DR1 Daily News next update on 22 August 2018
New military chiefs
San Pedro de Macoris gets 911 service
Public trust to finance parking garages
Long lines of foreigners seek renewal of ID cards
Ministry of Culture fires regional director in Santiago
A call to implement primary care centers nationwide
Leonel Fernández and Luis Abinader tied
Mark Penn poll: Low trust in Attorney General handling of Odebrecht scandal
Leidsa and Real accused of blackmail
Pyramid scheme posed as remittance service
DNCD makes huge drug bust in Montecristi
Women's volleyball: Made in the Dominican Republic
More rains forecast
Da Republik advances to semi-finals in America’s Got Talent
For jazz lovers
DR1 Daily News next update on 22 August 2018
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 22 August 2018. The Monday issue will compile headline news for the previous Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Breaking news can be followed 24/7 in the Forums. See the DR1 Forum at http://www.dr1.com
New military chiefs
The Presidency announced changes in the military, transit agency and drug control agency on Wednesday, 22 August 2018. It confirmed Lieutenant General Ruben Dario Paulino Sem as Minister of Defense. The appointments are made in decrees 315-18 and 316-18.
The new chiefs are:
Brigade General Estanislao Gonell Regalado, chief of the army.
Rear Admiral Emilio Recio Segura, chief of the armada.
Brigade General Richard Vásquez Jiménez, chief of the air force.
The Presidency also appointed Mayor General Jose Eugenio Matos de la Cruz, president of the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD). And General Ernesto Rodríguez García as director general of the Transit and Ground Transport Agency (DIGESETT).
Follow the story on the promotions and appointments at:
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...e-general-paulino-sem-como-ministro-defensa-e
San Pedro de Macoris gets 911 emergency service
Residents and tourists alike in the Juan Dolio and San Pedro de Macoris areas will now benefit from the start of the 911 Emergency System in the province of San Pedro de Macoris. President Danilo Medina visited San Pedro to mark the start of the service. The service addresses security and health emergencies. The rapid emergency response service integrates public health facilities, fire and police stations and Ministry of Public Works offices. There is no charge for the service. As reported, a staff of 300, including eight physicians, will serve the community 24/7.
The Medina administration says that with the entry of San Pedro de Macoris into the service, the 911 Emergency System now covers 68% of the Dominican population.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...cion-de-mas-de-300-servidores-para-asistir-en
Public trust to finance parking garages
The Ministry of Public Works is planning to build 40 public parking lots in Greater Santo Domingo. Public Works Minister Gonzalo Castillo says the fees charged for parking will cover the costs of operating the parking lots. A new public trust called Parquéate RD (You Park DR) will be created. Castillo reminded the press that President Danilo Medina’s announced the parking garages during the state of the nation address on 27 February 2018.
The plan is to bring relief to congested city areas with the construction of the parking spaces on land already identified. Gonzalo Castillo explained that these parking lots would have the same operational structure as RD Vial, a public trust that works under the Banco de Reservas that administers the toll roads. The funds generated will be used for construction and maintenance work on the highway system.
During a TV interview, Castillo said the intention is to finish at least 10 of the parking structures by the end of the present Medina term in July 2020.
Castillo also mentioned the government would be investing in the extension of the Avenida Ecológica to the Ciudad Juan Bosch in Santo Domingo, the Los Alcarrizos Skylift and five new interurban transport terminals and the completion of the Circunvalación de Santo Domingo, the capital city bypass on to the Multimodal Cauedo Port in eastern Santo Domingo.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...bierno-estarian-listos-en-dos-anos-FG10617525
State officials meet with private sector banks to motivate affordable housing
The governor of the Central Bank, Hector Valdez Albizu, Presidential Minister Gustavo Montalvo, and Hacienda Minister Donald Guerrero met with the private banking sector to request better conditions to meet the demand for housing, as reported by the Central Bank.
The Central Bank says that the present demand for middle class housing is at 351,000 units. During the meeting, Montalvo called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to create opportunities for middle income families to purchase dwellings.
