Written by: juanb, 9 Feb 2010 9:00 AM
From: Dominican Republic
This is real. Isn't it?
Written by: BADDOG, 9 Feb 2010 9:41 AM
From: Canada
A little quick on the draw. Dont condemn many for the actions of a few...... There are thefts from luggage everywhere. Why put a cell phone and watch in your suitcase anyway???? Dominican is a good place as are most of its people.
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
True there are much worse destinations ....Work to improve this one
From: United States
I could never understand why people generalize everything, when trying to prove or convey their point of view.
Written by: zooma, 9 Feb 2010 10:15 AM
From: United States
Who is to say this happened in POP as It could have been in Toronto !
The complainer should include a letter of dissatisfaction to himself.
Rule No.1; No matter where you are traveling, Toronto, London, Paris, Rome, New York; you do not place any valuables such as a cell phone and watch in your checked baggage. You keep them within your sight and control at all times.
That said, POP does have a less than good reputation of officials and airport employees praying upon the tourists. Might have something to do with the further you are away from the seat of government, Santo Domingo, there is less oversight and more opportunity for corrupt activity.
From: Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata
Invest in a hardshell Samsonite with a lock.
Works for me...until they steal the Samsonite!
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
etienne says tongue in cheek I hope " i am not saying that airport workers are choir boys and they will not steal," ..........the highest rate of theft in the AA routes world wide DR and PR and that goes for other airlines probably as well
From: United States
Never place valuables in luggage as you are just asking for it to be stolen. Yes the airport workers are thieves. The police and government officials are corrupt beyond all recognition and also in bed with the drug trade. Nothing new here.
Written by: xwill7, 9 Feb 2010 10:55 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
This clown was dumb enough to leave a cell phone and watch in his check in bags??? That would be stolen in 90% of all airports... Travel via Santiago Cibao airport... I have never had a problem, I have traveled via Santiago during xmas time and had a ton of gifts in my check in bag. Nothing was stolen.
How are you 100% sure that your stuff was not stolen in Canada? Quick to blame the Dominican I see...
From: Canada
That's it blame the victim or make fun of him. You all know he is right about this issue but choose to minimize his loss. Those thieves and your many responses will only serve to damage us more. Kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
He was a dumb@ss but the numbers dont lie .....5 finger discount de riguer
Written by: dominica, 9 Feb 2010 11:20 AM
From: United States
The comments are a bit harsh as well as the letter also. However, there is a problem and it needs to be addressed. Fact: traveling into the US, Japan, Chile, Canada, and most of Europe I have not seen this happen. The point is that it is not only a DR problem. Yes it happens in other places. Not everyone has been to DR and for those who have never traveled to a 3rd world country this is a new phenomenon. It is understandable that those who've experienced it before know what to expect but the point really should be that this needs to be addressed regardless... It all ties into politics and the culture of government though. That is self explanatory.
From: Dominican Republic
Let me count ! Maybe 25 times I have flown in and out of POP in the last 5 years and have only experienced one problem with my luggage and those that check it . When I was going through the check point , they opened my guitar case and took the wire cutters that I use to cut the strings because I had forgotten to remove them . However, this prompted the 2 men to go through my carry on bag where they stumbled upon a 3 pack of condoms that I had thrown in to the mix ( from the cabana X lol). Both of the mens eyes lit up as if they had just discovered mama juana for the first time in Dominican history and they very politely begged me for the condoms while insisting that I hand them over while threatining to take my guitar from me if I denied them. Guess what I still have the guitar .
Written by: xwill7, 9 Feb 2010 11:38 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
trinita,
no one is making fun of this guy, but he did not use common sence. Also, how is he sure that his stuff was not stolen at the canadian airport?
Also, I did travel via Puerto Plata a few weeks ago... No problems, and I had more items of value than a cell phone and watch
This guy probably had a cheap prepaid flip phone and a cheap pharmacy store watch!
From: United States, NJ (M_ S Cibaeno 100%)
The man is right, this is a shame to our country, they should do background check on these people before giving them jobs at the airport, not just hire anybody, these people should be handpicked, and supervised on a daily basis at their job, and WATCH their every move.
This is gonna cost our economy a lot of money if nothing is done NOW.
Written by: xwill7, 9 Feb 2010 11:40 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
I do not believe this letter. Why would he not wear the watch and put the phone in his pocket?
From: United States, NJ (M_ S Cibaeno 100%)
Sonia, is LF's fault!
Written by: jeb21, 9 Feb 2010 11:54 AM
From: United States
Believe the tourist - Of course - he is right. Dumb to leave cell phone etc -- BUT - he is completely justified in complaining! Thieves are thieves are thieves - ! I believe his letter 100%. DR security are brutes (if you have ever had to deal with them)with a very little bit of power - they want bribes, baggage handlers worse - don't blame the tourist - he can leave whatever he wants in his suitcase. Who are you to judge.
Written by: jeb21, 9 Feb 2010 11:55 AM
From: United States
Ateo - You are all that is wrong with the DR with your very stupid remark.
Written by: xwill7, 9 Feb 2010 12:00 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
dhb,
you dont trust the thick condom that they have at the cabanas? lol
Written by: xwill7, 9 Feb 2010 12:01 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
jeb,
travel via Santiago cibao airport and then tell me that all airports in DR are the same. Santiago airport is on top in quality
From: Dominican Republic
Jeb,
Be careful what you say to ATY BOY,
He Still believes that the cable car and flipper provides the D.R with more infrastructure and technology then Ognads flying carpet ever could..When he was young , he had many sightings in the sugarcane fields coupled with his nightmares of Castro flying around the Washington monument on a broomstick with a cigar in his mouth ...
