DISASTER IN BAHIA PRINCIPE PORTILLO & SAMANA Bourget
This section contains information, exchanges and details of the complaint and its implications, starting with the first note and continuing with the latest at the end. For easier reading each entry is identified by different numbers (input 1, etc..). Please submit your comments to this article at the end. Thanks.
Updated, Saturday, December 23, 2006.
Introduction
The remodeling of the Bahia Principe Portillo revealed to anyone who was passing by the area's presence a) abuse the environment, b) lack of sanitary conditions, c) the presence of questionable working conditions, and d) the presence of a company whose engineers and managers lack the most basic ethical considerations. What happened creates a horrible precedent for the development of tourism in Samaná. I found that similar conditions affecting the remodeling of Cayacoa in Santa Barbara de Samana and Cayo Levantado. Following this knowledge I send my first submission to the Cluster of Samaná, an organization that brings together key individuals from the provincial tourism business, to share my concern about this and ask them to intervene in the situation. This exchange occurs supportive responses (CEBS Samanenses of the Association of Missing and individual members of the Cluster) and then a response of concern from the management of the Cluster, Mr. Gary Hurtado, followed by trade related to Mr. Hurtado and this writer. The complaint to the cluster is then sent to editors of newspapers in the capital and other means, as well as state ministries and other organizations.
INPUT 1
Thursday, December 14
Message to the Tourism Cluster Samaná
Dear Friends:
would be irresponsible of me not to share with you the concern related to construction and remodeling of the Bahia Principe-Portillo. Try to do so as diplomatic as possible, but with the full knowledge of what can be controversial.
I under the belief that we all want the best for this province and open the doors of my mail to receive your feedback.
What I wish to share may be expressed briefly as follows:
1. construction and renovation of the Bahia Principe Portillo was a true environmental disaster. every day thousands of plastic waste could be seen from the road outside the airport, waste that remained there throughout the construction time and probably, most of them or mostly buried beneath the mud and caliche used stuffing.
2. the environmental disaster created a very negative precedent for the future of tourism in the province, especially in regard to future construction.
the largest hotel chain in the province has had the luxury of creating this disaster creates a very negative precedent because it will be difficult to deny equal privileges abusive other buildings, and who wants the infrastructural development of the province do that?
3. The project was also the scene of inhuman conditions, especially in the health aspects.
employees (speculating about 400) were no supplies available, which means that every day, employees used the surroundings to their physiological needs, including the beautiful fountain "Carlos Lima," which is frequently used as a spa and to fill tankers water is then sold in the community.
4. unconfirmed suspicion of human trafficking remuneration and contractual terms falegadamente shameful and, again, none are good precedents for the future of tourism in the province.
The information I have is that many workers brought from the Haitian border and received $ 4.100 per month, payable every 21 days. Who can live in a strange land, without accommodation and food with that amount? Was that the amount budgeted in the play? Did you get permission builders working in the Secretariat to provide such working conditions?
above is only illustrative of the observed reality. The construction and the preponderance of Haitian workers caused a local outcry (which fortunately did not lead to anything tragic). My understanding is that all the time building those responsible for the work conditions were reported as visible, they were asked to change the health conditions and environmental consequences, but there was no noticeable change whatsoever.
Those who witnessed the course of construction we can see how pretty she was the entry and forever remain etched in our minds that beneath the grand entrance of this large hotel company is all full of plastic and human waste. Go
form of tourism! How embarrassing for the Family Piñero (Piñero Group) for the Bahia Principe Hotel, for government officials who did nothing (or made very little) and for those who might stand to gain from one thing or the other as hundreds of people and the environment were affected! !
INPUT 2
Sunday, December 17
Dear Mr. Bourget,
is a pleasure and a comfort to see that people like you too develop initiatives to promote development and sustainable use of natural resources in our region of Samana. I visited your blog and website of the foundation found them interesting and well structured reason why we wish to congratulate you and your team. Attached
-a collaborative way and to what may be useful, the diagnosis document and strategy development work this year for the tourist Samana - Las Terrenas in collaboration with the Cluster and under auspices of the Swiss Association for International Development and the Swiss tour operator Kuoni.
