Charred remains. Photo hoy.com.do
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic.- The damages to the rustic 16 restaurants, bars and tourist shops in the village "Pueblo Pescador" charred by an early Monday blaze which left 250 people jobless was estimated at RD$61.0 million.
The Samaná Hotels and Tourism Companies Association stated its regret for the loss of the traditional wooden houses turned into quaint restaurants and bars, and called it the latest blow to Samaná’s tourism development. It said the situation must be dealt with urgently together and with solidarity.
We’re at the disposal of the government authorities and the private sector to support wherever possible to mitigate the effects of this event which has deeply consternated us all," it said.
In that regard Tourism minister Francisco Javier Garcia announced the site’s total reconstruction.
After inspecting the zone destroyed by the fire reportedly caused by a short-circuit, the official met with the owners of the businesses to discuss the ways to rebuild the Pueblo. "What’s most important is that there were no human losses, we in the Tourism Ministry pledge to rebuild this village as quickly as possible, with the same characteristics…," Garcia said.
From: Dominican Republic
What no insurance?
The government will not help little business but will give you some lip service prior to the election.
Written by: zooma, 8 May 2012 8:36 AM
From: United States
It is a pledge only at this time. Let's us hope the gov't will follow through on it as there are many that depend on the income the village brings.
It was noticible in the reporting of this pledge there was no mention of a rebuild funding source. The phrase to "discuss the ways to rebuild the Pueblo" is ambiguous, clear as mud, and typical of bureaucrat speak. It suggests to me the the government may provide assistance with speeding up the approval and permit processes along with tax breaks. It would also act as an catalyst to pull in the necessary resources to achieve a speedy recovery. However, any monies received, if any, from the government for the rebuild will have to be paid back.
It is cynical on my part to believe the government has jumped in to help remedy this disaster so quickly, not so much out of altruism, more of a need to keep tourist revenue flowing into the government coffers from Las Terrenas.
From: United States, FREEPORT, Long Island.... ((You're blind to the fact that you're blind))
Just as I suspected!!!!
Written by: anthonyC, 8 May 2012 9:39 AM
From: United States
Written by: foresthill,
"What no insurance?
The government will not help little business but will give you some lip service prior to the election."
Why should the Government help?
They are private companies who allowed the fire happen in the first place.
From: United States, FREEPORT, Long Island.... ((You're blind to the fact that you're blind))
The government allowed them to build in these conditions that caused the fire by not enforcing building standards if any. What don't you understand? It is said that the tourist sector is vital to the economy of the republic, but, the government run by the PLD shows no interest unless they make a buck on it, just ask the hotel owners and now that it's a clean slate they want in on it.
Written by: anthonyC, 8 May 2012 12:46 PM
From: United States
Bobby-Joe,
The private sector built it. Let the private sector rebuild it.
Why should the smart and productive member of society be forced to fund the unproductive, borderline criminal, slackers who's buildings burned down?
From: United States, FREEPORT, Long Island.... ((You're blind to the fact that you're blind))
Man, Ant-knee.....Were you JUST let out of the house? You still think the government should just sit back and let everyone do as they please.....The government has a job to do and you rather pay them threw your taxes for doing nothing pro-active. Screw everyone else, Right?
Like I said before, It's people like you that let this happen .
From: Dominican Republic
The place was a row of basically shacks offering slow service, overpriced bland food and drinks with nasty bathrooms. The road was too narrow and a pain to keep from hitting other autos and people.
Like most places I've seen in this country there is a lack of codes and standards to prevent or limit the damages from things like fires. I have seen enough electrical installations here to doubt there is any standard at all or if there are the people doing the electrical work need some training.
Even large condo and hotel complexes don't even seem to have fire alarms, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, or fire hoses. This in a town that has no equipted fire department . Safety doesn't seem to be important.
