Minister of Energy & Mines: GoldQuest mine needs social approval
Growth rate exceeds expectations
IMF to visit the country
DR ranks average among US News Best Countries 2018 report
Venezuela dialogue continues
School meals suppliers not being paid
Newlink poll shows tie between Medina and Fernandez
Bus drivers refuse to transport Haitians
Pawa needs to refund passengers for RD$230 million
Possibility of transport strike
Six men arrested for motorcycle racing in San Pedro de Macorís
Dominican cop promoted to two-star NYPD chief
Aguilas win one, lose another to Licey; playoffs move to Santo Domingo
Soberano Awards nominations announced
Pavel Núñez at Hard Rock Santo Domingo
International ballet at the National Theater
Cultura Profetica to Hard Rock Live
Minister of Energy & Mines: GoldQuest mine needs social approval
Energy & Mines Minister Antonio Isa Conde told the community of San Juan de la Maguana on 30 January 2018 that their approval is necessary for the Ministry of Environment to grant the required exploitation permits for the provincial gold mine. He said that the resolution sent to the Executive Branch on the Romero gold mine project is based on technical, legal and financial studies. He said that the approval does not mean that GoldQuest has the right to carry out the exploitation of the gold mine that is conditioned to the Ministry of Environment go ahead. He said it is up to the Ministry of Environment to decide if the project is environmentally viable. “We are sure that if the environmental studies indicate that the mining project could affect the water sources in the zone, the Ministry of Environment will not issue the license,” said Minister Isa Conde.
San Juan de la Maguana is a farming province. The GoldQuest mining project is near the San Juan River, a main water source. Mining director Alexander Medina has said that the mine will use rainwater. Farmer representatives say mining in the area is not compatible with farming.
http://diarioadiario.com/isa-conde-la-comunidad-san-juan-no-quiere-mina-no-haber-mina/
Growth rate exceeds expectations
According to the Governor of the Central Bank, Hector Valdez Albizu, the Dominican economy increased by 4.6% at the close of 2017. Speaking at a press conference at the Central Bank on 30 January 2018, Valdez Albizu said that if the economy had not been impacted by hurricanes Irma and Maria the Gross Domestic Product would have shown growth of 5%. Year’s end inflation was 4.2%. He said that the growth rate was one of the highest in Latin America and that it was a much better rate of growth than they were expecting.
Growth sectors were: Hotels, Bars and Restaurants (6.8%), Financial Services (6.2%), Agropecuarian Sector (5.9%), Free Zones (5.5%), Transport and Warehousing (5.1%), Construction (3.7%), Local Manufacturing (3.0%) and Commerce (3.0%).
The Central Bank governor highlighted that GDP grew 6.5% in the last quarter of the year.
https://www.bancentral.gov.do/notas...ma-que-la-economa-dominicana-creci-46-en-2017
https://www.bancentral.gov.do/noticias/notas_bc/archivos/bc20180130.pdf
http://www.7dias.com.do/portada/2018/01/30/i239593_economia-dominicana-desacelera-crece-2017.html
https://www.listindiario.com/econom...nomia-repunta-en-el-ultimo-trimestre-del-2017
IMF to visit the country
A mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is visiting on their annual visit to the country. The IMF officials will be meeting with the most senior financial authorities.
Last year, the IMF issued a document that recognized the economic growth achieved by the Dominican Republic, but issued an alert about the urgency of fiscal reform to widen the tax payer base, simplify the taxation system and reduce tax evasion.
Another of the issues that the IMF mentioned was the need to reduce the increasing debt, which reportedly could reach 52.3% of GDP this year.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economia/fmi-inicia-visita-de-consulta-en-el-pais-HY9067988
DR ranks average among US News Best Countries 2018 report
The Dominican Republic ranked 46th of 80 countries in the Best Countries 2018 global ranking by US News & World Report. The 2018 Best Countries rankings are based on how global perceptions define each country using a number of qualitative characteristics or impressions that drive trade, travel and investment. The set of these characteristics influence the performance of national economies.
