SANTO DOMINGO.- “You can even get in places like the Dominican Republic; It’s almost impossible to detect where hepatitis B can be found.”
The phrase is in an ad comparing of the Canada-based pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, said Tourism minister Francisco Javier Garcia Tuesday morning, adding that it’s ironic that the company is based in that country, since “it’s our most solid market, the arrival of Canadian visitors grew almost 9 percent last year, it was key to get Dominican Republic.”
The official said legal actions, which he didn’t specify, would be taken to seek damages the ads cause to the country’s leading industry. “GlaxoSmithKline infers that our destination poses a risk for travelers from that country.”
He demanded the removal of the campaign which he said has been on the air for over three weeks and reiterated that it damages the Dominican tourism industry. “The damages to the image of Dominican Republic are irreparable. We don’t know of any precedent of a company using another country negatively to promote its product.”
Garcia, interviewed by Cesar Medina and Miguel Franjul on Colorvision Channel 9, said the Government has formally filed our protest agaisnt the GlaxoSmithKline campaign, aired in different Canadian media.
He noted that while the Canadian Government isn’t responsible for the ads, that nation’s officials will be contacted regarding the situation. “We’re sure that after we meet with the Canadian authorities today the situation will change.”
From: United States
I'm sure this pharmaceutical it's right on DR facts about hepatitis B, I did contracted it many yrs ago.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
this could also be a little overreaction and maybe a little too PC ....what the add maybe trying to say that you can find Hep B in the EVEN I say again EVEN in the beautiful DR .read the script it says ...." “You can even get in places like the Dominican Republic; It’s almost impossible to detect where hepatitis B can be found.”.....Yes Even in the DR......I think the health officials all know Hep B is a serious problem worldwide and most sophisticated travelers do as well....so take precaution....Yes and remember we know how these people lie when it comes to Dengue so I think they may have a guilt complex
From: United States, Richmond, Texas
From: United States
I agree with TexasShoe, GSK is a British company and its North American offices are in North Carolina (Raleigh to be exact), a secondary major office is in Philadelphia. GSK is notorious for its inflated prices and attempts to keep generic versions of their drugs off the market. They were the subject of a national boycott in the US several years ago by senior citizens and retirees groups for trying to prevent the re-importation of cheaper medicine from Canada.
Written by: nyghost, 10 Feb 2009 11:38 AM
From: Dominican Republic
the point is that those statements damage the image of DR they should be sue.
they should not use the DR or any other country's name to make their point.
Written by: Cacique, 10 Feb 2009 11:55 AM
From: Dominican Republic
The sad thing is that it'll remain only as more blah blah...the authorities should mebee, look into its local affiliate's tax pay record...
From: United States
SUE TO THE MAX!!!!!! No commercial in any country in the world should have to include another country to sell a product...thats BS!!!!!
IF DR has the problem with HB than that should only be a health issue among all the doctors, and not on some everyday TV advertisement. SUE TO THE MAX!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
you cannot be sued for telling the truth ........their answer will be " So sue me and if you win try to collect "
From: United States
It's not about the truth, we know what DR has. Its about the way it is being shown.
Written by: JEM237, 10 Feb 2009 12:35 PM
From: United States, Newark, NJ
GC, maybe you can't get sued for telling the truth, but in this case it's obviously defamation because Hep B is not exclusive to the DR, in fact there are millions of people that have the disease here in the U.S.. Of course, for them it's easier to just pick on a 3rd world country.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
well you know what Jack Nicolson said .....and it is the truth ....what they are saying in the ad is Even capital E in the beautiful clean all inclusive resort you stayed in ....it is possible .....They did not say you would be going to the slums of Calcutta or Kuala Lampur or many worse places they are saying take precaution when you go on vacation .....
From: United States, Richmond, Texas
UnderCover,
"It's not about the truth, we know what DR has. Its about the way it is being shown"
Wow what a statement, thats just a bad as an organized coverup by the government. Yeah, we know it's true, but by god don't tell anybody. Let me ask you a question, if are going to travel say to Martinique and once you get there you find out there has been a raging epidemic of Malaria for weeks. Wouldn't you want to know BEFORE you planned your trip?
The CDC says "Transmission of hepatitis B virus results from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids containing blood. Possible forms of transmission include (but are not limited to) unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles & syringes"
Simple precautions would all but eliminate the possibility of contamination but the vaccine would take care of it.
From: United States, Richmond, Texas
Also from the CDC.
"Who is at risk for hepatitis B?
