My name is Gary Salmon. I am a professional Scuba Diving Instructor and have lived and worked under different work contracts for the past 15 years on the South and South East coasts of the Dominican Republic. I had returned to England in October 2004 to visit my parents both of whom had been taken ill during the course of the year. During my stay and after having displayed certain symptoms, I found that I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer. I am currently undergoing treatment for this and will need to remain in England for some time. This is painful for me because my Dominican wife and our children are all still in the Dominican Republic.

You may be asking why I have mentioned all of this when I am supposed to be writing about the South & South East of the Dominican Republic? Well, quite simply; I have a lot of honest, factual and unbiased information about the location both as a Resort Destination and as a place to live and work. I have been extremely disappointed by the many negative comments posted by unhappy visitors to the Dominican Reublic and although I sympathise with them I can only feel that this is not altogether the fault of the country. Rather, that of the infrastructure surrounding thier holiday bookings/Tour Operator/price, etc. I have some time on my hands at the moment and if there is anyone out there with a genuine interest in gaining some accurate information about thier South or South Coast destinations, or simply info about residency, living or working there; I will do my best to help.

The Dominican Republic is truly a beautiful country. It's people are warm and friendly and the sun shines almost daily. You just need to know how to get the most out of your experience.
Thank you,
Gary Salmon

Sorry to hear about your cancer. Have you started chemo or is a bowel resection a possibility?

Concerning the dominican and travel, my wife and I are interested in traveling there in October of this year. So far we have been looking at the Punta Cana area, specifically the Secrets resort. How is the beach there and would you recommend this place to a couple looking for a great beach, nice restraunts, great pools, activities and absolutely no hassles?

Is there a different area of the Dominican I should be investigating? We are open to suggestions.

I hope your treatments or healthcare goes well.

Thanks