President Medina bets on farming
Schedule for choosing judges for Supreme Court of Justice and Constitutional Court
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas reports back on his visit to Kuwait
CNZFE clears 21 more free zone export industries
35 OMSA buses added to 27 de Febrero route on Wednesday
Constitutional Court upholds TSA ruling against transport monopolies
US gives its blessing to Punta Catalina power plant?
Priest heads community group to reject bus terminal location
Sight-impaired pedestrians call for less obstacles on the streets
DR exports 6.5 billion cigars to Europe and USA in 2017
Guillermo Julián Jiménez to preside ANJE
Colgate offers free dental cleaning
Wellington Arnaud: Where of the details for RD$66 billion in arrears in the 2019 National Budget?
British documentary exposes how easy it is to have child sex here
President Medina bets on farming
The Presidency launched the National Plan for Food Sovereignty, Nutritional and Food Security on Tuesday, 16 October 2018. Speaking at a formal event at the Presidential Palace, President Danilo Medina said food security has been a priority of his government from day one.
In this context, Medina explained that food security consists in guaranteeing the availability and access of food to the population to meet the nutritional needs of all citizens. Food sovereignty is the right of a nation to establish agrarian and food policies that guarantee food security, the sustainable development of the Dominican Republic and its independence from the vagaries of international markets. Food sovereignty implies the protection of a country’s domestic market, the support of its producers and the strengthening of the economy.
Medina said to achieve these food and farming systems goals, his administration intends to continue to support farmers. "We support our producers because we are convinced that the only truly sustainable strategy against hunger is the revitalization of the Dominican countryside and its ability to produce food and decent income for families," he said in the keynote speech to launch the plan. "And that is precisely what we have been doing for six years through the surprise visits that all Dominicans already very familiar with."
"The result of all this is that today in our country we produce more than 85% of the food we consume. This is a great achievement that we can feel proud of as Dominicans. This translates into savings for the pockets of the families, because the country has a low or no dependency on imports, enjoys low inflation and scarce price fluctuations,” he said.
He said that the Dominican Republic supplies 100% of the domestic demand for rice, poultry, eggs, pigeon peas, sweet potatoes, yautia, cassava, plantains, bananas, potatoes, squash, peppers, among other crops. He said the production of rice, eggs, milk, pork, chicken and beef for 2017 for the local market was US$1.5 billion, a sum that would have otherwise had to be imported. He estimated local food producers supplied US$857 million to the country’s hotels, and exported US$1.2 billion in food products. “These are figures that clearly show we are on the right path,” said the President.
Medina said that UN FAO statistics, nevertheless, indicate that much work is still needed to improve local nutritional needs. He said the plan presented “will help us focus our efforts on continuing to improve our nutritional status and guarantee that each citizen has access to a wide variety of healthy and wholesome food.”
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...a-republica-dominicana-sea-capaz-de-alimentar
https://www.metrord.do/do/destacado...is-ha-alcanzado-la-seguridad-alimentaria.html
Schedule for choosing judges for Supreme Court of Justice and Constitutional Court
The National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) announced it is receiving pre-candidate registrations starting on Thursday, 18 October 2018, to fill the vacancies that are opening in the Constitutional Court – retiring judges Victor Gomez Berges, Leyda Piña Idelfonso Reyes and Jottin Cury. The process will end on 2 November when the names of the participants in the contest will be published on 9 November.
The announcement was made by Judge of the Supreme Court of Justice Frank Soto, who is the secretary of the Council after a meeting tof the council.
Soto said that prior to the choosing of the Constitutional Court judge replacements, the CNM would evaluate the members of the Supreme Court of Justice. He said a commission would present an amendment to the ruling for this procedure in the next meeting of the CNM on 13 November. Members of the commission are: president of the Senate Reinaldo Pared Pérez, deputy José Paliza, Attorney General Jean Alain Rodríguez and judge Frank Soto.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...nograma-para-proceso-de-seleccion-en-tc-y-scj
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas reports back on his visit to Kuwait
Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas was in Kuwait where he met with high ranking Kuwait government officers. On 16 October 2018, he met with the Minister of Finance of Kuwait Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf. As reported, Vargas and Falah Al-Hajraf discussed a number of important topics, including ways to strengthen economic and trade ties and cooperation between both countries.
