The Henry George School
in the Dominican Republic
Lucy de Silfa
[An interview reprinted from the Henry George
News, 1980]
Lucy de Silfa, Director of the Henry George School in Santo Domingo,
the Dominican Republic, attended the March meeting of the Board of
Trustees at the School in New York, where she was interviewed by
Louise Pulini:
Q. How did you become interested in Henry George?
A. I was living in the United States when Trujillo was dictator in my
country, since I did not agree with his politics. I was going through
some old books one day, when I came across a very dusty copy of Progress
and Poverty, or Progreso y Miseria, as it is called in
Spanish. I happen to be allergic to dust, but 1 became so interested
in what George was saying, that I sneezed my way through the book. I
found out that the school in New York was offering a course in
Georgist economics, and also a teacher-training course, so I bravely
took both courses at the same time. This was a challenge, but then I
have never done things the "easy" way. I felt very
comfortable at the school, and took other courses as well. I always
felt that I would like to teach Henry George to my people, so I hoped
I would be able to return and start a school.
Q. When did you return, and did you then start a school, as you
hoped?
A. In 1965, I was able to begin planning my school, once I returned
to Santo Domingo. At the time, the country was going through many
political changes, arid the people were searching for new outlets of
expression. I worked very hard on a non-existent budget, holding
classes day and night, traveling, lecturing, and getting our building
in good shape. We have always had people come to the school who are
from all walks of life; university students, farmers, businessmen, the
military, and lately, more women than ever. There were hardly any
women in government, or running schools, fifteen years ago, and that
presented problems.
Q. In the fifteen years that the school has been in operation, what
have been the accomplishments? What have been the disappointments or
some of the problems you have encountered?
A. The school is currently in a very "up" period,
especially since my political party is now in power, and so I find it
easy to deal with the government. I am friendly with the President,
and I invite members of the powerful Institute Agrinomo to speak at
the school. It has not always been this way of course. Throughout the
years, when other parties were in power, we have had problems with
interference, surveillance, disruption of activities, among other
things. We have had to be very careful that Georgist philosophy is not
interpreted as Communist ideology, or else we will be mislabelled as
Communists. It is very different than the U.S., where people are free
to disagree with the government. I suppose that one of the main
accomplishments is that we have reached so many people through
lectures, classes, and other activities. It is pleasing for me to see
students of the school from ten years ago, who are still very
interested in the school.
Q. What is going on at the school presently? How has the rebuilding
gone since Hurricane David?
A. We were able to hold classes only a few days after the hurricane,
but it took a lot of work and dedication from volunteers. The school
was badly vandalized, and we had a leaking roof, bad water damage in
the library, and lots of broken windows. Gasoline shortages, power
outages, and blockage of many roads prevailed in most parts of the
country for months. However, the spirits of the people are very good,
and we have had more interest in the school than ever before. We have
had classes of 85, and we recently held a nice graduation ceremony.
Also, we have been traveling around the country, organizing classes.
One main problem is that I wish I had a twin, because people always
want me to come again and again. Luckily, my assistant, Ismael Reyes,
who is studying law at the university, is also very popular, and
supportive, but he is limited for time, and all the traveling and
schedule juggling can be tiring. But, I love my work, especially the
teaching, and I am always happy to meet new students.
Q. I understand that you were given a gift to bring back to the
school, by Professor Steven Cord, today. Tell me about it.
A. I am so pleased, because Professor Cord has found one of the rare,
original translations of Progress and Poverty, into Spanish,
dated 1898, and it is something that I know my students will love to
see. We are so sad, because we lost much valuable library material,
but I know this will be a jewel in our small collection.
Q. Your husband has written a book, Guerra, Troicion y Exilo.
Translate the title for me, since I do not read Spanish.
A. My husband, Nicholas, who is the Consulate for the Dominican
Republic in Barcelona, Spain, has __just published Volume I of his
series, War, Treason and Exile, as it is called in English. We
are hoping to get it translated into English, so it can be published
here also. As a study of politics in the Dominican Republic, it is a
valuable book that has been very well received in my country.
Incidentally, I might add that I will be visiting my son, Nick, who is
currently living in Houston, while I am now in the U.S.
Q. I have never thought of visiting the Dominican Republic before,
but now I think 1 would like to come and see your school in operation.
It sounds like such a lively, spirited organization. Thank you for
sharing your life with us.
A. You are welcome anytime. I enjoyed our talk, and 1 hope your
readers will find all of this interesting.
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