The Miss Universe pageant was last night. This is an increasingly big deal here in Latin America. Or at least in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Miss Dominican Republic, Ada Aimée de la Cruz (photo above left), was the first runner up to the winner, Miss Venezuela, Stefania Fernandez (photo above right). For a minute there I thought there was going to be a celebration on the Malecon. But it was not meant to be. There were many places around the country that were having parties to watch the pageant. Even Cha had a large screen put in place for Sunday party. Miss Dominican Republic gave it her best shot and can proudly hold her head high.
Yesterday was also the final day of the World Track & Field Championships. The Dominican Republic made it to the final of the 4x400 meter relays. They placed sixth, which is great. Click here to see the race.
Jose Luis Guerrero, also known as Maripoli, was killed by police on Mo
nday. Details are sketchy as to exactly what happened. The facts I know for sure is that he was shot in the head and stomach and he is dead. Maripoli was a troubled young man who abused drugs and had a problem taking things that were not his. I wish I could say that I am shocked, but I am not. But it is still a shame.
Update (9/1/09): Maripoli was NOT killed by the police. He was killed by the owner of the house he was trying to rob. According to news accounts he was beaten to death and then shot. His funeral is today.
Yesterday was also the final day of the World Track & Field Championships. The Dominican Republic made it to the final of the 4x400 meter relays. They placed sixth, which is great. Click here to see the race.
Jose Luis Guerrero, also known as Maripoli, was killed by police on Mo
nday. Details are sketchy as to exactly what happened. The facts I know for sure is that he was shot in the head and stomach and he is dead. Maripoli was a troubled young man who abused drugs and had a problem taking things that were not his. I wish I could say that I am shocked, but I am not. But it is still a shame.Update (9/1/09): Maripoli was NOT killed by the police. He was killed by the owner of the house he was trying to rob. According to news accounts he was beaten to death and then shot. His funeral is today.
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11 comments:
I guess raven-haired, olive tanned skin and latin blood is still the IN thing for the Ms. Uni pageant. With the blond hair blue eyes contstantly losing to Miss Venezuela, they're gonna be saying something about that pretty soon. This pageant has nothing to do with beauty or talent or sophistication, just which of those girls have the look of the moment. Oh well, the objectification continues . . .
so sorry to hear about the taking of a life. I'd be just devastated if I click on this blog and find out one of my many sweetness in DR meet such a similar fate. not cute at all, but then again, it is the reality in which we live.
RIP MARIPOLI
Maripoli was always nice to me in the days of the Pool hall. I knew he was on Drugs but he always respect me, RIP Maripoli
Why did they have to kill the kid? Why are the police so trigger happy?Don't they have tasers?
I am shocked and a bit saddened. I never knew about his drug habit but he was ALWAYS lovely and had a big warm smile and was just another happy go lucky Dominicano. You never know with the rampant police corruption in that country. RIP Baby... I was soooooo rooting for Ms Dominican Republic, Venezuela was fantastic, but... I guess I am a tad biased. Diandra
Ms. Ada is so beautiful.
Sad to hear about Maripoli may he RIP.
For NYers, JetBlue is having a sale from JFK to Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata for $89 one way. Have to purchase ticket by Wed., 8/26 and travel btw 9/8 and 11/18. Here's the site:
http://www.jetblue.com/deals/caribbean-fall09/?intcmp=HPHero1Eng_BikiniSale?&source=tznf
With taxes, the round trip tix is $311.80, Some dates have almost sold out.
I knew Jose Luis like most people who have posted. We were not really friends, but he was someone I would chit chat with and so on. His drug problem and his death at the hands of the uneducated, trigger-happy, Dominican police are an indication of the sad state of affairs in the DR especially in the Santo Domingo area. Many guys I used to see are now strung out on some type of drug and the police are more than happy to get rid of them. Sorry for the ranting. I need some coffee....
From Puerto Rico,
Rafael
I'm so sorry to hear about Maripoli! Very sad, and especially disturbing that he was killed by the police.
That's what ppl should expect when doing bad thingsss.......
I felt badly to hear what had happen to Jose Luis while I was in Santo Domingo,He always treated us warmly and with respect.If we needed to find a place he was more than helpful.Really kind when around us, he just got off into a life style that was not healthy nor positve for him, sad really, he was so young.His funeral was the day we left for home.My prayers are with his family and those who cared for him as a friend.God rest his soul.
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