Project Document

Punta Perla is a master planned resort situated on the Eastern tip of the Dominican Republic in the established area of Punta Cana.

Set in approximately ten million square metres of natural, prime Caribbean real-estate, Punta Perla offers the last beachfront development opportunity of this size in the popular Punta Cana region. From its conception, Punta Perla has been carefully planned to become one of the premier resorts in the Caribbean and will evolve into a first class living and vacation experience. Low density population of properties within the resort is key to the developer’s plans for Punta Perla with only 11 people per acre all set in over 2,500 acres.

Approximately 8000 residential and commercial properties of varying size and type have been carefully integrated into the natural environment as well as a series of private clubs and facilities which have been carefully selected for the enjoyment of residents and their guests.

At the heart of the development is La Marina de Punta Perla, a harbour equivalent in size to Puerto Banus; playground to the rich and famous in southern Spain. Punta Perla is in line to be granted a unique tax free shopping licence which will attract high end retail companies, wishing to operate their businesses there. Chic restaurants and exclusive bars will be carefully selected to provide the very best of day and night entertainment. Set behind the marina is a Colonial village planned around a central park. Themed on past European architecture, classic apartments will mix with individual shops and restaurants along the many boulevards.

The resort will also include Beach, Yacht and Golf Clubs, Elegant Boutiques and restaurants, a World Class Spa, Tennis and swimming facilities, Deep Sea Fishing, Equestrian facilities, Championship Polo Club and a Casino among the diverse range of attractions. A golfing academy and three Signature Golf Courses are planned within the resort with one being designed and built to championship standards with a view to hosting a variety of championship tournaments.

The water lined principal boulevard running through the middle of Punta Perla will facilitate cars, buggies and bicycles and will feature a charming Vaparetto Shuttle taxi service around the development. Further satellite roads all follow the theme of multiple usage.Nature trails are planned for walkers, joggers, cyclists and horse riders.
Few beaches in the world can compare to the three kilometres of beach at Punta Perla which averages a 60 metre band of brilliant white sand along its entire length. The sea glistens every blue and green imaginable, where bathers can wade out for many hundreds of metres without losing depth. Some of the most exclusive properties on Punta Perla are sited along the beachfront, where prices for plots alone exceed one million US dollars.

The benefits and beauty of Punta Perla are endless. With the stunning canvas of the land and surroundings, the developer’s unique vision and a dream team of the worlds leading construction experts, Punta Perla is sure to become a new generation of property investment. Yet Punta Perla has also been carefully designed as an ecologically responsible community, one of the first resorts in the world to proactively nurture, protect and improve its natural environment. Low density development not only minimises the impact on the flora and fauna at Punta Perla, it also ensures that residents will enjoy a tranquil ambience and the entire development will retain a sense of exclusivity. Parts of the resort will be car free, with internal transport by golf buggy.

For those fortunate enough to purchase a home here, Punta Perla will offer a wide choice of luxurious accommodation, including private villas on the grandest scale, sophisticated townhouses and chic apartments, with harbourside, golf, beachfront and village locations. All of the homes have been designed to harmonise with the character of the island, yet incorporate the highest standard of construction, being built to Florida Hurricane Standards. Materials, native to the island, have been carefully selected to ensure theoverall quality of the resort and for resonance with traditional architecture. For example, white coral stone cut during the marina construction is being used as a facing material for some buildings.
La Marina de Punta Perla will accommodate around 150 vessels of up to 100ft and will be located in a European style village, with a waterfront promenade offering elegant designer boutiques, fine shops and restaurants. Bungalows and apartments on Star Island, in the middle of the Marina, will allow residents to be in the centre of one of the most fabulous resorts in the world yet remain completely private. Alternatively, a variety of beautiful properties alongside one of the three signature golf courses, will offer dramatic views over the fairways and resort to the sea.

PUNTA PERLA HIGHLIGHTS - OVERVIEW

• Punta Perla is a synthesis of spectacular location and grand vision, it is destined to be one of the world’s finest and most prestigious resorts for discerning individuals from around the world.
• The world’s top design, engineering, construction and management companies have been marshalled together to create Punta Perla.
• Leisure facilities at Punta Perla will include water sports of every kind, snorkelling, diving, sailing, boating, deep sea fishing, the finest golf in the Caribbean, equestrian activities, tennis, fitness centres and spas.
• Many of the world’s premium brands will be represented in the fashionable colonial shopping boulevard. A variety of enticing dining options will also be available, from attractive outdoor cafes to haute cuisine of the highest standard.

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS FOR PUNTA PERLA PROPERTIES

• In addition to the low density design, the buildings will all be low rise, to retain the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere
• In keeping with local tradition and the strong historical Latin influence, homes at Punta Perla all have significant private outdoor space to best enjoy the superb climate - terraces - decks - private plunge pools - swimming pools - spas - roof gardens. Outdoor living at Punta Perla the ultimate in luxury living.
• All properties, even those not directly on the water will have one of the world’s best beaches within walking distance, with sand so white that it never becomes too hot to walk on.
• Construction will meet the Florida Hurricane Building code, with foundations of reinforced concrete and solid brick facades. Windows are double glazed and security doors will be fitted for the main and service entrances.
• Although the resort will be virtually car free, all properties will have allocated parking space. Vaporettos will ferry residents around the marina, Venice-style, while golf buggies will be the preferred motorised transport throughout the rest of the development. Punta Perla, in keeping with the resort’s environmental outlook, will be innovative in efforts to remain
as carbon neutral as possible.
• Punta Perla residents will enjoy a secure environment, managed by expert resort security staff.
• Kitchens will be fully fitted with all appliances including fridge, electric oven and hob, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, tumble dryer. Floors will be grey ceramic marble and countertops will be marble. Advanced smoke detector systems will be installed.
• Bathroom sanitaryware will be fine quality vitrified porcelain with chrome mixer taps. Walls will be tiled, floors will be marble. A variety of configurations have been designed, depending on the residence. For example, two bedroom apartments on Star Island include ensuite master bathrooms with double sinks, bath and separate shower, second bedrooms with ensuite shower rooms and double sinks.
• Living areas have a variety of configurations, all carefully configured to take best advantage of views, light and to incorporate outdoor living as much as possible, with open plan living and dining areas opening out onto wooden decks, each with a private Jacuzzi. The double glazed windows will have wooden blinds and living area floors will be cool marble with a decorative border.
• Bedrooms will all have built in wardrobes with wood fronts and interior lighting, the double glazed windows will have wooden blinds and the bedroom floors will be marble. Many bedrooms will have private terraces for a quiet morning coffee in the sun.
• Terraces will have wooden decking, except for penthouses and ground floor apartments which will have wooden decking and coral stone.
• Internal finish: Window sills throughout will be grey ceramic, interior doors of semi lacquered wood. Walls and trim will be painted.
• Plumbing and heating: Plumbing will be copper and PVC pipes. Temperature is regulated through a top quality climate control system.
• Electrical: 110 and 220 volts. Radio (VHF and FM) and fibre optic computer sockets throughout each residence. Each property will be connected to the development’s cable system for television reception, with connections in living room and all bedrooms. Telephone sockets in all bedrooms, living room and kitchen.
• Car parking space is available for properties.
• Security: Security system and alarm included in each property,
CCTV cameras on doors with access to communal areas.
A safe will be installed in main bedrooms.
• Communal areas: interior communal areas will have grey ceramic floors. Communal garden areas will be carefully and attractively landscaped with native plants and automatic irrigation. All properties will have access to both adult and children’s swimming pools, a gym and a spa. Apartment buildings will have lifts to all floors

