Special Program: Dominican Republic - Head and Tail of the DR

Special Program: Cara y Cruz of the Dominican Republic

More than 3 million tourists annually visit the Dominican Republic. Tourism is one of the most active and major sources of wealth of the country. Beaches like Punta Cana and Puerto Plata Bavaro attract a customer type of medium to high purchasing power who want to enjoy the tropical climate and a few hotels that offer a superb level of facilities, food and entertainment. The güira, bachata and merengue, mamajuana, lobster, good coffee ... This is real happy face and international projects of this land.

And if tourism is the face, the needs of a large proportion of the population is the cross. The widespread corruption of state, the problem of Haiti, the drug mafia, dengue, malaria, lack of work, human exploitation and child. These are some of the terrible problems confronting the Dominican Republic and do not reflect the majority of the international media.

Weekly Online tackle these issues today with three interviews conducted during a trip between 10 and 19 December 2009 and that took me from the beaches of Punta Cana to the province of La Vega in the Cibao area. A revealing trip where I had the opportunity to experience the reality of a sister country, which I fell in love, and whom I wish very soon reach its tremendous potential.

As I write this line I hear of the earthquake that devastated wing has finished already ravaged Haiti. The consequences of this disaster will be felt throughout the island of Spanish and will emphasize the degree of deterioration of the Dominican Republic. The intervention of the international community, particularly countries that have historically taken advantage of the resources of the island is now a vital necessity for its inhabitants.

I take these lines to thank the friendly treatment I dispensed the CONFENACA, the Catholic Church and the hotel management and staff Excellence Punta Cana to Mrs Francisca "Franca" and his family for their love and hospitality. To Ramon Ramirez in Oregon, for who encouraged and facilitated my visit to the area of the Cibao.

Interview: Luis Urena. President of the National Peasant Confederation of Dominican Republic

Luis Urena

Tireless worker for the future of his people, Luis Ureña is a person "of the people and for the people". He has known the sacrifice and the more sinister side of the system for defending the rights of the needy. Urena us into the rural reality of the Dominican Republic and describes the work of the association presided, the National Campesino Confederation (CONFENACA). Deal with it in the political situation in the country, on the consequences of the forced Haitian immigration, the environment-environment and also, of course, of the good aspects and qualities of their homeland.

Interview: Rogelio Cruz. Catholic Priest.

P. Rogelio Cruz

Father Rogelio Cruz is notorious in the Republic and parts of Latin America. Also in Rome and Spain. He has declared holy war on poverty and oppression. The media have contributed to his image, his message and his work transcends the area where he works. His style militant activist and liberating fascinates some, annoys others, but leaves no one indifferent. We spoke with Rogelio Cruz of the work of the Catholic Church in your area. In his concept of Christianity, society Dominican of Haitian and the island of the Spanish. Of the human and divine.

Interview: Gabriel García. General Manager of Hotel Excellence Punta Cana

Gabriel Garcia

Gabriel Garcia represents a new generation of hoteliers-hardened Spanish holiday resorts and passing to lead the international projects of their companies. We spoke with Garcia of tourist hotel of the Excellence Punta Cana (where I had the pleasure of staying at) and the area in which it is seated. We tried the importance of the Internet in the sector, the labor relations with employees and the integration of the company in Dominican society and the natural environment.