During the visit, Vargas also met with the director general of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Abdulwahab A. Al-Bader, who made available to the Dominican Republic financing and cooperation for projects of infrastructure and other sectors. The KFAED finances infrastructure works (ports, airports, highways), agricultural development initiatives, among others.
In Kuwait, Vargas also visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait where he was received by the organization’s president, Ali M. Thunaian Al-Ghanin, who highlighted the good relations between the two countries, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Relations. The Dominican minister explained the excellent investment climate that prevails in the Dominican Republic and the advantages it offers to foreign capital, due to trade agreements signed with the United States, the European Union and Central America and the Caribbean.
On Tuesday, 16 October, Vargas also met with Yosef Al Fouzan, an official of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Kuwait, with whom he discussed the relevance of improving air connectivity with the Dominican Republic. In December 2016 the two countries signed an aviation agreement that is in the process of approval by both countries. This will allow a Kuwaiti airline to fly to the Dominican Republic. The meeting was also attended by Luis Ernesto Camilo, director of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC); and Ambassador Hugo Beras.
During his stay in Kuwait, Vargas held a luncheon meeting with Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Sabah, former prime minister of Kuwait, during which they discussed various issues.
The Foreign Ministry delegation that accompanied Vargas was composed of Vargas’ wife, ambassador Angelita García; Ambassador Hugo Guiliani and the president of the JAC. Finally, Vargas also met with executives of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC).
http://www.mirex.gob.do/medios/noticias/fondo-kuwaiti-hace-oferta-cooperacion-financiamiento-a-rd
https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2753217&language=en
CNZFE clears 21 more free zone export industries
21 free zone manufacturing industries were approved for installation in the provinces of Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macoris, La Romana, La Vega, Bonao, Santiago, Moca and Puerto Plata by the National Council of Export Free Zones (CNZFE). The new companies will employ an estimated 1,944 persons, according to a press release from the CNZFE that shared the good news with the public.
Industry & Commerce Minister Nelson Toca Simó presided over the board meeting that approved the new manufacturers. He said they will be investing over RD$2 billion in new installations. It is expected that the new businesses will generate around US$18.4 million in annual exports.
Luisa Fernandez, executive director of the CNZFE, said that the companies will manufacture footwear, machinery, industrial parts, boats, tobacco products, firefighting equipment, and apparel.
https://www.metrord.do/do/noticias/...misos-instalar-21-empresas-zonas-francas.html
35 OMSA buses added to 27 de Febrero route on Wednesday
The government announced it has added 35 more OMSA buses to the 27 de Febrero route in case Fenatrano goes ahead with the announced bus stoppage on Wednesday, 17 October 2018. Fenatrano is protesting high fuel prices and the fact that big companies are benefitting while the general consumer is forced to pay the bill.
Fenatrano president, Juan Hubieres has stated: "We must eliminate the mafia that large companies have with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), from which they obtain 43 pesos per gallon, money that does not go to the people but to the pockets of the rich," he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense announced the military will step up patrols to ensure that the work stoppage planned for Wednesday is peaceful.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...egara-35-buses-en-la-ruta-de-la-27-de-febrero
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ran-el-gran-santo-domingo-ante-llamado-a-paro
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...o-esta-listo-para-afrontar-paro-de-transporte
Constitutional Court upholds TSA ruling against transport monopolies
The Constitutional Court ruled (TC-380-18, published on 10 October 2018) that at least four government ministries and the National Police have failed to take action to end the monopoly and anti-competitive practices in cargo and passenger transport, as determined by a ruling of the Superior Administrative Court (TSA) in 2016. The Constitutional Court considered that the lack of regulation of that economic sector does not give its players the right to affect the competitiveness and development of others. The Constitutional Court says that the ministry of Labor, Industry & Commerce, Defense, Interior & Police and the National Police are not doing their job in regulating the transport sector.
