January 4, 2015

Ruins of the sugar mills
Photo Credit: Crystal Croom 

Crystal: Hidden among the neighborhoods on the western border of Santo Domingo, lie the ruins of once functioning sugar mill plantations. Unfortunately, we were informed that the operation of these plantations used to rely solely on the work of slaves. These sugar mills provided the foundation of the D.R.’s economy during its colonization. Milling sugar was a huge source of income during this time period, as it was exported to England and other countries. There were several large plantations in the southern part of the Dominican Republic. We had the pleasure visiting two plantations. The first location we visited was Parque Mirador Oeste. We were able to see where the plantation owners lived, and they even had a church built on their property. The church was not overly large, but it only had to provide space for the family and maybe other visitors. We even discussed where the sugar cane was processed, stored, and shipped away. This first location was right next to the water; therefore, it easy to visualize how the sugar was about to be shipped away. The second location we visited was Palave Manor. This plantation was not as visibly close to a body of water, but that definitely did not stop production and exportation. This plantation showed had ruins of where the sugar cane was processed and where the slaves worked. The plantation even had an intact slave quarters. A beautiful mural was painted on a wall surround the plantation that demonstrates the hard work of the slaves there. Learning about the history of the sugar mill was very interesting, and it was beneficial to see exactly what Maria was teaching while being there.

Mural at the sugar mill ruins
Photo Credit: Rose Kalala

Mural at the sugar mill ruins
Photo credit: Rose Kalala

Rose: The most shocking part of today’s experience at the sugar mills, was to see the ruins with our own eyes, and still be informed that the majority of Dominican people deny the existence of slavery as a part of Dominican history. I was appalled when Maria told us that even the schools do not teach about slavery when discussing the history of their country. In general, most people are ignorant to the fact that slave owners established this country. As we entered the second sugar mill, I noticed a beautiful mural along the concrete wall that fenced the property. The mural, (shown below) made of chalk, depicted several slaves chained together.

Shackles used for slaves at the sugar
mill ruins
Photo Credit: Rose Kalala

This visual made imagining what the sugar mill might have looked like hundreds of years ago much more realistic and in turn, much more emotional. It made me feel better that someone was knowledgeable about the history and did not deny the existence of the great suffering that occurred here. I also was hopeful the message of the image would be passed on to young Dominican children and eventually the country’s view of their history could possibly change. My experience at the sugar mills made me more thankful for our country’s recognition of slavery and the legislation that followed.

Maria holding "tuatua"
Photo Credit: Kirstie Geier 

Kirstie: Throughout our tour of the sugar mill ruins today we were amazed with the beauty that once existed, but we were also could not forget the horrible mistreatment that many suffered to maintain these plantations. During our tour Maria, the director of CIEE and a native Dominican, shared various methods of traditional medical practices common among the Dominican culture. One of the plants found among the grounds, called “tuatua,” was once used due to its laxative effects. The leaves from this plant were placed in tea and given to those in need. Eventually, it was discovered that “tuatua” was harmful to the body, causing liver damage. Maria also played traditional music commonly used for healing in the Dominican. This music was referred to as “palos.” Traditional medical methods and practices are still widely used among the culture here in the Dominican. The vast utilization of traditional medicine can be attributed to the widespread poverty that is present in the D.R. Many individuals cannot afford or access modern medicine, and as a result, utilize the resources in which they can obtain. Our next activity on the agenda was to spend time on the beach. Along the way, we encountered a roadblock that signified a protest occurring in the town we were visiting. The town was actively striking because they did not have access to running water at the current time. Unfortunately, this is not rare occurrence in the Dominican Republic. Many individuals do not have access to clean water because it is a developing nation, which greatly increases their chances to contracting illnesses. One major illness that they are likely to contract when drinking dirty water is cholera. Cholera can lead to poor health developments, and if large amounts of people do not have access to clean water this could cause an extensive health crisis in the D.R.

Protestors in the street
Photo Credit: Rose Kalala