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera
Even if any of these business owners had insurance you can guarantee the insurance company will find some excuse not to pay out. Insurance of any sort in the DR is a joke and a complete waste of money and time and I am speaking from experience!
Written by: Rainman, 8 May 2012 5:33 PM
From: United States
Once they rebuild the areal will loose its appeal as a small village with a peculiar character, but then again progress is progress
From: Dominican Republic, Las Terrenas
as always negative comments....
I think Its great that the government will help reconstruct the Pueblo de Pescadores and the old style building will come back, as it should be!
I am happy
From: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), The Dentist will see you now
Owners how amusing.....i would love to see the titles of these joints.....I. Think squatters is the word that should be used
Written by: RoyStone, 8 May 2012 8:46 PM
From: Australia
So the tax-payer will compensate the owners for their negligence?
Written by: airgordo, 8 May 2012 10:46 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Written by: RoyStone, 8 May 2012 8:46 PM
From: Australia
So the tax-payer will compensate the owners for their negligence?
---
This Fire grew so big because THERE WAS NO FIRE TRUCK on las terrenas, neither there is on Bavaro!! ask somebody who speaks spanish to confirm that on the national papers or news ...YET we have all the money on the world to invest 2.5 MILLION dollars on just ONE of the metro wagons, NICE!!!...
I wonder how many Firetrucks does that buys!! THAT right there is what i'm talking about, PRIORITIES
Written by: RoyStone, 9 May 2012 8:07 AM
From: Australia
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the fire started because of an electrical fault. It spread due to poor building standards, lack of sprinkler systems or smoke detectors, and was not covered by insurance. None of this is the tax-payer's fault. Maybe you should be blaming the mayor if there were no fire trucks in town?
Written by: airgordo, 10 May 2012 2:53 AM
From: Dominican Republic
ONE building is OK, 13 is NOT, that is when the TRUCK comes to the history Big Time.
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The government will not help little business but will give you some lip service prior to the election.
It is a pledge only at this time. Let's us hope the gov't will follow through on it as there are many that depend on the income the village brings.
It was noticible in the reporting of this pledge there was no mention of a rebuild funding source. The phrase to "discuss the ways to rebuild the Pueblo" is ambiguous, clear as mud, and typical of bureaucrat speak. It suggests to me the the government may provide assistance with speeding up the approval and permit processes along with tax breaks. It would also act as an catalyst to pull in the necessary resources to achieve a speedy recovery. However, any monies received, if any, from the government for the rebuild will have to be paid back.
It is cynical on my part to believe the government has jumped in to help remedy this disaster so quickly, not so much out of altruism, more of a need to keep tourist revenue flowing into the government coffers from Las Terrenas.
"What no insurance?
The government will not help little business but will give you some lip service prior to the election."
Why should the Government help?
They are private companies who allowed the fire happen in the first place.
The private sector built it. Let the private sector rebuild it.
Why should the smart and productive member of society be forced to fund the unproductive, borderline criminal, slackers who's buildings burned down?
Like I said before, It's people like you that let this happen .
Like most places I've seen in this country there is a lack of codes and standards to prevent or limit the damages from things like fires. I have seen enough electrical installations here to doubt there is any standard at all or if there are the people doing the electrical work need some training.
Even large condo and hotel complexes don't even seem to have fire alarms, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, or fire hoses. This in a town that has no equipted fire department . Safety doesn't seem to be important.
I think Its great that the government will help reconstruct the Pueblo de Pescadores and the old style building will come back, as it should be!
I am happy
From: Australia
So the tax-payer will compensate the owners for their negligence?
---
This Fire grew so big because THERE WAS NO FIRE TRUCK on las terrenas, neither there is on Bavaro!! ask somebody who speaks spanish to confirm that on the national papers or news ...YET we have all the money on the world to invest 2.5 MILLION dollars on just ONE of the metro wagons, NICE!!!...
I wonder how many Firetrucks does that buys!! THAT right there is what i'm talking about, PRIORITIES