SANTO DOMINGO. - The Word Economic Forum’s Global Information Technology 2008-2009 Report ranks Dominican Republic as Latin America’s leader in prioritizing technology regarding the vision of a future Government, or its interest in technological preparedness to make its agencies more efficient.
Domingo Tavárez, director the Presidential Office for Information and Communication Technologies (OPTIC), Thursday said the study is on the environs, evaluation and use, and analyzes infrastructure preparation, personnel training, the systems and connectivity.
He stressed the fact that the Government is ahead of the private sector in technological aspects, with a difference of 42 points in technological preparation and 22 points regarding its use. “In the study of 134 nations, our country was 75th world-wide as far as technological preparation and although it’s the same position as in the 2007-2008 report, there’s a difference of 10 points, taking into account that the sample in the past study was 127 countries.”
Tavárez, interviewed in the morning program ONTV, said the country’s first place in Latin America is “hugely important, taking into account that we’re just below Latin American’s highly outstanding countries, such as Chile, Barbados, Mexico and Brazil and that we’ve advanced 44 positions in four years.”
The official said the country also ranks second in the Government’s efficiency in the use of technology, and fourth place in the presence of technology in government offices.
From: Dominican Republic, Cabarete
That is one of the most amazing pieces of incredible statistical analysis and warped information that I have ever seen in this Country and everyday I see too much. How in the world can this be nothing more than a ranting rhetorical position statement generated out of insane thinking. Its truth may be evident in an insignificant section of one street in Santo Domingo but in the Country as a whole, the lights can't even stay on for half of 24 hours at a time. The use of technology presupposes the ability to read and even think, neither of which commodities are apparent in the mainstream of the Dominican Republic. The recent article regarding the near illiteracy of graduating university students along with their next to impossible skills at comprehension of any logical thinking processes cannot be grouped in the same Country as what this gentleman is trying to put forth. Who paid who to grant this level of competency to the DR. We need much more reality to succeed here.
Written by: belly51, 2 Apr 2009 3:41 PM
From: Dominican Republic, San Francisco y Houston,TX
I have always think that technology is whats going to end corruption in DR. Technology is a time bomb waiting to blow in corrupted politicians faces. The internet and telecom have a great potential because more people know whats happening.
Written by: xwill7, 2 Apr 2009 3:47 PM
From: United States, Chicago
Computers have become popular due to the high cost of international phone calls. Everyone started to learn how to use a PC in order to get on msn, yahoo, and myspace. Beleive me if computers did not give us the ability to comunicate internationally, they would not be as popular in DR.
Written by: belly51, 2 Apr 2009 3:47 PM
From: Dominican Republic, San Francisco y Houston,TX
drcabarete
i have been to many countries in latin america and the caribbean and i can almost believe that 90 percent of this article is accurate. I work as a programmer and i think DR is not that far behind major countries when it comes to technology. Like i said on other post before this maybe because of the profit margin that telecom companies have in DR.
From: Dominican Republic, Cabarete
Senor Belly 51:
Interesting nombre. Not sure how much time you spend living a daily life here and dealing with the realities of the people. However, I would certainly like to think that you are at least, marginally correct. But, dealing with things which do not work, simple thing; cash registers, credit card authorization machines, bank computers, ATM machines, the gamut is amazing and never ending. The inefficiency of the machinery coupled with the near total lack of ability of the operators to perform its functions, make me hesitate to agree more. But I continually look to the future, though I must say that if the future is any evidence of my past 7 years of experience here, it is not a happy thought.
From: United States, Yonkers, NY
Are you sure this wasn't supposed to be posted yesterday April 1st? You know, as an April Fools??
Written by: xwill7, 2 Apr 2009 4:14 PM
From: United States, Chicago
drb,
I have never had any problems with Banco Popular ATM machines... I think that telecom in DR is doing good. They just need to provide cell phone signal coverage around all mountain areas.
Written by: juanb, 2 Apr 2009 4:28 PM
From: Dominican Republic
They are basing this on the huge waste of money buying our elected officials their overly expensive computers. I would be curious to know how much was spent per computer. Anyone want to bet that we didn't overpay?I say we probably paid double the normal price.
