SAN JOSE.- Costa Rica is the world’s happiest country, followed by Dominican Republic, according to a report on happiness and satisfaction with life by a British organization, which evaluated 143 countries that gather 99% of the planet’s population, affirmed the Costa Rican press Saturday.
In Costa Rica, 85% of those consulted stated their feeling "satisfactorily happy in this country," Central America’s most prosperous and politically stable, according to newspaper La Nacion, which published the British organization The New Economics Foundation’s happiness index.
“Dominican Republic occupies second place, followed by Australia, whereas the United States ranked 114th and Zimbabue in last (143)," the newspaper said.
In the previous report in 2006, Costa Rica occupied second place, after Vanuatu, a Pacific archipelago.
The index measured three variables: life expectancy when born, satisfaction level expresses by the inhabitants and the ecological practices of each country.
“In Costa Rica, life expectancy when born is 78.5 years; 85% of the Costa Ricans surveyed said they are happy and being satisfied with their life, and the country is close to reaching a balance between what’s consumed and what the natural resources offer," said Nic Mars, one of the report’s authors.
Written by: Cacique, 6 Jul 2009 2:37 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Huh? Happy we ain't Honduras...
From: Germany, Stuttgart
Just speaking from my experiences in La Dominicana I would think this is likely true.....I've met some of the poorest people in the campo and despite not having much in life....they are happy! Some have houses made of wood planks and tin roofs, no car, hand me down shoes ten years old, and five shirts to call their own. And they're happy. But I'll go and talk to some folks in the U.S. and they think they have problems because they don't have the newest, flashiest car, or they only have one pair of Jordans. Or they can't afford the new iPhone. Not real problems. People I meet in Quisqueya (and I do mean La Dominicana when I say this....for you mentally unstable Haitianos out there) are generally happy.
Written by: juanb, 6 Jul 2009 3:09 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Unlike most countries where the population is unhappy for what they don't have, here we are happy for what we do have.
Just imagine how out of control with joy we would be if we had and honest government, 24 hour electricity, good roads, and good public schools that educated our children.
From: United States
Hey... "Less is More"...... I wish sometimes that I can be in some campo or beach front living life on my won pace. But the "Rat Race" of the Corporate world requires us to spend, spend, spend... so that the CEO's can bring in there profits. We keep buying the same products over & over again. The Perfect legal scam.... corporate world keeps your money while the product you just purchased and walking out of the door is already lost it's value......"Less is More" so be Happy!
From: Dominican Republic, La Union
"I've met some of the poorest people in the campos and despite not having much in life....they are still happy; but I'll go talk to some folks in the U.S. and they think they have problems just because they don't have the newest, flashiest car, or they only have one pair of Jordans or they can't afford the new iPhone. "
-- That is so true and I would not say only in the Dominican Republic alone. There are various other places I can name where I have been where it is also true people do not try to find happiness in materialistic things..
From: United States, Reality Check
It was the beautiful culture, warmth and happiness of the Dominican people that attract so many to the RD! Also, many men have come here to seek serious and meaningful relationships leading to marriage with beautiful Dominican woman. I agree with JuanB:
"Just imagine how out of control with joy we would be if we had and honest government, 24 hour electricity, good roads, and good public schools that educated our children...."
As well as honest cops & military, low crime, efficient markets & merchants giving the best prices, jobs, good growth and basic social services like clean water and Presidente always on sale! It would be a perfect paradise!
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
I told this girl I know that money cannot by happiness and she said I was not shopping in the right places
From: Dominican Republic, La Union
"I told this girl I know that money cannot by happiness and she said I was not shopping in the right places."
Ha hahhh lol, now that is funny!!! Money can actually buy happiness in DR, until it runs out of course then you are back at square none (lol).
From: United States
JD....... It just hurts sooooooooo much reading your post here but..... THAT SHT WILL NEVER BE POSSIBLE IN OUR LIFE TIME..... one day at a time OK!
