President Medina attends Colombia inaugural
Chamber of Deputies passes political parties bill as wanted by President Medina
Political Committee of the PLD meets
Odebrecht hearing begins
More information on Brazilian consultants to be provided
Intrant taking vehicles off the road
Dominicans repatriated
Migration report for July
Incidences of mosquito transmitted illnesses decrease
Judge dismissed
Marcha Verde revs citizens to participate in Sunday protest
AIRD says manufacturing confidence is up
Brother of President Medina said to be supporting farming in Bahoruco National Park
What to expect from the Chinese government
Bartolo Colon sets record as Latin American-born pitcher with the most victories all time
Willie Colón booked for October show
Michael Jackson: Never Ending Show at Blue Mall
President Medina attends Colombia inaugural
On Tuesday 7 August 2018, President Danilo Medina attended the swearing-in of Iván Duque Márquez, who won the presidential elections in the country.
Medina left on Tuesday from the San Isidro Air Force base and was accompanied by the Administrative Minister of the Presidency José Ramón Peralta, Minister of Public Works Gonzalo Castillo, his special assistants, Carlos Pared Pérez and Miguel Mercedes, and the head of the Presidential Security Corps, Major General Adán Cáceres.
Just hours before the 3pm swearing-in ceremony of President Iván Duque in Bogotá, Colombia, the country was shaken at 10:53 am local time by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...ara-en-juramentacion-de-presidente-ivan-duque
Chamber of Deputies passes political parties bill
With the vote of opposition deputies from the PRM party, the Chamber of Deputies amended the Political Parties Bill received from the Senate so that it leaves up to the political parties to decide the modality and the voting list they will use to choose the candidates to elective posts for the 2020 general election. It also establishes that the parties need to renovate their directors every four years. Only 38 deputies, known to be followers of former President Leonel Fernandez, voted against. The bill received 146 positive votes or 79% in favor to 38 votes or 21% against. The bill needed the favorable vote of two thirds of the deputies.
The bill now returns to the Senate for a single reading. The Senate is controlled by legislators that are loyal to President Danilo Medina. If the senators are in agreement the bill will move to the President for his signing and publication. President of the Senate, Reinaldo Pared Perez forecast that by no later than this Friday, 10 August 2018, the country would have a Political Parties Law. The bill had been debated in Congress for around 20 years.
The bill establishes that party directors will choose the method to elect their candidates. Previously, delegates voted in primaries organized by the parties. The parties also get to choose the voter list for the selection of the elective candidates. While previously banned, this includes the general voters list of the Central Electoral Board or the open primaries modality. Quotas for young people and women are established to be no less than 40% and no greater than 60%.
It was agreed political parties can invest RD$70 per registered voter list in each candidate. The electoral campaign will include a pre-campaign period from the first Sunday in August to the first Sunday in October of the year prior to the election.
Juan Carlos Quiñonez, spokesman for the dissidents in the ruling PLD party, said that what was approved violates eight articles of the 2015 Constitution. Mentioned are articles 46, 47 and 216 of the Constitution.
Victor D’Aza, speaking for the PRM, said the opposition party voted in favor because the country needs the bill. Alfredo Pacheco, also of the PRM, said: “We did not vote for an ideal bill, but for the one that has been achieved.”
http://eldia.com.do/diputados-acogen-ley-de-partidos-en-dos-lecturas/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...ajo-control-absoluto-del-danilismo-KF10514086
Political Committee of the PLD meets
The Political Committee of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) met on Monday night, 6 August 2018, and chose Reinaldo Pared Pérez as their candidate for the presidency of the Senate and Senator Arístides Victoria Yeb as vice presidential candidate.
Pared Pérez, who is also Secretary General of the PLD, said that Radhamés Camacho will be president of the Chamber of Deputies and Gilda Moronta, vice president.
A commission was set up to lead the selection of the secretaries and spokesman for both chambers, presided over by César Pina Toribio and also consisting of Radhamés Jiménez and Ramón (Monchy) Rodríguez. Cesar Pina Toribio is the country’s ambassador in Argentina. Rodriguez is director of the Migration Agency.
For the mayors, a commission was set up comprising Monchy Fadul, Alma Fernández and the current head of municipal affairs of the PLD, Ignacio Ditrén.
The provisional suspension of Víctor Díaz Rúa and Félix Bautista was confirmed until the Central Committee makes a decision. In the meantime, Culture Minister Eduardo Selman was appointed as finance secretary and Miriam Cabral, secretary of the organization.
Roberto Rosario Márquez was also appointed as a member of the Central Committee and a commission was set up to run the 45th anniversary festivities of the Dominican Liberation Party on the 15 December.
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...reinaldo-vuelve-por-la-presidencia-del-senado
Odebrecht hearing begins
The preliminary hearing for those accused by the Attorney General in the Odebrecht bribery case began yesterday, Tuesday 7 August, 2018 at 9am at the Supreme Court of Justice, presided by Judge Francisco Ortega. The accused are: Ángel Rondón, Víctor Díaz Rúa, Andrés Bautista, senator Tommy Galán; Roberto Rodríguez, Conrado Pittaluga Arzeno and Jesús (Chu) Vásquez.
