New Juan Dolio Progress

[DrChrisHE]

Originally Posted by Fernandez

so.... if you all agree there is a serious problem, and that this problem has a variety of serious negative effects that impact your lives, how do you plan to resolve these- what actions are you all prepared to take - writing about it is a nice release, but unless you act, I don't see the point.

What writing does is it KEEPS these issues on the forefront of where potential buyers (or the media) MIGHT be looking for desirability qualities and other issues with the area. Additionally, having both aware and/or educated residents and visitors articulately post their complaints is not just a mere BS session, but rather a documentation process of when, how bad and how much effort has been put into this in terms of "using our words" (as opposed to civil protests, sit-ins, public disturbance demonstrations & violence against property and persons-- which HAVE long history of being used very successfully in several of the US States & countries I've lived in.) Prior to embarking on what could potentially become face to face confrontation, social change motivators usually take the path of INFORMING both the proponents and opponents on a particular topic (as to WHY it is important, potential remedies, etc.) This is what I have done and will continue to do so. IF the situation does not improve several of us are willing to go to the next step of posting the conditions--the more balanced perspective than distance arial shots or artistic renditions or photoshopped pix with the potholes taken out.

As I have 3 boys at home, volunteer many hours at the orphanage health clinic, have recently undergone two major surgeries, and am still perfecting my own Spanish I CHOOSE to use writing as my activist outlet NOT to make myself feel better but for the reasons listed above. As soon as my last surgical wound is closed I have promised several people (who have PM'd me --more are welcome) to come on a PUBLIC HEALTH & HAZARD TOUR of Juan Dolio. Many are interested in this and I suspect once they see and are educated as to why these are such important issues, they will join forces to take more proactive and aggressive steps toward remedying this problem.

Planning and leadership do not happen by accident, but they also don't require someone with multiple advanced degrees to undertake them. However, the fact that I do have an BA in Urban Planning (and one in Visual Arts, Media and Communications), plus my MPH in Behavioral Science & Health Education (along with my doc of Public Health)...HELPS me to synthesize the information available, what I have witnessed and potentially motivate and outline solutions. Again, I do not post on this issue out of vindictiveness or bitterness, rather in the desire to IMPROVE the situation in Juan Dolio (and the DR in general).
Paz y salud
DrChrisHE

[mikey007]

well said dr information and education is priceless the connivers dont like this type of dialogue and exchange of information cause it sheds light on the potential scams fraud and deceit

[Fernandez]

I agree with all - however, I can only stress my point that without an influential, inclusive and independent group focused on implementing positive changes from within, the conversation on the site is positive, and limited to that- conversation.
To repair, and provide positive influence in the zone, an independent and well constructed citizen council is needed.
That all.

[Dre Broeders]

The mayor is a fisherman.

[DrChrisHE]

Well...as one of my favorite quotes goes...
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does”
Margaret Mead quotes
(American anthropologist whose great fame owed as much to the force of her personality and her outspokenness as it did to the quality of her scientific work, 1901-1978)

IT HAS TO START SOMEWHERE SO WHY NOT HERE ON DR1?

Originally Posted by Fernandez

I agree with all - however, I can only stress my point that without an influential, inclusive and independent group focused on implementing positive changes from within, the conversation on the site is positive, and limited to that- conversation.
To repair, and provide positive influence in the zone, an independent and well constructed citizen council is needed.
That all.

[Fernandez]

Fine- this should be organized from the start in a professional manner- seriously interested to meet, get to know each other, the major issues and points of discussion, and establish a memo of understanding that can be worked upon and lead to a memorandum of association- a formal registration of entity- and submission of application to the Association Guayacanes/Juan Dolio for a meeting to discuss points, clarification of major issues, and eventual follow up/ meetings and access to future projected meetings as well.
Also, publish the creation of this entity in a Public Forum, seek a legal entity non-profit entity status, and start from there.