Marbella, Spain (PRNewswire via COMTEX).- The Dominican Republic (DR) was named the "Golf Destination of the Year for the Caribbean and Latin America" by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
The award was presented to Francisco Javier Garcia, the DR Minister of Tourism, at the 2008 International Golf Travel Market's (IGTM) annual meeting held Nov. 17-20 in Marbella. "The IAGTO award affirms that the DR has arrived on the international scene as an important new 'It' destination for golf. The world is taking notice of the DR's world-class designer golf courses set amid stunning sea sides, beaches and mountains in an accessible and affordable destination," DR Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia said.
Each year, the IGTM annual conference brings together golf tour operators and the meetings industry with leading hotels, resorts and golf courses of the world to conduct business and grow the industry. This leading trade show highlights and honors top golf travel suppliers, destinations and services.
"Since the first designer golf course opening in the DR, which was Teeth of the Dog at the world-popular Casa de Campo resort, golf has been a booming facet for the country's tourism industry," said Garcia. "The DR, blessed with breathtaking countryside and pristine beaches, is home to some of the world's most dramatic and spectacular golf courses designed by legends such as Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Gary Player, Tom Fazio and Nick Faldo."
In honor of the prestigious award, IAGTO will host an official IAGTO FAM trip that will consist of 50 people, 40 IAGTO members (golf tour operators) and 10 members of the International Golf Travel Writers Association to experience the golf offerings of the DR first hand.
In addition to this award, the DR was recently recognized by Travel & Leisure Golf magazine, a top-tier golf publication with a circulation of more than 650,000, as "The Player's Paradise," honoring the Faldo Legacy Course at Roco Ki as one of the top 10 best new golf courses in the world.
Also, soon to be released by Golfweek magazine, a top-tier golf publication with a circulation of more than 150,000, Punta Espada Golf Course will be ranked number one along with the Faldo Legacy Course at Roco Ki to be ranked number 20 in the Top 50 Courses in the Caribbean and Mexico article.
Rich in history, the Dominican Republic is a diverse and luxurious destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to more than one million U.S. visitors each year. It also features some of the best golf courses and beaches in the world, the largest marina in the Caribbean and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families. For more information, visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official Web site at: http://www.GoDominicanRepublic.com
From: United States, Washington
What amazing news! I'm sooo proud of the DR for gaining such a noteworthy distinction. Holy cow, that is great news. I hope that golf courses can allow people from the barriors to get a decent Tee-Times, while the hords from the "north" decend to exploit, I mean enjoy our beautiful women, I mean golf courses.
Oh, and maybe the increased traffic will allow the foreign owners of these golf courses to offer more low paying jobs or increase the salaries of people who break their back creating such artificial paradaise, while their reality is so bleak.
Sorry folks, but I think an 18 hole Conuco would benefit us more than an 18 hole course.
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
The first thing to note is that this is a press release presumably from the ministry of tourism ..Secondly by looking at the IAGTO website , the 2008 awards can be seen and the winner of the golf destination of the year , latin america and the caribbean is Argentina and not the Dominican Republic
This is not to say that there are not some very beautiful golf courses in the Dominican Republic.
The Faldo Roki Ki course is no where fully completed but of course they have done quite a lot of entertaing as have the people at the Punta Espada course which is also very young.
The wonderful Playa Grande links in the north together with the Teeth of the Dog and Dye Fore are first class links and far better at this stage than the two east coast courses but as ever the advertising dollar counts most !!!
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
A look at the other awards on the IAGTO website gives an indication on how hollow these awards are ...Turkey as the top golf destination of the year in europe and Malaysia as the top golf destination in Asia and Australia ..--come on get real ....
Written by: TFISKE 
, 18 Nov 2008 4:33 PM
From: Canada, Alberta
Ricardolito,
You say Punta Espada is young what does that mean! Its great give me a break they hosted a PGA tour event last year
I have played it and it is perfect! The Faldo course opens Dec 14th these course are managed by Troon. Excellent company with great course conditions,
Yes Playa Grande and the Teeth are Great course also!
What is your hdcp?
If you shoot over 80 you are not qualified to speak on these matters!
The DR is by Far the best country for golf in the Caribbean!
Baladoria,
For your information golfers spend alot of money and this is good for the country so stop whining and get a job
May I suggest a caddie!
From: United States, Washington
They may spend a lot of money, but who keeps the lion-share? And are these golf courses open to the working class Dominicans?