Minister Montalvo noted that the supply of low-cost housing has increased, partly through facilities to liberate resources from the legal reserves of the nation’s banks. The press release says that the banking executives were willing to work with the government so that cost-effective mortgages can be made available to families to address the country’s housing problem.
https://www.bancentral.gov.do/a/d/4...-de-los-recursos-procedentes-del-encaje-legal
Long lines of foreigners seek renewal of ID cards
With the fast approaching expiration date of 26 August 2018 for the renewal of ID cards issued under the National Foreigner Status Legalization Plan (PNRE), long lines are forming outside the offices of the Migration Agency (DGM) on the Malecón in Santo Domingo. Around 200,000 foreigners have requested the document and the Migration Agency has evaluated 145,000 files as part of the process of renewal or change of immigration category of foreigners who enrolled in the legalization plan in 2014.
This information was offered by Ivanca Rivas, the national coordinator of the process, who confirmed that the process will end on 26 August.
This is the deadline to request renovation of the ID card and after that date the Directorate of Migration has 45 days to evaluate the files, calling different embassies, places of work and centers of education to ascertain the time the foreigners have spent in those places and then assign them a category depending on the ties they have established. New ID cards will be distributed until 10 October 2018.
An observer from the Haitian Embassy, Alma Aleyandra Comoglio, said the process is being carried out in an organized fashion. She said that because of this the Haitian Embassy in the Dominican Republic has no comments to make on the process that is underway.
The PNRE sought to resolve the legal status of foreigners residing in the country since 1929, according to the ruling issued by the Constitutional Court on 23 September 2013. The process, nevertheless, has been affected by the delays on behalf of the government of Haiti in issuing passports and other legal documentation for the process to progress. The Dominican government has decided to keep on extending the terms with the issuing of provisional cards that have been renewed as the persons await their documentation from Haiti.
The government explained that of 288,000 foreigners who registered for the plan, 260,000 cases were approved for legalization. Of these only 7,834 were able to complete the process. Another 252,240 received special permits that need to be renewed. The director general of the foreigners division at the DGM, Rafael Núñz Veloz told Diario Libre that 201,175 persons have qualified for the legalization procedure.
http://elnacional.com.do/largas-filas-haitianos-en-busca-de-carnes/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...o-los-trabajos-plan-de-extranjeros-JG10619011
Ministry of Culture fires regional director in Santiago
The Ministry of Culture has fired Lincoln Lopez, the regional director for the ministry headquartered in Santiago. The Ministry reported the sudden dismissal after Lopez temporarily closed the administrative offices of the ministry in Santiago. Lopez told Diario Libre that he was asked to sign checks that had no corresponding paperwork. Lopez said that he had advised his superiors in Santo Domingo of the situation.
Culture Minister Eduardo Selman said that he had maintained open channels of communication with all of his officials and employees so that the attitude of the former regional director besides being inappropriate, was unnecessary and violated procedures and protocol. Selman said that he had ordered an investigation of the irregularities reported by Lopez.
https://www.diariolibre.com/revista/cultura/cultura-despide-a-su-director-en-santiago-BG10617116
http://hoy.com.do/ministro-de-cultura-cancela-director-regional-de-santiago/
A call to implement primary care centers nationwide
The executive vice president of the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD), Circe Almanzar, called on government authorities on 22 August 2018, to implement the Basic Plan of Primary Health Care, in the shortest time possible. The plan is described as the main pillar of social security in the country. The director of the National Health System (SNS), economist Chanel Rosa Chupany, himself has stated that primary care implementation will allow for a focus on preventive medicine and not the present emphasis on curative medicine practice.
Almanzar said that medical specialists, the Dominican Medical Guild (CMD) and other actors in the health sector are resisting the implementation of this plan, adding that this is to the detriment of the people’s health. She demanded the establishment of the required protocols for the creation of this type of healthcare.
The business leader said, in addition, that one of the stumbling blocks that has impeded the creation of Primary Care Units has been the lack of clear rules regarding the contracts of specialists by the local Health Risk Administrators in private clinics. She warned that if this solution, Primary Health Care, is not implemented any control of healthcare within the social security program will be impossible. She concluded her comments saying that there should be no monopoly in any area of healthcare and called on the Tripartite Talks to prevail in the establishment of Primary Health Care.
Readers might recall that after the Examination for Medical Residencies in March, over 100 residency positions in Family Medicine, the doctors who man Primary Care Centers, remained unfilled.
http://elnacional.com.do/pide-implementar-el-plan-de-atencion-primaria-de-salud/
Leonel Fernández and Luis Abinader tied in Mark Penn poll
The Mark Penn-Noticias SIN poll reveals that if the presidential election were held today, it could go to either former President Leonel Fernández or former PRM presidential candidate Luis Abinader. Leonel Fernández received the favor of 33% and Luis Abinader 31%, with a plus or minus error margin of 3%. This could very well require a runner up election.
