Punta Bergatín project in Puerto Plata foresees the creation of 83 thousand jobs

The presentation of the Punta Bergantin de Puerto Plata master plan, which calls for the creation of 83,250 jobs, was led by President Luis Abinader and Minister of Tourism David Collado. The project, which is part of the second stage of the Dominican Republic’s northern zone relaunch, focuses on hotel, real estate, cinematographic, and innovation development in Puerto Plata. Regarding this goal, the President stated that companies have already committed to establishing innovation centers in the area and that they are in talks with some hotel brands with a strong position in the North American market, one of the target audiences for the north coast.

Immediately following the presentation of the master plan, the president held a private meeting with investors interested in the project, including several Dominican Republic private developers, such as Alvaro Peña, president of the CODELPA group, as well as representatives of the North American franchise of hotels, Planet Hollywood, operated by the Sunwing group. The president emphasized that along with the cinematographic axis  “this project as a truly special one for the entire region.”

Similarly, he stated that the project has an appropriate design that respects the environment, ensures an excellent quality of life in the real estate sector, and provides good enjoyment for tourists in the hotel sector.

Abinader leads the inaugural act of different works in Santiago

President Luis Abinader presided over the delivery ceremonies for several infrastructure projects, including the remodeled Joaquin Balaguer highway, bridges, asphalting, sidewalk, and curb construction in various communities and neighborhoods. The works are overseen by the Ministry of Public Works and Communications, and the total investment exceeds 978 million pesos, with the Santiago de Los Caballeros-Navarrete highway accounting for 497 million pesos. Deligne Ascención, the Minister of Public Works who accompanied the president during these activities, stated that the symbolic cutting of the ribbon that leaves the Joaquin Balaguer highway inaugurated in the section of the Duarte highway between the city of Santiago and the municipality of Navarrete “has a special meaning and is part of the investment plan we carry out to improve traffic and road connections throughout the region.”

He stated that the set of investments made by the government through the MOPC has been dubbed the “Ciudad Corazón Urban Accessibility Plan,” and is aimed at facilitating integration between the city’s traditional and residential neighborhoods and the municipalities’ expanding areas. “This section of the old highway, over the years, has become an avenue with multiple businesses and industries that make it a highly trafficked road. They had turned it into a dangerous and tedious highway due to the deterioration of the pavement, the lack of signage, and the insecurity with which it was discovered,” explained Ascención.

He stated that the remodeling will now allow for a more comfortable and safe route for travelers heading to Navarrete in the Northwest region, as well as an improvement in the connection with the highway leading to the city of Puerto Plata. While signaling tailored to new construction technologies will ensure the safety of light and heavy vehicles passing through it.

Ambassador of Israel in the Dominican Republic: “This country is a gift from God that makes tourists fall in love, nothing is missing”

Dr. Daniel Biran, the Israeli ambassador to the Dominican Republic, emphasized the country’s tourism recovery by stating that this Caribbean nation is a gift from God that tourists fall in love with. In an interview, Daniel Biran stated that tourists from his country enjoy the Dominican Republic’s beauty and charms. “I always said many times during the pandemic that tourists and investments would return and double in this country, and that is what we are seeing today, and hopefully this will continue,” he said. The Israeli ambassador predicted that the number of Israeli tourists visiting the Dominican Republic would increase in the coming months.

“It’s still not enough, I want to see more; we signed an agreement for a direct Israel-Punta Cana flight, and many more are coming. Many came during the pandemic, and each one falls in love with this country, a wonderful place, very friendly, no anti-Semitism, food, music, nothing is missing,” said Israel’s ambassador, Daniel Biran. The diplomat emphasized the Dominican Republic’s investment climate by describing the V Congress of the Council of the Alliance for Development of Ibero-America, which was held in Punta Cana, as a success. Israel intends to expand bilateral cooperation and strengthen friendship ties between the two countries.

The Dominican Republic and Israel have historically had close ties because, when neither country was willing to accept more Jewish refugees fleeing Nazism, or set conditions, the Dominican Republic was the only State that offered to do so.