The DR ranked best for adventure and being open for business, according to the popular report. A high adventure ranking is described for its “friendly, fun, pleasant climate, scenic, and sexy attributes”. The higher Open for Business rankings are given to countries with less bureaucracy, low manufacturing costs, less corruption, favorable tax environment, and transparent government practices.
The DR scores per individual sub-rankings: entrepreneurship (66th), adventure (12th), citizenship (43rd), cultural influence (37th), heritage (55th), movers (44th), open for business (18th), power (74th), quality of life (45th).
Other Latin American countries and their overall rankings were: Brazil (29), Mexico (31), Argentina (40), Peru (43), Costa Rica (45), Panama (48), Chile (52), Colombia (55), Uruguay (58), Ecuador (60), Guatemala (66), Bolivia (67).
https://media.beam.usnews.com/ce/e7...1110-best-countries-overall-rankings-2018.pdf
Venezuela dialogue continues
The Venezuelan government and opposition dialogue continued talks in Santo Domingo on Tuesday, 30 January 2018 starting at 9:40am at the Ministry of Foreign Relations. President Danilo Medina arrived to the meetings with the former President of the Spanish government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
Jorge Rodríguez and Delcy Rodríguez were present for the Venezuelan government. They told the press that agreements had been reached on several issues. Participating for the opposition were Alejandro Hernández, Julio Borges, Ricardo Padilla, Enriquez Márquez, Manuel Rosales, Luis Morel and Simón Calzadillo.
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...obierno-y-oposicion-venezolana-en-cancilleria
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...3/dialogo-sobre-crisis-en-venezuela-sigue-hoy
School meals suppliers not being paid
The suppliers of school meals have complained that they have not been paid for more than five months by the National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE). According to the president of the National Union of Suppliers of School Meals (UNSAE), Francisco Capellán, the sector is running the risk of bankruptcy due to the lack of money to continue operating. UNSAE says they are owed RD$3 billion for meals served.
He said that they represent more than 970 suppliers. The suppliers have been told by the authorities that they have not submitted complete documentation for the payments. The suppliers say this is but a delaying tactic. In fact, he maintained that more than 90% of the suppliers are properly registered.
He called on President Danilo Medina to intervene with Education Minister Andrés Navarro, in order that the debt be paid. Minister of Education Andres Navarro guaranteed the suppliers would be paid in one or two weeks.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...olar-por-deuda-de-rd-3-000-millones-XB9074257
http://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/01/...sta-semana-a-suplidores-del-almuerzo-escolar/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...los-suplidores-de-almuerzo-escolar-FH9081896j
Newlink poll shows tie between Medina and Fernandez
A telephone poll to 24,517 Dominican citizens revealed a virtual tie among voter preference between President Danilo Medina and former President Leonel Fernandez. The 2015 Constitution promoted by President Medina impedes him from aspiring to the Presidency in the 2020 general election. But the same was true for the 2010 Constitution that was changed so President Medina could seek reelection in 2016.
Former President Leonel Fernández received 34.2% voter intention, followed by President Danilo Medina, despite his constitutional impediment to run, with 32.9%. Fernández’s wife, Vice President Margarita Cedeño, received 32.9%.
Among voters who identified with the PLD, the percentages were Fernandez 37.1%, Medina 37.3% and Cedeño 25.6%.
Former opposition PRM presidential candidate Luis Abinader received 52.4% percentage, followed by David Collado with 29.5% and former President Hipólito Mejía with 18.1%. But when those polled were asked for whom in the PRM they would prefer to vote for, 44.6% backed the National District Mayor David Collado, followed by Luis Abinader with 30% and Hipólito Mejía with 25.4%.
The poll also showed that among politicians who have never sought the Presidency, Mayor David Collado of the National District is the best-positioned politician with 71.8%. He ran for mayor on the PRM ticket. Others on the polling list were Public Works Minister Gonzalo Castillo with 15.4% and Education Minister Andrés Navarro with 12.8%.
