Very unfortunate about Mr. Robbins. I am not sure that his murder will deter us from our mission. We need to be near the Haitian population as that is who we serve and there are several Bateyes in that general area. Of, course we are open to other areas provided they allow us access to those same Bateyes. Do you have any suggestions for alternatives? Also, from what I gather, you are not really safe anywhere in the DR.
I read the article on Mr Robbins murder and it said he had a handgun in his car at the time of his death. I am sure to be opening another can of worms here but I was told carrying a handgun was illegal in the DR. Can you legally buy a handgun and what are the penalties for being caught carrying without a permit? Under Mr Robbins situation and given the threats against him I too would carry my gun. But obviously, even this did him no good.
Well, still looking for suggestions for land that is still reasonably priced. We are a non profit trying to improve the conditions of the migrant workers which will ultimately benefit everyone living there.
Forgive me 29077 if this response seems over confrontational but I fear your desire to 'serve' is causing a fair amount of naivety.
1) The death of Lloyd was not 'UNFORTUNATE' - it was MURDER!! Plain & simple & the result was a Tragedy for HIM, those that knew him & especially for those HE was trying to help/serve.
2) Your comment re 'carrying of a handgun' being illegal indicates you need to change to supplier of your information. Handguns are a dime a dozen & carried openly by many (some with, some without permits), shotguns can be seen at any finca/rural area as well as in the towns. Automatic weapons are regrettably becoming more prevalent in hands other than those in the police & armed forces & one doesn't check those for "Permissions" otherwise one is likely to be looking down the barrel of said automatic ...... for just a second or two before "Lights Out"!!!
3) I don't think you are picking up the messages that were given in the various 'Lloyd' threads & that can be extremely dangerous. It became obvious to HIM that there were elements trying to force him OFF the land he had bought but even more importantly, warning him about the implications of getting too involved in that locality - the locality you say you need to buy in!
There IS land to be bought up there fairly cheaply I gather - I wouldn't touch it with a 50 ft bargepole!!
Please, think and 're-study' your area of offering help. As said by another poster (possibly a bit too forcefully but with the best possible intentions I am sure) Haiti is the best place to offer this assistance - BEFORE the Haitians leave there. That is NOT being racist, it is being realistic! ~ Grahame.