From: Qatar, .. Conconete.com
I did a sort of report for school a couple of years back on theft at airport and specifically baggage handling depts. the subjects were NYC JFK Airport and Miami Intl. Airport.. and Mia came out on top. I'm sure this happens everywhere. (just call me captain Obvious)
Written by: bernies, 9 Feb 2010 12:14 PM
From: United States, key west fl
DT is doing something that should have not been published as news article instead the person that had this happen to him should had writing an article on the blog so others can learn about what happen in his luggage. If anyone that lives in Canada dare to visit the CANADIAN TRAVEL ADVISE FOR THE DR they might never take flight to this country because of all bad stuffs that the Canadian warning travel adviser are saying about this country.
Written by: JDJones, 9 Feb 2010 1:03 PM
From: Dominican Republic
I can't believe someone would be stupid enough to leave valuables in their suitcase while they're traveling, especially items like a cell phone and a watch.
But his point is well taken. Just because he's dumb enough to leave them there, they should still be there when he gets home.
Written by: xwill7, 9 Feb 2010 1:15 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
Most bottles of alcohol is stolen when you arrive in Florida... The maleteros take it for their own use... Can't blame the Dominicans for all of the bad
Written by: xwill7, 9 Feb 2010 1:16 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
Craig Howarth you are a fool!
From: Qatar, .. Conconete.com
Definitely! This is NOT NEWS! and should not have been posted by DT, as a mater of fact
it is all "here say"
From: United States
.
When you invite a prostitute ( male or female) into your hotel room then you begin to drink heavy and getting high and are sexualy excited, you run the risks of loosing your stuff and even loosing your life. This happens in any country-from Japan to the Dominican Republic.
Too ashamed to face and tell his wife or his girl friend how the items got stolen Craig chose the most corward but convincing argument.
" The Dominican airport workers stole my items.
Your luggage did pass through three airports.
How do you know the workers of which airport stole your items ?
Hope this open letter to DT will convince your wife or your girl friend !
Good luck !
But remember that we are all bullshitters here !!!!
A bullshitter can not bullshit another bullshitter.
From: United States
conconeteDotcome.
It is ok for DT to print craig's letter so we expose and denounce his lie.
From: United States
Well whatever the case may be, Craig and his lapse in good judgment will not be missed in the Dominican Republic. So good bye, good luck and good riddance.
Written by: PATCHUKO, 9 Feb 2010 2:38 PM
From: Canada
EVERYONE on this forum knows how corrupt DR governments are, so why would it not make sense that government employees do the same as their bosses? I myself travel three time a year to DR and most of the time something goes missing. I cant imagine employees at the TORONTO AIRPORT would steal soap and shampoo or dollar store items like dolls for children. who cares where he put his watch or cellphone, the fact is someone stole something that was not theirs. Some of you said "who cares" or "don't come back" well you all should care because if you multiply this by thousands of disgruntled TOURISTS who do not want to come back then most of you in DR will have to push the Haitians out and start cutting your own SUGAR CANE.
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
My experiences of flying in and out of Santo domingo,la Romana and Punta Cana amore than 50 times are all very good and I have never had any losses .I never lock the checked in bag as there are random searches after the x ray machines.
But as we hear so often from Veronica the Puerta Plata and Santiago area are abuzz with corruption so anything is possible..but why leave a cell in checked bags,where do you research other similar thefts and why try to incite others to boycott the DR ?? I see little legitimacy in the letter.
Written by: mariposa, 9 Feb 2010 3:05 PM
From: United States
I agree with Patchuko one hundred percent.
I've been traveling to DR since right after Trujillo was assassinated, and there is usually an item missing either from someone else's luggage, or for instance, my husband had his entire shaving kit stolen. My cousin visited a while back, and they took her husband's belt, and a pair of her sandals. These thefts occurred in Las Americans Int'l Airport, not Puerto Plata. Looks like we are going back to the days of locking up our suitcases...I always put the plastic strip and lock my suitcase that way.....they would need to take the time (which they don't have) to find a pair of scissors or something to unlock my stuff.
The attitude "don't come back" is indicative of the apathy in the Dominican Republic. And it's appalling. Same for the attitude toward child sex trafficking, they just look the other way. I saw a man on Sunday in Bavaro with three young girls, the youngest was only 11 yrs old. the middle one was 14, and the
Written by: mariposa, 9 Feb 2010 3:07 PM
From: United States
oldest, the"instigator" was only 22 or 23 years old.
I told a policeman that there was "a pedophile sitting at a table with three unrelated females, the youngest of whom is only 11 yrs old", and he did not care, told me "there is no proof, etc."....came up with lame excuses, pansy that he was. If the DR does not stand up and protect its children, this country will end up like Thailand, and it will be the Caribbean Capital of Sex Trade in the near future.
The apathy in this country is appalling.
Written by: jonbonz, 9 Feb 2010 3:12 PM
From: Dominican Republic, santo domingo
I have traveled half way around the world many times and nothing lost. In my checked in is clothes and toiletries. In my carry anything and everything worth stealing.
Written by: xwill7, 9 Feb 2010 3:22 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
ethinnc,
you nailed it.. most canadian tourists are very drunkin DR even while checking in at the airport. Cuero might have taken his stuff, or he might have left it at the hotel...