From May to December 2006 we developed for the ministry of environment and under contract with the IDB a project proposal to be implemented from 2007 - 2010 for planning and sustainable development of marine area - coastal region of Samaná, which covers the peninsula, Low Yuna, The National Park and the coastal plain Haitises Sabana de la Mar - Nisibón. It will be our pleasure to invite you now to join us in January-date to be confirmed, the final public hearing of the project.
relation to disasters that has and is committing the company Bahia Principe in the process of construction - remodeling has acquired several hotels in the area, on which we have not seen the first environmental license, I suggest you not created great expectations ... in this country apparently have the same type of license that the British agent 007, just in capital investment and operation. In our small museum and office in Santa Barbara they destroyed all the water pipes for three months (who refuse to repair) and create serious problems of landslides and storm drainage, pollution and overcrowding of manual workers (they had crammed a lot of people in houses facing the sea and in front of our offices, under the same conditions to which you express yourself in Las Terrenas-no bathrooms-). About what have in Cayo Levantado, better not to talk, when we arrived at Cayo intended to stop the disaster, had already knocked 80% of natural forest which Cayo just described and is being published as a national treasure Moscosoa Garden Magazine National Botanic.
As environmental organization we have visited several times, finding his engineers excuses or indifference but never answers or solutions to the problems created in the different fronts of work they do.
Given the situation of the people of Samaná waiting so long for the arrival of investment and development projects, do not wish to be an obstacle for any such an initiative but a way to promote and support initiatives that are environmentally and socio-economically sustainable and acceptable. But, as responsible members of civil society will be obliged to face the most appropriate way to understand the situations and problems generated by this and any other company or entity relying on the word "development" seeks to destroy, create chaos and displace local communities of their natural and historic right to earn an honest livelihood through sustainable use of natural resources of this region. Our only requirement is to make sure before, that the actions we take are fair, intelligent and necessary. Feel confident that both Mahatma Gandhi Foundation and other members of the Cluster will find us always an ally and a responsible partner.
On the issue of human rights abuses reported by various sources both in Samaná and the rest of the national geography, I suggest you visit the website
http://bohio.org/bohio.php3?id_rubrique=1&lang = is .
Kind regards, and wishing them a happy new year is yours, Patricia Lamelas
CEBSE
Executive Director, Inc.
www.samana.org.do
INPUT 3
Tuesday December 17
Message received from the Association of Missing Samanenses
Dear Patricia:
I was pleased to read your letter, where Joseph Bourget das response about their concerns on the environmental hazards of tourism projects under construction in the area of \u200b\u200bSamaná. I would also say, my concerns.
thought that you as NGOs environmental, linked to national and international environmental protection were complicit in these aberrations.
earthworks have seen that I consider excessive in a fragile environment like the Cayo Levantado, cutting trees apparently without cause. Not counting the damage to wildlife and other unique flora. I wonder sometimes, where the local council, Public Works, Environment and CODIA.
is time to reevaluate and start a constructive dialogue and harmonious with the purposes of the employers and the community, which though not expressed openly, have their ideas and if you feel heard, resists and leads to things that could be detrimental to everyone. The community is threatened by problems of public safety, health, education and living costs and what is more important for what they believe is their heritage. There are always alternatives more suitable to the purposes and objectives of short and long term for everyone.
Another aspect to consider is the relative social impact of tourism projects. Human movements has been the result of the construction of tourism, which are being established in the area and exacerbate the supply of basic services, and in precarious conditions.
Samana is worth remembering that is between the fourth and fifth poorest part of the country, according to studies ONAPLAN poverty made. The 2002 Census identified close to 13,600 poor and very poor families in the province, of which 7.600 were in the provincial capital city. I'm sure this situation was exacerbated after Hurricane Jeanne, for development aid did not reach the magnitude of damage caused.
We must be careful, a healthy tourism development should be accompanied by social policies that incorporate the public into the process, because otherwise we would win the social ills that accompany the process. Sincerely
Pte Joseph Hamilton Coplin
Absent Samanenses Association Inc.
