This morning, we woke up at 6:00 AM. We then walked to Rosaura’s, ate breakfast there, and had a mental warm up where we learned about the sugarcane industry and poverty in the Dominican Republic. After, we had a one hour bus ride to Plataforma Vida, where we talked to community members.
At least 1.8 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water, and close to 1.5 million people die each year from diarrheal disease. The most vulnerable population in the Dominican Republic are the Dominicans of Haitian descent who live in Bateyes, communities created near sugarcane plantations, (which we visited today). The community we visited, Bateye 6, looked as united as many of the communities we had seen. As we sat in a circle, we listened to the people explain their experiences working for the Central Sugar Consortium, S.A. (C.A.C.) in Barahona. We learned that the C.A.C. sprays pesticides and burns sugarcane in order to cut it more easily. Both of these processes cause health problems within the community. We also heard members say they made as little as 80 pesos per day, or a little over $1 per day. We were given a tour of the Bateye and as we walked down the streets we saw people under the shade of trees, because it was incredibly hot. Many of the people lacked the basics such as clothing, footwear and clean water. The homes were very worn down, they were made of anything they could get their hands on such as metal, wood, blocks, and wire. In truth, they looked more like shacks. After the tours ee ended our time by sharing a meal with some of the community members.
The second part of the day gave us two very different perspectives on a billion dollar industry. After seeing the realities of life in a Bateye for ourselves, we had the chance to tour a sugarcane plantation and factory. However, what we saw didn’t always correlate with what we were told.
We first spoke with Pablo, a representative of the C.A.C. In Barahona, located about an hour south of San Juan de la Maguana, he led us through one of the C.A.C.’s sugarcane plantations, explaining the sugarcane growth, harvest, and refinement process while answering our many questions. The vast majority of our questions were centered around the labor and living conditions of the braceros, or workers who cut sugarcane. As we drilled Pablo, our conversations with him seemed to be going in circles. The answers to some questions kept changing, while others were completely avoided.
We encountered the same situation upon speaking with Rafael Nazario, president of the C.A.C. He soon grew frustrated and defensive amidst a bus full of people demanding answers to the company’s tolerance of unjust working conditions. Though we gained more insight on the realities of the sugarcane industry, we have yet to discover the entire truth of conditions for braceros today.
Hi Sam,
What an experience, so sad to see those types of conditions.
Love,
Mom
Kailee & GG Amigos,
Hmm…an eye opening yet challenging day. I’m glad you guys didn’t get into a heated discussion with some of the adults there. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand the reasoning of “why things are not right” and “why can’t people just fix it or do the right thing”, especially in a third world country and compared to USA. Somethings may be out of a person’s control, especially if that person doesn’t have money, power or a strong support system, such as government or organization. Or if there’s no labor laws to protect the people. Your compassion for the labor workers speak louder than words. I pray that their labor and living conditions get better. I wonder how much Spanish you guys can speak and understand now. You guys are learning so much about the DR, living and working the life as a ‘local’, their culture and norms. And yet trying to understand their language is not easy and is a lot to intake, but I’m sure your guys are dealing with all these everyday challenges with a open mind and strong heart. Teamwork and friendship is a great support system. United as one. Stay strong.
Btw – I meant from my previous comment when I had talked to you brief last Sunday, that you mentioned they are NOT reading these comments to you guys. I really hope that these comments reach you guys so that you know we all care, miss, support and are SO proud of you guys! Glimpsers, you are the BEST! Just fabulous in every way possible. Keep up the great work and progress. You guys are making a global different. Remember that!
Miss u & can’t wait to see you soon,
Mom, Dad & Didi
Hi Sam,
So many different experiences. I have been reading the daily blogs. Has been fascinating to read. Looking forward to seeing you and giving you a big hug.
Love, Grandma
Hi twins, sad we missed your call… We were at a rosary. We totally miss you guys! Good job in pressing the CAC for answers! Sounds like you are learning alot about reality. I hope you carry these lessons thru out life.
Love you guys and can’t wait to see you next week❤
Isabelle!
That sounds like it was an informative day. I can’t wait to hear about your trip when you get home. See you soon! <3
Jackson
Hi Chloe,
Sounds like a awesome learning experience and an eye opener for you. We miss you.
Watching this and it made think about how much you love The Beatles. Watch it when you can.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QjvzCTqkBDQ
Love mom, dad , jonah and Gabbie
Hey kiddo (sam I am)
Love reading the blogs and hearing about your experiences,… sad to see others in those conditions. Love you bunches and can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back!
Love,
Dad
this was very eye opening