Written by: juanb, 2 Apr 2009 4:28 PM
From: Dominican Republic
And please don't forget that this same competitiveness study ranked us 134 (LAST) in quality of primary education and almost last in governmental corruption. If you believe this study with regards to our technological advancement then you must also believe the other statistics.
Written by: ny4life, 2 Apr 2009 4:30 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
DR is definitely advanced technologically. There is no doubt about that. That has helped DR coming into the 21st century. DrCabrete, your lack of respect for the Dominican people is discusting. There is no doubt that education is an issue in DR, however, there many educated people in DR. If DR was as bad as you describe it, why do you continue to reside there?
Thanks and enjoy the Dominican experience.
Written by: belly51, 2 Apr 2009 4:53 PM
From: Dominican Republic, San Francisco y Houston,TX
drcabarete
The article focus on technology which i know a lot about and the availabilty of technology like cell-phone,computers and internet access is very good. i was surprise at cell phone signal in some places the lack of education has nothing to do with technology being there is has a lot to do with parent choosing brugal and presidente instead of helping their kids with homework. i graduate by my self and till today i can't remember anybody helping me to do basic math but a lots of beers were offered instead and if we don't change that mentality then guess the next 50 yrs would be same as your last seven. we have to stop blaming gov for every problem and start actin on what can be acomplish in the free public school system in DR even if is not the best. If every Dominican would have known everything that gets teached in DR schools we would be doing a lot better today but the presidentes and brugal are easier to drink than sitting down and getting school.
Written by: xwill7, 2 Apr 2009 5:16 PM
From: United States, Chicago
3G works pretty good out there
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, DR.
So, the government uses 22% more technology than private companies, also the sun spins around the earth.
From: Dominican Republic, Cabarete
Cowboy _Up says it all. Rarely touch a Presidente and nunca a Brugal .NY for life, you are a most dissected person. You seem to miss the points and focus on the rest. But life in NYC is great. Spent too much great time there in my misspoken youth and childhood. But please do not see the "discust" you note in my writing. As is, you are not looking at the picture or even living the picture. Life in the " Heights" is not life in the DR. Even the Presidentes come in different strengths in the US. Deal with our frustrations with the powers here who deprive the people of everything which they should have. There is enough money available in this Country to float it all over the Caribbean and the South Atlantic. However it is diverted to the few and far between. The "politicos" here form a society in which priviledge and rank outstrips everything else. Stay with the program mi amigo and understand the daily life here not the rhetoric of the election cycle.
Written by: antonio1, 2 Apr 2009 6:26 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Av Santa Rosa, La Romana
I invite everyone to see the report and make their own conclusion; I read the report and is a different story, we are competing with the best but we are not on top. Sad
From: United States, New York City
drbcabarete...speak brother, speak! You're on the money. But don't think that Dominican-Americans are that removed from the realities of our country of origin.
Written by: ateo1992, 2 Apr 2009 7:19 PM
From: Dominican Republic
well is simple! if they say so then it's true!! we are maybe the most advance in Latin America period!
Written by: Username, 2 Apr 2009 7:34 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Now the 15 hour black-outs finally make sense; there is too much technology to power up. LOL.
From: Dominican Republic
And yet we still import oil, hire illegal aliens, we steal electricity, water and metals! We don't even started to exploit alternative energy. Yes we are very technological!
Written by: BASTA, 2 Apr 2009 10:04 PM
From: Dominican Republic, = Ghetto-SPM-Barrio Blanco
DR is definitely advanced technologically. There is no doubt about that. That has helped DR coming into the 21st century. DrCabrete, your lack of respect for the Dominican people is discusting. There is no doubt that education is an issue in DR, however, there many educated YEah Right - Who your President? people in DR. If DR was as bad as you describe it, why do you continue to reside there?
BEcause the Dominicans are leaving!
Written by: belly51, 2 Apr 2009 11:23 PM
From: Dominican Republic, San Francisco y Houston,TX
It sounds to me that a lot of these folks are confuse of what technology is. Technology is not education or electricity or even polititians. Technology is something else my friends. Dont get the topic wrong. Electricity problem is because people are not willing to pay for it and the electrical company have their hands tide do you guys know how much it cost to build a electrical plant or teach parents to take their kids to public "free" that offers free food.
