DR1 Daily News - Wednesday, 5 October 2016

Dolores1

DR1
May 3, 2000
8,215
37
48
www.
Matthew wrap-up as of 4 October 2016
Nine deaths reported in Haiti
Chamber of Deputies sessions suspended
Matthew affects electricity and water
More airline cancellations
Rains to continue
All schools closed
Stand by to evacuate prisons
Vice President visiting Panama
Dominican Republic tops growth table
Rosario should continue as says he did a good job
Punta Catalina process “not transparent”
Claro to increase investment
Italian Embassy in Santo Domingo to re-open
Artists helping a fellow artist
Alicia Machado to speak on breast-cancer in Santo Domingo



Matthew wrap-up as of 4 October 2016
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) reports that 21,951 people have left their homes as a preventive measure against the tropical storm force winds and rainfall in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. A total of 794 people, mostly residents of southwestern provinces, have taken refuge in government shelters.

While the hurricane is now passing over eastern Cuba, the COE has maintained its red and yellow alerts for provinces in the Dominican Republic and the National District, on the grounds that it will go on raining for the next two days. School was called off on Wednesday, 5 October 2016 making it three days without lessons.

The Ministry of Public Works has closed the first four lanes of the Las Americas Expressway near the Las Americas International Airport due to the storm surge from the Caribbean Sea.

The COE reported four deaths in Greater Santo Domingo, but no others have been reported for other areas of the country. Two sisters, Wilianny and Favianny Robles aged seven and nine were killed when the roof of their home in the poor neighborhood of El Capotillo collapsed. A third sister was saved by their blind grandfather who lived with them. A five-year old boy in another poor neighborhood, La Puya, was killed by a mudslide. The fourth fatality, a retired army second lieutenant was killed after being hit by a rock at his home on Calle Las Colinas in Bella Colina in Santo Domingo West.

The Civil Defense reports rescuing 24 people who took refuge from flooding waters on their roofs and trees in Guanuma, La Victoria, Palmarejo and Villa Altagracia (San Cristobal).

In the town of Oviedo in the southwestern province of Pedernales 144 residents are staying in community centers after their homes were affected by the tornado that hit the area on Monday.

The government also reported high water levels in reservoirs, which if the rains continue with the same intensity could force the government to release the waters, which in turn could lead to increased flooding. Residents would need to be evacuated from these areas.

The Santo Domingo Water Corporation (CAASD) said that water shortages were being caused by turbulence in the rivers that supply the city.

Meanwhile, public hospitals are only seeing emergency cases, but according to reports only a few patients are seeking treatment.

According to early reports, Hurricane Matthew has caused major damage to agriculture in the Dominican Republic.

The Emergency Operations Center (COE) list of provinces on red alert for Wednesday, 5 October is Azua, San Jos? de Ocoa, San Juan de la Maguana, Pedernales, Barahona, Independencia, Dajab?n, Montecristi, Bahoruco, El?as Pi?a, San Cristobal, Peravia (Ban?), Santiago Rodr?guez, Puerto Plata, Valverde (Mao), Santo Domingo, Monse?or Nouel (Bonao), S?nchez Ramirez (Cotu?), Monte Plata and La Vega.

The provinces on yellow alert are Espaillat (Moca), Duarte (San Francisco de Macor?s), Maria Trinidad Sanchez (Nagua), Santiago de los Caballeros, La Romana, San Pedro de Macor?s, La Altagracia (Higuey, including the Punta Cana tourist area), Hermanas Mirabal (Salcedo), Saman?, El Seibo and Hato Mayor.

http://hoy.com.do/lluvias-matthew-dejan-cuatro-muertos-y-21951-desplazados/
http://epaper.diariolibre.com/epaper/PDF_dl/dl.pdf
http://www.coe.gob.do
http://dr1.com/forums/showthread.php/157613-2016-Hurricane-Season


Nine deaths reported in Haiti
According to Haitian journalist Alexander G?lvez, at least nine people have been killed in southern Haiti. Five towns are under water and hundreds of people have been displaced by the heavy rainfall and high winds of Hurricane Matthew, which hit the southern peninsula on Tuesday, 4 October 2016.

