Culture announces 30% discount for seniors
Rains falling in the right places, dams fill with water
5.9 magnitude earthquake in Haiti and Cuba
Environmentalists to government: stick to the law
Political parties to get twice more to prepare 2020 election than for 2016 election
Italy plans to build new embassy compound in Santo Domingo
US Embassy confirms changes in US deportation policies
Consumer protection group rejects sale of propane in gasoline stations
Truckers threaten to abandon talks with government
Skin cancer rates are high in the Dominican Republic
Presidential Palace priest defends priest accused of rape
Where is the physician who carried out the abortion?
DR almost upsets Japan as FIVB championship continues
Stores say it’s time to decorate for Christmas
Rehab benefit set
Culture announces 30% discount for seniors
Following a global trend, the Ministry of Culture announced that seniors over 65 can now request a 30% discount on admission to events organized by the Ministry and to government museums. Culture Minister Eduardo Selman said the decision complies with Art. 46 of Senior Citizens Protection Law 352-98. The discount will also apply on books published the Editora Nacional, a dependency of the Ministry of Culture. The Ministry of Culture encourages other government entities to do the same.
https://www.conape.gob.do/transparencia/legal/marco_legal/ley_352-98.pdf
https://listindiario.com/entretenim...0/cultura-rebaja-entradas-a-los-envejecientes
Rains falling in the right places, dams fill with water
The recent rains have been good for farming and for the reservoirs. Rains falling in the Central Mountain Range have raised the water levels at the Rincon Dam in La Vega and the Tavera-Bao Dam in Santiago. The technical reports from the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI) indicate that the water levels have slightly increased and should increase as the waters move from the watersheds into the reservoirs.
With regard to Tavera-Bao Dam, the water level was reported at 315.10 (meters above sea level), up from the 114.80 recently recorded. Normal operations of the Tavera-Bao complex require the water level to be at 327.5. Silvio Duran, the director general of the Santiago Water and Sewage Corporation (Coraasan) said that as the situation improves at the Tavera-Bao Dam, there will then be more water available for Coraasan to supply to its clients. Over the last three months, Coraasan has been rationing water to every part of the city of Santiago and the entire area that it serves.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/lluvias-mejoran-niveles-de-presas-del-cibao-FN10951316
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10/05/panorama/pais/lluvias-mejoran-nivel-de-embalses-tavera-bao/
5.9 magnitude earthquake in Haiti and Cuba
Dominican government is awaiting an assessment of the Saturday, 6 October 2018, northwestern Haiti earthquakes to send assistance. The earthquake was followed by a 5.2 replica on Sunday. The announcement was made by Medina government spokesman, Roberto Rodríguez Marchena. More than 12 persons have been reported killed in Haiti and more than 135 people were reportedly injured.
Reports are also that a 5.9 Richter Scale magnitude earthquake was also felt in the cities of Santiago, Holguin and in Guantanamo, in eastern Cuba around the same time on Saturday evening, according to a report from the Cuba Seismological System.
The US Geological Survey said the quake hit Haiti at 8:11 p.m. on Saturday night and was centered 12 miles (19 kilometers) northwest of Port-de-Paix, about 219 kilometers from the capital of Port-au-Prince.
The quake itself and several aftershocks of more than 4.0 in magnitude were felt in Montecristi, on the northwestern side of the island. No damages have been reported in the Dominican Republic.
http://hoy.com.do/cuba-registra-sismo-de-magnitud-59-perceptible-en-tres-provincias-orientales/
http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-2...night-earthquake-12-dead-and-188-wounded.html
Environmentalists to government: stick to the law
Environmentalist Luis Carvajal says that the bus terminal under construction by the Ministry of Public Works on the Las Americas Expressway needs an environmental license. Carvajal said the “letter of no objection” written by the Ministry of Environment is not sufficient and that the government is in violation of its own requirements.
He said the construction of the bus terminal 30 meters west of the Los Tres Ojos Park, on grounds of the Mirador del Este Park is illegal. The “no objection” letter only applies to projects under 3,000 square meters. The terminal under construction has around 25,000 square meters and is located beside a vulnerable Los Tres Ojos Park natural monument. He said that Environmental Minister Angel Estevez, who has signed the letter of no objection, is subject to be accused of prevarication.
Carvajal says that Environmental Law 64-00 is very clear in the requirements for the construction of bus terminals. Missing for the project are the required environmental license that calls for an environmental impact study, a management plan, and social approval that is granted after a public hearing.
Environment Minister Angel Estevez has said that those who oppose the terminal do so for private interests. But Carvajal denied the accusation and said he is merely demanding that the Ministry comply with the law. He added: "There’s apparently been a formal violation of the established law, given that permits are not granted by a letter issued by the minister. Rather, the process requires that a technical committee prepare a recommendation based on a series of studies," Carvajal said, noting that the city council also needs to approve any proposed change of use of the chosen government site.