He indicated that this situation has violated the fundamental rights of freedom of business, freedom of contract, free competition and freedom of transit of members of the National Business Council (Conep), an entity that in 2016 filed an action for protection of compliance before the Superior Administrative Court (TSA) demanding that the state institutions be ordered to enforce the legal norms that prohibit monopoly, which was accepted by the court and now confirmed by the Constitutional Court.
https://www.tribunalconstitucional.gob.do/consultas/secretaría/sentencias/tc038018/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...pa-a-ministerios-por-monopolios-en-transporte
US gives its blessing to Punta Catalina power plant?
Former US diplomat-turned businessman Manuel Rocha signed the XCoal Energy & Resources deal with the government-built Punta Catalina power plant for the supplying of coal to the Medina administration built 752MW Punta Catalina power plant. The government has begun tests of the power plant that should begin to serve power to the national grid starting in the first half of 2019. A report in El Dia is headlined that the government achieved that the United States “give its blessing” to Punta Catalina with the signing of the deal.
The power plant is the largest contract negotiated by the Brazilian firm Odebrecht in the Dominican Republic. The company admitted to paying US$92 million in bribes to secure contract work in the country in a New York City court. The case is being heard in the local judiciary, but the Punta Catalina power plant investigation has been excluded from the case.
Manuel Rocha served as acting ambassador (attache d’affairs) in the Dominican Republic, prior to being named to a high-ranking position at the US Embassy Argentina and later to be the US ambassador in Panama. He then joined the private sector, working with Foley & Lardner LLP, and would keep his ties to the Dominican Republic when returning in 2012 as president of the Barrick Gold in the country.
Manuel Rocha signed the contract as senior vice president for XCoal. XCoal won the tender to supply 462,000 metric tons of coal that will be used to fire the Central Termoelectrica Punta Catalina (CTPC) in its test phase.
In a press release from the US Embassy, US Ambassador Robin Bernstein, who was present at the signing, states: “Increasing commercial relations between our countries is one of my key priorities. The United States is and will remain the Dominican Republic’s strongest economic partner. As such, the United States government works closely with the Dominican Government to ensure that public procurement processes, such as the Punta Catalina coal tender, are fair and transparent. With fair and transparent tenders, US companies like Xcoal Energy can compete on a level playing field to ensure the Dominican people receive the best value for their tax dollars from reliable world-class companies.
https://do.usembassy.gov/energy-cor...coal-for-punta-catalina-thermoelectric-plant/
http://eldia.com.do/gobierno-logra-estados-unidos-santigue-a-punta-catalina/
Priest heads community group to reject bus terminal location
Father Frankely Rodríguez is chair of a new Permanent Commission for the Protection and Conservation of the East Park that is rejecting the construction of a major bus terminal on grounds of the park. The park is located on the eastern side of the Ozama River and is a main recreational area for the residents. It was the location for many venues during the 2003 Pan American Games. The Park remains a popular spot for sports activities.
The Ministry of Public Works has begun construction of a bus terminal in an area of 25,000 sq mts in the Park. But many in the eastern Santo Domingo insist that an alternative site needs to be found. The use of the site has the green light by the Ministry of Environment, the National Traffic and Ground Transport Institute (Intrant), the City Government of Eastern Santo Domingo. Nevertheless, community activists say that permits granted to allow the construction of the terminal violate the Constitution, Environmental Law 64-00 and the Ministry of Environment’s own rules and regulations. The councilors of the eastern Santo Domingo government are also in opposition.
http://hoy.com.do/crece-rechazo-a-terminal-de-autobuses-en-el-parque-del-este/
Sight-impaired pedestrians call for less obstacles on the streets
On occasion of the Day of the White Cane, blind people accompanied by supporters marched on Calle del Sol in Santiago to demand more safety and less obstacles on main streets. They walked from Parque Duarte, alongside Calle del Sol, ending in Parque Colón in the city center.
Carrying posters, the organizations demanded from the mayor's office and public works to assist sight-impaired pedestrians, such as placing of grids on the street. The press has reported that there have been an alarming number of accidents involving blind people on Santiago’s streets. Pot holes, motorcycles, missing manhole covers and deteriorated sidewalks all present hazards for the blind.
