English community invited to meet PLD/PRD representatives

In a previous thread there has been much discussion about the upcoming election. Now there is a chance to get some first-hand info. Sunday, Feb 26, representing the PLD (Danilo's party) Sr Juan Pablo Placido ( former Governor, Senator and current DR representative to the Parliament of Central America) will meet with the English-speaking community to explain the PLD program and answer questions. On the following Saturday, March 3, Sr Ramon Alburquerque (former speaker of the Senate and ex-President of the PRD) will represent the PRD at a similar meeting. Simulataneous translation between Spanish and English will be available. This is a unique opportunity to understand better the possible impacts of this upcoming election. For more information contact The Meeting Place in Puerto Plata tel 809 261 7393 or www.meetingplacepuertoplata.com

Concerns of seasonal residents

Just a quick report on meeting. Good exchange between PLD Senator Placido and members of audience. One of the most interesting -- and promising -- things to emerge was the recognition that non-Dominicans who are seasonal residents -- or long term residents -- have special concerns. Placido indicated the party would be interested in hearing about those needs.We are not simply 2-week AI tourists but again we are not residents with cedulas and the right to vote. Audience expressed need to simply visas, land rights, communication, customs, etc for people who are injecting a great deal of money in the economy though the puchase of local goods and services here as well as enhancing the cultural life of the society.
This Saturday at The Meeting Place at 2:30 the PRD ex-president of the party will be here ("Llego, Papa" party of Hipolito). Given that the polls still say it is going to be close it will be important for the non-Dominican community to express its interests and har how the PRD would see themselves running the society. It is in our interests to know what is likely to happen after this May election.