On arrival at the hearing the defendants together with their lawyers all issued statements declaring their innocence. Rondon said that when Odebrecht staff members were interviewed in Brazil, his name was never mentioned as being involved in bribery in the Dominican Republic and that if they wanted to accuse someone they should look at Marco Vasconcelos Cruz who was the main executive for Odebrecht in the Dominican Republic and who left the DR in November 2016, a month before the announcement of the New York court on the bribes paid in the Dominican Republic.
Meanwhile, Andres Bautista said that he hoped the process would follow the law. Others around the court said that they hoped there would be justice and that all involved would be sent to jail indefinitely.
The accusation against the seven men were submitted by the Attorney General on 9 June 2018, following a year and a half of investigations into the case of the payment of US$92 million in bribes by the Brazilian construction company, Odebrecht. The bribes were supposedly paid from 2001 to 2014 by Angel Rondon, commercial representative for Odebrecht in the country, and they were to help expedite the granting of 17 public works.
The investigation initially included 14 people, among government officials and former officials, legislators and businessmen. Now just seven face formal charges.
Judge Francisco Ortega will continue hearing the cases on Wednesday, 8 August 2018.
http://hoy.com.do/conocen-audiencia-preliminar-del-caso-odebrecht/
http://eldia.com.do/juez-ortega-sigue-hoy-audiencia-del-caso-odebrecht/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...echt-debe-saber-a-quien-se-soborno-GF10514772
More information on Brazilian consultants to be provided
The Administrative Minister of the Presidency, José Ramón Peralta, has said that in the next few days, the government will submit “detailed” information about the contracts and payments made to the Brazilian political marketing specialists, Joao Santana and Mónica Moura, former electoral campaign advisors to President Danilo Medina.
According to a complaint by the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), the government paid around RD$1.4 billion pesos to the publicists for strategic promotional work from 2012 and 2016. The payments continued after the couple was arrested in Brazil and sentenced for money laundering.
However, in a letter, published in a session on 17 July 2018, at the Chamber of Deputies, the Presidency assured that the payments totaled 430 million pesos, a million less than stated by the PRM deputies.
In addition, the letter highlighted that the contracts had ended in December 2015 in the case of Polis Caribe and March 2016 with Cine and Art, as it was not felt to be appropriate that the government maintained contractual relations with a person who had been an adviser to Medina’s campaign.
Peralta said to journalists yesterday, Tuesday 7 August, 2018, that although the information given in the letter to the Chamber of Deputies was accurate, over the next few days they will hand over documentation that are more detailed, and will clarify any doubts related to the issue.
http://almomento.net/gobierno-entregara-informacion-detallada-de-contratos-y-pagos-a-joao/
https://acento.com.do/2018/politica...laron-casi-rd-1300-millones-contratos-estado/
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/0...-with-near-silence-in-dominican-republic.html
Intrant taking vehicles off the road
The National Institute for Transit and Terrestrial Transport (Intrant) has begun to take public transport vehicles off the road that do not meet the new regulations and guarantee the safety of the users.
During an operation carried out by the Department of Supervision and Control of Sanctions (DSCS) of Intrant, vehicles were confiscated at kilometer 9 of the Duarte Highway and at the intersection of Maximo Gomez with San Martin. The impounded vehicles did not have proper authorization to operate for public transport as the law says that Intrant and the City Halls have to authorize inter urban vehicles according to the type of services, needs, geographic conditions and the demand for the service, always guaranteeing the safety of the passenger.
The vehicles have to be the property of the operators or they need to hold a document where the driver is authorized to use the vehicle for public transport.
The president of the National Union of Unified Transport Owners (CNTU), William Pérez Figuereo, warned that Intrant was obligated to take action, noting the high number of ramshackle vehicles in the fleet.
Intrant also announced the changing of transit direction of several roads in the Naco neighborhood to reduce traffic bottlenecks.
http://eldia.com.do/intrant-inicia-retiro-vehiculos-no-autorizados/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...-de-naco-para-agilizar-el-transito-BE10504432
Dominicans repatriated
On Tuesday 7 August, the United States authorities repatriated a group of 74 Dominicans who had completed jail sentences for different crimes. Of the group 29 were convicted of drug related offences, and the other for murder, forgery, state fraud, rape, kidnapping, arson and other crimes. The group arrived in the afternoon and were immediately taken to the Refugee Center in Haina for processing. Those with no outstanding warrants were then handed over to their families.
With this group, the number of repatriated Dominicans so far this year has reached 1,062, which is 11% increase compare to the same time last year.
http://hoy.com.do/llega-hoy-grupo-de-criollos-deportados-de-estados-unidos/
Migration report for July
The Migration Department (DGM) has announced that in July 10,832 foreigners were deported or not admitted to the country. According to the report, of the 10,832 some 3,721 from Brazil, China, Colombia, Haiti, Hungary, Pakistan, Switzerland, Venezuela and Vietnam, were deported and 7,111 were not allowed to enter the country by air, land and sea.