President Abinader expresses support for Lula after assault on the Brazilian Congress

The Dominican Republic’s President, Luis Abinader, expressed complete solidarity and support for the Brazilian Government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday after supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed the headquarters of the three State powers in Brasilia. Abinader described “acts of violence” against the powers of the state in Brazil as “unjustifiable” on his Twitter account.  “On behalf of the Dominican Government, I express the strongest repudiation and condemnation of the unjustifiable acts of violence against the powers of the State and democracy in Brazil. “We offer our full solidarity and support to the Brazilian government and people,” Abinader wrote. After breaking into Congress, supporters of former President Bolsonaro stormed Planalto Palace, the Brazilian Executive’s headquarters, and the Supreme Court on Sunday. The fascist vandals will be found and punished, according to Lula da Silva.

Similarly, the engineer Miguel Vargas Maldonado and the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD) have categorically condemned the subversive acts committed this Sunday in Brazil, where people pretending to ignore popular will manifested in voting booths have risen against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government. Vargas Maldonado, president for Latin America and the Caribbean and world vice president of the Socialist International, echoed the organization’s statement, strongly supporting the Brazilian government led by Lula da Silva.

Both the PRD and its president agreed with the Socialist International in condemning the actions of those who occupied Congress and other bodies in Brazil on Sunday to carry out a coup against the newly installed government.

JetBlue drops prices: fares from US$49 for travel in the first quarter of 2023

JetBlue sinks fares starting at US$49 each way and is valid for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from January 17 through March 29, with flight and hotel package deals. Bookings will be available through January 11.

Flights available in the winter offer both domestic and international flights.

“Take advantage of winter with deals on flights and flight + hotel packages to your favorite destinations,” the airline posted on social networks.

Economy travel with fares starting at US$49 are Detroit to Boston, Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta, Nashville to New York, New York to Savannah, and Philadelphia to Boston.

With a US$59 fare, travelers can also fly from Savannah to Boston and Charleston to New York, among other destinations.

To other destinations such as San Juan from only US$74 from Fort Lauderdale and US$134 from Boston. It also includes offers to Caribbean destinations such as Punta Cana, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and other destinations.

With hotel deals, travelers can book Jetblue Vacations packages to destinations such as Las Vegas starting at just US$82 from Los Angeles or Punta Cana from US$418, departing from Fort Lauderdale.

Abinader to visit Santiago and Puerto Plata during the weekend

President Luis Abinader will visit the provinces of Santiago and Puerto Plata, where he will inaugurate different road, educational, tourism, and sports infrastructure works, among others.

The Presidential Communications Office said that on Sunday, at 11:00 a.m., the president will visit the Ciudad Corazón to head the rehabilitation of the Joaquín Balaguer, Santiago-Navarrete highway. On Monday, at 10:00 a.m., he is scheduled to visit the municipality of Imbert in Puerto Plata to preside over the inauguration of the Community Technology Center (CTC) and the 14/24 Program. He will then head the start of the refurbishment of the Imbert hospital’s emergency area and inaugurate the INFOTEP training center. From there, he will go to Luperon to visit the Propeep program.

He will also head the inauguration of the fishing and yacht pier and the Enrique Aquiles Polanco playground. At the end of his tour, he will supervise the renovation works of “La Isabela Histórica,” preside over the inauguration of roads and bridges and lead the inauguration of the Santa Isabel Parish in Villa Isabela.

Taíno Bay, big bet for cruises in Puerto Plata

The Taíno Bay cruise terminal, after its opening on December 15, 2021, operates regularly and without inconveniences, estimating a month closing with positive numbers, reaching 48,307 passengers and 22,723 crew members.

In this regard, Karen Lopez, communications director of the terminal, said that “the figures for the entire year of operation range from 300,000 passengers and 195,000 crew members, arriving in about 190 vessels that arrived at the destination and enjoyed the attractions that Puerto Plata offers, contributing to the local economy and commerce.

“Last Monday, January 2, the Wonder of the seas (Wonder of the seas) arrived at our port is a latest generation cruise ship that began operations in 2022, has capacity for 6,370 passengers and 2,394 crew, is a ship of 362 meters long, which exceeded the size of the “Symphony of the seas” of the same company Royal Caribbean, has 18 decks and a gross tonnage of 236,867, has 8 lodging sections or “neighborhoods,” including its new neighborhood of suites,” Lopez added.