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...cuesta-da-favoritos-a-leonel-danilo-y-collado
Pawa needs to refund passengers for RD$230 million
The Civil Aviation Board (JAC) has announced that Pawa Dominicana has begun to pay back more than RD$230 million to passengers who had bought tickets. Pawa flights were suspended for a debt of more than US$3 million in airport taxes among other debts.
According to estimations, the suspension will affect around 12,000 passengers up to the end of February with an average ticket price of US$400. Pawa is calling for the Dominican authorities to reconsider their decision. The JAC confirmed that Pawa has ten days to present a formal request for reconsideration of their suspension including why they have not paid the airport fees.
According to Elena Rodriguez, head of communications at Pawa, said that the suspension should not have happened. Rodriguez said that the time for the refund would depend on the method of payment used but that they would try and do it as quickly as possible. The company said that they would start to give back the money to the clients who should make their claims by calling 829-735-0300, or email to reembolso@pawadominicana.com
Pawa is the only Dominican airline that had been carrying out regular international flights. The airline had received its operation license in 2007. It had regular flights to seven destinations including Miami, Havana, Curacao, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Aruba, with around 100 flights a week. The airline was seriously impacted when Caribbean destinations it served were seriously affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria.
JAC had pitched in and leased airplanes to transport weekend passengers to least served destinations. Around 500 passengers benefited with flights to Aruba, Curacao and Cuba. But it has stated, that now it is up to Pawa to reimburse its paying customers.
http://eldia.com.do/pawa-dominicana-debera-devolver-mas-de-rd230-millones-a-pasajeros/
https://pawadominicana.com/es/
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...00-pasajeros-afectados-por-suspension-de-pawa
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/pawa-admite-deuda-us-7-8-mm-jac-transporta-pasajeros-GX9077181
Possibility of transport strike
The National Confederation of Transport Organizations (Conatra) has announced a strike called to demand reductions in the constantly rising price of fuel.
General manager of the union, Rafael Arias did not say when the strike would begin. He said that the rising price of fuel was leading the sector to bankruptcy. He said transporters are also affected by rising prices of spare tires, spare parts and oil.
Gabriel del Río, secretary general of the Confederation of Autonomous Unions (CASC) announced his support to the strike for lower fuel prices.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/conatra-amenaza-con-parar-el-transporte-GB9074989
Six men arrested for motorcycle racing in San Pedro de Macorís
The First Hall of the Transit Court in San Pedro de Macoris (Primera Sala del Juzgado de Paz Especial de Tránsito de San Pedro de Macorís) ordered pre-trial custody to six men caught in the illegal act of motorcycle racing alongside the Autovía del Este between San Pedro and La Romana. The arrested are Raimond Alejandro Rincón Castro, Miguel Ángel Ochoa Reyes, Ramón Luis Silvestre, Pedro Molvan Silvestre, Juan Esteban Jaime and Cristian Manuel Polanco.
The Transit and Ground Transport Security Agency (Digesett/Amet) announced that the clandestine racing was from the cement factory on the highway to the overpass in violation with Arts. 220, 251 paragraph 1 and 267 of Transit and Transport Law 63-17. This is a first for the application of the new law that penalizes speed races on public roads.
http://eldia.com.do/imponen-prision-preventiva-a-6-hombres-por-realizar-carreras-de-motocicletas/
Dominican cop promoted to two-star NYPD chief
Neighborhood policing is working in New York City and a Dominican law enforcement officer was honored with a promotion for his contributions to the record low levels of crime and violence in New York City. Current 43rd Precinct (The Bronx) commanding officer inspector Fausto Pichardo was one of four promoted in a recent series of high-level promotions to support the new and expanding paradigm for police operations in New York City. 40-year old Pichardo is the first cop from the Dominican Republic to be promoted to a two-star chief.
Pichardo, a Dominican immigrant, was promoted to assistant chief and will serve as executive officer of the Patrol Services Bureau. He began his career in July 1997 as a police cadet and two years later became a police officer and assigned to patrol the Midtown North Precinct. He was assigned various commands in Patrol Borough Manhattan North and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.
