Santo Domingo.– Global warming will eliminate tourism in the Dominican Republic by 2050 under business-as-usual, reported Listin Diario today .
Some islands have already been lost in the Pacific, and the forecast is that many more will go in the coming decades, especially if nothing is done to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions globally. Now, in the Caribbean, the picture is looking bleak as well.
The Caribbean islands, for the exception of Haiti, are largely dependent on tourism. Coastal development for the purpose of tourism is growing in the region at a high rate despite a recent regional decline in tourism.
In the Caribbean, tourism accounts for 15% of the gross domestic product, with higher rates in many islands, and over 2.4 million jobs (about 16%). It has also pushed populations towards the coasts. In the Dominican Republic, over 50% of the population lives near coasts where a 6-m sea-level rise would plunge them into the sea.
Recently, the Dominican government received a report detailing that, under their estimates, sea-level will rise by 6 meters under business-as-usual by 2050, eliminating the tourism industry and sending the country into complete chaos.
The same would happen around the Caribbean. The fast development the region is seeing may be completely obliterated by global warming, and the same case goes for much of the rest of the developing world. The outcome would be to put billions of people in situations of poverty, hunger, and violence.
There are good reasons why people in the developing world should have high hopes. One reason is that, aside from what governments are doing (whether it be block negotiations or push for tough measures), industries are rushing towards making a profit out of solving the climate, and that’s a great thing. Companies like Ausra, eSolar, Solel, Nanosolar, Google, Honda, GE, Vestas, Aracruz, and many others are working hard to make renewable energy, transportation, and products cheap, feasible, and appropriate for smart, sustainable development.
Another good reason is that people are standing up everywhere. We are seeing people getting together to deploy solutions, taking action to shut down fossil fuel projects, and even elect leaders who will do something about global warming.
Written by: josean, 30 Dec 2007 3:18 PM
From: United States
Why wait to 2050 when reelecting Lio-nel Fernandez will achieve that by 2008!
Written by: ny4life, 30 Dec 2007 3:47 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
NOt true bro. The world needs to cut down on emissions. The US is bears a big responsibility on that. China, India, the EU, and Russia needs to reduce emissions asap!!!
Leonel 2008-2012, the best candidate avaliable, needs to improve and strengthen his will but I believe he knows how to govern the DR in the a modern state. THe best candidate the Dr has to offer right now and you can't deny it Josean. THere is no one from the PRSC or PRD or la Cuarta Via that has the ability to run the country like Leonel.
Leonel is the best candidate right now and you know that.
From: Dominican Republic, SPM
Leonel is the best candidate right now and you know that. WRONG he is the worst. Anyone including Boyer would be better!
Written by: santanar, 30 Dec 2007 8:23 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Ramon Santana
I live in Miami Florida and don't really care who wins the presidencies of our country as long as they continue with the democratic path follow by the last 10 presidents. As for the issue on hand of losing tourist in 2050, there will be more issue that will create this phenomenon than global warming, such us Cuba becoming democratic and open to tourism, the price of aircraft fuel, to name a few.
Written by: josean, 30 Dec 2007 10:08 PM
From: United States
Myself, I was really hoping Fefita La Grande would throw her hat or wig in the ring for 2008. But Lio-nel figured she was a threat and made an exception to his strict austerity program and gave her job.
What a potential Nobel Laureate we have for a president.
Written by: Lautaro, 30 Dec 2007 11:43 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
Mr. Ladronelypena, because of Boyer, Haiti humilliated itself by paying a "independence debt", that it didn't have the obligation to pay in the first place (I'm assuming that you're talking about Jean Pierre Boyer). Due to that debt, that country could not expend the resources in education and health that it sorely needed to start the trip to development. So I'll suggest that you find a better model before comparing it to Leonel, because he may have his shortcomings, but surely he deserves a better standard to compare with than that.
Written by: Escott, 30 Dec 2007 11:50 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
No he doesn't deserve anything. This man took money from education (what little was there) and put it into the Metro.
He doesn't deserve the dirt under Boyers fingernails.
