If Dominicans were vagos, the free zone manufacturing industry would not have been so successful here. Free zone managers say that Dominicans are one of the most industrious and hard working people in the area. During interviews with several, I remember how Dominicans were praised compared to Mexican workers, and that was one of the reasons why this country retained several of its manufacturing centers despite the competition Mexico offered after the signing of NAFTA with the US.
When reading the Spanish translation of this article, I noticed that the Danish farm owner comments he has employed Haitians in his farm, reason simply being because these are willing to take lower wages, given their options for finding work in Haiti. If he were paying attractive wages, then Dominicans would be attracted to the farm work. Simple economics, not a matter of being lazy or not. Same applies to Dominicans who migrate to the US. No one doubts their industriousness there, when they take up jobs US citizens don't care to do either for the same economic reasons.
Another consideration... have been reading "Goethe in Italy" and the observations he makes about northerners versus those who live in the South (namely Naples). He points out the simple truth that northerners need to be more industrious because they have to prepare for the winter. Those who live in the South need less to plan ahead -- the climate is pretty much the same year round -- and can be more relaxed about life.