Pichardo also served as executive officer of the 28th Precinct and commanding officer of the 33rd and 43rd precincts. He now replaces assistant chief Rodney Harrison, who will become Chief of Patrol.
The announcement by NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill was made in New York City on Monday, 8 January 2018, and is part of an extensive overhaul of the police department.
http://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/news/...-include-new-chief-department-chief-patrol#/0
https://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2018/2/02-nypdchiefs-2018-01-12-bx.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...ypd-promoted-two-star-chief-article-1.3767139
Aguilas win one, lose another to Licey; playoffs move to Santo Domingo
Rains over the Duarte long weekend caused a double game day to be played at 2 and 7pm at the Cibao Ball Park on 30 January 2018. Santiago fans first celebrated when their team defeated the Licey Tigers 5-2 in the first game. But sighed, when the Licey team from Santo Domingo won the second game, not fit for heart patients, that ended 4-3. This means the playoffs will be decided in the Wednesday, 31 January 2018 game at the Quisqueya-Juan Marichal Ball Park in Santo Domingo.
The winner of the game will then travel to Mexico for the Caribbean Series that starts 2 February in Guadalajara.
Soberano Awards nominations announced
The 34th Soberano Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday, 30 January 2018. The awards ceremony for the Premios Soberano, the most important show business event in the Dominican Republic, is set for Tuesday, 20 March 2017. The awards are sponsored by the Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana, the brewery of Presidente beer.
New this year are the categories of Best Movie Comedy, Best Drama, Best Alternative Music and Best TV Themed Program. The award organizers said this year a winner in the categories of TV Investigative Program, Humor Show of the Year and Artistic Revelation of the Year would not be announced.
The organizers of the event, the Association of Show Business Writers (Acroarte), released the list of all 211 nominees across 46 categories in the areas of Communications, Popular Art, Classics, and Films.
The presenters for the 20 March show will be movie actor Nashla Bogaert and actor-director Roberto Angel Salcedo. The 34th edition of the show is a production by Alberto Zayas. The show will be televised by Telemicro, Channel 5.
See all nominations at:
https://www.premiosoberano.com/nominados-soberano-2018/
Pavel Núñez at Hard Rock Santo Domingo
Pavel Núñez is booked for a 9 February 2018 performance at Hard Rock Live Blue Mall. The Valentine’s Day concert, “Agonizando Tour” will include 21 hits by the award winning contemporary singer.
International dance gala at the National Theater
The 10th Global Dance Stars (Gala de Estrellas de la Danza Mundial) will take place this coming 16 February 2018 at the National Theater. The event is a benefit for the Fundacion Nido de Angeles that helps children with brain paralysis.
Starring in the 2018 international dance evening are Cuban choreographer and dancer Yudesblet Maura Morales, the duo Tricia Albertson and Renan Santos of the Miami City Ballet, Anna Lisa Pavlon from Holland and Italians Timoteo Mock of the National Ballet of Canada and Rachele Buriassi of the Boston Ballet. Also participating in the gala are members of the National Company of Contemporary Dance directed by Marianela Boan. The artistic director for this gala is again Paul Seaquist.
To promote the event, short choreographies by ballet companies Ballet Concierto Dominicano, directed by Carlos Veitia; Endanza Juvenil directed by Marianella Sallent and other independent dancers will be performed on 10 and 11 Feburyary from 5 pm at the main atrium of the mall.
Ticket prices are RD$2,000 stage and RD$1,000 balcony. Tickets to the 16 February gala are for sale at the box office of the National Theater.
Cultura Profetica to Hard Rock Live
The Hard Rock Live stage at the Blue Mall in Santo Domingo presents the Spannish reggae group, Cultura Profética, on Friday 2 March 2018. The Puerto Rican band is best known for its songs “Illegal,” “La complicidad,” “Rimas pa seducir,”, among others. Tickets are for sale for RD$2,000 online at Uepa Tickets and at Jumbo and Supermercados Nacional.
