Constitutional Court upholds clause that bans Medina from seeking reelection
Hipolito Mejia announces he seeks presidency in 2020
Architects announce meeting to choose best solutions for sustainability in Greater Santo Domingo
Dominican government pays dues of US$131,000 to participate in Parlacen
New president of Chamber of Deputies is acting above the law
Lucia Medina’s backpacks were paid by the Ministry of Education?
New Puerto Plata cruise ship terminal tender contested
US ambassador arrives with her family
Petrol companies want to sell propane
Garbage returns to the Malecon
Father Mario Serrano gets sent to Peru
Embraer gets green light for fast-tracked case
Constitutional Court upholds clause that bans Medina from seeking reelection
The Constitutional Court ruled that it cannot “declare that the Constitution is in violation of itself.” The opinion came after the highest court agreed to hear a request by lawyer Fredermido Ferreras Díaz that the court declare the Transitory Clause No. 20 of the 13 June 2015 Constitution was in violation of the Constitution.
The transitory clause was incorporated into the 2015 Constitution as part of a political agreement with the dissident forces representing former President Leonel Fernández in the ruling PLD party. Fernandez sought to run for President on the PLD ticket for the 2016 presidential election. Then the 2010 Constitution banned a president to serve consecutive terms. But President Danilo Medina’s followers pushed through the amendment allowing for a single consecutive election, US-style.
As part of the political agreement, the clause that specifically states that President Medina could not run for a third period was also incorporated.
The followers of President Danilo Medina are the majority in the ruling PLD party upper echelons of government and in both houses of the National Congress.
Art. 124 of the 2015 Constitution on the presidential election in the Dominican Republic states: “The Executive Branch is exercised by the President of the Republic, who will be elected every four years by direct vote. The President can opt for a second constitutional period and not being able to run ever again for the same position nor for the position of Vice President of the Republic.
Transitory Clause No. 20 states: “In the case that the President of the Republic elected for the constitutional period 2012-2016 be the candidate to the same position for the constitutional period 2016-2020, the person will not be able to run for the following period, nor any other period, nor for the position of Vice President of the Republic.
In presenting the motion for an opinion, attorney Ferreras argued that the transitory clause was in violation of articles 22, 39, 124, 68, 69 and 110 of the Constitution that protect citizen’s right to elect and be elected, the right to equality, the rights of the present head of government and the principle of no retroactivity of laws.
Despite the transitory clause, Medina has said he will wait until March 2019 to tell whether he would seek reelection.
President judge Milton Ray Guevara announced the entire ruling would soon be available on its web page. There were no dissident votes in the decision on the transitory clause.
https://www.one.gob.do/Multimedia/Download?ObjId=7082
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ma-disposicion-transitoria-de-la-constitucion
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ncia-del-tc-cierra-una-brecha-a-la-reeleccion
https://www.tribunalconstitucional.gob.do/
http://hoy.com.do/afecta-la-decisio...de-danilo-medina-aqui-lo-que-dice-julio-cury/
Hipolito Mejia announces he seeks presidency in 2020
Former President Hipólito Mejía (2000-2004) said he will seek the presidential candidacy on the PRM ticket for 2020. In his speech making the announcement he spoke of being the candidate for a transition, after so many years of PLD rule. He described transition as being the path to solid institutions with independent people with a genuine vocation for service. He criticized: “Today all our institutions are kidnapped by the Dominican Liberation Party, which only uses them for their own benefit.”
He offered to lead “a frontal fight against corruption and impunity.” He also guaranteed to create initiatives that “contribute to generating wealth and improving the quality of life.”
He also highlighted the importance of improving security, saying that “the transition has to effectively fight crime and offer security to our citizens.”
He called for more active participation of citizens: “Finally, the transition means the promotion of active citizenship. In effect, laws and development projects are of little use if citizens do not participate in the conduct of public affairs, in pursuit of the common good.”