In the scenario of Fernández running against Santo Domingo Mayor David Collado, Fernández leads with 10 points. When Fernández runs against former President Hipólito Mejía, Fernández would win with 20 points difference.
When compared to the October 2017 Mark Penn poll, Abinader has improved his positioning, moving up from 25% to 31%. Fernández position in the polls has declined 4%, Mejía’s numbers have declined 4 points and Collado 5 points.
New candidate, Alfonso Rodriguez, running as an independent, received a significant 26% of the vote.
The Mark Penn/Noticias SIN poll was carried out 2-6 August 2018.
http://hoy.com.do/encuesta-mark-penn-noticias-sin/
Mark Penn poll: Low trust in Attorney General handling of Odebrecht scandal
82% of those polled by Mark Penn/Noticias SIN say that not all who should be have been included in the Odebrecht bribes scandal. The percentage is on average three quarters of all the population when filtered by sex, age or political affiliation. Even 73% of those who identified themselves as PLD members stated the same. 62% believe those who have been accused by the Public Ministry will be acquitted in the case. This includes 45% of those who identified themselves as members of the ruling PLD, and 67% of the independents.
76% approve the US government removing the visas to Odebrecht commercial representative Angel Rondon, Senator Felix Bautista and former Minister of Public Works Victor Diaz Rua.
The Mark Penn/Noticias SIN poll was carried out 2-6 August 2018.
http://hoy.com.do/encuesta-mark-penn-noticias-sin/
Leidsa and Real accused of blackmail
The president of the National Federation of Lottery Banks (Fenabanca) has accused Leidsa and Real of threatening them and blackmailing them by charging for the use of their computer terminals. According to William Rosario Ortiz, such a charge would be in violation of agreements and Decree No. 147-02. Rosario Ortiz told reporters from the Diario Libre that the two electronic lottery’s (Leidsa and Real) were adding extra charges to what their members pay the government through the Taxes Agency (DGII). He said that if this practice continues his members will no longer be able to afford to pay the government. He noted that “when Leidsa began and growth was limited, they asked the government to allow them to sell National Lottery products and vice a versa. However now, that they are well-positioned they want to change things.”
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...-y-a-loteria-real-de-chantajearlos-BG10617134
Pyramid scheme posed as remittance service
Companies called My Trader Coin and Money Free, used by the Brazilian Andre Luis Feitosso Santos to swindle a lot of people, are not registered in the Santo Domingo Chamber of Commerce of Santo Domingo, but are listed as shareholders of the “Bitt Company” together with Maria Cantera Martinez. This was placed into evidence by the Public Ministry in the request for remand against Feitoso Santos on charges of criminal association, fraud, money laundering and violation of the Law on High Technology. The government document says that the company called “Bitt Company” is registered as an entity that provides training services, international remittance and virtual money. This company functions through the Internet as a pyramid scheme used to defraud thousands of persons, according to the Public Ministry.
The judge at the Permanent Attention Office of the National District, José Alejandro Vargas did not immediately rule on this case.
The Public Ministry had requested that the judge declare the case “complex” in order to be able to investigate further and determine other accomplices in this scheme that has resulted in thousands of cheated investors.
http://eldia.com.do/empresa-piramidal-registrada-como-compania-de-remesas/
DNCD makes huge drug bust in Montecristi
Dominican authorities seized 133 packages of cocaine in a container in the port of Manzanillo, in Montecristi province. The drugs were seized during an operation carried out by the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) in coordination with the Public Ministry and different intelligence branches.
A DNCD press release noted that “as part of the internal controls in ports, airports and frontier posts, anti-narcotic agents and members of the Public Ministry profile the group of containers that had arrived from Colombia and began a thorough process of inspection, finding in one of them the 133 packages.”
The drug agents used K-9 units during the operation, and the authorities are investigating to determine the persons responsible for the shipment.