Written by: dagtan, 30 Dec 2007 11:52 PM
From: United States
Santanar is right on the money with his Cuban comment. Dominicans should not worry about climate, the Americans and Chinese have more to loose so they will work to make things better. This past summer China surpased the Unted States in emissions ans is destined to surpased the U.S. in the ownership od automibiles by 2010 as is en route to becoming the third larger economy in the world, just behind England and Germany. Back to Dominican tourism, those of you that have not been following Cuba tourist industry need to read a little about it. Because today under the embargo and everything Cuba manges to attract more Canadians than DR. That also for French and close on British. The DR dominates the German market and a large part of the Canadian. Mexico and PR got the American market. So if cuba opens up, you will see people not flying, but taking a luxury ferry from south florida. Our beloved island would be in trouble.
Written by: Lautaro, 31 Dec 2007 12:02 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
Are you saying that Haiti deserves its current postration, mr. Escott? May I remind you that a great part of that postration is due to that cursed debt? A debt that mr. Boyer contracted without asking the haitian people for their consent (not that he would have obtained that, of course). With the aggravating factor that that nation had the biggest, most powerful army of the Caribbean at that time (1825), an army that could withstand any outside threat without flinching.
Written by: Edward, 31 Dec 2007 1:01 AM
From: United States, Faux News: Unfair Imbalance
Even though I'm concerned about global warming, I'm confident that we will find solutions because between 2008 and 2050 a lot of technological advances would have been achieved.
Written by: Escott, 31 Dec 2007 8:15 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
Cuba is not a threat. First they need to have a change of government and then they need to totally rebuild a country which is total shambles.
Only thing that have done for infrastructure is NOTHING. Only money put into anything has to do with the Revolution or Communism. Havana hasn't seen a coat of paint in 50 years let alone a repair.
I wouldnt be worrying about Cuba in my lifetime and in the then lifetime the Dominican Republic has plenty of time to get civilized. If Cuba was all that HOT it would be booming. Not too long ago there weren't many American Tourists here at all. That was the only thing Cuba was missing.
Written by: dagtan, 31 Dec 2007 9:58 AM
From: United States
Mr. Escott have you been to Havana? You'll be surprise that Havana which has endure 50 plus years of enbargo and other U.S. pressures, today has a better infrastructure than that of Santo Dominingo. Yes, many of the buildings are falling apart and need new painting, but structurally the majority are very good. The facade is impressive and very classic and complicated, something that Santo Domingo lacks. Now were Havana defenitely leaves Santo Dominingo behind is in their over efficient public transporation system and that is with their very old Russian fleet. The road system in Havana is excellent and it is very easy to get around, except that people dod not have the means of transportation. I was only able to visit Varadero Beach Resort and I was impressed about the facility and services that tourist get in a communist country. Cuba's potentials are only dreams for DR at this time. Also, remember that have built an excellent pool of future leaders, only they do government cont
Written by: dagtan, 31 Dec 2007 10:02 AM
From: United States
differnt from what we know. I have in the past argued against the communist regime, but when you a democratic population like the one in the DR where a large percentage of poeple are straving and do not have a place to live, then you wonder what good is democracy when you are hungry and homeless. In Cuba everyone have at least rice and beans everyday through their ractions, not meat, but that is better than nothing as many are today in DR (democracy is not always good, except for people like us, middle and upper class) also, everyone in Cuba has housing, might not be as nice as the condos in the upper class areas of Santo Domingo, but not a least everyone has a place to live. Unlike in DR where millions of people live in card board huts in and around the urban places.
From: United States, Reality Check
Reality check: What are the first 3 important factors in real estate (location, location, location!). Thus, if I can get a luxury ferry ride from south Florida to lots of tropical raw un-touched beaches, resorts with nice un-Westernized Cubanas then please sign me up! Honestly, I would feel safter taking my family to Cuba (given the Gov tight control) than the RD especially if I were venturing outside the resorts at night.
Regarding, global warming this issue is not new. Don't assume we will have alot of time to get it fixed (43 years). The environmentalist & protectionist like Ralph Nadar have been discussing this issue for decades with slow or no progress.
If technology exists in Dubai to protect & build new islands which is not much different than preserving them then only big difference is that leaders in Cuba & Dubai have the "INTEGRITY" to do things in the best interest of their society. If I had to be poor I prefer to be poor in either Cuba or Dubai but not the RD.
