I have never been to the D.R. but have been to AI resorts in other Caribbean locations. They have several different set ups for the "mini-bar" in the rooms, but I suspect most do refill bottles with cheaper booze. I think most use cheaper booze but still legit brands. But the D.R. seems to be a very inexpensive destination and I suspect that they have little or no standards on many things. So it may be that they are refilling with booze that is locally produced with very poor quality control and that results in high methanol content. Some batches are good, some bad. That is why the sickness is random and not happening to everyone. The D.R. government's refusal to acknowledge that something is going on is backfiring on them and they don't even realize it. At least Hard Rock resorts is admitting something is wrong and is attempting some remedy even if its minor.
It's happened before, including in other places like Mexico. as WSers have posted on this thread. The links should be easy to find.
How horrible, that poor man.
That headline just sent tourist bookings down even more, I'm sure.
Oh no, this is sickening.
As tourism is the equivalent of a national security level interest, they need to get control of the situation fast. I would literally send the police into the resorts to seize all bottles of alcohol.
Yes, that's what a legit investigation would look like. Find the source and all the connections.
Good idea however that would assume that the authorities are not in on it. I believe the corruption and money is vast - the coroner, the crematorium, the local authorities, and quite possibly up to national authorities.
This is heartbreaking.
