Today, February 19th, the Dominican Republic once again dominates world-wide media with terrible headlines. This occasion, the sight and the power to exercise democracy is in limbo and at stake of being swiped. This is in no way a politically based blog post and I'm not about to vomit my opinions or views on you. I want to take a moment to show, in crumbs, another side to the Dominican people and the country that shaped my moral compass. I want all of you to be a little more aware and informed of some of the oppression taking place in the Dominican Republic.
I spent December to January in the beautiful caribbean island. Surrounded by palm tress, white sandy beaches, and amazing people. During this time, I went from coast to coast, from historical and local places to the most touristy and secluded areas of the country. During my internal travels, I was able to quickly photograph some pretty remarkable people. Some of them with whom I grew up and others whom I had the honor to meet while passing through.
This previous week, the national electoral assembly of the country suspended elections due to a technical glitch. All votes where due to be collected by electronic means in numerous poll sites around the country. The day of, only a hand full of locations where open to the public and voting machines were giving citizens the option of one candidate from only one political party - YES! only one of the candidates was included in the ballot. After millions spread their concerns, the assembly decided to cancel the elections, with no concrete communication as to when will they be postponed.
Dominicans living in the country have always been extremely united and supportive of each other. The one major problem is poverty, making people more vulnerable to accepting bribes and potentially not considering the consequences of the future. I was born in this beautiful island, and although I no longer consider it home or call it "my country," I deeply care about MY people.
This series of portraits are just a glance of the unique characteristics of my people. Pictures I took as part of beautiful memories, while sharing very beautiful moments. People from all walks of life and different social structures. In the Dominican Republic, everyone is a friend, a welcoming force of energy, everyone radiates a big smile. This is the truth of us, human kind, loving creatures, dominicans.
Hasta pronto,