Written by: ateo2010 
, 9 Feb 2010 3:24 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Owning Noobs
mariposa AKA French girl on youtube, who hates DR and its people. .........
Written by: xwill7, 9 Feb 2010 3:42 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
ric,
Santo Domingo's airport is worst than Santiago... The new Santiago airport is pretty good. Try it
From: Dominican Republic, Civil Rights and Peace Activist for Our Dominican People
The guy is making that up! He wants to give DR a bad report to hurt our tourism.
First of all, it is very hard to believe that someone will put their cell in a luggage!
Who leaves Home without it (a cell)?
Written by: DRmaker, 9 Feb 2010 4:07 PM
From: Canada
I have been through the POP airport three times in the last 11 months with no incidences.
I always lock my checked baggage. I don't use those dinky little padlocks as it seems one key can open most of those types of padlocks. I use a combination padlock with three numbers and you set the combination yourself. No problemas!
Had one little amusing incident last month on my arrival at the POP airport: I was at a customs booth and as the first officer in the booth returned my documents to me the officer behind him in the booth showed me a tiny piece of paper with the word "TIP" scrawled on it. I thought "why not" so I slipped him a 100 peso bill and then went on my way. The beginning of another great vacation in the DR.
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
the cheapies that go to all inclusives in POP who know about roaming charges .....and Canadians are tighter than the bark on a tree.....look up cheap in the dictionary and open the page and there is a guy with a hockey stick ...Go Leafs
Written by: xwill7, 9 Feb 2010 4:32 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
lol. blu... no tip for the cleaning lady
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
" why not " says the corrupt loser as he continues to drag the whole society down with him
From: United States
craig , instead of coming here to Dominican Today and make an ass of yourself , you should have directed your complained to the Canadian Consulate in Puerto Plata
Calle Villaneuve No 8
Edificio Abraxas
Tel 809 586 5761
Fax 809 586 5762
Email: canada,pop@gmail.com
What gave you up is your bull "I will never return to the Dominican Republic.
oh yes you will be back ,I know so,
When you go Morena , you go banana !
From: United States
craig , instead of coming here to Dominican Today and make an ass of yourself , you should have directed your complained to the Canadian Consulate in Puerto Plata
Calle Villaneuve No 8
Edificio Abraxas
Tel 809 586 5761
Fax 809 586 5762
Email: canada,pop@gmail.com
What gave you up is your bull "I will never return to the Dominican Republic.
oh yes you will be back ,I know so,
When you go Morena , you go banana !
By the way craig pouquoi aviez vous retire la carte SIM du portable et l'a glissee dans votre porche.
Written by: xwill7, 9 Feb 2010 5:19 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
he must have flown air canada...
Written by: Escott, 9 Feb 2010 8:27 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
I have had a lot of stuff stolen from my bags at Puerto Plata Airport. No Watch nor Cell phone but bottles of liquor and wine amoung other things. One time my bags didn't come on the plane with meand they delivered them to my house I weighed them to make sure they were the same weight I checked in.
.
These were valuabe bottles but they stole the cheaper ones of each. Still annoying and unjustifiable no matter what dopes here think. NO it hasn't happened to me at any other airport in the world and I use to travel a lot albeit no more. This just another time the disrespect for others sticks out like a sore thumb here.
Written by: bearcat, 9 Feb 2010 9:26 PM
From: Dominican Republic
A number of you say unkind things about this man. What happens if toursit stop coming to the DR. The dollar is mobile and when one man is robbed 10,000 elect not to go there. Porta Platta once recieved 6 ships a week but complaints of thief stopped the ships and now PP is hurting.
Thief happens in a number of locations but the DR simply can not afford it. Those that say "do not come back". Can you replace the dollars that man spent in the DR.
From: Dominican Republic
Blutarsky, you are always so darn rude to people. You do not live here so who the hell are you to smartmouth. I have travelled extensively around the world and lived and worked in many countries. The DR is the best one I have lived in. I have never had a problem at the airport here. The worst thieves, and they are well known for it, are the Homeland Security at Miami Airport!!!!!!!!!!!!
Written by: josean, 9 Feb 2010 10:37 PM
From: United States, Dedicating 4 more years to fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia
A country were every single transaction is suspect and every official is a suspect; people because of misplaced NATIONALITIC PRIDE now want to belittle the visitors complaint.
This is why we do not progress!
Our stupid pride in everything but what counts, places us in a perpetual state of DENAIL of reality!
Rather than admit our national tragedy, that even the CHIVOS in DR are corrupt we stick our heads in the sand of how dare you tells us our truths to our face!
We act so offended, as if this beyond the realm of possibilities. Whether Mr. Howarth made an error in judgment or not, the fact remains that was his private property and no one should excuse that behavior and rationalize it.
If we accept this as the norm then we are assisting our descent into the abyss of lawlessness to occur even more rapidly than it already is!
Mr. Howarth I apologize for the appalling way some of my countrymen have received your complaint.
But they simply ‘Can't Handle The Truth!”
Written by: Tombo, 10 Feb 2010 12:35 AM
From: Denmark, living in Puerto Plata
Nice post Josean. Of course Craig is right and of course he should not bring more Canadian Dollars to the DR.
I live here and I enjoy most of what this country can offer, but after being cheated repeatedly there are some services I don't use anymore:
Motoconchos, taxis, street vendors, Dominican carpenters, electricians, bricklayers and colmados and shops where there are no price tags.