Why do you think a social critique is whining? Are you so insecure with yourself that you can't engage in a little intellectual discussion? Or is your brain too fried from the coke you snort w/ your golfing buddies?
Ah, to be on a coke-addict like you, that must be quite a life.
Written by: TFISKE , 18 Nov 2008 4:39 PM
From: Canada, Alberta
Baldoria23
Are you complaining that the workers who build the course have back breaking work!
Should they have no work! These companies pay better then most!
What is wrong with you man first complain no work then complain work to tough give me a break
Stop sticking your hand out like Josean and get of your xxxx and do something.
I am so sick of the constant complaining and lazy people who think the goverment should hand them everything!
You should be happy people want to come visit the country and spend there money.
Check out Palm Spings or Phoenix and see how many course they have!
Written by: TFISKE , 18 Nov 2008 4:43 PM
From: Canada, Alberta
Baldario
I play with alot of dominicans, doctors,lawyers engineers, business owners hell even the caddies play!
They even have homes at some of the courses!
They recieve a discount! Wake up man not everybody is lazy and looking for a hand out!
Get off your xxx!
I no they make more money than most, tips are good etc!
please spare me the sob story
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
TFISKE mas traquilo por favor ...yes I play close to par most days and yes I play all these courses regularly as I live here in the DR and yes the DR is a great country for golf and yes Troon is a good company ..does not alter the fact that the press release appears to be incorrect
Written by: TFISKE , 18 Nov 2008 4:48 PM
From: Canada, Alberta
baldoria23
Now I snort coke wow! your an idiot!
If you play golf you must be on coke, this shows me how stupid you are now!
Get in the real world stop whining get a job and do something with your life!
I suggest caddie and see who you meet and what its like and how it pays.
Then again I would not hire a guy like you to caddie and most wouldn't
Written by: TFISKE , 18 Nov 2008 4:52 PM
From: Canada, Alberta
Ricardolito,
Okay close to par seems fair what about La cana course, La estancia, Dye fore, plus Fazio is ready to open soon. You have Nick price, Gary Player Guavaberry and many more
Seems to me more than any other Island in the Caribbean!
I say its about time the DR was recognized as the best for golf
From: Dominican Republic, North Coast
Not sure why all the negative responses to an award that is given on the basis of quality in the caribbean. I play Playa Grande at least twice a week and even if there is very little play on this amazing course, it is fully staffed by locals and the layout and upkeep is by far the best I've ever seen in any island I have traveled or lived on. Yes there are better ways to market golf as a destination to the DR, however the A I will always make it very difficult unless you are staying on the facilities with golf courses (ie pl. dorada). As far as the local play at the lower levels, the First Tee Program would be a very positive way of getting those that would never be able to afford the experience to play . Maybe more needs to be done at the club house level to see that this happens!
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
steviewonder if you read from the official IAGTO you will see that the award was given to Argentina
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
definition of endless love.?.........Stevie wonder and Ray Charles playing tennis...
Written by: Euromax , 18 Nov 2008 8:05 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Bonao, provincia M.N
congradulation my beutiful country!!!!! :DDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Written by: josean, 18 Nov 2008 10:50 PM
From: United States, Dedicating 4 more years to fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia
From: United States, Washington
Ahhh.... nothing like the ravings of lonnies. HOw does the song goes, ah yes, "only mad dogs and eglishmen go out in the mid-day sun." SOme of you remind me of this song, as you are clearly mad dogs, or eglishmen. Well, I hate adressing senseless comments, b/c it only lends them credibility. So here it goes:
1. when have I ever complain of no jobs?
2. when have I suggested the state handing things out?
3. why do you assume I am unemployed? It seems you are posting way more thanme, so maybe you have a bit more time on your hands. Don't take posting as a proxy for employment status, as that just makes you look stupid.
4. Never associated drugs w/ golf, just your state of mind is one of a person who is eigher a mad dog or a drug user - your brain is fried.
Is that it?
From: United States, Washington
My ONLY point, well the main one, is that despite the DR receiving such praise, one has to ask oneself, are the workers and the general public benefiting as much from this as the owners, who tend to be foreign companies? that is a valid social commentary from a social scientist. And who ever thinks is whining, then is either a mad dog or an eglishman :-)
One really needs to ask, what is wrong w/ a little introspection? engaging in dialogue about social issues? Are you so insecure in your position, or guilty of your oppressive ways, to not rationally defend your point? What does that make you is not an ideologue who is trying to convince himself that the status quo is natural and fair, when the reality is that it is far from natural and horribly unfair.