His principal contender for the candidacy in the PRM is Luis Abinader, who was the candidate for the party in the 2016 presidential election. Abinader is also active in his quest for the PRM presidential candidacy for the 2020 election, but has not formally announced his aspirations.
http://hoy.com.do/aqui-todo-lo-que-...bre-su-busqueda-de-la-presidencia-en-el-2020/
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/el-discurso-de-hipolito-DG10702724
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...o-mejia-no-es-un-obstaculo-para-el-BO10699383
Architects announce meeting to choose best solutions for sustainability in Greater Santo Domingo
Architects and urban planners will convene two symposiums to create a document that proposes possible solutions to key problems affecting the metropolitan area of Greater Santo Domingo. The initiative follows up on the publishing in Listin Diario of research that calls the city “a sick metropolis”.
The architects and urban planners say that ever since the city was divided in the municipalities of the National District, Santo Domingo East, Santo Domingo North and Santo Domingo West in 2001, “none of the local governments has had an idea of what to do to organize the city. “
In an interview at Listin Diario, architects Juan Mubarak, Marcos A. Blonda and Omar Rancier say they have collected initiatives that propose solutions to the main problems. These solutions will be debated during the symposiums.
The event has the backing of the Faculty of Architecture and the Arts (FAA) at the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU) and the Architecture & Urbanism Table of the UNPHU for sustainable urbanism. The roundtable was created to explore the challenges and opportunities in sustainable urban development in the metropolitan region and back government entities that have an impact on Greater Santo Domingo in the drafting of the Land Use Plan (Plan de Ordenamiento Territorial Metropolitano).
In the first symposium a Letter of Santo Domingo will be drafted a Letter that proposes solutions for the city in five urban systems: productive activities, housing, social facilities, transport, and environment. The date for the symposium is 11-12 September and it is by invitation only.
The second symposium would be held 10-15 October to discuss the Letter of Santo Domingo.
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...ara-debatir-soluciones-problemas-de-la-ciudad
Dominican government pays dues of US$131,000 to participate in Parlacen
The Dominican Republic pays a quota of US$131,000 a month to sustain the activities of the Central American Parliament (Parlacen), a regional political forum. Costa Rica resigned from the organization in 2009, alleging it had no positive impact. The total annual cost for the Dominican Republic to participate in Parlacen is estimated to be upwards of US$1.6 million. Wages to the participating legislators, travel expenditures along with other costs for the local delegation have to be factored.
Former culture Minister Tony Raful made the announcement. He also said that the four forums carried out recently at the Ministry of Foreign Relations convention center and city hotels were funded “for the most part” by the Dominican government with contributions from the other countries. He said the organization was strengthened by the meetings. “The Parlacen is living its best days because of the series of polities the six member nations are developing jointly in favor of integration.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/08...-cuota-de-131-mil-dolares-al-mes-al-parlacen/
New president of Chamber of Deputies is acting above the law
The new president of the Chamber of Deputies, Radhames Camacho, has refused to comment on presenting his statement of worth in the Chamber of Deputies. The declaration of net worth is a legal obligation of the legislators. Radhamés Camacho was chosen by the Political Committee of the ruling PLD to preside the lower house from August 2018 to August 2019.
Recently, the Centro Juan XXIII reported that Camacho was in violation of the Law 311-14 that obliges the presentation of the statement.
All Camacho had to say was: “They should investigate well,” when trying his best to dodge journalists who inquired.
Camacho is one of more than 82 legislators who are in violation of the law. He is described as one of the most influential legislators, a strong supporter of President Danilo Medina.
http://hoy.com.do/camacho-no-quiso-explicar-por-que-no-declara-patrimonio/
Lucia Medina’s backpacks were paid by the Ministry of Education?
A video evidencing that Lucia Medina, former president of the Chamber of Deputies and sister to President Danilo Medina, is distributing Ministry of Education backpacks to promote her own foundation – Fumudesu – went viral over the weekend. The president of the Central Electoral Board (JCE), Julio César Castaños said that if it is evidenced that state resources were used in the personal, this would be in violation of Electoral Law 275-97.