Lopez further explained that the visitors who arrived last Monday, January 2, on the largest cruise ship in the world had an excellent impression of Puerto Plata.

Cruise ship tourism boosts Puerto Plata’s economy

The Puerto Plata Destination Tourism Cluster (CTDPP) is preparing a study with the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) to make it known that cruise tourism has an evident dynamizing effect on the economy of Puerto Plata.

And the fact is that since the start of operations of the Amber Cove port in 2015 and Taíno Bay in December 2021, the activity has directly impacted cab drivers, restaurants, gift stores, transportation companies, guides, complementary offerings, and theme parks.

In terms of the industry’s labor impact, in addition to the direct jobs generated by the operation of the cruise ports, there is the personnel that works in the stores that operate inside the terminals and in the city.

The number of cab drivers who provide services to the industry also benefits directly. The busiest excursions use buses of 30 and 54 passengers, so they mobilize numerous drivers for the same ones, as well as guides in the boats and other independent ones that give service to those who decide to walk on their own the streets of the city.

Currently, the cab unions that provide services to the tourist ports have 700 registered units, a figure that does not represent a significant increase in the number before the opening of the terminals.

Felix De Aza, general secretary of the Union of Air and Maritime Port Drivers (Sichopayma), explained that previously they had underutilized units due to the decrease in hotel tourism, according to Listin Diario.

“A cab driver could spend up to a week to do service and that now they have 3, 4 and even 5 days of activities a week. Last Monday 2 when there were 4 ships, including the Wonder of the seas, almost all the units in service left, impacting in a positive way the tourist mobility”, he said.

Meanwhile, Ambra Attus, executive director of the CTDPP, highlighted that in October, the entity signed a strategic alliance with the PUCMM to carry out a series of investigations as part of a market intelligence system.

“This initiative includes an updated inventory of tourism resources throughout the province and a study of the socio-economic impact of cruise tourism (also in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Production of Puerto Plata),” she added.

Dreams Flora Punta Cana offers promotional packages before its opening

Dreams Flora Punta Cana, which will officially open in February 2023, is already offering a variety of promotional packages to tourists who wish to visit after its official opening. It is a collection of romantic wedding and honeymoon packages that cater to all budgets and event sizes. All of the details will be handled by an on-site wedding coordinator. Additionally, travelers can add the Dream Big package to their reservations to receive special inclusions that will make their trip even more memorable. A “Dream Big” door banner, an in-room welcome gift, a relaxing 25-minute couples massage, an in-room dessert party or a romantic dinner for two, and Early and Late Check-in are all included in the package.

The package is available as an add-on to reservations made between January 15, 2023, and December 31, 2023. Guests at the 520-room hotel can upgrade to Preferred Club rooms or higher for an enhanced experience, ocean views, and exclusive benefits. It has six bars and lounges with unlimited premium spirits and beverages, four swimming pools, one of which is designated for children, and a water park. Guests can also participate in dance classes, kayaking, and other activities.

In addition, Pevonia’s Dreams Spa provides indigenous and modern techniques for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. A hydrotherapy area, as well as water-trip treatments and beachfront palapa massage booths, are available.

Saona Island already works 100% with renewable energy

Saona Island is already powered entirely by renewable energy, thanks to a recently completed plant that provides continuous electricity supply to one of the Dominican Republic’s most popular tourist destinations, which was previously without electricity and drinking water. The Bayahibe Electricity Company (CEB) designed and commissioned the Saona plant, making it the first and only island in the hemisphere to use 100% renewable energy. This plant, according to CEB, a subsidiary of the Punta Cana-Macao Energy Consortium (CEPM), has an initial storage capacity of 5-megawatt hours (MWh) that “could be expanded based on the community’s economic and social development.”

It is made up of photovoltaic modules that store energy in sophisticated batteries and provide electrical service 24 hours a day on this Caribbean Sea island known for its beaches and natural paradises. This will improve the quality of life and economy of the more than 600 residents of Saona, as the lack of energy in businesses and restaurants have previously limited a million tourists who visit this 110-square-kilometer island each year to a maximum of four hours. “I am extremely pleased with the CEB project. I thought that at my age I would not see this advance of light. According to a company note, “now I can watch television, turn on the fan (fan), or use the iron,” Bienvenida Diaz says.