We the privileged need to take a closer look where our privileged status comes from. Just because you pay your caddie well, which is always a good thing to do, doesn't mean you are not contributing to his exploitation or the...
From: United States, Washington
misery of the vast majority of dominicans. Just because you tip your prostitute, doesn't mean you're not exploiting her!
Wake up and learn to question and look beyond your noses before things get so bad that the only solution will be some violent uprising - today's social unrest are only the beginning. High crime is the result of the current misery.
There's two views on how to address social injustice: first, a pro-market, laissez faire appraoch; and another where the state, civil society organizations, and international agencies play an active role to help channel resources to the poor and working class. I'm more optimistic of the latter. The only thing we need is a true REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY, and not the delegative one we have today, where politicos and oligarchs hoard the gains of our economy, and expect the rest of us to be satisfied with a low paying job carrying some Hij'e Puta's golf bag. Just tell me, if by carrying golf clubs, your caddies will ever escape poverty
From: Dominican Republic, North Coast
According to two posters, I need a mullican! I think I will save it for another round!
Really, somepeople need to get a life! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!
Written by: bernies, 19 Nov 2008 9:52 AM
From: United States, key west fl
where is GC on this one, I like to hear his coments since it looks like his has more inside info.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Yes it is probably true that the DR has passed Puerto Rico as the perennial best in the Caribbean
From: United States
Golf courses = ecological threats. How much clean water is spent maintaining these greens? Not sustainable...
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
Manhattanite ...the exact amount of clean water used to water the greens is ZERO ...no potable water is used and actually the gren areas with many trees and birds are good for the environment
Written by: TFISKE , 19 Nov 2008 8:07 PM
From: Canada, Alberta
manhattanite
If you are going to speak about things you no nothing about at least do some home work!
Hell they can water paspallum with salt water even!
Have you heard of paspallum supreme!
It is designed to handle bad weather splashed onto the greens
Casa de campo switched and its great!
Ya really need to pinch it solid in the fairway to make it bite!
I am sure you no nothing about this also!
Another xxx talking negative instead of positive about the DR it just makes me sick!
Worry about the water you wasting in NY
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Manny was probably referring to golf courses that have no access to these new developments or are inland away from the sea they still use a tremendous amount of fresh water ....Las Vegas for example.....Manny is no dummy Fiske and you should not snap at people like that
Written by: TFISKE , 19 Nov 2008 9:43 PM
From: Canada, Alberta
Goulet,
I promise vegas is not using fresh water! Most course used reclaimed water.
Check it out.
Bashing everything in the DR thats xxxx me off!
Written by: TFISKE , 20 Nov 2008 12:36 AM
From: Canada, Alberta
Baldoria,
your a teacher!
Most eachers are cheap as xxxx and complain about everthing now I get it we have lots at my course that are retired and looking for hand outs.
How is it that your educated but we should feel sorry for all the lazy people who chose to not progress!
Most caddies and the guys at the course are great they like there jobs and really wish to stay doing the job they love.
They want more money every year who doesn't they save little like most , spend lots, like hookers just like you, probably do some blow as its probably cheap on the island these days.
If you are are a political science major maybe your jealous and looking for a bail out or just want in the political loop.
The Dr is a damn nice country sure it has problems what county doesn't get over it man relax play some golf, do some blow like you say we all do , take care of you hooker.
I guess they have no hookers in vegas, new york, La, etc or blow wake up man it is a business get
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Hey fiskey stop being so aggressive even if you have something worthwhile to say no one wants to listen .......Many posters because of their experience have interesting input ....I also wonder at the negativity sometimes but it is part of the scene
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
the unfortunate part of this story is that it is so true and wonderful for the DR but in this world economy it is like saying the food was excellent on the Titanic......"....." Dominican Republic has arrived on the international scene as an important new 'It' destination for golf. "
"The world is taking notice of the Dominican Republic's world-class designer golf courses set amid stunning sea sides, beaches and mountains in an accessible and affordable destination."......this horrible economy will delay the wonderful progress that has been made but will not stop it
From: United States, Washington
Let me recommend a Great book for you TFISKE: "Domination and the Arts of Resistance: Hidden Transcripts" by James Scott. This book can shed some light into why the poor in public are all smiles, but when they get "off-stage" - or away from the dominant group - they curse and criticize the status quo. It's a way for them to resist their domination.