He said the potential ecological negative effects of the project have not been described given that environmental impact study has not been presented. "A project of this nature cannot be allowed to go forward before clearly demonstrating that the construction will not harm the natural beauty of the area," he said.
The construction of the bus terminal at that site is also opposed by the Academy of Sciences. In a document made public, the Academy of Sciences states: "There are plenty of suitable spaces to build a project like that in Boca Chica, La Caleta and the surroundings of the Juan Bosch City, among others, but not in Parque del Este, a marvelous development that is located in the very heart of the capital city.”
http://hoy.com.do/luis-carvajal-reitera-terminal-requiere-de-licencia/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R2Cr_Dy4E
http://hoy.com.do/estevez-dice-ambi...minal-en-los-tres-ojos-no-han-visitado-lugar/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=222&v=ojWHkh-7SLw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp8VNwJNib0
http://eldia.com.do/academia-objeta-terminal-en-el-parque-del-este/
Political parties to get twice more to prepare 2020 election than for 2016 election
The announcement that the political parties will receive RD$1,506 million in subsidies from the government in 2019 confirms that politics is highly profitable. 80% of the disbursements are targeted to the so-named four majority parties, that is those that received at least 5% of the vote in the 2016 general election. The assignment in 2016 was RD$805 million.
The big beneficiaries are the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), the Social Christian Reformist Party (PRSC) and the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD).
The JCE has been allotted RD$6,997 million in the 2019 National Budget. Politicians passed a bill in 1997 that establishes that half a percent of the National Budget be allotted to political activities.
The announced 2019 National Budget will be for RD$921,810 million of which RD$765,455 million is allotted to government spending, subject to congressional approval. Government spending in general is up 12% for the 2019 budget. The ruling PLD party is majority in Congress.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...doble-de-lo-que-obtuvieron-en-2015-GO10960512
Italy plans to build new embassy compound in Santo Domingo
Italian foreign affairs deputy minister Ricardo Antonio Merlo visited Santo Domingo for the 120th anniversary of Dominican-Italian relations.
For the occasion, Italian ambassador in the Dominican Republic Andrea Canepari, announced the intention of Italy to build new facilities for the embassy on Av. Núñez de Cáceres in Santo Domingo. At present, the Italian embassy operates from a building in Calle Manuel Rodríguez Objío 4, in Gazcue, Santo Domingo. The deputy foreign relations minister said the new facility would be high tech.
During events to celebrate the long-standing Italian-Dominican relations, Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas highlighted that the value of trade between the two nations is US$400 million a year, and around 120,000 Italian tourists visit the Dominican Republic every year. An estimated 60,000 Italians reside in the Dominican Republic.
During his stay in the Dominican Republic, visiting deputy minister Merlo attended the opening of the photography exhibition “IILA, an Italian-American Dream 1967-2017” at the Ministry of Foreign Relations Convention Center. The touring exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Italian-Latin American Institute (IILA). The images can be seen at the Ministry of Foreign Relations convention center. Also participating in the opening of the exhibition was Dominican ambassador in Rome Peggy Cabral and the secretary general of IILA, Donato Di Santo.
Also inaugurated last week was an exhibition of 50 iconic haute couture dresses by famed designers at the atrium of the Blue Mall of Av. Winston Churchill and Av. Gustavo Mejía Ricart in Santo Domingo. The dresses were worn by Lady Diana, Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, among others. The touring exhibition, “Icons of Italian Fashion History,” is organized by the Sartirana Art Foundation and will be open at the Blue Mall through 26 October 2018.
A retired physician and medicine professor, Giorgio Forni, director of the Sartirana Art Foundation and owner of the collection, explained that it is his private collection. It shows pieces by top Italian fashion houses between the years 1950 to 2000. It features works by designers Gianfranco Ferré, Gianni Versace, Salvatore Ferrgamo, Valentino Garavani, Franco Moschino, Irene Galitzine among others.
http://eldia.com.do/el-comercio-rd-e-italia-mueve-us400-millones/
https://www.diariolibre.com/estilos...iezas-iconicas-llenas-de-historias-BK10926007
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbjhhAxn0UI/
US Embassy confirms changes in US deportation policies
A statement issued recently from the Embassy of the United States outlines changes in deportation policies. As of 1 October 2018, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) denial letters for status-impacting applications will be sent to the appropriate parties to ensure that benefit seekers are provided with adequate notice when an application for a migration benefit is denied. USCIS says that if applicants are no longer in a period of authorized stay, and do not depart the United States, a Notice to Appear (NTA) may be issued. An NTA is a document that instructs an individual to appear before an immigration judge. This is the first step in starting removal proceedings against them.
USCIS will then provide details on how applicants can review information regarding their period of authorized stay, check travel compliance, or validate departure from the United States. This is regarded as a first step prior to deportation.
