo uso
To speak/I speak Hablar/yo hablo
To write/I write Escribir/yo escribo
To go/I go Ir/yo voy
After Después
Before Antes
During Durante
Since Desde
Until Hasta
In/inside en/dentro
Outside Fuera
At en
From De/desde
On en/encima
Under/below/beneath Debajo
Above Encima
To be able to Poder/yo puedo
To give Dar/yo doy
Prepositions
Over por encima de
Beside/next to/by al lado de
Near to cerca de
Through a través
Towards hacia
Behind detrás
Between entre
Opposite en frente
With con
Without sin
Basic communication
Hello Hola
Good afternoon Buenas tardes
Good evening Buenas tardes
Good night Buenas noches
How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
Fine thanks, and you? Bien gracias, ¿y tú?
Excuse me Perdone
See you later Hasta luego
Yes Sí
No No
Please Por favor
Thank you Gracias
I don‟t know No sé
Could you repeat that more slowly? ¿Puedes repetir más despacio?
I don‟t understand No entiendo
I do not speak …… very well No hablo muy bien ….
I am sorry to bother you but… Siento molestarte pero….
May I borrow your… ¿Me prestas tu…?
How can I obtain…? ¿Cómo puedo obtener…?
Is there any mail for me? ¿Hay correo para mí?
How much does this cost? ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
Do you mind if I open the window? ¿Te importa si abro la ventana?
Do you mind if I smoke? Te importa si fumo?
Could you kindly write that down for me? ¿Podrías escribir eso para mí por favor?
Do you have the correct time? ¿Tienes la hora correcta?
What is your nationality? ¿Cuál es tu nacionalidad?
Useful phrases/vocabulary
The telephone is out of order
I do not have any means to buy…
I would like to order…
This is urgent
May I make an appointment to see…
I need to see my lawyer
Can I have a list of local English-speaking lawyers?
Who is dealing with my case?
Does the prison have a list of translators?
Can I get bail?
Can you tell me how long I will be held in police
custody before I get transferred to a prison?
What must I do to get transferred to another prison?
Can you tell me how long my sentence is?
Can you tell me the date my sentence finishes?
Can I move to Mr…..‟s cell as he speaks English?
Can Mr….. move into this cell?
I am very cold, can I have an extra blanket please?
When is the shop open?
How much money do I have in my account?
What day does the doctor come? What time?
Is there any work that I can do?
I would like to work in the…
Can you show me what I must do?
Could I buy a Spanish/English dictionary?
Can you contact the Consul for me?
El teléfono no funciona
No me puedo permitir comprar…
Me gustaría pedir…
Esto es urgente
¿Podría fijar una cita con…?
Necesito ver a mi abogado
¿Me das una lista de abogados que hablen ingles?
¿Quién está a cargo de mi caso?
¿Hay una lista de traductores en la prisión?
¿Puedo pedir la libertad bajo fianza?
¿Me podrías decir cuánto tiempo estaré detenido antes de ser
transferido a una prisión?
¿Qué debo hacer para ser transferido a otra prisión?
¿Me podrías decir cuánto tiempo durará mi sentencia?
¿Me podrías decir la fecha en que mi sentencia terminará?
¿Me puedo cambiar a la celda del Sr…., ya que habla inglés?
¿Puede el Sr… cambiarse a esta celda?
¿Tengo mucho frío, me das otra manta por favor?
¿Cuándo abre la tienda?
¿Cuánto dinero tengo en mi cuenta?
¿Qué día viene el médico? ¿A qué hora?
¿Hay algún trabajo que puedo hacer?
Me gustaría trabajar en el/la….
¿Me puedes enseñar lo qué debo hacer?
¿Podría comprar un diccionario de ingles/espanol?
¿Puedes contactar el cónsul para mí?
I want to make a complaint
Can I have permission for my family to send me….?
As I am not allowed visits, could I have a parcel of
clothes sent to the prison?
Are there any items which they are not permitted to
send me?
I want to send this letter to…
Why are my letters taking so long to get to my family?
I have not heard from my family and I am worried
about them
How do I arrange a visit for my family?