Another point, why do you think that social scientists, for the most part, tend to be left leaning? or critical of individualist mentality that puts ALL success and blame on the individual? which calls for people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps? Why do you think so? maybe perhaps b/c they have read social/political philosophy which makes the link of indiciauls' current situation to a larger systematic set of characteristics. Maybe it's not all about the individual! Maybe there are historical/structural factors that impede social mobility in societies like ours?
From: United States, Washington
Why do you think that close to 80% of our youth claim that the only way to "salir pa' delante" is to migrate? perhaps that allows them to break away from the historical pressures that impede a kid from the barrio to go to INTEC or some of the other Toni private school.
A good example of how structure matter is gender and racial discrimination. even in today's society, there are places that women and non-whites are not allowed to go. Remember that article last year when an African-American who worked for the US embassy was refused entrance to club/restaurant? Or the reports that women are at a disadvantage in pay and type of careers!
Moreover, given the low social mobility, history is a huge indicator of who is going to be rich or poor. ASk yourself, who did the oligarchs get their LAND & RICHES? GO back to the Trijillato, go back to the founding on the country, go back to bloody colonial times, and you'll see that these cats "accidentally" got these riches...
From: United States, Washington
I say accidentally, b/c they were the first ones here or they screwed over their neighbors to increase their lot in life. The point is, these bloody oligarchs are an accident of history which we have to suffer. And a poor caddie who kills himself carrying bags for bloody tourists, will never in his wildest dreams make as much as one of those oligarchs spend on their shoes shopping trip to Miami.
My favorite restaurant in Sto. Dgo. - El Asador de Antonio - how can you expect someone who makes $15K a month (and I'm being generous), to go shell out $3K in ONE MEAL? Yet, the Asador is always full with the same people who drive up in their Jeepatas del anho - usually black jeepetas. THese cats are there not because they work harder than the poor, but rather b/c their grandfather sold out his neighbor during trujillo, and Trujillo rewarded him. Or his great great great grand-dad was so bad-ass that he killed and stoled until he owned half of BOnao...
From: United States, Washington
Then after these fat cats got fat, then they legitimized their ill-gained fortunes by "buying" politicians that passed law after law protecting these assets. Moreover, they continue "buying" politicians to make sure they do NOTHING about the HUGE inequality in the DR. So that a Kid born in Barrio Duarte de Herrerra has little chance ever moving out of there, unless (s)he moves to the U.S. or SPain... What's even worse, these same fat cats own all media outlets and are considered the "gate keepers" of what's good or bad. So via their control of the communication channels, education, religion and the state, they make the status quo seam as natural as can be - the fact that the vast majority of the population is poor is natural. The fact that the oligarchs are white, is natural. And if the poor want to survive, they have to play by rules that reinforces the superiority of these fat cats.
So, that's why social scientists, like me, are critical of the status quo.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Hey Baldy you know what they say ?......you aint no rocket scientist.....tell your whining story to Obama he will tell you to hit the road and get a real job
From: United States, Washington
GC - here's an honest question. Why do you think social critiques is whining? and why shouldn't we consider your points whining when you complain about lack of gov. transparency and services?
Seriously man, look yourself in a mirror and do a little introspection.
Moreover, I'm more interested in telling this story to students and people in the barriors, bateyes, and campos. Of course those in power will say, "hit the road" b/c they are in power. If you ask ANY one in the dominant group what are the problems in society, I assure you inequality and social injustice will not be among their list. They benefit from the status quo so why should they change it? This needs to be a bottom up approach. Thankfully, democracy allows for such changes, but here again due to the elites controlling education and the means of communication, these issues are not at the fore. Moreover, the status quo, and here is the key issue, is presented as a NATURAL REALITY - the end of history.
From: United States, Washington
If you're told from every possible angel (Family, church, school, movies, government, papers, etc.) that something is like that and will always be like that, so there's no use to try to change things, what do you think will be the results? moreover, add to the equation that then you are over-worked and have no free time, resources, or access to alternative education so that you can start to een question the status quo - just keep your head down, work hard, and you'll succeed in life. That's what people are told over and over again.
Fanon said: "In Kist societies, education, whether secular or religious, the teaching of moral reflexes handed down from father to son, the exemplary integrity of workers decorated after fifty years of loyal and faithful service, the fostering of love for harmony and wisdom, those aesthetic forms of respect for the status quo, instill in the exploited a mood of submission and inhibition which considerably eases the task of the agents of law and order"
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Baldy I agree with much of what you say and I know you are a compassionate person .....BUT like all liberals you believe that those of us who are less liberal are always painted as evil and that is unfair....Just as we should not think all liberals are stupid
From: United States, Washington
If you bring in Foucault, Freire, Lukas and other contemporary social philosophers, you can really complete the image that the dominant class use all sorts of mechanisms to ensure that the dominated groups are far from conscious of their plight, and if they are they are instilled with a sense of hopelessness.
