DR1 Daily News - Wednesday, 7 December 2016

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Medina inaugurates heart center at Santiago’s HOMS
Congress declares state of emergency in 15 provinces
President says officials didn’t know they had to declare assets
President attends Army graduation
Taino artifacts returned
New benefits for people with disabilities
Dominican students among the worst in the world
Freight trucks and buses on strike
Who’s the president of the PRSC?
Police improves security on Las Americas for the holidays
Dumpster diver finds over a million pesos
A year pre-trial custody in case of murdered Italian
Drug hauls in the south and north west
Prosecutor fired for physical aggression
Trampoline Park opens at Sambil Mall
Wason Brazoban at Hard Rock
Magic of the Movies at the National Theater
Jenny Polanco's Blue Christmas



Medina inaugurates heart center at Santiago’s HOMS
President Danilo Medina was in Santiago on Tuesday, 6 December 2016 for the inauguration of the Cardiovascular Center at the city’s Metropolitan Hospital (HOMS). The heart center provides advanced medicine services targeting the population of the Cibao region. Santiago is also a growing medical tourism destination attracting patients from other Caribbean nations and beyond.

In his keynote address, hospital board member Manuel Estrella said that most of the patients benefiting from the services at HOMS were from low-income families. He said that the hospital’s mission was to offer the highest quality medical services.

http://www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2016/12/07/446015/inauguran-centro-cardiovascular-homs
http://homshospital.com


Congress declares state of emergency in 15 provinces
The PLD-majority Senate has authorized President Danilo Medina to declare a state of emergency in 15 provinces affected by the heavy rains that fell in October, November and December 2016.

The provinces under a state of emergency are: Puerto Plata, La Vega, Espaillat (Moca), Mar?a Trinidad S?nchez (Nagua), Santiago, Duarte (San Francisco de Macor?s), Saman?, S?nchez Ram?rez (Cotu?), Montecristi, Hermanas Mirabal (Salcedo), Hato Mayor, Valverde (Mao), El Seibo, Monse?or Nouel (Bonao) and La Altagracia (Higuey).

A total of 126 senators voted in favor and 21 voted against of the bill, which establishes that the President must continuously report on the measures being implemented and on the progress of the repair and reconstruction work in the affected areas.

http://www.listindiario.com/la-repu...eclarar-15-provincias-en-estado-de-emergencia


President says officials didn’t know they had to declare assets
President Danilo Medina says that his government is summoning the officials who have not yet submitted their legal declaration of assets. In response to questions from journalists, the President was recorded justifying some officials for failing to comply with Law 311-14 because, in his words, “they did not know they had to.”

One reporter asked him “How can they not know, Mr. President? How can that be? Don’t they live in this country? Don’t they know the laws?” *To which he replied, “There are many people who don’t know”.

Medina said that the officials who had not submitted their legal declaration would not be paid on 24 December.

President Medina was speaking during a graduation ceremony for new Army officers on Tuesday, 6 December 2016.

On 14 November, Minister of the Presidency Gustavo Montalvo warned that any officials who had not completed their legal declaration by the deadline, 30 November, would have their salaries withheld.

Law 311-14 establishes that the asset statements need to be submitted no later than 30 days after they take office, or by 15 September 2016. Over 4,500 government officers did not declare their asset statements on time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=darK7dhT_eQ
http://eldia.com.do/presidente-just...urada-de-bienes-porque-a-lo-mejor-lo-ignoran/


President attends Army graduation
President Danilo Medina was present to hand sabers to 27 new officers in the Dominican Army during the 55th graduation of Batalla de las Carreras Academy cadets on Tuesday, 6 December 2016.

The President swore in the new officers and called on them to fulfill their duties, be honorable and always defend the homeland.

Commander General of the Army, Major General Braulio Alberto Alc?ntara L?pez said that the new officers were ready to face adversity and urged them not to dishonor the uniform and to defend the nation, social stability and protect the people.

http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias...la-academia-batalla-de-las-carreras-FJ5658340


Taino artifacts returned
The United States Embassy has returned around 23 pre-Columbian artifacts to the Dominican Ministry of Culture. The items had been taken to Puerto Rico illegally and were confiscated by US security forces there.*

The ceremony to hand over the pieces was headed by Culture Minister Pedro Verg?s and the United States Ambassador James Brewster, along with special agent Ricardo Mayoral.