The DNCD also reported 21 kg of cocaine were seized at the Punta Cana international Airport in La Altagracia province, 3.46 kg at the Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo and another 37 kg on board the ferry that travels from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the Port of Santo Domingo.
http://dncd.gob.do/index.php/notici...quetes-presumiblemente-cocaina-en-montecristi
http://dncd.gob.do/index.php/notici...ericas-asi-como-en-el-puerto-de-santo-domingo
Women's volleyball: Made in the Dominican Republic
Those behind the development of women’s volleyball in the Dominican Republic can proudly say that all Dominican team players are “made in the Dominican Republic.” This is contrary to many other winners of medals in the Central American & Caribbean Sports Games that train abroad or are residents in developed countries where they are part of advanced sports systems. This is the case in track and field, artistic skating, swimming, basketball, baseball and many others sports.
The success of the Dominican women’s volleyball is the result of a project created by Cristóbal Marte, president and founder of the project that creates the conditions so that young girls can look to volleyball as a way of making a good living. The project secures high yield contracts abroad for the most outstanding players, but they keep the commitment to play for the national teams, at the most important events.
A report in Listin Diario explains that the project that began in 1997 makes it possible for all national women’s team players to come up through the ranks of the local program. The Dominican Republic women’s team is ranked 9th in the world. The Dominican Republic team has won four Pan American Cups (2008, 2010, 2014 and 2016, and three Norceca championships (2009, 2010 and 2017). Likewise, it has won the gold medal in the past five Central American & Caribbean Games. It also has made it to the Athens (2004) and London (2012) Olympic Games. In 2003, the Dominican team won the gold medal in the Pan American Games.
The National Teams Project since 2008 has been coached by Brazilian Marcos Kwiek.
On Sunday, 19 August 2018, the Dominican team won the U-23 Pan American Cup in Peru, showing the quality of the Dominican teams. This was the team’s fourth straight victory in the tournament. Likewise, in 2015, the Dominican U-20 team won the World Championship that took place in Caguas, Puerto Rico. The DR won silver in the Sub-18 World Championship in Argentina 2017, and silver in the U-23 World Championship in Turkey in 2018.
https://www.listindiario.com/el-deporte/2018/08/22/529760/voleibol-un-producto-dominicano-100-
More rains forecast
The National Meteorological Office (Onamet) says rains, thunder and lightning will continue as remnants of a tropical wave passing through our area. Onamet also said that a mid-level trough located over the island would merge with local micro climates and bring afternoon rains and increasing cloudiness on Thursday, 23 August 2018. These rains can be expected in the southeast, northeast, the central mountains and the area along the border with Haiti.
Regardless, Onamet is also reminding the public to take precautions because of high temperatures prevailing this summer.
http://eldia.com.do/meteorologia-pronostica-aguaceros-para-este-miercoles-4/
Da Republik advances to semi-finals in America’s Got Talent
The Dominican hip hop group Da Republik received enough support from the general public to advance to the semi-finals of the NBC reality show, America’s Got Talent. The group performed to "WTF (Where They From", made known by Missy Elliott and Pharrell Williams. The dance troupe received the backing of judge Simon Cowell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP0qaCpiHHo
For jazz lovers
This Saturday, 25 August 2018, the DR Jazz Festival will be held at the Los Establos equestrian center in Cap Cana, in southern Punta Cana. It features participations by the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, the Italian-American saxophonist Marco Pignataro and Terri Lyne Carrington and her quintet. A tribute will be made to the late Geri Allen, one of the most important jazz pianists of all times.
Later in September, there will be as usual jazz at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel. The
Fiesta Sunset Jazz Fridays start at 8:30pm at the roof top lounge of the city hotel in Los Cacicazgos, of the Mirador del Sur Park area.
The schedule for the Friday jazz shows for September 2018 is:
Friday, 7 September: Jordi, Tiempo Libre y la Guitarra
Friday, 14 September: Benny & the Cupids
Friday, 21 September: Sly De Moya - a profound Sense of Lounge
Friday, 28 September: Ritmos de la Noche - EJazzSon
http://jazzendominicana.blogspot.com/
Freddy Ginebra and Diomary La Mala at Casa de Teatro
“Mal de Amores” is back at Casa de Teatro this coming Monday, 27 August 2018 at 9pm. Ballads singer Diomary La Mala joins cultural promoter Freddy Ginebra in a night in which they combine their best talents. Diomary will be singing memorable Hispanic music classics and Freddy will be telling anecdotes and jokes. Tickets on the door at Casa de Teatro in the Colonial City.