Rafael Jiménez and Sergio Almonte, of the Dominican Organization of the Blind, lamented that the authorities allow obstacles and cars to occupy sidewalks, which prevent people with this type of disability from walking safely on the city’s streets. The group also demands that the city government prevent piles of sand and other construction materials from being dumped on the sidewalks where they block pedestrians from walking.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10...e/ciegos-marchan-contra-barreras-en-las-vias/
DR exports 6.5 billion cigars to Europe and USA in 2017
The director of the Dominican Tobacco Institute (Intabaco) Juan Francisco Caraballo said that tobacco exports continue to increase. He said in 2017 exports were US$846 million. Exports of cigars to markets in the United States and Europe were more than 6.5 billion units. He said that the number of cigars exported has increased every year since 2012 by 10 to 15% per year. He recalled in 2012, exports were only of 1,773 million cigar units. He said the increase is attributed to the demand that values the quality of Dominican cigars.
He announced new tobacco leaf farming areas have been opened in the province of San Juan de la Maguana, where 4,000 tareas (1 tarea = 629 sq mts) are being planted. Also in Elías Piña provinc, on the border with Haiti, another 4,500 tareas are being planted. In Monte Plata, in the center of the country, an area with 1,000 tareas has been habilitated.
Caraballo said that this year, some 60,000 tareas of the variety Havanensis will be planted; 20,000 of Olor, 2,000 of Burley and 5,000 for capa, in addition to 31,500 of criollo for hojas y andullos, for an overall production of 213,300 quintals of the product.
Guillermo Julián Jiménez to preside ANJE
A graduate of Barna Business School, Guillermo Julián Jiménez, was elected to preside over the Young Entrepreneurs National Association (ANJE). Jiménez is employed as manager of the private office of Juan B. Vicini Lluberes. He will replace Raúl Hoyo. The board of ANJE is now made up by Radhamés Martínez Alñvarez, Susana Martínez Nadal, Luis Manuel Pellerano, Manuel Alejandro Grullón, Jonathan Bournigal Read, Christian Cabral, Jaime Senior, Amalia Vega, José Nelton González and Raúl Hoyo. Jiménez in his inaugural speech called for working together to strengthen and promote the institution.
http://www.anje.org
https://do.linkedin.com/in/guillermo-julián-jiménez-08029189
Colgate offers free dental cleaning
The toothpaste company, Colgate is publicizing its new free dental cleaning program in October. The company has a mobile unit where the dental cleanings are being carried out. But if this unit does not pass through your area, the company has listed the telephone 809 200-0272 where people can call to arrange an appointment with over 400 dentists nationwide that are participating in the program. For more information, see www.colgate.com.do or https://www.instagram.com/colgaterd/
Wellington Arnaud: Where of the details for RD$66 billion in arrears in the 2019 National Budget?
The deputy and presidential candidate for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), Wellington Arnaud, demanded that the Executive Branch, through the Ministry of Hacienda, explain the details of each of the accounts payable amounting for a total of RD $66.13 billion that is listed in article 4 of the bill of the National Budget. The item was listed without any details on how that debt was generated.
Arnaud, who is a member of the bicameral budget commission, criticized that in the 21st century these accounts payable are lumped together and not broken-out by institution. Also lacking are details of how the money was spent, how it was awarded, what was the original amount of the activity that originated the debt, the amount to be paid and to whom it needs to be paid.
"They are playing with our intelligence and want to introduce more than 66 billion pesos of contraband in the 2019 budget,” he criticized. “They know that the creation of accounts payable is totally illegal, shows lack of transparency and constitutes the execution of a hidden budget, not approved within the National Budget Bill, "said Wellington Arnaud.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-mil-millones-de-pesos-en-el-presupuesto-2019
British documentary exposes how easy it is to have child sex here
A British documentary focuses on child sexual exploitation in the Dominican Republic.