As far as air passengers are concerned, the report says that in July 718,564 people arrived by air and 721,930 left, with the majority arriving and leaving from Punta Cana in La Altagracia province.
By land there were 24,133 people entering and 20,133 leaving, mainly via the border crossing at Jimani, followed by Dajabon, Elias Piña and then Pedernales.
By sea, there were 90,963 arrivals and 90,458 departures, mostly from Maimon in Puerto Plata and La Romana.
The report says that during the month of July, 176 Dominicans returned to the country having completed jail sentences in 19 countries and in addition 78 foreigners returned voluntarily to their home countries. During the month 1,061 residencies were issued to people from 59 countries.
http://almomento.net/migracion-deporto-o-nego-entrada-a-mas-de-10000-extranjeros-en-julio/
Incidences of mosquito transmitted illnesses decrease
According to a report from the Ministry of Public Health, so far this year there have been 190 cases of malaria, a 31% reduction compared to 2017. The report from the Center of Prevention and Control of Mosquito Transmitted Diseases led by Doctor Ronalds Skewes, states that the number of cases of malaria was within the expected range but that measures of prevention and control were still underway, with a 60 day program in those areas where most cases had been detected recently.
The areas with most cases reported were Los Alcarrizos in Santo Domingo West and Bajos de Haina along with La Ciénaga.
Skewes noted that malaria is an endemic disease and the preventive actions taken by government led to the Dominican Republic earning first prize in the “Champions of the Fight against Malaria in the Americas”. The public health officer said that more rapid diagnosis systems are in place to prevent the further breeding of the mosquitos.
The first symptoms of malaria usually appear 10 days to a month after the bite from an infected mosquito, but symptoms can also appear 8 days after a bite and even, up to a year. The symptoms include feeling hot and cold, high fever and sweats, headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...sos-de-malaria-salud-publica-dice-bajaron-31-
Judge dismissed
The Board of the Judicial Branch (CPJ) has dismissed a judge from the National District from the family court for committing serious errors in the execution of her duties. Evelyn Torres Nova, according to the board, committed irregularities in the management of a case in which she did not recuse herself, even though she was friends with the lawyer of the plaintiff. In addition, she met with the lawyer before issuing her decision.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...e-reunio-con-abogado-de-un-proceso-FE10504890
Marcha Verde revs citizens to participate in Sunday protest
The Green March movement (Marcha Verde) is making a public appeal calling all to swell the numbers of citizens protesting corruption and impunity in the government. The so-named “Marcha del Millón contra la corrupción” is set to start at 9am at Av. Tiradentes with Av. 27 de Febrero, take a turn to the west along Av. Simón Bolívar, with the protestors who will walk down Av. Jiménez Moya, south of Av. Winston Churchill to the Centro de los Heroes, where the Supreme Court is located.
This is an approximately 3 km walk. Marcha Verde organizers are encouraging protestors to enter the march at any point. Past marches have been examples of civility, with persons of all ages participating.
Marcha Verde explains that the civic march seeks to reject the case prepared by Attorney General Jean Alain Rodriguez in the Odebrecht case, is a complaint against what they call the regime of corruption and impunity lead by the ruling PLD party and the government of President Danilo Medina, and back the signing of a Citizen Commitment to guarantee the end to impunity and set the country on the path to a truly independent justice.
"Corruption steals the resources we need to solve our serious problems of health, safety, transportation, education, employment, food and energy. We will stand up against the political crime that condemns us to poverty and we will begin to build a new Dominican Republic," the group said in a statement.
The Green March movement on Monday, 6 August 2018, criticized that the Political Committee of the ruling PLD operate as a superpower that prevents corrupt officials from being brought to justice. Green March criticized that the PLD controls justice, Congress and the Public Ministry to prevent criminal prosecution of several of its members and officials linked to the theft of public resources in recent years.
The movement said the Sunday march is to demand that justice be equal for all, that the law be applied equally to all citizens. The movement called for the mobilization to be carried out in a civic, peaceful manner and that entire families can safely express their unity against corruption, as is customary in its protests.
https://acento.com.do/2018/politica...usticia-congreso-mp-evitar-castigo-corruptos/
AIRD says manufacturing confidence is up
The Dominican Republic Association of Industries says their Industrial Confidence Index is up for June 2018. The Indice de Confianza Industrial (ICI) was up from 57.7 in the first quarter to 59.9 in the second quarter of 2018, with expectations for an increase in manufacturing in the near future. Another index calculated by the AIRD, the Index of Business Climate or Indice de Clima Empresarial (ICE) is also up, going from 58.4 for the first quarter to 61 for the second quarter. It is also above the 57.8 for same period of April-June in 2017.
https://www.eldinero.com.do/65067/i...sciende-a-59-9-en-segundo-trimestre-del-2018/
Brother of President Medina said to be supporting farming in Bahoruco National Park
Deputy Fidelio Despradel (DN-Alianza Pais) has openly accused the brother of President Danilo Medina for allegedly backing farming activities in the Jaragua Biosphere, a UNESCO-protected area that includes the Bahoruco National Park. Despradel accused Angel Milciades Medina of being behind Saturnino Espinal who ordered the clearing of forests in areas of Jaragua, Bahoruco and Enriquillo Lake. An area of 1,700 tareas (1 tarea = 629 square meters) would have been prepared for planting of onions. The lands in question are designated as protected areas for their importance in generation of water. Despradel called for the Chamber of Deputies to investigate the claims.
