Warning for motorists entering Santo Domingo from Cibao

Mirador

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Apr 15, 2004
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A massive protest has practically closed down the highway (Autopista Duarte) leading into Santo Domingo. Traffic is backed up from Pedro Brandt (Kilometer 25) to Villa Altagracia (Kilometer 45). Regular army troups have been called in to restore order and open the road. The protest started around noon today when protesters from communities bordering the highway threw burning tires and debris on the road, protesting lack of water and electricity.
 

Mirador

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Apr 15, 2004
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That was this morning. By mid-afternoon the protest has extended beyond Pedro Brand, all the way to Villa Altagracia...

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whirleybird

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Feb 27, 2006
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Although in Republica Dominicana I don't know my way around the country that well yet. We are planning to go to Sto. Domingo in the morning (from Santiago area) to collect our esidencia - are we likely to run into this?
 

whirleybird

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Feb 27, 2006
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I cant type well either it appears!!! I meant we have been here just over a year now and obviously residencia.... sorry for the errors.
 

NALs

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Jan 20, 2003
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Although in Republica Dominicana I don't know my way around the country that well yet. We are planning to go to Sto. Domingo in the morning (from Santiago area) to collect our esidencia - are we likely to run into this?
Not likely, protests like this rarely go on for more than one day.

Of course, all of this could have been avoided if every one of those protesters pay their electricity and water bills.

Of course, they can't afford it but want it anyway and free of charge.

If only the world functioned that way... if only... :cheeky:

-NALs
 

Mirador

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Apr 15, 2004
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I cant type well either it appears!!! I meant we have been here just over a year now and obviously residencia.... sorry for the errors.


This was no run-of-the-mill demonstration, Entire communities in a 25 kilometer stretch protested by cutting the main highway. If it was politically organized, it is very worrisome, if it was spontaneous, then it is even more so.

Before your venture and drive into Santo Domingo, I suggest you seek confirmation through the proper authorities, to obtain assurance that the road is open.

By the way, a general nationwide strike has been called for next Monday, which has the blessings of the major transportation unions, and the largest opposition party, the PRD.
 

whirleybird

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Feb 27, 2006
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We are due to leave just outside Sabaneta at 5.30am and I am a little nervous about the capital anyway although we are travellling with a more experienced friend. Can you tell me what time and with whom I could check en route please?
 

Mirador

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Apr 15, 2004
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We are due to leave just outside Sabaneta at 5.30am and I am a little nervous about the capital anyway although we are travellling with a more experienced friend. Can you tell me what time and with whom I could check en route please?


If I was you, I would call 911, and tell them you are taking an injured person to Santo Domingo, and need to know the status of the road traffic between Villa Altagracia and Pedro Brand, and to please connect you with the appropriate traffic authorities.
 

Robert

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Jan 2, 1999
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I drove from Santiago to Santo Domingo tonight, didn't see a thing.

No cops, no tires burning, no nothing. It was an easy quick drive :)
 

Robert

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Jan 2, 1999
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This was no run-of-the-mill demonstration, Entire communities in a 25 kilometer stretch protested by cutting the main highway. If it was politically organized, it is very worrisome, if it was spontaneous, then it is even more so.

Before your venture and drive into Santo Domingo, I suggest you seek confirmation through the proper authorities, to obtain assurance that the road is open.

By the way, a general nationwide strike has been called for next Monday, which has the blessings of the major transportation unions, and the largest opposition party, the PRD.

Mirador, enough of your world is coming to an end stuff!!!

The media love this stuff here and the hype the life out of it.
10 film crews all filming the same burning tire, that's the usual scenario.
 
Feb 7, 2007
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I was stuck in this mess, at km 29, arriving from Sosua at km29 at 3.40 pm. The traffic started moving at 6.45 pm, passed km 25 where the main demonstration was, 20 minutes later.

It was a mess, mess, mess. I called a Coronel friend of mine and he was giving me updates every 30 minutes. Passing Pedro-thing-sicty (km 25) I saw about 30 police and AMET cars, 3 coronels, and lots of troops.
 

BushBaby

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I drove from Santiago to Santo Domingo tonight, didn't see a thing.

No cops, no tires burning, no nothing. It was an easy quick drive :)
According to Rubio's report Robert, it looks like you missed all the fun & Games!!!

Maybe the police KNEW you were coming up & wanted to make sure tat you wouldn't SEE anything! :ermm::cheeky: ~ Grahame.
 

Robert

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Jan 2, 1999
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According to Rubio's report Robert, it looks like you missed all the fun & Games!!!

Maybe the police KNEW you were coming up & wanted to make sure tat you wouldn't SEE anything! :ermm::cheeky: ~ Grahame.

I guess I did... Kudos to them for cleaning it up so quickly. As you said, they must have known I was coming. Plus the police escort moves along pretty quickly :)
 

Mirador

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Apr 15, 2004
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Also Kudos to my friend, General Reynaldo A. Mauricio Moreno (aka Makey), Chief of Police of Los Alcarrizos, who negotiated for at least two hours with the strike leaders, to open up the road. He first got rid of the swat teams and regular army troups. By the way, General Makey is a very religious person (Evangelical Christian) and does not drink.
 

whirleybird

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Feb 27, 2006
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Well, we took our trip to Sto. Domingo today leaving just outside Sabaneta at around 5.30am. We have a good journey but there were many troops and AMET officers grouped as we passed plus a couple of helicopters tracking up and down the highway. Fortunately we were in town before any trouble (if there was any) and we sorted our business regarding the collection of our long awaited residencia and cedulars. After lunch a little shopping we made our way home leaving the capital at approx. 4.30pm. Apart from some debris on the road in the "suspect" area, again we saw nothing I am very glad to say. Thank you for the warning though - always better to "be prepared" like a good Boy Scout!!