Around Latin America: Dominican Republic

By Daniel Vila, People's Weekly World, 1 November 1997

Work stoppages and demonstrations swept the country Oct. 21 and 22 against the government's interruption of electricity and water services and the high cost of living. Police killed at least four persons and arrested 100 in the capital, Santo Domingo, and other towns. In Villa Altagracia, 25 miles of the capital, public transportation operators staged a 24-hour strike in solidarity.

Electricity has been routinely suspended between 16 and 20 hours a day for years. The government of President Leonel Fernandez has repeatedly pledged to correct the irregular services but the situation has gradually worsened. His government has also been the target of many general strikes protesting his implementation of the repressive economic policies imposed by the International Monetary Fund. A general strike is planned for Nov. 10 and 11 to press the government to solve the crisis.