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Long ago, Casas in Las Terrazas
were scattered in the countryside. Made up of thatched palm
trees and palm woods as frames, theses habitations were fragile
when exposed to tropical cyclones and hurricanes that often
visit the island. To eradicate poverty and enhance the quality
of life of peasants, a development program was launched in 1968
by the government. A village was built with the necessary
amenities for a better life of the community like schools and
health care. Eco tourism reforestation, craft and subsistence
farming are the main activities of the villagers. The returns of
their produce for example crafts of tourism are shared in a
ratio 4 to 6 between them and the community respectively. The
fund generated is used towards the financing for the community
welfare and expenses. Nowadays, Casas with triangular roofs of
iron sheets and concrete houses withstand cyclones of different
intensity. In these habitations, modern living and ancestral
tradition cohabit with in the background the majestic palm
trees. The lush vegetation around the casas in Las Terrazas
reminds us of the culture and ancestral way of living of the
‘taino’ still part of this upland community. |
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