In case you didn't see the brief on DR1 Daily News last week on the studies carried out by Columbia University regarding remittances to the DR, please check them out. Think they are worthwhile reading.
http://www.dr1.com/news/2004/121704_sendingmoney.pdf
http://www.dr1.com/news/2004/121704_remittances.pdf
http://www.dr1.com/news/2004/121704_sendingmoney.pdf
http://www.dr1.com/news/2004/121704_remittances.pdf