Growth rate exceeds expectations
IMF to visit the country
DR ranks average among US News Best Countries 2018 report
Venezuela dialogue continues
School meals suppliers not being paid
Newlink poll shows tie between Medina and Fernandez
Bus drivers refuse to transport Haitians
Pawa needs to refund passengers for RD$230 million
Possibility of transport strike
Six men arrested for motorcycle racing in San Pedro de Macorís
Dominican cop promoted to two-star NYPD chief
Aguilas win one, lose another to Licey; playoffs move to Santo Domingo
Soberano Awards nominations announced
Pavel Núñez at Hard Rock Santo Domingo
International ballet at the National Theater
Cultura Profetica to Hard Rock Live
Minister of Energy & Mines: GoldQuest mine needs social approval
Energy & Mines Minister Antonio Isa Conde told the community of San Juan de la Maguana on 30 January 2018 that their approval is necessary for the Ministry of Environment to grant the required exploitation permits for the provincial gold mine. He said that the resolution sent to the Executive Branch on the Romero gold mine project is based on technical, legal and financial studies. He said that the approval does not mean that GoldQuest has the right to carry out the exploitation of the gold mine that is conditioned to the Ministry of Environment go ahead. He said it is up to the Ministry of Environment to decide if the project is environmentally viable. “We are sure that if the environmental studies indicate that the mining project could affect the water sources in the zone, the Ministry of Environment will not issue the license,” said Minister Isa Conde.
San Juan de la Maguana is a farming province. The GoldQuest mining project is near the San Juan River, a main water source. Mining director Alexander Medina has said that the mine will use rainwater. Farmer representatives say mining in the area is not compatible with farming.
http://diarioadiario.com/isa-conde-la-comunidad-san-juan-no-quiere-mina-no-haber-mina/
Growth rate exceeds expectations
According to the Governor of the Central Bank, Hector Valdez Albizu, the Dominican economy increased by 4.6% at the close of 2017. Speaking at a press conference at the Central Bank on 30 January 2018, Valdez Albizu said that if the economy had not been impacted by hurricanes Irma and Maria the Gross Domestic Product would have shown growth of 5%. Year’s end inflation was 4.2%. He said that the growth rate was one of the highest in Latin America and that it was a much better rate of growth than they were expecting.
Growth sectors were: Hotels, Bars and Restaurants (6.8%), Financial Services (6.2%), Agropecuarian Sector (5.9%), Free Zones (5.5%), Transport and Warehousing (5.1%), Construction (3.7%), Local Manufacturing (3.0%) and Commerce (3.0%).
The Central Bank governor highlighted that GDP grew 6.5% in the last quarter of the year.
https://www.bancentral.gov.do/notas...ma-que-la-economa-dominicana-creci-46-en-2017
https://www.bancentral.gov.do/noticias/notas_bc/archivos/bc20180130.pdf
http://www.7dias.com.do/portada/2018/01/30/i239593_economia-dominicana-desacelera-crece-2017.html
https://www.listindiario.com/econom...nomia-repunta-en-el-ultimo-trimestre-del-2017
IMF to visit the country
A mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is visiting on their annual visit to the country. The IMF officials will be meeting with the most senior financial authorities.
Last year, the IMF issued a document that recognized the economic growth achieved by the Dominican Republic, but issued an alert about the urgency of fiscal reform to widen the tax payer base, simplify the taxation system and reduce tax evasion.
Another of the issues that the IMF mentioned was the need to reduce the increasing debt, which reportedly could reach 52.3% of GDP this year.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economia/fmi-inicia-visita-de-consulta-en-el-pais-HY9067988
DR ranks average among US News Best Countries 2018 report
The Dominican Republic ranked 46th of 80 countries in the Best Countries 2018 global ranking by US News & World Report. The 2018 Best Countries rankings are based on how global perceptions define each country using a number of qualitative characteristics or impressions that drive trade, travel and investment. The set of these characteristics influence the performance of national economies.