THE DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN PUNTA PERLA

• La Marina de Punta Perla is made up of blocks of apartments of no more than four stories high. The variety of property types include two and three bed apartments, all with substantial terraces as well as a few very exclusive penthouses on top of some blocks.
• Star Island, the exclusive location in the centre of the marina, includes two bedroom traditional palapa style bungalows as well as two and three bedroom penthouse apartments in three storey buildings ranging in size from 152m2 to 300m2 including terrace space.
• The Little Venice Section of La Marina de Punta Perla includes a small network of canals linking it’s apartments and penthouses to the rest of the marina and the beach
• Playa de Perla consists of apartments in 23 beach front blocks of varying size. They will include three bedroom duplex, two and one bedroom apartments and penthouses ranging in size from 108m2 to 196m2 including terrace space.
• Golf - Luxurious villas, bungalows, townhouses and apartments will flank the tees, greens and fairways on the three signature golf courses. The choice of properties is varied, with two and three bed villas, townhouses and bungalows as well as a selection of apartments and penthouses. Many will be front line on the golf course with the hospitality and entertainment of one of the three clubhouses not far away.

LEISURE FACILITIES AT PUNTA PERLA GOLF

• Three signature golf courses each with their own clubhouse
• Golf Academy

MARINA

• La Marina de Punta Perla
• One of the largest inland marinas in the Caribbean and conveniently
located on a major maritime route, La Marina de Punta Perla will accommodate around 150 boats

SPAS

• La Playa de Perla Beach Club and Spa is certain to be one of the Caribbean’s most enticing and luxurious. Designed with a timeless sense of the tropics, the centre piece is the swimming pool carved into a coral base on the edge of the sea
• Guests will be offered the latest treatments in the most sumptuous surroundings, for complete relaxation of both body and mind
• Other leisure facilities which have been approved and are now in the planning stage include:
• EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
• CHAMPIONSHIP POLO CLUB
• PUNTA PERLA TENNIS CLUB
• MARINA BEACH CLUB
• COMMERCIAL CENTRE WITH CINEMA COMPLEX
• COLONIAL TAX-FREE SHOPPING AREA
• AQUA PARK
• DOLPHINARIUM
• CASINO

LEISURE ACTIVITIES AT PUNTA PERLA

Water sports of many kinds will be available at Punta Perla, where the average water temperature is 230C/740F. Options include:
• Snorkelling: Punta Cana features the longest coral reef in the whole island - about 30 kilometres long. Just 200 meters from the coast, coral and colourful fish can be found at one-two metres depth.
• Scuba: Diving at Punta Perla is perfect for beginner divers since the waters are so shallow. Excursions will take you to discover a shipwreck and exquisite coral formations, channels and tunnels. You may also participate in dive excursions to Catalina and Saona islands, a two hour drive away. These dives are attractive to both beginners and advanced scuba divers.
• Fishing: Big game fishing for blue marlin, barracuda, and dorado, among others, is unsurpassed and tournaments draw international participants in the summer.
• Windsurfing and parasailing: At the point where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet. The winds are powerful, just right for windsurfing and parasailing.
• Sailing: Vibrant sunset cruises, sipping cocktails or the incomparable “Presidente” beer.
• Surfing, Wind Surfing, Kite Surfing: Professional lessons are fun and inexpensive.
• Championship Polo Club and Equestrian facilities.
• Whale Watching: Whales can often be seen off the beach at Punta Perla or enjoy a watching tour at the Silver Bank near Samana to see 50 ton whales spouting a mist 20 feet in the air.
• Childrens Activities: Aqua park, Dolphinarium (Swimming with the dolphins), Kindergarten, Games area, Cinema, Children’s park and playground. All type of sports facilities such golf, horse riding, tennis, squash, paddle tennis, sailing, windsurfing to mention just a few. There will be courses offered for all these sports.

