Medina at the UN: There are no easy solutions
Cardinal Dolan invited to officiate mass at the Basilica La Altagracia
Foreign Minister Vargas announces diplomatic relations with African nations
Medina meets with African leader in power since 1979
President Medina meets with Adriano Espaillat
Ministry of Education orders quick repair of schools affected by earthquake
Prosecutors promoted to Court of Appeals
Investors available for US$600 million in renewable energy projects
The drought may last a long time
NGO to study migration flows in Dominican Republic
RD$20,000: cost to become a Dominican
Illegally-imported garlic confiscated on the border
US ambassador meets with Mayor Collado
Netflix series will inject US$15 million into economy
Protests by multi-shared taxi drivers
Transport strike causes traffic chaos
Falpo to hold protest day
Dominican Navy seizes semi-submersible in San Pedro
Riot in Azua jail leaves inmates injured
Navy captures people going illegally to Puerto Rico
Radio talk host Pablo Ross sent to custody for sexual abuse of minor
Fashion Film RD: fashion shorts at Funglode
Medina at the UN: There are no easy solutions
President Danilo Medina called for a fund to fight climate change and crime when speaking at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, 25 September 2018 in New York City. Medina said that as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council the country will be a voice for Latin America and the Caribbean and will promote dialogue, consensus for peace and development. The DR was named to the position in June 2018.
“We are clear that in a space where issues that can change the course of the history and the destiny of millions of people are resolved, it is not possible to look for easy and drastic solutions that do not exist," he said when speaking during the 73rd session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).
He named climate change, drug trafficking and organized crime as the main threats to global stability and security. He mentioned the high cost of thousands of families destroyed, collateral damage on all aspects of human development. He said countries are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the challenges these oblige them to must face.
Particularly, speaking of the scourge of drug trafficking, Medina said: "As in the case of climate change, it is the more developed countries with more consumption capacity that must deploy more resources, cooperation and political will, if we really want to fight this phenomenon with any hope of winning."
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...busqueda-soluciones-pacificas-como-miembro-no
Cardinal Dolan invited to officiate mass at the Basilica La Altagracia
First Lady Cándida Montilla met with the Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan and invited him to co-celebrate a mass on Altagracia Day (21 January) at the Basilica La Altagracia in Higuey, less than half an hour from Punta Cana. The First Lady met with the cardinal at his residence in New York City. In a press release, the Presidency said Dolan highlighted the work the First Lady has carried out for those with special needs in the Dominican Republic. The First Lady was in New York accompanying President Danilo Medina at the events of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly.
Last 13 January 2018, the First Lady had participated in the Altagracia Day mass in New York, accepting an invitation from Cardinal Dolan.
During the visit, the First Lady was accompanied by Martha Rodríguez, technical coordinator of the First Lady’s Office; Miguel Reyes, ambassador and advisor on international relations; and Carlos Castillo, Dominican consul in New York.
The invitation comes at a time when Cardinal Dolan has been in the news in the wake of the clerical abuse cover-up scandals in the United States.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...l-de-nueva-york-concelebrar-eucaristia-dia-de
https://edition.cnn.com/videos/us/2...n-church-abuse-allegations-flores-pkg-vpx.cnn
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/nyregion/cardinal-dolan-sex-abuse.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wo...l-Timothy-Dolan-paid-off-abusive-priests.html
Foreign Minister Vargas announces diplomatic relations with African nations
During his participation in the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas announced the government’s establishment of diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and the governments of Senegal and Sao Tome and Principe in Africa. In two successive ceremonies at the United Nations Vargas signed the declarations together with his counterparts from Senegal, Sidiki Kaba, and Sao Tome, Urbino José Goncalves.
In another activity at the UN, Vargas met with the new Foreign Minister of Haiti, Edmond Bocchit, with whom he discussed commerce, migration and security along with other bilateral topics.
Vargas also had a meeting with his Peruvian counterpart, Néstor Popolizio Bardales, with whom he discussed the relations between the two countries. Vargas also met with the Foreign Minister of Ghana, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and the Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Previous to these meetings, Vargas accompanied Danilo Medina to the meeting on “The World Problem with Drugs” convened by US President Donald Trump.
http://elnacional.com.do/r-d-firma-relaciones-diplomaticas-con-senegal-y-santo-tome-principe/
Medina meets with African leader in power since 1979
President Danilo Medina held a bilateral meeting with Equatorial Guinea’s President, 74-year old Teodoro Obiang-Nguema. Obiang-Nguema was recently re-elected head of the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) for an indefinite period. The media in Africa has reported that the political development means that the 74-year old leader could potentially become president of the Central African oil-producing country for life. Obian-Nguema is one of the African continent’s longest-serving leaders. He has been in power since 1979.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...presidente-republica-guinea-ecuatorial-obiang
http://www.africanews.com/2017/07/0...life-president-who-is-teodoro-obiang-nguema//
President Medina meets with Adriano Espaillat
In New York City to participate in the 73rd United Nations General Assembly, President Danilo Medina took time for a meeting with Dominican-born US Representative Adriano Espaillat. As reported by the Presidency, the US legislator explained to President Medina his efforts in favor of the Dominican community in New York.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...no-espaillat-miembro-camara-de-representantes
Ministry of Education orders quick repair of schools affected by earthquake
Education Minister, architect Andres Navarro was in the northwest on Monday to review damages suffered by public schools in the area after a 5.2 Richter scale earthquake was felt. It is reported that public schools in Valverde, Santiago, Montecristi were affected by the earthquake.