Nevertheless, it is notified that the June 2018 NTA Policy Memo will not be implemented with respect to employment-based petitions and humanitarian applications and petitions at this time. Existing guidance for these case types will remain in effect.
https://www.uscis.gov/legal-resources/notice-appear-policy-memorandum
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...sos-que-deben-comparecer-ante-juez-KM10941209
Consumer protection group rejects sale of propane in gasoline stations
A spokesman for the National Council for the Defense of Consumer Rights (Conadeco) rejected a bid to sell propane gas at gasoline and diesel fuel stations. Sandino Bisono, the president of Conadeco, called the proposal a ticking time bomb, since the technical conditions do not exist in the country nor are there sufficient security measures in place for this type of operation.
Bisono called for the Ministry of Industry & Commerce to maintain the ban. At present propane is sold in separate fuel stations.
The authorization of multiple fuel sales at the gas stations has the strong opposition of market leaders in the fuel sector.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...nder-glp-en-estaciones-de-gasolina-BM10942056
Truckers threaten to abandon talks with government
After the Minister of Hacienda, Donald Guerrero, said that it was impossible to lower the taxes on fuels because this would cut into important government revenues, the representatives of the different trucking associations threatened to withdraw from the talks with the government. The ministries of Industry & Commerce and Hacienda are studying three fundamental areas: the taxes as established by different laws; the margins of benefit for the sale and distribution of fuels, and the formula that is applied by the government (and communicated by the Ministry of Industry & Commerce) to set the price of fuels every week.
The president of the National Federation of Dominican Transport (Fenatrado), Ricardo de los Santos, called the government decision “irresponsible, inopportune and inappropriate”, and said that the decision worked against the government itself.
De los Santos, who is a legislator for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), advocated for amendments to the Hydrocarbon Law 112-00. He said that depending on what happens at the next meeting, the truckers will decide on their next moves.
At his side, Antonio Marte, the president of the National Confederation of Transportation Organizations (CONATRA) warned that transporters are united in their quest for lower fuel prices.
Meanwhile, Circe Almanzar, executive vice president for the Dominican Republic Association of Industries (AIRD) said that industries and businesses are making investments to reduce and eventually eliminate their reliance on trucking associations over the next few years. Claiming that with compliance from the government, the trucking associations still hold a virtual monopoly over cargo and passenger transport. Almanzar made these observations to the press during the “Sustainable Earnings 2018” meeting.
https://elnacional.com.do/camioneros-amenazan-dejar-dialogo-con-gobierno/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...olverian-a-utilizar-metodo-de-paro-EM10944550
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...ara-no-depender-tanto-de-fenatrado-EN10954167
Skin cancer rates are high in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Dermatology Society said late last week that there is a high incidence of skin cancer in the Dominican Republic. This reality has prompted the health care sector to continuously unfold campaigns to prevent and educate the population regarding this type of cancer.
Dr. Maribel Almonte, the dermatology society’s president, explained that the incidence of skin cancer is high despite the Dominican population being mostly mixed race. Skin cancer is prevalent mostly among Caucasian populations.
She made the announcement as a lead up to the celebration of the Dermatological Congress to be held in Santo Domingo from 17- 20 October 2019. Dr. Almonte said that the XIX Dermatology Congress will present the latest advances in skin treatments, both medical and aesthetic.
At the same time, she called upon the government to get involved in prevention campaigns aimed at educating the population in the prevention of skin cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) statistics show that approximately 66,000 people die from skin cancers with melanoma being the deadliest since it usually ends in the patient’s demise. Each year there are 132,000 new cases.
https://elnacional.com.do/sociedad-dermatologia-asegura-es-alta-incidencia-cancer-de-piel-en-rd/
Presidential Palace priest defends priest accused of rape
The National Police chaplain at the Presidential Palace, priest Alejandro Cabrera, defended the Monte Plata priest now accused of sexual assault of a minor. Priest Alejandro Cabrera said that “that poor priest [from Monte Plata] was arrested because of social media pressure.” He was referring to priest José Altagracia Rosario Gonález who is accused of rape of a minor.
On Thursday, 4 October 2018, the Roman Catholic Church priest was sentenced to three months pretrial custody by Judge José Augusto Santos Salvador at the request of the Public Ministry of Monte Plata. The chaplain says an investigation has yet to prove the charges against the Monte Plata priest.
The chaplain, who spoke after offering a mass at the National Police Palace, said that all cases of sexual abuse should come to light, but that a serious investigation must be carried out beforehand.
"The church is a family, and all this affects us, but as a family, there is also a large majority make an effort to maintain the integrity of the church. Not that some will fail, but the church remains firm, 2,000 years and nothing and nobody can stop what God has built," he said, as reported in Listin Diario.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...a-lo-mandaron-a-prision-por-presion-mediatica
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...rdote-en-mp-lugarenos-lo-defienden-BM10943453
Where is the physician who carried out the abortion?