He said that the disaster is likely to postpone the national elections, which were scheduled to take place on Sunday, 9 October 2016.

G?lvez said that four of the towns under water had been flooded by seawater and the fifth by a river, where a bridge also collapsed and the town is completely cut off.

The bridges destroyed are Croix-des-Missions, which links Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien, as well as the Petit-Goave Bridge that links Port-au-Prince with southern Haiti. The journalist said, however, that everything is normal in the capital Port-au-Prince despite the heavy rainfall. Galvez called for help from the Dominican authorities, especially with food and drinking water.

http://www.listindiario.com/la-repu...uertos-en-el-sur-de-haiti-por-huracan-matthew
http://eldia.com.do/huracan-matthew-provoca-muertes-e-inundaciones/


Chamber of Deputies sessions suspended
The Chamber of Deputies work sessions have been suspended for the week, due to the rains caused by Hurricane Matthew.

A press release issued on Tuesday, 4 October 2016 said that the sessions had been cancelled because many deputies live in other parts of the country and have experienced problems getting to the capital city. In addition, many of the legislators would be helping residents of vulnerable areas.

Next week there will be the ordinary sessions on Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 October 2016 and the permanent committee meetings.

http://www.elcaribe.com.do/2016/10/04/camara-diputados-suspende-labores-legislativas-por-esta-semana


Matthew affects electricity and water
The strong winds caused by Hurricane Matthew have left cities in the dark as trees have fallen and damaged electricity poles, even in the 24-hour power circuits, according to reports.

EdeEste reports that 31 circuits are out of operation in Greater Santo Domingo, Monte Plata, San Pedro de Macor?s, La Altagracia, El Seibo and Hato Mayor.

EdeSur says that 17 circuits have been affected especially in Santo Domingo West. *EdeNorte reported breakdowns in Cotu?, but did not specify exactly how many circuits were affected.

The Santo Domingo Water Corporation (CAASD) said that water shortages were being caused by turbulence in the rivers that supply the city.

http://elnacional.com.do/ciclon-causa-danos-a-red-electricidad/


More airline cancellations
Due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew, the Cubana and InterCaribbean airlines cancelled their operations from Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) on Tuesday, 4 October 2016 on their routes to Santiago de Cuba and Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Aserca Airlines, Venezolana and Laser airlines have also cancelled flights to and from Caracas.

Aerodom is advising all passengers to contact their airline to check that flights are operating, or to check their website at www.aerodom.com

Earlier flights to Haiti and Mexico had been suspended.

http://www.listindiario.com/la-repu...uelos-desde-rd-a-cuba-y-venezuela-por-huracan


Rains to continue
The national weather service (Onamet) is forecasting that the rains will continue until Hurricane Matthew has left Haiti, so rain is expected on Wednesday, 5 October 2016 with a slow decrease on Thursday. The winds affecting part of the country are also expected to decrease on Thursday.

http://www.diariolibre.com/medioamb...incrementaran-en-las-proximas-horas-AB5102075


All schools closed
On Tuesday 4 October 2016, the Ministry of Education announced the suspension of classes nationwide for Tuesday and Wednesday, including schools that had opened normally in the provinces of Hermanas Mirabal (Salcedo), Samana, El Seybo, Hato Mayor, La Romana, San Pedro de Macor?s and La Altagracia (Higuey and Punta Cana). The measure was taken on advice from the COE and Onamet due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew.

http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias...ncia-en-todo-el-territorio-nacional-NX5101780


Stand by to evacuate prisons
Attorney General Jean Alain Rodr?guez has issued instructions for preventive plan to be put in place in all the country’s prisons to ensure that inmates are not injured and that there is no spread of disease due to the rain.

Director General of Prisons Tomas Holguin La Paz and Model Prisons coordinator, Ysmael Paniagua are in charge of implementing the contingency plan, together with other government institutions.

If necessary, the prisoners will be transferred from the jails that are worst affected, which in the current emergency would be La Victoria, to the closest facilities. They will be taken in buses and the Dominican Air Force also has a helicopter if needed. The military and the National Police are on standby to assist with any transfer.