Navarro ordered the immediate repair and conditioning of the affected schools to guarantee the safety of the students. She assured that the swift repairs would be done to prevent the disruption of classes.
The Ministry of Education said that six schools suffered structural damages, with severe damage suffered at the Escuela Publica Buen Hombre in Montecristi. Others affected are the Liceo Luis José Antoine, in Guayubín; Escuela Básica in Villa Elisa; Escuela Multigrado Innovada, in Agua de Palma, the three public schools in San Fernando de Montecristi; the Graciela Reyes Tineo primary school in Valverde, and the Escuela Básica Ginamagoa Arriba, in Santiago.
El Dia featured an editorial where it calls for better supervision of school construction by the Ministry of Education.
http://hoy.com.do/educacion-dispone-reparar-centros-afecto-sismo/
http://eldia.com.do/vaguada-y-temblores-de-tierra/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...las-afectadas-sismos-anuncia-plan-reparacion/
Prosecutors promoted to Court of Appeals
Prosecutors Yeni Berenice Reynoso (National District), Olga Diná Llaverías (Santo Domingo East), Luisa Liranzo (Santiago) and Johanna Reyes (La Vega) and many other prosecutors nationwide were promoted to prosecutors by the Superior Council of the Public Ministry. The Public Ministry recently changed most of the country’s prosecutors after calling a fast-tracked, controversial contest. Those promoted had not completed their terms in the posts.
The Attorney General Office announced that Yeni Berenice Reynoso will exercise her functions in the Regional Prosecutor's Office of the National District, while Olga Diná Llaverías was assigned to the National Directorate of Children and Adolescents; Luisa Liranzo was sent to the General Directorate of Prosecution of the Public Ministry from Santiago; and Johanna Reyes will serve as coordinator of the Specialized Attorney for the Environment for the Judicial District of Santiago.
See the complete list of the promotions at:
https://pgr.gob.do/2018/09/25/conse...rocuradores-generales-de-cortes-de-apelacion/
Investors available for US$600 million in renewable energy projects
The executive director of the National Energy Commission (CNE) Angel Canó, said that there is a large group of businessmen interested in taking part in the business of electricity generation from renewable sources in the Dominican Republic. He told Diario Libre reporters that he had investment inquiries that sum to “more than US 600 million.” He explained that more than US$620 million have already been invested in renewables including the investment by Montecristi Solar.
Canó said that on a daily basis he receives investors interested in carrying out projects because of the enormous potential of the Dominican Republic for renewable energy. The CNE director said that they have in place the regulations that provide fiscal incentives (including equipment for the facilities) that can account for up to 40% of the total required investment in alternative or renewable energy projects. Nevertheless, he pointed out the investments would be sustainable even without the incentives.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...-600-millones-en-energia-renovable-GN10848259
The drought may last a long time
According to the last food security analysis by the World Food Program (WFP) conditions are favorable for the El Niño phenomenon in 2018. Depending on its evolution, these drier than average conditions in the Dominican Republic may continue into 2019, possibly leading to a delayed start and unfavorable early stages of the 2019 spring season.
Due to the drought, the livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations (laborers and small farmers), in particular in the Azua, Montecristi and Puerto Plata are being affected. Assessments are ongoing.
https://reliefweb.int/report/domini...t-wfp-dg-echo-governments-partners-echo-daily
NGO to study migration flows in Dominican Republic
With the idea of analyzing migration in the Dominican Republic and mobility throughout the world, the Dominican branch of the National Migration Institute (INM) will be holding a workshop with the participation of national and international experts. The INM director, Florinda Rojas, says topics such as Dominican Population that is returning from the United States, the Dominican Diaspora, Gender studies tied to immigration, and the Dominican-Haitian Border issues will be covered during the workshop. The workshop will be on Thursday, 27 September to Friday, 28 September at the Santo Domingo Catalonia Hotel.
The group has also published the First Migration Profile of the Dominican Republic with several reports of research carried out by the Research and Migration Studies Department. Professors from the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain and the Pontifical University of Comillas, the Global Transformation Institute from Denmark and the Dominican Studies Institute at City University in New York will be taking part together with well-known Dominican sociologist Rosario Espinal and Wilfredo Lozano, a specialist in migrations and political sociology.
http://elnacional.com.do/analizan-los-flujos-migratorios-en-la-rd/
RD$20,000: cost to become a Dominican
A report on people smuggling on the border with Haiti in Diario Libre reveals that for RD$20,000, an undocumented alien can become a Dominican national. The investigative report looked into the lucrative business of influence peddling to secure irregular documentation. “We documented a case of a single man who sought to declare several children, who were all offspring of foreign mothers,” observed Britiga Sabino, in charge of late birth declarations at the JCE. The newspaper reported the case of a Dominican from Pedernales, on the border with Haiti, who is the natural father of two children but in papers has had eight children. He admitted to receiving from RD$8,000 to RD$20,000 for each to different Haitian mothers.
