Add Bookmark   Tell A Friend   Advertising Information   Contact Us   Daily News Archive: January to March 2003 To access older archived Daily News pages, click on the required year: 2002  2001  2000  1999  1998 News Archives Jan - Feb - Mar - Apr - May - Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep - Oct - Nov - Dec Monday, 31 March 2003 Estrella ahead in PRSC primaries Power bills up again Two Indian companies to build train RD$100 million for money laundering Malecon Libre takes off Car theft high Capital wanes due to lack of confidence Dominicans are big coffee consumers The high cost of loans in DR Border health services go to Haitians Friday, 28 March 2003 Malkum now at the Central Bank Hipólito makes changes in military Clampdown on traffic violations US$200 million in loans Madrigal Dam again CONEP commends changes to economic team Orange’s US$270-million investment PRSC candidates neck and neck in polls Water levels critical AG favors RD$5-million bail for Lockward Opposition to Malecon Libre Thursday, 27 March 2003 Reactions to Tolentino Dipp's resignation Malkum pledges to reduce Banco Central functions What the Central Bank changes could bring Mortgage hell for Dominicans SD municipality takes over refuse collection LMD wants to buy helicopter French ambassador acknowledges Haitian burden Young people not interested in politics Miami Herald on Pepe case Lockward makes second bid for freedom Glass House: Joselyn and Junior have done it! Wednesday, 26 March 2003 A Dominican Miss USA Frank Guerrero to Foreign Relations Foreign Minister resigns The impacts of the war analyzed Electricity again, doggonit Big party on the Malecon this Sunday Good news: dollar down and oil down Airfares are up Tuesday, 25 March 2003 Banco del Progreso takes over Baninter Oil up, dollar down, power up? Civil Aviation Board up to date Tax revenues up CONEP vs. FENATRADO Uzis recovered Nuria Piera does it again Sad price to pay for ignorance Focus on the Pan Am Games Monday, 24 March 2003 AMET steps up pace of tickets The anonymous parking concessionaires The garbage issue again Bill for free access to information Watch those foreign contracts PRSC lineup for primaries Country needs export culture The Shakira concert debacle Friday, 21 March 2003 President Mejía backs US, not war Peso hits record low, gas prices to fall Gas stations closed for selling “mixed” fuel RD$30 million for political parties 37 deaths at hands of the police Children need their birth certificates Earthquake measuring 5.5? Shakira concert postponed again Thursday, 20 March 2003 Santo Domingo facing waste-disposal crisis Peynado calls attention to votes for sale Businesspeople refuse to pay twice for social security RD$525 million to be taken out of circulation, peso loses 8% Senators report spate of thefts Pan American Games accommodation “almost ready” Shakira concert postponed Wednesday, 19 March 2003 President takes steps, just in case Oil prices fall, perhaps good for DR JCE still on the front page Exports up in January Bills removal posponed indefinitely Corruption cases Dominicans are against bribery City of Azua celebrates Severe water shortage in Santiago Tuesday, 18 March 2003 Spreading misinformation? Hipólito Mejía to meet with business leaders HUD Secretary Martinez visits DR Mixed news on the electricity front Petroleum stocks, just in case President of Electoral Board unhappy Gender and the vote Bad news: beer up RD$2.00 What about the athletes? March madness in the Dominican Republic Monday, 17 March 2003 More on Calderón’s train Economist resigns from Monetary Board RD$40-million fraud deemed correctional offense PLD and PRSC alliance is most popular PLD march is a success Baninter president denies merge The high cost of remittances CONEP vs. transport cartel The high cost of trade Friday, 14 March 2003 Dominicans against the war Juan Dolio aqueduct US$253.7 million in new loans in Congress Erratum New re-capitalization proposal by Union Fenosa Dollar reaps more pesos List of anti-corruption cases grows 75% of Dominicans reject Hipólito’s re-election PLD March this Saturday Najayo’s forgotten women Salami thief gets a break Police reform West Nile virus alert Thursday, 13 March 2003 Teachers to face stricter tests CAASD warns of worsening drought Fast track for drivers licenses 67% 'dissatisfied' with PRD government Voting for the candidate or the party