Can you confirm that my family has booked a visit for
(a specific date)?
May I have an extended visit as I do not get many and
my family has to travel a long way?
Could I go to the prison school to learn Spanish?
Could you give this letter to Mr… cell no…. so he can
translate it for me?
Time/days/numbers
Today Hoy
Tomorrow Mañana
Morning Mañana
Afternoon Tarde
Night Noche
Next week La próxima semana
Next month El próximo mes
Next year El próximo año
Last week La semana pasada
Last month El mes pasado
Last year El año pasado
Weekend Fin de semana
Monday Lunes
Tuesday Martes
Wednesday Miércoles
Thursday Jueves
Friday Viernes
Saturday Sábado
Sunday Domingo
January Enero
February Febrero
March Marzo
April Abril
May Mayo
June Junio
July Julio
August Agosto
September Septiembre
Quiero poner una queja
Me gustaría pedir permiso para que mi familia me envíe…
Como no tengo permitido ninguna visita, ¿se me podría enviar
un paquete de ropa a la prisión?
¿Hay algo que no pueden enviarme?
Quiero enviar esta carta a….
¿Por qué mis cartas tardan tanto en llegar a mi familia?
No sé nada de mi familia y estoy preocupado/a por ellos.
¿Qué tengo que hacer para arreglar una visita de mi familia?
¿Podrías confirmar qué día ha reservado mi familia para
visitarme?
¿Podría pedir una visita más larga ya que no recibo muchas
visitas y mi familia tiene que viajar de lejos?
¿Podría ir a las clases de la prisión para aprender español
¿Podrías darle esta carta al Sr…. celda número … para que la
traduzca para mí?
October Octubre
Eleven (eleventh) Once (décimoprimero/a)
November Noviembre
Twelve (twelfth) Doce (décimosegundo/a)
December Diciembre
Thirteen (thirteenth) Trece (décimotercero/a)
Spring Primavera
Fourteen (fourteenth) Catorce (décimocuarto/a)
Summer Verano
Fifteen (fifteenth) Quince (décimoquinto/a)
Autumn Otoño
Sixteen (sixteenth) Dieciseis (décimosexto/a)
Winter Invierno
Seventeen(seventeenth) Diecisiete (décimoséptimo/a)
Christmas Navidad
Eighteen (eighteenth) Dieciocho (décimoctavo/a)
Easter Semana Santa
Nineteen (nineteenth) Diecinueve (décimonoveno/a)
New Year Año Nuevo
Twenty (twentieth) Veinte (vigésimo/a)
National Holiday Día festivo
Thirty (thirtieth) Treinta (trigésimo/a)
One (first) Uno (primero/a)
Forty (fortieth) Cuarenta (cuadragésimo/a)
Two (second) Dos (Segundo/a)
Fifty (fiftieth) Cincuenta (quincuagésimo/a)
Three (third) Tres (Tercero/a)
Sixty (sixtieth) Sesenta (sexagésimo/a)
Four (fourth) Cuatro (cuarto/a)
Seventy (seventieth) Setenta (septuagésimo/a)
Five (fifth) Cinco (quinto/a)
Eighty (eightieth) Ochenta (Octogésimo/a)
Six (sixth) Seis (sexto/a)
Ninety (ninetieth) Noventa (nonagésimo/a)
Seven (seventh) Siete (séptimo/a)
Hundred (hundredth) Cien (centésimo)
Eight (eighth) Ocho (octavo/a)
Thousand Mil (milésimo/a)
Nine (ninth) Nueve (noveno/a)
What time is it? ¿Qué hora es?