A panel with promotion for deputy Lucia Medina and her campaign “Going for More” was sewn over the name of the Ministry of Education. The legislator is distributing the backpacks in school districts in San Juan de la Maguana.
https://www.diariolibre.com/cronologia/ver/****/lucia-medina
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...isterio-de-educacion-con-su-nombre-HO10696724
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFzSDa5_scg
New Puerto Plata cruise ship terminal tender contested
The director of the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), Victor Gomez Casanova, has spoken up in favor of the construction of the new cruise ship terminal in Puerto Plata. The winners of the recent tender had announced recently in international travel press that President Danilo Medina would make the announcement of the winners of the tender at the end of July 2018. However, there has not been an announcement from the Medina administration. The results of the tender are contested in court.
Meanwhile, Gomez of Apordom, the government entity that organized the tender, said the new terminal would generate 6,000 direct jobs and 12,000 indirect jobs and that the cost would be upwards of US$100 million. He said that the terminal would make it possible for three cruise ships to dock at the same time. He said Royal Caribbean, MCC Norwegian, Virgin Cruises and Disney Line have announced an interest in sailing to Puerto Plata.
Gomez told the press that the winning company is Puerto Plata Port Investment that was created in November 2017 with a capital of RD$100,000 to participate in the tender. The company is associated with ITM MX,V.B. Promociones turísticas Mahahual, S.A. de C.V and Mauricio Hamui Hilwani. The companies are related to tourism port operations in Costa Maya, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Mexico and Roatan Island in Honduras.
The Procurement Agency (DGCP) has questioned the tender, in its note DGCP-2018-001666, dated 25 April 2018, when it notified the Dominican Port Authority should desist from offering technical assistance to the company in regards to the tender, as reported in Hoy.
The winning bid submitted by Puerto Plata Investment was contested by Aja Internacional, claiming that there were irregularities in the tender process.
The terminal would be the second on the north coast. A first, a Carnival Cruise investment, is operating in Maimón, 20 minutes away from the city of Puerto Plata. The new terminal would be located walking distance from many of the leading attractions of the city of Puerto Plata.
http://hoy.com.do/apordom-resalta-el-impacto-de-remodelacion-del-puerto-de-pp/
US ambassador arrives with her family
Upon arriving to the Dominican Republic, new US Ambassador, businesswoman Robin Bernstein said her main objectives are to foster education, trade and the strengthening of bilateral ties between the United States and the Dominican Republic. She arrived on Thursday, 30 August 2018, from Miami. She was accompanied by her husband Richard Bernstein and their daughter Julia Bernstein.
Top US mission members were at the airport to welcome the new ambassador, including counselor minister Robert Copley; USAID director Arthur Brown, administrative counselor Arlen Holt; public affairs counselor Chase Beamer’; counselor for economic and political affairs Katherine Beamer; Defense attaché Charles Preston and interim general consul Shane Myers.
She was received by deputy minister of foreign relations Juan Guiliani Cury and Ambassador Pedro Gomez on behalf of the Dominican government.
One of Ambassador Bernstein’s first tasks will be to present her credentials at the Ministry of Foreign Relations and then at the Presidential Palace.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...nstein-esta-feliz-de-llegar-a-este-bello-pais
http://eldia.com.do/embajadora-de-ee-uu-estrechara-relaciones/
Petrol companies want to sell propane
The representatives of 70% of the liquid fuel stations in the country went public with their request to the Ministry of Industry & Commerce to authorize the fitting of diesel and gasoline stations to be able to sell propane gas. At present, in the Dominican Republic the sale of propane gas is carried out at separate stations. The companies allege the present system is in violation of the freedom of enterprise principle in the Constitution.
The companies, Petronan, Eco Petroleo, United Gas, United Petroleum, Texaco, Isla, Shell, and TDC and Anadegas say that enough time has passed since the Ministry ruled to postpone the matter in November 2017 in order to better define the initiative that would allow for all stations to sell petrol, and propane gas at the same time.