INPUT 4
Tuesday, December 19
Message sent to Samana Tourism Cluster
Knowing that the Cluster is meeting this afternoon, I add the following comments always so that maximum benefit is received by all parties, including the environment and citizens of the province. In other words, I believe that the Cluster will need to discuss and make a decision to this issue given the magnitude and nature of the situations described by me as both observers and other persons equally concerned.
Clearly we face a delicate situation, which has been DANIDA while overlooked by major players. What seems to have occurred in more than one place by construction of the Bahia Principe company may have only one of two possible destinations: forgotten or resolved. The question is, what will make the Cluster?
And why has to do something the Cluster? Because the Cluster is made up of actors and key managers of provincial tourism because many of you are linked to the interests of the company Bahia Principe, directly or indirectly, and because some of you have to leave or benefited or harmed by the activities of the company described above.
After everything that's going to happen happens, the most important thing to be preserved in our memory, in my opinion, is that all progress, economic development, revenues, business expansion and tourism development may occur during NO damage to the environment, without violating the most basic ethical principles and without massacring Samaná natural heritage that belongs to all local, national and foreign. If you, as leaders in the province tourist pointers allow actions within their business that are lacking the most basic environmental considerations, ethical and human dignity, become a member and all part thereof and, if so, to God who deals luck!
do not intend to blame anyone for anything, but to raise awareness about what is happening. More than a charge (which is not my intention), this is a call to reflection and action. The Cluster can do something and the cluster should do something. It is a historic moment is a moment fraught with potential for transformation.
What all know is obvious: there is only one way the company has been allowed to do what he has done and many of you or know or infer. But again the obvious question is then what will you do as a Cluster? I, like citizen, expect great things from you and I want to place trust and hope that as a group and as entities / private citizens, to address the situation as far as possible.
For my part I intend to give national and international reputation to this scandal and in the coming days and weeks I will do my best as a private citizen and as a community representative for the disastrous situation comes to light, so that company and involved to meet their responsibilities as a precedent than the current situation. Samaná is expected to become the best tourist area as potential massacred natural and human is a dichotomy adverse to all common sense.
With my greatest respect, José Bourget
INPUT 5
Tuesday December 19
The Cluster alter its agenda to include the issue at its meeting Tuesday December 19
INPUT 6
Wednesday, December 20
dissemination of complaint
Top national and international, private and government.
INPUT 7
Thursday, December 21
First Exchange with Gary Hurtado
[First the message of Mr. Hurtado, followed by my response)
GARY Heins wrote HURTADO: Dear Mr. Bourget With relation to the work being done against the Grupo Pinero, must establish the line that in addition to their claim starts to hurt Samana as a tourist destination, our view is that since you are doing harm to Samana.
channels exist to take your complaint and achieve the goals you have set, whatever, (sentence end hotels, penalty, dismissal of employees guilty lashes etc.) And it did, this topic forums public as it is trying to do the same damage as Samana Grupo Pinero. With advertising
negative and that I present, only earn Punta Cana (where foreign workers are also used and the same methods of construction), also wins Jamaica, Mexico, Bahamas, we lose Sincerely
Gary Hurtado
----- Terrenas Original Message ----- From: Jose Bourget [mailto: terreneros@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 9:19 PMPara: terreneros@yahoo.comAsunto: Disaster & Portillo Samana (2)
Dear Friends:
I invite you to open attachments and to visit the details of this complaint going to
http://terreneros.blogspot.com/ .
Basically the complaint is as follows:
During the reconstruction of the Hotel Portillo now called Gran Bahia Principe Portillo, the builders did their work
a) causing serious environmental damage, such as plastics and waste were eventually buried in the wetland or transported near the construction sites;
b ) in the midst of a disastrous sanitary environment because they did not provide adequate toilets for hundreds of employees during construction of hundreds of employees performed their physiological needs "in the bush," in places close to construction, springs and nearby beaches;
c) implementing questionable labor practices and unethical, bringing workers from other parts (a large number of Haitians included), with low pay and nonexistent facilities, thus committing an abuse of human dignity of such persons.
competent authorities did not do what is necessary to prevent what happened. They repair damage occurred in the hotels and Cayo Levantado Cayacoa the same company (Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts, owned by Grupo Pinero of Spain).
a result of these circumstances I have started a personal campaign, nationally and internationally, to speak out, to pierce awareness and highlight what happened to prevent it from happening again and for the company to cope with the he has done.