Written by: dagtan, 31 Dec 2007 11:47 AM
From: United States
Hey, JD, if you are poor in DR you do not eat, dress, or have any type of shelter. While being poor in Cuba is to have rice and beans everyday, a place to live, and old clothes. I do not think that Dubai has any poor people as the ones in other countries. Dominicans often brag about their democratic system specially the ones that are here in the U.S. they tend to throw it in the PR peple face all the time. But I simply feel sorry and laught about their ignorance. Many Dominicans fail to recognize that while PR is smaller than DR, they have better living standards and all aspect of social systems. Yes, do not have the production capability of the DR, but they are at least 25-50 years ahead of DR in civilization matters. Dominicans think that having a flag is every thing, the last time I cehak you can not cook a flag or turn it into a house. Regardless, of the American influence, Dr should push to get such deal as well.
Written by: cpone, 31 Dec 2007 11:58 AM
From: United States
News flash folks. Beach erosion is a natural occurrence. 6 METER sea levels. LMFAO...
Talk about sensationalizing an issue which we have 0 control over.
Unless you all think we can stop the sun. Good luck with that.
Written by: joopjoop, 31 Dec 2007 12:17 PM
From: Dominican Republic, San Pedro de Macoris
COME ON PEOPLE
I don't know where you all have been
HOTELS ARE ALMOST EMPTY !!!!!
NO TOURISTS ON THE STREETS
Just stop beliving all thos fake documents and reports
USE YOUR EYES and LOOK around you
Written by: ny4life, 31 Dec 2007 12:41 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
The DR is getting better but scandals still arise.
Written by: ny4life, 31 Dec 2007 12:41 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
It's saddening to see so many anti-Dominicans on this page. Dagtan, DR is it's own independent country not a commonwealth of the US like PR. Giving the fact that PR is under US rule, I would hope that they would be more advanced than another country in the carribbean since the US has the number 1 economy in the world! Puerto Ricans are essentially Americans so you can't compare apples to oranges. Dominicans are Dominicans, a free state.
The DR has a good tourism scheme that will only get better with high-end hotels like Cap Cana that are being built. We can't only rely on tourism though. I know remittances and tourism are the top two forms that provide the most GDP for the country but we need to more. Slowly the DR is developing. The Metro is coming and yes it's coming at the expense of other things but it's needed!! The transportation in the DR is awful. Tapones everywhere this will eleviate the traffic in the captial. It needed to bed done, maybe more transparent, but it's the DR
Written by: Edward, 31 Dec 2007 12:50 PM
From: United States, Faux News: Unfair Imbalance
Dagtan is so ignorant. If it wasn't for the US, Puerto Rico wouldn't be so developed.
Written by: Escott, 31 Dec 2007 1:15 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
Dear Mr Dagfan,
I have been to Havana and evidently you have NOT. You have no idea how it is over there at all.
I also feel you know nothing about the DR after reading your writings.
Transportation in Havana are in Cattle Cars pulled by tractors. Havana has NO infrastructure comparable to S.D. or anywhere else in the world I have been. There are few cars that I stuck my head out the window in my apartment in down town Havana about 6 blocks from the Malecon and between my apartment and the Malecon there were exactly 3 cars on the street either parked or moving.
I repeat Cuba is NOT a threat to anywhere. They suffer without the US citizens as tourists but that is the ONLY country that doesn't go there. The DR didn't have a large US tourist group here until the last few years. Planes were full but full of DOMINICANS who would never go to Cuba because their families are HERE.
Cuba hardly has what the US tourist needs and wants. Minimum of 50 years before it does.
Written by: Escott, 31 Dec 2007 1:17 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
Poor Cubans get a ration of rice that is less than a little 4 year old boy here in the DR consumes. If they buy more they can go to JAIL for that. You have NO IDEA how difficult life is there and how scared the people are of its government.
Difference here is that they buy votes for a small bottle of Brugal
Written by: Edward, 31 Dec 2007 1:26 PM
From: United States, Faux News: Unfair Imbalance
DR needs to diversify the economy a lot more because tourism and remittances can't be our main source of GDP forever. I would like to see car and computer factories in the country.
