The CASC workers union in Higuey has warned that thousands of people could lose their jobs due to the deteriorating state of the beaches in Bavaro, Cabeza de Toro, Cortecito, Uvero Alto and El Macao.
CASC general secretary Manolo Ramirez (Pupilo) has sent a letter to President Danilo Medina warning that the beaches in Bavaro-Punta Cana, especially Bavaro beach, have a large number of fishing boats, speedboats, glass bottom boats, catamarans and boats used for parasailing without insurance or the correct permits and the local authorities are not taking responsibility for this.
Ramirez said that if the President does not address this situation, as well as failing to reach his target of 10 million tourists, the number would actually decrease.
He said that none of these boats have permits, including the ones for excursions, water sports and water taxis.
Ramirez is asking for boats without permits to be prevented from working and for no more permits to be issued to anyone wishing to engage in water-based activities until a study is carried out on the sustainability of the beaches to work out how many boats should actually be allowed to operate.
CASC Higuey is asking for the implementation of an environmental plan that includes replanting corals and regenerating the beaches in the country’s main tourist destination, and Ramirez invited the President to visit the area and see the problem for himself.