The DR ranked best for adventure and being open for business, according to the popular report. A high adventure ranking is described for its “friendly, fun, pleasant climate, scenic, and sexy attributes”. The higher Open for Business rankings are given to countries with less bureaucracy, low manufacturing costs, less corruption, favorable tax environment, and transparent government practices.
The DR scores per individual sub-rankings: entrepreneurship (66th), adventure (12th), citizenship (43rd), cultural influence (37th), heritage (55th), movers (44th), open for business (18th), power (74th), quality of life (45th).
Other Latin American countries and their overall rankings were: Brazil (29), Mexico (31), Argentina (40), Peru (43), Costa Rica (45), Panama (48), Chile (52), Colombia (55), Uruguay (58), Ecuador (60), Guatemala (66), Bolivia (67).
https://media.beam.usnews.com/ce/e7...1110-best-countries-overall-rankings-2018.pdf
Venezuela dialogue continues
The Venezuelan government and opposition dialogue continued talks in Santo Domingo on Tuesday, 30 January 2018 starting at 9:40am at the Ministry of Foreign Relations. President Danilo Medina arrived to the meetings with the former President of the Spanish government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
Jorge Rodríguez and Delcy Rodríguez were present for the Venezuelan government. They told the press that agreements had been reached on several issues. Participating for the opposition were Alejandro Hernández, Julio Borges, Ricardo Padilla, Enriquez Márquez, Manuel Rosales, Luis Morel and Simón Calzadillo.
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...obierno-y-oposicion-venezolana-en-cancilleria
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...3/dialogo-sobre-crisis-en-venezuela-sigue-hoy
School meals suppliers not being paid
The suppliers of school meals have complained that they have not been paid for more than five months by the National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE). According to the president of the National Union of Suppliers of School Meals (UNSAE), Francisco Capellán, the sector is running the risk of bankruptcy due to the lack of money to continue operating. UNSAE says they are owed RD$3 billion for meals served.
He said that they represent more than 970 suppliers. The suppliers have been told by the authorities that they have not submitted complete documentation for the payments. The suppliers say this is but a delaying tactic. In fact, he maintained that more than 90% of the suppliers are properly registered.
He called on President Danilo Medina to intervene with Education Minister Andrés Navarro, in order that the debt be paid. Minister of Education Andres Navarro guaranteed the suppliers would be paid in one or two weeks.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...olar-por-deuda-de-rd-3-000-millones-XB9074257
http://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/01/...sta-semana-a-suplidores-del-almuerzo-escolar/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...los-suplidores-de-almuerzo-escolar-FH9081896j
Newlink poll shows tie between Medina and Fernandez
A telephone poll to 24,517 Dominican citizens revealed a virtual tie among voter preference between President Danilo Medina and former President Leonel Fernandez. The 2015 Constitution promoted by President Medina impedes him from aspiring to the Presidency in the 2020 general election. But the same was true for the 2010 Constitution that was changed so President Medina could seek reelection in 2016.
Former President Leonel Fernández received 34.2% voter intention, followed by President Danilo Medina, despite his constitutional impediment to run, with 32.9%. Fernández’s wife, Vice President Margarita Cedeño, received 32.9%.
Among voters who identified with the PLD, the percentages were Fernandez 37.1%, Medina 37.3% and Cedeño 25.6%.
Former opposition PRM presidential candidate Luis Abinader received 52.4% percentage, followed by David Collado with 29.5% and former President Hipólito Mejía with 18.1%. But when those polled were asked for whom in the PRM they would prefer to vote for, 44.6% backed the National District Mayor David Collado, followed by Luis Abinader with 30% and Hipólito Mejía with 25.4%.
The poll also showed that among politicians who have never sought the Presidency, Mayor David Collado of the National District is the best-positioned politician with 71.8%. He ran for mayor on the PRM ticket. Others on the polling list were Public Works Minister Gonzalo Castillo with 15.4% and Education Minister Andrés Navarro with 12.8%.