Local statistics indicate that there are 2,978 retail fuel-expending businesses. Of these 51.2% sell diesel and gasoline, 24.9% sell propane and 1.3% sell natural gas. Of the businesses, 18.1% are located in the province of Santo Domingo, 11% in Santiago and 8.2% in the National District.
http://eldia.com.do/detallistas-exigen-la-decision-vender-gas-y-gasolina-juntos/
Garbage returns to the Malecon
The heavy rainstorms over the weekend brought more garbage to the southern coastline of the city of Santo Domingo. Poor families that live beside the Ozama River have the practice of taking advantage of the rains to get rid of their trash in the river, as reported in El Dia. They complain the city government is not prompt in collecting the garbage.
http://eldia.com.do/basura-sigue-llegando-rio-ozama-y-malecon/
https://www.diariolibre.com/reporta...41-empresas-del-gran-santo-domingo-BO10697789
Father Mario Serrano gets sent to Peru
Jesuit priest Mario Serrano has been ordered to work in Peru. The head of the Jesuit order in the Dominican Republic, said that Jesuit Max Michel would replace Serrano as executive director of the Centro de Reflexión y Acción Social Padre Juan Montalvo, SJ. The center has gathered a large consulting group that has been critical of government corruption and other social problems.
Father Serrano was appointed as delegate to the Conference of Jesuit Provincials in Latin America and the Caribbean (CPAL). The change of director of the center is effective 1 September 2018.
https://www.sjapc.net/tag/conference-of-jesuit-provincials-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-cpal/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualidad/8601486-nombran-nuevo-director-del-centro-montalvo/
Embraer gets green light for fast-tracked case
Judge Yanibet Rivas of the National District Instruction Court gave green light to the agreement reached by the Attorney General and Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica (Embraer) that accepted it was guilty of paying US$3.5 million in bribes for the sale of Super Tucano aircraft for the prosecution of drug trafficking in 2009. The purchase was made during a Leonel Fernandez administration. The judge said the ruling would be read on 20 September 2018. It accepts that the company compensates the Dominican state US$7 million for the bribes paid. The agreement makes possible a fast-tracked hearing of the case.
As part of the agreement, the company would share with the Attorney General Office in the Dominican Republic findings presented in the case that was heard in the United States where it was determined that the company paid the US$3.5 million in bribes to secure the contract for the aircraft sold to the Dominican air force.
The agreement is similar to that reached by the Attorney General regarding the Odebrecht US$92 million bribes scandal, of US$184 million in compensation to the Dominican government for desisting in incriminating the company executives.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...nal-aprueba-acuerdo-de-procuraduria-y-embraer
Hipolito Mejia announces he seeks presidency in 2020
Architects announce meeting to choose best solutions for sustainability in Greater Santo Domingo
Dominican government pays dues of US$131,000 to participate in Parlacen
New president of Chamber of Deputies is acting above the law
Lucia Medina’s backpacks were paid by the Ministry of Education?
New Puerto Plata cruise ship terminal tender contested
US ambassador arrives with her family
Petrol companies want to sell propane
Garbage returns to the Malecon
Father Mario Serrano gets sent to Peru
Embraer gets green light for fast-tracked case
Constitutional Court upholds clause that bans Medina from seeking reelection
The Constitutional Court ruled that it cannot “declare that the Constitution is in violation of itself.” The opinion came after the highest court agreed to hear a request by lawyer Fredermido Ferreras Díaz that the court declare the Transitory Clause No. 20 of the 13 June 2015 Constitution was in violation of the Constitution.
The transitory clause was incorporated into the 2015 Constitution as part of a political agreement with the dissident forces representing former President Leonel Fernández in the ruling PLD party. Fernandez sought to run for President on the PLD ticket for the 2016 presidential election. Then the 2010 Constitution banned a president to serve consecutive terms. But President Danilo Medina’s followers pushed through the amendment allowing for a single consecutive election, US-style.
As part of the political agreement, the clause that specifically states that President Medina could not run for a third period was also incorporated.
The followers of President Danilo Medina are the majority in the ruling PLD party upper echelons of government and in both houses of the National Congress.
Art. 124 of the 2015 Constitution on the presidential election in the Dominican Republic states: “The Executive Branch is exercised by the President of the Republic, who will be elected every four years by direct vote. The President can opt for a second constitutional period and not being able to run ever again for the same position nor for the position of Vice President of the Republic.
Transitory Clause No. 20 states: “In the case that the President of the Republic elected for the constitutional period 2012-2016 be the candidate to the same position for the constitutional period 2016-2020, the person will not be able to run for the following period, nor any other period, nor for the position of Vice President of the Republic.
