NewsWhore
07-25-2007, 06:40 PM
The term "buscones" means something like 'searchers', as in searching for something to do. These rather folkloric figures are common near government offices where normal citizens seek to renew documents of almost any kind or obtain new license plates or register a birth or a death. Despite the Central Electoral Board and the Santo Domingo Prosecutor's Office's best efforts to eliminate the need for this special breed of service providers, they still abound near any Civil Registry Office. According to Diario Libre, they are like "buzzards after carrion", and any new arrival is asked, "How may we serve you?" or "What are you looking for today?" Of course, any fears are quickly allayed with a "Not to worry, we are here to serve you." The offer is then presented: either you stand in line and wait your turn or you pay the 'buscon" and let him do it for you. It's your choice. With the heat, the thirst and the time involved, most people will shell out a couple of hundred pesos and resolve their issues the easy way.
Even for the free birth certificate issued for school children, it is worth it. While some persons will endure the standing in line, a significant percentage does not, and this provides fertile ground for the 'buscones'. According to Martin Montilla Luciano, an official at the Santo Domingo Second District Civil Registry, "while we have put a lot of effort into making things easier for citizens, one of the greatest problems is people's reluctance to stand in line. He said, however, that part of the problem was the inadequate facilities currently available, but promised that the new building at the corner of 27 de Febrero and Dr. Delgado would serve the public much more effectively.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#6)
Even for the free birth certificate issued for school children, it is worth it. While some persons will endure the standing in line, a significant percentage does not, and this provides fertile ground for the 'buscones'. According to Martin Montilla Luciano, an official at the Santo Domingo Second District Civil Registry, "while we have put a lot of effort into making things easier for citizens, one of the greatest problems is people's reluctance to stand in line. He said, however, that part of the problem was the inadequate facilities currently available, but promised that the new building at the corner of 27 de Febrero and Dr. Delgado would serve the public much more effectively.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#6)