Lockward continues his bid for release Immigrants hinder fight against poverty US deported 498 Dominicans in 2003 Rice at RD$4 a pound Peso holds steady, petrol prices to fall The largest advertisers Feria Ganadera 2003 Wednesday, 12 March 2003 Contingency committee More on Monte Cristi’s tourism future Fraudulent use of electricity DR exports to the US – No problem Dominican Republic trade surplus RD$16-lb chickens scarce Interest rates increase 50% Peso-dollar rate continues to drop Caucedo project nearly finished Air Santo Domingo halts its local flights Angel Lockward heads to the Supreme Court Good news from the UN Tuesday, 11 March 2003 Pay traffic fines at Banco de Reservas Conflict over transfer of AMET Consumers to gain little from generator’s efficiency A high price to pay to get considered for FTA? DR and Jamaica provoke lower bond index The US$150 million reserve money Chicken at RD$16/pound Bishop’s plea gets support Inflation, high interest rates kill small businesses Monday, 10 March 2003 Reducing forgery of Dominican visas Vacation time for controversial deputy New envoys to Italy, UN and Brazil US$150 million to strengthen reserves? Mejia to campaign for PRD The suspicious bill Jacinto Peynado disputes PPH + PRSC liaison Jobs are first to go Making it difficult to complain Edward Wilson in Santo Domingo Joseph Tulchin talk Women account for 64% university enrollment Brutal infanticide Traffic accident deaths New long distance swimming record Friday, 7 March 2003 Hipolito repeats he will not run in 2004 Plans to decongest jails Traffic police returned to police Heavy burden on maternity services Decrees are now “confidential” US law firm to defend Peña Gomez name New Italian ambassador 37 Haitians sought political asylum Making it into Central American FTA? New free zone industries in January Price Waterhouse Index Hotel occupancy rises to 90% Earthquake measuring 4.5? Thursday, 6 March 2003 Government sets fee for gravel Austerity an unknown word in Congress Executive Branch advertising spending Just apply the Civil Service Law Focus on violence against women DR is big importer of Spanish products Largest importer of U.S. foodstuffs in region Hopes for 25 medals in Pan Am Games Wednesday, 5 March 2003 Government foots some of the bill German bondholders visit Mejia The peso component rises 29.9% Where is the 2002 economic report? More on the train Happy bankers Santiago voices approval 15 more generals A lot of motorcycles Elenita explains early retirement Corruption cases reopened Spiderman is back in jail Domestic violence still in forefront Leave it up to Dominicans Free meals and lodging for Pan Am 2003? Tuesday, 4 March 2003 Government looking for options Pepe loses his Visa News from Santiago The commission on money exchange Central Bank stops subsidy Armed Forces presents yearly report Monday, 3 March 2003 Worried about middle-class finances US$200 million loan to reduce payroll 8,000 military get pay raises Peso appraises Exchange commission 850,000 illegal foreigners Ramos Garcia released from jail Transport power struggles Pepe Goico’s visa cancelled? Fernandez: Peme or Pepe? Independence Day at the White House Friday, 28 February 2003 27 February speech Studying the cutting government payroll Proposals to combat corruption Mejia to increase city government funds 10% surcharge to Congress Formalizing the Cedopex-OPI merge Power rates up considerably All aboard! Scotiabank president visits Wednesday, 26 February 2003 DR1 takes a break for Independence Day A new review of concessions The Attorney General wants a new law Central Bank subsidizes government No agreement on new electric tariffs Disagreement over US troops Fight over who gets what Catholic Church addresses corruption Teachers strike on in Santo Domingo Judge gives killer-rapist 30 years One policeman dies every 6 days 2002 travel statitics analysis Tuesday, 25 February 2003 Gas crisis possibly over New transport rates CONEP applauds measures Always electricity Medicines are more costly Cardinal receives praise from John Paul II Some nasty numbers Killer of young student had killed before The government steps up aid to PanAm Games The Casandra Awards Monday, 24 February 2003 President Mejia on 15 March PLD event Dominicans pessimistic on economy PRD members critical of government Mejia’s popularity slides The PRSC prepares for primaries Vice President launches