Local governments and prison directors have been asked to ensure that the inmates have clean drinking water and enough food. They have also been asked to increase security to ensure that no prisoners escape.

http://eldia.com.do/procurador-inst...entivo-en-centros-penitenciarios-por-lluvias/


Vice President visiting Panama
Vice President Margarita Cedeno is on an official visit to Panama to meet with high- ranking officials and exchange experiences about the poverty reduction programs being developed in both countries.

Cedeno, who will be in Panama for a week, will attend an Extraordinary Social Cabinet meeting chaired by Panamanian Vice President and Foreign Relations Minister Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado where the role of women in politics and empowerment of women will be discussed.

Cedeno will also visit a project called “Territorial Networks” in Penonome, capital of the central province of Cocle, a sustainable development initiative being implemented by the government and private industry to reduce poverty in the area.

http://www.listindiario.com/la-repu...rd-visita-panama-con-agenda-de-interes-social


Dominican Republic tops growth table
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that the Dominican Republic will end 2016 with growth above 5%.

A report on Global Economic Prospects published by the IMF together with the World Bank states that the Central American economies will continue with good economic progress and will increase growth by 3.9% in 2016, 4.1% in 2017 following 4.2% in 2015.

However there will be inflationary pressure with 1.4% inflation in 2015 and a projection of 2.5% in 2016 and 3% for 2017.

The head of the regional growth table is the Dominican Republic with 5.9% increase in GDP although it is expected to slow to 4.5% in 2017. Panama follows with 5.2% in 2016 and 5.8% in 2017.

Then comes Nicaragua, with 4.5 % in 2016 and 4.3 % for 2017, followed by Costa Rica, with 4.2 % and 4.3 %, respectively.

Honduras (3.6 % and 3.7 %) and Guatemala (3.5 % and 3.8) are at the other end of the scale and El Salvador is at the bottom of the list with 2.4 % growth anticipated for 2016 and 2017.

http://www.diariolibre.com/economia...superara-el-5-este-ano-segun-el-fmi-AB5102604


Rosario should continue as says he did a good job
Roberto Rosario Marquez has said that although certain sectors of the opposition and civil society object to him being re-appointed president of the Central Electoral Board (JCE), he would be interested in continuing in the post.

Rosario Marquez said that his 13 years on the job, without being linked to any political party, and having done a good job, qualify him to continue.

Rosario was speaking to the press on Tuesday 4 October 2016 after his interview for the post by the Special Senate Commission in charge of evaluating and choosing the president and other members of the JCE.

When asked about the cancellation of his United States visa, he said that it was because certain diplomats thought it was their right to decide who could hold public office in this country.

Speaking to the press, Roberto Rosario complained that the Medina administration had not issued a formal position on the withdrawal of his government and personal visas by the United States government. US Ambassador James Brewster met with President Danilo Medina before the visa was withdrawn. Rosario said that the visas had been cancelled as a form of retaliation aimed at discrediting and damaging his reputation.

http://epaper.diariolibre.com/epaper/PDF_dl/dl.pdf
http://elnacional.com.do/rosario-dice/


Punta Catalina process “not transparent”
The president of the Association of Herrera and Province of Santo Domingo Industries (AEIH) has criticized what he described as the lack of transparency in the tender process for the Punta Catalina plant following Jim?nez Bichara’s announcement that the government would call a tender for 49% of the company shares.

Antonio Taveras Guzman says that it will be difficult for the government to find investors for a project whose real cost is the best-kept secret. He said the Electricity Pact discussion forum would be the best forum for discussion and analysis of the sale of the coal-fired power generation complex. He said that so far the participants in the Electricity Pact are unaware of the costs, construction procedures and budgets used for the construction of the Catalina plant. The government announced it would call a tender for 49% of the share in the plant, seeking a US$1 billion investment.

“This is happening despite the fact that the information has been constantly requested by the private sector members of the Social and Economic Council,” he stated. The council is the coordinator for the Electricity Pact.

http://www.elnuevodiario.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=501011


Claro to increase investment
According to Claro (America Movil) CEO Daniel Hajj Aboumrad, the company will invest US$600 million in the Dominican Republic over the next three years. The announcement was made during a meeting held on Tuesday, 4 October 2016 between Hajj and President Danilo Medina, also attended by Claro Dominicana president Oscar Pena.

