The US military presence in Barahona, Dominican Republic

international | anti-war / imperialism | news report Friday March 03, 2006 11:27 by The wonderer

What are they doing?

Early February 2006 - Some 800 US troops have disembarked at the Dominican port of Barahona as part of the “New Horizons” military exercise that is to extend for several months.

The U.S. troops will build medical clinics and conduct medical training, an official said.

Some 100 troops were near the southern city of Barahona, close to the Haitian border, to work with the Dominican military on the projects, said Army spokesman Robert Appin.

About 3,500 soldiers would join the effort, part of “New Horizons” — a Latin American aid program the U.S. military has run since 1998, Appin said. The work runs through May 22.

Later, hundreds of demonstrators marched on the US Embassy in Santo Domingo as well as on the US military camp in Barahona, approximately 120 miles southwest of the capital. Demonstrators representing leftist, union and student groups presented a statement to a US Embassy official demanding the immediate withdrawal of the US troops.

Some private individuals' observations on the US military presence in Barahona, taken from the Internet.

1) The US military presence is in the strategic massif which juts out to sea and reaches heights of over 1300 meters, straddling both Barahona and Azua provinces, known locally as Sierra de Martin García - Loma del Curro. The area was "assigned" secretely to the US during the last administration of Joaquín Balaguer. In 1991, the massif was completely depopulated, and thousands of campesinos were given land elsewhere and relocated (for example, Martín García, in Barahona, and Finca Seis, in Azua). Considering the anomalies in apparent civilian infrastructure being built on the Eastern (Azua) side of the massif, it was my understanding that the large military base would be built closer to Azua...

2) A truly " local " perpective, being here in Cabral, 10km from Barahona.

There was no riot, no protest. Just some of us wanting to see what was up. We all had plenty of opportunity, the port is right in the middle of downtown and two boat loads of military equipment parading down the street is hard to miss. Even it it did arrive at night. Had another gathering of some size down at the military base with everyone crowding about to see through the few peep holes through the fence.

Did the arrival of US troops surprise us here in Barahona? No, it was (information) on the street here as being possible well before it was ever announced in Santo Domingo. Not much happens on the Frontier that does not become common knowledge in time. Hard to keep a secret with something like this, especially here.

Were we pleased with the inital annoucement of the mission ? Yes, with reservations. Needless, to say we can use whatever assistence is offered out here on the Frontier and four new clinics, in the areas announced, with the numbers projected to be served, was seen in a positive light.

Have we had any problems with the troops being stationed here? No, in fact we look at them as large group of tourists in an area of few tourist. They are given free time it seems to mingle with the " locals ", shop the markets and spend their dollars. Have heard of no frictions as of yet

We have a saying we work with out here, Truth is Reality, so here is Reality.

A: NO CLINICS are being built. They brought no such equipment.

B: NO Children or people of any size or shape are being provided with medical services. They have no medical staff or equipment.

What then is their mission ?

Our first thought, indeed the general opinion, was Haiti. The elections were going on and we are close to Haiti. And it is now thought that the 3 Blackhawks and certain other equipment on the ground could have been allocated for that purpose.

What is the mission? Ah, time reveals all to us, with little to do but talk and see.

Lots, and lots of HIGH TECH communications equipment and high tech personel it seems are going into the mountains. Setting up electronic systems to look out over the Caribbean and maybe Haiti, mostly to the WEST.

To what end: What do we think now? Eyes in the sky. For drugs, the border, and across the pond to George W's friend, Chavez.

Are the troops a concern for the locals? Hey, we have moved on with life and they will go, once their toys are in place in the mountains. The parade will be to the ships taking them back to Puerto Rico.

Are we disappointed that there are no new clinics ? Yes, but not upset. We hear a lot of " what might happen" on the Frontier.

Why, just the other day we heard the government department of tourism tell us about two new hotels for Barahona. Yea, and we have the 108 room Barcelo Bahoruco still empty and closed down the road. Money-laundering time again.