New military chiefs
San Pedro de Macoris gets 911 service
Public trust to finance parking garages
Long lines of foreigners seek renewal of ID cards
Ministry of Culture fires regional director in Santiago
A call to implement primary care centers nationwide
Leonel Fernández and Luis Abinader tied
Mark Penn poll: Low trust in Attorney General handling of Odebrecht scandal
Leidsa and Real accused of blackmail
Pyramid scheme posed as remittance service
DNCD makes huge drug bust in Montecristi
Women's volleyball: Made in the Dominican Republic
More rains forecast
Da Republik advances to semi-finals in America’s Got Talent
For jazz lovers
DR1 Daily News next update on 22 August 2018
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 22 August 2018. The Monday issue will compile headline news for the previous Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Breaking news can be followed 24/7 in the Forums. See the DR1 Forum at http://www.dr1.com
New military chiefs
The Presidency announced changes in the military, transit agency and drug control agency on Wednesday, 22 August 2018. It confirmed Lieutenant General Ruben Dario Paulino Sem as Minister of Defense. The appointments are made in decrees 315-18 and 316-18.
The new chiefs are:
Brigade General Estanislao Gonell Regalado, chief of the army.
Rear Admiral Emilio Recio Segura, chief of the armada.
Brigade General Richard Vásquez Jiménez, chief of the air force.
The Presidency also appointed Mayor General Jose Eugenio Matos de la Cruz, president of the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD). And General Ernesto Rodríguez García as director general of the Transit and Ground Transport Agency (DIGESETT).
Follow the story on the promotions and appointments at:
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...e-general-paulino-sem-como-ministro-defensa-e
San Pedro de Macoris gets 911 emergency service
Residents and tourists alike in the Juan Dolio and San Pedro de Macoris areas will now benefit from the start of the 911 Emergency System in the province of San Pedro de Macoris. President Danilo Medina visited San Pedro to mark the start of the service. The service addresses security and health emergencies. The rapid emergency response service integrates public health facilities, fire and police stations and Ministry of Public Works offices. There is no charge for the service. As reported, a staff of 300, including eight physicians, will serve the community 24/7.
The Medina administration says that with the entry of San Pedro de Macoris into the service, the 911 Emergency System now covers 68% of the Dominican population.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...cion-de-mas-de-300-servidores-para-asistir-en
Public trust to finance parking garages
The Ministry of Public Works is planning to build 40 public parking lots in Greater Santo Domingo. Public Works Minister Gonzalo Castillo says the fees charged for parking will cover the costs of operating the parking lots. A new public trust called Parquéate RD (You Park DR) will be created. Castillo reminded the press that President Danilo Medina’s announced the parking garages during the state of the nation address on 27 February 2018.
The plan is to bring relief to congested city areas with the construction of the parking spaces on land already identified. Gonzalo Castillo explained that these parking lots would have the same operational structure as RD Vial, a public trust that works under the Banco de Reservas that administers the toll roads. The funds generated will be used for construction and maintenance work on the highway system.
During a TV interview, Castillo said the intention is to finish at least 10 of the parking structures by the end of the present Medina term in July 2020.
Castillo also mentioned the government would be investing in the extension of the Avenida Ecológica to the Ciudad Juan Bosch in Santo Domingo, the Los Alcarrizos Skylift and five new interurban transport terminals and the completion of the Circunvalación de Santo Domingo, the capital city bypass on to the Multimodal Cauedo Port in eastern Santo Domingo.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...bierno-estarian-listos-en-dos-anos-FG10617525
State officials meet with private sector banks to motivate affordable housing
The governor of the Central Bank, Hector Valdez Albizu, Presidential Minister Gustavo Montalvo, and Hacienda Minister Donald Guerrero met with the private banking sector to request better conditions to meet the demand for housing, as reported by the Central Bank.
The Central Bank says that the present demand for middle class housing is at 351,000 units. During the meeting, Montalvo called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to create opportunities for middle income families to purchase dwellings.