So you see GC, I'm not a rocket scientist, nor am I an original thinker, I'm simply applying the works of the greatest minds of our time to the social condition in the Dominican society. If that's whining, then my friend, you need to go back to school and learn what social critique is and how it is done.
So stop whining about other people's social critique
From: United States, Washington
It's not that conservatives are evil -- far from it. But rather, that conservatives are also lulled into believing the status quo is natural. Just paint for, if you will, your ideal society, and tell us how it differs from today's. That's a good starting point for a fair discussion. N'est pas?
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Thank you Baldy you are to kind
From: Dominican Republic
This *would be* AWESOME news for the DR and especially DR Tourism...but it is bizarre that the IAGTO website doesn't mention the DR winning any 2008 awards, and as was stated earlier, the 2008 award for best Golf destination in Caribbean and Latin America is Argentina...I checked 2007 just in case and it was Mexico...
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
very many plumbers and electricians and carpenters and other skilled and well payed Dominican craftsman are being layed off at these projects you think of as exploitive and of little use .....you are very wrong.....If it was not for the Sleeping Car Porters union of black employees one could guess Obama would not be in the white house ....that organization was the means to a higher education for the children of its members of that group during the 20s 30s 40s and 50s.....think about that
From: United States
I can't say I do know what waters are being used at the golf courses IN DR, hence the question. It is totally valid concern and furthermore water is not the only ecological concern around golf courses. I'm not like other negativity-mongers on here but I do have to admit a whole lot of half-assed-ness goes on in DR. The headlines on DT.com are enough proof of that. That being the case I doubt these courses are being managed with an eye to sustainability.
From: United States
baldoria just to round out your commentary with GC around latter day thinkers and social scientists...
Material and intellectual levels of Western civilization post-19th century were essentially unmatched until the close of 20th century. In fact they are still generally unmatched with few exceptions (Japan). My point in saying this is that the roles played by ethics and liberty in developed nations can't be expected in the periphery absent the same material levels. Left leaning social sciences in general that stem from post-Nietzsche thinkers like Foucalt and their philosophy often seem to miss this point. So for example gender discrimination laws...these are not the result of people suddenly seeing the error of old ways; these come about on the basis of material development so far, and the economic forces now calling for women to enter the work-force. So when social scientists comment for example on the plight of women in DR you wonder their aim beyond disruption.
From: United States
baldi that is all off-topic so if you have comments to exchange may be better to PM!
From: United States, Washington
Good comments man., I don't think that the post-modern thinkers cannot be applied to a non-western society. If anything, you have people like Freire who focus on Brazil. Like Freire, there is many more social-political theorists who essentially continue, or build upon, Foucault, Lucas, and Fraser's work on power relations within the non-western world. Much of this literature can be considered post-colonial, but the same tenets of power relations, social construct of class, social, and gender roles apply. Case in point is the work of James Scott that I referred to above.
Moreover, as the evolution of human rights continues, these rights are not limited to people in the north; these are HUMAN rights that need to be applied to all People everywhere. If this means that certain social norms will be disturbed, then let it be. All in the name of political, social, and economic rights to ensure as little oppression as possible.
BTW, What does "PM" mean? Thanks for the good exchange.
Written by: TFISKE , 20 Nov 2008 8:32 PM
From: Canada, Alberta
Baldoria123,
Maybe a little less time in the History Books and whatever other crap you read and dish out wow super stuff I was on the edge of my seat!
I bet you care so much for everyone as long as it has no effect on you and your own income .
Do you want all outside investment and tourists to leave and go some where else?
Maybe the US and Canada should kick out all Dominicans since you believe we should go and we are only the ones taking and not giving!
Lets ask all the dominican ball players see what they say about that! I am sure some weaker american ball players would side with you regarding that.
I guess they should get a hand out or bail out since they didnt have the talent !
Dude If a man can go 2 the moon
I think most people can get off your ass, get educated, get a job, start a company or at least make an attempt in life.
Or lay around an complain that nobody sent you any money I guess seems like the new way!