KEY PROPERTY INVESTMENT FACTS

• Property in the Dominican Republic is still very competitively priced compared to many Caribbean islands.
• The Dominican Government officially welcomes foreign investment. Law 158 on foreign investment enacted in December 1995 allows unlimited foreign investment in nearly all sectors of the economy. In October 2001 this was extended to make investment in business and upscale tourism exempt from income tax for ten years. As a new development, all investors at Punta Perla will benefit from ten years of tax free status - no taxes payable on capital gain or rental revenue.
• Rental income will be guaranteed. This return is possible since tourism in the area is growing dramatically. The World Tourism Organisation’s ‘World Tourism Barometer’ measured an increase in tourism for the country of around 7-10% in the first half of 2004, with some statistics quoting 13% over the year as a whole. Against a backdrop of lower worldwide tourism arrivals during 2003, the Dominican Republic was a star performer. According to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic and the National Hotel & Restaurant Association (Asonahores), during this period the Dominican Republic attracted approximately 2.76 million foreigners, a 19.48% increase over 2002 and a 12.16% increase over 2000.
• Additionally, the Punta Cana/Bavaro area has rapidly become the fastest growing destination in the region. The Punta Cana International Airport received just under 50% of all foreign tourists. This airport receives not
only hundreds of charter flights per week from all over the world, but also an increasing number of scheduled flights from world cities such as New York, Paris, Madrid, Frankfurt, Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, Toronto, Montreal, San Juan, Charlottesville, among others. During the high season there are approximately 300 weekly flights to
Punta Cana. Hotel occupancy was up by 10% from 2002, reaching 84.2% in the Punta Cana/Bavaro area, furthermore, figures for the January-August 2004 period show 86.6% average occupancy in this region.
• In its 2004 Travel Trends survey, Punta Cana was also ranked by Carlson Wagonlit travel agents of the US as the fourth most popular international vacation destination after Caribbean Cruising, Cancun-Mexico and the Mayan Riviera-Mexico. The Dominican Republic is today the number one vacation destination for eastern Canadians.
• Tourism in the Dominican Republic is also changing dramatically in terms of the type of traveller, moving from an all-inclusive type of visitor to a more up market visitor. This in turn is leading to rapid investment in the area as people realise the potential in comparison to other more established Caribbean destinations.
• According to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation's (CTO) Annual Statistical Report, 25% of Europeans travelling to the Caribbean cite the Dominican Republic as their preferred vacation destination, probably influenced by the variety of microclimates, mountains, beaches, cultural and historical wealth and variety of alternatives offered by this Caribbean Island.
• Tourism is popular with the Dominican people since the benefits are clear. Many improvements to the country’s infrastructure are linked directly to the pursuit of tourist income with many roads widened and paved and historic areas in major cities renovated.
• The Dominican Republic has seven international airports, more than any Caribbean island, which makes travel much easier than many similar locations.
• The government is spending many millions of dollars on a marketing campaign to attract tourists from around the world and pumping pesos into tourism-related infrastructure.
• Prices overall are attractive to the overseas visitor. A survey conducted by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) among holidaymakers to evaluate their perception of prices charged for services during their stay, revealed that out of every 100 foreign visitors, 70 considered that they were acceptable, 24 that they were too high or high, 4 that these were low and 2 did not respond. These results are consistent with the importance of the motto “reasonable prices” when selecting the Dominican Republic as a vacation destination.
• High interest bearing US$ accounts and US$ based investments are both available and tax-free. Security of the banking system is deemed good as the industry is very highly regulated by the Dominican Republic Government. Banking licenses very hard to obtain and applicants must submit to a lengthy review process by the central bank.
• There are no restrictions on foreigners purchasing property in the Dominican Republic. Formerly, Decree 2543 of March 22, 1945 and its amendments required that foreigners obtain prior Presidential approval except in certain cases. Decree 21-98 of January 8, 1998 abolished this regulation and established as the only requirement that the Title Registry Offices keep a record, for statistical purposes, of all purchases made by foreigners. However, holding property within a company allows for quick resales since it is much easier and less expensive to resell all the shares of stock of the asset-holding corporation than it is to convey real estate.
• There are no restrictions on foreigners inheriting title to property in the Dominican Republic. However, holding the property within a company simplifies greatly the handling of the estate and the transfer of control to the heirs. Under Dominican law, inheritance of real property is governed by local statute which establishes that part of the estate must go to certain heirs by law (for example, a foreigner with a legitimate child must reserve 50% of the estate to that child irrespective of the existence of a will or of the law of his country of residence). This rule does not apply when ownership of real estate is held by a corporation. Also, if the title is in the name of one or several individuals and one of them dies, the procedure to change the title to the heirs is cumbersome and time-consuming.

PUNTA CANA

Punta Cana is in the heart of the real-estate expansion and is regarded as being more affluent than its neighbour Bavaro where there is a concentration of many all-inclusive hotels. The area is very popular with the rich and famous and has become the home of several international celebrities. Land along the coast has been snapped up by developers and it is now virtually impossible to buy suitable beach front lots, indeed Punta Perla is the last piece of land suitable for major development within the Punta Cana region. Punta Cana Airport in Punta Cana region, designed by the international haute couturier designer Oscar de la Renta, boasts in having the most beautiful private International Airport in the world.
Punta Cana International Airport is the busiest airport of the seven on the Island and is positioned only fifteen minutes from Punta Perla. The number of flights going in and out of Punta Cana continues to expand, with access to and from many major European and American cities well served by a host of major scheduled and charter airlines.
A brand new, four lane highway, El Coral linking La Romana in the South with Higuey in the north, costing in excess of US$255million is now under construction and will revolutionise access to the area of Punta Cana. The new road passes directly past Punta Perla and will make travel in the area far easier and quicker making travel time from the airport to Punta Perla less than ten minutes. The new road will also make access to other areas of the Island far easier, opening up a greater of part of the country for owners and visitors.

TAX INCENTIVES

Continued Government incentives to attract both real estate investment and tourism continue with the introduction of Law 158.
This entitles investors in the country several benefits such as:
• NO STAMP DUTY ON PROPERTY PURCHASES,
SAVING IN EXCESS OF 4% OF THE PROPERTY PRICE*
• NO TAX ON RENTAL INCOME*
• NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX*
*All Applications in process.
It is important to remember that this is only applicable to the first purchaser of the property and therefore it is recommended that property is bought by a privately owned company.
Given the area’s hugely successful tourist industry, high rental returns are far more achievable than many other more obscure international destinations currently billed as investment hotspots. Increasing numbers of tourists are demanding a higher standard of accommodation. This has been recognised by many international tour operators, most of whom are fighting to secure rental property for their pools. Given that the number of properties being developed in the area to date is relatively small and therefore up market properties to rent are few and far between, the competition is fierce to secure their long term rental. This is good news for property owners wanting consistently high returns from their investment.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Dominican is viewed by many seasoned investors as the last great investment opportunity in the Caribbean. Whilst many of the other Caribbean islands like the Bahamas and Barbados have seen dramatic price increases over recent years, investment in the Dominican Republic has been largely overlooked by the real estate investment community. Now, however, there is a real upsurge of interest within the area, with the price of real estate being considerably lower than in its neighbouring islands. Purchasing property in the Dominican Republic is more accessible to a much wider and larger audience. The infrastructure of the country has and is continuing to be vastly improved by the Government. The diverse yet outstanding natural beauty of the country combined with the friendly locals make an already established holiday destination an even better investment property hotspot. Its location within the Caribbean is vital to the emerging market it is becoming, after all theCaribbean is the Caribbean - the number one holiday destination in the world!

TOURISM

The Dominican Republic reported an 8.3% increase in foreign tourist arrivals during the first eight months of 2005. According to statistics from the Central Bank, 2,233,569 foreign vacationers visited the country from January to August, 144,184 tourists more than during the same period in 2004. The statistics show that 87% of travellers that visited the country during January-August arrived through the airports of Punta Cana, Las Américas and Puerto Plata. Moreover, 49% of passengers came from North America,
43.4% from Europe, 3.6% from South America and 3.7% from Central America, the Caribbean and the rest of the world.

The Central Bank noted that in Europe, France was the main tourist market, followed by Germany, Spain, Great Britain and Italy. The tourist industry is the Dominican Republic’s main hard-currency earner, followed by money remittances and duty-free zones.

The Association of British Travel agents (ABTA) members have cited the Dominican Republic as being ‘Hot for 2005’ and reported a 9% growth in bookings for the island this year. Frances Tuke, PR Manager, ABTA says “The Dominican Republic has been a fantastic introduction to the Caribbean for many, who would otherwise consider the region just too expensive. The all-inclusive packages in particular have been a massive hit for families who know they have to stick to a budget as everything is paid for upfront, but the destination also offers so much more for the British holidaymaker. Not only are there fantastic beaches and water sports on offer, but if you want to get away from the crowds, there is
breathtaking scenery in the form of rainforests, mountains and waterfalls. The cities also offer a vibrant culture that has a Spanish colonial past”.

