TravelVideoSource's video: Dominican Republic and Haiti Hispaniola

From the http://www.VideoSource.com Global Village Travel Guide and DVD, "Caribbean". Stock footage available from http://videosource.com/search.html Transcript: Hispaniola, the name given to the large island that today comprises Haiti and the Dominican Republic, has seen troubled times. In the 18th century Haiti was one of the world's richest colonies. It produced half the world's sugar on its French plantations. Today, Haiti is hampered by poverty and political instability. Its neighbor on the island, the Dominican Republic, is much more stable. The country is blessed with untapped resources, dramatic natural beauty and gracious people. Even though it is the Caribbean's largest democracy, it is relatively undiscovered by visitors because of its turbulent past. In 1978, the first peaceful transfer of power from one freely elected president to another occurred, and the country has enjoyed increasing popularity ever since. The colonial district of the capital city, Santo Domingo, has a decidedly Spanish flavor. 16th century treasures abound, including the elegant Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, the New World's first cathedral, begun in 1514 and completed in 1540. It is said to contain the remains of Columbus. The Dominican Republic is an agricultural island, and relies heavily on sugar cane for export. Cane fields fill valleys all over the country, where the ageless process of harvesting cane never ceases.