DR1 Daily News next update on Monday, 8 October 2018
First Lady opens Breast Cancer Month program
Constitutional Courts says use of public force is illegal in embargos
US$300 million IDB loan approved by Chamber of Deputies
IDB calls for better government spending
Most Dominicans concerned for their safety
85% of Dominicans are behind Green March movement
Customs destroys motorcycle parts, shippers unit to fight Customs abuses
Fare increases, Intrant orders disregarded
Heidi Rodríguez named to India Chamber of Commerce
Eddy Santana Zorrilla back in OMSA case
Monte Plata priest arrested for sexual aggressions
EFE celebrates half a century in the Dominican Republic
Fine Arts Film Festival opens in Santo Domingo and Santiago
National Contemporary Dance Company announces premiere of “En”
Conjunto Quisqueya to star in Christmas time musical
Beto Cuevas booked for December performance in Santo Domingo
DR1 Daily News next update on Monday, 8 October 2018
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 8 October 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
First Lady opens Breast Cancer Month program
For the sixth consecutive year, the First Lady’s Office is carrying out activities to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The activities will take place all throughout the month of October.
First Lady Candida Montilla said that every year around 6,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the Dominican Republic. She said a program of her office makes available free breast cancer tests and that since 2013 the program has reached out to around 100,000 women.
After the opening remarks of the October as Breast Cancer Month campaign in the Dominican Republic by the First Lady, Chilean women’s health specialist, Marcela Lechuga, gave a speech entitled, “Así es la vida”, focused on reminding the public of what is truly important in life.
The Chilean speaker compared life to a giant wave that at one point rises to its maximum fullness and in a blink of an eye fades away. “We forget that life is fragile and uncertain and we forget that there is no control over birth or death,” she said. Lechuga said there are two ways of being born: the natural one and by cesarean section. But there are five ways to die: traffic accident, sudden death, prolonged illness, homicide and suicide. She highlighted that when someone is prepared to die at any time it means that person is also prepared to live.
For the closing of the event, Milly Quezada sang several of her best hits and included a happy birthday song to First Lady Candida Montilla. She was joined by Pavel Núñez in duo and singing solo with his guitar.
Also participating in the event at the Convention Center of the Ministry of Foreign Relations were Cristina Lizardo, senator for the provine of Santo Domingo; Industry and Commerce Minister Nelson Toca; Minister of Women Janet Camilo; and Chanel Rosa Chupany, director of the National Health Service, among others.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...r-el-mes-de-la-lucha-contra-el-cancer-de-mama
https://eldia.com.do/candida-montilla-una-deteccion-precoz-del-cancer-de-mama-ayuda-a-salvar-vidas/
Constitutional Courts says use of public force is illegal in embargos
The Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic says that the obligation for public force to be present for the execution of embargos is against the Constitution. The use of public force had been established by Resolution No. 17/2015 issued by the Judicial Power Council on 3 August 2015.
The Constitution Court now ruled the resolution violates Arts. 40.15, 151 and 170 of the Dominican Constitution.
The recourse had been submitted to the Constitutional Court on 6 October 2015 by the Dominican Association of Bailiffs (ADA), represented by its president, Hipólito Girón Reyes. A hearing was first heard on 8 February 2016.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...de-la-fuerza-publica-para-ejecutar-sentencias
US$300 million IDB loan approved by Chamber of Deputies
The Chamber of Deputies passed a US$300 million loan signed between the Dominican government and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The loan was not contemplated in the 2018 National Budget. The purpose of the US$300 million loan is to improve productivity and increase the number of formal companies operating in the Dominican Republic.
https://www.metrord.do/do/noticias/2018/10/02/diputados-aprueban-prestamo-300-mm.html
IDB calls for better government spending
Analysis of government spending in Latin America and the Caribbean reveals widespread waste and inefficiencies that could be as large as 4.4% of the region’s GDP, demonstrating ample room to improve basic services without necessarily spending more resources. The findings are part of a recent report published by the Inter-American Development Bank, “Better Spending for Better Lives: How Latin America and the Caribbean Can Do More with Less”.
The publication examines the spending habits of governments across the region countries to determine if there is too much or too little spending on various priorities and whether governments are investing enough to ensure a better future for the population. The report also examined whether government expenditures improve or erode socioeconomic equality.