In presenting the motion for an opinion, attorney Ferreras argued that the transitory clause was in violation of articles 22, 39, 124, 68, 69 and 110 of the Constitution that protect citizen’s right to elect and be elected, the right to equality, the rights of the present head of government and the principle of no retroactivity of laws.
Despite the transitory clause, Medina has said he will wait until March 2019 to tell whether he would seek reelection.
President judge Milton Ray Guevara announced the entire ruling would soon be available on its web page. There were no dissident votes in the decision on the transitory clause.
https://www.one.gob.do/Multimedia/Download?ObjId=7082
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ma-disposicion-transitoria-de-la-constitucion
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ncia-del-tc-cierra-una-brecha-a-la-reeleccion
https://www.tribunalconstitucional.gob.do/
http://hoy.com.do/afecta-la-decisio...de-danilo-medina-aqui-lo-que-dice-julio-cury/
Hipolito Mejia announces he seeks presidency in 2020
Former President Hipólito Mejía (2000-2004) said he will seek the presidential candidacy on the PRM ticket for 2020. In his speech making the announcement he spoke of being the candidate for a transition, after so many years of PLD rule. He described transition as being the path to solid institutions with independent people with a genuine vocation for service. He criticized: “Today all our institutions are kidnapped by the Dominican Liberation Party, which only uses them for their own benefit.”
He offered to lead “a frontal fight against corruption and impunity.” He also guaranteed to create initiatives that “contribute to generating wealth and improving the quality of life.”
He also highlighted the importance of improving security, saying that “the transition has to effectively fight crime and offer security to our citizens.”
He called for more active participation of citizens: “Finally, the transition means the promotion of active citizenship. In effect, laws and development projects are of little use if citizens do not participate in the conduct of public affairs, in pursuit of the common good.”
His principal contender for the candidacy in the PRM is Luis Abinader, who was the candidate for the party in the 2016 presidential election. Abinader is also active in his quest for the PRM presidential candidacy for the 2020 election, but has not formally announced his aspirations.
http://hoy.com.do/aqui-todo-lo-que-...bre-su-busqueda-de-la-presidencia-en-el-2020/
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/el-discurso-de-hipolito-DG10702724
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...o-mejia-no-es-un-obstaculo-para-el-BO10699383
Architects announce meeting to choose best solutions for sustainability in Greater Santo Domingo
Architects and urban planners will convene two symposiums to create a document that proposes possible solutions to key problems affecting the metropolitan area of Greater Santo Domingo. The initiative follows up on the publishing in Listin Diario of research that calls the city “a sick metropolis”.
The architects and urban planners say that ever since the city was divided in the municipalities of the National District, Santo Domingo East, Santo Domingo North and Santo Domingo West in 2001, “none of the local governments has had an idea of what to do to organize the city. “
In an interview at Listin Diario, architects Juan Mubarak, Marcos A. Blonda and Omar Rancier say they have collected initiatives that propose solutions to the main problems. These solutions will be debated during the symposiums.
The event has the backing of the Faculty of Architecture and the Arts (FAA) at the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU) and the Architecture & Urbanism Table of the UNPHU for sustainable urbanism. The roundtable was created to explore the challenges and opportunities in sustainable urban development in the metropolitan region and back government entities that have an impact on Greater Santo Domingo in the drafting of the Land Use Plan (Plan de Ordenamiento Territorial Metropolitano).
In the first symposium a Letter of Santo Domingo will be drafted a Letter that proposes solutions for the city in five urban systems: productive activities, housing, social facilities, transport, and environment. The date for the symposium is 11-12 September and it is by invitation only.
The second symposium would be held 10-15 October to discuss the Letter of Santo Domingo.
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...ara-debatir-soluciones-problemas-de-la-ciudad
Dominican government pays dues of US$131,000 to participate in Parlacen
The Dominican Republic pays a quota of US$131,000 a month to sustain the activities of the Central American Parliament (Parlacen), a regional political forum. Costa Rica resigned from the organization in 2009, alleging it had no positive impact. The total annual cost for the Dominican Republic to participate in Parlacen is estimated to be upwards of US$1.6 million. Wages to the participating legislators, travel expenditures along with other costs for the local delegation have to be factored.