Instead I drive myself or walk, use a German mechanic, Canadian carpenter, US owned liquer store and so on. How good is that for the local economy?
And I do feel sorry for all you honest guys, but as long as you let the thieves like the people in the airport do as they please and let them get away with it - you won't make one peso on me.
From: Dominican Republic, Civil Rights and Peace Activist for Our Dominican People
"Nice post Josean" " he should not bring more Canadian Dollars to the DR"
Ha?!!! it is almost funny!! Like attracts like! Tal para cual!
Josean=Tombo
Josean= any alimaña
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 11:08 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
No country can control each airport employee... Are you telling me that nothing has ever been stolen in a canada airport? Please!
Written by: Tombo, 10 Feb 2010 11:14 AM
From: Denmark, living in Puerto Plata
In Canada it probably happens once in a while, but here it's all the time.
I have been travelling almost all over the world without problems - except from here.
Written by: josean, 10 Feb 2010 11:15 AM
From: United States, Dedicating 4 more years to fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia
X,
No one is saying that theft doesn't occur every where in the world.
The point is that we all know it occurs more frequently that we care to admit here in DR.
So let’s stop with the chest beating moral indignation as if this is such an isolate incident.
Let’s be honest and not emulate our politicians, and admit and accept the TRUTH!
From: United States
Tombo you sound like you should move out of DR, before the getting gets good. I think Denmark is calling you home, and thanks for your visit.
From: United States
jose n ann, your passion and your rush to denigrate LION/NEL and the Dominican people have clouded your good judgment.
I hold a degree in psychology and i know a bit about human behavior.
craig is lying up to his teeth,
His luggage was handled at three airports how can he know for sure that the handlers at Puerto Plata were the ones who stole his stuff.
Predisposition , bias, racism my child !
Sending a letter to DT to denounce a whole country and ask people to stop visiting the country seems to mask ulterior motives.
Take this sentence and digest it well "You will never see a penny of my money' I pray that nobody visit your country.
Another remark. it seems that the POP workers had all the time of the world to go through each individual luggage and look for stuff to steal
Have you asked yourself this question : Why didn't he put his valuable items in his carry on bag ?
Why was not the watch on his wrist and the cell phone on his person ?
From: United States
jose n ann once you can be objective and can use what ever common sense that you have left ,answer intelligently these questions, you will arrive to the same conclusion as we did
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 11:35 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
tombo,
i never have had a problem....
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 11:41 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
josean,
I have traveled to DR with:
computer equipment
brand new name brand clothes with the price tags still on them
New car parts and assesories
stereo equipment
bottles of black and blue label johnny walker
baseball equipment
mamajuana, brugal, mac albert, presidente
everything new and nothing has been missing thank god
Written by: Tombo, 10 Feb 2010 11:50 AM
From: Denmark, living in Puerto Plata
xwill7 - you are a lucky guy:)
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 11:53 AM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
tombo,
I mostly travel via Santiago.. That airport is very organized, many eyes watching... But I did travel via Puerto Plata and had no problems... My point is that its hard to know if your items were stolen in DR or you final destination... But people are quick to blame the Dominican
Written by: Escott, 10 Feb 2010 12:01 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
Everyone is entitled to their opinions (Except of course I make an exception for Belial) so why shouldn't this fellow be allowed to write about his?
Etienc You I don't understand. Do you really believe Denial is a river in Egypt?
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 12:10 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
escott,
Not when the writer is blaming an entire nation for the actions of one person. He does not even have proof that this actually happened in DR
From: Dominican Republic
When you mix poverty, money and a propensity for unscrupulous behavior, this is what happens
Written by: Tombo, 10 Feb 2010 12:51 PM
From: Denmark, living in Puerto Plata
norisenglund1:
It's when you mix thives and indifference. We should blame all the ignorant people who don't give a s*** as well as blaming the criminals.
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 1:05 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
tombo,
yes... there are many hard working honest people in DR... There are many poor but the majority will not steal from you. Our tourism is still on top in the caribean and the magic of the Dominican people and culture is part of why we are on top...
Written by: Tombo, 10 Feb 2010 1:09 PM
From: Denmark, living in Puerto Plata
That's why I am still here xwill:)
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 1:12 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
Tombo,
I will retire there in the future.lol I have been to many places but DR has something special.
Mr Craig Howarth will miss out on alot of adventures by not coming back...
From: Dominican Republic
Dear Mr Editor,
Why did you delete my post about when I was shaken down for money by two immigration officers at the Santo Domingo airport when I was flying to Cuba ? Were they friends of yours that you are now trying to protect in a suite with MR. Zelaya ???
I guess thats the end of my character on this show ,....Im off to banistan Jo..
Written by: Tombo, 10 Feb 2010 1:30 PM
From: Denmark, living in Puerto Plata
xwill: "Mr Craig Howarth will miss out on alot of adventures by not coming back"
He will indeed! And he knows it. That's part of what pisses him off.
Written by: Escott, 10 Feb 2010 1:33 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
xwill7, So you think this isn't possible? I have had stuff stolen many times. It isn't a surprise to me at all. Checked baggage is a problem in the DR and that is the only thing that is transparent here.
From: Dominican Republic
Escott,
'' I had my stuff stolen MANY TIMES ?
Why would you continue to fly there again even if it happened only one time ???
Remember what the scarecrow asked the wizard for ? Maybe you should do the same you silly pup ...
Written by: BGFEMA, 10 Feb 2010 1:46 PM
From: United States
Never had a problem at Puerto Plata airport.
