Trash solution for Cabarete and Sosua

[Lambada]

Originally Posted by Ringo

Just talked to Garry is AM. The Mayor, after much discussion with Garry, has appointed Garry and grants him the authority and power to handle enviornmental issues is Sosua.

Excellent! Many congratulations, Garry.

[tflea]

I can say that his education is there, as he has given many courses on environmental issues. He works for INFOTEP most of the time, has good knowledge of botanical, environmental, flora, fauna, marine issues and I think has good intentions. He volunteers with Defensa Civil during heavy holiday beach traffic around Sosua. He is a personable guy. He has a long-standing relationship with Sosua's current mayor Vladimir. However............a Phd. sort of person he is not.
Knowledgeable yes, well intentioned, yes, Sosua resident, yes, aplatanado, yes.
the last part says a lot. He has already been Vladimir's go-to guy on environmental issues for a while now. I don't know what he's been named 'officially' or 'extra-officially'. He sells organic coffee and organic fertilizer also. I know he's helped me get flamboyans and amapolas procured and planted along the highway from the Air Force Base to La Union that will come to fruition in a few years (you gotta start somewhere).
I know he uses his personal boat to fish leisurely and also patrol when needed if you buy his gas. I've seen his plans for educational purposes, as well as a vivero/technical training school in Sosua that would be excellent if ever funded, as well as cleaning up the River Camu and the like. That's all I can tell you.

As for the guys with EnviroCare and their trash containers, OK, good idea, but a bit on the expensive side, but nobody said a clean beach would be cheap. Felucho's projects cost a whole lot more with a lot less results!! Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink, comes to mind.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by tflea

I can say that his education is there, as he has given many courses on environmental issues. He works for INFOTEP most of the time, has good knowledge of botanical, environmental, flora, fauna, marine issues and I think has good intentions. He volunteers with Defensa Civil during heavy holiday beach traffic around Sosua. He is a personable guy. He has a long-standing relationship with Sosua's current mayor Vladimir. However............a Phd. sort of person he is not.
Knowledgeable yes, well intentioned, yes, Sosua resident, yes, aplatanado, yes.
the last part says a lot. He has already been Vladimir's go-to guy on environmental issues for a while now. I don't know what he's been named 'officially' or 'extra-officially'. He sells organic coffee and organic fertilizer also. I know he's helped me get flamboyans and amapolas procured and planted along the highway from the Air Force Base to La Union that will come to fruition in a few years (you gotta start somewhere).
I know he uses his personal boat to fish leisurely and also patrol when needed if you buy his gas. I've seen his plans for educational purposes, as well as a vivero/technical training school in Sosua that would be excellent if ever funded, as well as cleaning up the River Camu and the like. That's all I can tell you.

As for the guys with EnviroCare and their trash containers, OK, good idea, but a bit on the expensive side, but nobody said a clean beach would be cheap. Felucho's projects cost a whole lot more with a lot less results!! Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink, comes to mind.

Thanks for taking the time to be so elaborate, lil' flea.
I would have to say that with the high recommendations both from Ringo & Tflea, I feel confident in giving funds to Gary and his project.
Has anyone decided to lead the charge to collect some funds in the name of DR1ers?
I know we have been burned in the past before by some less than ethical persons, but this is clearly not the case with Gary.
If nobody has the time to spare, and I'm trrying to avoid the job myself, I could suggest the following.
Rocky's being such an ideal drop off point, for it's central location and the long hours we are open.
Maybe Milka, who works here as manager/administrator/accountant, honest as the day is long, could handle it, and keep tight books to satisfy anyone who might want to examine them.
I would have to ask her of course, but she is capable.
Before signing out, are you in a position to handle it, Ringo?

[Ringo]

I do not wish to speak for Garry or give false information. Just try to pass on what I believe to be some of the truth as I understand it.

No offense to DR1; but I do not think that Garry reads these forums.

Garry told me that he took the position with the clear understanding, with the Mayor, that politics and outside presure (pay offs) could not interfer with his programs. Garry and the Mayor, as I have stated above, have had many conversations concerning "issues". It is good that they have come to an understanding.