Despradel offered his backing to the Jaragua Group, the environmental organization that has denounced the farm operations in the protected area. Despradel said the actions are taken place with the complicity silence of the local government in Pedernales province, including representatives of the Ministry of Environment.
http://eldia.com.do/diputado-fideli...-medina-apoya-depredacion-del-parque-jaragua/
What to expect from the Chinese government
Former Central Bank governor and Dominican ambassador to the USA, economist and historian Bernardo Vega shared in a feature in Acento on 7 August 2018, his opinions on what to expect from the signing of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Vega speculates that it is possible that before the end of the year, President Danilo Medina would accept an invitation to travel to Beijing and then will be when the country will learn of the bilateral plans.
He says to get an idea of what to expect, one should study what Costa Rica and Panama have gained from signing with China.
Vega explains that Costa Rica received a US$100 million football stadium, and aircraft to fight drug trafficking. It also benefited from China buying Costa Rica bonds at below market rates. The Chinese have provided financing to build a Police Academy and provide vehicles for that institution. The Chinese also contributed to the extending of a highway and improvements to their Chinatown. He says the most important benefit of the relationship, nevertheless, has been the construction of industrial parks where Chinese companies can skirt trade barriers now imposed by US President Trump. Vega points out that China has gained much more from the 2011 establishing of diplomatic ties than Costa Rica, where he says the impact has been relatively low.
As for Panama, that established diplomatic relations with China in 2017, he writes that China is the main client of the Colon Free Zone, where China warehouses its goods and re-exports to the rest of the Western Hemisphere. He observes China is also the second largest client of the Panama Canal after the USA. He observes that Panama is a service economy (the canal, banks, warehousing) with little farming and industry. Some 23 agreements that have been signed along these lines and Panama, as well as Costa Rica, are working on the signing of a free trade agreement.
Air China has initiated flights to Panama via Houston, Texas. An estimated 130 million Chinese travelers, that spend on average 25% of their travel budget on shopping, more than other travelers. But he observes earlier experiences of travel to Costa Rica and Cuba has been disappointing, and the Chinese prefer to vacation in nearby Asia beach destinations such as those in Indonesia and Australia. Likewise, he says the Chinese tourists have their peculiarities and require special details.
Vega focuses on two points that could be convenient to the Dominican Republic in regards to China. This is that the country attract Chinese export companies that generate jobs and that China buy our sovereign bonds at subsidized rates. Vega highlights that a free trade agreement definitely is not of interest to the Dominican Republic.
He writes that it is tempting to replace Odebrecht with mega Chinese infrastructure projects, but he urged the government to avoid this temptation. “The Chinese are as corrupt as Odebrecht. I doubt that they are interested in buying Catalina because they prefer to build the projects themselves. Developing the port of Manzanillo and adding natural gas plants make sense. The United States already exports that gas to our country and Panama. Our generation is concentrated between Macoris and Haina and a natural disaster would affect us a lot.” [China has already signed a memorandum of understanding in this direction.]
https://acento.com.do/2018/opinion/8594098-esperar-los-chinos/
https://acento.com.do/2018/opinion/...lar-china-relaciones-la-republica-dominicana/
Bartolo Colon sets record as Latin American-born pitcher with the most victories all time
Texas Rangers pitcher Bartolo Colón’s persistence paid off and on Tuesday, 7 August 2018, he pitched seven innings to land his No. 246 career win and pass Nicaragua’s Dennis Martínez in number of wins. It was his sixth try at the milestone win. His last win had been on 30 June. The Texas Rangers won the game 11-4. Colon said the heavy run support helped him settle in after a shaky start to his outing.
The 45-year old Dominican born pitcher said, as reported by MLB: "It was a long journey, but it finally came," Colon said. "And it feels good."
"It's pretty incredible to watch, to be part of," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said of Colon's milestone. "... I got to watch Bartolo in 1995 when he was a young guy with a blazing fastball that just wiped everybody out. Watched him throughout his career, been part of teams that have faced him.
"To be fortunate enough and blessed enough to be his manager for a period of time, to sit and watch, and to know what he means to a group of guys inside that clubhouse, number of teammates along the way. … They're probably saluting and maybe even tipping a glass to him in congratulations."
Willie Colón booked for October show
New York salsa singer, composer, and trombonist Willie Colón is booked for Saturday, 20 October 2018 at the Teatro La Fiesta of the Jaragua Renaissance. He will be sharing his “50th Anniversary Concert” with Dominican audiences.
Michael Jackson: Never Ending Show at Blue Mall
Hard Rock Blue Mall presents “Michael Jackson: Never Ending Show” on 29 August 2018. The musical on the life of Michael Jackson is directed by Amaury Sanchez. The stellar roles will be by Luis Armando Rivera, Carolina Rivas and José Julio Sánchez.