ABTA also report a growth in luxury and designer holidays, with the Caribbean continuing to be a popular destination. Dominican Republic native and fashion designer Oscar de la Renta who designed the Punta Cana International Airport many of the Villas of Casa De Campo, one of the most luxurious resorts of the Caribbean, located in La Romana on the Dominican Republic’s south coast. He also designed the Punta Cana Airport, one of the most beautiful private International Airport in the world.

The Caribbean attracts over three quarters of a million UK visitors a year. The top five Caribbean countries for UK visitors are Barbados, Dominican Republic, Cancun in Mexico, Jamaica, and Cuba. American Airlines hopes to reach the one-million-passengers-transported-inone- year mark by the end of this year. The feat would coincide with the airline’s celebration of 30 years of operations in the Dominican Republic.

Eduardo del Pozo, general manager, highlights that the company this year will carry 53 million pounds of products manufactured in the Dominican Republic. He also remarked that the airline has invested more than RD$125 million in the local economy. Today, American Airlines offers over 30 daily flights to and from five airports in the Dominican Republic. No other country outside of the United States has more airports served by American Airlines. American flies into Santo Domingo (Las Americas), Puerto Plata (Gregorio Luperon), Santiago (Cibao), La Romana and Punta Cana international airports.

RESIDENCY

To become a legal resident in the Dominican Republic,
foreigners need to obtain a residence visa, provisional residence
card and finally a permanent residence card. An experienced
Dominican migration lawyer can help with this time-consuming
process. First, it takes about four to six months to obtain the
provisional residence card. Provisional residences are granted for
a year and only at the expiration of that year can the application
for the permanent residence be filed. It takes two to three
months to obtain the permanent residence card after paper work
is submitted. Therefore, minimum time for a permanent
residency = 4 months + 12 months + 2 months = 18 months.
The benefits of becoming a resident include the right to work
and do business in the Dominican Republic; a non resident
cannot do so legally. Being a resident also facilitates a number
of business transactions in the Dominican Republic, including
obtaining bank loans and applying for credit. A resident can enter
the Dominican Republic without having to buy a tourist card; a
non-resident must obtain a visa or buy a tourist card. In case of
inheritance, a non-resident beneficiary must pay a 50% surcharge
on estate taxes; this surcharge is not applicable to residents.
A resident is allowed to bring in tax free his household items,
ranging from kitchen appliances, to furniture. Article 13 of Law
#146-00 expressly exempts from any duty the importation of the
personal effects and household goods of foreigners immigrating
into the Dominican Republic and of Dominicans coming back
home to live permanently after residing abroad for more than
two consecutive years. A resident does not need to purchase
a return ticket when travelling to the Dominican Republic.
The disadvantage is that residents are subject to income tax on
worldwide income from investments abroad after the third year
of residency in the country. However, this applies only to income
from financial investments, not to income from other sources
such as personal work. Of course, the resident will also pay
income tax on Dominican income.

CITIZENSHIP

In addition to being the offspring of a Dominican citizen,
you can acquire Dominican citizenship through marriage.
A foreign woman who marries a Dominican has the right to
Dominican citizenship. This does not work in reverse.
A foreign man who marries a Dominican woman does not
have the automatic right to Dominican citizenship.
Law 1683 dated 1948 and its modifications establishes that
a person is eligible to obtain Dominican nationality after:
• Having resided in the country for at least six months after
having obtained legal domicile (permanent residence card).
• Having resided continually in the country for at least two years.
• Having resided continually in the country for at least six
months and having formed a business or purchased real estate.
• Having served in the Dominican Armed Forces.
• Have obtained a special concession from the President which
may be granted for having served the Dominican Republic
with merit.
Both the UK and the US recognise dual citizenship, as does the
Dominican Republic. US and UK jurisprudence establishes that
citizenship is only lost if the citizen expressly renounces his US
or UK citizenship.
Some restrictions apply. For example a Dominican with another
nationality cannot hold certain offices. Dominicans with an
American passport are not eligible to be President or Vice
President. Likewise, the US government will not recognise as
diplomats/consuls Dominicans with US citizenship. The same
applies to Dominicans with Spanish nationality.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - OVERVIEW

• Dominican Republic is an independent country in the West Indies,
a region of the Caribbean Sea. It occupies the eastern two-thirds of
Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Greater Antilles. The republic
of Haiti occupies the rest of the island. Hispaniola lies between the islands
of Cuba and Puerto Rico and is located about 1,000 kilometres southeast
of Florida, United States. The Dominican Republic’s land area of some
48,000km2 makes it roughly equivalent to the size of Scotland or the
US state of Maryland.
• Country Name:
• Conventional long form: Dominican Republic.
• Conventional short form: The Dominican.
• Local long form: Republica Dominicana.
• Local short form: La Dominicana.
• Total Area: 48,000 km2 with 1,288 km coastline, including rocky cliffs
and 300km of sandy beaches. The Dominican Republic is bathed by the
Atlantic to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south.
• Geographic Coordinates: 19 00 N, 70 40 W.
• Population: 8,833,634 (July 2004 est.). Ethnic groups within
the population are: white 16%, black 11%, mixed 73%.
• Religions: Roman Catholic 95%.
• The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish.
• Government: Representative Democracy with President Leonel
FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16 August 2004) both chief of state and
head of government. Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro
(since 16 August 2004).
• Capital: Santo Domingo.
• Independence Day (from Haiti): 27 February 1844.
• Legal System: based on French civil codes, undergoing modification.
• Industries: tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco.
• Currency: The Dominican peso is the base currency of the Dominican Republic. Its symbol is $ or, to avoid confusion with other currencies that use the same symbol, the abbreviation RD$ is used. It’s ISO 4217 code is DOP. Each peso is divided into 100 centavos (cents). The coins currently in circulation have face values of 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c, $1 and $5. Banknotes currently in circulation have face values of $10, $20, $50, $500 and $1000.
• American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and Visa are all readily accepted. ATM cards and travellers cheques are accepted by some banks. The US dollar is the most easily convertible foreign currency.
• Current Exchange Rate (15.02.06):
• 1 GBP = 59.744 DOP 1 DOP = 0.01673 GBP
• 1 USD = 34.509 DOP 1 DOP = 0.02899 USD
• Time in the Dominican Republic is UTC/GMT - 4 hours. No daylight saving time at the moment.
• The telephone system is a relatively efficient system based on island-wide microwave radio relay network. 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) International: country code - 1-809. GSM 1900 network exists; the main network provider is Orange.
• Driving in the Dominican Republic is on the right side of the road. Speed limits vary from 28 mph in the city to 48mph on rural roads, but they are generally not enforced.
• It is easy to hire a car in the Dominican Republic, with many international franchises available. UK driving licences are accepted for visits not exceeding three months.
• Voltage is 220/110 volts AC, 60 cycles. Dual voltage appliances recommended. American-type 2-pin electrical sockets prevalent, and therefore a suitable adapter may be required.
• The national bird is the Cotica Parrot, which is green, very talkative and a popular pet though now subject to protection. Caoba (mahogany) is the national plant.
• Public holidays are: New Year Day, Epiphany Day (the closest Mon or Fri to January 6th), Our Lady of Altagracia Day (January 21), Juan Pablo Duartes Birthday (Closest Mon or Fri to January 26), Independence Day (February 27), Good Friday (April 21), Labor Day (Closest Mon or Fri to May 1), Dominican Restoration Day (Closest Mon or Fri to August 16), Our Lady of Mercedes Day (September 24), Corpus Christi Day, Constitution Day (Closest Mon or Fri to November 6), Christmas Day (December 25).
• Festivals: Week of Independence Day (February 27) Carnival;
Merengue Festival (Last week in July to first week in August); Christmas Celebrations (Early December to Epiphany Day (January 6th).
• Post: Airmail takes about 10 days to reach western Europe.
• Press: All daily papers are in Spanish and include Hoy, Listín Diario and
El Nacional. The English-language Santo Domingo News is published weekly on Wednesday and may be obtained in hotels. Dominicana News, a monthly Tourism Promotion Council publication, has the main Dominicana tourism industry items.