Along with the diagnosis, the report offers several policy recommendations on how to improve the efficiency of government spending.
According to the World Economic Forum Competitiveness Report, corruption (16.9%), inefficient government bureaucracy (15.2%) and taxes (13%) are the most problematic factors in doing business in the Dominican Republic.
The country is ranked 129th of 137 countries around the world for the strength of its government institutions.
https://flagships.iadb.org/en/DIA2018/Better-Spending-for-Better-Lives
https://www.iadb.org/en/news/govern...-latin-america-and-caribbean-44-gdp-idb-study
Most Dominicans concerned for their safety
The Gallup-Hoy poll carried out 16-21 September 2018, with 1,200 persons polled nation-wide, reveals that 62% of eligible voters say that insecurity in the country is high. Another 16% said security is somewhat of a problem, while 20% feel safe.
The perception of the lack of security was highest among those older than 55 years, and those living in the Greater Santo Domingo and in the north of the country. The poll analysts say the insecurity perception is now felt in rural areas where in the past, residents had not felt particularly threatened by crime.
Compared to last year, 57.6% of those polled said crime was on the rise, and only 10% said it had declined. For 29.3% the situation has remained the same.
Crime and delinquency has been identified as the main problem affecting Dominicans, with 66% giving it the top ranking on the list of problems. This is followed by inflation, the high cost of living, lack of jobs.
The same poll revealed 80% of Dominicans consider actions by the government to confront crime, drug trafficking, administrative corruption and migration have not been effective in its six years.
The Gallup-Hoy poll has a plus or minus margin of error of 2.8%.
http://hoy.com.do/delincuencia-sigue-siendo-el-principal-problema-del-pais/
http://hoy.com.do/85-favorecio-manifestacion-marcha-verde/
http://hoy.com.do/delincuencia-sigue-siendo-el-principal-problema-del-pais/
85% of Dominicans are behind Green March movement
The Marcha Verde movement protest walk on 12 August 2018, has the support of 85% of Dominicans, according to results of the Gallup-Hoy poll that was carried out 16-21 September 2018, with 1,200 persons polled. The Green March has focused on impunity and corruption in government.
Nevertheless, 46.8% doubt the movement will motivate the authorities to apply laws and norms to combat corruption. 45.6% of respondents were optimistic the protest efforts will be successful.
Eligible voters ages 18-24 years were the most supportive of the organization (89.5%), followed by those over 55 years (86%) and men (87.5%).
65% of the population said the 12 August 2018 march was successful and 70% said they were optimistic that it would produce good results. But 72.5% of those polled said they did not participate in the Santo Domingo protest walk.
The Gallup-Hoy poll has a plus or minus margin of error of 2.8%.
http://hoy.com.do/85-favorecio-manifestacion-marcha-verde/
Customs destroys motorcycle parts, shippers unit to fight Customs abuses
The Customs Agency in the Dominican Republic announced the seizing and destruction of 120 chassis and motorcycle parts for two-wheeled motorcycles and four-wheeled motorcycles that arrived inside “courier shippers” (mudanceras) consignments. Customs Agency director, Enrique Ramirez attended the destruction of the parts for assembly during an event held at the installations of the metalworks company, Gerdau Metaldom on Km. 22 of Duarte Highway.
"The creativity of some people to avoid paying taxes and the disregard of public safety by trafficking in illicit goods is truly unbelievable,” said Ramirez. He added: “If this creativity were used to produce quality goods and services in a law-abiding manner, the country would be even better off.”
He criticized the dishonest use of the shipping couriers by Dominicans living abroad.
He explained the smugglers send motorcycles in parts, mixed with the clothes and food that Dominicans ship to their relatives inside 55-gallon tanks. The motorcycles are then assembled here and registration is fraudulently obtained.
The parts destroyed at the Gerdau Metaldom plant had arrived by way of Cibao International Airport in Santiago, and the ports of Haina Oriental (Santo Domingo province), Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo.
The Customs Agency is monitoring courier shipments that are also used by Mafiosi networks for the smuggling of firearms and narcotics.