The minister thanked the United States government for returning the pieces and added that it was an important day for the country, not only for their return but also a symbolic act of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The artifacts will now go to the Museum of the Dominican Man.

http://www.diariolibre.com/revista/...cidas-a-puerto-rico-de-forma-ilegal-JX5660391
http://noticiassin.com/2016/12/cult...an-sido-importadas-ilegalmente-a-puerto-rico/


New benefits for people with disabilities
The National Council for Disabilities (Conadis) has announced that Decree 363-16 establishes the Ruling for Application of Law 5-13 on Disabilities, representing major progress for people with disabilities in the Dominican Republic.

The ruling follows the guidelines set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. It calls for creating policies, initiatives and actions to promote independent living and full inclusion of this population group in the areas of education, work, health, politics, recreation, culture, and others.

Conadis director Magino Corpor?n Lorenzo said that this reflected the Medina administration’s clear commitment to the rights of people with disabilities.

http://www.listindiario.com/la-repu...9/promulgan-reglamento-ley-sobre-discapacidad


Dominican students among the worst in the world
The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) has revealed the results of its latest evaluation and the DR doesn’t look good.

The Dominican Republic is one of the world’s underperformers, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s latest PISA survey. The survey tested around 540,000 15-year-old students in 72 countries and economies on science, reading, math and collaborative problem solving. The survey evaluates the quality, equity and efficiency of school systems.

The top OECD countries were Japan, Estonia, Finland and Canada. The Dominican Republic is ranked last of the 72 countries surveyed.

The survey seeks to provide internationally comparable evidence on student performance. 15-year old students are chosen because they are near the end of their compulsory education and should have acquired the key knowledge and skills that are essential for full participation in modern societies.

The Dominican Republic had the lowest score in science and mathematics. In reading, it only scored better than Macedonia, Lebanon, Kosovo and Algeria.

Education Minister Andres Navarro said he is hoping for improved results in three years time. Navarro took over as minister on 16 August 2016. This is the first time the Dominican government agreed to take part in the survey. Education Minister Andres Navarro says that he sees the results as a starting point from where to improve. He said they would be used to test the impact of policies and new programs that are being implemented at the extended hours schools nationwide.

“Since we are in a change process, it was essential to measure ourselves using an international standard and with this baseline in three years we will have the results we seek,” he told the press upon announcing the results of the country’s positioning in the international poll.

The president of the Public School Teachers Association (ADP), Eduardo Hidalgo said the results reflected the need to improve teacher training. He said that the courses on offer at the country’s 22 universities are not up-to-date with the needs of the times. He said that there was still an emphasis on rote learning and called for a major overhaul of teacher training programs in the universities.

Meanwhile, Mar?a Teresa Cabrera, a former president of the Public School Teachers Association pointed out that the focus so far has been on infrastructure rather than on the quality of education.

Business Initiative for Education (Educa) director Darwin Caraballo said that the results should not be seen as a failure of the boost to education that began with the start of the Medina administration in 2012 when 4% of GDP began to be invested in education. He said that the 15-year-old students assessed for the survey entered into the system in 2005 and the funds did not begin to be disbursed until 2013.*

http://eldia.com.do/pese-al-4-la-rd-continua-en-ultimos-lugares-en-educacion/
http://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisa-2015-results-in-focus.pdf
http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias...puntajes-de-pruebas-educativas-pisa-BJ5658267
http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/math-a-concern-for-us-teens-science-reading-flat-on-test/


Freight trucks and buses on strike
The Fenatrado transport association has called for freight trucks and public transport buses to cease offering their services from dawn on Tuesday 6 December 2016 until further notice.