The defense lawyers for the family of late Emely Peguero are asking for the Public Ministry to investigate the physician who most likely would have had to participate in the abortion of 16-year old and would be a key accomplice and witness to the murder. The family questions that so far the investigation carried out by prosecutors have not named a physician. So far, it has been purported that the accused, 18-year old Marlon Martínez, carried out the abortion himself.
The case is being heard in San Francisco de Macorís. Marlon Martínez is accused of the murder that took place at the apartment where he lived with his mother Marlin Martínez. Martínez is accused of complicity in the crime. Sentences of 30 years and 20 years are sought for the son and mother.
At the time of the crime, Martínez was serving as a deputy director of the Migration Agency (DGM).
The forensic report details that in the internal examination of Emely's corpse, contusion of the cervix and perforation of the uterus were found with indications that a great force was applied in that area. The body also presented a forceful blow with cranial breakage and cerebral hemorrhage caused by a hard surface object.
The lawyers of the accused insist that the alleged abortion was conducted by a yet unknown person, and that the Prosecutor's Office did not conduct a serious investigation.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10...tacion-de-pruebas-asesinato-de-emely-peguero/
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10...el-viernes-12-juicio-de-fondo-del-caso-emely/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...l-horrendo-crimen-de-emely-peguero-AM10944567
DR almost upsets Japan as FIVB championship continues
Japan had to play its best on 7 October 2018 to defeat the Dominican national women’s volleyball team 3-2 in the second round of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championships taking place in Japan from 7-11 October. The Dominican women’s team had made the top four teams in its pool to advance to the second round of 16 teams split into two pools of eight (top teams from Pools A and D in group E, and top teams from Pools C and B in group F). The top three teams in each of the two second round pools will advance to the third round.
FIVB highlighted how the Dominican team almost upset the Japanese on their home turf. FIVB reported that about eight thousand spectators saw the home favorites blow a two-set lead to the fighting Dominicans before finally closing the match in their favor with the tie-breaker. With some solid blocking efforts on both sides of the net, it was a tough battle on the court, resulting in two of the sets, the second and the fourth, dramatically extending into overtime. Sarina Koga hammered out 23 points for Japan, while Bethania De La Cruz was Dominican Republic’s most prolific player with 21. Now on a 5-1 record, Japan holds on to the third place in the pool standings, while the Dominian team is sixth with 3-3.
The Dominican Republic (ranked 9th by FIVB) is now playing as part of Pool E in Nagoya against 6th ranked Japan, 8th ranked Netherlands, 26th ranked Mexico, 13th ranked Germany, 13th ranked Puerto Rico, 3rd ranked Serbia and 4th ranked Brazil. Pool F players are Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, China, Italy, Russia, Thailand, Turkey and USA that are competing in Osaka.
The scheduled games for the Dominican team are:
DR vs Japan: 7 October
DR vs Netherlands: 8 October
DR vs Mexico: 10 October
DR vs Germany: 11 October
To reach the round, the Dominican team, last week defeated Kenya 3-0 (25-5, 25-7, 25-15) and Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-20), and Kazakstan 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-19) after losing to Serbia 0-3 (25-17, 25-20, 25-22), and Brazil 0-3 (25-14, 25-20, 25-22).
http://japan2018.fivb.com/en/news/japan-holds-off-dominican-republic-to-win?id=79367
http://japan2018.fivb.com/en/news/de-la-cruz-credits-good-combination-play?id=79265
http://japan2018.fivb.com/en/schedule/9217-japan-dominican republic
http://japan2018.fivb.com/en/results-and-ranking/round2
http://www.fivb.org/en/volleyball/VB_Ranking_W_2017-08.asp
https://volleymob.com/japan-fights-off-dominican-comeback-for-5th-win-in-pool-e/
Stores say it’s time to decorate for Christmas
Starting last week, major stores have released their promotions for decorating for Christmas in the Dominican Republic. La Sirena, Casa Cuesta stores, Plaza Lama, Unidos and many more are ready to help you prepare your globalized Christmas experience, with imports from all around the world.
Rehab and organ donations benefits
The Dominican Rehabilitation Association (ADR) is inviting to its gala dinner fund-raiser set for Wednesday, 10 October 2018 at the Gran Salon of the Hotel Occidental El Embajador. Milly Quezada and Covi Quintana, and many other leading Dominican singers, will be performing. Admission is RD$4,000.