I would guess that Garry will need some time to organize himself that put together his staff. I believe he will have an office in the town hall. I do not know what city funding is available, if any. I do not know what the priority list is or how it will be implimented. Are there "rules and regulations" in place? Having experience is one thing, working within a government is another. I will try to meet with Garry and see what he needs help with.

It is a little early to start a "charge" when you don't know what direction to go. But to rally the troops is a good start.

I, myself, try to stay in the background. Rocky, I know that you have done a lot for others and the community and I can understand being a little "burned out". I will pass on your good wishes and offers.

btw; Garrys' book keeper, and long time friend, was murdered last week, (mother and other family members stabbed also) by her uncle that had just been deported from the U.S. (drugs) I don't have all the details.

Regards, Ringo

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by Ringo

I do not wish to speak for Garry or give false information. Just try to pass on what I believe to be some of the truth as I understand it.

No offense to DR1; but I do not think that Garry reads these forums.

Garry told me that he took the position with the clear understanding, with the Mayor, that politics and outside presure (pay offs) could not interfer with his programs. Garry and the Mayor, as I have stated above, have had many conversations concerning "issues". It is good that they have come to an understanding.

I would guess that Garry will need some time to organize himself that put together his staff. I believe he will have an office in the town hall. I do not know what city funding is available, if any. I do not know what the priority list is or how it will be implimented. Are there "rules and regulations" in place? Having experience is one thing, working within a government is another. I will try to meet with Garry and see what he needs help with.

It is a little early to start a "charge" when you don't know what direction to go. But to rally the troops is a good start.

I, myself, try to stay in the background. Rocky, I know that you have done a lot for others and the community and I can understand being a little "burned out". I will pass on your good wishes and offers.

btw; Garrys' book keeper, and long time friend, was murdered last week, (mother and other family members stabbed also) by her uncle that had just been deported from the U.S. (drugs) I don't have all the details.

Regards, Ringo

Hey Ringo,
Thanks for explaiinig it so well.
I see now that I've been mispelling Garry's name.
Sorry about that and to hear about his fiend.
Probably my gung ho instincts had me assuming some things, and we all know what happens when one assumes.
Is it safe to say that if Garry needs our help, he will ask for it?
Regards.

[Ringo]

Garry is not the type that self promotes and is shy about asking for help. I will try to help him help himself to help all.

Thanks. Ringo

[tflea]

I've never had business with the guy, nor did I read the whole thread here.
But like I said, he seems to be well intentioned. I'm not vouching for him as I haven't known him long enough or well enough. This is my disclaimer, of sorts.
If anyone is giving money to a project it is at one's own risk and assessment.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by tflea

I've never had business with the guy, nor did I read the whole thread here.
But like I said, he seems to be well intentioned. I'm not vouching for him as I haven't known him long enough or well enough. This is my disclaimer, of sorts.
If anyone is giving money to a project it is at one's own risk and assessment.

Fair enough.
Nevertheless, your info was very useful and it appears that Garry is not even asking for our help.
Like I said, my gung ho attitude.......
I do understand about the disclaimer.
Look what happened to us with snotty.

[Ringo]

tflea,

I agree.

As I wrote in an earlier post, it is difficult to know who to trust. I have known Garry for only about 1 year and as an "occasional friend". I have rented to him and he has painted a large cieling, as an artist, for me. I have met some of his supporters/co-workers that I liked. I have also met others that Garry, for many years, has helped.

Now, for my disclaimer.... I am a fairly good judge of people, but have still "lost" to some very good con-artists. As Rocky and others have pointed out; if money is needed and/or raised, a system of accountablility is a MUST. At least from my point of view. Nothing can kill a project faster or ruin a persons reputation then "lost money".

Regards, Ringo

[Rocky]

Sounds like we have it straight now, and I thank you guys and Lambada for posting the link in the first place.
Now we have nothing more to do but wait, and see if he requires our assistance, and take it from there.