The newspaper reports that fake documentation is being used and that many times low payments or none are received and people just do a favor to a neighbor.
https://www.diariolibre.com/especia...eclarar-haitianos-como-dominicanos-CO10785645
Illegally-imported garlic confiscated on the border
Members of the Specialized Corps for Border Ground Security (CESFRONT) have confiscated 5,082 pounds of garlic in the municipality of Pepillo Salcedo, Montecristi province in the northwest. The cargo, which consisted of 233 22-pound sacks, had entered illegally from Haiti was found in a house under construction next to the Masacre River.
The garlic was being kept by unknown individuals who fled when they saw the patrol. The men are sought by the authorities to be brought to justice.
http://eldia.com.do/miembros-del-cesfront-se-incautan-5082-libras-de-ajo-en-manzanillo/
US ambassador meets with Mayor Collado
United States Ambassador, Robin S. Bernstein, met on Tuesday, 25 September 2018, with National District Mayor David Collado. During the meeting, the Ambassador pledged to collaborate with the Mayor on several projects, including the donation of seven garbage-compacting trucks and support for the fire brigade.
She also offered support to Dominican Fashion Week, an event now under the city government.
Ambassador Bernstein offered to work with government officials to improve the country’s response to natural disasters as well helping with municipal police training.
According to Collado, The US Ambassador also expressed interest in helping the youth and women.
The meeting with Collado to the National District City Hall, which lasted around two hours, was her first official visit in the country.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...ayuntamiento-del-distrito-nacional-EO10875809
Netflix series will inject US$15 million into economy
The film industry is booming in the Dominican Republic. The CEO of Lantica Media forecast an injection of around US$39 million this year as several international companies carry out productions locally. As reported in Diario Libre, Juan Aguerrevere, CEO of Lantica Media (Pinewood Studios) said among the films are movies and series by NBC, Turner, Entertainment Studios Television, Seesaw Film and Netflix.
Of the estimated US$39 million, US$15 million will enter via the production of a series of 10 episodes for the Netflix series.
https://www.diariolibre.com/revista...s-de-dolares-aportados-por-el-cine-BP10863266
Protests by multi-shared taxi drivers
Agents of the National Police and Digesett have used tear gas to stop a protest by dozens of public shared taxi drivers who were complaining about the pilot route by OMSA buses on Abraham Lincoln Avenue. The route has been a monopoly of the shared taxis (conchos) for years.
Five public shared taxis were confiscated by agents from the General Office of Transit Security Digesett) and cones were placed along the edge of the road to prevent the taxis from stopping and picking up or dropping off passengers.
Some of the buses from the Metropolitan Office of Bus Services (OMSA) were operating normally despite the protests.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...ncho-en-la-avenida-abraham-lincoln-KO10876048
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-a-choferes-que-se-manifestaban-en-la-lincoln
Transport strike causes traffic chaos
Military and police step-upped patrols on the main roads in Greater Santo Domingo on Tuesday, 25 September 2018, in response to protests carried out by various transportation syndicates. One of the largest bus companies, the National Transport Federation the New Option (Fenatrano) and the Central National Transport Drivers Movement (Mochotran) were on strike protesting the rising cost of fuel.
In Greater Santo Domingo that had begun at 6 am, was called off at 10am, by Juan Hubieres, of Fenatrano. Meanwhile, in Santo Domingo the multi-fare paying taxis (conchos) and motorcycle taxis did a brisk trade although the passengers were complaining that they had increased the fares.
During a press conference at his residence, Hubieres said the government just needs to lower the price of fuel. He said talks are not necessary, just the meeting of their demands.
In the south of the country, thousands of people that were making their way back to Santo Domingo after the long weekend, were left stranded due to the strike by Fenatrano. Passengers in Bani, San Cristóbal and Haina were also affected.
Meanwhile, Antonio Marte, president of the National Center of Transport Organizations (Conatra) called for a strike for Thursday, 27 September 2018, in all 31 provinces and the National District, also complaining about fuel prices. He said that the work stoppage would be carried out peacefully and their vehicles would park on the right side of the avenues and highways.
In the National District, traffic congestions worsened on Tuesday afternoon, as the striking transporters achieved their objective of calling attention to their cause. Marte told El Dia that they would take out of circulation on Thursday, 27 September, some 80,000 units that offer service nationwide to pressure the government to give in to their demands.
The unionized bus transporters have announced the transport stoppages to also pressure the government to increase subsidies, reduce the price of fuel and desist of the plan to operate Omsa buses on the Av. Abraham Lincoln.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...intos-puntos-por-paro-de-fenatrano-GO10874288
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...en-las-calles-por-paro-en-rutas-de-transporte
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/09/25/panorama/pais/fenatrano-levanta-el-paro-de-transporte/
http://hoy.com.do/pasajeros-quedan-varados-por-paro-del-transporte-publico/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...sporte-publico-crean-caos-gran-santo-domingo/
http://eldia.com.do/choferes-amenazan-con-paro-transporte/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...-gobierno-por-alza-de-combustibles-BB10880427
Falpo to hold protest day
The national spokesman of the National Front (Falpo), Raúl Monegro, has warned that the organization is preparing for a day of protests in the next few days due to the high cost of living in the country.