Written by: jacirez 
, 3 Apr 2009 12:17 AM
From: Iran, Zähedän
belly51,
I agree. I have been in many (emphasis on many) countries and I can tell you, while the DR is not South Korea (arguably the most wired nation on the planet); we are not Burkina Faso either. Last time at was in the DR we stayed at the Barceló complex. We bought a 24hrs wifi-internet package from Masa Internet and we were able to stay online 24//7.
The bandwidth and signal quality was comparable to what I would expect from 3G web in North America. We never had an outage and the staff at Masa seems relatively knowledgeable. We also brought our cell phones with us and we switched them back upon landing everything worked from the start. I was able to stay in touch with my staff in the field and otherwise work as well as when I’m in North America.
To me technology means the ability to stay connected and communicate with ease. In that regard, the DR is as good as any other place in the Western Hemisphere.
Written by: belly51, 3 Apr 2009 1:10 AM
From: Dominican Republic, San Francisco y Houston,TX
All the technology and education for DR is in place now is up to the public to take advantage of it. And please don't tell that the school systems is just not there because i went to school in DR and i know the basic is there and now we as Proud Dominicans need to start working on it. so put down the beer and brugal and stop tlaking and start working.
Written by: jacirez , 3 Apr 2009 3:44 AM
From: Iran, Zähedän
belly51,
I agree. I went to school in DR as well. I remember doing Algebra in 5th grade!!!
My son is in fifth grade now and he is only know learning to do division....
Post-secondary education "may" not be available to everybody; but public primary/secondary education is as good as one can expect...
Written by: belly51, 3 Apr 2009 4:10 AM
From: Dominican Republic, San Francisco y Houston,TX
A lot of us like the gov to do everything and if we keep thinking that we will be left behind other nations with less resources. If DR can pull it together we could be the leader of the caribbean and make it a better place. We know only Cuba or DR have a chance of being the leader and we are sitting on a better position based on the current situation. Cuba got a lot but while the castros are there. It won't change. Cuba and DR together can do lot of good thing for the aerea.
From: United States
I have to agree that the availability of technology in the DR is very good. You can find a computer centre with internet access just about anywhere. People have fairly updates electronic gadgets and quite a few have computers and internet in their homes.
I do think we are still quite a ways away from fixing the electricity problems and educational problems though. Sorry but I think the level of education available is more closely related to where you live. In larger cities of course the level of education is better but in the smaller villages its definitely much worse.
Written by: JuanMl, 3 Apr 2009 10:24 AM
From: Canada
I'm surprised how inteligent peoplo believe we are a country leader in Technology, one thing is to consume technology, and we are good a that, maybe a leader like everybody says, and another thing is to create technology, that is what makes a leader, the creation of technology, and we are far away of that (imagine the country doesn't have electricity en the XXI century....). But I understand those things are part of our "idiosincracia" (leaders in everything, a bunch of professionals, generals, politicians, etc. etc.)
From: United States, NJ
You the readers get fooled by a stupid ad that says DR is the leader inTECHNOLOGY, instead of saying leader of COMMUNICATION usage of importer equipments & servises. If we were so advanced in technology we would not have to depend on imported equipment but build it our selves.TECHNOLOGY does not apply to communication only but a vast sytem of areas such :
steel,motors,air conditioners and refrigeration,built your own air planes instead of buying same from Brazil,built your own wind parks with your own knowledge ,built subway trains w/o importing them as well as steel rail,heavy equipment ,parts etc etc Then not to emigrate to the more industrial countries such as USA,Spain,Australia,France ,Egnland ,Canada,Germany and not be a burden to the State as welfare recipients in USA . Washington Heights along has over 800,000 on medic aid and section 8. You would be able to build from your own funds instead of borrowing from the W/B for the smallest projects. DR is far from a leader in tech
Written by: Trujillo, 3 Apr 2009 4:59 PM
From: Dominican Republic
From: United States, NJ
again with battery back up most likely as they do in some computers. you know dam well that is not true as to the electricity being delivered to the consumers 65% of the time 24/7. so interrupted service should not be for maint for p/d (power distribution) to correct cabletheft if they had adequate supply for those intrruption,. i can see natural disaster and no more. don't believe all the propaganda pumped out by these idiots . you have brains of your own ,use it....