Chamber of Deputies passes political parties bill as wanted by President Medina
Political Committee of the PLD meets
Odebrecht hearing begins
More information on Brazilian consultants to be provided
Intrant taking vehicles off the road
Dominicans repatriated
Migration report for July
Incidences of mosquito transmitted illnesses decrease
Judge dismissed
Marcha Verde revs citizens to participate in Sunday protest
AIRD says manufacturing confidence is up
Brother of President Medina said to be supporting farming in Bahoruco National Park
What to expect from the Chinese government
Bartolo Colon sets record as Latin American-born pitcher with the most victories all time
Willie Colón booked for October show
Michael Jackson: Never Ending Show at Blue Mall
President Medina attends Colombia inaugural
On Tuesday 7 August 2018, President Danilo Medina attended the swearing-in of Iván Duque Márquez, who won the presidential elections in the country.
Medina left on Tuesday from the San Isidro Air Force base and was accompanied by the Administrative Minister of the Presidency José Ramón Peralta, Minister of Public Works Gonzalo Castillo, his special assistants, Carlos Pared Pérez and Miguel Mercedes, and the head of the Presidential Security Corps, Major General Adán Cáceres.
Just hours before the 3pm swearing-in ceremony of President Iván Duque in Bogotá, Colombia, the country was shaken at 10:53 am local time by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...ara-en-juramentacion-de-presidente-ivan-duque
Chamber of Deputies passes political parties bill
With the vote of opposition deputies from the PRM party, the Chamber of Deputies amended the Political Parties Bill received from the Senate so that it leaves up to the political parties to decide the modality and the voting list they will use to choose the candidates to elective posts for the 2020 general election. It also establishes that the parties need to renovate their directors every four years. Only 38 deputies, known to be followers of former President Leonel Fernandez, voted against. The bill received 146 positive votes or 79% in favor to 38 votes or 21% against. The bill needed the favorable vote of two thirds of the deputies.
The bill now returns to the Senate for a single reading. The Senate is controlled by legislators that are loyal to President Danilo Medina. If the senators are in agreement the bill will move to the President for his signing and publication. President of the Senate, Reinaldo Pared Perez forecast that by no later than this Friday, 10 August 2018, the country would have a Political Parties Law. The bill had been debated in Congress for around 20 years.
The bill establishes that party directors will choose the method to elect their candidates. Previously, delegates voted in primaries organized by the parties. The parties also get to choose the voter list for the selection of the elective candidates. While previously banned, this includes the general voters list of the Central Electoral Board or the open primaries modality. Quotas for young people and women are established to be no less than 40% and no greater than 60%.
It was agreed political parties can invest RD$70 per registered voter list in each candidate. The electoral campaign will include a pre-campaign period from the first Sunday in August to the first Sunday in October of the year prior to the election.
Juan Carlos Quiñonez, spokesman for the dissidents in the ruling PLD party, said that what was approved violates eight articles of the 2015 Constitution. Mentioned are articles 46, 47 and 216 of the Constitution.
Victor D’Aza, speaking for the PRM, said the opposition party voted in favor because the country needs the bill. Alfredo Pacheco, also of the PRM, said: “We did not vote for an ideal bill, but for the one that has been achieved.”
http://eldia.com.do/diputados-acogen-ley-de-partidos-en-dos-lecturas/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...ajo-control-absoluto-del-danilismo-KF10514086
Political Committee of the PLD meets
The Political Committee of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) met on Monday night, 6 August 2018, and chose Reinaldo Pared Pérez as their candidate for the presidency of the Senate and Senator Arístides Victoria Yeb as vice presidential candidate.
Pared Pérez, who is also Secretary General of the PLD, said that Radhamés Camacho will be president of the Chamber of Deputies and Gilda Moronta, vice president.
A commission was set up to lead the selection of the secretaries and spokesman for both chambers, presided over by César Pina Toribio and also consisting of Radhamés Jiménez and Ramón (Monchy) Rodríguez. Cesar Pina Toribio is the country’s ambassador in Argentina. Rodriguez is director of the Migration Agency.
For the mayors, a commission was set up comprising Monchy Fadul, Alma Fernández and the current head of municipal affairs of the PLD, Ignacio Ditrén.
The provisional suspension of Víctor Díaz Rúa and Félix Bautista was confirmed until the Central Committee makes a decision. In the meantime, Culture Minister Eduardo Selman was appointed as finance secretary and Miriam Cabral, secretary of the organization.
Roberto Rosario Márquez was also appointed as a member of the Central Committee and a commission was set up to run the 45th anniversary festivities of the Dominican Liberation Party on the 15 December.
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...reinaldo-vuelve-por-la-presidencia-del-senado
Odebrecht hearing begins
The preliminary hearing for those accused by the Attorney General in the Odebrecht bribery case began yesterday, Tuesday 7 August, 2018 at 9am at the Supreme Court of Justice, presided by Judge Francisco Ortega. The accused are: Ángel Rondón, Víctor Díaz Rúa, Andrés Bautista, senator Tommy Galán; Roberto Rodríguez, Conrado Pittaluga Arzeno and Jesús (Chu) Vásquez.