Ten (tenth) Diez (décimo/a)
07h00 Seven o‟clock in the morning Las siete de la mañana
07h30 Seven thirty in the morning Las siete y media de la mañana
12h00 Midday Las doce del mediodía
13h00 One o‟clock in the afternoon La una de la tarde
14h40 Two-forty in the afternoon Las dos y cuarenta de la tarde
19h45 seven-forty-five in the evening Las siete y cuarenta y cinco de la tarde
00h00 midnight Las doce de la noche (medianoche)
General vocabulary
Cell Celda
Bed Cama
Individual cell Celda individual
Shared cell Celda compartida
Library Biblioteca
Showers Duchas
Toilet Cuarto de baño
Visiting rooms Salas de visita
Garden Jardín
Reception Recepción
Director Director
Assisant Director Ayudante del director
Shopkeeper Tendero/a
Guard/Warder Guardia/Vigilante
Stationery
Books Libros
Pen Bolígrafo
Paper Papel
Letter Carta
Envelope Sobre
Stamp Sello
Telephone Teléfono
Toiletries
Soap Jabón
Shampoo Champú
Toothbrush Cepillo de dientes
Toothpaste Pasta de dientes
Deodorant Desodorante
Tissues Pañuelos de papel
Toilet Paper Papel higiénico
Wash Lavar
Razor Cuchilla de afeitar
Shave Afeitar
Towel Toalla
Other items
Shop/Canteen Tienda/Cantina
Blanket Manta
Radio Radio
CD/cassette player Lector de CDs/Radio-cassette
Playing cards Una baraja
Ball Pelota
Battery Pila/Batería
Clothing
Shirt Camisa
Shorts Pantalones cortos
Shoes Zapatos
Socks Calcetines
Underwear Ropa interior
Trousers Pantalones
T-shirt Camiseta
Trainers Zapatillas de deporte
Jumper/pullover Jersey
Jeans Vaqueros
Vest Camiseta de tiras
Sandals Sandalias
Small Pequeño/a
Medium Mediano/a
Large Grande
Proper Nouns
British Consul Cónsul británico/a
Britain Gran Bretaña
British Británico/a
England Inglaterra
Scotland Escocia
Wales Gales
Northern Ireland Irlanda del Norte
Family
Friend Amigo/a
Family Familia
Mother Madre
Father Padre
Sister Hermana
Brother Hermano
Husband Marido
Wife Mujer
Partner Pareja
Daughter Hija
Son Hijo
Child Niño/a
Cousin Primo/a
Food/meals
Breakfast Desayuno
Lunch Comida
Dinner Cena
To eat Comer
To drink Beber
Knife Cuchillo
Fork Tenedor
Spoon Cuchara
Tray Bandeja
Glass Vaso
Cup/Mug Taza
Plate Plato
Bottle Botella
Coffee Café
Tea Té
Water Agua
Milk Leche
Powdered milk Leche en polvo
Soda Soda
Hot chocolate Chocolate caliente
Fresh fruit Fruta fresca
Apple Manzana
Orange Naranja
Banana Plátano
Pear Pera
Meat Carne
Lamb Cordero
Beef Carne de Res
Pork Cerdo
Ham Jamón
Bacon Beicon
Chicken Pollo
Fish Pescado
Tuna Atún
Cod Bacalao
Sea food Marisco
Vegetables Vegetales
Cabbage Repollo
Carrot Zanahoria
Mushroom Champiñón
Spinach Espinaca
Beans Habichuelas
Green beans Judías verdes
Peas Guisantes
Potato Patata
Peppers Pimientos
Onion Cebolla
Lettuce Lechuga
Bread Pan
Rice Arroz
Pasta Pasta
Butter Mantequilla
Jam/preserve Mermelada
Eggs Huevos
Cheese Queso
Oil Aceite
Salt Sal
Sugar Azúcar
Yoghurt Yogur
Biscuits Galletas
Cereal Cereales
Chocolate Chocolate
Body/Health
I need to see the Doctor
I require medical assistance for the following reasons…
It is urgent
I don‟t feel very well
I am bleeding
I have a pain in my…
Mild pain
Severe pain
I have a cold/flu
I have a sore throat
I have a fever
I am allergic to…
I am having problems breathing
I have a cold
I have an upset stomach
I am constipated
I have diarrhoea
I have spots
I have a rash
I am diabetic
I am epileptic
I have heart problems
I have ear ache
I have a headache
I have cramps
I have problems with my eyes
I need to have my eyes tested
I am pregnant
I have high/low blood pressure
I have high cholesterol
Have you something for…
Do you have a bandage?