Written by: juanb, 6 Jul 2009 4:35 PM
From: Dominican Republic
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
This is very strange because when I was in Thailand recently , the Thai government announced much the same thing. and recently we read that the DR was the 33 greenest country in the world with criteria based on things like clean water and proper mining etc ..and everyone knows you can not drink the water here and the rivers turn brown after a drizzle because of deforestation and illegal mining and excavations ..
so maybe the DR governments are sent forms to fill in and they do this in the same way as they report minimum HIV and swine fever here ...we are all happy here because the place is a joke
Written by: xwill7, 6 Jul 2009 5:15 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
las Dominicanas make me happy
Written by: xwill7, 6 Jul 2009 5:22 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
Fred,
did the girl work at pasion night club in Santiago?
Written by: temetito, 6 Jul 2009 5:38 PM
From: Dominican Republic
people talk about poor people from el campo in DR, but I guarantee that even if they live in a house with no floors or whatever, they have enough food in they land to feed your whole family for years.
Written by: okian, 6 Jul 2009 5:50 PM
From: United States
I think the Dominican people show great resilience and a great attitude despite the out of control government corruption. Most that I speak with just shake their heads in disgust.
From: Dominican Republic
It's not like saying much, Jamaica is among the top and I wouldn't be able to get used to that lifestyle.
From: United States, OMNIPRESENT. El Cantinero de Jarabacoa. "Aguilucho desde Chiquitito"
did u hear that caona?
Written by: Belly, 6 Jul 2009 7:59 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Houston,Texas y San Francisco, DR
I believe this article is very true. Discoery channel said the same thing when they did a report about DR and how happy people live with what they have. Happiness is not something you can buy it goes beyond any materialistic value. If you value your happiness with material value then your problem is selfesteem and under appreciated. To me happiness goes way beyond material is more inner peace and being with your family and loving every minute of it while it last. Quien a visto caja de muerto con bolsillo
From: Dominican Republic
What are we happy about? Drugs? Violence? Illegal immigration? Definitely, 4.2 million poor Dominican are not happy! This surveyed was paid by the Dominican ministry of tourism!
Written by: Amber, 6 Jul 2009 11:22 PM
From: United States
This survey was carried out by a British non-governmental group, in which 143 countries were taken into consideration. It's true that Costa Rica came in First place and the D.R. in second. Great Britain was 74th, and the USA 114th. If we want to be happy, we need to either go to Costa Rica or to the D.R.
Written by: phammer, 6 Jul 2009 11:27 PM
From: Dominican Republic
This is 100% not true. Who are they surveying? LOL . . .
I guarantee it isnt the majority of the population who are living in total poverty without proper medical care or support from the corrupt government. This is a third world country without proper sanitation, plumbing, health care, education, power, police, court systems, purified drinking water, etc.
Or how about the countless beggers on the streets or hookers in the bars with no education or possibility of success or joy ever in their life.
I have actually never met so many unhappy and unsatisfied people as I have here in DR. People complain about everything and blame it all on an unjust decision from God or a curse that someone has put on them.
God help the rest of the world if the DR is one of the happiest . . .
From: United States, OMNIPRESENT. El Cantinero de Jarabacoa. "Aguilucho desde Chiquitito"
most dominicans are happy to just have a simple plate of food even if it means not having shoes on their feet.
Written by: mrios, 7 Jul 2009 12:58 AM
From: United States
All made good and interesting points.
Boy was I wrong....I thought Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. was the Happiest place on earth. I guess when one interviews those stoned on Brugal or Presidente one will get the same results.
JUST KIDDING !
FredCDobbs,
I thought you were talking about the FOOL'S U.S after 3 1/2 more years of OBAMINOMICS.
Unlike the DR one can not miss what one never had.
Don't get me wrong I'm all for progress, I welcome it. I just hope it doesn't turn into a RAT RACE.
ALL be good and Nice, take care.
Written by: THINK, 7 Jul 2009 3:32 AM
From: United States, SDQ -- Mia --NY
That is great, #2 happiest country in the world. The nature of the "most" Dominicans are enjoying their life style even in the hardship economic siturations , but """"FLIP THE COIN """"", we start thinking the other side, that's why people allow the corrutpion happened, because the nature of the customs can let things go by without finding the truth.
From: United States
Dominicans are happy people by nature. Regardless of how bad things are or get we always find the positive things in it and make the best of it. When God gives you lemons, you learn to make lemonade.
Written by: Trujillo, 7 Jul 2009 6:54 PM
From: Dominican Republic
If it wasn't for all those people that piss me off, then the RD would be #1 haha.