Monegro said that due to the serious economic situation and the constant increases in the price of fuel there was general discontent among the different social classes and there was a need to have unity among all sectors of the population including unions and professionals to ensure there was a response from government to the situation.
http://hoy.com.do/falpo-anuncia-jornadas-de-protestas-para-los-proximos-dias-2/
Dominican Navy seizes semi-submersible in San Pedro
Members of the Armada of the Dominican Republic (ARD) seized what they are describing as a semi-submersible boat in southeastern San Pedro de Macoris. The Armada is investigating to ascertain the nature of the vehicle and who the owner is. The structure is 82.5 feet long and 6.5 feet wide and 6.7 feet tall.
The ARD says that the clandestine semi-submersible was found in a shipyard, located in the Villa España sector on the old highway to the town of Quisqueya. Intelligence services pertaining to the Armada are investigating the owners of the grounds where the ship was found.
http://elnacional.com.do/incautan-embarcacion-semisumergible-spm/
Riot in Azua jail leaves inmates injured
At least four inmates have been injured as a result of a riot in the jail at kilometer 15 in Azua. The names of the injured are not yet known or the cause of the riot. However, according to Police spokesman, Colonel Frank Félix Durán Mejía, those who started the riot were transferred to other jails.
Durán Mejía explained that the injured were also transferred having received medical attention. A chilling video taken inside the jail showed the rioting inmates yelling that if the authorities and the press did not intervene there would be many deaths.
http://eldia.com.do/motin-en-carcel-del-15-de-azua-deja-varios-heridos/
Navy captures people going illegally to Puerto Rico
On Monday, 24 September 2018, the Dominican Armada intercepted a yola that was taking 14 people illegally to Puerto Rico.
The boat was detected in the Bay of Samaná, near to Arroyo Barril de Sánchez and the 14 people on board had left from Sabana de La Mar, Hato Mayor. They are now back in Sabana de la Mar where they are in custody awaiting court appearances.
http://eldia.com.do/armada-intercep...pretendian-ir-de-manera-ilegal-a-puerto-rico/
Radio talk host Pablo Ross sent to custody for sexual abuse of minor
A National District judge Jose Alejandro Vargas ordered three months preventive custody to communicator Pablo Ross at Najayo Men’s Jail in San Cristobal. Ross Gómez is accused of sexually molesting his now 16-year old stepdaughter. As reported, when the sexual abuse would begin, the girl was but 12 years old.
Ross was arrested on the afternoon of Thursday, 20 September 2018, and has since been in detention at the Palace of Justice in the Ciudad Nueva, National District.
During the interrogation, his wife has said that he admitted to the abuse of her daughter.
The judge reached his decision after watching the questioning of the girl behind a one-way mirror (Gesell chamber) now available at the Attorney General office. This one-way mirror allows victims of sensitive crimes like interfamily violence, sexual abuse, or sexual assault to give their give their testimony before a court – without the fear, shame, and anxiety of appearing in a courthouse. Also present was the mother of the girl and her biological father.
National District prosecutors say that Ross over a period of four years had sexually abused the teenager. The girl said that Ross insisted that she not tell her mother what was going on. “He was manipulating me because he knew what I had done with my boyfriend,” the girl revealed in the Gesell Chambers interrogation. She said Ross had gotten hold of her cell phone where he found out about her relationship with her boyfriend.
Ross is a well-known communicator and over the last few years has concentrated on political commentary.
A fellow communicator, Milagros Beras, would come forward, and in a “me too” commentary on Friday, 21 September, saying that Ross had sexually harassed her when she was starting her career.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ue-tener-paciencia-y-esperar-la-investigacion
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/09...rcion-pablo-ross-por-supuesto-abuso-hijastra/
http://elnacional.com.do/incautan-embarcacion-semisumergible-spm/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...astra-de-pablo-ross-antes-de-conocer-coercion
https://www.cdn.com.do/2018/09/21/video-una-periodista-revela-pablo-ross-queria-abusar/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...iaran-a-pablo-ross-por-ser-una-figura-publica
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-que-el-sabia-que-yo-habia-hecho-con-mi-novio
Fashion Film RD: fashion shorts at Funglode
From 27-29 September 2018, a series of international documentaries will be shown at the Funglode auditorium in Santo Domingo on Capitan Eugenio de Marchena street. A selection of nine short dramas (Fashion Drama) carried out by Ines de León for Vogue España will be shown. Also Argentinean shorts “No quiero decir nada, pero” by Marilina Alvarez and “A Medida” by Kiwi Producciones. And the documentary: Yves Saint Laurent, 5, Avenue Marceau 75116 Paris.”
The Fashion Film RD event also includes workshops on script writing, art direction, costumes design and fashion in cinema. All the events are free and open to the general public.