Meanwhile, in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, USA, dozens of companies that transport the maritime and air cargo in the 55-gallon modality and freight containers from those states to the Dominican Republic announced they have formed a federation to jointly defend their interests before the Customs Agency. The new entity is to be known as the Federación Dominicana de Asociaciones de CArgas Marítima y Aérea (Fedacama). They criticized they are being subject to abuses by the Dominican customs authorities.
https://www.aduanas.gob.do
https://elnacional.com.do/aduanas-destruye-120-chassis-y-partes-de-motocicletas/
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/mudanc...n-para-enfrentara-alegados-abusos-aduanas-rd/
Fare increases, Intrant orders disregarded
Ground transport fares climb to compensate for fuel price increases. The Medina administration created the National Institute for Traffic and Ground Transport (Intrant), but the new agency was seen as toothless as ground transporters of cargo and passengers decided unilaterally to raise fares, citing increases in fuel prices. Fares have gone up considerably for urban and interurban passenger routes, despite the Intrant having warned public transport entities these fare increases needed to be authorized by the government.
A report in Diario Libre reveals that fares are up RD$5-RD$30 on the city and inter-city routes that are monopolized by the transporters. Likewise, fares from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana are up RD$40-RD$50.
When Diario Libre reporters asked Intrant, they were told the transport companies have been notified and could face penalties. Intrant spokesman, Viviano de Leon, nevertheless, said that the process requires notifications and a series of procedures established by Ground Transport Law 63-17. De Leon said that these procedures take time to work their way through the system. Furthermore, the law dictates that Intrant has the authority and responsibility to set the fares.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...n-cobrando-aumentos-en-sus-pasajes-JK10926492
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...e-ilegalidad-de-aumentos-de-pasaje-ML10936695
Heidi Rodríguez named to India Chamber of Commerce
The president of the India Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic, Dharmendra Basita, has announced the naming of Heidi Rodríguez as its new executive director. Rodríguez has more than 20 years of experience in management, marketing and communications. The India Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic is the first contact for the emerging Dominican-Indian bilateral relations. The Chamber celebrated its 20th anniversary in May 2018.
https://www.indiaccrd.com
Eddy Santana Zorrilla back in OMSA case
The Third Instruction Court of the National District accepted a request from the Public Ministry and included businessman Eddy Santana Zorrilla in the OMSA bus corruption case. Santana had been excluded despite being mentioned as the mediator between murdered lawyer Yuniol Ramirez and the director of the Oficina Metroplitana de Servicios de Autobuses (OMSA), Manuel Rivas. The next hearing on the case is scheduled for 19 October 2018.
https://eldia.com.do/fiscalia-dn-in...a-zorrilla-al-expediente-caso-yuniol-ramirez/
Monte Plata priest arrested for sexual aggressions
The prosecutors of Monte Plata requested pretrial custody against removed priest Jose Altagracia Rosario González of the La Candelaria church in Sabana Grande de Boya, Monte Plata province. The priest is now accused of sexual aggression against a then 15-year old girl.
The prosecutors took up the case in May 2018, after the Santo Domingo Archbishop Office communicated the crime and empowered the Attorney General Office to investigate the removed priest. The National Institute for Forensic Sciences (Inacif) is investigating the case. The former priest Rosario González was arrested on 1 October 2018, at his residence in Sabana Grande de Boyá.
One of his victims is now 23-years old. His nightmare began when he was 14 became a victim of a pedophile priest of the Roman Catholic Church in the Dominican Republic. He told his story to journalists from Listin Diario. He says that he was an altar boy and was preparing an event for the Virgin Mary at the church with other boys when he was called by the priest by his full name. He says he then was shoved into the bathroom near the altar and the priest began to touch his intimate parts. He said he asked what was happening, and said he didn’t want to lose respect for the priest, despite the priest having lost respect for him. The priest is alleged to have put a hand over the mouth of the young victim and then proceeded to rape him. He told the Listin Diario journalists that then the priest threatened him, saying he was armed. The priest also said to have warned the boy that if he tried to seek help no one would believe him.
The young victim vowed not to return to the church, but the priest, by sending messages to boy’s sister, convinced him to go back. The boy recounted that he warned the priest to leave him alone. But instead, he was raped for a second time. He remembered the priest telling him, “I like you like that, fatty.”
Little did the boy know that two years before, the same priest had raped his mother. The youth then moved to Santo Domingo to work in a mechanics workshop, having abandoned his plans to become a priest.
