On Sunday, 16 June 2019, President Danilo Medina visited Saona Island in eastern La Altagracia province. The visit to the island is the most popular excursion for tourists staying at resorts in the nearby 50-km long Punta Cana beach strip. An estimated half a million tourists visit every year arriving by boat from Bayahibe Beach. On any given day there can be 3,000 tourists taking the day trip to the island known for its white sand beaches.
Medina announced infrastructure works and actions to improve the living conditions of the residents. He backed the strengthening of tourism to Saona Island. Around 500 persons live on the 22 km-long and 5 km-wide island.
The community presented requests for improvements in the health, school and electricity services, maritime transport, housing and backing of the fisherman association on the island.
President Medina made his first stop at Mano Juan, the main island town, where he listened to the petitions by residents. He then traveled by Navy boat to the nearby Catuano town also on the island to hear resident and tourist operator requests.
18 June 2019