Listin Diario newspaper obtained access to a recording where a Fenatrado official called on members to strike and said that whoever did not comply would face union sanctions. During the recording, the transport leader is heard saying: “They are going to feel the power of the unions”.

The unidentified official warned that if the National Business Council (Conep) succeeds in displacing the transport unions, many fathers would be left without work. He was referring to the fact that Conep is challenging the de facto monopoly of transporters. Conep seeks to end the exclusivity that Fenatrado has at the docks and ports around the country for the transport of freight cargo. The next hearing is set for Wednesday, 7 December 2016.

Conep maintains that the transport associations and their anti-competitive practices must be eradicated and that consumers should be able to enjoy the right to choose their transporters instead of being forced to use the services of vehicles that do not provide minimum conditions of security or comfort.

http://www.listindiario.com/la-repu...ellos-van-a-sentir-el-poder-de-los-sindicatos


Who’s the president of the PRSC?
While PRSC deputy Victor (Ito) Bison? convened an assembly that declared him acting president until a general assembly is held by the PRSC in January 2017, party general secretary Ramon Rogelio Genao is insisting that the event was irregular and Federico Ant?n Batlle is still the party president. Ant?n, who is convalescing from spleen surgery, has led the political party for the past two decades.*

Genao said that the meeting held on Sunday, 4 December 2016 in which Bison? was elected did not comply with the current by-laws that were harmonized on 31 January 2016. Nevertheless, Bison?’s supporters say that the change in the by-laws was never registered with the Central Electoral Board (JCE) and thus is not effective.

http://www.metrord.do/noticias/ito-...do-por-el-oficialismo/ftwplf---dTM24VhZ9BOls/
http://www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2016/12/06/445890/prsc-insiste-antun-es-su-presidente


Police improves security on Las Americas for the holidays
With thousands of passengers arriving with gifts and cash for their Christmas holidays, the Police have announced the installation of five security corridors on Las Americas Expressway that leads from Las Americas International Airport into the city of Santo Domingo.

The Police regional director for Santo Domingo East, General Ludwin Miguel Suardy Correa said that the Police have stepped up patrols on the highway and in shopping malls. The corridors are from Las Americas to Professor Juan Bosch Bridge, two from east to west along the same expressway and two more in both directions on Route 66 that leads to the airport.

http://www.listindiario.com/la-repu...res-de-seguridad-en-la-autopista-las-americas


Dumpster diver finds over a million pesos
The National Police Internal Affairs Office is investigating an alleged robbery of RD$800,000 from a garbage scavenger-recycler by Police officers in San Crist?bal.

According to the young man, who spends his time searching through the garbage for valuables at the municipal dump in the Santa Ana section of San Cristobal, he found more than a million pesos in a bag in the garbage dump. He said that police officers took RD$800,000 and only let him keep RD$318,000.

http://www.listindiario.com/la-repu...-de-800-mil-pesos-a-un-joven-en-san-cristobal


A year pre-trial custody in case of murdered Italian
A judge has sent five people implicated in the murder of an Italian man in Montecristi in November to 12 months in pre-trial custody.

According to reports, Vito Vitale, who was 67, was threatened, beaten and stabbed to death in his home in the Colina sector of the town. His former partner Arisleyda Carrasco is accused of the crime along with Andreson Gonz?lez Garc?a, M?ximo Starlin Taveras, Jos? Paulino (aka Hamilton or La Boveda) and Di?genes Guzm?n.

The authorities recovered a 9mm Pietro Beretta pistol that belonged to the victim as well as several items of jewelry.

In addition, judge Anabel Peralta has declared the case to be complex meaning that the pre-trial custody period can be extended should the investigation require it.

http://elnacional.com.do/dictan-un-...-cinco-por-muerte-de-italiano-en-montecristi/


Drug hauls in the south and north west
Around 200 lb of marijuana have been confiscated at a military checkpoint in the municipality of Guayub?n, Montecristi. Meanwhile, in Azua an Army Captain has been arrested with 34 lb of marijuana.

The drugs confiscated in Guayub?n were inside a Toyota Rav4. Details of the person arrested were not provided.

