?Listin Diario continues yesterday?s front-page story on the disputed legislation that would transfer land titles along the Northwest coastline to the custody of the Ministry of the Environment. The governor of the province of Monte Cristi, Lorenzo Rodriguez, has joined Bishop Tomas Abreu in criticizing the proposal. .......In a telephone interview with DR1 News, Bishop Abreu revealed that the project would place 91 percent of the coastline in the care of the Ministry of the Environment, leaving only ?the worst beaches? for local development.?
I am very surprised by the position taken by the local Catholic hierarchy and the Governor of Monte Cristi as expressed in the DR1 paragraph above. However, I am not surprised to see that the Listin Diario is backing them. Listin?s open support of the Catholic hierarchy is by now well known and documented. Nonetheless, why is the Church interested in Tourism development as opposed to environmental protection? It is not logical. Well, at least not to me. For instance, although the influx of tourists may help the economic development of the region, it is also likely to loosen the moral standards upheld by the Church for generations. In any event, I am just wondering to whom does this land belong? I am positive that if this information came out, we will understand why the Hierarchy is so keen on defending the economic development of the region. We will be able also to put this argument behind us and in the process hopefully, leaving some of our country protected for future generations .