Special Program: Cara y Cruz of the Dominican Republic

More than 3 million tourists visit the Dominican Republic each year. Tourism is one of the greatest assets and main sources of wealth of the country. Beaches like Punta Cana, Puerto Plata Bavaro and attract a customer type of medium / high purchasing power who want to enjoy the tropical climate and a few hotels that offer a superb level of facilities, dining and entertainment. The calabash, bachata and merengue, Mamajuana , lobster, good coffee ... This is the 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 powers, the problem of Haiti , the drug mafias, dengue or malaria, the 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 December 19, 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 loved, and whom I wish very soon reach its tremendous potential.

As I write these lines I hear of the earthquake that devastated over the wing and ravaged Haiti. The consequences of this disaster will be felt throughout the island of Spanish and will emphasize the degree of impairment 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 that I dispensed the CONFENACA, the Catholic Church and the hotel management and staff of Punta Cana Excellence Ms. Francisca "Franca" and his family for their warmth and hospitality. A Ramon Ramirez in Oregon, for who encouraged and facilitated my visit to the area of the Cibao.

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

Luis Urena

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

Interview: Rogelio Cruz. Catholic Priest.

P. Rogelio Cruz

Father Rogelio Cruz is well known in the Republic and parts of Latin America. Also in Rome and Spain. He has declared a holy war to 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 love some, annoys others, but leaves no one indifferent. Rogelio Cruz spoke with the work of the Catholic Church in your area. In his concept of Christianity, of Dominican society, reality and the Haitian island of La Spanish . Of the human and divine.

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

Gabriel Garcias

Gabriel Garcias represent a new generation of tanning Hotel in Spanish tourist areas and go to manage international projects of their companies. We spoke with Garcias of tourist hotel of the Excellence Punta Cana (where I had the pleasure of staying) and the area in which it sits. We discuss the importance of the Internet in the field of labor relations with employees and the integration of the company in Dominican society and the natural environment.

Web edition of the Weekly Online programs December 28, 2009, from 4 to January 11, 2010.

Sound files:

Interview: Luis Ureña. President of the National Peasant Confederation of the Dominican Republic [28:26 m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (417)

Interview: Rogelio Cruz. Catholic Priest. [26:12 m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (429)

Interview: Gabriel Garcias. General Manager of Hotel Excellence Punta Cana [10:37 m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (419)