But the revelation of two other cases of sexual abuse by the priest before the religious authorities inspired more victims to come forward. "When the bomb exploded, I remained silent as did my mother. That was about nine years ago. God knows to how many more people, he did the same," he sadly observes. The victim believes the priest was transferred to another town.
"They sent him to another place knowing why he could not go back to where he was. It was like a reward for his evil deeds. And I say reward, because in the new place he was going to find fresh meat, nobody knew him, and just as he did with us, he would gain the trust of the people and then execute his work: abuse of minors. "
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...e-violo-y-me-quito-la-infancia-y-la-felicidad
https://elnacional.com.do/solicita-prision-preventiva-contra-sacerdote/
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10/03/panorama/region-norte/exhorta-denunciar-agresiones-sexuales/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...sion-sacerdote-acusado-agresion-sexual-menor/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...a-procede-contra-un-cura-acusado-de-violacion
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-un-dia-que-el-pastor-habia-violado-su-hijita
EFE celebrates half a century in the Dominican Republic
The Spanish news agency, EFE is inviting the public to the photo exhibition at the Centro Cultural de España in the Colonial City, “EFE in the Dominican Republic, 50 Years in 50 Photos. ” The president of EFE, Fernando Garea, came for the inauguration of the exhibition on Tuesday, 2 October 2018. Also attending were Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, Culture Minister Eduardo Selman, Spanish ambassador Alejandro Abellán. They were hosted by the EFE delegate in the Dominican Republic, Carmen Jiménez. The exhibit will be open until 27 October 2018.
https://acento.com.do/2018/cultura/...-exposicion-medio-siglo-republica-dominicana/
Fine Arts Film Festival opens in Santo Domingo and Santiago
From 4 to 17 October 2018, The Festival Internacional de Cine Fine Arts (FICFA) will take place at the Fine Arts Cinema Cafe at Novocentro Center on Av. Lope de Vega in Santo Domingo. The films will also be shown from 4-10 October at Downtown Center in Santo Domingo, and at the Plaza Internacional Santiago cinemas in Santiago. 60 films will be shown, many that have been recognized in the film festivals of Toronto, London, Venice, Berlin, Sundance, San Sebastian and Cannes.
See the films:
https://festivaldecinefinearts.com/secciones.php
National Contemporary Dance Company announces premiere of “En”
The National Contemporary Dance Company announces it has prepared “En”, a dance celebration full of energy and emotion for audiences at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The ballet is choreographed by Dayme del Toro and Patricia Ortega and will be performed from Thursday, 18 October through Sunday, 21 October. Tickets are RD$300 and are being sold at the Palacio de Bellas Artes box office.
Marianela Boan, director of the official modern dance company, said that the two choreographers are also dancing in the performance. The performance is the star show for the Temporada Octubre 2018 of the National Contemporary Dance Company.
The dancers are Mildred Rubirosa, Evelyn Tejeda, Erick Roque, Hendel Herrera, Jonas Padilla and Jeremy Antonio Caro. Music is by young composers Nicolas Cruz, Alejandro Cardona, Andres Saborio and others.
Performances from Thursday to Saturday are at 8:30pm and on Sunday the show is at 7:30pm.
Conjunto Quisqueya to star in Christmas time musical
The legendary Conjunto Quisqueya will be performing Dominican Christmas tunes and their long time best hits for the “Tamo de 45” show on Saturday, 3 November 2018 presentation at the National Theater. The group is famous for his Christmas merengues, including “Parranda quisqueyana,” “La trulla navideña,” among many others.
The group was founded by the late Aneudi Diaz, Javish Victoria, Chucky Acota, Adib Melgen in the 70s. These later went to live abroad, but have stayed together to play their music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNIen5U9B60
https://www.diariolibre.com/revista...exitosa-historia-musical-en-el-t-n-EK10926277
Beto Cuevas booked for December performance in Santo Domingo
Chilean singer Beto Cuevas is bringing his "Beto Cuevas – 30 Years" concert to audiences in the Domingo Republic. The concert is scheduled for 4 December 2018 at the Teatro La Fiesta of the Jaragua Renaissance Hotel in Santo Domingo. The Latin pop rock star is best known for his hits "Más allá", "Mentira", "Día cero", "Aqui", "Tejedores de Ilusión", "Animal", "Hombre", "El Duelo", "El Cínico" y "Fuera De Mi" among others.