Former culture Minister Tony Raful made the announcement. He also said that the four forums carried out recently at the Ministry of Foreign Relations convention center and city hotels were funded “for the most part” by the Dominican government with contributions from the other countries. He said the organization was strengthened by the meetings. “The Parlacen is living its best days because of the series of polities the six member nations are developing jointly in favor of integration.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/08...-cuota-de-131-mil-dolares-al-mes-al-parlacen/
New president of Chamber of Deputies is acting above the law
The new president of the Chamber of Deputies, Radhames Camacho, has refused to comment on presenting his statement of worth in the Chamber of Deputies. The declaration of net worth is a legal obligation of the legislators. Radhamés Camacho was chosen by the Political Committee of the ruling PLD to preside the lower house from August 2018 to August 2019.
Recently, the Centro Juan XXIII reported that Camacho was in violation of the Law 311-14 that obliges the presentation of the statement.
All Camacho had to say was: “They should investigate well,” when trying his best to dodge journalists who inquired.
Camacho is one of more than 82 legislators who are in violation of the law. He is described as one of the most influential legislators, a strong supporter of President Danilo Medina.
http://hoy.com.do/camacho-no-quiso-explicar-por-que-no-declara-patrimonio/
Lucia Medina’s backpacks were paid by the Ministry of Education?
A video evidencing that Lucia Medina, former president of the Chamber of Deputies and sister to President Danilo Medina, is distributing Ministry of Education backpacks to promote her own foundation – Fumudesu – went viral over the weekend. The president of the Central Electoral Board (JCE), Julio César Castaños said that if it is evidenced that state resources were used in the personal, this would be in violation of Electoral Law 275-97.
A panel with promotion for deputy Lucia Medina and her campaign “Going for More” was sewn over the name of the Ministry of Education. The legislator is distributing the backpacks in school districts in San Juan de la Maguana.
https://www.diariolibre.com/cronologia/ver/****/lucia-medina
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...isterio-de-educacion-con-su-nombre-HO10696724
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFzSDa5_scg
New Puerto Plata cruise ship terminal tender contested
The director of the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), Victor Gomez Casanova, has spoken up in favor of the construction of the new cruise ship terminal in Puerto Plata. The winners of the recent tender had announced recently in international travel press that President Danilo Medina would make the announcement of the winners of the tender at the end of July 2018. However, there has not been an announcement from the Medina administration. The results of the tender are contested in court.
Meanwhile, Gomez of Apordom, the government entity that organized the tender, said the new terminal would generate 6,000 direct jobs and 12,000 indirect jobs and that the cost would be upwards of US$100 million. He said that the terminal would make it possible for three cruise ships to dock at the same time. He said Royal Caribbean, MCC Norwegian, Virgin Cruises and Disney Line have announced an interest in sailing to Puerto Plata.
Gomez told the press that the winning company is Puerto Plata Port Investment that was created in November 2017 with a capital of RD$100,000 to participate in the tender. The company is associated with ITM MX,V.B. Promociones turísticas Mahahual, S.A. de C.V and Mauricio Hamui Hilwani. The companies are related to tourism port operations in Costa Maya, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Mexico and Roatan Island in Honduras.
The Procurement Agency (DGCP) has questioned the tender, in its note DGCP-2018-001666, dated 25 April 2018, when it notified the Dominican Port Authority should desist from offering technical assistance to the company in regards to the tender, as reported in Hoy.
The winning bid submitted by Puerto Plata Investment was contested by Aja Internacional, claiming that there were irregularities in the tender process.
The terminal would be the second on the north coast. A first, a Carnival Cruise investment, is operating in Maimón, 20 minutes away from the city of Puerto Plata. The new terminal would be located walking distance from many of the leading attractions of the city of Puerto Plata.
http://hoy.com.do/apordom-resalta-el-impacto-de-remodelacion-del-puerto-de-pp/
US ambassador arrives with her family
Upon arriving to the Dominican Republic, new US Ambassador, businesswoman Robin Bernstein said her main objectives are to foster education, trade and the strengthening of bilateral ties between the United States and the Dominican Republic. She arrived on Thursday, 30 August 2018, from Miami. She was accompanied by her husband Richard Bernstein and their daughter Julia Bernstein.
