19th & 20th what to expect?

I know that the topic of huelgas (sp?) was discussed recently on the board. I wanted to know what preparations other expats are taking this year? Last summer I remember the burning tires that closed the major roads, but I have been told that this year there will be a heavy police presence. Will this make things better or worse? My local business contacts have recommended that I stock up on groceries tomorrow and that I avoid leaving the house (barrio Las Mercedes, Pto Plata).

I would like to know the same thing since I am planning to travel to Santo Domingo tomorrow. I live in Bavaro Punta Cana and things are just quiet over here.

John

Wait a minute! I'm in Santo Domingo (first June here) and I have no idea why I should plan to stay in tues and weds. What's the deal?

best advice is listen to the neighbors.stocking up on supply and carefully checking up on tuesday what's happening.
anybody needs to leave on long distance on monday try to be back the same day or cancel the trip for a later time.otherwise you may be stuck in the area where you visit.

Most likely, there will be a huge military and police presence on all the major throughfares starting Monday night. They will let the huelgistas burn a few tires on some side streets and close down a few areas. Some people stay home and most areas and towns pretty much go about their daily activities. By Tuesday afternoon people will start driving and opening some businesses where the strike was successful. Probably by Tuesday night the strike will be called off. If not by Wednesday afternoon all will be back to normal. People tell me that the organizers of the strikes eventually get paid off to call it off and who knows, they might get their money by Monday night and it could be called off all together. Just my experience living through strikes before.

I have a feeling this strike will end up being a bluff or it will fail to materialize into anything big. Although the patience of the people are at a boiling point with this government and the abuses committed by Edesur and Edenorte and Codetel are the most outrageous things that Dominicans have experienced in a long time, the people are still too calm, confused and anesthesized by Hipolitos speech and promises.

I just do not feel the anger yet exploding. Maybe the Huelgistas are calling their shots too early and may lose the opportunity to strike a blow later on, when the government will hit the people harder with more taxes. Besides, the summer heat is not at its best yet for hot heads. Who knows? they may surprise us with lots of trouble, but I am betting on the Police and the Government to win this round.