https://www.metrord.do/do/destacado...antara-santo-domingo-proximo-4-diciembre.html
First Lady opens Breast Cancer Month program
Constitutional Courts says use of public force is illegal in embargos
US$300 million IDB loan approved by Chamber of Deputies
IDB calls for better government spending
Most Dominicans concerned for their safety
85% of Dominicans are behind Green March movement
Customs destroys motorcycle parts, shippers unit to fight Customs abuses
Fare increases, Intrant orders disregarded
Heidi Rodríguez named to India Chamber of Commerce
Eddy Santana Zorrilla back in OMSA case
Monte Plata priest arrested for sexual aggressions
EFE celebrates half a century in the Dominican Republic
Fine Arts Film Festival opens in Santo Domingo and Santiago
National Contemporary Dance Company announces premiere of “En”
Conjunto Quisqueya to star in Christmas time musical
Beto Cuevas booked for December performance in Santo Domingo
DR1 Daily News next update on Monday, 8 October 2018
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 8 October 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
First Lady opens Breast Cancer Month program
For the sixth consecutive year, the First Lady’s Office is carrying out activities to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The activities will take place all throughout the month of October.
First Lady Candida Montilla said that every year around 6,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the Dominican Republic. She said a program of her office makes available free breast cancer tests and that since 2013 the program has reached out to around 100,000 women.
After the opening remarks of the October as Breast Cancer Month campaign in the Dominican Republic by the First Lady, Chilean women’s health specialist, Marcela Lechuga, gave a speech entitled, “Así es la vida”, focused on reminding the public of what is truly important in life.
The Chilean speaker compared life to a giant wave that at one point rises to its maximum fullness and in a blink of an eye fades away. “We forget that life is fragile and uncertain and we forget that there is no control over birth or death,” she said. Lechuga said there are two ways of being born: the natural one and by cesarean section. But there are five ways to die: traffic accident, sudden death, prolonged illness, homicide and suicide. She highlighted that when someone is prepared to die at any time it means that person is also prepared to live.
For the closing of the event, Milly Quezada sang several of her best hits and included a happy birthday song to First Lady Candida Montilla. She was joined by Pavel Núñez in duo and singing solo with his guitar.
Also participating in the event at the Convention Center of the Ministry of Foreign Relations were Cristina Lizardo, senator for the provine of Santo Domingo; Industry and Commerce Minister Nelson Toca; Minister of Women Janet Camilo; and Chanel Rosa Chupany, director of the National Health Service, among others.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...r-el-mes-de-la-lucha-contra-el-cancer-de-mama
https://eldia.com.do/candida-montilla-una-deteccion-precoz-del-cancer-de-mama-ayuda-a-salvar-vidas/
Constitutional Courts says use of public force is illegal in embargos
The Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic says that the obligation for public force to be present for the execution of embargos is against the Constitution. The use of public force had been established by Resolution No. 17/2015 issued by the Judicial Power Council on 3 August 2015.
The Constitution Court now ruled the resolution violates Arts. 40.15, 151 and 170 of the Dominican Constitution.
The recourse had been submitted to the Constitutional Court on 6 October 2015 by the Dominican Association of Bailiffs (ADA), represented by its president, Hipólito Girón Reyes. A hearing was first heard on 8 February 2016.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...de-la-fuerza-publica-para-ejecutar-sentencias
US$300 million IDB loan approved by Chamber of Deputies
The Chamber of Deputies passed a US$300 million loan signed between the Dominican government and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The loan was not contemplated in the 2018 National Budget. The purpose of the US$300 million loan is to improve productivity and increase the number of formal companies operating in the Dominican Republic.
https://www.metrord.do/do/noticias/2018/10/02/diputados-aprueban-prestamo-300-mm.html
IDB calls for better government spending
Analysis of government spending in Latin America and the Caribbean reveals widespread waste and inefficiencies that could be as large as 4.4% of the region’s GDP, demonstrating ample room to improve basic services without necessarily spending more resources. The findings are part of a recent report published by the Inter-American Development Bank, “Better Spending for Better Lives: How Latin America and the Caribbean Can Do More with Less”.
The publication examines the spending habits of governments across the region countries to determine if there is too much or too little spending on various priorities and whether governments are investing enough to ensure a better future for the population. The report also examined whether government expenditures improve or erode socioeconomic equality.
Along with the diagnosis, the report offers several policy recommendations on how to improve the efficiency of government spending.