See the program at:
http://www.fashionfilmsrd.com/
Cardinal Dolan invited to officiate mass at the Basilica La Altagracia
Foreign Minister Vargas announces diplomatic relations with African nations
Medina meets with African leader in power since 1979
President Medina meets with Adriano Espaillat
Ministry of Education orders quick repair of schools affected by earthquake
Prosecutors promoted to Court of Appeals
Investors available for US$600 million in renewable energy projects
The drought may last a long time
NGO to study migration flows in Dominican Republic
RD$20,000: cost to become a Dominican
Illegally-imported garlic confiscated on the border
US ambassador meets with Mayor Collado
Netflix series will inject US$15 million into economy
Protests by multi-shared taxi drivers
Transport strike causes traffic chaos
Falpo to hold protest day
Dominican Navy seizes semi-submersible in San Pedro
Riot in Azua jail leaves inmates injured
Navy captures people going illegally to Puerto Rico
Radio talk host Pablo Ross sent to custody for sexual abuse of minor
Fashion Film RD: fashion shorts at Funglode
Medina at the UN: There are no easy solutions
President Danilo Medina called for a fund to fight climate change and crime when speaking at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, 25 September 2018 in New York City. Medina said that as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council the country will be a voice for Latin America and the Caribbean and will promote dialogue, consensus for peace and development. The DR was named to the position in June 2018.
“We are clear that in a space where issues that can change the course of the history and the destiny of millions of people are resolved, it is not possible to look for easy and drastic solutions that do not exist," he said when speaking during the 73rd session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).
He named climate change, drug trafficking and organized crime as the main threats to global stability and security. He mentioned the high cost of thousands of families destroyed, collateral damage on all aspects of human development. He said countries are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the challenges these oblige them to must face.
Particularly, speaking of the scourge of drug trafficking, Medina said: "As in the case of climate change, it is the more developed countries with more consumption capacity that must deploy more resources, cooperation and political will, if we really want to fight this phenomenon with any hope of winning."
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...busqueda-soluciones-pacificas-como-miembro-no
Cardinal Dolan invited to officiate mass at the Basilica La Altagracia
First Lady Cándida Montilla met with the Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan and invited him to co-celebrate a mass on Altagracia Day (21 January) at the Basilica La Altagracia in Higuey, less than half an hour from Punta Cana. The First Lady met with the cardinal at his residence in New York City. In a press release, the Presidency said Dolan highlighted the work the First Lady has carried out for those with special needs in the Dominican Republic. The First Lady was in New York accompanying President Danilo Medina at the events of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly.
Last 13 January 2018, the First Lady had participated in the Altagracia Day mass in New York, accepting an invitation from Cardinal Dolan.
During the visit, the First Lady was accompanied by Martha Rodríguez, technical coordinator of the First Lady’s Office; Miguel Reyes, ambassador and advisor on international relations; and Carlos Castillo, Dominican consul in New York.
The invitation comes at a time when Cardinal Dolan has been in the news in the wake of the clerical abuse cover-up scandals in the United States.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...l-de-nueva-york-concelebrar-eucaristia-dia-de
https://edition.cnn.com/videos/us/2...n-church-abuse-allegations-flores-pkg-vpx.cnn
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/nyregion/cardinal-dolan-sex-abuse.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wo...l-Timothy-Dolan-paid-off-abusive-priests.html
Foreign Minister Vargas announces diplomatic relations with African nations
During his participation in the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas announced the government’s establishment of diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and the governments of Senegal and Sao Tome and Principe in Africa. In two successive ceremonies at the United Nations Vargas signed the declarations together with his counterparts from Senegal, Sidiki Kaba, and Sao Tome, Urbino José Goncalves.
In another activity at the UN, Vargas met with the new Foreign Minister of Haiti, Edmond Bocchit, with whom he discussed commerce, migration and security along with other bilateral topics.
Vargas also had a meeting with his Peruvian counterpart, Néstor Popolizio Bardales, with whom he discussed the relations between the two countries. Vargas also met with the Foreign Minister of Ghana, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and the Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Previous to these meetings, Vargas accompanied Danilo Medina to the meeting on “The World Problem with Drugs” convened by US President Donald Trump.
http://elnacional.com.do/r-d-firma-relaciones-diplomaticas-con-senegal-y-santo-tome-principe/
Medina meets with African leader in power since 1979
President Danilo Medina held a bilateral meeting with Equatorial Guinea’s President, 74-year old Teodoro Obiang-Nguema. Obiang-Nguema was recently re-elected head of the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) for an indefinite period. The media in Africa has reported that the political development means that the 74-year old leader could potentially become president of the Central African oil-producing country for life. Obian-Nguema is one of the African continent’s longest-serving leaders. He has been in power since 1979.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...presidente-republica-guinea-ecuatorial-obiang
http://www.africanews.com/2017/07/0...life-president-who-is-teodoro-obiang-nguema//
President Medina meets with Adriano Espaillat
In New York City to participate in the 73rd United Nations General Assembly, President Danilo Medina took time for a meeting with Dominican-born US Representative Adriano Espaillat. As reported by the Presidency, the US legislator explained to President Medina his efforts in favor of the Dominican community in New York.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...no-espaillat-miembro-camara-de-representantes
Ministry of Education orders quick repair of schools affected by earthquake
Education Minister, architect Andres Navarro was in the northwest on Monday to review damages suffered by public schools in the area after a 5.2 Richter scale earthquake was felt. It is reported that public schools in Valverde, Santiago, Montecristi were affected by the earthquake.
