Contrary to rumors that circulated shortly after the Hurricane, former President Joaquín Balaguer enjoys good health, is eating well and spoke to reporters about the hurricane yesterday. The President suffered a fall at his home and was taken to the Abel Gonzalez for a medical check up, which spurred reports he had died out of sadness over the hurricane. In his over 30 years of government, the former statesmen never had to face a hurricane. It is believed that he had a pact with the Virgen de la Altagracia. Alternate governments, Dictator Trujillo in 1930 and Don Antonio Guzman in 1979 and now Dr. Leonel Fernández in 1998 have had to endure the grueling process of leading the nation’s recovery after a major natural disaster. The former President, today 92 year old, said, "I think in a few days all will be back to normal and the country will continue forward, this is but a small drawback, we have conquered many difficulties and we will continue to do so because we have with us the hand of God," said Balaguer.