Although anyone can get hepatitis B, some people are at greater risk, such as those who:
Have sex with an infected person
Have multiple sex partners
Have a sexually transmitted disease
Are men who have sexual contact with other men
Inject drugs or share needles, syringes, or other drug equipment
Live with a person who has chronic hepatitis B
Are infants born to infected mothers
Are exposed to blood on the job
Are hemodialysis patients
Travel to countries with moderate to high rates of hepatitis B "
Written by: Eriliza, 10 Feb 2009 12:50 PM
From: United States, Boston, MA
Yes but the DR is not the only country where Hep B exists. it is common in almost every country in the world and I do not see why the DR would be immune to this disease.
From: United States, Richmond, Texas
Written by: Escott, 10 Feb 2009 1:24 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
More Dominican Blowhards...
This is good for tourism. Free Advertising.
Written by: zooma, 10 Feb 2009 2:10 PM
From: United States
GSK is correct in saying that you can get hep. B in places like the Dominican Republic. The incidence of hep B in the DR is high that being 8% or higher in the general population. However, he who protests the loudest, sometimes has the most to hide. You also can get hep B in Northern Canada. The indigeous population, the Eskimos, and settlers of Northern Canada have infection rates that when combined with the low statistics of general population of the southern part of the country; the resulting figure arrives at or under 2%, low incidence. Yet, the incidence of hep b within the population of Northern Canada is at 8% or higher.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
yeah who cares the population of Northern Canada is the same as Puerto Plata or less and nobody noooooobody goes there as a tourist practically..;...just ask Tonyj he is a park ranger somewhere up there on the Arctic Circle...just look for the Caribbean guy with the sad face and the ice scraper
From: United States
typical dominican governement....the ad here stress the word EVEN, meaning as in the last place you would expect to get it....which is like a compliment.
glaxosmithkline is not even canadian
strange...canadian turism to DR went up 9% last year and hepatitis infections in Canada went up 9% too
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
These Morons dont know how to take a left handed compliment and so now they say SUE just as if they had slipped on the floor at Wal Mart ....jerks
Written by: lovingit, 10 Feb 2009 3:29 PM
From: United States, Delaware
This is UNFU$%NG belieavable!!!
Look fellows, the add never says "EVEN" is just flatly says "If you go to a Caribbean Destination like the Dominican Republic" This should NOT be ACCEPTED whatsoever!!! They are trying to boost their sales by using one of Canadian People's most visited vacation spots.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8r8XzUqY-E&feature=relatedYes, this is defamation and these poeple should be sued. The risks of Hepatitis B are EVERYWHERE! Go to your local Bar in Canada and the US and have the Bartender give you a drink on a not well washed glass and see how you get it!
WTF!!!!!!
Written by: Eriliza, 10 Feb 2009 4:23 PM
From: United States, Boston, MA
texashoe,
Hep B is common EVERYWHERE in the world like lovingit says. US nor Canada aer immune to it.
From: Dominican Republic, PROUD & Glad to have a Spanish last name and ancestry
A Brittish company!!
British, they have no come to DR yet, and we are already feeling their "fucu" !
Written by: Tommy, 11 Feb 2009 8:00 AM
From: Canada, Northern Ontario
Yup, sue the British.
They got the cash.
I'm moving to the DR for winters.
Safe sex isn't called safe sex for nothing.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
well Tommy your moving for 11 months then because you only have the seasons Winter and Mud....We will send more ice scrapers when you run out .....Go Leafs
Written by: Canuck_1, 11 Feb 2009 12:57 PM
From: Canada
As a Canadian I find it incredible that Glaxo Smith Kline would insult my intelligence by naming the Dominican Republic as a destination that I must be concerned about Hepatitis. Perhaps they should take a good look at their own backyard with a large Hepatitis outbreak in Downtown Toronto. Ooops... they did forget to mention that.
I do believe it would have been in their best interests to indicate that people should be aware of the risk of Hepatitis not only all through the Caribbean but also through Africa, North America.. and in their own backyard such as Toronto or Montreal.
Like Forrest Gump says - "Thats all I have to say about that!"
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Written by: Canuck_1, 11 Feb 2009 1:08 PM
From: Canada
Exactly - look at the map - Northern Canada has the highest prevalence of Hep B - Even higher than the DR which has only an intermediate rate.
Maybe they should advertise that!