From: Dominican Republic, Cabarete
Since when is rain a natural disaster? That is one of the excuses for the loss of power for 18 hours or more. Really for those who cannot conceive of this, believe it, and please do not believe this Country is technological in front of many others. This is not a third world Country, it is a 3.5 world Country and in 10 years may move into the 3rd world order. It is too bad as it is topographically beautiful and many of its people are incredibly wonderful. But overall it is a daily blend of political rhetoric and government misinformation.
Written by: kenmitz, 5 Apr 2009 2:41 AM
From: United States
DR is currently constructing a plant which will produce a revolutionary biofuel. The fuel produced, straight from the reactors, can be used to power generators which will produce electricity to the neighboring areas. This power generation is far more economical, and reliable, than anything currently available. The feed stock to produce this fuel is ANYTHING CARBON BASED....which is basically anything that came from a living source(trash, jatropha, algae, inedible feed stock, etc.). This plant will also power warehouses that will grow indoor organic produce (Terraponics), not to be confused with "hydroponics", as this process will use the "waste" from the fuel stock, which is a high grade carbon fertilizer, to grow the produce. The entire process, from fuel stock to electricity to food, IS as AMAZING as it sounds. Once this plant is in operation, and others are built, they will be on par with ANY COUNTRY.
From: United States, NJ
Kenmitz:
How much are you getting paid for this faulse PROPAGANDA?.First of all reactors are used only in connection with atomic power so get your story straight. .Indoor organic production is not needed in a country as solar ,and green fertile as our land . Maybe in ISRAEL and your advancements in TECHNOLOGY, all this could be acomplished . How about power distribution to supply the so call advance subway system in DR and electricity in general with enogh generators to produce it . You can BULL SHIT half of the readers of this forum but not all of us.
Where is the money coming from ,ISRAEL? You know it takes more than words to buil anything .
It takes advance knowledge and less politics , W/B involment in DR for the politicians to get richerer .You are not talking to an imbesil population that had enogh of foreign infringments . As i can see you are giving all this idea without telling us where this MARTIAN PLANT is been built and how much is it going to cost & exported.
From: United States, "La matabugas, matabocones, matacobardes y azarosos".
drdcabbarete,
you must be staying in a DR slum and do not know anything about dr and its proffessionals. Go around and smell the coffee.
From: United States, NJ
drbcabarete:
Am with you 100%. Let us keep these politicians out ,that do nothing but hinder developement whle they stash the w/b and imf money in MIAMI for their retirement.
From: Dominican Republic, Cabarete
Senor Poponlabura:
The DR coffee is really good. I grind mine fresh every morning while I look out on the ocean from my quarter million dollar slum condo. Yes, it is a step down from my last one which was valued at over $300,000, so I do suppose I have moved to a new slum. I have been a "professional" for over 40 years and work daily with many others. However you need to realize that as soon as one gets away from the main streets and the tall buildings, technology here is really a very hit and miss operation. But I do welcome you to visit my slum, I guarantee you won't want to leave and I will make a new pot of great DR coffee for you as well.
From: United States, NJ
The only technology they lead, next to Haiti is making BABIES !!!
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i have been to many countries in latin america and the caribbean and i can almost believe that 90 percent of this article is accurate. I work as a programmer and i think DR is not that far behind major countries when it comes to technology. Like i said on other post before this maybe because of the profit margin that telecom companies have in DR.
Interesting nombre. Not sure how much time you spend living a daily life here and dealing with the realities of the people. However, I would certainly like to think that you are at least, marginally correct. But, dealing with things which do not work, simple thing; cash registers, credit card authorization machines, bank computers, ATM machines, the gamut is amazing and never ending. The inefficiency of the machinery coupled with the near total lack of ability of the operators to perform its functions, make me hesitate to agree more. But I continually look to the future, though I must say that if the future is any evidence of my past 7 years of experience here, it is not a happy thought.