At some point isnt it the individual
From: United States, Washington
Well, lucky for us there're more than two choices - it's not all Capitalism or Communism, right? We have, what is known as a mixed system. Some econ system are more market-oriented (i.e. the u.s.), others more social oriented (i.e. canada). I'd be happy if LAC approaches the canadian system.
As far as kicking tourists out and sending migrants back, again, glad that we do not need to choose from these two extremes. But we can moderate - all about moderation - to make sure that tourists don't come here and run a mock, that SOME of the exorbitant profits from tourism get channeled to improving our social services, protecting the environment, and providing higher wages for workers (not the politicians). But as is now, when tourists and TNCs can come and exploit (and not in the nice way) our resources and people, then expropriate the lion's share of the profits to their swiss bank accounts, besides providing some meager wages, they're not doing much to change things around...
From: United States, Washington
BTW - glad you enjoyed the posts. I was afraid they may be over your head. As far as looking @ history, it is sooo important that we do, else we're likely to commit the same mistakes. It's even more important to do some social critique, so that we can identify the major social problems and try to come up with moderate solutions, before we have social unrest, as what we have now.
Only a fool would sit back and say things are good, jsut b/c s/he has a nice house & job, while eveyone around her/him is unemployed and living in misery.
From: United States
Manhattanite, on the subject of water, which you raised earlier in the thread; despite the incoherent ramblings of TFISKE, numerous studies regarding the sustainability of tourism as a model for development conclude that a tourist resort uses, on a per capita basis 10 times the amount of water than the surrounding areas and hinterland.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
that is a non starter if you want to be in business you have desal....forget the greeny stuff ....only the bottom line and you can have it both ways dread
From: United States
GC the few searches I did after seeing this article suggest plenty of golf courses do have some greenie considerations. I don't know the margins in this business but they must be fair given the clientele...there must be some room to do things in a sensible way.
From: United States
sadly, GC, even if you forget the environmental considerations of desalination, which you characterise as "greeny stuff", have you factored in the energy requirements needed to produce the amounts of potable and agricultural water needed for golf resorts?
From: United States
baldi PM meant private message! I suggested it because as we see above there are very many binary minds around! I agree I wouldn't limit the scope of the post-modern or post-colonial thinking to the developed world. It as worth when home grown examples apply these forms of thinking, like Freire who you mentioned. However in many cases even f the observations are correct, there is no action to be taken that would amount to much. So you end up with cultural critiques of admittedly lagging cultures. I think as these nations go intellectual firepower is best spent on material, economic improvement. There is always room for critical thinking, but it can devolve to so much masturbation absent concrete planning & investment for economic growth.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
that is what I meant by both ways Environmentally less aggressive
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Oh, and maybe the increased traffic will allow the foreign owners of these golf courses to offer more low paying jobs or increase the salaries of people who break their back creating such artificial paradaise, while their reality is so bleak.
Sorry folks, but I think an 18 hole Conuco would benefit us more than an 18 hole course.
This is not to say that there are not some very beautiful golf courses in the Dominican Republic.
The Faldo Roki Ki course is no where fully completed but of course they have done quite a lot of entertaing as have the people at the Punta Espada course which is also very young.
The wonderful Playa Grande links in the north together with the Teeth of the Dog and Dye Fore are first class links and far better at this stage than the two east coast courses but as ever the advertising dollar counts most !!!
You say Punta Espada is young what does that mean! Its great give me a break they hosted a PGA tour event last year
I have played it and it is perfect! The Faldo course opens Dec 14th these course are managed by Troon. Excellent company with great course conditions,
Yes Playa Grande and the Teeth are Great course also!
What is your hdcp?
If you shoot over 80 you are not qualified to speak on these matters!
The DR is by Far the best country for golf in the Caribbean!
Baladoria,
For your information golfers spend alot of money and this is good for the country so stop whining and get a job
May I suggest a caddie!
Why do you think a social critique is whining? Are you so insecure with yourself that you can't engage in a little intellectual discussion? Or is your brain too fried from the coke you snort w/ your golfing buddies?
Ah, to be on a coke-addict like you, that must be quite a life.
Are you complaining that the workers who build the course have back breaking work!
Should they have no work! These companies pay better then most!
What is wrong with you man first complain no work then complain work to tough give me a break
Stop sticking your hand out like Josean and get of your xxxx and do something.
I am so sick of the constant complaining and lazy people who think the goverment should hand them everything!
You should be happy people want to come visit the country and spend there money.
Check out Palm Spings or Phoenix and see how many course they have!
I play with alot of dominicans, doctors,lawyers engineers, business owners hell even the caddies play!