Navarro ordered the immediate repair and conditioning of the affected schools to guarantee the safety of the students. She assured that the swift repairs would be done to prevent the disruption of classes.
The Ministry of Education said that six schools suffered structural damages, with severe damage suffered at the Escuela Publica Buen Hombre in Montecristi. Others affected are the Liceo Luis José Antoine, in Guayubín; Escuela Básica in Villa Elisa; Escuela Multigrado Innovada, in Agua de Palma, the three public schools in San Fernando de Montecristi; the Graciela Reyes Tineo primary school in Valverde, and the Escuela Básica Ginamagoa Arriba, in Santiago.
El Dia featured an editorial where it calls for better supervision of school construction by the Ministry of Education.
http://hoy.com.do/educacion-dispone-reparar-centros-afecto-sismo/
http://eldia.com.do/vaguada-y-temblores-de-tierra/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...las-afectadas-sismos-anuncia-plan-reparacion/
Prosecutors promoted to Court of Appeals
Prosecutors Yeni Berenice Reynoso (National District), Olga Diná Llaverías (Santo Domingo East), Luisa Liranzo (Santiago) and Johanna Reyes (La Vega) and many other prosecutors nationwide were promoted to prosecutors by the Superior Council of the Public Ministry. The Public Ministry recently changed most of the country’s prosecutors after calling a fast-tracked, controversial contest. Those promoted had not completed their terms in the posts.
The Attorney General Office announced that Yeni Berenice Reynoso will exercise her functions in the Regional Prosecutor's Office of the National District, while Olga Diná Llaverías was assigned to the National Directorate of Children and Adolescents; Luisa Liranzo was sent to the General Directorate of Prosecution of the Public Ministry from Santiago; and Johanna Reyes will serve as coordinator of the Specialized Attorney for the Environment for the Judicial District of Santiago.
See the complete list of the promotions at:
https://pgr.gob.do/2018/09/25/conse...rocuradores-generales-de-cortes-de-apelacion/
Investors available for US$600 million in renewable energy projects
The executive director of the National Energy Commission (CNE) Angel Canó, said that there is a large group of businessmen interested in taking part in the business of electricity generation from renewable sources in the Dominican Republic. He told Diario Libre reporters that he had investment inquiries that sum to “more than US 600 million.” He explained that more than US$620 million have already been invested in renewables including the investment by Montecristi Solar.
Canó said that on a daily basis he receives investors interested in carrying out projects because of the enormous potential of the Dominican Republic for renewable energy. The CNE director said that they have in place the regulations that provide fiscal incentives (including equipment for the facilities) that can account for up to 40% of the total required investment in alternative or renewable energy projects. Nevertheless, he pointed out the investments would be sustainable even without the incentives.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...-600-millones-en-energia-renovable-GN10848259
The drought may last a long time
According to the last food security analysis by the World Food Program (WFP) conditions are favorable for the El Niño phenomenon in 2018. Depending on its evolution, these drier than average conditions in the Dominican Republic may continue into 2019, possibly leading to a delayed start and unfavorable early stages of the 2019 spring season.
Due to the drought, the livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations (laborers and small farmers), in particular in the Azua, Montecristi and Puerto Plata are being affected. Assessments are ongoing.
https://reliefweb.int/report/domini...t-wfp-dg-echo-governments-partners-echo-daily
NGO to study migration flows in Dominican Republic
With the idea of analyzing migration in the Dominican Republic and mobility throughout the world, the Dominican branch of the National Migration Institute (INM) will be holding a workshop with the participation of national and international experts. The INM director, Florinda Rojas, says topics such as Dominican Population that is returning from the United States, the Dominican Diaspora, Gender studies tied to immigration, and the Dominican-Haitian Border issues will be covered during the workshop. The workshop will be on Thursday, 27 September to Friday, 28 September at the Santo Domingo Catalonia Hotel.
The group has also published the First Migration Profile of the Dominican Republic with several reports of research carried out by the Research and Migration Studies Department. Professors from the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain and the Pontifical University of Comillas, the Global Transformation Institute from Denmark and the Dominican Studies Institute at City University in New York will be taking part together with well-known Dominican sociologist Rosario Espinal and Wilfredo Lozano, a specialist in migrations and political sociology.
http://elnacional.com.do/analizan-los-flujos-migratorios-en-la-rd/
RD$20,000: cost to become a Dominican
A report on people smuggling on the border with Haiti in Diario Libre reveals that for RD$20,000, an undocumented alien can become a Dominican national. The investigative report looked into the lucrative business of influence peddling to secure irregular documentation. “We documented a case of a single man who sought to declare several children, who were all offspring of foreign mothers,” observed Britiga Sabino, in charge of late birth declarations at the JCE. The newspaper reported the case of a Dominican from Pedernales, on the border with Haiti, who is the natural father of two children but in papers has had eight children. He admitted to receiving from RD$8,000 to RD$20,000 for each to different Haitian mothers.