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Occasional perusal of featured stories and ensuing comments in this forum challenge headline veracity, especially because we represent a broad cross-section of the populace. We have leftists, right-wingers, centrists, ideologues, demagogues, rich, poor, middle class and
“abc” [ haven't figured out yet where to put him-but he is probably harmless!], so I think most of the bases have been covered.
We have a bona fide dysfunctional government and institutionalized corruption. Our judicial system cannot be trusted. We have poor infrastructure and high population density. We lack sufficient jobs and access to adequate education. We have sperm donors who abandon their offspring. We have women by the dozen with no self-esteem, who willingly become "egg donors" just for the opportunity to drink some Ron Brugal and an occasional ride in a jipeta. Etc.
No. I do not believe this story or its premise!
From: Dominican Republic, Parque Colon statue of Anacaona
Glomy where have you been ? welcome back and I hope you are happy ! we miss your erudite posts
From: Dominican Republic
I think from inside we are the number one!!!!! we do not need a encuesta to know how happy we live our life been poor!!!!
From: United States
2nd Happiest Country? I'm not so sure what there is to be so happy about. I know a vast number of Dominicans who would highly disagree that they are happy...but do they put up with things because there is no other way to go about life? Yes. So I would definitely agree that overall they are just trying to make the best of what there is...but they just try to ignore the things that make them unhappy.
That being said, feigning content with everything doesn't actually make things better...things won't improve in the Dominican Republic until people stop feigning happiness and actually face the things that they are displeased with.
I live in the Dominican Republic...and sure, people are friendly and always dancing and getting drunk...but do I think those are things that help keep them distracted or focused more on the good things than the bad things in life? Sure.
But living here hasn't made me happy, that's for sure.
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
FredC,
Thanks for kind comments.
I've been away in Europe and Asia for a month. Never thought mighty dollar would be reduced to monopoly money status, but that's just about where it is, compared to other strong currencies such as the euro and Swiss Franc.
Great to be home, but I am soooo jetlagged!
From: Canada, El Baron Del Cementerio
It's true Dominicans are very happy people.
From: United States
I'm dominican and I'm proud of it I live in Tn in the us andeven here I'm a happy guy gratefull for what i have, and look at life in a positive way, just came back from a vacation in DR and my wife whos an american girl from OH, love it she even wants to move there, witch I will work for it ..:-)
From: United States
Hi Heather
From: Dominican Republic
I think theres been a bit of a misinterpretation of the Happy Planet Index (www.happyplanetindex.org), as stated in their website:
The HPI is an innovative measure that shows the ecological efficiency with which human well-being is delivered around the world. It is the first ever index to combine environmental impact with well-being to measure the environmental efficiency with which country by country, people live long and happy lives.
THE INDEX DOES NOT REVEAL THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. It shows the relative efficiency with which nations convert the planet’s natural resources into long and happy lives for their citizens. The nations that top the Index aren’t the happiest places in the world, but the nations that score well show that achieving, long, happy lives without over-stretching the planet’s resources is possible.
Written by: phammer, 14 Jul 2009 11:59 AM
From: Dominican Republic
What is the life expectancy of someone in DR vs Canada . . .
Written by: mrios, 14 Jul 2009 1:04 PM
From: United States
Phammer,
With or without National Health care ?
Not to sound............
It is my understanding many Canadians travel to the U.S for quality Health care. Unlike the DR I believe it's hunger, disease, Malnutrition, Natural Catastrophes, Traffic Accidents and Drunk Stupidity or simply they Die with a smile on there faces, some one please correct me if I'm wrong.
Take Care.
Written by: phammer, 15 Jul 2009 11:04 AM
From: Dominican Republic
Not many smiling faces around here . . . no one is laughing especially not the sick ones. Of course the cheap alcohol, gambling and hookers probably help to make people forget about their problems, but I wouldnt classify that as "Happiest" . . .
My question about life expectancy was in regards to earlier comments regarding what this announcement really meant.
Does anyone know?
Written by: mrios, 15 Jul 2009 2:17 PM
From: United States
Phammer,
True on your Statements and thanks for the clarification.
To Me Happiness is defined by individuals who have the opportunity and the meaning to know the difference.