The documentary is part of the “Unreported World” series on Channel 4 News. In the documentary, several teenagers say they offer sex because they need the money. The video has gotten more than 5 million views. It seeks to create awareness to combat sexual abuse of minors. The documentary was originally uploaded in May 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZyppB5xTn4
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...prostitucion-de-menores-en-playas-dominicanas
Schedule for choosing judges for Supreme Court of Justice and Constitutional Court
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas reports back on his visit to Kuwait
CNZFE clears 21 more free zone export industries
35 OMSA buses added to 27 de Febrero route on Wednesday
Constitutional Court upholds TSA ruling against transport monopolies
US gives its blessing to Punta Catalina power plant?
Priest heads community group to reject bus terminal location
Sight-impaired pedestrians call for less obstacles on the streets
DR exports 6.5 billion cigars to Europe and USA in 2017
Guillermo Julián Jiménez to preside ANJE
Colgate offers free dental cleaning
Wellington Arnaud: Where of the details for RD$66 billion in arrears in the 2019 National Budget?
British documentary exposes how easy it is to have child sex here
President Medina bets on farming
The Presidency launched the National Plan for Food Sovereignty, Nutritional and Food Security on Tuesday, 16 October 2018. Speaking at a formal event at the Presidential Palace, President Danilo Medina said food security has been a priority of his government from day one.
In this context, Medina explained that food security consists in guaranteeing the availability and access of food to the population to meet the nutritional needs of all citizens. Food sovereignty is the right of a nation to establish agrarian and food policies that guarantee food security, the sustainable development of the Dominican Republic and its independence from the vagaries of international markets. Food sovereignty implies the protection of a country’s domestic market, the support of its producers and the strengthening of the economy.
Medina said to achieve these food and farming systems goals, his administration intends to continue to support farmers. "We support our producers because we are convinced that the only truly sustainable strategy against hunger is the revitalization of the Dominican countryside and its ability to produce food and decent income for families," he said in the keynote speech to launch the plan. "And that is precisely what we have been doing for six years through the surprise visits that all Dominicans already very familiar with."
"The result of all this is that today in our country we produce more than 85% of the food we consume. This is a great achievement that we can feel proud of as Dominicans. This translates into savings for the pockets of the families, because the country has a low or no dependency on imports, enjoys low inflation and scarce price fluctuations,” he said.
He said that the Dominican Republic supplies 100% of the domestic demand for rice, poultry, eggs, pigeon peas, sweet potatoes, yautia, cassava, plantains, bananas, potatoes, squash, peppers, among other crops. He said the production of rice, eggs, milk, pork, chicken and beef for 2017 for the local market was US$1.5 billion, a sum that would have otherwise had to be imported. He estimated local food producers supplied US$857 million to the country’s hotels, and exported US$1.2 billion in food products. “These are figures that clearly show we are on the right path,” said the President.
Medina said that UN FAO statistics, nevertheless, indicate that much work is still needed to improve local nutritional needs. He said the plan presented “will help us focus our efforts on continuing to improve our nutritional status and guarantee that each citizen has access to a wide variety of healthy and wholesome food.”
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...a-republica-dominicana-sea-capaz-de-alimentar
https://www.metrord.do/do/destacado...is-ha-alcanzado-la-seguridad-alimentaria.html
Schedule for choosing judges for Supreme Court of Justice and Constitutional Court
The National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) announced it is receiving pre-candidate registrations starting on Thursday, 18 October 2018, to fill the vacancies that are opening in the Constitutional Court – retiring judges Victor Gomez Berges, Leyda Piña Idelfonso Reyes and Jottin Cury. The process will end on 2 November when the names of the participants in the contest will be published on 9 November.
The announcement was made by Judge of the Supreme Court of Justice Frank Soto, who is the secretary of the Council after a meeting tof the council.
Soto said that prior to the choosing of the Constitutional Court judge replacements, the CNM would evaluate the members of the Supreme Court of Justice. He said a commission would present an amendment to the ruling for this procedure in the next meeting of the CNM on 13 November. Members of the commission are: president of the Senate Reinaldo Pared Pérez, deputy José Paliza, Attorney General Jean Alain Rodríguez and judge Frank Soto.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...nograma-para-proceso-de-seleccion-en-tc-y-scj
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas reports back on his visit to Kuwait
Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas was in Kuwait where he met with high ranking Kuwait government officers. On 16 October 2018, he met with the Minister of Finance of Kuwait Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf. As reported, Vargas and Falah Al-Hajraf discussed a number of important topics, including ways to strengthen economic and trade ties and cooperation between both countries.