On arrival at the hearing the defendants together with their lawyers all issued statements declaring their innocence. Rondon said that when Odebrecht staff members were interviewed in Brazil, his name was never mentioned as being involved in bribery in the Dominican Republic and that if they wanted to accuse someone they should look at Marco Vasconcelos Cruz who was the main executive for Odebrecht in the Dominican Republic and who left the DR in November 2016, a month before the announcement of the New York court on the bribes paid in the Dominican Republic.
Meanwhile, Andres Bautista said that he hoped the process would follow the law. Others around the court said that they hoped there would be justice and that all involved would be sent to jail indefinitely.
The accusation against the seven men were submitted by the Attorney General on 9 June 2018, following a year and a half of investigations into the case of the payment of US$92 million in bribes by the Brazilian construction company, Odebrecht. The bribes were supposedly paid from 2001 to 2014 by Angel Rondon, commercial representative for Odebrecht in the country, and they were to help expedite the granting of 17 public works.
The investigation initially included 14 people, among government officials and former officials, legislators and businessmen. Now just seven face formal charges.
Judge Francisco Ortega will continue hearing the cases on Wednesday, 8 August 2018.
http://hoy.com.do/conocen-audiencia-preliminar-del-caso-odebrecht/
http://eldia.com.do/juez-ortega-sigue-hoy-audiencia-del-caso-odebrecht/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...echt-debe-saber-a-quien-se-soborno-GF10514772
More information on Brazilian consultants to be provided
The Administrative Minister of the Presidency, José Ramón Peralta, has said that in the next few days, the government will submit “detailed” information about the contracts and payments made to the Brazilian political marketing specialists, Joao Santana and Mónica Moura, former electoral campaign advisors to President Danilo Medina.
According to a complaint by the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), the government paid around RD$1.4 billion pesos to the publicists for strategic promotional work from 2012 and 2016. The payments continued after the couple was arrested in Brazil and sentenced for money laundering.
However, in a letter, published in a session on 17 July 2018, at the Chamber of Deputies, the Presidency assured that the payments totaled 430 million pesos, a million less than stated by the PRM deputies.
In addition, the letter highlighted that the contracts had ended in December 2015 in the case of Polis Caribe and March 2016 with Cine and Art, as it was not felt to be appropriate that the government maintained contractual relations with a person who had been an adviser to Medina’s campaign.
Peralta said to journalists yesterday, Tuesday 7 August, 2018, that although the information given in the letter to the Chamber of Deputies was accurate, over the next few days they will hand over documentation that are more detailed, and will clarify any doubts related to the issue.
http://almomento.net/gobierno-entregara-informacion-detallada-de-contratos-y-pagos-a-joao/
https://acento.com.do/2018/politica...laron-casi-rd-1300-millones-contratos-estado/
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/0...-with-near-silence-in-dominican-republic.html
Intrant taking vehicles off the road
The National Institute for Transit and Terrestrial Transport (Intrant) has begun to take public transport vehicles off the road that do not meet the new regulations and guarantee the safety of the users.
During an operation carried out by the Department of Supervision and Control of Sanctions (DSCS) of Intrant, vehicles were confiscated at kilometer 9 of the Duarte Highway and at the intersection of Maximo Gomez with San Martin. The impounded vehicles did not have proper authorization to operate for public transport as the law says that Intrant and the City Halls have to authorize inter urban vehicles according to the type of services, needs, geographic conditions and the demand for the service, always guaranteeing the safety of the passenger.
The vehicles have to be the property of the operators or they need to hold a document where the driver is authorized to use the vehicle for public transport.
The president of the National Union of Unified Transport Owners (CNTU), William Pérez Figuereo, warned that Intrant was obligated to take action, noting the high number of ramshackle vehicles in the fleet.
Intrant also announced the changing of transit direction of several roads in the Naco neighborhood to reduce traffic bottlenecks.
http://eldia.com.do/intrant-inicia-retiro-vehiculos-no-autorizados/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...-de-naco-para-agilizar-el-transito-BE10504432
Dominicans repatriated
On Tuesday 7 August, the United States authorities repatriated a group of 74 Dominicans who had completed jail sentences for different crimes. Of the group 29 were convicted of drug related offences, and the other for murder, forgery, state fraud, rape, kidnapping, arson and other crimes. The group arrived in the afternoon and were immediately taken to the Refugee Center in Haina for processing. Those with no outstanding warrants were then handed over to their families.
With this group, the number of repatriated Dominicans so far this year has reached 1,062, which is 11% increase compare to the same time last year.
http://hoy.com.do/llega-hoy-grupo-de-criollos-deportados-de-estados-unidos/
Migration report for July
The Migration Department (DGM) has announced that in July 10,832 foreigners were deported or not admitted to the country. According to the report, of the 10,832 some 3,721 from Brazil, China, Colombia, Haiti, Hungary, Pakistan, Switzerland, Venezuela and Vietnam, were deported and 7,111 were not allowed to enter the country by air, land and sea.