CLIMATE

The Dominican Republic enjoys a year round tropical maritime climate. A latitude of 17° 36, - 19° 58, places the Dominican Republic at the border of the tropical zone. Sea breezes refresh the insular territory, evening out temperatures to average 23°C in the early mornings to 32°C at mid-day. There is little difference between winter and summer temperatures with July averaging at 82ºF (28ºC) and January at 76ºF (23ºC). The lowest temperatures occur in the mountain areas near Constanza, where
temperatures have dropped to 0°C, and record highs have been registered at the frontier with Haiti, 39°C in the summer. The months of May to November are regarded as the rainy season. The hurricane season lasts from June through November, with August-September being the peak months.

Average High Average Low Average Rainfall
January 81°f 71°f 2.6 in / 66mm
February 81°f 71°f 2.1 in / 53mm
March 82°f 71°f 2.1 in / 53mm
April 83°f 72°f 2.7 in / 68mm
May 85°f 73°f 4.9 in / 124mm
June 86°f 75°f 4.1 in / 104mm
July 86°f 76°f 3.1 in / 79mm
August 87°f 76°f 4.1 in / 104mm
September 87°f 75°f 4.0 in / 101mm
October 86°f 74°f 6.0 in / 152mm
November 84°f 73°f 4.6 in / 117mm
December 82°f 72°f 3.1 in / 79mm

TRAVELLING TO PUNTA PERLA

The best airport to land at is the thatch-roofed Punta Cana International Airport, around 15 minutes from Punta Perla. The next best airport for Punta Perla is the La Romana Airport, which is about 1.5 to 2 hours drive. If you land at Las Americas International (Santo Domingo) you will be a four hour drive away. From Santo Domingo, a taxi cab trip can be negotiated for about US$100 while the domestic air flight is around US$60 per person.

All visitors require a tourist card, which can be obtained before travel through the Dominican Embassy in the UK or on arrival at the airport at a cost of US$10 or equivalent. For visitors staying up to two weeks, the departure tax is US$20. Scheduled airlines sometimes include this charge in the price of the ticket. For visitors staying more than two weeks, departure tax is US$25.

Following a tightening up of local immigration controls, minors (under 18) travelling with only one or without either of their parents are required to carry a sworn affidavit drawn up by a solicitor and signed by the absent parent(s) authorising their travel to the Dominican Republic. You are advised to contact the Dominican Embassy (contact details below) for up to date advice on whether you need to send the documentation to them for legalisation. Meat and dairy products from EU countries are currently banned until further notice. Such items are liable to be removed from luggage and destroyed by airport officials.

European scheduled carriers to Punta Cana include Air France, KLM and Iberia. Visitors from the UK cannot currently fly directly to Punta Cana on scheduled airlines although this may change. Punta Cana is served by chartered flights from the UK, Britannia and First Choice are amongst those who fly direct.

FLIGHT TIMES:

London (changing in Paris, Madrid or Miami): 11 hours,
New York: 3 hours, Miami: 1 3/4 hours, San Juan: 45 minutes,
Toronto: 4 hours, most European cities: 8 - 10 hours.
DEPARTURE TAX: US$20.00
EMBASSY OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
139 Inverness Terrace, Bayswater, London W2 6JF.
Tel: 020 7727 6285, 020 7727 6214 Consular Section
info@dominicanembassy.org.uk
Head of Mission: Mr Francisco Comprés.

VISAS:

Visitors who do not obtain a Dominican visa prior to entry must purchase a tourist card upon arrival to enter the country or prior to arrival at full-service consulates, embassies, tour operators or airlines abroad (the Admiral Club of American Airlines in San Juan may be able to sell you one, for example). Tourist cards cost the equivalent of twenty U.S. dollars.
A passport or equivalent national identity document and a visa are required of foreigners travelling to the Dominican Republic. While citizens of some countries, listed below, do not need a visa, a passport is the preferred document for international travel to the Dominican Republic. All nonresident travellers need to show a round trip ticket as proof of their departure.

In these days of enhanced security considerations, travellers are highly recommended to go abroad with passports as their identification document. Note you will need a passport to cash travellers cheques, rent a car, to make large credit card purchases, and sometimes even as a security deposit for equipment such as golf clubs. Carry your passport when you
go into the city, in case you want to make a large credit card purchase or change a travellers cheque.

If you will be travelling to or from the Dominican Republic with a child who does not have your same surname or if you cannot prove you are the parent or the legal guardian, you will need special documentation. You should contact the nearest Dominican consulate for information on the paperwork required. These include a notarised statement from the absent parent or parents giving permission for the child to leave the country of residence with you.

ECONOMIC SITUATION FOR INVESTORS

Since the election of Leonel Fernandez in May 2004, the Dominican Republic’s economic situation has improved considerably and investor confidence is returning. Fernandez soundly used the three month period before taking up office in August 2004 to travel abroad with a view to re-establishing international investor confidence in a market whose international credit rating had declined during the Mejía government.

