Has Anyone ever been to the Dominican Republic

I'm Thinking about a trip there in Feb. I have been doing some research and it seems like it would be a pretty good place for diving and surfing. Ive been trying to find more information on how the disasters in Haiti have affected the Dominican Republic but I cant find anything. Im curious if anyone knows anything about it or has any recommendations on things to do or not do.

Im also open to other suggestions of places in the Caribbean to go. I would kind of like a place thats not a total tourist destination and relatively cheap.(if that is even possible in the Caribbean)