According to the World Economic Forum Competitiveness Report, corruption (16.9%), inefficient government bureaucracy (15.2%) and taxes (13%) are the most problematic factors in doing business in the Dominican Republic.
The country is ranked 129th of 137 countries around the world for the strength of its government institutions.
https://flagships.iadb.org/en/DIA2018/Better-Spending-for-Better-Lives
https://www.iadb.org/en/news/govern...-latin-america-and-caribbean-44-gdp-idb-study
Most Dominicans concerned for their safety
The Gallup-Hoy poll carried out 16-21 September 2018, with 1,200 persons polled nation-wide, reveals that 62% of eligible voters say that insecurity in the country is high. Another 16% said security is somewhat of a problem, while 20% feel safe.
The perception of the lack of security was highest among those older than 55 years, and those living in the Greater Santo Domingo and in the north of the country. The poll analysts say the insecurity perception is now felt in rural areas where in the past, residents had not felt particularly threatened by crime.
Compared to last year, 57.6% of those polled said crime was on the rise, and only 10% said it had declined. For 29.3% the situation has remained the same.
Crime and delinquency has been identified as the main problem affecting Dominicans, with 66% giving it the top ranking on the list of problems. This is followed by inflation, the high cost of living, lack of jobs.
The same poll revealed 80% of Dominicans consider actions by the government to confront crime, drug trafficking, administrative corruption and migration have not been effective in its six years.
The Gallup-Hoy poll has a plus or minus margin of error of 2.8%.
http://hoy.com.do/delincuencia-sigue-siendo-el-principal-problema-del-pais/
http://hoy.com.do/85-favorecio-manifestacion-marcha-verde/
http://hoy.com.do/delincuencia-sigue-siendo-el-principal-problema-del-pais/
85% of Dominicans are behind Green March movement
The Marcha Verde movement protest walk on 12 August 2018, has the support of 85% of Dominicans, according to results of the Gallup-Hoy poll that was carried out 16-21 September 2018, with 1,200 persons polled. The Green March has focused on impunity and corruption in government.
Nevertheless, 46.8% doubt the movement will motivate the authorities to apply laws and norms to combat corruption. 45.6% of respondents were optimistic the protest efforts will be successful.
Eligible voters ages 18-24 years were the most supportive of the organization (89.5%), followed by those over 55 years (86%) and men (87.5%).
65% of the population said the 12 August 2018 march was successful and 70% said they were optimistic that it would produce good results. But 72.5% of those polled said they did not participate in the Santo Domingo protest walk.
The Gallup-Hoy poll has a plus or minus margin of error of 2.8%.
http://hoy.com.do/85-favorecio-manifestacion-marcha-verde/
Customs destroys motorcycle parts, shippers unit to fight Customs abuses
The Customs Agency in the Dominican Republic announced the seizing and destruction of 120 chassis and motorcycle parts for two-wheeled motorcycles and four-wheeled motorcycles that arrived inside “courier shippers” (mudanceras) consignments. Customs Agency director, Enrique Ramirez attended the destruction of the parts for assembly during an event held at the installations of the metalworks company, Gerdau Metaldom on Km. 22 of Duarte Highway.
"The creativity of some people to avoid paying taxes and the disregard of public safety by trafficking in illicit goods is truly unbelievable,” said Ramirez. He added: “If this creativity were used to produce quality goods and services in a law-abiding manner, the country would be even better off.”
He criticized the dishonest use of the shipping couriers by Dominicans living abroad.
He explained the smugglers send motorcycles in parts, mixed with the clothes and food that Dominicans ship to their relatives inside 55-gallon tanks. The motorcycles are then assembled here and registration is fraudulently obtained.
The parts destroyed at the Gerdau Metaldom plant had arrived by way of Cibao International Airport in Santiago, and the ports of Haina Oriental (Santo Domingo province), Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo.
The Customs Agency is monitoring courier shipments that are also used by Mafiosi networks for the smuggling of firearms and narcotics.
