After Noel Relief Work

[John D Pagan]

Hi All
On Nov. 12-14 2007, we witnessed first hand the devestation and destruction that Noel brought to these people out side of Barahona between bani. The report from many ministry in that area have told us that most of the relief containers are getting stopped by the government and are not being handed out to the people! Our church has an ongoing ministry in DR and we are working together to personallyhelp out with the relief efforts. We are returning to DR Dec. 1-4, 2007. We pray that the Government helps many of there people out by the time we get back. I'll try to post some pictures. When I find out how to do it.

[pyratt]

I was in contact with government people in the DR immediately after TS Noel and attempted to get 130,000 MREs, 5000 (65 gallon) water storage bladders with a complimenting water treatment delivered to the DR.

My Dominican contacts in the DR met with INAPA (?) multiple Generals, Lieutenants, Colonels in the "emergency preparedness department" as well as people at the Health Department. Four weeks later, millions of DOLLARS (U.S.) as well as millions more $$$ donated from around the world and NO DECESION as to whether or not the government was "interested" in getting these products brought in.....at one point, we were told the people we getting OATMEAL and RICE delivered to the affected areas...yet CLEAN WATER was and IS still an issue..(so how do you cook oatmeal and rice).......last word was they chose to use some donated water purification products and meals (5000 of each) and that was the final choice made.

It's nice to see El Presidente cancel the holiday parties this year (yet not the gift baskets)...Also glad to see he can put his hand out (like the children in the streets) and claim poverty to the rest of the world and then KEEP IT.....most likely to go buy AIRPLANES for supposed drug interdiction....where's the EMERGENCY money? Where's the donated goods? Where's the help for the people who really need it?

[Ladybird]

Absolutely right, I have been asking the same questions, every flooded area Ive been into has received no help whatsoever and lovely Karen and Dr Bobs supply shed has emptied just about when I loaded up my car the last time. MR PRESIDENT, has the glue you sealed your safe up with stuck your hand in your pocket? You find the money to pay the inspectors that are still going round the barrios cutting off the poor peoples electric and water because they cant pay. Yet you have received millions of dollars to help them from international aid agencies.

I get so angry at these greedy greedy people, the only consolation is St. Peter is good at slamming the pearly gates. Thats when the poor will find their wealth.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by John D Pagan

Our church has an ongoing ministry in DR and we are working together to personallyhelp out with the relief efforts. We are returning to DR Dec. 1-4, 2007..

The question begs to be asked.
Why would any church member choose a DR1 name like John D Pagan?
How can you be a pagan and a church member at the same time?

[Kateinyork]

Originally Posted by Rocky

The question begs to be asked.
Why would any church member choose a DR1 name like John D Pagan?
How can you be a pagan and a church member at the same time?

Well spotted Rocky! So what's that all about?

[John D Pagan]

Originally Posted by Kateinyork

Well spotted Rocky! So what's that all about?

Pagan is my last name not how I live, I'm born again. Don't jugde a name, help a need.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by John D Pagan

Pagan is my last name not how I live, I'm born again. Don't jugde a name, help a need.

What are the odds of that?
You have to admit that it's an unusual coincidence.
Best of luck to you in your project.

[John D Pagan]

Originally Posted by Rocky

The question begs to be asked.
Why would any church member choose a DR1 name like John D Pagan?
How can you be a pagan and a church member at the same time?

That my name not my way of life, I'm born again. Did they fine you under a rock or hit you with one

[Marilyn]

Pagan is a very common last name in DR, so let's trust the name has no bearing on his beliefs.

I have visited the shelters and spoken with people directly and donated the goods directly to the affected people, they all claimed not to have received anything and seeing donations come in the front door and out the back door. Of course, you can't believe what they say 100% but I am sure that not even 50% of the help has reached the needed. I have heard rumors of people stashing appliances such as stoves and refrigerators from donations and selling them way below market price for their own benefit. As Ladybird said, St. Peter will be very busy shutting down doors.

[Chip]

Welcome to the DR and it's "me" beaurocracy. What we need to do is organize NG people on the ground. I am out of the country but live in Santiago and would be glad to help if I can. The problem is that the Dom. officials typically are used to having their palms greased when things are imported into this country. Therefore, to them all of these imported goods are a "loss" of income in their eyes. How do they justify that donated goods should be charged? - typically, they will say the poor people will simply sell the items instead of using them and therefore a "tax" should be paid.

You really need to make contact with a well established mission in the DR, or even partner with the Catholic Church ministries. I will be back on the 8th and feel free to contact me.