25 March 2009

For over 25 years the name of Cabarete and the Dominican Republic have been on the front pages of magazines, promoting tourism to this country around the world. The Dominican Republic is promoted as safe, fun, and a world leader in ecotourism and outdoor recreation. The Kiteboarding World Cup, Cabarete Classic, Master of the Ocean, and the Caribbean Midwinter Regatta, are just some of the international events hosted annually in Cabarete. Cabarete will lose its paradise status if unregulated construction continues to develop thus blocking the wind flow. We have collected data that clearly shows that since the beginning of the construction of multiple storied buildings in 2001, the wind has been dropping in strength. The rebounding of the wind from the buildings creates turbulences and wind gusts that make the sport of kiteboarding dangerous. Other negative consequences of the construction of high buildings in Cabarete are as follows. We have noticed that with the shrinking of the beaches, buildings that were once at least 60m away from the beach are now dangerously close to the launching areas. These buildings also block the sun in the afternoons making the beach dark and unattractive to beach goers. Already, rainwater and dirt that in the past were absorbed by the land that is now occupied by buildings, is now washed into the ocean creating dangerous obstacles sailors hit, and the pollution of the ocean is the source of many ear infections and bodily harm. Ideally, to maintain the wind it will be best if the entire area of the Distrito Municipal of Cabarete be limited to 2 story-high buildings, angled East to West so they will not block the prevailing wind direction. Sailors, Kitesurfers, and Windsurfers travel the world for wind and God gave Cabarete wind. If the wind strength is kept undisturbed, no further investment needs to be made, now or in the future, to attract tourists to Cabarete. We ask that you do everything in your power to ensure that this natural sustainable source of employment and charm will be maintained. We ask thatA the law limiting construction height to three floorsA - is kept as is (and that it be respected) and that no changes or alternations be made to it for the Distrito Municipal de Cabarete. Yours truly, VelaWindsurf' Dare2Fly Laurel Eastman Kiteboard Big Air Kite School Club Mistral.Skyriders ITC Cabarete Kite Club Cabarete Force Ten Pablito Guzman Laser Training Center Cabarete Classic Kitexcite Cabarete Windsports Club Cc: Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia Architect Maribel Villalona, director of the Department of Planning and Projects of the Ministry of Tourism