Another important benefit is the Concierto Unidos por la Donación de Organos organized by Incort to motivate more organ donations for transplants. This will take place Sunday, 14 October 2018 at the Parque Eugenio Maria de Hostos, 5pm.
http://adr.org.do/
http://www.incort.gob.do
Rains falling in the right places, dams fill with water
5.9 magnitude earthquake in Haiti and Cuba
Environmentalists to government: stick to the law
Political parties to get twice more to prepare 2020 election than for 2016 election
Italy plans to build new embassy compound in Santo Domingo
US Embassy confirms changes in US deportation policies
Consumer protection group rejects sale of propane in gasoline stations
Truckers threaten to abandon talks with government
Skin cancer rates are high in the Dominican Republic
Presidential Palace priest defends priest accused of rape
Where is the physician who carried out the abortion?
DR almost upsets Japan as FIVB championship continues
Stores say it’s time to decorate for Christmas
Rehab benefit set
Culture announces 30% discount for seniors
Following a global trend, the Ministry of Culture announced that seniors over 65 can now request a 30% discount on admission to events organized by the Ministry and to government museums. Culture Minister Eduardo Selman said the decision complies with Art. 46 of Senior Citizens Protection Law 352-98. The discount will also apply on books published the Editora Nacional, a dependency of the Ministry of Culture. The Ministry of Culture encourages other government entities to do the same.
https://www.conape.gob.do/transparencia/legal/marco_legal/ley_352-98.pdf
https://listindiario.com/entretenim...0/cultura-rebaja-entradas-a-los-envejecientes
Rains falling in the right places, dams fill with water
The recent rains have been good for farming and for the reservoirs. Rains falling in the Central Mountain Range have raised the water levels at the Rincon Dam in La Vega and the Tavera-Bao Dam in Santiago. The technical reports from the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI) indicate that the water levels have slightly increased and should increase as the waters move from the watersheds into the reservoirs.
With regard to Tavera-Bao Dam, the water level was reported at 315.10 (meters above sea level), up from the 114.80 recently recorded. Normal operations of the Tavera-Bao complex require the water level to be at 327.5. Silvio Duran, the director general of the Santiago Water and Sewage Corporation (Coraasan) said that as the situation improves at the Tavera-Bao Dam, there will then be more water available for Coraasan to supply to its clients. Over the last three months, Coraasan has been rationing water to every part of the city of Santiago and the entire area that it serves.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/lluvias-mejoran-niveles-de-presas-del-cibao-FN10951316
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10/05/panorama/pais/lluvias-mejoran-nivel-de-embalses-tavera-bao/
5.9 magnitude earthquake in Haiti and Cuba
Dominican government is awaiting an assessment of the Saturday, 6 October 2018, northwestern Haiti earthquakes to send assistance. The earthquake was followed by a 5.2 replica on Sunday. The announcement was made by Medina government spokesman, Roberto Rodríguez Marchena. More than 12 persons have been reported killed in Haiti and more than 135 people were reportedly injured.
Reports are also that a 5.9 Richter Scale magnitude earthquake was also felt in the cities of Santiago, Holguin and in Guantanamo, in eastern Cuba around the same time on Saturday evening, according to a report from the Cuba Seismological System.
The US Geological Survey said the quake hit Haiti at 8:11 p.m. on Saturday night and was centered 12 miles (19 kilometers) northwest of Port-de-Paix, about 219 kilometers from the capital of Port-au-Prince.
The quake itself and several aftershocks of more than 4.0 in magnitude were felt in Montecristi, on the northwestern side of the island. No damages have been reported in the Dominican Republic.
http://hoy.com.do/cuba-registra-sismo-de-magnitud-59-perceptible-en-tres-provincias-orientales/
http://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-2...night-earthquake-12-dead-and-188-wounded.html
Environmentalists to government: stick to the law
Environmentalist Luis Carvajal says that the bus terminal under construction by the Ministry of Public Works on the Las Americas Expressway needs an environmental license. Carvajal said the “letter of no objection” written by the Ministry of Environment is not sufficient and that the government is in violation of its own requirements.
He said the construction of the bus terminal 30 meters west of the Los Tres Ojos Park, on grounds of the Mirador del Este Park is illegal. The “no objection” letter only applies to projects under 3,000 square meters. The terminal under construction has around 25,000 square meters and is located beside a vulnerable Los Tres Ojos Park natural monument. He said that Environmental Minister Angel Estevez, who has signed the letter of no objection, is subject to be accused of prevarication.
Carvajal says that Environmental Law 64-00 is very clear in the requirements for the construction of bus terminals. Missing for the project are the required environmental license that calls for an environmental impact study, a management plan, and social approval that is granted after a public hearing.
Environment Minister Angel Estevez has said that those who oppose the terminal do so for private interests. But Carvajal denied the accusation and said he is merely demanding that the Ministry comply with the law. He added: "There’s apparently been a formal violation of the established law, given that permits are not granted by a letter issued by the minister. Rather, the process requires that a technical committee prepare a recommendation based on a series of studies," Carvajal said, noting that the city council also needs to approve any proposed change of use of the chosen government site.