For more information visit http://terreneros.blogspot.com/
My answer
Mr.
Hurtado:
Thank you for your message. Just discover the following: what I'm doing a) hurt b Samaná) benefits to other destinations both domestic and foreign at the expense of Samaná.
I think I understand the injunction and thank you very much have shared with me.
However, as a person linked to the hotel business / tourism and as leader of Samaná Tourism Cluster, are you also saying it's okay that the Piñero Group and / or any other to come and do what it can do because nobody will say anything, or fear of what might happen in Samaná as a tourist destination? Are you implying that as in other sites is also made here also here and do nothing more about it? Along with his position justified concern at the possible consequences of the complaint, "You also expressed concern about the factors leading to the same base? Or, are you condoning such actions lower The partition of any opposition to them hurts Samana? Where is their voice of concern about what happened, or do you favor / support / condone such actions on behalf of the "good of Samaná, or on behalf of the hotel industry / mass tourism?"
no way condone what other hotels or companies may be doing in Punta Cana, Bavaro, Cancun, Jamaica, etc.. But do not live there. Your answer implies that what is normal (although harmful) other sites can also occur without any problem here. But I think we who live here, we can not just open wide the doors to all without respect or consideration or human dignity or the environment or the future of Samaná, the future it is not linked only to the economic progress of particular companies. Do not cry a monopoly of justice in my actions or thinking and I appreciate you taking the time to share equally his convictions.
seems that both act on the basis of the same, though differently. My complaint is not an attack on tourist development in Samaná. In my writings on the LT-7, and elsewhere as revealed
http://terreneros.blogspot.com/ my interest in it to expand, and also reveals my concern and fear that the same act dañandoal Dominican half environment and natural resources we have. Corporate responsibility does not override the individual responsibility of the latter made for me is the most important. If you read the prior written over 2007 as the Year of Art and Craft Peel also understand that I seek and promote more and better development. I am not an enemy of Samaná quite the contrary.
Finally, Mr. Howard, do you speak on your own behalf or Cluster? Frankly, I'm disappointed. José Bourget
INPUT 8
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Report under secretaries of state and media
The following letter contains the main parts subject to different governmental and media communication, different versions have been used to share the complaint. Other personalities include the provincial governor, senator and congressman in the province.
Secretaries
Felix Jimenez, Tourism
Max Puig, José
Environment Ramon Fadul, Jobs
Dear Sirs:
Through this I submit the following complaint:
During the reconstruction of the Hotel Portillo now called Gran Bahia Principe Portillo, the builders did their work
a)
causing extensive damage environment such as waste plastics and were eventually buried in the wetland or transported near the construction sites;
b)
amid a disastrous sanitary environment because they did not provide adequate toilets for hundreds of employees; during construction of hundreds of employees carried out their needs physiological "in the bush," in places close to construction, springs and nearby beaches;
c) implementing
questionable labor practices and unethical , bringing workers from other parts (a large number of Haitians included), with very low pay and nonexistent facilities, thus committing an abuse of human dignity of such persons.
competent authorities did not do what is necessary to prevent what happened. They repair damage occurred in the hotels and Cayo Levantado Cayacoa the same company (Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts, owned by Grupo Pinero of Spain). It has been argued Similar situations and conditions that have occurred in construction in Punta Cana, Bavaro and other parts of the country. If so I have greater concern, because obviously such precedents are supporting what happened in Samaná and provide support to what can still occur.
a result of these circumstances I have started a personal campaign, nationally and internationally, to speak out, to pierce awareness and highlight what happened to prevent it from happening again and for the company to cope with what he has done.
Several days ago I started to spread this complaint locally, mostly between the political leadership within the province (governor, senator, congressman) tourism entities (Samana Tourism Cluster) and individuals within the community of Las Terrenas.
between yesterday and today I started the demonization of these plans under the umbrella of a) "is hurting Samaná", b) "the same thing happened in Punta Cana and the rest of the country," c) "benefits to other international tourist destinations. " I would urge you to think about what is best for what for me is the most comprehensive destination country and the region (Samaná).