Written by: dagtan, 31 Dec 2007 1:47 PM
From: United States
To ny4life, that is precisely the point that I am making about the attitude of Dominicans toward PuertoRicans in the U.S. We Dominicans, those of us that understand the complexes of economics and development undestadn that the Dominican Republic will benefit greatly by simply droping the peso and adopting the dollar as their national money. This has been done by many south american nations to be able to curtail their inflation. If the DR gets a deal like the one PR currently enjoys under the commonwelth deal, then our economy and gdp would be increased and our reserves solified under the dollar. I knwo that the dollar is suffering right now, but once the subprime mess is corrected, things will change. Edward, everyone knows that and that is the reason why PR will never end their commonwelth relationship with the U.S. but that does not make them less puerto ricans than dominicans, dominicans.
Written by: dagtan, 31 Dec 2007 1:54 PM
From: United States
Mr. Escott, you seemed to failed to look at the points that I was making. Cuba's infrastructure despide the enbargo is fairly simple and effective. Granted, that this infrastructure has not experienced the amount of traffic that Santo Domingo has and therefore, you might be cofused between level of traffic and urban planing. Look at the planning zones that make Havana and compare them to the planning zones that make Santo Domingo and then you'll realize what I am talking about. There is alot of suffering in Cuba and some people are not afraid to tell you that as long as the camera is not filming. Nontheless, the point that I am trying to make is that our population has never benfited froma democratic system and is not benefiting today. Yes, I rather eat the amount of rice a 4 year eats in DR everyday as long as I do not go hungry like so many in DR. A large number in DR go days without the raction for 4 years old Mr. Escott. Ask those organizations that do charity work over, co
Written by: Edward, 31 Dec 2007 1:57 PM
From: United States, Faux News: Unfair Imbalance
I've always been in favor of dollarization. I believe they will probably do it in less than 10 years. Just imagine...DR would probably break records the first year it's implemented... "Breaking News: Dominican Republic GDP grows 18% in one year!" :-)
Written by: dagtan, 31 Dec 2007 2:01 PM
From: United States
I am not here to offend anybody, but I'll call you out on wrong information or misinformation. I am not afraid of being called out either if I am out line on anything. Some fo you guys simply love your country so much that you end up becoming fantics and fanatism blinds man's reasoning. I rather talk with a nationalist than a fanatic, because nationalis are really concerned with the well being of the national land and fanatics simply defends it without reason. BTW Mr. Escott, hoepfully you remember my words about Cuba's threat to DR's main source of Income = tourism. Remember, cuba has always being LA PERLA DEL CARIBE in the eyes of cubans and the international community. They will get such influx of cash that development will be a la Dubai, which BTW Mr.Escott has developed in the last 20 years to become one of the most modern country in the world. ny4life, to critize your country about its shor comings is not to be anti, but simply a critic.
Written by: dagtan, 31 Dec 2007 2:08 PM
From: United States
Mr. ny4life, can you please tell me how Puertoricans are essentially Americans. Actually, there is the main difference between Puertoricans and Americans. Essence means nature, and puertorican's nature is very different from that of Americans. You mean, that Puertoricans are American nationals, then I agreed with you. Remember, that puertorican's nationalism is a force to be recon with. These are extremely proud people of their African and Taino heritage. I do not knock on puertorican, because I am often impressed with their ties to their ancestry and their desire to be called BORIQUA OR BORICUA any way you might feel comfortable. This is their indigenouos name as all of you know.
Written by: ny4life, 31 Dec 2007 3:38 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
Dagtan, I'm not knocking Puerto Ricans. Essentially what I am saying is that they are AMerican Nationals that can't vote. They are controlled by the U.S. and not a free state. They are proud to be PR like everyone is proud to be where they are from and should be proud of that. Many of them especially in this ccountry can't even speak SPANISH all they know how to say is Yo Soy Boricua. Dominicans have more culture and follow traditions from DR than Puerto Ricans!. That's a fact. Puerto Ricans are more Americanized than Dominicans. I'm knocking them that's just the truth. DR is a free state and I think it should be free and not run by the U.S. or any other nation. I believe Panama and Puerto Rico are the only wo SPanish speaking countries that use dollarization. I just don't like the fact nations soley rely on the U.S. economy to determine how well their country is going to do.
