When will world class universal quality EDUCATION go social in the Dominican Republic?

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josean, when the people see it as a priority, ie. not for a long time if ever.

I wounder if they will have an ad for las Chicas and the snow.

another very good initiative ..Of course there will be the normal percentage of grouchers, wingers and whiners ,,and thank God we are not close to Australia, the land of the eternal whinger ,,,It was the umpires bad call, it was a that the other team did not play fairly , it was just that our beaches are far better , it was just that we were treated unfairly ,we did not know we could not abuse the king of Thailand or Malaysia or we thought we could have unlimited beer on the plane or we thought that being enebriated was fun for the locals in Bali ,,,always someone elses fault Thank goodness we are aiming the marketing at other places who appreciate tolerance in different countries

It would be sooooo nice if the Ministry Of Tourism would also once invest in the infrastructure of the tourist zones such as Sosua and Cabarete. How would a tourist come back to the north coast if there is not even a decent road between Santiago, Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete? Sosua and Cabarete are absolutly not walking friendly, the walking paths practically don't exist and elderly tourists or families with small children can not walk without entering the dangerous and fully parked streets. Investing in promotion is the right thing to do if the product is well packed and presented as well. What happens with all the tourists who would come to Sosua and Cabarete after all this promotion? Would they come back or the investment in promotion was lost once more?

never a good word from the DR haters for the good initiatives of the Dominicans ..this is a good news story that gets destroyed by the misery makers

@ Ricardolito, 18 Feb 2012 11:33 AM
"never a good word from the DR haters for the good initiatives of the Dominicans ..this is a good news story that gets destroyed by the misery makers"

Its not that we hate the DR or that we are misery makers. The fact is that this country is full of corrupt police, military and political government. Then you have the street thugs that follow you around until they find the right time to hold you up. And lets not forget las Chicas that will steal everything you have on you. The drugs are everywhere. The Rivers, Lakes and Beaches are polluted. The roads suck. No electricity. No hot water.

Welcome to the DR.

Exactly, elBuscoon,
Tourist destinations that actually deliver on what they promote, have tourists that come back time and time again. The Dominican Republic's tourism industry, apart from locals, relies almost entirely on first timers. This is a finite resource, soon to be exhausted.

Countries with good tourism are ones that cater to all tourists, from the all exclusive high end hotels/resorts to the back packers and hostels.... I have traveled my far share of the world and have felt safer walking the streets of Nairobi and Johannesburg with a back pack, than here with just a wallet and a set of keys... Until we can make it safer, cleaner and more suited to all travelers we will become a destination for tourists that only come to the gated resorts...

stillhere,
Not even local Dominicans feel safe walking here and for good reason. Yes it is safer in a gated resort, but not completely, as those two American tourists found out recently when they were framed then locked up in a scam.

Nothing that is done under this administration is good for Josean. He likes Guillermo Moreno, Castro, Chavez and Ortega. those are good presidents for him.

If you’re a fan of:

1. Taking out $130,000,000 dollar loan and disappearing the money

2. Loaning $36,000,000 to Spanish Drug Lord to build a Narco Tower

3. Borrowing more money than any other government in the history of the republic

4. Taking a personal check for 500,000 pesos from an international drug being extradited to the US

5. Violating the constitution for 8 years and denying Dominican children the educational resources they are legally entitled to.

Then support the masters of corruption the PLD!


Your absolutely right I don’t support anything that this Narco Disaster has done to my country!


Yes I support Guillermo Moreno and I don’t hide it!

josean,
I don't know much about Moreno but he's not from Leo's party and hes not from Hippo's party so that's gotta be a good start.

What about bernies' claim that you support Castro, Chavez and Ortega?

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Roy he forgot Cain, Pontius Pilate, Genghis Kahn, Adolf Hitler and Charlesl Manson!

great campaign and I hope it is very successful for the tourist industry and of course ..we can expect the negative remarks from those who do not support the DR

So in your PURPLE distortion of facts asking why EDUCATION is not the number one priority, pointing out that your Lord and savior Lie-onel is in criminal violation of the Constitution for 8 years by denying the children of the republic there legal entitlement to 4% of the GDP is negative?

And not supporting your God’s criminal actions equates to not supporting the DR!

Well no one should be surprised after all you support Money Laundering too!

The commercials are so cliche, it should focus on the Dominican people itself, not role play models from Europe and America. It's time for chance... it's getting old.

"should focus on the Dominican people itself"
Wanna stop all tourism?

You know? I agree that education is the real key here for the citizenry of the DR. They need a scholastic example to be sure, but, what of a personal education? A mediator - sans grinding axe - to show that there is hope and a way out. In my experience, as a tourist, the resort employees are wonderful people. And it’s all too easy to cast down on these folks and their kin from afar.

I mean, aside from the fact that they are paid to be friendly to us, when you get to know them, they show what proud, intelligent, and intensely passionate people they are. Being gainfully employed may account for a slight relief of life stress, and therefore less anger/frustration. But I see the way that some tourists treat them. They’re getting it from all sides and that erosive effect is rife with depression and anger. These people aren't dullards, ne’er do wells, surfs, or plodders, nor are they inherently evil criminals who only aspire to higher acts of crime.