If the same thing has happened in the rest of the country is an embarrassment for all involved and a disgrace to the country. And if what is argued is an excuse to permit so in the future would be a shame too. I trust your wisdom to seek answers to questions
"why is let happen what happened?" and
"What will happen now?"
This message and other communications relating to this report appear in
http://terreneros.blogspot.com/ Many thanks.
ENTRY 9
Friday December 22
Letter by Mr Howard and my answer
GARY HURTADO Heins wrote:
DEAR MR. BOURGET
NOT MY INTENTION TO ENTER INTO AN ARGUMENT YOU JUST WANT TO BRING BACK TO INDICATE THAT MAKE rockash WORKING CLASS WHERE DID FRONTLINE RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL TO SHOW (EVEN IF WE DO NOT SAY THAT HERE) can be interpreted multiple WAYS AND I DO NOT THINK THAT WORK WILL BRING NOTHING TO THE SITUATION THAT YOU HAVE REPORTED, BUT MAY SHOW A GOOD INTENT TO DAMAGE, DO NOT KNOW THAT PURPOSE.
IN ANY WAY TO ANSWER Some of SUS FAQ.
----- Original Message ----- From: Jose Bourget [mailto: terreneros@yahoo.com] he Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 1:17 PMPara: Gary HEINSENCC Hurtado, Alberto Herrero; Yocasty Artiles , Angel Hernandez; Apesteguia Cruz, Enrique de Marchena Kaluche; Tech Rene, Ramon E. Prieto; Prystasz Gerard, Rafael Blanco, Peter, Patricia lamellae; Pablo Piñero, Miguel N. Bézier; Mauricio Bonetti, Luis Omar Fernandez, Luis Lopez, Karen Fernandes, Elsa Lion, Luís Simões; Luisa Hollins; Pablo Lugo Adams, Riquelme Ortiz ; Prim Pujals; Jose AcevedoAsunto: Response to Gary
Mr. Hurtado. Hurtado: su
thanks for the message. Next find out himself: what I'm doing a) hurt b Samaná) benefits to other destinations both domestic and foreign at the expense of Samaná. I think I understand the injunction and thank you very much have shared with me.
However, as a person connected with the hotel business / tourism and as leader of Samaná Tourism Cluster, are you also saying it's okay that the Piñero Group and / or any other to come and do the same because nobody can do going to say anything, or fear of what might happen in Samaná as a tourist destination? Are you implying that as in other site is also made here also here and what better do anything about it?
[GARY HURTADO Heins] inferred that I AM NOT WHAT YOU WELL THIS COMPLAINT, I AM SAYING THAT THERE ARE WAYS TO CHANNEL YOUR REQUEST AND THIS MEANS THAT YOU MAY HAVE BETTER RESULTS THAT TELL THE WORLD OF A SITUATION THAT WAS GOING ON WHILE YOU OR OTHER SAID NOTHING, NOW YOU ARE DONE YOU CAN NOT GET harm us as a destination.
With his position justified concern at the possible consequences of the complaint, "You also expressed concern about the factors leading to the same base? Or, are you condoning such actions lower the screen of any opposition to these harmful Samana? Where is their voice of concern about what happened, or do you favor / support / condone such actions on behalf of the "good of Samaná, or on behalf of the hotel industry / mass tourism?"
[GARY HURTADO Heins] SO WE BELIEVE THE GOOD OF SAMANA, favors, Condon CONDEMN, WE FIGHT.
no way condone what other hotels or companies may be doing in Punta Cana, Bavaro, Cancun, Jamaica, etc.. But do not live there. Your answer implies that what is normal (although harmful) other sites can also occur without any problem here. But I think we who live here, we can not simply open wide the doors to all without respect or consideration or to human dignity or the environment or the future of Samaná, the future it is not linked only to the economic progress of particular companies. Do not cry a monopoly of justice in my actions or thinking and I appreciate you taking the time to share equally his convictions. It seems that both act on the basis of the same, though differently.