her candidacy The public transport route concessions Pepe Goico released on bail Puerto Rican murdered by taxi driver Dominicans are good debtors First natural gas shipment arrives People in glass houses… Audrey makes it to the finals in Chile Casandra Awards tonight US$15 million to remodel stadium Karate Pan Am Championship Friday, 21 February 2003 Bail for Pepegate players President will not negotiate with gas stations Leonel leads in voting preferences Who should run for the parties? The most popular presidential hopefuls PLD ahead in voter preference Exports to Caricom rise 70% Harrison Ford & Ally McBeal in Punta Cana Thursday, 20 February 2003 Surcharge holds Central Bank drops rate on certificates Banks side with government Banks say dollar transactions flow normally Standard Bank update on DR Chilling effect on the economy Insurance premiums way up, too New Electoral Board chambers A lucrative business in the making? Focus on the beneficiaries of the Plan Renove 90% highlight corruption in government Placer Dome has confidence Playa Dorada golf course for sale A date for DATE Tourism must be treated as an export Annual Tourism Award to Victor Cabral Wednesday, 19 February 2003 Protest if you must Supreme Court to look at 10% tax Hipolito to officials: Pay your taxes Foreign Minister and Haitians Minister of Tourism: Crisis nearly over Electricity RD$10 billion in subsidies New Central Electoral Board starts today Gasoline might become scarce US Army trains Dominicans Fernandez focuses on root of today’s woes An encouraging story Tuesday, 18 February 2003 Solar energy program to advance Bankers and government talk dollars and cents IMF and the Monetary Board Inflation CONEP and the government ANADEGAS stops purchases When it snows in New York Independence Cycling Tour Monday, 17 February 2003 Carlos Despradel defends restrictive measures Dauhajre disputes Despradel Business loans climb to 52% interest Former President stresses lack of confidence Circus for the people? Hipolito rides Pegasus Radhames Ramos Garcia turns himself in New judges for JCE chosen Power cut at government TV station Stock up on fuel Two out of three: No trial Opening “postponement” is great publicity The biggest mangu in the world Famous eye surgeon visits Friday, 14 February 2003 Curbing the run on the peso Mission to press Peña Gomez case Transport rate hikes okayed Bail for Pepe is illegal Update on PR & DR trade Graduating hospitality staff Isabela International ready in March Saint Valentine’s Day Sandcastle Building Contest Thursday, 13 February 2003 Government justifies 10% tax Imports down Economists make recommendations to government PRD to sue narcotics agents El Millon case gains new steam Dominican Republic to host IGTM 2003 Hotel occupancy up Carnival at the Avenida del Puerto Sandcastle Building Contest Wednesday, 12 February 2003 Interest rates at 1% – a week!! An interesting scenario for dollars Hypothetical calculations S&L associations benefit from new measures DR economic reports Send it to Congress, Mr. Mejia Businessmen favors IMF intervention The CONEP calls for a meeting Meanwhile the President ate cake US$12-million for Cogentrix US Federal Court awards agents Pepe Goico about to be released? A plea for peace Texas Fort Worth story Tuesday, 11 February 2003 Reactions to the speech Government says it can’t reduce payroll The effects of the measures The 10-% tax must go to Congress Air-conditioning or not? Government and power generators New tribunal for domestic violence A first for zoning laws Amnesty International awards prize Monday, 10 February 2003 More belt tightening Cure worse than the illness? President ignored local problems Gasoline prices at all time high Cibao power service improves Peak inflation in January Travel up in January Increasing British investment IADB and corporate social responsibility Leonel Fernandez marries Police sergeant dies Shortening of anthem made them mad Friday, 7 February 2003 FTA with Panama Reigning in the pesos Gomez Mazara vs. free speech? Blackouts return to Cibao The lure of manufacturing and tourism Police revenge? Air Europa captures 55% Spanish travelers DR beats Mexico in Caribbean Series Thursday, 6 February 2003 Decoration of former President Bush Mejia inaugurates highway expansion Hipolito vs Martinez Pozo, Round 3 Government offers Cogentrix US$24 million Wetlands under attack