Written by: ny4life, 31 Dec 2007 3:42 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
There must be another way for the DR to improve it's economy. I'll be in favor of a Latin American currency similar to the EU where countries unite to develop one currency. Starting from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and upwards through South, Central, and the Caribbean. El banco del Sur, was recently developed with the hopes of creating one currency in South American. I believe that concept should be expanded to include all or most of Latin America. Trading would be easier with currenices around with less hassle with exchange rates and more countries benefiting with a more even playing field. Latin America, and in particular, the DR shouldn't be soley relent on the performance of the U.S. economy and dollarization does just that. No dollarization in the DR it's better to go with one common currency in Latin America.
Written by: Edward, 31 Dec 2007 3:42 PM
From: United States, Faux News: Unfair Imbalance
I think Peru and El Salvador are dollarized too. Not just PR and Panama.
Written by: ny4life, 31 Dec 2007 3:43 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
oye Edward do you follow high school football in Leominster?
Written by: ny4life, 31 Dec 2007 3:43 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
oye Edward did you follow high school football in Leominster?
Written by: Edward, 31 Dec 2007 3:46 PM
From: United States, Faux News: Unfair Imbalance
Written by: ny4life, 31 Dec 2007 3:56 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
Nice page.. Eh Pa'lante que vamos. I hope it turns out well. The metro is being done at a quick. pace. I hope it's not a disaster and that they provide maintainence as needed.
Written by: ny4life, 31 Dec 2007 3:58 PM
From: United States, New York, NY
My High School Football Team beat Leominster for the superbowl three years straight! Western Mass. Go LONGMEADOW!!!!!!!!
Written by: Edward, 31 Dec 2007 5:52 PM
From: United States, Faux News: Unfair Imbalance
ny4life - oh I didn't know that. LOL
Written by: dagtan, 31 Dec 2007 6:50 PM
From: United States
I have to agree with your point about creating a common currency for latin america. Chavez has been working hard in creating such system in which latin america would become a model of the EU. He was talking about that in the last meeting that was held in Argentina. One thing that we should know is that Venezuela left the Dominican Republic ouot of their charity givings over the last few years. Even the rich Bahamas got millions, and Venezual is currently reconstructing the haitian main airport in port of prince and building energy effiecient electrical plans and a port. I wonder why Chavez did not give any aid to DR.
Written by: Escott, 31 Dec 2007 6:51 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
You guys should study on Latin America before you make those types of suggestions.
Ecuador USES the US dollar btw and it helped stabliize the country many years ago. Their governance made the DR looked good along with a bunch of other Latin Countries. The DR as bad as it is and poorly run is run better than most of south america and central america.
Puerto Ricans tell Dominicans "Look I have a US Passport" and then the Dominicans tell the Puerto Ricans "Look I have a flag". These two cultures have always gone back and forth on this and will continue into the next century also. It is like the Yankees and Red Sox have a competition.
Written by: Escott, 31 Dec 2007 6:57 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
I wonder why Chavez did not give any aid to DR.
Possibly because the DR is less allied to Venezuela. We competed with them at the UN and didn't support them. We also don't need the money as badly. We actually don't need the money at all we just need to manage the country better and have honest people running the country.
Written by: , 31 Dec 2007 11:47 PM
From:
PR is a country full of national problem, such as determining "who they really are", and how to fix a political model that served them well at one time but is doing nothing for the economy grow of that US territory in the XXI century. On my previous comment I mention Cuba's as a threat to our tourism in 2050, this only if they return to the community of democratic nations and this will only be in the short term because in the medium and long term we will be a key player in the Caribbean destination unless global warming turn the US into a year round summer environment. Happy new year to all my Dominican compatriots living outside of our crib.
Written by: josean, 2 Jan 2008 12:39 AM
From: United States
A point of information:
"PR is a country full of national problem, such as determining "who they really are"
I have had the honor of living and studying in Puerto Rico and having very close relationships with Puerto Ricans at all levels of their society. Like any society they are far from perfect, but I have no doubt they know who they are.