As far as air passengers are concerned, the report says that in July 718,564 people arrived by air and 721,930 left, with the majority arriving and leaving from Punta Cana in La Altagracia province.
By land there were 24,133 people entering and 20,133 leaving, mainly via the border crossing at Jimani, followed by Dajabon, Elias Piña and then Pedernales.
By sea, there were 90,963 arrivals and 90,458 departures, mostly from Maimon in Puerto Plata and La Romana.
The report says that during the month of July, 176 Dominicans returned to the country having completed jail sentences in 19 countries and in addition 78 foreigners returned voluntarily to their home countries. During the month 1,061 residencies were issued to people from 59 countries.
http://almomento.net/migracion-deporto-o-nego-entrada-a-mas-de-10000-extranjeros-en-julio/
Incidences of mosquito transmitted illnesses decrease
According to a report from the Ministry of Public Health, so far this year there have been 190 cases of malaria, a 31% reduction compared to 2017. The report from the Center of Prevention and Control of Mosquito Transmitted Diseases led by Doctor Ronalds Skewes, states that the number of cases of malaria was within the expected range but that measures of prevention and control were still underway, with a 60 day program in those areas where most cases had been detected recently.
The areas with most cases reported were Los Alcarrizos in Santo Domingo West and Bajos de Haina along with La Ciénaga.
Skewes noted that malaria is an endemic disease and the preventive actions taken by government led to the Dominican Republic earning first prize in the “Champions of the Fight against Malaria in the Americas”. The public health officer said that more rapid diagnosis systems are in place to prevent the further breeding of the mosquitos.
The first symptoms of malaria usually appear 10 days to a month after the bite from an infected mosquito, but symptoms can also appear 8 days after a bite and even, up to a year. The symptoms include feeling hot and cold, high fever and sweats, headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...sos-de-malaria-salud-publica-dice-bajaron-31-
Judge dismissed
The Board of the Judicial Branch (CPJ) has dismissed a judge from the National District from the family court for committing serious errors in the execution of her duties. Evelyn Torres Nova, according to the board, committed irregularities in the management of a case in which she did not recuse herself, even though she was friends with the lawyer of the plaintiff. In addition, she met with the lawyer before issuing her decision.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...e-reunio-con-abogado-de-un-proceso-FE10504890
Marcha Verde revs citizens to participate in Sunday protest
The Green March movement (Marcha Verde) is making a public appeal calling all to swell the numbers of citizens protesting corruption and impunity in the government. The so-named “Marcha del Millón contra la corrupción” is set to start at 9am at Av. Tiradentes with Av. 27 de Febrero, take a turn to the west along Av. Simón Bolívar, with the protestors who will walk down Av. Jiménez Moya, south of Av. Winston Churchill to the Centro de los Heroes, where the Supreme Court is located.
This is an approximately 3 km walk. Marcha Verde organizers are encouraging protestors to enter the march at any point. Past marches have been examples of civility, with persons of all ages participating.
Marcha Verde explains that the civic march seeks to reject the case prepared by Attorney General Jean Alain Rodriguez in the Odebrecht case, is a complaint against what they call the regime of corruption and impunity lead by the ruling PLD party and the government of President Danilo Medina, and back the signing of a Citizen Commitment to guarantee the end to impunity and set the country on the path to a truly independent justice.
"Corruption steals the resources we need to solve our serious problems of health, safety, transportation, education, employment, food and energy. We will stand up against the political crime that condemns us to poverty and we will begin to build a new Dominican Republic," the group said in a statement.
The Green March movement on Monday, 6 August 2018, criticized that the Political Committee of the ruling PLD operate as a superpower that prevents corrupt officials from being brought to justice. Green March criticized that the PLD controls justice, Congress and the Public Ministry to prevent criminal prosecution of several of its members and officials linked to the theft of public resources in recent years.
The movement said the Sunday march is to demand that justice be equal for all, that the law be applied equally to all citizens. The movement called for the mobilization to be carried out in a civic, peaceful manner and that entire families can safely express their unity against corruption, as is customary in its protests.
https://acento.com.do/2018/politica...usticia-congreso-mp-evitar-castigo-corruptos/
AIRD says manufacturing confidence is up
The Dominican Republic Association of Industries says their Industrial Confidence Index is up for June 2018. The Indice de Confianza Industrial (ICI) was up from 57.7 in the first quarter to 59.9 in the second quarter of 2018, with expectations for an increase in manufacturing in the near future. Another index calculated by the AIRD, the Index of Business Climate or Indice de Clima Empresarial (ICE) is also up, going from 58.4 for the first quarter to 61 for the second quarter. It is also above the 57.8 for same period of April-June in 2017.
https://www.eldinero.com.do/65067/i...sciende-a-59-9-en-segundo-trimestre-del-2018/
Brother of President Medina said to be supporting farming in Bahoruco National Park
Deputy Fidelio Despradel (DN-Alianza Pais) has openly accused the brother of President Danilo Medina for allegedly backing farming activities in the Jaragua Biosphere, a UNESCO-protected area that includes the Bahoruco National Park. Despradel accused Angel Milciades Medina of being behind Saturnino Espinal who ordered the clearing of forests in areas of Jaragua, Bahoruco and Enriquillo Lake. An area of 1,700 tareas (1 tarea = 629 square meters) would have been prepared for planting of onions. The lands in question are designated as protected areas for their importance in generation of water. Despradel called for the Chamber of Deputies to investigate the claims.