Minister Montalvo noted that the supply of low-cost housing has increased, partly through facilities to liberate resources from the legal reserves of the nation’s banks. The press release says that the banking executives were willing to work with the government so that cost-effective mortgages can be made available to families to address the country’s housing problem.
https://www.bancentral.gov.do/a/d/4...-de-los-recursos-procedentes-del-encaje-legal
Long lines of foreigners seek renewal of ID cards
With the fast approaching expiration date of 26 August 2018 for the renewal of ID cards issued under the National Foreigner Status Legalization Plan (PNRE), long lines are forming outside the offices of the Migration Agency (DGM) on the Malecón in Santo Domingo. Around 200,000 foreigners have requested the document and the Migration Agency has evaluated 145,000 files as part of the process of renewal or change of immigration category of foreigners who enrolled in the legalization plan in 2014.
This information was offered by Ivanca Rivas, the national coordinator of the process, who confirmed that the process will end on 26 August.
This is the deadline to request renovation of the ID card and after that date the Directorate of Migration has 45 days to evaluate the files, calling different embassies, places of work and centers of education to ascertain the time the foreigners have spent in those places and then assign them a category depending on the ties they have established. New ID cards will be distributed until 10 October 2018.
An observer from the Haitian Embassy, Alma Aleyandra Comoglio, said the process is being carried out in an organized fashion. She said that because of this the Haitian Embassy in the Dominican Republic has no comments to make on the process that is underway.
The PNRE sought to resolve the legal status of foreigners residing in the country since 1929, according to the ruling issued by the Constitutional Court on 23 September 2013. The process, nevertheless, has been affected by the delays on behalf of the government of Haiti in issuing passports and other legal documentation for the process to progress. The Dominican government has decided to keep on extending the terms with the issuing of provisional cards that have been renewed as the persons await their documentation from Haiti.
The government explained that of 288,000 foreigners who registered for the plan, 260,000 cases were approved for legalization. Of these only 7,834 were able to complete the process. Another 252,240 received special permits that need to be renewed. The director general of the foreigners division at the DGM, Rafael Núñz Veloz told Diario Libre that 201,175 persons have qualified for the legalization procedure.
http://elnacional.com.do/largas-filas-haitianos-en-busca-de-carnes/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...o-los-trabajos-plan-de-extranjeros-JG10619011
Ministry of Culture fires regional director in Santiago
The Ministry of Culture has fired Lincoln Lopez, the regional director for the ministry headquartered in Santiago. The Ministry reported the sudden dismissal after Lopez temporarily closed the administrative offices of the ministry in Santiago. Lopez told Diario Libre that he was asked to sign checks that had no corresponding paperwork. Lopez said that he had advised his superiors in Santo Domingo of the situation.
Culture Minister Eduardo Selman said that he had maintained open channels of communication with all of his officials and employees so that the attitude of the former regional director besides being inappropriate, was unnecessary and violated procedures and protocol. Selman said that he had ordered an investigation of the irregularities reported by Lopez.
https://www.diariolibre.com/revista/cultura/cultura-despide-a-su-director-en-santiago-BG10617116
http://hoy.com.do/ministro-de-cultura-cancela-director-regional-de-santiago/
A call to implement primary care centers nationwide
The executive vice president of the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD), Circe Almanzar, called on government authorities on 22 August 2018, to implement the Basic Plan of Primary Health Care, in the shortest time possible. The plan is described as the main pillar of social security in the country. The director of the National Health System (SNS), economist Chanel Rosa Chupany, himself has stated that primary care implementation will allow for a focus on preventive medicine and not the present emphasis on curative medicine practice.
Almanzar said that medical specialists, the Dominican Medical Guild (CMD) and other actors in the health sector are resisting the implementation of this plan, adding that this is to the detriment of the people’s health. She demanded the establishment of the required protocols for the creation of this type of healthcare.
The business leader said, in addition, that one of the stumbling blocks that has impeded the creation of Primary Care Units has been the lack of clear rules regarding the contracts of specialists by the local Health Risk Administrators in private clinics. She warned that if this solution, Primary Health Care, is not implemented any control of healthcare within the social security program will be impossible. She concluded her comments saying that there should be no monopoly in any area of healthcare and called on the Tripartite Talks to prevail in the establishment of Primary Health Care.
Readers might recall that after the Examination for Medical Residencies in March, over 100 residency positions in Family Medicine, the doctors who man Primary Care Centers, remained unfilled.
http://elnacional.com.do/pide-implementar-el-plan-de-atencion-primaria-de-salud/
Leonel Fernández and Luis Abinader tied in Mark Penn poll
The Mark Penn-Noticias SIN poll reveals that if the presidential election were held today, it could go to either former President Leonel Fernández or former PRM presidential candidate Luis Abinader. Leonel Fernández received the favor of 33% and Luis Abinader 31%, with a plus or minus error margin of 3%. This could very well require a runner up election.