Many great societies were colonies, like the Egyptians, Indians, and Irish just to name three, and this in no way diminished their national identity or pride. During certain historic periods societies go through "dark ages" and sometimes the least noble or enlighten leaders lead them to subjugation and/or colonization. However Puerto Rico has long history of producing outstanding men and women in all fields of endeavor who have world renowned recognition, frankly to many to list. In fact Puerto Ricans are often criticized for what some feel is hyper nationalism.
Written by: josean, 2 Jan 2008 12:40 AM
From: United States
continued:
The fact that we Dominicans have had traitors in our history wishing annexation or re-annexation with Spain did not diminish our national identity or pride.
A historic example of the long tradition that the Puerto Rican society has of producing outstanding leadership is Eugenio Maria de Hostos. (A link is provided below for those of you who may not be familiar with this great man.) This is man that is respected by all of Latin America and revered by us Dominicans.
In fact one thing we should emulate from the Puerto Ricans is their acceptance and inclusion of their African heritage with pride, which we Dominicans have some much trouble accepting, because we truly are the ones “who really do not know who we are!”
Enjoy below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenio_Mar%C3%ADa_de_HostosWritten by: dagtan, 2 Jan 2008 10:20 AM
From: United States
Josean, thank you so much. I have been getting hackled in here for posting about the denial mode that the Dominican population has been for a long time. I do find that PR people are hyper nationalist, but they are anot fanatics. In turns most Dominicans are fanatics and that my friend prevents us from forcing our governments from doing their jobs and provide the necessary needs that people naturally deserve. To talk about Africanism in DR is like committing treason, unlike Cuba and Puerto Rico. I do not know if you read my posts on the article on Haitians in school. I made my observations at how proud even under the hughe U.S. infleunce, the PR people still see themselves as African and Taino. We even shy away from such a great caribbean people as the Taino, yes we have the museums to show their art, but we do not live like the PR people. Cubans on the other hand are simply too proud of their african heritage and are not afraid of showing it, something that we have not, cont..
Written by: dagtan, 2 Jan 2008 10:22 AM
From: United States
grwon the balls to do, what a shame. It is impressive how thhese islands simply refuse to let go of their ancestry, while we in DR, which genetically are along with Cuba the closest to Africa, simply do not know how to show it or refuse to show it in our quest to be Americans. Our people is always looking north and never looking inward at our situation and conditions in the island. All people in DR want to do is go North.
Written by: cpone, 2 Jan 2008 10:45 AM
From: United States
You say that dagtan, as though in Cuba they embrace their African roots.
They actually don't, know where in the govt do they and in fact no where in their state run businesses do you see a dark skinned person run anything.
PR is the same. Tego as called out his PR people on that many times, how the dark skinned ones on the island are not even part of the culture but outsiders in some cases.
Written by: josean, 2 Jan 2008 9:02 PM
From: United States
Lets be clear:
“Like any society they (Puerto Ricans) are far from perfect, but I have no doubt they know who they are.”
The statement above validates that the Puerto Ricans are not perfect when it comes to economic opportunity for persons of color as Mr. Calderon rightly points out.
“PR is the same. Tego as called out his PR people on that many times, how the dark skinned ones on the island are not even part of the culture but outsiders in some cases.”
However the issue was that Puerto Ricans allegedly do not know who they are and that is very in accurate based on my interaction with that community. They are light years ahead of recognizing and not being ashamed of their African roots as we are in the Dominican Republic.
A few facts for comparison from the CIA Fact Book:
Puerto Rico
Ethnic groups: white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%, Amerindian 0.4%, Asian 0.2%, mixed and other 10.9%
Written by: josean, 2 Jan 2008 9:03 PM
From: United States
Written by: dagtan, 2 Jan 2008 9:06 PM
From: United States
Josean, you are once againt right on the money, I do not know, why some people on this forum do not see it or simply refuse to see it. When I was in school in DR, I was hardly learned about Africa and never about our neighbors next door. As the years have passed, I have kept up with the books used in DR schools and they still over represent Spain and hughly under represent Africa and alomost never mention Haiti, now if enyone hee sees this as a non-issue, then they really have a problem. The Dominicans do not recognize nor show their pride in their African roots. As to Tego, denounsing the race issue in PR, it is a step forward than that in DR where people look down on Haitians, but the mostly mixed of black community do not see how the small white dominant population looks down upon them as well. We are talking an 84% against a 16%, by gosh, what in the heck is wrong in that picture. Bith Cuba and Puerto Rico, even withtheir majority white is proud and often show, cont..