In his acceptance speech, Fernandez sent a strong message to the international community that he intended to tackle the country’s debt problems and fight against corruption in the Dominican public and private sectors. Since the Fernandez administration took control, the peso has strengthened considerably. The Central Bank third quarter report on the economic performance of the Dominican Republic from January to September 2004 indicates that the economy grew 1.8% during that period. Third quarter growth alone was 5.5%, offsetting the slow start to the year. The most dynamic sectors were communications (22.7%) and electricity and water (21.1%). Dominican Republic had one of the fast growing economies in the world in the 1990s, during Fernandez’s first administration, thanks to the adoption of sound macroeconomic policies in the early 1990s and greater opening to foreign investment. After a decade of little to no growth in the 1980s, the Dominican Republic’s economy boomed, expanding at an average rate of 7.7% per year from 1996 to 2000, when Hipolito Mejia, was elected President, Fernandez being unable to run for re--election at that point. Tourism (now the leading foreign exchange earner), telecommunications, and free-trade-zone manufacturing became increasingly important industries, although agriculture (sugar, coffee and cocoa) is still a major part of the economy. The Dominican Republic’s most important trading partner is the U.S. (87% of export revenues); other markets include Canada, Western Europe, and Japan. The country exports free-trade-zone manufactured products (garments, footwear, etc.), nickel, sugar, coffee, cacao, and tobacco, and it imports foodstuffs, petroleum, industrial raw materials, and capital goods. On August 5, 2004, the Dominican Republic signed a Free Trade Agreement with the U.S. and five Central American countries to integrate into the U.S.- Central American Free Trade Agreement, in addition to the country’s CARICOM membership. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was $309 million in 2003 and will be about $100 million in 2004, much of it directed at the tourism sector, free trade zones and telecommunication sector. Remittances were more than $2 billion in 2003. The U.S. has a strong interest in a democratic, stable, and economically healthy Dominican Republic and relations between the countries are excellent. The country’s standing as the largest Caribbean economy, second-largest country in terms of population and land mass, large bilateral trade with the United States and its proximity to the United States and other smaller Caribbean nations make the Dominican Republic an important partner in hemispheric affairs. The embassy estimates that 60,000 U.S. citizens live in the Dominican Republic; many are dual nationals. An important element of the relationship between the two countries is the fact that more than 1 million Dominicans reside in the United States, most of them in the metropolitan Northeast and some in Florida. After extensive lobbying from the British business community and in recognition of the great potential of the market, the UK re--opened its Embassy in the Dominican Republic (Dominican Republic) in November 1995, after a gap of over ten years. In 1998, the Embassy was boosted by a second UK-based member of staff as Deputy Head of Mission in support of our developing relations. In May 2003 Baroness Amos paid an unofficial visit to the Dominican Republic as FCO Minister for the Caribbean. This was the first Ministerial visit since the British Embassy reopened in Santo Domingo in 1995. President Fernandez made a successful first ever Dominican Republic President /President-elect visit to the UK in July 2004, following his election victory in May, as indication that bilateral relations are going from strength to strength.

FOREIGN INVESTORS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

• Compania Dominicana de Telefonos (CODETEL) owned by Verizon (U.S.): the main telephone service provider, which has operated in the Dominican Republic for more than 70 years.
• Central Romana Corporation (U.S.): A diversified operation that includes a hotel, sugar plantations, a mill and real estate businesses, among other activities.
• E. Leon Jimenes, C. por A. (a local partner of Phillip Morris, of the U.S.): this company produces cigarettes, cigars and beer.
• Falconbridge Dominicana (Canada): produces ferro nickel for export mining in the Dominican Republic.
• Shell Company (Netherlands/England): shares ownership with the Dominican government of the only petroleum refinery in the country (50% each) and is a distributor of petroleum by-products.
• Citibank (U.S.): the bank has operated in the Dominican Republic for many years.
• Esso Standard Oil (U.S.): Esso is a long-time distributor of petroleum by-products.
• Texaco Caribbean (U.S.): Another long-time distributor of petroleum by-products.
• Colgate Palmolive, Inc. (U.S.): a leading manufacturer in the Dominican Republic of soaps and toothpaste.
• Bank of Nova Scotia (Canada): One of the oldest foreign commercial banks in the Dominican Republic.
• AES (U.S.): Through local subsidiaries AES operates the electricity distribution network in the eastern half of the country, as well as electricity generation plants.
• Coastal (U.S.): A major investor in electricity generation.
• Seaboard (U.S.): A major investor in electricity generation.
• Tricom (40% owned by Motorola - U.S.): Second largest provider of long distance and cellular telephone services in the Dominican Republic.
• Cogentrix (U.S.) An independent power producer with 300 MW capacity.

HISTORY OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Named by its Spanish settlers “Hispaniola”, the island became the base for the expansion of the Spanish empire into the new world. The city of Santo Domingo (originally named “La Isabela”) was founded in 1496, and soon became the seat of the first cathedral, the first hospital and the first university of America. Only a year after gaining its independence from Spain in 1821, the eastern part of the island was occupied by Haiti. This occupation ended on February 27, 1844 with the proclamation of the National Independence. Since 1966 ten democratic elections have been held, alternating in power the three main political parties.

ADVENTURES OUTSIDE PUNTA PERLA

While residents will have access to virtually everything they may require for a truly relaxing and luxurious lifestyle, the world outside Punta Perla has enough to offer the most curious and adventurous visitors. At 250 miles (400km) long by 150 miles (240km) wide, the Dominican Republic has more diversity than many of its Caribbean neighbours, with around 20 distinct topographical areas. Five mountain ranges dissect the country from the northwest to the southeast. The largest is the Cordillera Central where the highest point in the Caribbean can be found: Pico Duarte at over 3,175m. In between are large fertile valleys, one of which holds Lake Enriquillo, the lowest point of the island at 46m below sea level and the only salt-water lake in the world to be inhabited by crocodiles. Lush rain forests, tropical jungles, a cactus filled desert, astonishing canyons, rushing rivers, dramatic waterfalls, refreshing mountain pools and sunny meadowlands can all be found within this unique country. 32% of the land in the Dominican Republic is environmentally protected as are the Humpback whale breeding grounds of the Silver Banks, the 27 spectacular National Parks and the countless pre-Columbian Taino Indian caves. Additional activities which can be enjoyed outside of Punta Perla include:
• Canyoning, Rappelling & Rock climbing. Canyoning is a combination of rock climbing, hiking, plunging into mountain pools, rappelling, and swimming in narrow canyon passageways, abseiling waterfalls and cascading chutes.
• Cascading, Kayaking & Rafting. Cascading involves conquering the rushing waterfalls by hiking, climbing and swimming up and then jumping, diving, leaping and sliding back down.
• Cross Country Cycling & Downhill Cycling. A perfect way to enjoy the spectacular landscapes.
• Mule Trekking, Hiking Pico Duarte. Hike Pico Duarte, highest mountain in the Caribbean, trekking, climbing and hiking with pack mules to a glorious spot virtually untouched by tourism.

