Final update !!
Mi amigos,
Last words from me on this subject.
I have to get ready for a 4 day trek into the Barhorucos with friends visiting next week and then off on the 17th on a walkabout for two months. As I go with no computer, cell phone etc, will see what you all are up to when I get back.
Hopefully, this subject will be off the pages and you all will be into discussing something more pertainent. I think this starts the 25th page on the subject.
Mirador, you will like this source but let's not get carried away with your rebuttal, OK.
Report:
Tuesday, am standing in line at the BanReservas ATM. Seeing that all ATM's were down in Barahona on the " holiday " the day before the line was quite long. As usual, I end up helping the folks who have a card but do not know how to work the machine do their thing. As the line moves along eventually there comes up to the machine " another white guy " and as we leave the area, conversation begins.
Seems he is non-military security specialist ( read: spook ) here in support of the US troops. Seems his company has a contract for keeping an eye on the various factions who are expressing their views on the " occupation ".
Now, he did not have " first hand " knowledge ( not at scene at time of protest ) but he did get briefing from those at the scene.
Size of protest: estimated a about 150. Good size.
No bullets fired by police ( before mentioned non-lethal projectiles used ) but just before the hostilities there was a " shot from somewhere " which started things off. From where, who knows ??? By whom, who knows ??
However, after that the police decided to break things up.
There were injuries...cuts and bruises from the projectiles being fired into the " ground " in front and around the crowd. Note that the street along which the protest was moving is NOT PAVED and the glancing projectiles sent up sharp rocks and such into the crowd. Cuts sufficient to require " stiches " at a local hospital were the result of this action, this the wounded report.
All injurys were treated and ALL those hurt released the same day..
Another tidbit of information gleemed.
Local merchants have been " jacking " up " price marked " merchandise to the soldiers so they have been advised to cut back spending with local vendors. Seem the boys from Puerto Rico do not have not problem bartering but the kids from Kansas did not receive a briefing on the process. So we probably lost a few $$ here.
Interesting side bar: The National Guard troops involved in this " occupation " DID NOT BRING ARMS INTO THE REPUBLICA DOMINICANA.
ALL small arms weapons are provided by the DOMINICAN GOVERNMENT. Even the heavier weapons for the coptors are under tight control, needing US Embassy approval before they can even be mounted.
That is it amigos.
See yu on the flip side.
kFrancisco de Cabral
Mi amigos,
Last words from me on this subject.
I have to get ready for a 4 day trek into the Barhorucos with friends visiting next week and then off on the 17th on a walkabout for two months. As I go with no computer, cell phone etc, will see what you all are up to when I get back.
Hopefully, this subject will be off the pages and you all will be into discussing something more pertainent. I think this starts the 25th page on the subject.
Mirador, you will like this source but let's not get carried away with your rebuttal, OK.
Report:
Tuesday, am standing in line at the BanReservas ATM. Seeing that all ATM's were down in Barahona on the " holiday " the day before the line was quite long. As usual, I end up helping the folks who have a card but do not know how to work the machine do their thing. As the line moves along eventually there comes up to the machine " another white guy " and as we leave the area, conversation begins.
Seems he is non-military security specialist ( read: spook ) here in support of the US troops. Seems his company has a contract for keeping an eye on the various factions who are expressing their views on the " occupation ".
Now, he did not have " first hand " knowledge ( not at scene at time of protest ) but he did get briefing from those at the scene.
Size of protest: estimated a about 150. Good size.
No bullets fired by police ( before mentioned non-lethal projectiles used ) but just before the hostilities there was a " shot from somewhere " which started things off. From where, who knows ??? By whom, who knows ??
However, after that the police decided to break things up.
There were injuries...cuts and bruises from the projectiles being fired into the " ground " in front and around the crowd. Note that the street along which the protest was moving is NOT PAVED and the glancing projectiles sent up sharp rocks and such into the crowd. Cuts sufficient to require " stiches " at a local hospital were the result of this action, this the wounded report.
All injurys were treated and ALL those hurt released the same day..
Another tidbit of information gleemed.
Local merchants have been " jacking " up " price marked " merchandise to the soldiers so they have been advised to cut back spending with local vendors. Seem the boys from Puerto Rico do not have not problem bartering but the kids from Kansas did not receive a briefing on the process. So we probably lost a few $$ here.
Interesting side bar: The National Guard troops involved in this " occupation " DID NOT BRING ARMS INTO THE REPUBLICA DOMINICANA.
ALL small arms weapons are provided by the DOMINICAN GOVERNMENT. Even the heavier weapons for the coptors are under tight control, needing US Embassy approval before they can even be mounted.
That is it amigos.
See yu on the flip side.
kFrancisco de Cabral