I have never had any problems with Banco Popular ATM machines... I think that telecom in DR is doing good. They just need to provide cell phone signal coverage around all mountain areas.
Thanks and enjoy the Dominican experience.
The article focus on technology which i know a lot about and the availabilty of technology like cell-phone,computers and internet access is very good. i was surprise at cell phone signal in some places the lack of education has nothing to do with technology being there is has a lot to do with parent choosing brugal and presidente instead of helping their kids with homework. i graduate by my self and till today i can't remember anybody helping me to do basic math but a lots of beers were offered instead and if we don't change that mentality then guess the next 50 yrs would be same as your last seven. we have to stop blaming gov for every problem and start actin on what can be acomplish in the free public school system in DR even if is not the best. If every Dominican would have known everything that gets teached in DR schools we would be doing a lot better today but the presidentes and brugal are easier to drink than sitting down and getting school.
BEcause the Dominicans are leaving!
I agree. I have been in many (emphasis on many) countries and I can tell you, while the DR is not South Korea (arguably the most wired nation on the planet); we are not Burkina Faso either. Last time at was in the DR we stayed at the Barceló complex. We bought a 24hrs wifi-internet package from Masa Internet and we were able to stay online 24//7.
The bandwidth and signal quality was comparable to what I would expect from 3G web in North America. We never had an outage and the staff at Masa seems relatively knowledgeable. We also brought our cell phones with us and we switched them back upon landing everything worked from the start. I was able to stay in touch with my staff in the field and otherwise work as well as when I’m in North America.
To me technology means the ability to stay connected and communicate with ease. In that regard, the DR is as good as any other place in the Western Hemisphere.
I agree. I went to school in DR as well. I remember doing Algebra in 5th grade!!!
My son is in fifth grade now and he is only know learning to do division....
Post-secondary education "may" not be available to everybody; but public primary/secondary education is as good as one can expect...
I do think we are still quite a ways away from fixing the electricity problems and educational problems though. Sorry but I think the level of education available is more closely related to where you live. In larger cities of course the level of education is better but in the smaller villages its definitely much worse.
steel,motors,air conditioners and refrigeration,built your own air planes instead of buying same from Brazil,built your own wind parks with your own knowledge ,built subway trains w/o importing them as well as steel rail,heavy equipment ,parts etc etc Then not to emigrate to the more industrial countries such as USA,Spain,Australia,France ,Egnland ,Canada,Germany and not be a burden to the State as welfare recipients in USA . Washington Heights along has over 800,000 on medic aid and section 8. You would be able to build from your own funds instead of borrowing from the W/B for the smallest projects. DR is far from a leader in tech
How much are you getting paid for this faulse PROPAGANDA?.First of all reactors are used only in connection with atomic power so get your story straight. .Indoor organic production is not needed in a country as solar ,and green fertile as our land . Maybe in ISRAEL and your advancements in TECHNOLOGY, all this could be acomplished . How about power distribution to supply the so call advance subway system in DR and electricity in general with enogh generators to produce it . You can BULL SHIT half of the readers of this forum but not all of us.
Where is the money coming from ,ISRAEL? You know it takes more than words to buil anything .
It takes advance knowledge and less politics , W/B involment in DR for the politicians to get richerer .You are not talking to an imbesil population that had enogh of foreign infringments . As i can see you are giving all this idea without telling us where this MARTIAN PLANT is been built and how much is it going to cost & exported.
you must be staying in a DR slum and do not know anything about dr and its proffessionals. Go around and smell the coffee.
Am with you 100%. Let us keep these politicians out ,that do nothing but hinder developement whle they stash the w/b and imf money in MIAMI for their retirement.
The DR coffee is really good. I grind mine fresh every morning while I look out on the ocean from my quarter million dollar slum condo. Yes, it is a step down from my last one which was valued at over $300,000, so I do suppose I have moved to a new slum. I have been a "professional" for over 40 years and work daily with many others. However you need to realize that as soon as one gets away from the main streets and the tall buildings, technology here is really a very hit and miss operation. But I do welcome you to visit my slum, I guarantee you won't want to leave and I will make a new pot of great DR coffee for you as well.