[GARY HURTADO Heins] WHAT IS YOUR ACTIONS ARISING FROM THE ROUTE ACTUALLY, NOT TO WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WORLD AS ACTION THAT COULD CAUSE THE FOLLOWING EFFECTS:
[GARY HURTADO Heins] 1 - tourists will not come (no source of income will , unemployment causes violence) 2 - CUMULATIVE CRITICAL MASS VALUE NO DECISION MADE OR ACTION (any action would be even more negative) 3 - LA IRA investors hoping ELSEWHERE (samana remain stagnant or retreating) 4 - you still have a protagonist who MIGHT OTHERWISE HAD NO.
My complaint is not an attack on tourist development in Samaná. In my writings on the LT-7, and elsewhere as revealed http://terreneros.blogspot.com/ my interest in it to expand, and also reveals my concern and fear that the same act dañandoal Dominican half environment and natural resources we have. Corporate responsibility does not override the individual responsibility of the latter made for me is the most important. If you read the prior written over 2007 as the Year of Art and Craft Peel also understand that I seek and promote more and better development. I am not an enemy of Samaná quite the contrary.
[GARY HURTADO Heins] THEN PLEASE EXPRESS ARE THE GOALS YOU WANT TO GET TO WORK FOR SO DOING OUR PART TO SEE THE WORK THAT YOU WILL GET SOMETHING MORE POSITIVE NEGATIVE, WHAT IS OUR POSITION FROM PRINCIPLE.
Finally, Mr. Howard, do you speak on your own behalf or Cluster? Frankly, I'm disappointed.
[GARY HURTADO Heins] YOU MAY BE DISAPPOINTED AND I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THEIR ACTIONS ARE DOING AND CAN DO MORE DAMAGE THAT THE REPORT THAT HE HAS DONE.
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO YOUR FORUM. GARY
HURTADO
My reply to Mr. Hurtado
Lord Howard:
Thanks again for your response and follow the above message. As requested I will give blog post http://terreneros.blogspot.com/ (only public exchanges have been published there.)
I think his accusations or allegations arising from its response can be summarized as follows:
1) linking rockash the disaster created by the Group and its hotels Piñero Bahia Prince Hotels and Resorts adds nothing, demonstrates an intent to do harm to Samana and reveals hidden intentions on my part;
2) You more or less inferred that there was good Piñero Group shares that gave rise to my complaint;
3) I did nothing to denounce the situation while reconstruction was taking place;
4) there are other channels to make a complaint and to launch "the world";
5) their response to the question about the position you or the cluster was not clear to say: "FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE THE GOOD OF SAMANA, favors, Condon CONDEMN, we fight." I really could not fully understand the statement. Who are those who believe in the good of Samaná, which claim or those who are silent?
6) my method of making the complaint will result in loss of investment, less sightseeing and bad publicity;
7) I am searching for a role that would not otherwise. If
summarized above are not represented well please correct me. I now proceed to address each of these points:
1) linking rockash the disaster created by the Group and its hotels Piñero Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts adds nothing, demonstrates an intent to injure my hand and reveals hidden intentions me.
What has happened the rockash in Samaná in the most recent ecological disaster reminds the audience, one that makes the headlines again. In my poster rockash details do not appear, but a connection is made with their implications. That's it, there's nothing behind it and look it was you who now has added new aspects and nuances to the issue of rockash, not me. As for "hidden agenda", well, let's read.
2) You more or less inferred that there was good Piñero Group shares that gave rise to my complaint:
seems that you do not agree that the repairs have been made so frank damage to the environment or health conditions were maintained, or working conditions operating, but your comment is a little hazy. There is no clear "oppose" or "reject" what happened. However, I am confused because some of his previous argument is that the same type of disaster occurs "elsewhere," an indirect way of saying that no matter what happens here as well, or if it happened here was no big deal to be something common in the country. If you truly oppose such affronts to the environment, public health and human dignity then I congratulate and fully share the same feelings. But why not say it more clearly, or is that their business interests (representing one of the services attached to the company in question), prevents you from referring directly to the issue?