He said the potential ecological negative effects of the project have not been described given that environmental impact study has not been presented. "A project of this nature cannot be allowed to go forward before clearly demonstrating that the construction will not harm the natural beauty of the area," he said.
The construction of the bus terminal at that site is also opposed by the Academy of Sciences. In a document made public, the Academy of Sciences states: "There are plenty of suitable spaces to build a project like that in Boca Chica, La Caleta and the surroundings of the Juan Bosch City, among others, but not in Parque del Este, a marvelous development that is located in the very heart of the capital city.”
http://hoy.com.do/luis-carvajal-reitera-terminal-requiere-de-licencia/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3R2Cr_Dy4E
http://hoy.com.do/estevez-dice-ambi...minal-en-los-tres-ojos-no-han-visitado-lugar/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=222&v=ojWHkh-7SLw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp8VNwJNib0
http://eldia.com.do/academia-objeta-terminal-en-el-parque-del-este/
Political parties to get twice more to prepare 2020 election than for 2016 election
The announcement that the political parties will receive RD$1,506 million in subsidies from the government in 2019 confirms that politics is highly profitable. 80% of the disbursements are targeted to the so-named four majority parties, that is those that received at least 5% of the vote in the 2016 general election. The assignment in 2016 was RD$805 million.
The big beneficiaries are the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), the Social Christian Reformist Party (PRSC) and the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD).
The JCE has been allotted RD$6,997 million in the 2019 National Budget. Politicians passed a bill in 1997 that establishes that half a percent of the National Budget be allotted to political activities.
The announced 2019 National Budget will be for RD$921,810 million of which RD$765,455 million is allotted to government spending, subject to congressional approval. Government spending in general is up 12% for the 2019 budget. The ruling PLD party is majority in Congress.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...doble-de-lo-que-obtuvieron-en-2015-GO10960512
Italy plans to build new embassy compound in Santo Domingo
Italian foreign affairs deputy minister Ricardo Antonio Merlo visited Santo Domingo for the 120th anniversary of Dominican-Italian relations.
For the occasion, Italian ambassador in the Dominican Republic Andrea Canepari, announced the intention of Italy to build new facilities for the embassy on Av. Núñez de Cáceres in Santo Domingo. At present, the Italian embassy operates from a building in Calle Manuel Rodríguez Objío 4, in Gazcue, Santo Domingo. The deputy foreign relations minister said the new facility would be high tech.
During events to celebrate the long-standing Italian-Dominican relations, Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas highlighted that the value of trade between the two nations is US$400 million a year, and around 120,000 Italian tourists visit the Dominican Republic every year. An estimated 60,000 Italians reside in the Dominican Republic.
During his stay in the Dominican Republic, visiting deputy minister Merlo attended the opening of the photography exhibition “IILA, an Italian-American Dream 1967-2017” at the Ministry of Foreign Relations Convention Center. The touring exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Italian-Latin American Institute (IILA). The images can be seen at the Ministry of Foreign Relations convention center. Also participating in the opening of the exhibition was Dominican ambassador in Rome Peggy Cabral and the secretary general of IILA, Donato Di Santo.
Also inaugurated last week was an exhibition of 50 iconic haute couture dresses by famed designers at the atrium of the Blue Mall of Av. Winston Churchill and Av. Gustavo Mejía Ricart in Santo Domingo. The dresses were worn by Lady Diana, Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, among others. The touring exhibition, “Icons of Italian Fashion History,” is organized by the Sartirana Art Foundation and will be open at the Blue Mall through 26 October 2018.
A retired physician and medicine professor, Giorgio Forni, director of the Sartirana Art Foundation and owner of the collection, explained that it is his private collection. It shows pieces by top Italian fashion houses between the years 1950 to 2000. It features works by designers Gianfranco Ferré, Gianni Versace, Salvatore Ferrgamo, Valentino Garavani, Franco Moschino, Irene Galitzine among others.
http://eldia.com.do/el-comercio-rd-e-italia-mueve-us400-millones/
https://www.diariolibre.com/estilos...iezas-iconicas-llenas-de-historias-BK10926007
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbjhhAxn0UI/
US Embassy confirms changes in US deportation policies
A statement issued recently from the Embassy of the United States outlines changes in deportation policies. As of 1 October 2018, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) denial letters for status-impacting applications will be sent to the appropriate parties to ensure that benefit seekers are provided with adequate notice when an application for a migration benefit is denied. USCIS says that if applicants are no longer in a period of authorized stay, and do not depart the United States, a Notice to Appear (NTA) may be issued. An NTA is a document that instructs an individual to appear before an immigration judge. This is the first step in starting removal proceedings against them.
USCIS will then provide details on how applicants can review information regarding their period of authorized stay, check travel compliance, or validate departure from the United States. This is regarded as a first step prior to deportation.
