DR1 reports from around the country indicate overall support for the strike in major cities, while business is being conducted as usual in the tourist areas. Dominicans in the major cities have been maintaining the nationwide strike since early this morning. Many employees reported to work, and those who use public transport informed that they had to pay more for the service. Private schools, universities, and major shopping centers such as Multicentro La Sirena of Santo Domingo did not open their doors today after cashing in substantially yesterday, as people sought to stock up on supplies in preparation for the 48-hour protest. Carrefour advertised usual Wednesday sales, although vehicle circulation in commercial areas is at a bare minimum. Reports from Santiago, the second largest city, confirm minimal commercial activity and little street traffic. After late evening firework celebration of the Licey winning the winter baseball series, many may have taken advantage of the day to relax. Military and police are discretely patrolling urban areas and there had been no incidents reported as of noon. Yesterday, the Armed Forces Ministry, along with the National Police, carried out operations called “Lightening” and “Safe City” with the intention of rounding up illegal weapons, such as knives and firearms, as well as old tires, in order to prevent violence during the scheduled 48-hour protest. Vehicular inspections and frisking of passengers caused huge traffic tie-ups along the 27 Febrero and other main thoroughfares in Santo Domingo.
Meanwhile, reports from tourist areas such as Las Terrenas, Cabarete and Sosua on the North Coast indicate that, as is usually the case, the strike is least felt in the resort areas, where stores remain open. For updates, see http://www.dr1.com/forums/