In the scenario of Fernández running against Santo Domingo Mayor David Collado, Fernández leads with 10 points. When Fernández runs against former President Hipólito Mejía, Fernández would win with 20 points difference.
When compared to the October 2017 Mark Penn poll, Abinader has improved his positioning, moving up from 25% to 31%. Fernández position in the polls has declined 4%, Mejía’s numbers have declined 4 points and Collado 5 points.
New candidate, Alfonso Rodriguez, running as an independent, received a significant 26% of the vote.
The Mark Penn/Noticias SIN poll was carried out 2-6 August 2018.
http://hoy.com.do/encuesta-mark-penn-noticias-sin/
Mark Penn poll: Low trust in Attorney General handling of Odebrecht scandal
82% of those polled by Mark Penn/Noticias SIN say that not all who should be have been included in the Odebrecht bribes scandal. The percentage is on average three quarters of all the population when filtered by sex, age or political affiliation. Even 73% of those who identified themselves as PLD members stated the same. 62% believe those who have been accused by the Public Ministry will be acquitted in the case. This includes 45% of those who identified themselves as members of the ruling PLD, and 67% of the independents.
76% approve the US government removing the visas to Odebrecht commercial representative Angel Rondon, Senator Felix Bautista and former Minister of Public Works Victor Diaz Rua.
The Mark Penn/Noticias SIN poll was carried out 2-6 August 2018.
http://hoy.com.do/encuesta-mark-penn-noticias-sin/
Leidsa and Real accused of blackmail
The president of the National Federation of Lottery Banks (Fenabanca) has accused Leidsa and Real of threatening them and blackmailing them by charging for the use of their computer terminals. According to William Rosario Ortiz, such a charge would be in violation of agreements and Decree No. 147-02. Rosario Ortiz told reporters from the Diario Libre that the two electronic lottery’s (Leidsa and Real) were adding extra charges to what their members pay the government through the Taxes Agency (DGII). He said that if this practice continues his members will no longer be able to afford to pay the government. He noted that “when Leidsa began and growth was limited, they asked the government to allow them to sell National Lottery products and vice a versa. However now, that they are well-positioned they want to change things.”
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...-y-a-loteria-real-de-chantajearlos-BG10617134
Pyramid scheme posed as remittance service
Companies called My Trader Coin and Money Free, used by the Brazilian Andre Luis Feitosso Santos to swindle a lot of people, are not registered in the Santo Domingo Chamber of Commerce of Santo Domingo, but are listed as shareholders of the “Bitt Company” together with Maria Cantera Martinez. This was placed into evidence by the Public Ministry in the request for remand against Feitoso Santos on charges of criminal association, fraud, money laundering and violation of the Law on High Technology. The government document says that the company called “Bitt Company” is registered as an entity that provides training services, international remittance and virtual money. This company functions through the Internet as a pyramid scheme used to defraud thousands of persons, according to the Public Ministry.
The judge at the Permanent Attention Office of the National District, José Alejandro Vargas did not immediately rule on this case.
The Public Ministry had requested that the judge declare the case “complex” in order to be able to investigate further and determine other accomplices in this scheme that has resulted in thousands of cheated investors.
http://eldia.com.do/empresa-piramidal-registrada-como-compania-de-remesas/
DNCD makes huge drug bust in Montecristi
Dominican authorities seized 133 packages of cocaine in a container in the port of Manzanillo, in Montecristi province. The drugs were seized during an operation carried out by the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) in coordination with the Public Ministry and different intelligence branches.
A DNCD press release noted that “as part of the internal controls in ports, airports and frontier posts, anti-narcotic agents and members of the Public Ministry profile the group of containers that had arrived from Colombia and began a thorough process of inspection, finding in one of them the 133 packages.”
The drug agents used K-9 units during the operation, and the authorities are investigating to determine the persons responsible for the shipment.