They even have homes at some of the courses!
They recieve a discount! Wake up man not everybody is lazy and looking for a hand out!
Get off your xxx!
I no they make more money than most, tips are good etc!
please spare me the sob story
Now I snort coke wow! your an idiot!
If you play golf you must be on coke, this shows me how stupid you are now!
Get in the real world stop whining get a job and do something with your life!
I suggest caddie and see who you meet and what its like and how it pays.
Then again I would not hire a guy like you to caddie and most wouldn't
Okay close to par seems fair what about La cana course, La estancia, Dye fore, plus Fazio is ready to open soon. You have Nick price, Gary Player Guavaberry and many more
Seems to me more than any other Island in the Caribbean!
I say its about time the DR was recognized as the best for golf
Another republicanito bites the dust.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D94HMVA80&show_article=1
1. when have I ever complain of no jobs?
2. when have I suggested the state handing things out?
3. why do you assume I am unemployed? It seems you are posting way more thanme, so maybe you have a bit more time on your hands. Don't take posting as a proxy for employment status, as that just makes you look stupid.
4. Never associated drugs w/ golf, just your state of mind is one of a person who is eigher a mad dog or a drug user - your brain is fried.
Is that it?
One really needs to ask, what is wrong w/ a little introspection? engaging in dialogue about social issues? Are you so insecure in your position, or guilty of your oppressive ways, to not rationally defend your point? What does that make you is not an ideologue who is trying to convince himself that the status quo is natural and fair, when the reality is that it is far from natural and horribly unfair.
We the privileged need to take a closer look where our privileged status comes from. Just because you pay your caddie well, which is always a good thing to do, doesn't mean you are not contributing to his exploitation or the...
Wake up and learn to question and look beyond your noses before things get so bad that the only solution will be some violent uprising - today's social unrest are only the beginning. High crime is the result of the current misery.
There's two views on how to address social injustice: first, a pro-market, laissez faire appraoch; and another where the state, civil society organizations, and international agencies play an active role to help channel resources to the poor and working class. I'm more optimistic of the latter. The only thing we need is a true REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY, and not the delegative one we have today, where politicos and oligarchs hoard the gains of our economy, and expect the rest of us to be satisfied with a low paying job carrying some Hij'e Puta's golf bag. Just tell me, if by carrying golf clubs, your caddies will ever escape poverty
Really, somepeople need to get a life! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!
If you are going to speak about things you no nothing about at least do some home work!
Hell they can water paspallum with salt water even!
Have you heard of paspallum supreme!
It is designed to handle bad weather splashed onto the greens
Casa de campo switched and its great!
Ya really need to pinch it solid in the fairway to make it bite!
I am sure you no nothing about this also!
Another xxx talking negative instead of positive about the DR it just makes me sick!
Worry about the water you wasting in NY
I promise vegas is not using fresh water! Most course used reclaimed water.
Check it out.
Bashing everything in the DR thats xxxx me off!
your a teacher!
Most eachers are cheap as xxxx and complain about everthing now I get it we have lots at my course that are retired and looking for hand outs.
How is it that your educated but we should feel sorry for all the lazy people who chose to not progress!
Most caddies and the guys at the course are great they like there jobs and really wish to stay doing the job they love.
They want more money every year who doesn't they save little like most , spend lots, like hookers just like you, probably do some blow as its probably cheap on the island these days.
If you are are a political science major maybe your jealous and looking for a bail out or just want in the political loop.
The Dr is a damn nice country sure it has problems what county doesn't get over it man relax play some golf, do some blow like you say we all do , take care of you hooker.
I guess they have no hookers in vegas, new york, La, etc or blow wake up man it is a business get
"The world is taking notice of the Dominican Republic's world-class designer golf courses set amid stunning sea sides, beaches and mountains in an accessible and affordable destination."......this horrible economy will delay the wonderful progress that has been made but will not stop it
Another point, why do you think that social scientists, for the most part, tend to be left leaning? or critical of individualist mentality that puts ALL success and blame on the individual? which calls for people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps? Why do you think so? maybe perhaps b/c they have read social/political philosophy which makes the link of indiciauls' current situation to a larger systematic set of characteristics. Maybe it's not all about the individual! Maybe there are historical/structural factors that impede social mobility in societies like ours?
A good example of how structure matter is gender and racial discrimination. even in today's society, there are places that women and non-whites are not allowed to go. Remember that article last year when an African-American who worked for the US embassy was refused entrance to club/restaurant? Or the reports that women are at a disadvantage in pay and type of careers!