If items we're stolen from my luggages, that alone will not stop me from coming back to Dominican Republic. Keep your valuables at home or keep it in your carry-on bag. Sometime, you need to use common sense.
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 2:13 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
escott,
what proof do you have that the items were stolen in DR and not your final destination? Once you check in your bags, they pass through two hands... Dominican hands and the hands of the worker at your final destination.
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 2:13 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
escot, you are quick to blame the dominican worker...
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
He says " Canadians are cheap ,but they dont steal "
Written by: josean, 10 Feb 2010 4:26 PM
From: United States, Dedicating 4 more years to fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia
"I hold a degree in psychology and i know a bit about human behavior."
I hate to break the news to you but Mail Order degress don't count, Mr. B.F. Skinner wannabe!
Written by: josean, 10 Feb 2010 4:30 PM
From: United States, Dedicating 4 more years to fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia
X states,
"josean,
I have traveled to DR with:
bottles of black and blue label johnny walke rmamajuana, brugal, mac albert, presidente"
My boy, after a load like that I couldn't tell if I was robbed either!
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 4:39 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
I always travel with 2 check in bags. The only bad thing that has ever happened is that a bottle of brugal broke on the way back... You could smell brugal all over the airport lol
Written by: josean, 10 Feb 2010 4:50 PM
From: United States, Dedicating 4 more years to fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia
"a bottle of brugal broke on the way back..."
x,
You sure that’s not the time you tried to sample some of passenger Belkis new upfront surgical assets in the seat next to you?
From: United States
Leviticus 19:17
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 5:04 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
josean,
dont forget to tip the maletero... they can get you in and out of the airport
Written by: sunnycpl, 10 Feb 2010 5:33 PM
From: United States
Wife and I have been 5 times in last 5 years, and have to admit, the young men "posing" as security leave lots to be desired. We're in our mid-60's and they couldn't wait to gothrough our carr-on baggage, Every little thing was removed and then stuffed back in. When it came time to go through her purse, she drew the line, scowled and told them "NO" don't touch. She would remove everything and of course, they declined. Give someone (not just the DR) a badge, and they will flaunt and abuse it.
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
just like josean with his broom
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 6:20 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
sunny,
they tried checking my bags at puerto plata. I made a big deal about how in Santiago they do not open the bags only scan them... They left me alone. Tell them that next time, and that you will not travel via Puerto Plata but Santiago instead... They are scared to loose anymore travelers to Santiago
From: Dominican Republic
X.
Thats funny . One time the guy who owned a restaurant at the hotel I used to stay at in Sosua asked me to bring him some duty free liquor for his bar from the Miami airport . When I got my bags at POP, I had 3 suit cases , a guitar and 3 bottles of Patrone Silver tequila on the top of the cart I was pushing .. somebody bumped into me and 1 of the bottles fell out .. Man , what a disaster AND WHAT A SMELL...LOL
From: Dominican Republic
Josean, (I mean Dr. Phil )
Blu is going to start telling you to clean up after Pavlovs DOGS and to wipe thier cans with your degree . I think you just stepped into your own pile my bro ..lol
Now lay down on the couch Little Boy Blu and tell DOC JOS where it hurts lol .......
Written by: xwill7, 10 Feb 2010 6:34 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
wow! I wonder if anyone mopped it up then filtered it and drank it?
From: United States
jose n ann can not process informations (craig's letter) and comes to an objective conclusion (craig is lying)
we call that deficit :an impairment of his cognitive abilities
From: United States
jose n ann , how does it feel when everybody is kicking your culo ?
From: Dominican Republic
ETIENNC.
Its Doctor Jo to you ,now LAY BACK DOWN ON THE COUCH ! and tell us what you see when you look at this picture ?
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
when drinking tequila you are punishing yourself so if you really want to be punished drink the cheapest crap available......rule of professional drunks
From: United States
when you go morena , you go banana.
he'll be back,
Written by: synapse, 12 Feb 2010 2:41 PM
From: United States
It is the obligation of an Airline Transport company to insure the proper and secure handling of luggage that is entrusted to them. Not the Country or the Airport. This idiot should stay home and stop whining over his own stupidity.
Written by: josean, 13 Feb 2010 6:32 AM
From: United States, Dedicating 4 more years to fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia
"jose n ann can not process informations"
Especially, with that extra “S!”
Written by: richard, 13 Feb 2010 11:48 AM
From: United States
I have been in and out of the DR more than fifty times over the last 12 years, and never have I had a problem with anything being stolen out of my suitcases.I also know better that to pack a cell phone or a watch in my checked baggage. If i can not carry it on the plane or do without, then I leave it at home.
Please use "good sense" when traveling, there are thieves everywhere, yes, even in Canada.
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
even Canada ? ...........I am shocked shocked
Written by: josean, 14 Feb 2010 10:00 AM
From: United States, Dedicating 4 more years to fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia
Canada is a great place, especially after you left!
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
Canadas Great Loss is the gain of the DR ......I humbly submit
Written by: josean, 14 Feb 2010 10:24 AM
From: United States, Dedicating 4 more years to fighting the Dictatorship of the Narco PLD Mafia
I hope we don't start to get ACID rain now!