Nevertheless, it is notified that the June 2018 NTA Policy Memo will not be implemented with respect to employment-based petitions and humanitarian applications and petitions at this time. Existing guidance for these case types will remain in effect.
https://www.uscis.gov/legal-resources/notice-appear-policy-memorandum
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...sos-que-deben-comparecer-ante-juez-KM10941209
Consumer protection group rejects sale of propane in gasoline stations
A spokesman for the National Council for the Defense of Consumer Rights (Conadeco) rejected a bid to sell propane gas at gasoline and diesel fuel stations. Sandino Bisono, the president of Conadeco, called the proposal a ticking time bomb, since the technical conditions do not exist in the country nor are there sufficient security measures in place for this type of operation.
Bisono called for the Ministry of Industry & Commerce to maintain the ban. At present propane is sold in separate fuel stations.
The authorization of multiple fuel sales at the gas stations has the strong opposition of market leaders in the fuel sector.
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...nder-glp-en-estaciones-de-gasolina-BM10942056
Truckers threaten to abandon talks with government
After the Minister of Hacienda, Donald Guerrero, said that it was impossible to lower the taxes on fuels because this would cut into important government revenues, the representatives of the different trucking associations threatened to withdraw from the talks with the government. The ministries of Industry & Commerce and Hacienda are studying three fundamental areas: the taxes as established by different laws; the margins of benefit for the sale and distribution of fuels, and the formula that is applied by the government (and communicated by the Ministry of Industry & Commerce) to set the price of fuels every week.
The president of the National Federation of Dominican Transport (Fenatrado), Ricardo de los Santos, called the government decision “irresponsible, inopportune and inappropriate”, and said that the decision worked against the government itself.
De los Santos, who is a legislator for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), advocated for amendments to the Hydrocarbon Law 112-00. He said that depending on what happens at the next meeting, the truckers will decide on their next moves.
At his side, Antonio Marte, the president of the National Confederation of Transportation Organizations (CONATRA) warned that transporters are united in their quest for lower fuel prices.
Meanwhile, Circe Almanzar, executive vice president for the Dominican Republic Association of Industries (AIRD) said that industries and businesses are making investments to reduce and eventually eliminate their reliance on trucking associations over the next few years. Claiming that with compliance from the government, the trucking associations still hold a virtual monopoly over cargo and passenger transport. Almanzar made these observations to the press during the “Sustainable Earnings 2018” meeting.
https://elnacional.com.do/camioneros-amenazan-dejar-dialogo-con-gobierno/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...olverian-a-utilizar-metodo-de-paro-EM10944550
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...ara-no-depender-tanto-de-fenatrado-EN10954167
Skin cancer rates are high in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Dermatology Society said late last week that there is a high incidence of skin cancer in the Dominican Republic. This reality has prompted the health care sector to continuously unfold campaigns to prevent and educate the population regarding this type of cancer.
Dr. Maribel Almonte, the dermatology society’s president, explained that the incidence of skin cancer is high despite the Dominican population being mostly mixed race. Skin cancer is prevalent mostly among Caucasian populations.
She made the announcement as a lead up to the celebration of the Dermatological Congress to be held in Santo Domingo from 17- 20 October 2019. Dr. Almonte said that the XIX Dermatology Congress will present the latest advances in skin treatments, both medical and aesthetic.
At the same time, she called upon the government to get involved in prevention campaigns aimed at educating the population in the prevention of skin cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) statistics show that approximately 66,000 people die from skin cancers with melanoma being the deadliest since it usually ends in the patient’s demise. Each year there are 132,000 new cases.
https://elnacional.com.do/sociedad-dermatologia-asegura-es-alta-incidencia-cancer-de-piel-en-rd/
Presidential Palace priest defends priest accused of rape
The National Police chaplain at the Presidential Palace, priest Alejandro Cabrera, defended the Monte Plata priest now accused of sexual assault of a minor. Priest Alejandro Cabrera said that “that poor priest [from Monte Plata] was arrested because of social media pressure.” He was referring to priest José Altagracia Rosario Gonález who is accused of rape of a minor.
On Thursday, 4 October 2018, the Roman Catholic Church priest was sentenced to three months pretrial custody by Judge José Augusto Santos Salvador at the request of the Public Ministry of Monte Plata. The chaplain says an investigation has yet to prove the charges against the Monte Plata priest.
The chaplain, who spoke after offering a mass at the National Police Palace, said that all cases of sexual abuse should come to light, but that a serious investigation must be carried out beforehand.
"The church is a family, and all this affects us, but as a family, there is also a large majority make an effort to maintain the integrity of the church. Not that some will fail, but the church remains firm, 2,000 years and nothing and nobody can stop what God has built," he said, as reported in Listin Diario.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...a-lo-mandaron-a-prision-por-presion-mediatica
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...rdote-en-mp-lugarenos-lo-defienden-BM10943453
Where is the physician who carried out the abortion?
