June 7, 2013- Increased Military

This past Tuesday as the Burke UMC team was getting ready to leave, we headed to La Sirena for one last stop before heading to the airport. As we got out of the bus I noticed 4 military guards stationed outside with the normal La Sirena security. I assumed someone “important” was inside and didn’t think much about it. Our driver, Bernardo, had to run an errand into the city, and upon his return he told us there were more military around the city. They all seemed to have a badge on their arm so we concluded the president was coming to Santiago and that was the reason for the increase in security.

It wasn’t until later this week that I heard the reason for the increase in military. The president of the Dominican Republic has issued a plan to increase security in the country and decrease the amount of theft. His “plan” is to post armed forces around the country to help with the security. Like in many countries, the military guards are young boys just out of high school. Some of them look so young to be carrying artillery. As teams come this summer, especially those who have been here in the past, I wanted to let you know ahead of time about the military you will see. It is nothing to be alarmed about, in fact, it is just the opposite. The president has placed them for our security and protection.