From: Dominican Republic
I am a Canadian and I have been living in Sosua for 3 years. I just joined the discussion and signed up here today, and I see a the same thing here as I do on DR1. Those that have invested and put down roots have a vested interest in silencing the people that complain. When someone complains jump on him and blame him for being at fault somehow. Dominicans are driving tourists away in droves. I hear it first hand every week. We have to wake up to the facts and admit it. The majority Dominicans don't think of tomorrow. In general they will steal or cheat you out of anything they can get their hands on. Give them some position of authority and they will abuse it. That is the culture. Having said all that I must point out that I have Dominican friends that are trust worthy and honorable. If you post this I will take back what I said about DR1.
Written by: 999999, 28 May 2010 6:47 PM
From: Canada
I have been to the Dominican many times and only once i had a camera & cell phone go missing, I don't blame anybody except myself. I love the Dominican, The people and the culture. Suck it up! Maybe you sould check out Haiti!!
From: Dominican Republic, No Spin Zone
We will get you next time for everything !
From: Dominican Republic
i'll do the first june 2010 post.......
they (policia national) stole my cell at las americas last december at the xray. it was not turned in to lost and found because it was their intention to take it!!!!
by the time i went through it was either the flight or the phone.
Written by: mariposa, 14 Jun 2010 8:08 AM
From: United States
When I was returning to the U.S. on April 17th, I went through Security and walked over to the area to the right where U.S. citizens have to pay for a stay in excess of 30 days. I knew I had to pay something, and the lady there was very nice, we chatted back and forth, I grumbled about paying, etc., she filled out a form and I paid. When I turned away to go through immigration, I realized I HAD LEFT MY MAC LAPTOP AT SECURITY! I ran over to Security and blurted out in Spanish to a guy who was going through a duffle bag. He said he thought they had retrieved a laptop, etc. And I pleaded for it, and he sent someone to come over. The guy who came over was NOT happy I was there (I'd bet he had his eyes on it already).....I kept up in my Spanish that I had to grab a plane, and he walked away saying "if you continue to complain, you will get nothing"....I waited and sure enough, he FINALLY came back with my laptop! I WAS VERY LUCKY, BUT IT WAS BECAUSE I SPOKE SPANISH.
Written by: mariposa, 14 Jun 2010 8:10 AM
From: United States
continued from above post:
i now have a bright, hot pink laptop cover that will catch my eye when i go through security!! :-)
Written by: mariposa, 14 Jun 2010 8:10 AM
From: United States
continued from above post:
i now have a bright, hot pink laptop cover that will catch my eye when i go through security!! :-)
Written by: juliony, 23 Jun 2010 2:21 PM
From: United States, New YOrk
I was in the DR for mother's day, after returning to NY, my amex card was charged 5 airline tickets on jet blue. I heard from other friends visiting the island, getting their credit card stolen, but this is the first time it happens to me.
From: Dominican Republic, Bavaro
I am an American who just broke up with his boyfriend. He just threatened me tonight that if I don't pay him $ 20,000, he will tell the police that my Escalade I stole from him, even though I bought it from a German and some joke of a law firm in Naco appears to be helping him steal the car. It will be the THIRD Escalade this country has stolen from me because this joke of a country continues to use blackmail and bribes to keep forgien investment away.
When will this country grow up?
3492?
Harry Richard Quadracci
Written by: jasfalon, 12 Jul 2010 5:21 PM
From: United States
The Director of the POP airport is USELESS. POP airport is corrupt, as everybody is in RD. This has been going on forever and he doesn't stop it. It has happened to my family "many" times, and to many other people that I know. Recently an American couple had 100 bags of coffee slit open for no reason, and the Director did nothing to help the couple. The airport has always been corrupt, and always will be.
Written by: jasfalon, 12 Jul 2010 5:25 PM
From: United States
Politicians, lawyers, police, military, and the ruling class are all THIEVES!!
FUCK THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC!!!!
From: Dominican Republic
Would the last gringo to leave The Dominican Republic please turn out the lights.
Written by: jasfalon, 12 Jul 2010 10:12 PM
From: United States
THERE ARE NO LIGHTS, chopo! Your government steals all of the money. You live there and don't know this? You must be one of the elite that has a planta.
From: Dominican Republic
The Dr is big trouble with tourism declining.
Written by: jasfalon, 13 Jul 2010 1:16 PM
From: United States
The sex trade with children is a HUGE problem in RD. At the number one "PRESTIGIOUS" enclave in Sosua, where all the people with money reside, there are all inclusive packages which come with children.
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The complainer should include a letter of dissatisfaction to himself.
Rule No.1; No matter where you are traveling, Toronto, London, Paris, Rome, New York; you do not place any valuables such as a cell phone and watch in your checked baggage. You keep them within your sight and control at all times.
That said, POP does have a less than good reputation of officials and airport employees praying upon the tourists. Might have something to do with the further you are away from the seat of government, Santo Domingo, there is less oversight and more opportunity for corrupt activity.
Works for me...until they steal the Samsonite!
How are you 100% sure that your stuff was not stolen in Canada? Quick to blame the Dominican I see...
no one is making fun of this guy, but he did not use common sence. Also, how is he sure that his stuff was not stolen at the canadian airport?
Also, I did travel via Puerto Plata a few weeks ago... No problems, and I had more items of value than a cell phone and watch
This guy probably had a cheap prepaid flip phone and a cheap pharmacy store watch!
This is gonna cost our economy a lot of money if nothing is done NOW.
you dont trust the thick condom that they have at the cabanas? lol
travel via Santiago cibao airport and then tell me that all airports in DR are the same. Santiago airport is on top in quality
Be careful what you say to ATY BOY,
He Still believes that the cable car and flipper provides the D.R with more infrastructure and technology then Ognads flying carpet ever could..When he was young , he had many sightings in the sugarcane fields coupled with his nightmares of Castro flying around the Washington monument on a broomstick with a cigar in his mouth ...