The defense lawyers for the family of late Emely Peguero are asking for the Public Ministry to investigate the physician who most likely would have had to participate in the abortion of 16-year old and would be a key accomplice and witness to the murder. The family questions that so far the investigation carried out by prosecutors have not named a physician. So far, it has been purported that the accused, 18-year old Marlon Martínez, carried out the abortion himself.
The case is being heard in San Francisco de Macorís. Marlon Martínez is accused of the murder that took place at the apartment where he lived with his mother Marlin Martínez. Martínez is accused of complicity in the crime. Sentences of 30 years and 20 years are sought for the son and mother.
At the time of the crime, Martínez was serving as a deputy director of the Migration Agency (DGM).
The forensic report details that in the internal examination of Emely's corpse, contusion of the cervix and perforation of the uterus were found with indications that a great force was applied in that area. The body also presented a forceful blow with cranial breakage and cerebral hemorrhage caused by a hard surface object.
The lawyers of the accused insist that the alleged abortion was conducted by a yet unknown person, and that the Prosecutor's Office did not conduct a serious investigation.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10...tacion-de-pruebas-asesinato-de-emely-peguero/
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10...el-viernes-12-juicio-de-fondo-del-caso-emely/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...l-horrendo-crimen-de-emely-peguero-AM10944567
DR almost upsets Japan as FIVB championship continues
Japan had to play its best on 7 October 2018 to defeat the Dominican national women’s volleyball team 3-2 in the second round of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championships taking place in Japan from 7-11 October. The Dominican women’s team had made the top four teams in its pool to advance to the second round of 16 teams split into two pools of eight (top teams from Pools A and D in group E, and top teams from Pools C and B in group F). The top three teams in each of the two second round pools will advance to the third round.
FIVB highlighted how the Dominican team almost upset the Japanese on their home turf. FIVB reported that about eight thousand spectators saw the home favorites blow a two-set lead to the fighting Dominicans before finally closing the match in their favor with the tie-breaker. With some solid blocking efforts on both sides of the net, it was a tough battle on the court, resulting in two of the sets, the second and the fourth, dramatically extending into overtime. Sarina Koga hammered out 23 points for Japan, while Bethania De La Cruz was Dominican Republic’s most prolific player with 21. Now on a 5-1 record, Japan holds on to the third place in the pool standings, while the Dominian team is sixth with 3-3.
The Dominican Republic (ranked 9th by FIVB) is now playing as part of Pool E in Nagoya against 6th ranked Japan, 8th ranked Netherlands, 26th ranked Mexico, 13th ranked Germany, 13th ranked Puerto Rico, 3rd ranked Serbia and 4th ranked Brazil. Pool F players are Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, China, Italy, Russia, Thailand, Turkey and USA that are competing in Osaka.
The scheduled games for the Dominican team are:
DR vs Japan: 7 October
DR vs Netherlands: 8 October
DR vs Mexico: 10 October
DR vs Germany: 11 October
To reach the round, the Dominican team, last week defeated Kenya 3-0 (25-5, 25-7, 25-15) and Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-20), and Kazakstan 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-19) after losing to Serbia 0-3 (25-17, 25-20, 25-22), and Brazil 0-3 (25-14, 25-20, 25-22).
http://japan2018.fivb.com/en/news/japan-holds-off-dominican-republic-to-win?id=79367
http://japan2018.fivb.com/en/news/de-la-cruz-credits-good-combination-play?id=79265
http://japan2018.fivb.com/en/schedule/9217-japan-dominican republic
http://japan2018.fivb.com/en/results-and-ranking/round2
http://www.fivb.org/en/volleyball/VB_Ranking_W_2017-08.asp
https://volleymob.com/japan-fights-off-dominican-comeback-for-5th-win-in-pool-e/
Stores say it’s time to decorate for Christmas
Starting last week, major stores have released their promotions for decorating for Christmas in the Dominican Republic. La Sirena, Casa Cuesta stores, Plaza Lama, Unidos and many more are ready to help you prepare your globalized Christmas experience, with imports from all around the world.
Rehab and organ donations benefits
The Dominican Rehabilitation Association (ADR) is inviting to its gala dinner fund-raiser set for Wednesday, 10 October 2018 at the Gran Salon of the Hotel Occidental El Embajador. Milly Quezada and Covi Quintana, and many other leading Dominican singers, will be performing. Admission is RD$4,000.
Another important benefit is the Concierto Unidos por la Donación de Organos organized by Incort to motivate more organ donations for transplants. This will take place Sunday, 14 October 2018 at the Parque Eugenio Maria de Hostos, 5pm.
http://adr.org.do/
http://www.incort.gob.do