.

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Perhaps if we tourists were more "friend" than "fariseo", then maybe we could lead by example to help to point the right direction to breaking their social and political bonds. So let’s stop throwing dollar bills at them and expecting a Punch and Judy show. Learn the language. Talk to the people one to one. And if you’re going to offer a gift or tip, then make it serious and get some real cash in their pockets. But first offer a hand in friendship. Maybe, in time, we can be part of the solution to help them rise above.

originalmrb,
How long have you spent in the Dominican Republic, outside of a resort?

My goodness there are a whole lot of "Debbie Downers" on this page. There's a saying that goes...."If you have nothing good to say, than don't say anything at all, specially in public". Some people really should stop criticizing, unless they can do something better with actions rather than just meaningless words. If not you are just merely part of the problem and not nearly part of the solution. If for some the DR is such a cess pool of degenerates, why even bother to comment at all on this site. Common sense would tell you to STFU and go else where and spew your hate. But I once again I forget that common sense is a gift we all were not afforded the luxury of attaining.

And for those that claim that DR is such an open criminal haven free for all, why visit it? Why not take your safety and money elsewhere? Just a suggestion if you hate the DR so much just ignore it, believe you me your glorious contributions will not be missed much and neither will your illustrious writings on the topic. Go enjoy your lives visiting places that are worth while to you and act like if the DR does not exist. It would be the best for all parties involved including yourselves (the Debbie Downers of the World).

Snoopy you are 100% correct but on this forum at present , there is a preponderance of writers who have the opposite opinion to you and to me They believe ,,if you have nothing bad to say about anything ,then do not say it ,,,The life of a sceptic is very easy and quite destructive and one of the imisfits

Yes, snoopyy3k, it is good to see you lead by example - looks like you have "taken your safety and money elsewhere" - would that be Washington Heights, Santo Domingo?

Some people should look at tripadvisor and other sites. Expanding repeat business.

S.

@ snoopy
Like Roy said. You have to live here for some time to get the real feel for what goes on in the DR. I have lived here for five years now and no where in my darkest dream would i be able to dream the things that my eyes have seen in this country.
We all have to be up front... Say the truth.... Call it like it is.... The DR is like heven in hell. Yes there are alot of good people here, but there are more thugs than the good old boys and girls.
We ALL speak from experince to help protect you Snoopy and ALL THE OTHERS THAT ARE COMING OR PLANING TO COME.
I know that the whole world is not a safe place right now, but the DR is one that you should not consider. Please take this with a grain of salt. It's the reality of things here in the DR.

edited

I think the majority of people as you say "the Debbie Downers of the World" are speaking out in the hope that others are listening and with many voices you create change..

snoopyy3k, So we should all just shut up and let it all be... or maybe we should go back to pre Magna Cater, pre Boston Tea Party mabey bring back slavery... I like it the way it is myself... If all you have is to agree and add fluff then Be silent .... If you have criticism and see misinformation and want change... Speak up my friends.....

" inspiring them to be social and share their unforgettable experience in Dominican Republic"
1- the prices for a dominican are different than those of a tourist
2- everyone has an Rx for some meds to help a sick family member
3- dont bring any gold jewelery with you. If you do, you wont go back home with it.
4- Do Not Stop for Police. They will rip you off and or kill you and who ever is with you.
5- dont carry lots of cash with you.
6- Do Not Buy Land Here with title or without title. If they have a title its likely a fake
7- Do not go to the local cabana with the chicas. You will leave with less than what you went in with.
8- KEEP YOUR TIPS TO 50 pesos. You will make them think that they are doing a good job if you give more.

Bottom line is that they live for today. They dont give a dam if you come back or not. Its all about NOW.

9- If in a motor accident, don't stop, even if the other party has broken the law and you haven't since you will be forced to pay his repairs, medicals and could even be locked up.

10- Always wear protective footwear on the beach, for broken glass and stinging sea-urchins.

Stillhere, I'm sure any "unforgettable experience in Dominican Republic. " posted will be vetted before being put on the site, and most of the postings will be made-up by the government, just like the other BS.

I know its a radical idea, but if the country was promoted honestly, tourists would take appropriate precautions and still have a good time, and maybe, just maybe, will come back again?

11 - if you are at a bar and you get up to go to the bathroom take your drink with you. If you forget and you leave it at the table or bar, throw it away DO NOT DRINK IT. It could be druged to put you out. Belive me this happened to me in STI 4 years ago. I learned the hard way.

Dose anyone here know what social media web site they are using? Facebook? Youtube?

Inquiering minds want to know

Yes, elBuscoon, I'd like to know and see what happens to what I post.
Maybe it won't be accessible at all, but they will still present the "stories" as being candid.