Written by: dagtan, 2 Jan 2008 10:13 PM
From: United States
their connection with Africa and Taino. We in DR are to concentrated in copying the American way of life and are simply wasting our time because we are no longer in the cold war, so Americans do not give it danm about DR. I admire PR people for their courage and desire to show their Africanism and connection to the Tainos on the other hand Cubans or afrocuaban culture is alive and kicking. I am not here saying that they are the perfect reresentation of those cultures in the caribbean, but they are by far the ones of the Spanish speaking island to show it and celebrate it the most. No one on this forum can't take that away from them.
Written by: santanar, 5 Jan 2008 9:40 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Ramon Santana
Josean, what are you? a survey by the leading newspaper el nuevo dia ask citizen of the island the following question: 1. are you American or puertorican? the result was that in the rural areas folks said puertorican and in some place in the metro area they said American, sir, please tell this forum what are you? and don't come here giving us lecture of the history of the island, yest answer the question. We Dominicans are Dominicans and mulato for the most part and Haitians are Haitians and black most the most part, how do you describe yourself?
Written by: Edward, 5 Jan 2008 5:43 PM
From: United States, Faux News: Unfair Imbalance
But don't you think that Puerto Ricans deny their black roots as well? I'm sorry but 80% of them don't look white to me. Most of them are mixed and they are in denial! They are probably closer to 50% white not 80%.
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Leonel 2008-2012, the best candidate avaliable, needs to improve and strengthen his will but I believe he knows how to govern the DR in the a modern state. THe best candidate the Dr has to offer right now and you can't deny it Josean. THere is no one from the PRSC or PRD or la Cuarta Via that has the ability to run the country like Leonel.
Leonel is the best candidate right now and you know that.
What a potential Nobel Laureate we have for a president.
He doesn't deserve the dirt under Boyers fingernails.
Only thing that have done for infrastructure is NOTHING. Only money put into anything has to do with the Revolution or Communism. Havana hasn't seen a coat of paint in 50 years let alone a repair.
I wouldnt be worrying about Cuba in my lifetime and in the then lifetime the Dominican Republic has plenty of time to get civilized. If Cuba was all that HOT it would be booming. Not too long ago there weren't many American Tourists here at all. That was the only thing Cuba was missing.
Regarding, global warming this issue is not new. Don't assume we will have alot of time to get it fixed (43 years). The environmentalist & protectionist like Ralph Nadar have been discussing this issue for decades with slow or no progress.
If technology exists in Dubai to protect & build new islands which is not much different than preserving them then only big difference is that leaders in Cuba & Dubai have the "INTEGRITY" to do things in the best interest of their society. If I had to be poor I prefer to be poor in either Cuba or Dubai but not the RD.
Talk about sensationalizing an issue which we have 0 control over.
Unless you all think we can stop the sun. Good luck with that.
I don't know where you all have been
HOTELS ARE ALMOST EMPTY !!!!!
NO TOURISTS ON THE STREETS
Just stop beliving all thos fake documents and reports
USE YOUR EYES and LOOK around you
The DR has a good tourism scheme that will only get better with high-end hotels like Cap Cana that are being built. We can't only rely on tourism though. I know remittances and tourism are the top two forms that provide the most GDP for the country but we need to more. Slowly the DR is developing. The Metro is coming and yes it's coming at the expense of other things but it's needed!! The transportation in the DR is awful. Tapones everywhere this will eleviate the traffic in the captial. It needed to bed done, maybe more transparent, but it's the DR
I have been to Havana and evidently you have NOT. You have no idea how it is over there at all.
I also feel you know nothing about the DR after reading your writings.