Three-year ordeal with Edesur Fenatrano pays its bill Propane up 313% Dollar is out of control New Penal Code to include life terms The hidden cost of bureaucracy Family violence Dutchman jailed for drugs Cultural exchanges with BVI Puello supports multisports constructions Aguilas win in Caribbean Series Wednesday, 5 February 2003 Protesting the high cost of power Free Trade with Canada Ambassador Blackwell requests changes The National Dialogue Whose is it? AIDS aid World Bank loan of US$250 million Government expenditures on salaries A call to the folks at Environment US Congressmen support Free Trade Agreement Aguilas with clipped wings Tuesday, 4 February 2003 Superintendent of Power speaks out Guaranteed access President on a talk radio show Sasso says so, but… Government announces subsidies Propane gas sales fall Macarrulla murder solved RD$258 million for Pan Am Games DR wins 2nd game in Caribbean Series Monday, 3 February 2003 Strike anyone? Executive Branch acknowledges bus debt The US$61.6- or US$54-million loan AFP program begins More travelers for summer Time for solar energy Congress on holiday for Caribbean Series Florida participates in DR development Canadian trade top brass arrive for workshop Former Vice President launches movement Tortured woman is recovering Azua’s public library Four weeks of La Vega Carnival Friday, 31 January 2003 Power up 12% Green light to connect to generators What’s the exchange rate? The Cardinal’s gates Bankrupting the city government? The challenges of the primaries I don’t want to be President! Who is the owner of the gas station? Euro gets in sync Leading Dominican exports Correction! Thursday, 30 January 2003 National Dialogue reopens President Mejia praises communications high tech The “new” CDEEE New GM? The cost of money Two major pension plans open their new offices Orphanages to be closed Dominican-Canadian trade workshop Widespread worry about violence Largest drug bust in NYC history Doctor, I have this pain… Time served Is this Bush senior’s third visit? The Caribbean Baseball Championship Wednesday, 29 January 2003 Social Security to start in February Region IV excludes 30% Three more months Tax relief for salaries 800,000 housing units needed No way to stop price increases Partial cleanup Family food basket price increases 30% Malecon Walkway “El Financiero” No Potter’s Field Government pays up AIDS in the Caribbean Information Society conference opens today Bush senior coming to play golf Tuesday, 28 January 2003 Santiago awakes to victory fireworks Building a city for the military Businessmen worried about Social Security Electricity makes headlines, again Airline requests Foreign Minister says it was a “steal” New money market Caught in the act Drive carefully Money exchange a big business Electricity to go up, meters are bad Haiti is third largest partner Monday, 27 January 2003 Propane gas at record high US$50-million loan for asphalt Exports increase in 2002 Pension plan set to start 1 February? Migration cracks down on Chinese smuggling OMSA services reduced Aristy re-elected to head city governments Dominican tubers return to NY Obstacles to producing in the DR The media in few hands Águilas make it 3 in a row Friday, 24 January 2003 Sovereign bonds money in DR Dominican Republic International Bond Credit rating The high cost of the sovereign bonds President Mejia optimistic about Pan Am Games Indifference towards Euro BEI will lend money to local banks for local loans More government measures to save fuel Fines for public slanders against Dominican banks A new plan to lower taxes US$4.1 billion for Monte Cristi? Sorting out who owes who PLD to choose presidential candidate in June La Vega Carnival Thursday, 23 January 2003 Government demands Union Fenosa pay up Public transport cost to remain stable? Ambassador Guiliani urges bilateral trade agreement Hot potatoes for new Attorney General Local bonds for farm debts Nice paying job Municipal Council rules on Malecon today East Coast business to finance 50% new highway Cigar regatta Finals set: Águilas vs. Escogido Wednesday, 22 January 2003 The new Attorney General spoke too soon Gas saving for others, not government Bishop calls for atonement Police support for women PRSC is hinge of PRD? Milagros Ortiz Bosch on campaign Turn the country into a giant free zone Money matters United Nations study on nutrition The daring doctor