In Boquer?n, Azua province, Army Captain Guillermo Rodr?guez Mateo was arrested along with two Haitian women, named as Momona Dema and Manita Nidia. The drugs were found in the trunk of a Toyota Corolla.

http://elnacional.com.do/apresan-un-capitan-con-droga/


Prosecutor fired for physical aggression
The Attorney General’s office has announced that it has ordered the dismissal of the Public Prosecutor for Higuey, Elizabeth Rijo after it was confirmed that she was responsible for a physical attack on a janitor who works in the offices.

The complaint was received from a number of sources and the Attorney General’s office immediately instructed the General Inspectorate of the Prosecution Service to investigate and report as soon as possible.

A committee headed by Assistant Attorney General Bol?var Sanchez with Judge Domingo Cabrera and Judge Miriam Cordones, interviewed and questioned several members of the Public Prosecution office, including witnesses and those involved, and discovered that the allegation that the janitor, Juan Dilia Paniagua Hidalgo, was attacked was genuine.

Attorney General Jean-Alain Rodr?guez said that this behavior was unacceptable for employees of the Public Prosecution service, and described Rijo’s conduct as “an abuse of power.”

http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias...la-a-fiscal-que-abofeteo-a-conserje-LI5659962


Trampoline Park opens at Sambil Mall
Sambil Mall on Av. John F. Kennedy in Santo Domingo has announced the opening of the Summit Trampoline Park, a new attraction for activity and entertainment. The center features 200 interconnected trampolines for jumping, backflips, sideslips, bouncing and loads of fun in a 2,962m2 area (31,882 square feet). Other games that can be played include dodge ball, basketball dunking area, children’s court, and foam pits.

“We are excited about the opening of the first Summit Trampoline Park in the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo is an ever-changing city, in development and Sambil was the perfect place for us,” said park director Adhlyne Mendez. She said that birthday parties, corporate events, church group events, sports tournaments and other events can be held at the park where people can go to jump and burn energy.

Prices are one hour of jumping for RD$500, two hours for RD$935 (Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, prices are one hour of jumping for RD$560 and two hours for RD$1,040 plus RD$95 security charge.

http://summittrampolinepark.com/santodomingo/


Wason Brazoban at Hard Rock
Singer-songwriter Wason Brazoban is back at the Hard Rock Live at Blue Mall in Santo Domingo for a repeat of his successful show “Lunes del negro” on 19 December 2016 as of 9pm. Brazoban is best known for his hit songs “Que no hay mejor lugar”, “Lluvia” y “Tu ausencia,” and “La mujer que a m? me gusta,” among others. He promises to perform his 23 best songs.

Tickets are for sale online at Uepa Tickets and at Jumbo, Supermercados Nacional, and at Hard Rock Caf?.

http://www.metrord.do/entretencion/wason-vuelve-a-hard-rock-el-lunes-19/ftwple---cjyLU6pJCC0o/


Magic of the Movies at the National Theater
The Santo Domingo Philharmonic Orchestra will play a selection of memorable movie soundtracks at the Carlos Piantini Hall of the National Theater at 8:30pm on Friday, 9 December 2016. This is an Amaury S?nchez production. Enjoy selections from the soundtracks of “Footloose”, “Summer Nights”, “Without Love”, “Star Wars”, “Skyfall”, "Les Miserables", "Harry Potter", "Lord of the Rings,” and other silver screen favorites.

The show will also include special performances by singers Diomary "La Mala", Laura Lebr?n, JJ S?nchez, Javier Grull?n, Carolina Rivas and other famous voices.*

Tickets for sale on Ticket Express online for RD$1,500 and RD$2,000 and at the National Theater box office.

http://www.ticketexpress.com.do/ShowEvent.aspx?ID=1659


Jenny Polanco's Blue Christmas
Dominican fashion designer Jenny Polanco is holding a fashion event and cocktail at her showroom at the corner of Federico Geraldino and Porfirio Herrera streets in the Piantini neighborhood in Santo Domingo. The Blue Christmas event will include cocktails and good cheer with 10% off all items for attendees.

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


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