But his point is well taken. Just because he's dumb enough to leave them there, they should still be there when he gets home.
it is all "here say"
When you invite a prostitute ( male or female) into your hotel room then you begin to drink heavy and getting high and are sexualy excited, you run the risks of loosing your stuff and even loosing your life. This happens in any country-from Japan to the Dominican Republic.
Too ashamed to face and tell his wife or his girl friend how the items got stolen Craig chose the most corward but convincing argument.
" The Dominican airport workers stole my items.
Your luggage did pass through three airports.
How do you know the workers of which airport stole your items ?
Hope this open letter to DT will convince your wife or your girl friend !
Good luck !
But remember that we are all bullshitters here !!!!
A bullshitter can not bullshit another bullshitter.
It is ok for DT to print craig's letter so we expose and denounce his lie.
But as we hear so often from Veronica the Puerta Plata and Santiago area are abuzz with corruption so anything is possible..but why leave a cell in checked bags,where do you research other similar thefts and why try to incite others to boycott the DR ?? I see little legitimacy in the letter.
I've been traveling to DR since right after Trujillo was assassinated, and there is usually an item missing either from someone else's luggage, or for instance, my husband had his entire shaving kit stolen. My cousin visited a while back, and they took her husband's belt, and a pair of her sandals. These thefts occurred in Las Americans Int'l Airport, not Puerto Plata. Looks like we are going back to the days of locking up our suitcases...I always put the plastic strip and lock my suitcase that way.....they would need to take the time (which they don't have) to find a pair of scissors or something to unlock my stuff.
The attitude "don't come back" is indicative of the apathy in the Dominican Republic. And it's appalling. Same for the attitude toward child sex trafficking, they just look the other way. I saw a man on Sunday in Bavaro with three young girls, the youngest was only 11 yrs old. the middle one was 14, and the
I told a policeman that there was "a pedophile sitting at a table with three unrelated females, the youngest of whom is only 11 yrs old", and he did not care, told me "there is no proof, etc."....came up with lame excuses, pansy that he was. If the DR does not stand up and protect its children, this country will end up like Thailand, and it will be the Caribbean Capital of Sex Trade in the near future.
The apathy in this country is appalling.
you nailed it.. most canadian tourists are very drunkin DR even while checking in at the airport. Cuero might have taken his stuff, or he might have left it at the hotel...
Santo Domingo's airport is worst than Santiago... The new Santiago airport is pretty good. Try it
First of all, it is very hard to believe that someone will put their cell in a luggage!
Who leaves Home without it (a cell)?
I always lock my checked baggage. I don't use those dinky little padlocks as it seems one key can open most of those types of padlocks. I use a combination padlock with three numbers and you set the combination yourself. No problemas!
Had one little amusing incident last month on my arrival at the POP airport: I was at a customs booth and as the first officer in the booth returned my documents to me the officer behind him in the booth showed me a tiny piece of paper with the word "TIP" scrawled on it. I thought "why not" so I slipped him a 100 peso bill and then went on my way. The beginning of another great vacation in the DR.
Calle Villaneuve No 8
Edificio Abraxas
Tel 809 586 5761
Fax 809 586 5762
Email: canada,pop@gmail.com
What gave you up is your bull "I will never return to the Dominican Republic.
oh yes you will be back ,I know so,
When you go Morena , you go banana !
Calle Villaneuve No 8
Edificio Abraxas
Tel 809 586 5761
Fax 809 586 5762
Email: canada,pop@gmail.com
What gave you up is your bull "I will never return to the Dominican Republic.
oh yes you will be back ,I know so,
When you go Morena , you go banana !
By the way craig pouquoi aviez vous retire la carte SIM du portable et l'a glissee dans votre porche.
.
These were valuabe bottles but they stole the cheaper ones of each. Still annoying and unjustifiable no matter what dopes here think. NO it hasn't happened to me at any other airport in the world and I use to travel a lot albeit no more. This just another time the disrespect for others sticks out like a sore thumb here.
Thief happens in a number of locations but the DR simply can not afford it. Those that say "do not come back". Can you replace the dollars that man spent in the DR.
This is why we do not progress!
Our stupid pride in everything but what counts, places us in a perpetual state of DENAIL of reality!
Rather than admit our national tragedy, that even the CHIVOS in DR are corrupt we stick our heads in the sand of how dare you tells us our truths to our face!
We act so offended, as if this beyond the realm of possibilities. Whether Mr. Howarth made an error in judgment or not, the fact remains that was his private property and no one should excuse that behavior and rationalize it.
If we accept this as the norm then we are assisting our descent into the abyss of lawlessness to occur even more rapidly than it already is!
Mr. Howarth I apologize for the appalling way some of my countrymen have received your complaint.
But they simply ‘Can't Handle The Truth!”
I live here and I enjoy most of what this country can offer, but after being cheated repeatedly there are some services I don't use anymore:
Motoconchos, taxis, street vendors, Dominican carpenters, electricians, bricklayers and colmados and shops where there are no price tags.
Instead I drive myself or walk, use a German mechanic, Canadian carpenter, US owned liquer store and so on. How good is that for the local economy?
And I do feel sorry for all you honest guys, but as long as you let the thieves like the people in the airport do as they please and let them get away with it - you won't make one peso on me.
