SOCL 1127 - The Global Classroom

Dennis Sengsavang 410 3543

April 17, 2017
Reflective Written Report

Aside from the Dominican Republic being a picturesque travel destination for
many tourist around the world, we can observe many localized issues that need to
be acknowledged. Corruption is present within the government and political
infrastructure, making it difficult for the lower-middle classes to prosper. The current
President Danilo MEDINA Sanchez, now serving his second-term has mixed emotions
from the Dominican people.
The island has hosted many conquers and has seen many uprising due to war and
territorial disputes. Aboriginals existed prior to the settling of Europeans. The native
Tainos were inhabited by the French, as Christopher Columbus introduced Spaniards
to the island closely afterwards. The Spanish brought African slaves over which in
turn, made the island more diverse.
With a population of 10,606,865 as of July 2016, we observe a local problem
against Haitis and the Dominican Republic. The people of the Dominican Republic
claimed independence from Haiti on February 27, 1944 and currently have dispute
over differences. The Dominican Republic recognizes Haitians refugees stateless as
a September 2013 Constitutional Court ruling revoked the citizenship of those born
after 1929 to immigrants without proper documentation, even though the
constitution at the time automatically granted citizenship to children born in the
Dominican Republic and the 2010 constitution provides that constitutional
provisions cannot be applied retroactively (CIA, 2016). As of 2015, there were a
documented 133,770 stateless individuals within Dominican legislation.
The poverty rate in the Dominican is high due to non-educated youth and low
job opportunities. The service industry has become the main income for the
economy. As of August 2016, Active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes
species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (CIA, 2016), causing fear for
travel to the island. Within Central America and the Caribbean, we see the most
growth in infrastructures and exports from the Dominican Republic.
I have found myself torn between the natural beauty and romantic
environment the Dominican brings, but also see the necessity to advance. As
tourism and agriculture become top priority for income, we must remember
sustainable preservation. Land has been demolished and used for tourist attractions
to generate financial income. This business transaction is typical of depleting
resources for person gain and do not have conservation as priority.
The public education system is obsolete and is a concern nation-wide. A
recorded 95% of documented citizens were Roman Catholic and plays a great
influence. A communal society that understands raising a child is priority makes for
a flourishing community. With 2.1% of the GDP going towards the education system,
we observe a lot of private schools and applications to exchange programs.
Careers are difficult to obtain as education is not easily accessible. With an
unemployment rate of 31.4% for the ages of 15-24, we see a rise in criminal activity
and stagnant youth. Current observations show a generation of youth willing to stay
local and assist with the prosperity of their homeland. The United States
Department of Agriculture forecasted for 2016 and 2017 a global coffee production
to be 3.7 million 60kg bags. Central America and the Dominican Republic Account
for over 15 percent of the worlds Arabica production, and coffee rust continues to
hamper output for most of these countries (USDA, 2016). Hemileia vastatrix also
known as coffee rust has been a devastating fungus that has affected the
Dominican Republic.
SOCL 1127 - The Global Classroom
Dennis Sengsavang 410 3543
April 17, 2017
Coffee, Sugarcane and rice and three staples being cultivated and exported
from the Dominican Republic. As the older generation retire from their careers, the
youth seem to have no interest in the farming life style. Most youth seek positions
and careers that will allow high financial gain, making the service industry to tourist
tempting. As the coffee leaf rust, devastated crops that were sustainable to the
fungi, we observe a movement away from agriculture and farming.
An effort from Milton Martinez, professor at the Santo Domingo University for
the preservation of native land for native agricultural use. Educating individuals on
the potential of permaculture is important for the sustainability of the land.
Introduction of a variety of new crops is vital to the economy of the island. As
tourism is top priority, we see a change of perspective on how to cater to this
economical boom. Growing crops that North Americans and Europeans are
comfortable with will draw in more income from tourism and foreign investors.
Crime seems to always be present when there is a high level of poverty and
unemployment. As drug trafficking is a quick job for kids as of May 30, 1988, the
Dominican Congress approved Law 50-88 dealing with narcotic drugs. It has been
diligently enforced since its passage. Under this law, the possession of any quantity
of marijuana (even with a U.S. prescription), cocaine, hallucinogens, barbiturates,
amphetamines, or other narcotic drugs is a punishable offense (OSAC, 2016).
Understandably there is no other options for individuals and if people are willing to
purchase, a vicious circle in enviable. Corruption needs to be handled internally
before any process can occur.
I truly believe the citizens of Dominican Republic have the best interest for
their economy and culture. Public investments within Latin America and the
Caribbean has A slightly positive overall trend in the regions public education
spending over the past decade (rising from an average of about4.5% of GDP
to5.0%), yet without a significant increase in the priority given to education within
public spending (UNESCO, 2014). Locals seek for different opportunities that would
be beneficial to their success. An increase in trades schools has given students an
opportunity to learn a transferable skill.
The International Field Study offered through Niagara College has been a
realistic approach to diverse learning conditions. Understanding the people, culture
and overall environment of the island has helped me become a humbler savvy
individuals. Getting to indulge in the island culture has been a great experience and
has taught me how to deal with international development, poverty and their par
educational system. I will thrive to raise awareness about the current issues on the
island and aim to better their economy.
SOCL 1127 - The Global Classroom
Dennis Sengsavang 410 3543
April 17, 2017
Muscat, O. (2014, April 9). Regional Report about Education for all in Latin
America and the Caribbean. Retrieved March & april, 2017, from
http://www.unesco.org/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/ED/ED_new/pdf/LAC-GEM-
2014-ENG.pdf

Dominican Republic 2016 Crime & Safety Report. (2016, April 20). Retrieved
March 16, 2017, from
https://www.osac.gov/pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=19532

The World Factbook: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. (2017, January 12). Retrieved

March 16, 2017, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-
factbook/geos/dr.html

USDA. (2016, December). Coffee: World Markets and Trade. Retrieved March
18, 2017, from https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/coffee.pdf