THE DISCOVERED PARADISE

 It seems that the so well kept secret about, from my point of view, the most beautful region of Dominican Republic is keeping awake quickly. The Samana Peninsula is in the front sight of investors from different countries. During the last two weeks I have received several telephone calls and e mails from France, Spain and the United States, asking for information on properties of up to 1.000.000 square meters. The flights that land at El Portillo airport are not anymore arriving just with tourists in search of the beauty of the place, or looking for a second residence... last sunday, while waiting for some friends, the scenario reminded me what I used to find in my previous job where I was very often taking the Barcelona-Madrid “Puente Aereo” ; businessmen with laptop and non stop cellular phone conversations in several languages..., private flights with small planes or helicopter to be able to see from the sky the potential of their future projects or how the airport, highway and golf works are progressing... the only difference was that instead of wearing suits the look was totally casual.

 Are these good news?

 I would say yes if the development is planified. I would say yes if everybody works together so this Paradise called Samana can continue beeing the idyllic place that we like so much, instead of becoming another Caribbean resort community plenty of huge (all inclusive) offer that has been destroyed from lack of planning and care for its natural beauty.

 Fortunatley, there are persons and organizations that are already working on that direction. Some weeks ago I received with happiness a request from a couple working at Vermont University who is seeking projects that they would support involving eco-tourism and economic development of communities and/or regions. They also discovered Samaná and the projects going on here and wanted to contribute. Inmediately I connected them with CEBSE, Centro para la Conservación y Ecodesarrollo de la Bahía de Samaná y su Entorno, Inc.

 I am sure that, all together, we will be keeping this place as a permanent Eden, as all ingredients are there; the white sand wild beaches more tempting of the country, a terrific huge range of sea colors, great hills, natural parks, ... and, what is the most important for me, the soul and happiness of the people.
Tami Escola (info@zen-village.com)
January 2005

 Complex under construction, Samaná November 25 2004 more pictures here.

Samaná Peninsula hardest hit by Jeanne!

   On September 16 2004 Hurricane Jeanne started unleashing her power, battering the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic, with winds of up to 100km/hr. Combined with heavy rains the region suffered great losses. Three people have died, the majority of houses in the region are damaged to some extent, and there is also heavy damage to the agricultural sector.
This is as of September 19, 2004.

  Most hotels in the region are closed, due to lack of power and general damages to the infrastructure.  Land phone lines are out at this time.
People have started rebuilding and are trying to bring some normality to their day to day life. Overall damages are in the millions of dollars, and it will take time before life in this province will return to the way it once was.
   Your friends and relatives in Samana region, count on your support and generosity in these hard times. The Dominican government announced that food and shelter would be provided immediately for the people affected by this hurricane.   September 20 2004

Pictures courtesy of www.diariolibre.com