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...cuesta-da-favoritos-a-leonel-danilo-y-collado
Pawa needs to refund passengers for RD$230 million
The Civil Aviation Board (JAC) has announced that Pawa Dominicana has begun to pay back more than RD$230 million to passengers who had bought tickets. Pawa flights were suspended for a debt of more than US$3 million in airport taxes among other debts.
According to estimations, the suspension will affect around 12,000 passengers up to the end of February with an average ticket price of US$400. Pawa is calling for the Dominican authorities to reconsider their decision. The JAC confirmed that Pawa has ten days to present a formal request for reconsideration of their suspension including why they have not paid the airport fees.
According to Elena Rodriguez, head of communications at Pawa, said that the suspension should not have happened. Rodriguez said that the time for the refund would depend on the method of payment used but that they would try and do it as quickly as possible. The company said that they would start to give back the money to the clients who should make their claims by calling 829-735-0300, or email to reembolso@pawadominicana.com
Pawa is the only Dominican airline that had been carrying out regular international flights. The airline had received its operation license in 2007. It had regular flights to seven destinations including Miami, Havana, Curacao, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Aruba, with around 100 flights a week. The airline was seriously impacted when Caribbean destinations it served were seriously affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria.
JAC had pitched in and leased airplanes to transport weekend passengers to least served destinations. Around 500 passengers benefited with flights to Aruba, Curacao and Cuba. But it has stated, that now it is up to Pawa to reimburse its paying customers.
http://eldia.com.do/pawa-dominicana-debera-devolver-mas-de-rd230-millones-a-pasajeros/
https://pawadominicana.com/es/
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...00-pasajeros-afectados-por-suspension-de-pawa
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/pawa-admite-deuda-us-7-8-mm-jac-transporta-pasajeros-GX9077181
Possibility of transport strike
The National Confederation of Transport Organizations (Conatra) has announced a strike called to demand reductions in the constantly rising price of fuel.
General manager of the union, Rafael Arias did not say when the strike would begin. He said that the rising price of fuel was leading the sector to bankruptcy. He said transporters are also affected by rising prices of spare tires, spare parts and oil.
Gabriel del Río, secretary general of the Confederation of Autonomous Unions (CASC) announced his support to the strike for lower fuel prices.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/conatra-amenaza-con-parar-el-transporte-GB9074989
Six men arrested for motorcycle racing in San Pedro de Macorís
The First Hall of the Transit Court in San Pedro de Macoris (Primera Sala del Juzgado de Paz Especial de Tránsito de San Pedro de Macorís) ordered pre-trial custody to six men caught in the illegal act of motorcycle racing alongside the Autovía del Este between San Pedro and La Romana. The arrested are Raimond Alejandro Rincón Castro, Miguel Ángel Ochoa Reyes, Ramón Luis Silvestre, Pedro Molvan Silvestre, Juan Esteban Jaime and Cristian Manuel Polanco.
The Transit and Ground Transport Security Agency (Digesett/Amet) announced that the clandestine racing was from the cement factory on the highway to the overpass in violation with Arts. 220, 251 paragraph 1 and 267 of Transit and Transport Law 63-17. This is a first for the application of the new law that penalizes speed races on public roads.
http://eldia.com.do/imponen-prision-preventiva-a-6-hombres-por-realizar-carreras-de-motocicletas/
Dominican cop promoted to two-star NYPD chief
Neighborhood policing is working in New York City and a Dominican law enforcement officer was honored with a promotion for his contributions to the record low levels of crime and violence in New York City. Current 43rd Precinct (The Bronx) commanding officer inspector Fausto Pichardo was one of four promoted in a recent series of high-level promotions to support the new and expanding paradigm for police operations in New York City. 40-year old Pichardo is the first cop from the Dominican Republic to be promoted to a two-star chief.
Pichardo, a Dominican immigrant, was promoted to assistant chief and will serve as executive officer of the Patrol Services Bureau. He began his career in July 1997 as a police cadet and two years later became a police officer and assigned to patrol the Midtown North Precinct. He was assigned various commands in Patrol Borough Manhattan North and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.