During the visit, Vargas also met with the director general of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Abdulwahab A. Al-Bader, who made available to the Dominican Republic financing and cooperation for projects of infrastructure and other sectors. The KFAED finances infrastructure works (ports, airports, highways), agricultural development initiatives, among others.
In Kuwait, Vargas also visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait where he was received by the organization’s president, Ali M. Thunaian Al-Ghanin, who highlighted the good relations between the two countries, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Relations. The Dominican minister explained the excellent investment climate that prevails in the Dominican Republic and the advantages it offers to foreign capital, due to trade agreements signed with the United States, the European Union and Central America and the Caribbean.
On Tuesday, 16 October, Vargas also met with Yosef Al Fouzan, an official of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Kuwait, with whom he discussed the relevance of improving air connectivity with the Dominican Republic. In December 2016 the two countries signed an aviation agreement that is in the process of approval by both countries. This will allow a Kuwaiti airline to fly to the Dominican Republic. The meeting was also attended by Luis Ernesto Camilo, director of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC); and Ambassador Hugo Beras.
During his stay in Kuwait, Vargas held a luncheon meeting with Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Sabah, former prime minister of Kuwait, during which they discussed various issues.
The Foreign Ministry delegation that accompanied Vargas was composed of Vargas’ wife, ambassador Angelita García; Ambassador Hugo Guiliani and the president of the JAC. Finally, Vargas also met with executives of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC).
http://www.mirex.gob.do/medios/noticias/fondo-kuwaiti-hace-oferta-cooperacion-financiamiento-a-rd
https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2753217&language=en
CNZFE clears 21 more free zone export industries
21 free zone manufacturing industries were approved for installation in the provinces of Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macoris, La Romana, La Vega, Bonao, Santiago, Moca and Puerto Plata by the National Council of Export Free Zones (CNZFE). The new companies will employ an estimated 1,944 persons, according to a press release from the CNZFE that shared the good news with the public.
Industry & Commerce Minister Nelson Toca Simó presided over the board meeting that approved the new manufacturers. He said they will be investing over RD$2 billion in new installations. It is expected that the new businesses will generate around US$18.4 million in annual exports.
Luisa Fernandez, executive director of the CNZFE, said that the companies will manufacture footwear, machinery, industrial parts, boats, tobacco products, firefighting equipment, and apparel.
https://www.metrord.do/do/noticias/...misos-instalar-21-empresas-zonas-francas.html
35 OMSA buses added to 27 de Febrero route on Wednesday
The government announced it has added 35 more OMSA buses to the 27 de Febrero route in case Fenatrano goes ahead with the announced bus stoppage on Wednesday, 17 October 2018. Fenatrano is protesting high fuel prices and the fact that big companies are benefitting while the general consumer is forced to pay the bill.
Fenatrano president, Juan Hubieres has stated: "We must eliminate the mafia that large companies have with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), from which they obtain 43 pesos per gallon, money that does not go to the people but to the pockets of the rich," he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense announced the military will step up patrols to ensure that the work stoppage planned for Wednesday is peaceful.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...egara-35-buses-en-la-ruta-de-la-27-de-febrero
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ran-el-gran-santo-domingo-ante-llamado-a-paro
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...o-esta-listo-para-afrontar-paro-de-transporte
Constitutional Court upholds TSA ruling against transport monopolies
The Constitutional Court ruled (TC-380-18, published on 10 October 2018) that at least four government ministries and the National Police have failed to take action to end the monopoly and anti-competitive practices in cargo and passenger transport, as determined by a ruling of the Superior Administrative Court (TSA) in 2016. The Constitutional Court considered that the lack of regulation of that economic sector does not give its players the right to affect the competitiveness and development of others. The Constitutional Court says that the ministry of Labor, Industry & Commerce, Defense, Interior & Police and the National Police are not doing their job in regulating the transport sector.