3) I did nothing to denounce the situation while reconstruction was taking place.
party is likely to reveal his ignorance as to my previous efforts. Because I
a) communicated my concern directly to the Provincial Supervisor of the environment / forest, Dr. Pedro Julio Anderson, who also told me that he was following up the matter;
b) shared my concern Terra radio programs FM, including during an interview that he was doing to Dr. Anderson on a radio program Sunday,
c) the complaint made public during a public meeting with Mr. Luis Simo, who has promoted the activities of the Monitoring Committee in Las Terrenas,
d) did the same complaint during a meeting with one of Immigration managers who came to Las Terrenas after the strike occurred following the events at work in Portillo,
e) in a number of occasions I have written about the environment, in terms of local circumstances and in what that can / should do, writings that appear on my personal blog http://terrenero.blogspot.com/ , including the latest issue of LT-7 where he talks of gifts that I hope the new year brings us to Las Terrenas (ie proper management of garbage).
Based on the above I consider his statement very uninformed and totally wrong. On the other hand, you and your group are in the tourist, who knew what I denounce and more, before and while it was happening, they knew the precedent in Punta Cana and other parts of the country, what did this? The absence of a clear voice, public and decisive, did not reveal a waiver and approval of the Piñero Group made right here in this place you say you love and which looks best? Is it not that under the excuse that "occurred Punta Cana also "directly and obliquely approved the disaster created by the most notable tourist monopoly in the province?
As I understand the company you work for or are linked to one of their services, will it be that the reason why you, or others in the same position, never spoke in the radio or in newspapers or through any media session or denouncing the abuses being committed or committed?
4) there are other channels to make a complaint and to throw "the world"
use channels within my reach, as a private citizen, as explained in the previous section (radio, press written, government officials). But also in this digitized and globalized world blog or the Internet is a legitimate, socialized and common. Sometimes, when the traditional does not work (as was the case), one is relegated to "the ultimate resort, to rebellion" digital.
5) your answer to the question about you or the cluster position was not clear to say: "FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE THE GOOD OF SAMANA, favors, Condon CONDEMN, we fight."
I really could not understand your statement. Who are those who believe in the good of Samaná, which claim or those who are silent? It would be good to clarify what he says. Apart from this, There are many people who love to Samaná and many national and foreigners who have made and continue to make exemplary contributions to the well being of Las Terrenas and the Province.
Although you seem to infer that I have not shown signs of my desire of good to Samaná and, on the contrary, I seek your injury, it remains to say that I respect your opinion, I accept it as such, do not share and just I just say that my actions to date may say more than my words. Only I encourage you to learn better and accused of seeking the damage is a serious charge. The negative opinions that we do not have to lead to the demonization of my person or my intentions. You must know better than to be relegated to demagoguery. I think many of his friends (including some lawyers) could advise a better understanding.
6) my method of making the complaint will result in loss of investment, sightseeing tours and bad publicity.
Mr. Hurtado, I think you should know that it will be very difficult to know how much damage or how far Samaná as a tourist destination could get hurt by these allegations. The tourists are going to Punta Cana and other destinations that you yourself identified as places where disaster occurred the same as what happened in Portillo and other places where complaints also occurred. In fact, if the complaint results in permanent changes then the short, medium and long term Samaná will benefit because in the long term future of Samaná is closely linked to natural resources and his image as a destination for "green" and not a Punta Cana more. As you know the tourist market is evolving and Samaná will benefit from more tourists to respect the environment and require that the leading hotel and related services do the same. This type of tourist repeats and positively impacts the community more permanently.
And finally, who said that here we want other Punta Cana? Here we want something different and if the Piñero Group relies on what happened in Punta Cana to continue repeating the same disaster then this fight is barely starting and I'm not / I will be alone.
7) I am searching for a role that would not otherwise.
You understand that this declaration, you entered the area of \u200b\u200bpersonal outrage, never know me personally and clearly demagoguery can not be defined in any other way but malicious. Now my turn to say, Who knows what dark forces will motivate you, perhaps in response to pressure from forces that only you know? Who encouraged, Mr. Howard, in this personal attack, trying to distort what I am doing? Will you think I have political aspirations, or economic, or personal? Will this be the reason behind my "role"? Is it that you mean I'm an egomaniac who seek personal aggrandizement? How far will you come over to demonize and / or attempt to discredit me?
of our common friends I can only say that very little that you know contains nothing negative, I had only heard good things, so I would not say anything negative about him. Obviously, you know much more about me than I supposed, so dare you accuse me of called "leadership."