EXCURSIONS

• Manatee Park, Bavaro. 130,000 square metre preserve with permanent exhibits of birds, reptiles, and fish. A show with parrots, dolphins and dancing horses is included in the US$22 admission fee. Optional possibility of swimming with the dolphins for an extra fee. Reservations should be made as soon as you arrive in the country if you want to swim with the dolphins.
• Quad bike tour of the coastline. The Punta Cana equivalent to a “city tour” is this quad bike tour that will take you up the Punta Cana-Bavaro beach with a view of the many resorts that dot the eastern coastline. A full day excursion including a visit to the Pozo Azul caverns with a dive off rocks into the cavern’s clear blue waters.
• Safari Tour. Open jeeps take tourists to visit a rural school, a colmado (country store), sugar cane fields, tropical fruit groves, plus you’ll take a dip in a river and ride horseback on virgin beach after lunch.
• Caving excursions to Boca de Diablo, a large cave system south of Los Haitises.
• La Otra Banda, a small town with typically Caribbean houses.
• Higüey (Ee-Gway) is the closest city to Punta Perla, visitors can enjoy a walk down the small streets and around the local market
• La Romana, a city built and maintained by the sugar mills. The incessant production of sugar fills the air with the sweet smell of molasses. But the principal attraction of the region is Altos de Chavón, a re--created 15th century Italian-Spanish village beside the mesmerizing Chavón River. At its founding in 1981, Altos de Chavón was declared “an artists’ village” by its creators who dedicated it to the service of the fine and applied arts. Its old world cobblestone streets and quaint architecture conceal charming shops, fine restaurants, intimate bars, artisans workshops, a church, a vast amphitheatre, an archeological museum, and a university specialising in design. The Parson’s School of Design of New York City has a branch here. The city has lovely architecture, restaurants with great views and international cuisine, and a small but superb museum.
• Isla Saona, a larger island off the coast of La Altagracia province with a quiet fishing village with friendly locals. You can go by catamaran, big tourist boat or small motor boat. The boats generally leave from Bayahibe. If you are lucky, dolphins will swim along with you. Some excursions use speed boats that take tourists to visit the village of Mano Juan and Palmilla beach with its white sand.
• Plantación Tropical, Hato Mayor, one of the largest horticultural centres in the Caribbean with scores of exotic species — bromeliads, anthuriums, orchids and others along challenging labyrinthine paths. Complementing their intense colours, fragrance and beauty is an aviary with the island’s native birds and a vast butterfly enclosure. It is an entertaining cross between a botanical garden, an amusement park and a working plant nursery that will captivate all for an entire morning or afternoon.
• Also in Hato Mayor, adventure lovers may book an underground excursion to the Rancho Capote and its Cueva Fun Fun, that is the longest underground cave in the Caribbean. This is a shallow cave running seven kilometres. Experience the darkness down under, the giant corridors, the cave art, and the magic whisper of the subterranean rivers. This thrilling excursion begins with a ride on horseback, then a walk through the jungle and the cave, and ends with a well-deserved lunch. The owners of the ranch are one of the country’s leading orange growers so expect delicious fresh orange juice with lunch.
• The Amber Museum of Puerto Plata, set in a Victorian mansion, features a large array of prehistoric amber-encased specimens.

FOR NATURE LOVERS

The Dominican Republic has 16 national parks, nine natural monuments and six scientific reserves and a total of 67 protected areas including panoramic routes, recreational areas and ecological corridors, all of which are under the direct supervision and control of the Dirección Nacional de Parques (DNP - the National Parks Office). Visits to the forest reserves require a permit from the DNP or from the authorised administration office at each park. The cost of the permit is RD$50 (US$3.95), which does not cover the boat fare for visits to Los Haitises or Isla Cabritos. A DNP publication, Sistema de áreas protegidas de República Dominicana, describes each park and gives details on how to reach it (US$12). Places of interest include:
• The Anthropological Reserve of Cuevas de Borbón in San Cristóbal was extended in 1996 to protect the El Pomier caves threatened by limestone quarrying. These caves have an enormous archeological value, with over 4,000 wall paintings and 5,000 rock drawings. The 590 pictograms in Cave No. 1 are the most important cave painting site in the Caribbean region. The cost of admission is RD$5.
• Los Haitises National Park, a sanctuary for nature lovers and those interested in natural history. The underground rivers flow through caves replete with pre-Columbian drawings and petroglyphs, silent testimony to the Indian population who dwelled there peacefully for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans. Be sure to visit the Cueva de la Linea (Ferrocarril) and the Cueva de las Arenas. The boat trip to get to these caves that are off San Lorenzo Bay will take you through the largest system of mangroves in the Caribbean. Another option to visit and have lunch in the area is the Paraiso Caño Hondo river centre, a short drive from the National Park Los Haitises departure point.
• Armando Bermúdez and Jose del Carmen Ramírez, both pine forests on the mountains of the Cordillera Central are the only remaining areas of extensive forest in the country, as two-thirds of the virgin forest has been destroyed by fire or to create small holdings since the discovery of the island by Columbus. The protection of these parks has averted the complete disappearance of the forests predicted for 1990. A pilot reforestation project was started near San Jose de las Matas, under Plan Sierra to add to this effort. • The Isla Cabritos National Park in Lago Enriquillo, the smallest in the system between four and 40m below sea level, is a unique environment. The original vegetation was lost either to timber collection or to the goats and cattle which once grazed there. New secondary vegetation which has been identified includes 106 species of plants, and 10 types of cactus. A large crocodile population, an endemic species of iguana, and other reptiles populate the island. 62 species of birds have also been identified: 5 aquatic, 16 shore, and 41 land birds. 45 of these are native to the island. Among the birds sighted or heard are the manuelito (Myiarchus stolidus) and the great hummingbird (Anthracothorax dominicus), the querebebe (Chordeiles gundlachii), best heard at dusk, and the cu-cú (Athene cunicularia) that sings at dawn and dusk, and nests in an excavated hole in the desert.
• The Montecristo National Park on the Haitian border, to the Northwest, contains marine and land ecosystems, a coastal lagoon, Laguna de Saladillo; dry subtropical forest and Cayos Siete Hermanos (the Seven Brother Keys) in the southwest. Sierra de Bahoruco, an important mountain range, is a forested highland with 52% of the orchids found in the Republic, and many species of birds. The southernmost tip of Barahona, also in the southwest, has the Jaragua National Park (mostly dry forest), which includes Isla Beata (Beata Island).
• Banco de la Plata where every year Humpback whales migrate from the Arctic to spawn their young.

