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Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina (October 24,1891-May30,1961) ruled the Dominica Republicfrom 1930 until his assassination in 1961. Officially, he was president only from 1930 to 1938, and again from 1942 to 1952. His brother Hector Trujillowas president from 1952-60, and it was only under pressure from theOrginazation of the United States that a non-relative, Trujillo allyJoaquin Balaguer, succeeded Hector. For more than 30 years, Rafael Trujillo and his family held absolute power on the Dominican side of the island of Hispaniola. Popularly, he was known as "El Jefe" (The Chief), but he was privately referred to as "Chapitas" — literally, "bottlecaps" — because of his indiscriminate use of medals.

Noel Hernadez

MST Lawrence

Date last revised 5-8-08