The Puerto Plata Amphitheater, one of the emblematic works in the efforts to relaunch this destination, the scene of important artistic events in recent years, shows signs of deterioration, crying out for attention, resources and patronage.
The main ally of the beauty of the amphitheater, the sea next to which it is built on the tip of the boardwalk, is, at the same time, its main enemy, the saltpeter corrodes part of its structure, as well as the lamps that must illuminate the surrounding spaces and the breeze shatters the canvas that should cover the dome.
Different voices have been raised demanding attention to the facilities before it is too late, as well as regular meetings of the board of trustees integrated with decree 196/16 of President Danilo Medina by the mayor of the municipality, the senator, the governor, a representative from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Bishop of Puerto Plata, as well as the presidents of the Brugal Foundation, the Puerto Plata Destination Tourism Cluster, the Puerto Plata Hotel Association and the Chamber of Commerce.
It has even emerged that some members have considered resigning from the board of trustees, which they have not materialized in order not to create an uncomfortable situation for the president.
mayor position
In the eye of the hurricane has been the mayor of the municipality, Diómedes Roque García, Roquelito, who presides over the board of trustees, consulted in this regard, the official indicated that they have carried out a detailed survey of the needs of the place, which they presented to the Ministry of Tourism.
Roquelito said that although rarely, the board of trustees has met and that consultations are now being carried out, to suggest to the president some changes to it.
The survey presented to Tourism contemplates the change of the canvas, which requires special characteristics for the acoustics of the place, painting and maintenance of the metal structure and the stage floor, as well as the seats, change of about 30 lights and adaptation of children’s facilities, with an estimated budget of about 160 million pesos.
Voice of Chio Jiménez Messón
Engineer Miguel Ángel Jiménez Messón, former Secretary of Public Works and former senator, has led the charge calling for the operation of the Board of Trustees, which has not met for months.
But Jiménez Messón, who is the husband of Senator Ginette Bournigal, who is part of the board of trustees, goes further, suggesting its restructuring, with real mourners, as well as the intervention and improvement of children’s play areas, the realization of a program of events, which integrates the San Felipe Fortress, where he understands that, on specific days, hotels could hold events, celebrate weddings on weekends, after adapting their facilities, he even believes that a restaurant could be installed at the top, near the Lighthouse whose diners enjoy the beauty of the sunsets on the lace.
He advocates a management plan that guarantees that the board of trustees has the resources for the permanent maintenance of these facilities, for establishing a space for the sale of soft drinks and sweets for children, “not alcoholic beverages,” he clarifies.
It is notorious that the decree that creates the patronage establishes in its recitals the creation of one; “Administrative and Maintenance Unit (UAM) of La Puntilla Park and Puerto Plata Amphitheater”, which not only has never been formed, but also has not created the first of its mandates: Preparation of Annual Operating Plans ( POA) and Quarterly Programming and Operation Plans for La Puntilla Park and Puerto Plata Amphitheater.
Tourist Cluster of the Puerto Plata Destination
Consulted in this regard, the Tourist Cluster of the Puerto Plata Destination indicated that: “The Amphitheater and the Urban Park of La Puntilla is a unique and differentiating attraction that adds to the offer of Puerto Plata as a tourist destination. In addition to the impressive views that this offer offers, the historical value of its surroundings make it a unique setting in the Caribbean for the celebration of national and international cultural shows.
This is a space that we must take care of and protect, from what we understand it is appropriate to ensure the proper functioning of its board of trustees to ensure its correct operation and preservation.
They long for Luis Medrano. Sectors consulted, who requested reservations of their names, yearn for the first stage of the amphitheater, where the Ministry of Tourism established an agreement with Luis Medrano that not only implied the performance of a series of shows but also favored the maintenance of the park facilities and the amphitheatre.
Opened in April 2017, This 2,062-square-meter Greek-style amphitheater facing the Atlantic Ocean has a capacity for 4,000 spectators. Flanked by the San Felipe Fortress, and the green La Puntilla park, it is the ideal setting for concerts, dance performances and other artistic events that have been held here occasionally with the participation of Dominican and foreign artists.