The newspaper reports that fake documentation is being used and that many times low payments or none are received and people just do a favor to a neighbor.
https://www.diariolibre.com/especia...eclarar-haitianos-como-dominicanos-CO10785645
Illegally-imported garlic confiscated on the border
Members of the Specialized Corps for Border Ground Security (CESFRONT) have confiscated 5,082 pounds of garlic in the municipality of Pepillo Salcedo, Montecristi province in the northwest. The cargo, which consisted of 233 22-pound sacks, had entered illegally from Haiti was found in a house under construction next to the Masacre River.
The garlic was being kept by unknown individuals who fled when they saw the patrol. The men are sought by the authorities to be brought to justice.
http://eldia.com.do/miembros-del-cesfront-se-incautan-5082-libras-de-ajo-en-manzanillo/
US ambassador meets with Mayor Collado
United States Ambassador, Robin S. Bernstein, met on Tuesday, 25 September 2018, with National District Mayor David Collado. During the meeting, the Ambassador pledged to collaborate with the Mayor on several projects, including the donation of seven garbage-compacting trucks and support for the fire brigade.
She also offered support to Dominican Fashion Week, an event now under the city government.
Ambassador Bernstein offered to work with government officials to improve the country’s response to natural disasters as well helping with municipal police training.
According to Collado, The US Ambassador also expressed interest in helping the youth and women.
The meeting with Collado to the National District City Hall, which lasted around two hours, was her first official visit in the country.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...ayuntamiento-del-distrito-nacional-EO10875809
Netflix series will inject US$15 million into economy
The film industry is booming in the Dominican Republic. The CEO of Lantica Media forecast an injection of around US$39 million this year as several international companies carry out productions locally. As reported in Diario Libre, Juan Aguerrevere, CEO of Lantica Media (Pinewood Studios) said among the films are movies and series by NBC, Turner, Entertainment Studios Television, Seesaw Film and Netflix.
Of the estimated US$39 million, US$15 million will enter via the production of a series of 10 episodes for the Netflix series.
https://www.diariolibre.com/revista...s-de-dolares-aportados-por-el-cine-BP10863266
Protests by multi-shared taxi drivers
Agents of the National Police and Digesett have used tear gas to stop a protest by dozens of public shared taxi drivers who were complaining about the pilot route by OMSA buses on Abraham Lincoln Avenue. The route has been a monopoly of the shared taxis (conchos) for years.
Five public shared taxis were confiscated by agents from the General Office of Transit Security Digesett) and cones were placed along the edge of the road to prevent the taxis from stopping and picking up or dropping off passengers.
Some of the buses from the Metropolitan Office of Bus Services (OMSA) were operating normally despite the protests.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...ncho-en-la-avenida-abraham-lincoln-KO10876048
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-a-choferes-que-se-manifestaban-en-la-lincoln
Transport strike causes traffic chaos
Military and police step-upped patrols on the main roads in Greater Santo Domingo on Tuesday, 25 September 2018, in response to protests carried out by various transportation syndicates. One of the largest bus companies, the National Transport Federation the New Option (Fenatrano) and the Central National Transport Drivers Movement (Mochotran) were on strike protesting the rising cost of fuel.
In Greater Santo Domingo that had begun at 6 am, was called off at 10am, by Juan Hubieres, of Fenatrano. Meanwhile, in Santo Domingo the multi-fare paying taxis (conchos) and motorcycle taxis did a brisk trade although the passengers were complaining that they had increased the fares.
During a press conference at his residence, Hubieres said the government just needs to lower the price of fuel. He said talks are not necessary, just the meeting of their demands.
In the south of the country, thousands of people that were making their way back to Santo Domingo after the long weekend, were left stranded due to the strike by Fenatrano. Passengers in Bani, San Cristóbal and Haina were also affected.
Meanwhile, Antonio Marte, president of the National Center of Transport Organizations (Conatra) called for a strike for Thursday, 27 September 2018, in all 31 provinces and the National District, also complaining about fuel prices. He said that the work stoppage would be carried out peacefully and their vehicles would park on the right side of the avenues and highways.
In the National District, traffic congestions worsened on Tuesday afternoon, as the striking transporters achieved their objective of calling attention to their cause. Marte told El Dia that they would take out of circulation on Thursday, 27 September, some 80,000 units that offer service nationwide to pressure the government to give in to their demands.
The unionized bus transporters have announced the transport stoppages to also pressure the government to increase subsidies, reduce the price of fuel and desist of the plan to operate Omsa buses on the Av. Abraham Lincoln.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...intos-puntos-por-paro-de-fenatrano-GO10874288
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...en-las-calles-por-paro-en-rutas-de-transporte
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/09/25/panorama/pais/fenatrano-levanta-el-paro-de-transporte/
http://hoy.com.do/pasajeros-quedan-varados-por-paro-del-transporte-publico/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...sporte-publico-crean-caos-gran-santo-domingo/
http://eldia.com.do/choferes-amenazan-con-paro-transporte/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...-gobierno-por-alza-de-combustibles-BB10880427
Falpo to hold protest day
The national spokesman of the National Front (Falpo), Raúl Monegro, has warned that the organization is preparing for a day of protests in the next few days due to the high cost of living in the country.