Hajj said that USS200 million a year would be allocated to rolling out broadband and LTE networks, among other priorities.

Claro remains the clear market leader in the mobile sector with 4.52 million lines at the end of the first quarter of 2016, followed by Orange Dominicana/Altice with 3.61 million and Trilogy Dominicana with 415,196, according to figures issued by telecom regulator Indotel.

http://www.telecompaper.com/news/cl...million-a-year-in-dominican-republic--1165441


Italian Embassy in Santo Domingo to re-open

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Relations has announced that the Italian Embassy in the Dominican Republic will be reopened. The embassy was closed in December 2014. The Ministry said that the re-opening of the embassy in Santo Domingo confirms the strong bilateral relationship in the political, economic and cultural spheres, and that it will help enhance them. The Italian embassy in Panama has been serving people requiring the Italian Embassy services.

The Ministry of Foreign Relations, nevertheless, did not specify a date for the reopening.

http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias...embajada-en-la-republica-dominicana-YC5105199


Artists helping a fellow artist
“Together for Fernando” is a collective exhibition by Dominican artists who are fundraising to cover the cost of medical bills for their colleague Fernando Rodr?guez. At the initiative of his friend Fernely Lebr?n, they aim to help graphic artist Fernando Rodr?guez who was hospitalized at the Cedimat and spent two months in intensive care after suffering from Guillain Barr? syndrome. “Together for Fernando” is an attempt to raise RD$2 million to cover his medical bills. The exhibition is open at the Casas Reales Museum in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City and paintings are on sale for RD$8,000 to RD$150,000.

This is an opportunity to purchase work by a Dominican artist and contribute to a good cause. The participants are:
Valent?n Acosta, Juli?n Amado, Mariojos? ?ngeles, Pilar Asmar, Manuel Bar?as, C?sar Campillo, Gipsy de los Santos, Patricia Dur?n, Sole Ferm?n, Luis Galarza, Patricia Gamundi, Marcos Guerra, Osiris G?mez, Joel Gonell, Nora Guzm?n, Emeren Hach? ?lvarez, Rafael Hern?ndez Peguero, Luis Heredia, Pery Jim?nez, Leidi Jorge, Vivi Kieffer, Rosa Lamarche, Marcelle Labour, Fernely Lebr?n, Mirna Ledesma, Mabel Manzano, A.J. Mart?, Jalily Mej?a, Janibeth P. M?ndez, Jonathan D’M?ndez, Pedro Pablo M?ndez, Omar Molina Oviedo, Miguel ?ngel Montero, Judith Mora, Luis Mu?oz, Reyes Ocre, Rosmariel Parra, Iris P?rez Romero, Gustavo Pe?a, Grimaldy Polanco, Lucas Pe?a, Miguelina Rivera, Emmanuel Pozo, Luis Rivas, Yi-yoh Robles, Bethania Rodr?guez, Enriquillo Rodr?guez Amiama, Narcizo Rodr?guez, El?as Roed?n, Gabino Rosario, Enrique Royo, Carlos Sangiovanni, Jos? Segura, Vidal Jos? Su?rez, Edward Teller?a, Juan Trinidad, Limber Vilorio and Isabel Y?pez.

http://www.metrord.do/entretencion/...together-for-fernando/ftwpje---PUFF7c0dNU8Bw/


Alicia Machado to speak on breast-cancer in Santo Domingo
Former Miss Universe, Venezuelan Alicia Machado is visiting Santo Domingo to give a talk on cancer, at the invitation of First Lady Candida Montilla.

The talk is part of a series of events launching the start of a breast cancer campaign spearheaded by the First Lady’s Office. Machado, who was crowned Miss Universe in 1996, has recently been in the news for derogatory comments made about her by US presidential candidates Donald Trump, which were challenged by Hillary Clinton.

As a breast cancer survivor, Machado will be speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Relations convention center at 7pm on Thursday, 6 October 2016.

https://primeradama.gob.do/el-despa...-de-alicia-machado-al-pais-hablara-de-cancer/

For information on upcoming events:
http://www.dr1.com/calendar
*

Archived News stories:
http://dr1.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/91-Daily-Headline-News
*
*Archived Travel News stories:
http://dr1.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/92-Travel-amp-Tourism-News