In the same vein, Mercedes Rodriguez stated that the arrival of energy will benefit her soap-making business by allowing her to use an electric grinder. “Everything is easier with machines. “Now I will begin what I have always wanted to do,” she says. This is a model that, according to Rolando González Bunster, president of InterEnergy Group, the parent company of CEPM and CEB, could be replicated in other areas of the Dominican Republic and on other islands around the world to promote the development of clean and environmentally friendly technology. González Bunster emphasizes the benefits of clean energy to Saona, such as access to pure drinking water, electric mobility, and the installation of a cold chain, which is necessary for fishing in the area.

To give the island’s residents more control over their consumption, the service will be provided through a prepaid system. The project also includes the development of an intelligent network of modules at various points throughout the island’s habitable area, as well as the correction and improvement of the electrical infrastructure of more than 120 houses, businesses, and commercial premises in Saona.

Technological knowledge diversifies Dominican exports

Technology enables developing economies to diversify their exports. This enables the development of knowledge-based services (KBS), which represent a productive transformation opportunity in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic has a “medium-high” dynamism, according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), for the US$707.5 million exported in knowledge-based services in 2018. This accounts for only 1.5% of the region’s total exports, totaling US$46 billion. However, it ranks lower than Guatemala ($1 billion), Peru ($916.5 million), and Panama ($873 million), all of which are known for their dynamism.

According to the IDB report “Export knowledge: the era of services in Latin America,” these activities are distinguished by the use of high technology and necessitate skilled labor in technological innovations, owing primarily to the participation of information and communication technologies (ICT). According to the study, governments must improve digital infrastructure and integrate the productive and scientific-technological sectors to consolidate this new ecosystem of services. “The development of service clusters that promote synergies between businessmen, the public sector, and education to address the teaching of human capital in digitization will be beneficial for productive diversity in the face of the fourth industrial revolution,” he adds.

However, according to the IDB, one in every three businesses is unable to find workers with the necessary technological and digital skills. As a result, countries must implement public policies to close the labor supply-demand gap, linked to the economy’s technological future.

DR consolidates the conquest of the Argentine tourist with its all-inclusive

The all-inclusive vacation package remains a major highlight of Dominican tourism, owing to the high quality and prestige of the brands that provide this popular leisure option in the country. In the case of Argentine tourists, all-inclusive accommodations in the Dominican Republic remain increasingly popular. According to the most recent Habits and Trends report from the online travel agency Atrápalo Argentina, the Dominican Republic’s all-inclusive offer captured 46% of its sales in 2022.

Furthermore, with its star destination: Punta Cana, the Caribbean country remained very fashionable in the eyes of Argentine vacationers, becoming one of the most sought-after international destinations by South American travelers, competing with Rio de Janeiro, Cancun, and Miami, among other tourist destinations. Punta Cana, a popular tourist destination, also appears in the Atrápalo Argentina ranking of the most sought-after international cities to visit during the first quarter of 2023, as one of the year’s first travel trends.

According to the report released by the aforementioned travel agency, Argentine tourists stay an average of 10 to 14 days on their international trips.

New terminal in the Cibao seeks to reduce passenger stress

The architect Oscar Torrejón, a member of the Luis Vidal firm, assured that the first phase of the new Cibao International Airport terminal construction project, which is already underway, will be completed by mid-2025. Torrejón stated that the new terminal building would put Santiago de los Caballeros on the map when international flights arrive and would allow for the reception of new connections that are currently not possible due to the inability to be admitted.

He stressed the importance of understanding that a new terminal will be built, not an extension of the existing one. It will be able to receive more than 4 million passengers, far exceeding the million and a half that it currently does. Torrejón clarified that his job is to design, not build, because another company will be chosen through a competition.

He also stated that the reconstruction of the new infrastructure would begin at the end of December 2020, as this is the primary project of the construction company, which is currently executing other projects, and that work would begin in the coming weeks.

