In light of another thread about controversial changes Sosua is undergoing, I thought it fair and appropriate to inform readers about some changes of a different kind.
Centro Medico Cabarete, CMC, has now been open for one year. The first few months were rocky until a complete team of doctors were on board, insurance was accepted, and processes and procedures soundly established. Now, on any given day, most, if not all, beds are full, doctors have a full patient load, operations are performed, and much medical testing takes place.
Secondly, the City Market has opened its doors. This is a full service grocery store, not too different than markets in large developed countries. Aisles are wide. Shelves are fully stocked with local and imported foods from around the world. Lights are bright. There is a cafe for those who would like to sit, have a cup of coffee, talk, or browse the internet. A complete bakery is on site, as is a butcher. Customer service is as good as anyone can expect. Several times, I have asked them to stock a certain item, and within days, there it is on the shelf.
And finally, I noticed an "Open" sign on the big orange building on the right hand side of the main road going out of Sosua, towards Cabarete. I have no idea of the name of the business, but I pulled into the parking lot and went inside to see just what it is. It's a large hardware store, much like Bellon was in Santiago. The shelves are not yet completely full, but they have everything from motor bikes to bicycles, to inverters, to paint, to appliances and electronics, and even a second floor of indoor and outdoor furniture, all a nice quality.
I believe all three businesses are owned by professionals who have the funds to withstand hard times and knowledge of how to run a business and provide the type of customer service expected by ex-pats.
I also believe that these businesses are evidence that Sosua is not a dying town. It will survive, and given time, thrive even more than it is now.
I wish these investors all the best of luck, as I feel fortunate to have these new businesses part of my community.
Lindsey
Centro Medico Cabarete, CMC, has now been open for one year. The first few months were rocky until a complete team of doctors were on board, insurance was accepted, and processes and procedures soundly established. Now, on any given day, most, if not all, beds are full, doctors have a full patient load, operations are performed, and much medical testing takes place.
Secondly, the City Market has opened its doors. This is a full service grocery store, not too different than markets in large developed countries. Aisles are wide. Shelves are fully stocked with local and imported foods from around the world. Lights are bright. There is a cafe for those who would like to sit, have a cup of coffee, talk, or browse the internet. A complete bakery is on site, as is a butcher. Customer service is as good as anyone can expect. Several times, I have asked them to stock a certain item, and within days, there it is on the shelf.
And finally, I noticed an "Open" sign on the big orange building on the right hand side of the main road going out of Sosua, towards Cabarete. I have no idea of the name of the business, but I pulled into the parking lot and went inside to see just what it is. It's a large hardware store, much like Bellon was in Santiago. The shelves are not yet completely full, but they have everything from motor bikes to bicycles, to inverters, to paint, to appliances and electronics, and even a second floor of indoor and outdoor furniture, all a nice quality.
I believe all three businesses are owned by professionals who have the funds to withstand hard times and knowledge of how to run a business and provide the type of customer service expected by ex-pats.
I also believe that these businesses are evidence that Sosua is not a dying town. It will survive, and given time, thrive even more than it is now.
I wish these investors all the best of luck, as I feel fortunate to have these new businesses part of my community.
Lindsey