Pichardo also served as executive officer of the 28th Precinct and commanding officer of the 33rd and 43rd precincts. He now replaces assistant chief Rodney Harrison, who will become Chief of Patrol.
The announcement by NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill was made in New York City on Monday, 8 January 2018, and is part of an extensive overhaul of the police department.
http://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/news/...-include-new-chief-department-chief-patrol#/0
https://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2018/2/02-nypdchiefs-2018-01-12-bx.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...ypd-promoted-two-star-chief-article-1.3767139
Aguilas win one, lose another to Licey; playoffs move to Santo Domingo
Rains over the Duarte long weekend caused a double game day to be played at 2 and 7pm at the Cibao Ball Park on 30 January 2018. Santiago fans first celebrated when their team defeated the Licey Tigers 5-2 in the first game. But sighed, when the Licey team from Santo Domingo won the second game, not fit for heart patients, that ended 4-3. This means the playoffs will be decided in the Wednesday, 31 January 2018 game at the Quisqueya-Juan Marichal Ball Park in Santo Domingo.
The winner of the game will then travel to Mexico for the Caribbean Series that starts 2 February in Guadalajara.
Soberano Awards nominations announced
The 34th Soberano Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday, 30 January 2018. The awards ceremony for the Premios Soberano, the most important show business event in the Dominican Republic, is set for Tuesday, 20 March 2017. The awards are sponsored by the Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana, the brewery of Presidente beer.
New this year are the categories of Best Movie Comedy, Best Drama, Best Alternative Music and Best TV Themed Program. The award organizers said this year a winner in the categories of TV Investigative Program, Humor Show of the Year and Artistic Revelation of the Year would not be announced.
The organizers of the event, the Association of Show Business Writers (Acroarte), released the list of all 211 nominees across 46 categories in the areas of Communications, Popular Art, Classics, and Films.
The presenters for the 20 March show will be movie actor Nashla Bogaert and actor-director Roberto Angel Salcedo. The 34th edition of the show is a production by Alberto Zayas. The show will be televised by Telemicro, Channel 5.
See all nominations at:
https://www.premiosoberano.com/nominados-soberano-2018/
Pavel Núñez at Hard Rock Santo Domingo
Pavel Núñez is booked for a 9 February 2018 performance at Hard Rock Live Blue Mall. The Valentine’s Day concert, “Agonizando Tour” will include 21 hits by the award winning contemporary singer.
International dance gala at the National Theater
The 10th Global Dance Stars (Gala de Estrellas de la Danza Mundial) will take place this coming 16 February 2018 at the National Theater. The event is a benefit for the Fundacion Nido de Angeles that helps children with brain paralysis.
Starring in the 2018 international dance evening are Cuban choreographer and dancer Yudesblet Maura Morales, the duo Tricia Albertson and Renan Santos of the Miami City Ballet, Anna Lisa Pavlon from Holland and Italians Timoteo Mock of the National Ballet of Canada and Rachele Buriassi of the Boston Ballet. Also participating in the gala are members of the National Company of Contemporary Dance directed by Marianela Boan. The artistic director for this gala is again Paul Seaquist.
To promote the event, short choreographies by ballet companies Ballet Concierto Dominicano, directed by Carlos Veitia; Endanza Juvenil directed by Marianella Sallent and other independent dancers will be performed on 10 and 11 Feburyary from 5 pm at the main atrium of the mall.
Ticket prices are RD$2,000 stage and RD$1,000 balcony. Tickets to the 16 February gala are for sale at the box office of the National Theater.
Cultura Profetica to Hard Rock Live
The Hard Rock Live stage at the Blue Mall in Santo Domingo presents the Spannish reggae group, Cultura Profética, on Friday 2 March 2018. The Puerto Rican band is best known for its songs “Illegal,” “La complicidad,” “Rimas pa seducir,”, among others. Tickets are for sale for RD$2,000 online at Uepa Tickets and at Jumbo and Supermercados Nacional.