Example:
Years back I meet a Male individual about 80 + who lost everything in the DR who in my opinion was dirt poor, and through His Kindness I felt compelled to offer him money, which I did.... and to my surprise rejected it. He later told me "money is not happiness" ....then went on to say "I never known hunger, Loneliness or ill Health" puzzled I asked how ? why ? and He then replied "Why must we always gauge happiness on Worldly possessions". This Man I later heard from a Relative living in Santo Domingo passed away about 1 year ago. I never knew His name or surviving Family. This stranger left a lasting impression on my life.
Thinking back....I now know what they meant by Dominicans being Happy.
Snoppy3k,
You could of not said it any better.
Thanks
Written by: phammer, 15 Jul 2009 3:21 PM
From: Dominican Republic
I still dont really get the 2nd in happiness ...
Yes that is a nice individual example and a nice story . . . It is kind of like my uncle who smoked his whole life, but never got cancer and lived to 103, but I dont really think that is the norm in either case do you? I dont think that nice man represents the country . . .
People here dont have the opportunity . . . and even more unfortunately they are able to see on television, movies and Internet all the things they could have . . . and yes they want them. Especially the new generations of Dominican youth which would explain the increase in drug trafficing and theft spreading across the country.
And if Dominican Republic residents are so happy, why do most of them spend their whole lives desperately trying to get out of the country by whatever means possible . . . every person has a plan to get to Europe or North America.
This is what makes me think they arent happy . . . or at least not one of the happiest.
Written by: mrios, 15 Jul 2009 7:34 PM
From: United States
Phammer,
Me either, great response.
Unfortunately a nice TRUE story.....Which to Me puts a prospective on life. As far as opportunity, prosperity .......kind of reminds of the man waving a carrot in front of the Burro in order to get him moving, never really giving him the carrot but a small taste with promise of the whole carrot.
Why are then so many American raised Dominicans [myself included] always making plans to move back to the DR ?
Goes back to the argument.....what is happiness ?
How is happiness defined ?
Are we really truthful to ourselves ?
Are we then all tricked into believing "more, bigger is better" and "the wants out weigh the needs" "More is never enough" "I'll really be happy if only I had a...and more of...." and in doing so we forget and over look the most basic Human of all needs.
WELCOME TO THE RAT RACE
And to think.............. "Some of the best things in life are free"
To Me Happiness is and should be an individual choice.
Take care
Written by: nycgirl, 17 Jul 2009 10:40 PM
From: United States, nyc
apparently ignorance really is bliss.
Written by: mrios, 18 Jul 2009 9:15 AM
From: United States
NycGirl,
It's amazing to me how without realizing it....We influence other People's lives in one way or another. Knowing that...... choosing what can be defined as personal happiness is all about individualism and personal choice yet considered by others as ignorance & bliss.
Take care.
From: Dominican Republic
I´ve read many good comments here....which motivated me to join. I would agree with those that say that happiness is really not about those things that dominicans do to ¨forget¨ their troubles.....and that it´s ignorance that makes dominicans say they´re happy. Yes, they need to get over of all those things that keep them numb. I also believe that people here don´t laugh and smile like they used to. Something´s gone. It has to do with mystic, with escence. I´ve lived here 16 years....and happiness has had a nagative slope for me. With maturity comes wisdom....and the absurd becomes clearer.
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
Wow!!!!!!
Someone is way, way behind in his reading.
This story goes back to second coming of GC.
Goodness gracious, this story is from July 2009!
Story wasn't really a good one for many here, judging by abundance of "dreaded yellow triangle" next to several names, "FredCDobbs" being of highest notoriety.
So maybe we are not really that happy after all. Personally, I feel we are a happy people, but maybe not that happy. I am sure people in Hawaii, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Saint Thomas, BVI, the Cayman Iaslands and others are happier-if not richer. They have as much sun light and beaches as us and also way, way more money and better education.
MJEV.
Written by: Banana, 5 Feb 2010 7:06 AM
From: Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Oh. . .got my laugh for the day. . .double with the "80 tons of steel vanish" article right before this one.
It seems the DR has the MIDAS TOUCH . . . everything it touches becomes corrupt. Since when did the life expectancy and ecological practices (i.e. one of the most contaminated ports in the world) of the DR beat out 141 other countries making up 90-something% of the world's population?????????????????????
