Sorry I missed the inital opening to this now closed thread for I believe I could have provided insight for all from a truly " local " prospective being here Cabral, 10km from Barahona.
After reading 11 pages, mostly off the inital subject, I agree with HB for the closure and do not want to reopen it. I make few post but here is how we see the subject here in our backyard and what my Dominican associates think.
1: No riot, no protest. Just some of us wanting to see what was up. We all had plenty of opportunity, the port is right in the middle of downtown and two boat loads of military equipment parading down the street is hard to miss. Even it it did arrive at night. Had another gathering of some size down at the military base with everyone crowding about to see through the few peep holes through the fence. Guess someone saw a photo and said " protest". Nada.
2: Did the arrival of US troops surprise us here in Barahona? No, it was on the streets here as being possible well before it was ever announced in SD. Not much happens on the Frontier that does not become common knowledge in time. Hard to keep a secret with something like this, especially here.
3: Were we pleased with the inital annoucement of the mission ? Yes, with reservations. Needless, to say we can use whatever assistence is offered out here on the Frontier and four new clinics, in the areas announced, with the numbers projected to be seen was seen in a positive light.
4: Have we had any problems with the troops being stationed here ? No, in fact we look at them as large group of tourist in an area of few tourist. They are given free time it seems to mingle with the " locals ", shop the markets and spend their dollars. Have heard of no frictions as of yet
We have a saying we work with out here, Truth is Reality, so here is Reality.
A: NO CLINICS are being built. They brought no such equipment.
B: NO Children or people of any size or shape are being medically seen. They have no medical staff or equipment.
What is the mission ?
At first thought, the general opinion was Haiti. As noted in the first part of the now closed thread the elections were going on and we are close to Haiti. And it is now thought that the 3 Blackhawk's and certain other equipment on the ground could have been allocated for that purpose.
What is the mission ? Ah, time reveals all to us with little to do but talk and see.
Lots, and Lots of HIGH TECH communications equipment and high tech personel it seems going into the mountains. Setting up electron systems to look out over the Caribbean and maybe Haiti, for our boys here, but mostly to the WEST.
To end: What do we think now. Eyes in the sky. For drugs, the border, and across the pond to W's friend Chavez.
Are the troops a concern with the locals? Hey, we have moved on with life and they will go once their toys are in the mountains. The parade will be to the ships taking them back to Puerto Rico.
Are we disappointed that there are no new clinics ? Yes, but not upset. We hear a lot of " what might happen" on the Frontier.
Why, just the other day we heard the government department of tourism tell us about two new hotels for Barahona. Yea, and we have the 108 room Barcelo Bahoruco still empty and closed down the road. $$ wash time again.
kFrancisco de Cabral
After reading 11 pages, mostly off the inital subject, I agree with HB for the closure and do not want to reopen it. I make few post but here is how we see the subject here in our backyard and what my Dominican associates think.
1: No riot, no protest. Just some of us wanting to see what was up. We all had plenty of opportunity, the port is right in the middle of downtown and two boat loads of military equipment parading down the street is hard to miss. Even it it did arrive at night. Had another gathering of some size down at the military base with everyone crowding about to see through the few peep holes through the fence. Guess someone saw a photo and said " protest". Nada.
2: Did the arrival of US troops surprise us here in Barahona? No, it was on the streets here as being possible well before it was ever announced in SD. Not much happens on the Frontier that does not become common knowledge in time. Hard to keep a secret with something like this, especially here.
3: Were we pleased with the inital annoucement of the mission ? Yes, with reservations. Needless, to say we can use whatever assistence is offered out here on the Frontier and four new clinics, in the areas announced, with the numbers projected to be seen was seen in a positive light.
4: Have we had any problems with the troops being stationed here ? No, in fact we look at them as large group of tourist in an area of few tourist. They are given free time it seems to mingle with the " locals ", shop the markets and spend their dollars. Have heard of no frictions as of yet
We have a saying we work with out here, Truth is Reality, so here is Reality.
A: NO CLINICS are being built. They brought no such equipment.
B: NO Children or people of any size or shape are being medically seen. They have no medical staff or equipment.
What is the mission ?
At first thought, the general opinion was Haiti. As noted in the first part of the now closed thread the elections were going on and we are close to Haiti. And it is now thought that the 3 Blackhawk's and certain other equipment on the ground could have been allocated for that purpose.
What is the mission ? Ah, time reveals all to us with little to do but talk and see.
Lots, and Lots of HIGH TECH communications equipment and high tech personel it seems going into the mountains. Setting up electron systems to look out over the Caribbean and maybe Haiti, for our boys here, but mostly to the WEST.
To end: What do we think now. Eyes in the sky. For drugs, the border, and across the pond to W's friend Chavez.
Are the troops a concern with the locals? Hey, we have moved on with life and they will go once their toys are in the mountains. The parade will be to the ships taking them back to Puerto Rico.
Are we disappointed that there are no new clinics ? Yes, but not upset. We hear a lot of " what might happen" on the Frontier.
Why, just the other day we heard the government department of tourism tell us about two new hotels for Barahona. Yea, and we have the 108 room Barcelo Bahoruco still empty and closed down the road. $$ wash time again.
kFrancisco de Cabral
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