Necesito ver a un médico
Necesito ayuda médica por las siguientes razones…
Es urgente
No me siento muy bien
Estoy sangrando
Me duele el/la…
Dolor moderado
Dolor fuerte
Tengo un resfriado/gripe
Me duele la garganta
Tengo fiebre
Soy alérgico a…
Tengo problemas al respirar
Tengo catarro
Me duele el estómago
Estoy estreñido/a
Tengo diarrea
Tengo granos
Tengo un sarpullido
Soy diabético/a
Tengo epilepsia
Tengo problemas del corazón
Me duele el oído
Me duele la cabeza
Tengo calambres
Tengo problemas en los ojos
Necesito que me examinen los ojos
Estoy embarazada
Tengo la tensión alta/baja
Tengo el colesterol alto
¿Tienes algo para…?
¿Tienes una venda?
Human Body
The head La cabeza
The skull El Cráneo
Hair Pelo
Face Cara
Eye/eyes Ojo/ojos
Nose Nariz
Mouth Boca
Lips Labios
Tongue Lengua
Ear Oreja (external)/Oído(internal)
Neck Cuello
Throat Garganta
Shoulder Hombro
Chest Pecho
Breasts (female) Pechos
Stomach Estómago
Back Espalda
Arms Brazos
Elbow Codo
Hand Mano
Finger Dedo
Thumb Dedo pulgar
Hip Cadera
Anus Ano
Penis Pene
Testicles Testículos
Vagina Vagina
Leg Pierna
Knee Rodilla
Ankle Tobillo
Foot Pie
Heel Talón
Toe Dedo del pie
Limb Extremidad
Muscle Músculo
Bone Hueso
Spinal column Columna Vertebral
Rib Costilla
Skin Piel
Heart Corazón
Lungs Pulmones
Liver Hígado
Kidneys Riñones
Bladder Vejiga
Breathing Respirar
Blood Sangre
Dental terms
I need to see the dentist
I have toothache
I have broken a tooth
A filling
Tooth decay
A tooth
A wisdom tooth
Necesito ver al dentista
Me duele un diente/muela
Tengo un diente/muela roto/a
Un empaste
Carie
Un diente/muela
Muela del Juicio
Phrases which may be used by the doctor
Where does it hurt?
Do you have a temperature?
Do you have any allergies?
Do you suffer from any other illnesses?
What medication do you take normally?
Are you receiving medical treatment now?
What type?
Since when?
Is this the first time you have had this problem?
Do you have a cold?
How much do you weigh?
Step onto the scales please?
Please lie on the bed
Please take off your shirt
This is a prescription for…
Are you a drug addict?
You must take this medication…
…before you go to bed
…in the morning and in the evening
Dónde te duele
Tienes fiebre?
Tienes alguna alergia?
Sufres alguna otra enfermedad?
Que medicamentos toma normalmente?
Está recibiendo tratamiento medico ahora?
De qué tipo?
Desde cuando?
Es esta la perimera vez que ha tenido este
problema?
Tienes catarro/gripe?
Cuánto pesas?
Suba al peso, por favor
Por favor, acuéstese en la camilla/cama
Quítese la camisa, por favor
Esto es una receta para…..
Tiene adicción a alguna droga?
Debe tomar este medicamento…
…antes de irte a la cama
…en la mañana y en la noche
Prescribed drugs/treatment
Painkiller Analgésico
Antibiotics Antibiótico
Analgesics Analgésico
Aspirin Aspirina
Sleeping tablet Pastillas para dormir
Tranquiliser Tranquilizante
Laxative Laxante
Antiseptic Antiséptico
Lice treatment Tratamiento para piojos
Inhaler Inhalador
Tablet/Pill Pastilla/Píldora
Capsule Cápsula
Cream Crema
Injection Inyección
Vaccine Vacuna
Bandage Venda
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Disclaimer
This booklet was compiled by the Consular Section, British Embassy Santo Domingo. It is
revised on a regular basis
If any of the information contained in this booklet is incorrect, please draw inaccuracies to
our attention so that we can make amendments.
The British Embassy in Santo Domingo is not accountable for the information provided in
this booklet. Local proceedings are subject to change at any time.
Thank you.
27 April 2015
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