Balaguer's attempts to lease out Saona Island

[George Holmes]

According to Frank Moya Pons' book, in 1972 Balaguer negotiated a 99 year lease to a foreign company for Saona Island, but the contract was rescinded in the face of opposition from other Dominican politicians.

Can anyone tell me about any details of this - which was the company, who were the opposition?

This is linked to some research I am doing into general opposition to foreign firms or organisations owning or controlling parts of the DR territory.

[GringoCArlos]

The things you refer to, I have seen refer to 1971, and labor groups protested and led to the cancellation of the purported lease. I have not been able to google up anything more, either in English or in Spanish.

I have also seen another reference to Balaguer attempting to lease Saona Island to a "French designer group" in the 90's.

This island now is included in a National Park. I think any resistance to foreign investment of this type are due to the thought of foreigners coming in and destroying what few natural areas are left. There have been many attempts, such as in the protected areas around Pedernales and Bayahibe. Corrupt dominican ministers accept money to grease the wheels or to make their own contracts on "behalf" of the government, and things start up, until it lands on the front page of the newspapers.

[GringoCArlos]

Also found this item:

Translated version of http://belitours.com/blog/?s=secretaria+de+turismo