Monegro said that due to the serious economic situation and the constant increases in the price of fuel there was general discontent among the different social classes and there was a need to have unity among all sectors of the population including unions and professionals to ensure there was a response from government to the situation.
http://hoy.com.do/falpo-anuncia-jornadas-de-protestas-para-los-proximos-dias-2/
Dominican Navy seizes semi-submersible in San Pedro
Members of the Armada of the Dominican Republic (ARD) seized what they are describing as a semi-submersible boat in southeastern San Pedro de Macoris. The Armada is investigating to ascertain the nature of the vehicle and who the owner is. The structure is 82.5 feet long and 6.5 feet wide and 6.7 feet tall.
The ARD says that the clandestine semi-submersible was found in a shipyard, located in the Villa España sector on the old highway to the town of Quisqueya. Intelligence services pertaining to the Armada are investigating the owners of the grounds where the ship was found.
http://elnacional.com.do/incautan-embarcacion-semisumergible-spm/
Riot in Azua jail leaves inmates injured
At least four inmates have been injured as a result of a riot in the jail at kilometer 15 in Azua. The names of the injured are not yet known or the cause of the riot. However, according to Police spokesman, Colonel Frank Félix Durán Mejía, those who started the riot were transferred to other jails.
Durán Mejía explained that the injured were also transferred having received medical attention. A chilling video taken inside the jail showed the rioting inmates yelling that if the authorities and the press did not intervene there would be many deaths.
http://eldia.com.do/motin-en-carcel-del-15-de-azua-deja-varios-heridos/
Navy captures people going illegally to Puerto Rico
On Monday, 24 September 2018, the Dominican Armada intercepted a yola that was taking 14 people illegally to Puerto Rico.
The boat was detected in the Bay of Samaná, near to Arroyo Barril de Sánchez and the 14 people on board had left from Sabana de La Mar, Hato Mayor. They are now back in Sabana de la Mar where they are in custody awaiting court appearances.
http://eldia.com.do/armada-intercep...pretendian-ir-de-manera-ilegal-a-puerto-rico/
Radio talk host Pablo Ross sent to custody for sexual abuse of minor
A National District judge Jose Alejandro Vargas ordered three months preventive custody to communicator Pablo Ross at Najayo Men’s Jail in San Cristobal. Ross Gómez is accused of sexually molesting his now 16-year old stepdaughter. As reported, when the sexual abuse would begin, the girl was but 12 years old.
Ross was arrested on the afternoon of Thursday, 20 September 2018, and has since been in detention at the Palace of Justice in the Ciudad Nueva, National District.
During the interrogation, his wife has said that he admitted to the abuse of her daughter.
The judge reached his decision after watching the questioning of the girl behind a one-way mirror (Gesell chamber) now available at the Attorney General office. This one-way mirror allows victims of sensitive crimes like interfamily violence, sexual abuse, or sexual assault to give their give their testimony before a court – without the fear, shame, and anxiety of appearing in a courthouse. Also present was the mother of the girl and her biological father.
National District prosecutors say that Ross over a period of four years had sexually abused the teenager. The girl said that Ross insisted that she not tell her mother what was going on. “He was manipulating me because he knew what I had done with my boyfriend,” the girl revealed in the Gesell Chambers interrogation. She said Ross had gotten hold of her cell phone where he found out about her relationship with her boyfriend.
Ross is a well-known communicator and over the last few years has concentrated on political commentary.
A fellow communicator, Milagros Beras, would come forward, and in a “me too” commentary on Friday, 21 September, saying that Ross had sexually harassed her when she was starting her career.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ue-tener-paciencia-y-esperar-la-investigacion
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/09...rcion-pablo-ross-por-supuesto-abuso-hijastra/
http://elnacional.com.do/incautan-embarcacion-semisumergible-spm/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...astra-de-pablo-ross-antes-de-conocer-coercion
https://www.cdn.com.do/2018/09/21/video-una-periodista-revela-pablo-ross-queria-abusar/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...iaran-a-pablo-ross-por-ser-una-figura-publica
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-que-el-sabia-que-yo-habia-hecho-con-mi-novio
Fashion Film RD: fashion shorts at Funglode
From 27-29 September 2018, a series of international documentaries will be shown at the Funglode auditorium in Santo Domingo on Capitan Eugenio de Marchena street. A selection of nine short dramas (Fashion Drama) carried out by Ines de León for Vogue España will be shown. Also Argentinean shorts “No quiero decir nada, pero” by Marilina Alvarez and “A Medida” by Kiwi Producciones. And the documentary: Yves Saint Laurent, 5, Avenue Marceau 75116 Paris.”
The Fashion Film RD event also includes workshops on script writing, art direction, costumes design and fashion in cinema. All the events are free and open to the general public.
See the program at:
http://www.fashionfilmsrd.com/