Dominican Republic at Fitur 2023: maximum level of exhibitors and the focus on Miches

The Dominican Republic returns as a co-sponsor of Fitur 2023, which will be held in Madrid from January 18 to 22, emphasizing this time the particular focus that the promotion of the new Miches tourist pole will have, as well as the historical participation of exhibitors. According to Tourism Minister David Collado, “this year there is the great expectation with the Dominican Republic’s attendance at Fitur 2023, where we reached the maximum number of exhibitors allowed by IFEMA in the history of our participation in this important international tourism fair.” 

Collado, who will lead the Dominican delegation to the event, stated that the DR stand would have six sponsors and 45 co-exhibitors, including major industry players and the country’s largest commercial banks. “As we do every year, we will bring our diverse tourist offer to Fitur, demonstrating why we are the country with the best conditions for foreign investment,” said Mitur’s CEO. He stated that Fitur will be the ideal platform for showing the tourist world all of the conditions and beauty that Miches has to offer as a Caribbean destination. Banco Popular and Banco de Reservas are the two official sponsors, in addition to the Ministry of Tourism.

As sponsors, the BHD bank, Punta Cana, Cap Cana, and ProMiches will join other prestigious tourism brands.

The message to the population of Luis Abinader for 2023

For reasons on the eve of the new year, the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, posted an audiovisual from the National Palace with the first lady, Raquel Arbaje, on his Twitter account on Thursday. In short, Abinader and his wife reflected on the ups and downs of the year 2022, which is only two days away from reaching its conclusion. “We are nearing the end of 2022. A year of great adversity, yes, but also of many successes, achievements, and recovery, the result of our efforts and yours, who are without a doubt the Dominican Republic’s greatest and best asset,” said the president.

In that same order, regarding 2023, he pointed out that “it will be a year in which we will consolidate much of what we have been doing these two years. It will be a year in which we demonstrate that we can go much further and that few things are impossible”. Arbaje urged Dominicans to “continue working together for a better country,” promoting youth, supporting Dominican families, and assisting the elderly.

“We received the arrival of a new year with enthusiasm, for the opportunities that would come, and prepared because Dominicans are a fighting people,” said Arbaje before the arrival of 2023. Following the first lady’s intervention, Abinader urged the people to “work together, as a team” to achieve a “better and more prosperous Dominican Republic” by 2023.

Puerto Plata in 2022, the province with the lowest public investment

Puerto Plata has seen less public investment in the last eight years, with just RD$679.1 million at the end of the second week of December, a negative interannual variation of 54% and an absolute difference of RD$778.6 million when compared to 2021, when it registered RD$1 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Development (MEPyD). This year’s performance is even lower than in 2020, when it accumulated RD$804.4 million, due to a 15.5% decrease, resulting in a net interannual difference of RD$125.3 million. This was the province’s lowest public investment since 2015 when the government on duty only invested RD$883.9 million.

From 2014 to the end of the second week of December 2022, the state invested around RD$10 billion in this important tourist area, with 2018 being the best year with RD$3 billion, accounting for 27.5% of the total. Following that is 2021, with an amount of RD$1 billion for a 13.3% item. 2017 continues, after reporting around RD$1 billion for 10.9%.

In 2019, these investments totaled RD$1 billion, or 10.1% of the total. Meanwhile, the 2014 figure of RD$914.9 million and the 2016 figure of RD$883.9 million represented 8.4% and 8.1%, respectively. So far this year, the amount of public investment in Puerto Plata represents “only” 1.3% of the total, because the Government allocated RD$52,277.1 million to all provinces by the end of the second week of December 2022.

Economist: Dominican government must increase public spending in 2023

The economist Antonio Ciriaco stated that the government must increase public spending in 2023 to make the Dominican Republic’s economy more resilient and inclusive in the face of an international economic recession. To maintain the country’s 5% growth rate, greater investment in public spending, primarily on infrastructure, is required, as this will allow the country to reactivate internal demand.

“Low public investment is one of the current government’s shortcomings. Subsidies were not included in the budget for 2022, but more than RD$662 billion were allocated, including RD$38 billion to control fuel prices and RD$18 billion to the energy sector, among other things,” he assures. He maintains that the Dominican economy grew quite well in 2022, but the projection for next year is the government’s handling of risk situations such as indebtedness and subsidies.

“The government’s public indebtedness is approximately US$52 billion. Meanwhile, we are talking about nearly US$67 billion between the Central Bank, which represents 60% of GDP. “There is something that needs to be addressed for the next pre-election year,” Ciriaco clarifies.

