Riots in Sosua

[loosehead]

Just read in debbiesdominican forum about riots in Sosua after a shooting of an attorney by police. Also people have apparently been throwing rocks at tour buses etc, The author recommends not going there at the moment. Confirmation would be appreciated.

[sunny]

I just read that too and I tried to contact Colleen on MSN to see if they are okay but she is set to "away" and hasn't replied yet.

[sosuatan]

hope all our friends there are ok!!!if anyone has more info please post i have some friends due to arrive in sosua fri dec1st and have never been there before.hate to have them stumble into that, take care all Brenda

[Sosua Gal]

Hello all!
We would like to set everyobe straight on the political goings on. Whoever wrote that thread on Debbies, I will be going on to say my piece...
Yes a D. A. (here known as a Fiscal) was murdered. Facts are forthcoming, but as far as we know he was shady, and also had trouble with the Drug Squad...which is who we hear murdered him.
There was a peaceful demonstration through town on friday with Dominicans holding placards asking for justice. Since then there have been isolated riots in Sosua ABAJO (not SOSUA) and Los Charamicos...they are right by the highway to the airport, so rocks have been thrown at some cars and buses.
It will all be over soon- hopefully tomorrow when everyrone has to go back to work!
If not, rest assured these political riots are not aimed at tourists or ex-pats living here and we are safe and fine.
Sosua and Cabarete and Puerto Plata have not been affected in any way.

[sosuatan]

glad to hear all is ok and that everything will be dying down shortly, Brenda

[coppersun2001]

Glad to hear things are ok with all there, stay safe and your right these things tend to spark debate but end as quickly as they start.

[Sosua Gal]

Thanks for your support and will keep you updated as necessary!
Kisses and hugs to all!

[arik2]

This is a copy of my first post on Debbie's Dominican Travel Forum:

"The situation is serious to be sure. However, it is important that cooler heads prevail. It appears there are large discrepancies between those who live and work in the El Batey area of Sosua and those who are getting their information second or third hand. I am inclined to consider the observations of Colleen and Rocky who have front row seats. I have every confidence that neither of them would put business interests over the safety of themselves or those visiting the area. It is rather demeaning to suggest business comes first. Crime, regrettably to be sure, is a fact of life no matter where you live. In no way do I get the impression that the situation is being looked at through rose coloured glasses - I think the facts are known by those who live in Sosua. Comments about brutal attacks on foreigners is pure grandstanding and smacks of scare mongering. The next few days will be most interesting and I have every confidence that despite turmoil and unrest, life will go on. To those who are/were planning on a visit to the beautiful Dominican Republic please continue on with your plans."

My second post is as follows:

"I couldn't agree more with BobfromCanada's comments or, for that matter, Wud's. I checked with the Canadian Consulate and there are no travel warnings issued for the DR other than the usual precautionary ones. I don't believe for one minute that Colleen considers the situation 'harmless'. Despite the fact domrep has lived in Sosua for 14 years, I think he has creatively crafted opinions that dramatize the situation. Albiet serious, it doesn't need embellishing!"

I, for one, will not be cancelling my travel plans and intend to be in Sosua on December 14th come Hell or high water. Keep up the good work, Colleen - we all appreciate your efforts in keeping us informed as to what is going on in your neighbourhood.

[alanread]

No need to bring hard hats and body armour in luggage next week then !!

[Sosua Gal]

Alan and Jackie- NOPE!