SANTO DOMINGO

Santo Domingo, the capital city, boasts numerous museums and churches of interest to visitors, with exhibits ranging from semiprecious gems to prehistoric art from Spain and Portugal.
• The Columbus Lighthouse, a towering structure in the form of a cross, constructed to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America in 1492. It houses the explorer’s remains, museums and exhibits donated by several countries. The edifice’s 151 light beams can be seen 40 miles away.
• Alcázar de Colon (Columbus’ Palace): the 22-room palace home of Don Diego Columbus and his family. Built in 1510 and restored in 1955, its structure combines a Gothic-Moorish style with Spanish and Italian Renaissance features.
• The Alcazar Museum, adjacent to Columbus’ Palace, houses religious and colonial art objects that date back to this era.
• The Numismatic and Philatelic Museum is said to possess the most comprehensive and valuable collection of antique coins, bills and stamps in the Caribbean dating back to 1865.
• The Museum of the Dominican Man traces the origin of Dominican people back to the original Taino Indians, the Spanish conquistadores and African slaves.
• The Cathedral of Santa María was built in phases between 1510 and 1540, although the bell tower was never finished. Pope Paul III pronounced it the first cathedral in the New World in 1542. The style comprises late Gothic and Renaissance elements.
• La Torre del Homenaje (The Tower of Homage), the oldest military construction in the New World, built in 1503, served as a prison until the 20th century.
• Las Ruinas del Monasterio de San Francisco (The San Francisco Monastery Ruins), built around 1556, and is the oldest monastery in the New World.
• Casa de Cordon (The Cord House), the first Spanish-style home built in the Americas, was erected by conquistador Francisco de Garay, with a beautiful gate trimmed with a cord resembling those used by San Franciscan monks. Today it is a cultural centre sponsored by Banco Popular.
• Other museums include the National Museum of Natural History, Museum of the Dominican Family, National Museum of History and Geography, Museum of Modern Art and Museum of the Royal Dockyards.
• Theatre enthusiasts can visit the National Theatre, which holds up to 1,700 people and features theatrical, musical and dance performances. The Theatre of Fine Arts hosts cultural events and exhibits. Casa de Teatro is a nonprofit institution where people can express their knowledge and ideas about culture, art, theatre and concerts in an open forum.

DOMINICAN LIFE

The Dominican Republic’s Latin style is a sharp contrast to the character of many nearby islands, especially the British and French-influenced ones, and is reflected in both the local music and cuisine.

MUSIC AND DANCING

Dominicans’ love of dancing was recorded as early as 1795, by the French visitor, Father Labat, who commented that “Dance is, in Santo Domingo, the favourite passion, and I don’t believe that there is anywhere in the world a people more attracted to dance”.
Singing is as much a passion as dance, with children being rocked and sung to from birth. Children grow up with singing games and even sing before starting school work. Traditional songs include the countryside plenas, and cantos de hacha (axe songs) in the conuco (plot of land for cultivation). In the countryside, when a child dies, the baquiní is sung. Merengue is synonymous with the Dominican Republic, having been created there around 1844. The infectious sound and rhythm of Merengue comes from the cultural mélange that is the Dominican Republic’s heritage: Taino maracas, tambora and güira, the Spanish guitar, African drums and the German accordion. Jazz was another influence in the evolution of Merengue. Juan Luis Guerra is by far today’s most important composer and interpreter. His music has won him international recognition through the hundreds of thousands of records sold overseas. One of the most popular images of the Merengue dancers is the one that shows a woman dancing with a long, wide, colourful and flowing dress. But if you want to dance the Merengue, you don’t need traditional clothes, just put on something comfortable and go to a local disco, leaving your old dancing habits behind. The Merengue festival organised by the Ministry of Tourism takes place in July, on George Washington Avenue, the seaside-boulevard known as El Malecon that lines the city of Santo Domingo to the south. Every day, for an entire week, the country’s most popular bands play. Once they start playing, El Malecon becomes the city’s largest open-air disco. The Güira, an ancient instrument derived from the Taino, is essential for Merengue. While now often made of metal in the Dominican Republic, the güiro was originally made from the elongated and cylindrical gourd produced by the güira vine. The Dominican Tambora owes its peculiar sound to having on one side, the skin of an old male goat, tempered with native rum and on the other, the skin of a young female goat that has not given birth.

A TASTE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

While the finest European cuisine is available at restaurants within Punta Perla, residents will be attracted to the variety of delicious local favourites. Considered the ‘breadbasket of the Caribbean’, most of the country’s meals are grown, farmed or caught here - virtually everything is available, from strawberries grown in the fertile Cibao Valley to the lobster, mahi-mahi and swordfish caught off shore. Native Dominican cooking combines Spanish influences with local produce, but Dominican cooking is above all a simple and nourishing cuisine that is not highly spiced; in fact, there is no spice market here as there is in other West Indian countries. The most common meal is called la bandera, “the flag,” consisting of white rice, beans, meat, vegetables and green plantain fritters.

Another basic dish, comida criolla, is made up of rice, accompanied by beans and chicken. Johnny cake and mangú (a purée of boiled plantains), gastronomic inheritances from the Cocols, immigrants of the windward and leeward islands, form part of the Dominicans’ daily diet. Goat or kid is commonly used in stews - for example, chivo guisado (young goat marinated in a mixture of herbs, lime juice and rum). The goat meat here has a delicious flavour since the goats graze on wild oregano. Beef and pork are less common, although the local beef raised for export is superb. Food is traditionally always well cooked, often through long simmering. Dominicans love fried foods like plantain and pastelitos (little turnovers stuffed with beef, chicken or cheese.) Soups are made even in the poorest households and constitute a unique part of Dominican cooking.Typical is asopao, rice soup accompanied by chicken, fish or vegetables. Sancocho is the local take on the Spanish stew cocido. Each region has its own way of making it, but the most spectacular is sancocho prieto, which contains seven meats and is a favourite dish for Sunday dinner. Chicharones is pork rind marinated in the juice of bitter oranges and cooked in its own fat. Stop in at a pica pollo and try fried chicken prepared the local way, served with plantain. Paradas, or road-side restaurants, found along all major routes will provide you with a good local meal that you can eat on site, often in loud and colourful surroundings. Order modongo (tripe stew flavoured with lime zest), or sample fish accompanied by various garlic or lemon-based sauces or prepared “criolla” style (with pepper and tomatoes), a dish always served with rice. Try the local specialties: Samana fish “con coco” (with coconut cream), chivo de Azua (a goat dish from the Azua region), or chivo liniero (another goat dish, this one from the northwest part of the country). ‘Locrio’ or Dominican rice is the dish that links the Dominican Republic to its mother country. Spanish women who relocated here wanted to recreate the famous paella of their homeland but had to adapt the recipe to local ingredients. Their revamping of paella became the basis for locrio. Since there is no saffron here, the rice is coloured with achiote or annatto. This is the most versatile dish in Dominican cuisine, since countless variations are possible, beginning with just a little rice and whatever else is on hand. Casabe, a round flat cassava bread, and catibias, cassava flour fritters filled with meat, are the only culinary legacy of the Taino Indians, who livedon the island from at least the 8th century.
Desserts here are very sweet, made with sugar and condensed milk in various flavours (coconut, papaya, banana, pineapple, soursop, ginger), prepared as flans, puddings and creams. Tropical fruits are abundant and used in desserts throughout the year, but many different varieties are found depending on the altitude (for example, cherries, plums and strawberries grow in the central regions).

Beer is found everywhere, particularly the excellent “Presidente,” but the pride of Dominican beverages remains rum. Three brands - the three B’s - share the market: Brugal (the most popular), Barcelo (perhaps the bestliked), and Bermudez (the most distinguished). Wines in the Dominican Republic are imported mainly from Spain or Chile and remain very expensive, though observers are keeping a keen eye on a vineyard located on a slope near the Haitian border in the hope that domestic wine production might begin within a few years.