I DON'T THINK SO!! Wacky, wacky, wacky. . .
From: United States
This is SO TRUE. Even though I was born in the United States, my mother took me to DR when I was just 3 months old. My grandmother raised me out there until the age of 7. I was devastated when my mom decided to bring me back to the US. I was SO MUCH happier in the Dominican Republic and 'till this day I ask her WHY did she have to bring me to the US? I had much rather lived in the Dominican Republic where I felt "free" and at home. Those were the best years of my life..along with the vacations I spent over there once I lived out here *Sigh*.
From: United States
It's crazy how I would rather trade all the "luxuries" and benefits you get here in the US to go back to my 3rd world country, lol. Which takes me back to a discussion I had with some racist (white) Europeans who I was debating against. They argued that the Native Americans would have been miserable this day if it weren't for them "modernizing" this country. SO NOT true..I was much happier in a 3rd world country than this "modernized" one. I would trade everything to go back to those days. They just never experienced that and assume everyone should be happier where everything is "modernized". They don't know what they're talking about..
Smaller
Bigger
Close Gallery
Facebook
Digg this
del.icio.us
Technorati
Yahoo
Just imagine how out of control with joy we would be if we had and honest government, 24 hour electricity, good roads, and good public schools that educated our children.
-- That is so true and I would not say only in the Dominican Republic alone. There are various other places I can name where I have been where it is also true people do not try to find happiness in materialistic things..
"Just imagine how out of control with joy we would be if we had and honest government, 24 hour electricity, good roads, and good public schools that educated our children...."
As well as honest cops & military, low crime, efficient markets & merchants giving the best prices, jobs, good growth and basic social services like clean water and Presidente always on sale! It would be a perfect paradise!
Ha hahhh lol, now that is funny!!! Money can actually buy happiness in DR, until it runs out of course then you are back at square none (lol).
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/01/2614136.htm
so maybe the DR governments are sent forms to fill in and they do this in the same way as they report minimum HIV and swine fever here ...we are all happy here because the place is a joke
did the girl work at pasion night club in Santiago?
I guarantee it isnt the majority of the population who are living in total poverty without proper medical care or support from the corrupt government. This is a third world country without proper sanitation, plumbing, health care, education, power, police, court systems, purified drinking water, etc.
Or how about the countless beggers on the streets or hookers in the bars with no education or possibility of success or joy ever in their life.
I have actually never met so many unhappy and unsatisfied people as I have here in DR. People complain about everything and blame it all on an unjust decision from God or a curse that someone has put on them.
God help the rest of the world if the DR is one of the happiest . . .
Boy was I wrong....I thought Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. was the Happiest place on earth. I guess when one interviews those stoned on Brugal or Presidente one will get the same results.
JUST KIDDING !
FredCDobbs,
I thought you were talking about the FOOL'S U.S after 3 1/2 more years of OBAMINOMICS.
Unlike the DR one can not miss what one never had.
Don't get me wrong I'm all for progress, I welcome it. I just hope it doesn't turn into a RAT RACE.
ALL be good and Nice, take care.
“abc” [ haven't figured out yet where to put him-but he is probably harmless!], so I think most of the bases have been covered.
We have a bona fide dysfunctional government and institutionalized corruption. Our judicial system cannot be trusted. We have poor infrastructure and high population density. We lack sufficient jobs and access to adequate education. We have sperm donors who abandon their offspring. We have women by the dozen with no self-esteem, who willingly become "egg donors" just for the opportunity to drink some Ron Brugal and an occasional ride in a jipeta. Etc.
No. I do not believe this story or its premise!
That being said, feigning content with everything doesn't actually make things better...things won't improve in the Dominican Republic until people stop feigning happiness and actually face the things that they are displeased with.
I live in the Dominican Republic...and sure, people are friendly and always dancing and getting drunk...but do I think those are things that help keep them distracted or focused more on the good things than the bad things in life? Sure.
But living here hasn't made me happy, that's for sure.
Thanks for kind comments.
I've been away in Europe and Asia for a month. Never thought mighty dollar would be reduced to monopoly money status, but that's just about where it is, compared to other strong currencies such as the euro and Swiss Franc.
Great to be home, but I am soooo jetlagged!