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Hey " Nucker of the North " #1 you said thats all you have to say and now your back.... there goes your creds
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Where are you posting from Sudbury the garden city ?......Rock Garden that is
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
This morning, from a cave somewhere in Pakistan, Al-Qaeda Minister of
Migration, Mohammed Omar, warned the United States that if military
action against Iraq continues, Taliban authorities will cut off America's supply of convenience store managers, and possible candidates for President of the United States. And if this action does not yield sufficient results, cab drivers will be next, followed by Dell and AOL customer service reps, and then Motel 6 managers.
It's getting ugly..........
Written by: generoso, 12 Feb 2009 7:13 AM
From: United States, DR
This is the worst crock of s.it I have heard in years from persons that are living in DR and sucking on our tit, enjoying Dominican hospitality and then spitting on us and justifying this hideous slip of the pen.
GSK and the Canadians made a mistake and defamed us! Why didn't they also say:
“You can even get in places like the Dominican Republic AND CANADA" as well?
But they didn't. The UNQUESTIONABLE FACT is that they did mention the DR even if they did it in a cowardly and "by the way" mode.
The fact that is true or not has nothing to do with it. The US has periodic state department country reports that if you follow them to the letter you wouldn't travel to most countries but they don't publicize them in TV, radio, newspapers and magazines.
The DR MUST sue them and sue them quick, fast and for a lot of money if we ever going to be respected by any other countries so defamation does not reoccur in the future.
GSK made a mistake, and when you do you pay with jail, money or both.
Written by: generoso, 12 Feb 2009 7:14 AM
From: United States, DR
And is also cheap and suspicious to try to change the subject of a most serious offense with such poor and insulting levity!
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Sue for what? is it or is it not true ?........your flagpole is showing
Written by: generoso, 12 Feb 2009 7:22 AM
From: United States, DR
It is called needless and cruel country D E F A M A T I O N and character assassination as well as
L I B E L.
Apologies must be demanded as well as monetary compensation.
Next case!
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
but judge judy will throw you out of court
Written by: Tommy, 12 Feb 2009 8:05 AM
From: Canada, Northern Ontario
It doesn't matter whether it is true or not.
It was in bad taste.
Obviously they know that now.
The ads have been pulled.
Open & shut case (for the DR)
Assuming they hire the right lawyers.
As for our 2 seasons, you never been to Northern Ontario
from May to October?
Six months of DR weather, well, maybe 3.
Anyway, you do have my kind of weather!
! am 65 & tired of snow!
& Canadian women!
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Tommy run away it is not to late........ Moosenee holds nothing for you waiting around for the Brewers Retail to open every day..........You are probably on the indian list anyway....and you guys call Mud ...Summer come on admit it two seasons winter and getting ready for winter
Written by: Tommy, 12 Feb 2009 8:38 AM
From: Canada, Northern Ontario
Hi there Gouletcolonial!
Don't worry, I am running away to your paradise!
No, I'm not on the"List". We earn our oun living here on the Rez!
NO GOV'T HANDOUTS FOR WOODLAND!
Obviously you have not cruiesd the north channel (of Lake Huron)
in the "Summer"!
So, you live on the North Coast?
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
summers in Tobermory fond memories and memories of Mariposa Folk festival back when the earth was cooling...and Gordie Lightfoot was still young
From: Dominican Republic, Boycott Dominican Tourism
the Vaccine for Hep A and B is free in NYC look it up and get it
Written by: Danielle, 9 Apr 2009 2:38 PM
From: Dominican Republic
I don't think the campaign meant to harm the flow of Canadian tourists into the Dominican by scaring them with the possible risk of contracting Hepatitis B or A. Traveling to third world countries is a risk factor for contracting a huge number of diseases many of which aren't even sexually transmitted like Dengue or Hep. A., travelers diarrhea, malaria, etc. I have to agree with Cuba that it sounds like their saying that EVEN in a beautiful, relaxing scenario as you would find vacationing here, you can contract Hepatitis. Nonetheless, I certainly don't think they had any reason to mention any country at all, since Hepatitis B and C are easily contracted anywhere worldwide (Hep. A is food-bourne and self-limited so I won't give that much thought). Vacationing to third world countries IS A RISK and incidence is high here but it also is in India, China, Africa, Haiti even the USA and Europe, I find it wrong to pinpoint or use us as an example. Or don't Canadians travel anywhere else??
Written by: Danielle, 9 Apr 2009 2:47 PM
From: Dominican Republic
By the way, I love Canada, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to was Ontario, with the nicest people I have ever met, that's why I was so shocked to hear this campaign was from Canda but I'm glad they pulled it. No need to sue or boycott anybody, can't we all just get along? Why waste precious time on suing a huge company like GlaxoSmithKline, why not just ask them to help us fight Hepatitis B and A in this country by generously donating vaccines??? Doesn't that sound like a better idea?