He indicated that this situation has violated the fundamental rights of freedom of business, freedom of contract, free competition and freedom of transit of members of the National Business Council (Conep), an entity that in 2016 filed an action for protection of compliance before the Superior Administrative Court (TSA) demanding that the state institutions be ordered to enforce the legal norms that prohibit monopoly, which was accepted by the court and now confirmed by the Constitutional Court.
https://www.tribunalconstitucional.gob.do/consultas/secretaría/sentencias/tc038018/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...pa-a-ministerios-por-monopolios-en-transporte
US gives its blessing to Punta Catalina power plant?
Former US diplomat-turned businessman Manuel Rocha signed the XCoal Energy & Resources deal with the government-built Punta Catalina power plant for the supplying of coal to the Medina administration built 752MW Punta Catalina power plant. The government has begun tests of the power plant that should begin to serve power to the national grid starting in the first half of 2019. A report in El Dia is headlined that the government achieved that the United States “give its blessing” to Punta Catalina with the signing of the deal.
The power plant is the largest contract negotiated by the Brazilian firm Odebrecht in the Dominican Republic. The company admitted to paying US$92 million in bribes to secure contract work in the country in a New York City court. The case is being heard in the local judiciary, but the Punta Catalina power plant investigation has been excluded from the case.
Manuel Rocha served as acting ambassador (attache d’affairs) in the Dominican Republic, prior to being named to a high-ranking position at the US Embassy Argentina and later to be the US ambassador in Panama. He then joined the private sector, working with Foley & Lardner LLP, and would keep his ties to the Dominican Republic when returning in 2012 as president of the Barrick Gold in the country.
Manuel Rocha signed the contract as senior vice president for XCoal. XCoal won the tender to supply 462,000 metric tons of coal that will be used to fire the Central Termoelectrica Punta Catalina (CTPC) in its test phase.
In a press release from the US Embassy, US Ambassador Robin Bernstein, who was present at the signing, states: “Increasing commercial relations between our countries is one of my key priorities. The United States is and will remain the Dominican Republic’s strongest economic partner. As such, the United States government works closely with the Dominican Government to ensure that public procurement processes, such as the Punta Catalina coal tender, are fair and transparent. With fair and transparent tenders, US companies like Xcoal Energy can compete on a level playing field to ensure the Dominican people receive the best value for their tax dollars from reliable world-class companies.
https://do.usembassy.gov/energy-cor...coal-for-punta-catalina-thermoelectric-plant/
http://eldia.com.do/gobierno-logra-estados-unidos-santigue-a-punta-catalina/
Priest heads community group to reject bus terminal location
Father Frankely Rodríguez is chair of a new Permanent Commission for the Protection and Conservation of the East Park that is rejecting the construction of a major bus terminal on grounds of the park. The park is located on the eastern side of the Ozama River and is a main recreational area for the residents. It was the location for many venues during the 2003 Pan American Games. The Park remains a popular spot for sports activities.
The Ministry of Public Works has begun construction of a bus terminal in an area of 25,000 sq mts in the Park. But many in the eastern Santo Domingo insist that an alternative site needs to be found. The use of the site has the green light by the Ministry of Environment, the National Traffic and Ground Transport Institute (Intrant), the City Government of Eastern Santo Domingo. Nevertheless, community activists say that permits granted to allow the construction of the terminal violate the Constitution, Environmental Law 64-00 and the Ministry of Environment’s own rules and regulations. The councilors of the eastern Santo Domingo government are also in opposition.
http://hoy.com.do/crece-rechazo-a-terminal-de-autobuses-en-el-parque-del-este/
Sight-impaired pedestrians call for less obstacles on the streets
On occasion of the Day of the White Cane, blind people accompanied by supporters marched on Calle del Sol in Santiago to demand more safety and less obstacles on main streets. They walked from Parque Duarte, alongside Calle del Sol, ending in Parque Colón in the city center.
Carrying posters, the organizations demanded from the mayor's office and public works to assist sight-impaired pedestrians, such as placing of grids on the street. The press has reported that there have been an alarming number of accidents involving blind people on Santiago’s streets. Pot holes, motorcycles, missing manhole covers and deteriorated sidewalks all present hazards for the blind.