Moreover, given the low social mobility, history is a huge indicator of who is going to be rich or poor. ASk yourself, who did the oligarchs get their LAND & RICHES? GO back to the Trijillato, go back to the founding on the country, go back to bloody colonial times, and you'll see that these cats "accidentally" got these riches...
My favorite restaurant in Sto. Dgo. - El Asador de Antonio - how can you expect someone who makes $15K a month (and I'm being generous), to go shell out $3K in ONE MEAL? Yet, the Asador is always full with the same people who drive up in their Jeepatas del anho - usually black jeepetas. THese cats are there not because they work harder than the poor, but rather b/c their grandfather sold out his neighbor during trujillo, and Trujillo rewarded him. Or his great great great grand-dad was so bad-ass that he killed and stoled until he owned half of BOnao...
So, that's why social scientists, like me, are critical of the status quo.
Seriously man, look yourself in a mirror and do a little introspection.
Moreover, I'm more interested in telling this story to students and people in the barriors, bateyes, and campos. Of course those in power will say, "hit the road" b/c they are in power. If you ask ANY one in the dominant group what are the problems in society, I assure you inequality and social injustice will not be among their list. They benefit from the status quo so why should they change it? This needs to be a bottom up approach. Thankfully, democracy allows for such changes, but here again due to the elites controlling education and the means of communication, these issues are not at the fore. Moreover, the status quo, and here is the key issue, is presented as a NATURAL REALITY - the end of history.
Fanon said: "In Kist societies, education, whether secular or religious, the teaching of moral reflexes handed down from father to son, the exemplary integrity of workers decorated after fifty years of loyal and faithful service, the fostering of love for harmony and wisdom, those aesthetic forms of respect for the status quo, instill in the exploited a mood of submission and inhibition which considerably eases the task of the agents of law and order"
So you see GC, I'm not a rocket scientist, nor am I an original thinker, I'm simply applying the works of the greatest minds of our time to the social condition in the Dominican society. If that's whining, then my friend, you need to go back to school and learn what social critique is and how it is done.
So stop whining about other people's social critique
Material and intellectual levels of Western civilization post-19th century were essentially unmatched until the close of 20th century. In fact they are still generally unmatched with few exceptions (Japan). My point in saying this is that the roles played by ethics and liberty in developed nations can't be expected in the periphery absent the same material levels. Left leaning social sciences in general that stem from post-Nietzsche thinkers like Foucalt and their philosophy often seem to miss this point. So for example gender discrimination laws...these are not the result of people suddenly seeing the error of old ways; these come about on the basis of material development so far, and the economic forces now calling for women to enter the work-force. So when social scientists comment for example on the plight of women in DR you wonder their aim beyond disruption.
Moreover, as the evolution of human rights continues, these rights are not limited to people in the north; these are HUMAN rights that need to be applied to all People everywhere. If this means that certain social norms will be disturbed, then let it be. All in the name of political, social, and economic rights to ensure as little oppression as possible.
BTW, What does "PM" mean? Thanks for the good exchange.
Maybe a little less time in the History Books and whatever other crap you read and dish out wow super stuff I was on the edge of my seat!
I bet you care so much for everyone as long as it has no effect on you and your own income .
Do you want all outside investment and tourists to leave and go some where else?
Maybe the US and Canada should kick out all Dominicans since you believe we should go and we are only the ones taking and not giving!
Lets ask all the dominican ball players see what they say about that! I am sure some weaker american ball players would side with you regarding that.
I guess they should get a hand out or bail out since they didnt have the talent !
Dude If a man can go 2 the moon
I think most people can get off your ass, get educated, get a job, start a company or at least make an attempt in life.
Or lay around an complain that nobody sent you any money I guess seems like the new way!
At some point isnt it the individual
As far as kicking tourists out and sending migrants back, again, glad that we do not need to choose from these two extremes. But we can moderate - all about moderation - to make sure that tourists don't come here and run a mock, that SOME of the exorbitant profits from tourism get channeled to improving our social services, protecting the environment, and providing higher wages for workers (not the politicians). But as is now, when tourists and TNCs can come and exploit (and not in the nice way) our resources and people, then expropriate the lion's share of the profits to their swiss bank accounts, besides providing some meager wages, they're not doing much to change things around...
Only a fool would sit back and say things are good, jsut b/c s/he has a nice house & job, while eveyone around her/him is unemployed and living in misery.