Dominican economy ends the year with a 5% growth

The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, in reporting the preliminary results of the economy, reveals that the monthly indicator of economic activity (IMAE) registered an accumulated growth of 5.0% in January-November 2022 when compared to the same period the previous year, after incorporating the interannual variations of 3.8% in October and 2.9% in November of the current year. The Dominican economy’s trend throughout the year reflects a moderation in its growth rate in recent months, as increases of 6.1%, 5.1%, and 5.0% were recorded in the first three quarters of the year, respectively. The slowdown in domestic demand, primarily from the investment component, is due to high raw material and construction material costs, as well as the operation of the monetary policy transmission mechanism aimed at reducing inflationary pressures.

In this regard, the results of the Central Bank forecast system indicate that actual gross domestic product (GDP) growth will be around 5.0% by the end of 2022. In terms of nominal GDP, it is expected to reach approximately US$113 billion, contributing to the consolidated public sector debt falling below 60% of GDP by the end of the current fiscal year. GDP per capita rises from $8,971.9 in 2021 to close to $10,600 in 2022 with this level of nominal product. Similarly, it is important to highlight Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings’ recent upgrade of the sovereign credit risk rating from ‘BB-‘ to ‘BB,’ reflecting the country’s climate of stability supported by the consolidation of the economic recovery, as well as favorable expectations regarding GDP performance and the continuation of timely policies in the medium term.

It should be noted that the preceding is supported by the Dominican Republic’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, as well as its resilience in the face of the current adverse international context, which highlights the slowing of global economic growth and the restrictive monetary stance adopted by most countries to control inflationary pressures.

IDAC: Dominican airports normalize flights to the US and Canada

The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) has reported the resumption of regular flights that had been halted due to the winter storm Elliot, which had recently impacted the Eastern United States and several Canadian cities. Héctor Porcella, interim director general of IDAC, revealed that all international airports in the country reported the normalization of flight traffic with cities in the United States and Canada where restrictions on aeronautical operations had been imposed due to the atmospheric phenomenon.

“We have received information since the early hours of Tuesday that the cold storm has begun to weaken both in the United States and in Canada, facilitating the normalization of flights connecting the Dominican Republic with those countries,” Porcella said. He stated that no situation affects the entry and exit of passengers at national airports due to meteorological reasons, which he believes is very good news for Dominican tourism and its goal of exceeding the historical figure of 7 million tourists in the year 2022.

“Despite the cancellation of 39 flights from the United States and Canada since Thursday of last week, the Dominican Republic is on track to record the highest number of aeronautical operations in December and throughout the year, as we recently announced,” said the interim head of the IDAC.

Locals fear that whale season will start in Samaná without the main pier

As the start date of the whale watching season in Samaná approaches, the owners of boats that transport tourists to see the whales become more concerned because they still lack a pier for passenger disembarkation. The owners recalled that this is a critical economic period for the province, and they are concerned that the absence of the main pier will have an impact on the more than 200 workers, both direct and indirect, in transportation and other commercial activities such as hotels and restaurants. Beddall, who has worked in the passenger transport sector for more than 30 years during the season, explained that the government, through the Port Authority, began reconstruction work on the pier last October, which was built during one of the extinct Joaquin Balaguer governments.

He stated that while only half of the dock is currently made of cement, the structure has a hole in the middle that collects water. According to Augusto González, who is also involved in passenger transportation, the Port authorities would have promised to complete the work by December 24. Beddall and González both expressed doubt that the pier would be finished in time for whale season. According to Kim Beddall, over 100,000 passengers were transported during the previous season last year, with more than half of those passengers embarking and disembarking at the aforementioned pier. The woman expressed her concern that the community would lose millions of dollars due to a lack of work, while also expressing her surprise at the lack of attention to the case, given that the State collects millions of pesos through the Ministry of the Environment during the season.

González stated that he spoke with the engineer in charge of the project, who confirmed that they are working on the dock. “What is said is one thing, but what is seen is another. This is concerning because the high season is about to begin, which is what motivates us the most, and we will not be ready with the pier, which is a major issue. The whales are not for a group; they are for Samaná,” he explained.