The DNCD also reported 21 kg of cocaine were seized at the Punta Cana international Airport in La Altagracia province, 3.46 kg at the Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo and another 37 kg on board the ferry that travels from San Juan, Puerto Rico to the Port of Santo Domingo.
http://dncd.gob.do/index.php/notici...quetes-presumiblemente-cocaina-en-montecristi
http://dncd.gob.do/index.php/notici...ericas-asi-como-en-el-puerto-de-santo-domingo
Women's volleyball: Made in the Dominican Republic
Those behind the development of women’s volleyball in the Dominican Republic can proudly say that all Dominican team players are “made in the Dominican Republic.” This is contrary to many other winners of medals in the Central American & Caribbean Sports Games that train abroad or are residents in developed countries where they are part of advanced sports systems. This is the case in track and field, artistic skating, swimming, basketball, baseball and many others sports.
The success of the Dominican women’s volleyball is the result of a project created by Cristóbal Marte, president and founder of the project that creates the conditions so that young girls can look to volleyball as a way of making a good living. The project secures high yield contracts abroad for the most outstanding players, but they keep the commitment to play for the national teams, at the most important events.
A report in Listin Diario explains that the project that began in 1997 makes it possible for all national women’s team players to come up through the ranks of the local program. The Dominican Republic women’s team is ranked 9th in the world. The Dominican Republic team has won four Pan American Cups (2008, 2010, 2014 and 2016, and three Norceca championships (2009, 2010 and 2017). Likewise, it has won the gold medal in the past five Central American & Caribbean Games. It also has made it to the Athens (2004) and London (2012) Olympic Games. In 2003, the Dominican team won the gold medal in the Pan American Games.
The National Teams Project since 2008 has been coached by Brazilian Marcos Kwiek.
On Sunday, 19 August 2018, the Dominican team won the U-23 Pan American Cup in Peru, showing the quality of the Dominican teams. This was the team’s fourth straight victory in the tournament. Likewise, in 2015, the Dominican U-20 team won the World Championship that took place in Caguas, Puerto Rico. The DR won silver in the Sub-18 World Championship in Argentina 2017, and silver in the U-23 World Championship in Turkey in 2018.
https://www.listindiario.com/el-deporte/2018/08/22/529760/voleibol-un-producto-dominicano-100-
More rains forecast
The National Meteorological Office (Onamet) says rains, thunder and lightning will continue as remnants of a tropical wave passing through our area. Onamet also said that a mid-level trough located over the island would merge with local micro climates and bring afternoon rains and increasing cloudiness on Thursday, 23 August 2018. These rains can be expected in the southeast, northeast, the central mountains and the area along the border with Haiti.
Regardless, Onamet is also reminding the public to take precautions because of high temperatures prevailing this summer.
http://eldia.com.do/meteorologia-pronostica-aguaceros-para-este-miercoles-4/
Da Republik advances to semi-finals in America’s Got Talent
The Dominican hip hop group Da Republik received enough support from the general public to advance to the semi-finals of the NBC reality show, America’s Got Talent. The group performed to "WTF (Where They From", made known by Missy Elliott and Pharrell Williams. The dance troupe received the backing of judge Simon Cowell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP0qaCpiHHo
For jazz lovers
This Saturday, 25 August 2018, the DR Jazz Festival will be held at the Los Establos equestrian center in Cap Cana, in southern Punta Cana. It features participations by the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, the Italian-American saxophonist Marco Pignataro and Terri Lyne Carrington and her quintet. A tribute will be made to the late Geri Allen, one of the most important jazz pianists of all times.
Later in September, there will be as usual jazz at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel. The
Fiesta Sunset Jazz Fridays start at 8:30pm at the roof top lounge of the city hotel in Los Cacicazgos, of the Mirador del Sur Park area.
The schedule for the Friday jazz shows for September 2018 is:
Friday, 7 September: Jordi, Tiempo Libre y la Guitarra
Friday, 14 September: Benny & the Cupids
Friday, 21 September: Sly De Moya - a profound Sense of Lounge
Friday, 28 September: Ritmos de la Noche - EJazzSon
http://jazzendominicana.blogspot.com/
Freddy Ginebra and Diomary La Mala at Casa de Teatro
“Mal de Amores” is back at Casa de Teatro this coming Monday, 27 August 2018 at 9pm. Ballads singer Diomary La Mala joins cultural promoter Freddy Ginebra in a night in which they combine their best talents. Diomary will be singing memorable Hispanic music classics and Freddy will be telling anecdotes and jokes. Tickets on the door at Casa de Teatro in the Colonial City.
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