The HPI is an innovative measure that shows the ecological efficiency with which human well-being is delivered around the world. It is the first ever index to combine environmental impact with well-being to measure the environmental efficiency with which country by country, people live long and happy lives.
THE INDEX DOES NOT REVEAL THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. It shows the relative efficiency with which nations convert the planet’s natural resources into long and happy lives for their citizens. The nations that top the Index aren’t the happiest places in the world, but the nations that score well show that achieving, long, happy lives without over-stretching the planet’s resources is possible.
With or without National Health care ?
Not to sound............
It is my understanding many Canadians travel to the U.S for quality Health care. Unlike the DR I believe it's hunger, disease, Malnutrition, Natural Catastrophes, Traffic Accidents and Drunk Stupidity or simply they Die with a smile on there faces, some one please correct me if I'm wrong.
Take Care.
My question about life expectancy was in regards to earlier comments regarding what this announcement really meant.
Does anyone know?
True on your Statements and thanks for the clarification.
To Me Happiness is defined by individuals who have the opportunity and the meaning to know the difference.
Example:
Years back I meet a Male individual about 80 + who lost everything in the DR who in my opinion was dirt poor, and through His Kindness I felt compelled to offer him money, which I did.... and to my surprise rejected it. He later told me "money is not happiness" ....then went on to say "I never known hunger, Loneliness or ill Health" puzzled I asked how ? why ? and He then replied "Why must we always gauge happiness on Worldly possessions". This Man I later heard from a Relative living in Santo Domingo passed away about 1 year ago. I never knew His name or surviving Family. This stranger left a lasting impression on my life.
Thinking back....I now know what they meant by Dominicans being Happy.
Snoppy3k,
You could of not said it any better.
Thanks
Yes that is a nice individual example and a nice story . . . It is kind of like my uncle who smoked his whole life, but never got cancer and lived to 103, but I dont really think that is the norm in either case do you? I dont think that nice man represents the country . . .
People here dont have the opportunity . . . and even more unfortunately they are able to see on television, movies and Internet all the things they could have . . . and yes they want them. Especially the new generations of Dominican youth which would explain the increase in drug trafficing and theft spreading across the country.
And if Dominican Republic residents are so happy, why do most of them spend their whole lives desperately trying to get out of the country by whatever means possible . . . every person has a plan to get to Europe or North America.
This is what makes me think they arent happy . . . or at least not one of the happiest.
Me either, great response.
Unfortunately a nice TRUE story.....Which to Me puts a prospective on life. As far as opportunity, prosperity .......kind of reminds of the man waving a carrot in front of the Burro in order to get him moving, never really giving him the carrot but a small taste with promise of the whole carrot.
Why are then so many American raised Dominicans [myself included] always making plans to move back to the DR ?
Goes back to the argument.....what is happiness ?
How is happiness defined ?
Are we really truthful to ourselves ?
Are we then all tricked into believing "more, bigger is better" and "the wants out weigh the needs" "More is never enough" "I'll really be happy if only I had a...and more of...." and in doing so we forget and over look the most basic Human of all needs.
WELCOME TO THE RAT RACE
And to think.............. "Some of the best things in life are free"
To Me Happiness is and should be an individual choice.
Take care
It's amazing to me how without realizing it....We influence other People's lives in one way or another. Knowing that...... choosing what can be defined as personal happiness is all about individualism and personal choice yet considered by others as ignorance & bliss.
Take care.
Someone is way, way behind in his reading.
This story goes back to second coming of GC.
Goodness gracious, this story is from July 2009!
Story wasn't really a good one for many here, judging by abundance of "dreaded yellow triangle" next to several names, "FredCDobbs" being of highest notoriety.
So maybe we are not really that happy after all. Personally, I feel we are a happy people, but maybe not that happy. I am sure people in Hawaii, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Saint Thomas, BVI, the Cayman Iaslands and others are happier-if not richer. They have as much sun light and beaches as us and also way, way more money and better education.
MJEV.
It seems the DR has the MIDAS TOUCH . . . everything it touches becomes corrupt. Since when did the life expectancy and ecological practices (i.e. one of the most contaminated ports in the world) of the DR beat out 141 other countries making up 90-something% of the world's population?????????????????????
I DON'T THINK SO!! Wacky, wacky, wacky. . .