DR1 Daily News next update on 22 October 2018
DR moves up 22 slots on World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness report
CNTraveler: Santo Domingo is a star
Buyers for Punta Catalina coal-fired plant
Santo Domingo gets the backing of Madrid city government
Passport applications and renewals online
Register your company name in just a day
DR is giving up too much for pre-clearance, says former Migration Agency director
Fishermen protest arrest by Bahamas authorities, they say they were in international waters
Was a Spanish minister bribing Dominican government officers?
Shouting insults in the Chamber of Deputies
Fenatrano calls off strike after Omsa announces free bus service
High reproduction rates of green iguanas concern environmentalists
Fire burns motorcycle assembly plant
Percival band assailants sentenced
Blas Peralta killing of Mateo Aquino Febrillet: Was it murder or a killing?
Claro Tec Empresarial at the Embajador Hotel
Folklore show at Mamey in Colonial City
DR1 Daily News next update on 22 October 2018
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 22 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
DR moves up 22 slots on World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness report
The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2018 ranks the Dominican Republic 82nd of 140 countries. In the 2017 report, the country was ranked 104th of 137 countries. Pedro Brache, president of the National Business Council, attributed the improvement to new public-private efforts lead by the National Competitiveness Council to reduce obstacles to doing business.
The country scored best in labor market (51st), health (63rd), market size (69th), financial system (70th), and infrastructure (77th). The worst performance was measured by the indicators on institutions (99th), innovation capacity (94th), skills (90th), business dynamism (90th), product market (84th) and ICT adoption (82nd).
The institutions ranking has improved from 129th in the previous report to the present 99th. The DR, nevertheless, continues to score poorly in the institutions category, with an incidence of corruption ranking of 113th, homicide rate of 127th ranking, and reliability of police services at 131st ranking, and judicial independence scoring 125th. This confirms findings of the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index 2017 where the Dominican Republic is listed 135th of 180 countries.
The Global Competitiveness Report is a platform for leaders to understand and anticipate emerging economic and social trends, and to adapt policies and practices to the rapidly evolving economy and society. The Global Competitiveness Report is designed to help policy-makers, business leaders and other stakeholders around the world shape their economic strategies in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Of the 140 countries listed, the Dominican Republic with a 57.4 score is ranked 82nd, only above Ecuador (55.8), Paraguay (53.4), Guatemala (53.4), El Salvador (52.8), Honduras (52.5), Nicaragua (51.5), Venezuela (43.2) and Haiti (36.5) in Latin America and the Caribbean. The top five best performing Latin American and Caribbean countries are: Chile (70.3), Mexico (64.6), Uruguay (62.7), Costa Rica (62.1), and Colombia (61.6).
The Dominican Republic’s island neighbor, Haiti is ranked lowest in the survey in corporate governance, and overall 138th of 140 countries, with its institutions ranked 138th, too.
http://reports.weforum.org/pdf/gci4-2018/WEF_GCI4_2018_Profile_DOM.pdf
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GCR2018/05FullReport/TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2018.pdf
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...l-conep-sobre-indice-global-de-competitividad
http://reports.weforum.org/global-c...1539853324.9105319976806640625000#economy=DOM
https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/corruption_perceptions_index_2017
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...conomico-mundial-los-32-paises-mas-corruptos/
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...rrupcion-mundial-segun-foro-economico-mundial
CNTraveler: Santo Domingo is a star
Condé Nast Traveler has voted Santo Domingo among their most friendly cities in the world. The results were based on a query in the 31st annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.
CN Traveler explains: “For years, we've asked our readers to rate a city's "friendliness" in the Readers’ Choice Awards survey, focusing on where you felt welcome. Did an outgoing local show you the way? Was the city easy to navigate? Hundreds of thousands of readers took the survey this year. “
The results were published online on August 2018. In 2018, these are the friendliest cities in the world according to Conde Nast Traveler readers:
The Readers’ Choice Awards are described as the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. In 2018, nearly half a million readers rated their travel experiences and gave high grades to the newly renovated historic center of the capital city.