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Roy; without malice aforethought,

Certainly – by the plethora of submissions you post on myriad articles – you’ve spent a considerable time in the DR. And I respect that depth of experience. My contribution to this subject was not meant to be some form of naive “Pollyanna” nostrum. But I feel the idea has merit in this: There are hundreds of thousands of us, from the “outside world”, crossing the paths of tens of thousands of Dominicans every day. If we could offer a better example than we do, then this is a real opportunity to help raise things like circumstance and self esteem. It’s not a cure-all. But it’s better to treat these people with esteem and honour which may plant a seed in a percentage who will then – in turn – make positive changes on a small scale in their own world. However, if we treat them as they expect we will, then nothing happens except reinforcement and downward spiraling depression. To answer your question; I have never ventured outside of a resort.

But the employees DO on a regular basis. Therefore if this “outside world” demonstrates dignity to them consistently, then maybe they will feel that someone is listening, understands, and cares. And as you must well know, their change has to come from within. Where better to start a movement which won’t necessitate religious or political revolution? I won’t give up on the DR people. And besides, what harm can come from an inoculation of kindness and respect? I won’t apologize for my thoughts or approach.

Roy Stone, I could take my money and safety to hell and back if care to do so, it's my perogative and it's exclusive to me, but for the same token I'm not going to bash the country just to hear myself speak out of my ass. Change begins with you if you don't like the country do not support., do not visit it and do not sponsor it with your money. And for your lack of knowledge, just because I live in the US of A does not mean I live in Washington Heights. And to answer you, yes I have taken my safety and security to Sto. Dgo. and many other places in my beautiful country. Emaxx, I was born in and lived in DR for over 20 years I know what it is like to live there, I know the reality of it, but I'm not going to sit here and knock every good thing that is done because I just want to hate on everything either. Stiihere, I'm not saying not speak up when things are not done correctly, but don't piss on them when they are. Plain and simple.

originalmrb,
I have not seen foreigners treating Dominicans disrespectfully. Nor have I heard Dominicans say they have been treated badly by foreigners, (other than Haitians). I hear more complains from Dominicans that live here permanently, complaining about other Dominicans living in USA, visiting occasionally with a fat head, padded wallet and covered in bling, strutting like they're king shit and god's gift to women. One guy here flaunts his English to locals who only know Spanish. Turns out he hardly knows English at all.

originalmrb,
As far as self-esteem is concerned, that is something not lacking amongst Dominicans. When some Dominican-born American base-ball player hits a home run, the think they are the world's master-race.

It's a bit like cats and dogs;
Give a dog food, shelter and kindness and it thinks you're a god.
Give a cat food, shelter and kindness and it thinks it's a god.

snoopyy3k,
Perhaps you could list for us, the things that are "done correctly" here?

Roy

As a relatively new member here, I don’t know your circumstance. Your posts imply that you are currently within the DR.

I was there last November, and I was disgusted with the behaviour of a host of tourists both in verbal, and/or body English. In the 7 days I was there, I witnessed verbal abuses, in the form of outright dialogue, to obvious side comments (with no attempt to hide them). I saw many folks handing tips with dismissive gestures, and open mocking of employees. I even heard comments there such as, "just give 'em a dollar and they're happy as clams", from fellow tourists, & from tour agents, and even from hotel management.

Certainly some of the contempt, from tourists is misdirected, as travel agencies frequently oversell the experience, & the resorts regularly over book the property, so the experience is negative from the get-go and that gets taken out on the uninvolved.

So, though I don’t know where your view is from, that was my embarrassing experience.

My response was/is to recognize 2 things I should have known. They are; 1 - that my inability to speak the language properly was inappropriate, and, 2 - that, as a student of anthropology, I'd failed to remember/recognize that certain physical gestures do not necessarily translate politely across borders. Note: I was told that most folks spoke English there (by my agent), but that’s no excuse.

I’ve enrolled in language class, (Colombian is as close as I could get). The one thing that the instructor told us is that we can forget our own names, but we must never forget “por favor & gracias”, (something which I saw lacking while there). I’m & revisiting my resources to re-educate myself on body gestures to make sure I don’t inadvertently offend.

So, I will be returning, but not before making certain that I will be a better guest.

Roy Stone, I obviously don't need to list any accomplishments, because as far as you're concerned nothing has been done correctly since the birth of the nation.

I'm asking for your list please, snoopyy3k, not mine.

Roy,

Yes. Matthew seems to be the original DIY man. No?

So, you may be right. Who am I to assume an opposition without first hand knowledge? You obviously have far more experience in these matters. Perhaps so much so that your submissions frequently sound slightly jaded from frustration. And, in what must surely be a stark contrast, I guess I certainly sound naive in mine by comparison.

But,I gotta be me and go forth to find out for myself. Call me just another idealistic fella offering a leg-up to those who seem to have forgotten how to stand - for whatever reason. I suppose - until such time as I reach the point where you are - we'll just have to agree to differ. That's not a judgement, but rather an acknowledgement of, and respect for, what seems to be your in depth history and insight.

Roy, I obviously told you it doen't matter what list I come up with, cause you already feel that nothing in the DR is worthwhile or has been done correctly since it's birth.

It's obvious, snoopyy3k
regardless of how you think I feel, you can't think of anything worth listing.