Meanwhile, in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, USA, dozens of companies that transport the maritime and air cargo in the 55-gallon modality and freight containers from those states to the Dominican Republic announced they have formed a federation to jointly defend their interests before the Customs Agency. The new entity is to be known as the Federación Dominicana de Asociaciones de CArgas Marítima y Aérea (Fedacama). They criticized they are being subject to abuses by the Dominican customs authorities.
https://www.aduanas.gob.do
https://elnacional.com.do/aduanas-destruye-120-chassis-y-partes-de-motocicletas/
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/mudanc...n-para-enfrentara-alegados-abusos-aduanas-rd/
Fare increases, Intrant orders disregarded
Ground transport fares climb to compensate for fuel price increases. The Medina administration created the National Institute for Traffic and Ground Transport (Intrant), but the new agency was seen as toothless as ground transporters of cargo and passengers decided unilaterally to raise fares, citing increases in fuel prices. Fares have gone up considerably for urban and interurban passenger routes, despite the Intrant having warned public transport entities these fare increases needed to be authorized by the government.
A report in Diario Libre reveals that fares are up RD$5-RD$30 on the city and inter-city routes that are monopolized by the transporters. Likewise, fares from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana are up RD$40-RD$50.
When Diario Libre reporters asked Intrant, they were told the transport companies have been notified and could face penalties. Intrant spokesman, Viviano de Leon, nevertheless, said that the process requires notifications and a series of procedures established by Ground Transport Law 63-17. De Leon said that these procedures take time to work their way through the system. Furthermore, the law dictates that Intrant has the authority and responsibility to set the fares.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...n-cobrando-aumentos-en-sus-pasajes-JK10926492
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...e-ilegalidad-de-aumentos-de-pasaje-ML10936695
Heidi Rodríguez named to India Chamber of Commerce
The president of the India Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic, Dharmendra Basita, has announced the naming of Heidi Rodríguez as its new executive director. Rodríguez has more than 20 years of experience in management, marketing and communications. The India Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic is the first contact for the emerging Dominican-Indian bilateral relations. The Chamber celebrated its 20th anniversary in May 2018.
https://www.indiaccrd.com
Eddy Santana Zorrilla back in OMSA case
The Third Instruction Court of the National District accepted a request from the Public Ministry and included businessman Eddy Santana Zorrilla in the OMSA bus corruption case. Santana had been excluded despite being mentioned as the mediator between murdered lawyer Yuniol Ramirez and the director of the Oficina Metroplitana de Servicios de Autobuses (OMSA), Manuel Rivas. The next hearing on the case is scheduled for 19 October 2018.
https://eldia.com.do/fiscalia-dn-in...a-zorrilla-al-expediente-caso-yuniol-ramirez/
Monte Plata priest arrested for sexual aggressions
The prosecutors of Monte Plata requested pretrial custody against removed priest Jose Altagracia Rosario González of the La Candelaria church in Sabana Grande de Boya, Monte Plata province. The priest is now accused of sexual aggression against a then 15-year old girl.
The prosecutors took up the case in May 2018, after the Santo Domingo Archbishop Office communicated the crime and empowered the Attorney General Office to investigate the removed priest. The National Institute for Forensic Sciences (Inacif) is investigating the case. The former priest Rosario González was arrested on 1 October 2018, at his residence in Sabana Grande de Boyá.
One of his victims is now 23-years old. His nightmare began when he was 14 became a victim of a pedophile priest of the Roman Catholic Church in the Dominican Republic. He told his story to journalists from Listin Diario. He says that he was an altar boy and was preparing an event for the Virgin Mary at the church with other boys when he was called by the priest by his full name. He says he then was shoved into the bathroom near the altar and the priest began to touch his intimate parts. He said he asked what was happening, and said he didn’t want to lose respect for the priest, despite the priest having lost respect for him. The priest is alleged to have put a hand over the mouth of the young victim and then proceeded to rape him. He told the Listin Diario journalists that then the priest threatened him, saying he was armed. The priest also said to have warned the boy that if he tried to seek help no one would believe him.
The young victim vowed not to return to the church, but the priest, by sending messages to boy’s sister, convinced him to go back. The boy recounted that he warned the priest to leave him alone. But instead, he was raped for a second time. He remembered the priest telling him, “I like you like that, fatty.”
Little did the boy know that two years before, the same priest had raped his mother. The youth then moved to Santo Domingo to work in a mechanics workshop, having abandoned his plans to become a priest.
But the revelation of two other cases of sexual abuse by the priest before the religious authorities inspired more victims to come forward. "When the bomb exploded, I remained silent as did my mother. That was about nine years ago. God knows to how many more people, he did the same," he sadly observes. The victim believes the priest was transferred to another town.