Top US mission members were at the airport to welcome the new ambassador, including counselor minister Robert Copley; USAID director Arthur Brown, administrative counselor Arlen Holt; public affairs counselor Chase Beamer’; counselor for economic and political affairs Katherine Beamer; Defense attaché Charles Preston and interim general consul Shane Myers.
She was received by deputy minister of foreign relations Juan Guiliani Cury and Ambassador Pedro Gomez on behalf of the Dominican government.
One of Ambassador Bernstein’s first tasks will be to present her credentials at the Ministry of Foreign Relations and then at the Presidential Palace.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...nstein-esta-feliz-de-llegar-a-este-bello-pais
http://eldia.com.do/embajadora-de-ee-uu-estrechara-relaciones/
Petrol companies want to sell propane
The representatives of 70% of the liquid fuel stations in the country went public with their request to the Ministry of Industry & Commerce to authorize the fitting of diesel and gasoline stations to be able to sell propane gas. At present, in the Dominican Republic the sale of propane gas is carried out at separate stations. The companies allege the present system is in violation of the freedom of enterprise principle in the Constitution.
The companies, Petronan, Eco Petroleo, United Gas, United Petroleum, Texaco, Isla, Shell, and TDC and Anadegas say that enough time has passed since the Ministry ruled to postpone the matter in November 2017 in order to better define the initiative that would allow for all stations to sell petrol, and propane gas at the same time.
Local statistics indicate that there are 2,978 retail fuel-expending businesses. Of these 51.2% sell diesel and gasoline, 24.9% sell propane and 1.3% sell natural gas. Of the businesses, 18.1% are located in the province of Santo Domingo, 11% in Santiago and 8.2% in the National District.
http://eldia.com.do/detallistas-exigen-la-decision-vender-gas-y-gasolina-juntos/
Garbage returns to the Malecon
The heavy rainstorms over the weekend brought more garbage to the southern coastline of the city of Santo Domingo. Poor families that live beside the Ozama River have the practice of taking advantage of the rains to get rid of their trash in the river, as reported in El Dia. They complain the city government is not prompt in collecting the garbage.
http://eldia.com.do/basura-sigue-llegando-rio-ozama-y-malecon/
https://www.diariolibre.com/reporta...41-empresas-del-gran-santo-domingo-BO10697789
Father Mario Serrano gets sent to Peru
Jesuit priest Mario Serrano has been ordered to work in Peru. The head of the Jesuit order in the Dominican Republic, said that Jesuit Max Michel would replace Serrano as executive director of the Centro de Reflexión y Acción Social Padre Juan Montalvo, SJ. The center has gathered a large consulting group that has been critical of government corruption and other social problems.
Father Serrano was appointed as delegate to the Conference of Jesuit Provincials in Latin America and the Caribbean (CPAL). The change of director of the center is effective 1 September 2018.
https://www.sjapc.net/tag/conference-of-jesuit-provincials-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-cpal/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualidad/8601486-nombran-nuevo-director-del-centro-montalvo/
Embraer gets green light for fast-tracked case
Judge Yanibet Rivas of the National District Instruction Court gave green light to the agreement reached by the Attorney General and Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica (Embraer) that accepted it was guilty of paying US$3.5 million in bribes for the sale of Super Tucano aircraft for the prosecution of drug trafficking in 2009. The purchase was made during a Leonel Fernandez administration. The judge said the ruling would be read on 20 September 2018. It accepts that the company compensates the Dominican state US$7 million for the bribes paid. The agreement makes possible a fast-tracked hearing of the case.
As part of the agreement, the company would share with the Attorney General Office in the Dominican Republic findings presented in the case that was heard in the United States where it was determined that the company paid the US$3.5 million in bribes to secure the contract for the aircraft sold to the Dominican air force.
The agreement is similar to that reached by the Attorney General regarding the Odebrecht US$92 million bribes scandal, of US$184 million in compensation to the Dominican government for desisting in incriminating the company executives.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...nal-aprueba-acuerdo-de-procuraduria-y-embraer