Note that my complaint has been based on three things: a) protection of the environment, b) human dignity across health conditions and working conditions and ethical, and c) the danger of negative precedents. If you visit the website of the Foundation chair ( http://fundacionmahatmagandhi.com/ ), my personal blog http://terrenero.blogspot.com/ and other parts of this blog you will discover the same issues of equality, respect, human dignity and, above all, improve the quality of life. My beliefs have been consistent and shown in the case of this complaint. Now in the limelight or accuse of wanting to hurt not only a fallacy but an accusation that does not honor its leading position in tourism and trade. If that is the best thing you can offer, what other hope remain?
Finally, you understand, advocacy for the environment ("advocacy") as I started does anyone happy, tend to create enemies and polarize opinions. It is the nature of such activities. I am not unaware of such consequences, as I said in my first public statement on the Cluster. There are already expressions about me that not only incriminating and demeaning, but also dangerous. Similarly, there have been many messages in a variety of language support and understanding. I invite you to have a dialogue without unreasonable or demeaning statements.
If desired, reunámanos in person, but, more importantly,
- to take your group to further define - with clarity and fairness - what is the future that you want to see in Las Terrenas in the province.
b- I encourage you to clearly and publicly reject what the Piñero Group has in Samaná (which is undeniable in its environmental consequences, health and labor) and what other networks have done in other places (according to their own statement).
c-tourism helped bring a progressive, decent, sustainable and that protects people and the environment.
d- Samaná deserves to be the most complete tourist destination in the country and area, without sacrificing its people and its natural resources and, above all, with justice and equity. Expect less is prostituting what should be the paramount responsibility of every business honest and progressive, just and sustainable economic progress for as many people as possible.
José Bourget
ENTRY 10
Saturday, December 23, Conclusion Mr. Hurtado
GARY HURTADO Heins wrote:
For my part I terminated the conversation that will not change his mind or'll change mine and I do not add anything else, just ask to channel their complaints without affecting the image of Samana and the same strength, using it in future issues that contribute to a development goal.
Merry Christmas and happy year 2007
My Answer:
Mr. Hurtado:
understand their views. Thank you for responding as he did and have maintained a dialogue at recent days. I regret to desist from it and has not accepted a personal conversation, and also leaves many important issues on the table, including the personal accusations against me.
I remember that as you pursue the best possible results both as an individual, business person or organizational leader, likewise others pursue similar objectives, including the good of Samaná. Nobody has a monopoly on such purposes, neither you nor the Cluster, nor I, nor any other organization known. I have used my energy towards the end of improvement and continue to use for the same purposes without you having to encourage me to do, but thanks for your excellent desires. I promise I will.
the end of your previous post you asked what I look or what to expect results. I would like to respond briefly and thus part with greater clarity on this point:
In the best of my ability, I look
1) to Samana to become the most comprehensive destination country and area;
2 ) to reach that goal without leaving a full dedication to environmental protection and human dignity, because I believe that full and balanced relationship between these two areas produce more permanent and sustainable results;
3) to agents and managers, public and private, individual and collective, to take pro-active manner and organizational ethical principles that reflect its commitment to the environment and human dignity;
4) not follow the procedures of other sites (such as Punta Cana) on the contrary, that the province will become a unique destination, unique, "green," diverse, artistic, craft, cooking, sports, adventure, historical, cultural, musical and large hotels, but mostly for small hotels;
5) that actions like those of the CIA Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts are not with impunity and are prevented for the future, in smaller or larger scale. The magnitude and impact of their actions is what has made a disastrous precedent activities. Already you have seen yourself has relied on Punta Cana to excuse your company; the same way others that come in the future will use the excuse of the Bahia Principe in Samana to defend actions equally disastrous. That can not be allowed. The company made serious mistakes in the environmental, health, and in terms of work ethic, which must recognize and voluntarily respond to them appropriately . If it does not voluntarily try other ways. But I tell you something else, the government is as guilty as the company, so I'm not exempting other actors, which will come to light when meritorious
6) finally, seek to require the government and local authorities to carry out faithfully their duties and expectations of the law, because no one should be above the common good and it must be defined by the community and its parts, not by particular sectors, related or not tourist business.
I hope the above is the answer he wanted. José Bourget