Ha?!!! it is almost funny!! Like attracts like! Tal para cual!
Josean=Tombo
Josean= any alimaña
I have been travelling almost all over the world without problems - except from here.
X,
No one is saying that theft doesn't occur every where in the world.
The point is that we all know it occurs more frequently that we care to admit here in DR.
So let’s stop with the chest beating moral indignation as if this is such an isolate incident.
Let’s be honest and not emulate our politicians, and admit and accept the TRUTH!
I hold a degree in psychology and i know a bit about human behavior.
craig is lying up to his teeth,
His luggage was handled at three airports how can he know for sure that the handlers at Puerto Plata were the ones who stole his stuff.
Predisposition , bias, racism my child !
Sending a letter to DT to denounce a whole country and ask people to stop visiting the country seems to mask ulterior motives.
Take this sentence and digest it well "You will never see a penny of my money' I pray that nobody visit your country.
Another remark. it seems that the POP workers had all the time of the world to go through each individual luggage and look for stuff to steal
Have you asked yourself this question : Why didn't he put his valuable items in his carry on bag ?
Why was not the watch on his wrist and the cell phone on his person ?
i never have had a problem....
I have traveled to DR with:
computer equipment
brand new name brand clothes with the price tags still on them
New car parts and assesories
stereo equipment
bottles of black and blue label johnny walker
baseball equipment
mamajuana, brugal, mac albert, presidente
everything new and nothing has been missing thank god
I mostly travel via Santiago.. That airport is very organized, many eyes watching... But I did travel via Puerto Plata and had no problems... My point is that its hard to know if your items were stolen in DR or you final destination... But people are quick to blame the Dominican
Etienc You I don't understand. Do you really believe Denial is a river in Egypt?
Not when the writer is blaming an entire nation for the actions of one person. He does not even have proof that this actually happened in DR
It's when you mix thives and indifference. We should blame all the ignorant people who don't give a s*** as well as blaming the criminals.
yes... there are many hard working honest people in DR... There are many poor but the majority will not steal from you. Our tourism is still on top in the caribean and the magic of the Dominican people and culture is part of why we are on top...
I will retire there in the future.lol I have been to many places but DR has something special.
Mr Craig Howarth will miss out on alot of adventures by not coming back...
Why did you delete my post about when I was shaken down for money by two immigration officers at the Santo Domingo airport when I was flying to Cuba ? Were they friends of yours that you are now trying to protect in a suite with MR. Zelaya ???
I guess thats the end of my character on this show ,....Im off to banistan Jo..
He will indeed! And he knows it. That's part of what pisses him off.
'' I had my stuff stolen MANY TIMES ?
Why would you continue to fly there again even if it happened only one time ???
Remember what the scarecrow asked the wizard for ? Maybe you should do the same you silly pup ...
If items we're stolen from my luggages, that alone will not stop me from coming back to Dominican Republic. Keep your valuables at home or keep it in your carry-on bag. Sometime, you need to use common sense.
what proof do you have that the items were stolen in DR and not your final destination? Once you check in your bags, they pass through two hands... Dominican hands and the hands of the worker at your final destination.
"I hold a degree in psychology and i know a bit about human behavior."
I hate to break the news to you but Mail Order degress don't count, Mr. B.F. Skinner wannabe!
X states,
"josean,
I have traveled to DR with:
bottles of black and blue label johnny walke rmamajuana, brugal, mac albert, presidente"
My boy, after a load like that I couldn't tell if I was robbed either!
"a bottle of brugal broke on the way back..."
x,
You sure that’s not the time you tried to sample some of passenger Belkis new upfront surgical assets in the seat next to you?
dont forget to tip the maletero... they can get you in and out of the airport
they tried checking my bags at puerto plata. I made a big deal about how in Santiago they do not open the bags only scan them... They left me alone. Tell them that next time, and that you will not travel via Puerto Plata but Santiago instead... They are scared to loose anymore travelers to Santiago
Thats funny . One time the guy who owned a restaurant at the hotel I used to stay at in Sosua asked me to bring him some duty free liquor for his bar from the Miami airport . When I got my bags at POP, I had 3 suit cases , a guitar and 3 bottles of Patrone Silver tequila on the top of the cart I was pushing .. somebody bumped into me and 1 of the bottles fell out .. Man , what a disaster AND WHAT A SMELL...LOL
Blu is going to start telling you to clean up after Pavlovs DOGS and to wipe thier cans with your degree . I think you just stepped into your own pile my bro ..lol
Now lay down on the couch Little Boy Blu and tell DOC JOS where it hurts lol .......
we call that deficit :an impairment of his cognitive abilities
Its Doctor Jo to you ,now LAY BACK DOWN ON THE COUCH ! and tell us what you see when you look at this picture ?
he'll be back,
"jose n ann can not process informations"
Especially, with that extra “S!”
Please use "good sense" when traveling, there are thieves everywhere, yes, even in Canada.
Canada is a great place, especially after you left!
I hope we don't start to get ACID rain now!
they (policia national) stole my cell at las americas last december at the xray. it was not turned in to lost and found because it was their intention to take it!!!!
by the time i went through it was either the flight or the phone.
i now have a bright, hot pink laptop cover that will catch my eye when i go through security!! :-)
i now have a bright, hot pink laptop cover that will catch my eye when i go through security!! :-)
When will this country grow up?
3492?
Harry Richard Quadracci
FUCK THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC!!!!