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http://www.hoovers.com/glaxosmith....__41781--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml
And one NEVER knows what diseases are lurking WHERE. Including the DR
they should not use the DR or any other country's name to make their point.
IF DR has the problem with HB than that should only be a health issue among all the doctors, and not on some everyday TV advertisement. SUE TO THE MAX!!!!!!!!!!!
"It's not about the truth, we know what DR has. Its about the way it is being shown"
Wow what a statement, thats just a bad as an organized coverup by the government. Yeah, we know it's true, but by god don't tell anybody. Let me ask you a question, if are going to travel say to Martinique and once you get there you find out there has been a raging epidemic of Malaria for weeks. Wouldn't you want to know BEFORE you planned your trip?
The CDC says "Transmission of hepatitis B virus results from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids containing blood. Possible forms of transmission include (but are not limited to) unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles & syringes"
Simple precautions would all but eliminate the possibility of contamination but the vaccine would take care of it.
"Who is at risk for hepatitis B?
Although anyone can get hepatitis B, some people are at greater risk, such as those who:
Have sex with an infected person
Have multiple sex partners
Have a sexually transmitted disease
Are men who have sexual contact with other men
Inject drugs or share needles, syringes, or other drug equipment
Live with a person who has chronic hepatitis B
Are infants born to infected mothers
Are exposed to blood on the job
Are hemodialysis patients
Travel to countries with moderate to high rates of hepatitis B "
It's not a common as you would think in a lot of countries. Most of the countries that have a sizeable population with it are shown on this map.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HBV_prevalence_2005.png
This is good for tourism. Free Advertising.
glaxosmithkline is not even canadian
strange...canadian turism to DR went up 9% last year and hepatitis infections in Canada went up 9% too
Look fellows, the add never says "EVEN" is just flatly says "If you go to a Caribbean Destination like the Dominican Republic" This should NOT be ACCEPTED whatsoever!!! They are trying to boost their sales by using one of Canadian People's most visited vacation spots.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8r8XzUqY-E&feature=related
Yes, this is defamation and these poeple should be sued. The risks of Hepatitis B are EVERYWHERE! Go to your local Bar in Canada and the US and have the Bartender give you a drink on a not well washed glass and see how you get it!
WTF!!!!!!
Hep B is common EVERYWHERE in the world like lovingit says. US nor Canada aer immune to it.
British, they have no come to DR yet, and we are already feeling their "fucu" !
They got the cash.
I'm moving to the DR for winters.
Safe sex isn't called safe sex for nothing.
I do believe it would have been in their best interests to indicate that people should be aware of the risk of Hepatitis not only all through the Caribbean but also through Africa, North America.. and in their own backyard such as Toronto or Montreal.
Like Forrest Gump says - "Thats all I have to say about that!"
Maybe they should advertise that!
Migration, Mohammed Omar, warned the United States that if military
action against Iraq continues, Taliban authorities will cut off America's supply of convenience store managers, and possible candidates for President of the United States. And if this action does not yield sufficient results, cab drivers will be next, followed by Dell and AOL customer service reps, and then Motel 6 managers.
It's getting ugly..........
GSK and the Canadians made a mistake and defamed us! Why didn't they also say:
“You can even get in places like the Dominican Republic AND CANADA" as well?
But they didn't. The UNQUESTIONABLE FACT is that they did mention the DR even if they did it in a cowardly and "by the way" mode.
The fact that is true or not has nothing to do with it. The US has periodic state department country reports that if you follow them to the letter you wouldn't travel to most countries but they don't publicize them in TV, radio, newspapers and magazines.
The DR MUST sue them and sue them quick, fast and for a lot of money if we ever going to be respected by any other countries so defamation does not reoccur in the future.
GSK made a mistake, and when you do you pay with jail, money or both.
L I B E L.
Apologies must be demanded as well as monetary compensation.
Next case!
It was in bad taste.
Obviously they know that now.
The ads have been pulled.
Open & shut case (for the DR)
Assuming they hire the right lawyers.
As for our 2 seasons, you never been to Northern Ontario
from May to October?
Six months of DR weather, well, maybe 3.
Anyway, you do have my kind of weather!
! am 65 & tired of snow!
& Canadian women!
Don't worry, I am running away to your paradise!
No, I'm not on the"List". We earn our oun living here on the Rez!
NO GOV'T HANDOUTS FOR WOODLAND!
Obviously you have not cruiesd the north channel (of Lake Huron)
in the "Summer"!
So, you live on the North Coast?