Corruption doesn’t always work Escogido assured a chance at finals Monday, 20 January 2003 Celebrating Dia de la Altagracia President Mejia accepts First Lady’s request New chief of post office appointed Regional Information Society conference The Cogentrix affair The best foreign lawyers needed More on the chequegate scandal Check your bills Demand for organic cacao increases High profitability in banking sector Santiago airport success story Placido Domingo back in 2004 Juan Marichal golf tournament Águilas clinch spot in finals Friday, 17 January 2003 President Mejia and Father Aleman Aleman criticizes rescueing of banks Mailmen on strike 2002 census: 8,230,772 Dominicans Union Fenosa to reduce financial costs Ege Haina to disconnect tomorrow Sovereign bond interest rate: 9.04% Progreso Group acquires Circuito Corporan ADOEXPO objects new charge Handball pavilion inaugurated The Eagles pull away Thursday, 16 January 2003 Government budget for 2003 is approved Mejia on Cogentrix Accepting the challenge to compete Money for farm competitiveness Viyella highlights nation’s agenda New DR bond deal to be priced tomorrow Bonds placement rating Economist Aleman believes government is broke Closing bottled water plants Victor Cespedes’ interesting CV More money for Pepe Baseball summary Wednesday, 15 January 2003 More news on fuels A call for rationing Refinery guarantees airline fuel Money-laundering decrees Neither wind, nor hail, nor dark of nights Government pressured on Cogentrix caseConstitutional issues Politics Ex-consul and deputy safe for now US soldiers in DR Hundreds return electric meters Public reaction forces flight to return Hotel occupancy up for December Getting to know Canada Dominican wins Telemundo reality show Tuesday, 14 January 2003 Small demand for government certificates Considerable hike in customs value base More water news Fuel scarcity forces rationing Power dispute worries World Bank entity 7,000 Haitians arrested in 12 days The Senate wants names Eight PRSC presidential hopefuls Judges’ bank accounts scrutinized Bello Rosa didn’t like his successor Where is Radhames Garcia? From come-solos to come-muchos Santo Domingo carnival: 2 March The Malecon to go pedestrian Erratum Monday, 13 January 2003 No taxes on wages up to RD$11,600 Record inflation Mejia would like RD$20-US$1 What’s Union Fenosa up to? Quick to collect, slow to pay Budget passes in Senate Aristy Castro secures more power Government delays paying wages Water down the drain Baby owls born Lots of drugs in jails Justice of the peace arrested President Mejia backs Games The MLB baseball academies Baseball standings Friday, 10 January 2003 New attorney general Response to the distribution companies Central Bank net cash advances increase RD$2 billion in certificates of deposit The new sovereign bonds The exchange rate ceiling is removed A drop in the bucket Tourism is picking up Shooting in Santiago Educating about impotence The Pan Am Games: “Fine, thank you” Baseball summary Baseball standings Thursday, 9 January 2003 Solicitor General resigns The dollar Refinery assures enough fuel Water problems in Santo Domingo Getting billed for air? Power distributors are a threat 300 megawatts not yet US congressmen lobby for DR Better or worse? Airport news Baseball summary Baseball standings Wednesday, 8 January 2003 President meets with exchange bankers Budget modifications Two important items from Cenantillas Pension funds to be fair Union Fenosa asks for more $ Serious fire at Smith Enron Cedulas More violence against women Miraculous landing Dominicans nominated for Grammys Estrellas tie Aguilas in baseball round robin Tuesday, 7 January 2003 Union Fenosa wants to capitalize Consumers get RD$22.5 million in electricity credits Watch for marked bills Why are there no dollars Report on gross international reserves Who will choose the 2 missing judges? Morel blames parties for ID cards Mejia throws the corruption ball Peynado opposes alliance with PRD Too much violence Career in golf course maintenance Pilot recovers from sea landing Baseball summary Friday, 3 January 2003 DR1 breaks for 6 January Green light to issue US$600 million in bonds 2003 budget postponed for March? Deputies pass US$17.2 million loan Union Fenosa seeks government shares? Military chiefs banned from talking to the press Fuel shortage at OMSA Dumping ID cards in the garbage? Loan for com