News from the DR

Here are a few tidbits from our local paper I thought I would share:

Fuel prices force changes
The ever-increasing price of fuel has forced Dominicans and foreign residents alike to make changes in their daily lives. In most cases, movement has been reduced to the absolutely essential, reducing the normal frequency of family visits and nights on the town. And these might be just two of the more obvious changes. Salesmen have seen their travel costs double over the last three years. Trips to the supermarket are fewer and closer to home. So far in 2007, gasoline has climbed by 25%. Even students are reporting that fewer people are willing to give them lifts, and many people switch off the air conditioning when waiting in traffic jams.

Fewer Dominicans returning
According to a report from the Central Bank, 30% fewer Dominicans returned to their native land for vacations or family visits. The information is contained in the latest version of the Report on Tourist Flows published by the Central Bank. For the eight-month period from January to August 2007, 25,000 fewer Dominicans returned home. The reduction was blamed on fare increases that include as much as 35% in taxes and airport charges. For example, a ticket to Miami costs about RD$11,000, of which RD$5,000 goes on taxes and other charges. The flow of non-Dominican tourists also decreased by 44,000 over the same period according to ADAVIT president Jochi Mella. Mella described the situation as "worrisome."

More troops to the border
The government is sending 500 more troops to the Dominican frontier with Haiti in an effort to stem the illegal trading in foodstuffs, firearms and drugs, as well as human trafficking. Lieutenant General Aquino Garcia said that his troops will be on the watch for any illegal activities along the border, and the move is seen as a response to President Fernandez's call to end cross-border smuggling.