"They sent him to another place knowing why he could not go back to where he was. It was like a reward for his evil deeds. And I say reward, because in the new place he was going to find fresh meat, nobody knew him, and just as he did with us, he would gain the trust of the people and then execute his work: abuse of minors. "
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...e-violo-y-me-quito-la-infancia-y-la-felicidad
https://elnacional.com.do/solicita-prision-preventiva-contra-sacerdote/
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10/03/panorama/region-norte/exhorta-denunciar-agresiones-sexuales/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...sion-sacerdote-acusado-agresion-sexual-menor/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...a-procede-contra-un-cura-acusado-de-violacion
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-un-dia-que-el-pastor-habia-violado-su-hijita
EFE celebrates half a century in the Dominican Republic
The Spanish news agency, EFE is inviting the public to the photo exhibition at the Centro Cultural de España in the Colonial City, “EFE in the Dominican Republic, 50 Years in 50 Photos. ” The president of EFE, Fernando Garea, came for the inauguration of the exhibition on Tuesday, 2 October 2018. Also attending were Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, Culture Minister Eduardo Selman, Spanish ambassador Alejandro Abellán. They were hosted by the EFE delegate in the Dominican Republic, Carmen Jiménez. The exhibit will be open until 27 October 2018.
https://acento.com.do/2018/cultura/...-exposicion-medio-siglo-republica-dominicana/
Fine Arts Film Festival opens in Santo Domingo and Santiago
From 4 to 17 October 2018, The Festival Internacional de Cine Fine Arts (FICFA) will take place at the Fine Arts Cinema Cafe at Novocentro Center on Av. Lope de Vega in Santo Domingo. The films will also be shown from 4-10 October at Downtown Center in Santo Domingo, and at the Plaza Internacional Santiago cinemas in Santiago. 60 films will be shown, many that have been recognized in the film festivals of Toronto, London, Venice, Berlin, Sundance, San Sebastian and Cannes.
See the films:
https://festivaldecinefinearts.com/secciones.php
National Contemporary Dance Company announces premiere of “En”
The National Contemporary Dance Company announces it has prepared “En”, a dance celebration full of energy and emotion for audiences at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The ballet is choreographed by Dayme del Toro and Patricia Ortega and will be performed from Thursday, 18 October through Sunday, 21 October. Tickets are RD$300 and are being sold at the Palacio de Bellas Artes box office.
Marianela Boan, director of the official modern dance company, said that the two choreographers are also dancing in the performance. The performance is the star show for the Temporada Octubre 2018 of the National Contemporary Dance Company.
The dancers are Mildred Rubirosa, Evelyn Tejeda, Erick Roque, Hendel Herrera, Jonas Padilla and Jeremy Antonio Caro. Music is by young composers Nicolas Cruz, Alejandro Cardona, Andres Saborio and others.
Performances from Thursday to Saturday are at 8:30pm and on Sunday the show is at 7:30pm.
Conjunto Quisqueya to star in Christmas time musical
The legendary Conjunto Quisqueya will be performing Dominican Christmas tunes and their long time best hits for the “Tamo de 45” show on Saturday, 3 November 2018 presentation at the National Theater. The group is famous for his Christmas merengues, including “Parranda quisqueyana,” “La trulla navideña,” among many others.
The group was founded by the late Aneudi Diaz, Javish Victoria, Chucky Acota, Adib Melgen in the 70s. These later went to live abroad, but have stayed together to play their music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNIen5U9B60
https://www.diariolibre.com/revista...exitosa-historia-musical-en-el-t-n-EK10926277
Beto Cuevas booked for December performance in Santo Domingo
Chilean singer Beto Cuevas is bringing his "Beto Cuevas – 30 Years" concert to audiences in the Domingo Republic. The concert is scheduled for 4 December 2018 at the Teatro La Fiesta of the Jaragua Renaissance Hotel in Santo Domingo. The Latin pop rock star is best known for his hits "Más allá", "Mentira", "Día cero", "Aqui", "Tejedores de Ilusión", "Animal", "Hombre", "El Duelo", "El Cínico" y "Fuera De Mi" among others.
https://www.metrord.do/do/destacado...antara-santo-domingo-proximo-4-diciembre.html