Transportation in Havana are in Cattle Cars pulled by tractors. Havana has NO infrastructure comparable to S.D. or anywhere else in the world I have been. There are few cars that I stuck my head out the window in my apartment in down town Havana about 6 blocks from the Malecon and between my apartment and the Malecon there were exactly 3 cars on the street either parked or moving.
I repeat Cuba is NOT a threat to anywhere. They suffer without the US citizens as tourists but that is the ONLY country that doesn't go there. The DR didn't have a large US tourist group here until the last few years. Planes were full but full of DOMINICANS who would never go to Cuba because their families are HERE.
Cuba hardly has what the US tourist needs and wants. Minimum of 50 years before it does.
Difference here is that they buy votes for a small bottle of Brugal
http://www.myspace.com/santodomingometro
Ecuador USES the US dollar btw and it helped stabliize the country many years ago. Their governance made the DR looked good along with a bunch of other Latin Countries. The DR as bad as it is and poorly run is run better than most of south america and central america.
Puerto Ricans tell Dominicans "Look I have a US Passport" and then the Dominicans tell the Puerto Ricans "Look I have a flag". These two cultures have always gone back and forth on this and will continue into the next century also. It is like the Yankees and Red Sox have a competition.
Possibly because the DR is less allied to Venezuela. We competed with them at the UN and didn't support them. We also don't need the money as badly. We actually don't need the money at all we just need to manage the country better and have honest people running the country.
"PR is a country full of national problem, such as determining "who they really are"
I have had the honor of living and studying in Puerto Rico and having very close relationships with Puerto Ricans at all levels of their society. Like any society they are far from perfect, but I have no doubt they know who they are.
Many great societies were colonies, like the Egyptians, Indians, and Irish just to name three, and this in no way diminished their national identity or pride. During certain historic periods societies go through "dark ages" and sometimes the least noble or enlighten leaders lead them to subjugation and/or colonization. However Puerto Rico has long history of producing outstanding men and women in all fields of endeavor who have world renowned recognition, frankly to many to list. In fact Puerto Ricans are often criticized for what some feel is hyper nationalism.
The fact that we Dominicans have had traitors in our history wishing annexation or re-annexation with Spain did not diminish our national identity or pride.
A historic example of the long tradition that the Puerto Rican society has of producing outstanding leadership is Eugenio Maria de Hostos. (A link is provided below for those of you who may not be familiar with this great man.) This is man that is respected by all of Latin America and revered by us Dominicans.
In fact one thing we should emulate from the Puerto Ricans is their acceptance and inclusion of their African heritage with pride, which we Dominicans have some much trouble accepting, because we truly are the ones “who really do not know who we are!”
Enjoy below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenio_Mar%C3%ADa_de_Hostos
They actually don't, know where in the govt do they and in fact no where in their state run businesses do you see a dark skinned person run anything.
PR is the same. Tego as called out his PR people on that many times, how the dark skinned ones on the island are not even part of the culture but outsiders in some cases.
“Like any society they (Puerto Ricans) are far from perfect, but I have no doubt they know who they are.”
The statement above validates that the Puerto Ricans are not perfect when it comes to economic opportunity for persons of color as Mr. Calderon rightly points out.
“PR is the same. Tego as called out his PR people on that many times, how the dark skinned ones on the island are not even part of the culture but outsiders in some cases.”
However the issue was that Puerto Ricans allegedly do not know who they are and that is very in accurate based on my interaction with that community. They are light years ahead of recognizing and not being ashamed of their African roots as we are in the Dominican Republic.
A few facts for comparison from the CIA Fact Book:
Puerto Rico
Ethnic groups: white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%, Amerindian 0.4%, Asian 0.2%, mixed and other 10.9%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publi....s/the-world-factbook/geos/rq.html
Cuba
Ethnic groups: mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publi....s/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html
Dominican Republic
Ethnic groups: mixed 73%, white 16%, black 11%
https://www.cia.gov/library/publi....s/the-world-factbook/geos/dr.html
As you can see we Dominicans are more mixed and or black than Puerto Rico or Cuba but we choose to deny our African ancestry and mixture. That these sister countries have a long way to go to fully include darker skinned persons is true, but at least they recognize and celebrate their Afro –Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban cultures. We do not even do that, having such a strong African mixture in our national make up.