Despradel offered his backing to the Jaragua Group, the environmental organization that has denounced the farm operations in the protected area. Despradel said the actions are taken place with the complicity silence of the local government in Pedernales province, including representatives of the Ministry of Environment.
http://eldia.com.do/diputado-fideli...-medina-apoya-depredacion-del-parque-jaragua/
What to expect from the Chinese government
Former Central Bank governor and Dominican ambassador to the USA, economist and historian Bernardo Vega shared in a feature in Acento on 7 August 2018, his opinions on what to expect from the signing of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Vega speculates that it is possible that before the end of the year, President Danilo Medina would accept an invitation to travel to Beijing and then will be when the country will learn of the bilateral plans.
He says to get an idea of what to expect, one should study what Costa Rica and Panama have gained from signing with China.
Vega explains that Costa Rica received a US$100 million football stadium, and aircraft to fight drug trafficking. It also benefited from China buying Costa Rica bonds at below market rates. The Chinese have provided financing to build a Police Academy and provide vehicles for that institution. The Chinese also contributed to the extending of a highway and improvements to their Chinatown. He says the most important benefit of the relationship, nevertheless, has been the construction of industrial parks where Chinese companies can skirt trade barriers now imposed by US President Trump. Vega points out that China has gained much more from the 2011 establishing of diplomatic ties than Costa Rica, where he says the impact has been relatively low.
As for Panama, that established diplomatic relations with China in 2017, he writes that China is the main client of the Colon Free Zone, where China warehouses its goods and re-exports to the rest of the Western Hemisphere. He observes China is also the second largest client of the Panama Canal after the USA. He observes that Panama is a service economy (the canal, banks, warehousing) with little farming and industry. Some 23 agreements that have been signed along these lines and Panama, as well as Costa Rica, are working on the signing of a free trade agreement.
Air China has initiated flights to Panama via Houston, Texas. An estimated 130 million Chinese travelers, that spend on average 25% of their travel budget on shopping, more than other travelers. But he observes earlier experiences of travel to Costa Rica and Cuba has been disappointing, and the Chinese prefer to vacation in nearby Asia beach destinations such as those in Indonesia and Australia. Likewise, he says the Chinese tourists have their peculiarities and require special details.
Vega focuses on two points that could be convenient to the Dominican Republic in regards to China. This is that the country attract Chinese export companies that generate jobs and that China buy our sovereign bonds at subsidized rates. Vega highlights that a free trade agreement definitely is not of interest to the Dominican Republic.
He writes that it is tempting to replace Odebrecht with mega Chinese infrastructure projects, but he urged the government to avoid this temptation. “The Chinese are as corrupt as Odebrecht. I doubt that they are interested in buying Catalina because they prefer to build the projects themselves. Developing the port of Manzanillo and adding natural gas plants make sense. The United States already exports that gas to our country and Panama. Our generation is concentrated between Macoris and Haina and a natural disaster would affect us a lot.” [China has already signed a memorandum of understanding in this direction.]
https://acento.com.do/2018/opinion/8594098-esperar-los-chinos/
https://acento.com.do/2018/opinion/...lar-china-relaciones-la-republica-dominicana/
Bartolo Colon sets record as Latin American-born pitcher with the most victories all time
Texas Rangers pitcher Bartolo Colón’s persistence paid off and on Tuesday, 7 August 2018, he pitched seven innings to land his No. 246 career win and pass Nicaragua’s Dennis Martínez in number of wins. It was his sixth try at the milestone win. His last win had been on 30 June. The Texas Rangers won the game 11-4. Colon said the heavy run support helped him settle in after a shaky start to his outing.
The 45-year old Dominican born pitcher said, as reported by MLB: "It was a long journey, but it finally came," Colon said. "And it feels good."
"It's pretty incredible to watch, to be part of," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said of Colon's milestone. "... I got to watch Bartolo in 1995 when he was a young guy with a blazing fastball that just wiped everybody out. Watched him throughout his career, been part of teams that have faced him.
"To be fortunate enough and blessed enough to be his manager for a period of time, to sit and watch, and to know what he means to a group of guys inside that clubhouse, number of teammates along the way. … They're probably saluting and maybe even tipping a glass to him in congratulations."
Willie Colón booked for October show
New York salsa singer, composer, and trombonist Willie Colón is booked for Saturday, 20 October 2018 at the Teatro La Fiesta of the Jaragua Renaissance. He will be sharing his “50th Anniversary Concert” with Dominican audiences.
Michael Jackson: Never Ending Show at Blue Mall
Hard Rock Blue Mall presents “Michael Jackson: Never Ending Show” on 29 August 2018. The musical on the life of Michael Jackson is directed by Amaury Sanchez. The stellar roles will be by Luis Armando Rivera, Carolina Rivas and José Julio Sánchez.