Rafael Jiménez and Sergio Almonte, of the Dominican Organization of the Blind, lamented that the authorities allow obstacles and cars to occupy sidewalks, which prevent people with this type of disability from walking safely on the city’s streets. The group also demands that the city government prevent piles of sand and other construction materials from being dumped on the sidewalks where they block pedestrians from walking.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10...e/ciegos-marchan-contra-barreras-en-las-vias/
DR exports 6.5 billion cigars to Europe and USA in 2017
The director of the Dominican Tobacco Institute (Intabaco) Juan Francisco Caraballo said that tobacco exports continue to increase. He said in 2017 exports were US$846 million. Exports of cigars to markets in the United States and Europe were more than 6.5 billion units. He said that the number of cigars exported has increased every year since 2012 by 10 to 15% per year. He recalled in 2012, exports were only of 1,773 million cigar units. He said the increase is attributed to the demand that values the quality of Dominican cigars.
He announced new tobacco leaf farming areas have been opened in the province of San Juan de la Maguana, where 4,000 tareas (1 tarea = 629 sq mts) are being planted. Also in Elías Piña provinc, on the border with Haiti, another 4,500 tareas are being planted. In Monte Plata, in the center of the country, an area with 1,000 tareas has been habilitated.
Caraballo said that this year, some 60,000 tareas of the variety Havanensis will be planted; 20,000 of Olor, 2,000 of Burley and 5,000 for capa, in addition to 31,500 of criollo for hojas y andullos, for an overall production of 213,300 quintals of the product.
Guillermo Julián Jiménez to preside ANJE
A graduate of Barna Business School, Guillermo Julián Jiménez, was elected to preside over the Young Entrepreneurs National Association (ANJE). Jiménez is employed as manager of the private office of Juan B. Vicini Lluberes. He will replace Raúl Hoyo. The board of ANJE is now made up by Radhamés Martínez Alñvarez, Susana Martínez Nadal, Luis Manuel Pellerano, Manuel Alejandro Grullón, Jonathan Bournigal Read, Christian Cabral, Jaime Senior, Amalia Vega, José Nelton González and Raúl Hoyo. Jiménez in his inaugural speech called for working together to strengthen and promote the institution.
http://www.anje.org
https://do.linkedin.com/in/guillermo-julián-jiménez-08029189
Colgate offers free dental cleaning
The toothpaste company, Colgate is publicizing its new free dental cleaning program in October. The company has a mobile unit where the dental cleanings are being carried out. But if this unit does not pass through your area, the company has listed the telephone 809 200-0272 where people can call to arrange an appointment with over 400 dentists nationwide that are participating in the program. For more information, see www.colgate.com.do or https://www.instagram.com/colgaterd/
Wellington Arnaud: Where of the details for RD$66 billion in arrears in the 2019 National Budget?
The deputy and presidential candidate for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), Wellington Arnaud, demanded that the Executive Branch, through the Ministry of Hacienda, explain the details of each of the accounts payable amounting for a total of RD $66.13 billion that is listed in article 4 of the bill of the National Budget. The item was listed without any details on how that debt was generated.
Arnaud, who is a member of the bicameral budget commission, criticized that in the 21st century these accounts payable are lumped together and not broken-out by institution. Also lacking are details of how the money was spent, how it was awarded, what was the original amount of the activity that originated the debt, the amount to be paid and to whom it needs to be paid.
"They are playing with our intelligence and want to introduce more than 66 billion pesos of contraband in the 2019 budget,” he criticized. “They know that the creation of accounts payable is totally illegal, shows lack of transparency and constitutes the execution of a hidden budget, not approved within the National Budget Bill, "said Wellington Arnaud.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-mil-millones-de-pesos-en-el-presupuesto-2019
British documentary exposes how easy it is to have child sex here
A British documentary focuses on child sexual exploitation in the Dominican Republic.
The documentary is part of the “Unreported World” series on Channel 4 News. In the documentary, several teenagers say they offer sex because they need the money. The video has gotten more than 5 million views. It seeks to create awareness to combat sexual abuse of minors. The documentary was originally uploaded in May 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZyppB5xTn4
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...prostitucion-de-menores-en-playas-dominicanas