The most friendly cities according to Conde Nast Traveler readers:
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Cork, Ireland
Queenstown, New Zealand
Galway, Ireland
Puebla, Mexico
Adelaide, Australia
Dublin, Ireland
Victoria, Canada
Chiang Mai, Thailand
In its text on the city, CN Traveler says:
“Punta Cana and Samana may get hyped for their idyllic coasts and mega-resorts, but Santo Domingo is our readers’ favorite spot in the Dominican Republic. The colonial town is full of old-world charm, ‘stunning’ beaches and ‘kind, warm-hearted people.’ One reader mentioned that “customer service is their priority so expect to be pampered at all times.” Add to that some quaint shops and leafy boulevards made for late-night strolls and you have yourself a capital city that scores serious points.”
The 2018 Readers' Choice Awards are celebrated in Condé Nast Traveler's November issue on newsstands October 16 and on online at www.cntraveler.com/rca
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...ndo-en-reader-s-choice-awards-2018-LD11033967
https://www.cntraveler.com/gallerie...ndliest-and-unfriendliest-cities-in-the-world
Buyers for Punta Catalina coal fired power plant
US investors have shown strong interest in purchasing the 752 MW Punta Catalina coal-fired power central under construction in southern Peravia province, as reported in El Dia. The newspaper speculates this could be why US Ambassador Robin Bernstein was present at the signing of the coal supply agreement for the test period of the power plant by US company, XCoal Energy & Resources.
As reported, three offers have been made, one of which would call for the purchase of 80% ownership for US$2 billion. Spokespeople for the power plant, nevertheless, told El Dia reporters that the priority is to finish the power plant so that it can enter into operation as programmed next year.
As reported, the power plant on record has cost US$2.1 billion of which US$1.23 billion came from government revenues, US$291 million was borrowed from the SACE European bank, US$595 million was financed with sovereign bonds. The government has also committed to advance US$336 million to Odebrecht-Technimont to finish the project, pending the results of arbitration in a New York court.
Initially, the government contracted the plant for US$1.94 billion, but had to incur in additional costs when the BNDES funding offered by the Brazilian government collapsed after the Odebrecht global bribes scandal.
El Dia article speculates that the price would not be enough to cover the total costs incurred by the Dominican government to build the power plant.
http://eldia.com.do/estadounidenses-quieren-el-80-de-punta-catalina/
Santo Domingo gets the backing of Madrid city government
The city mayors of Madrid and Santo Domingo, Manuela Carmena and David Collado, signed a declaration of intent whereby a comprehensive collaboration program would be developed with policies and initiatives for mutual benefit. The signing was at the City Government of Madrid, under the umbrella of the Union of Iberoamerican Capital Cities (UCCI). Collado has requested assistance from the city government of Madrid for urban clean up and firefighting efforts.
Also present was Dominican ambassador to Spain, lawyer Olivo Rodríguez Huertas. Mayor Carmen has offered her backing to the city of Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo is the first Spanish city in the Americas.
During the event, Rodríguez Huertas invited Mayor Collado to attend the Feria del Libro de Madrid that will be held 31 May to 16 June 2019 and that this year is dedicated to the Dominican Republic.
https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2018/10/18/537936/madrid-y-santo-domingo-firman-acuerdo
Passport applications and renewals online
The Passports Agency (DGP) announced Dominican passports can be requested online for the same cost as when applying in person. Director of the agency, Aura Toribio, said they will no longer be levying the RD$300 online transactions charge. First time passport requests and renewals are accepted for adults and minors. The service is still only available for residents in the Dominican Republic.
http://solicitudweb.pasaportes.gob.do/
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias/pasaportes-anula-pago-de-300-pesos-por-servicios-en-linea
Register your company name in just a day
The National Office for Industrial Property (Onapi) announced that commercial name certificates are being issued in a single day, as compared to five days in the past. She said requests can be made at 8am and the next day by 8am, the certificate for the name will be issued or rejected. The transactions can be carried out online. Michele Guzman of Onapi said that the fast tracking of the certificates occurred after President Danilo Medina issued Decree 260-18.
DR is giving up too much for pre-clearance, says former Migration Agency director
The Dominican Republic would be giving up too much if it signs the pre-clearance aviation agreement for Punta Cana International Airport, with a migratory matters annex on refugees, says former Migration Agency director, Jose Ricarto Taveras. The Constitutional Court now needs to issue its opinion on the Pre-Clearance Agreement for US customs clearance that has been approved for Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
Former Migration Agency director, lawyer José Ricardo Taveras explains that the terms of the addendum are “unacceptable” and in violation of the Dominican Constitution. He says these violate the principle of national sovereignty when establishing that US officers would be guardians of the national policy of refugees. The agreement obliges the Dominican authorities to be accountable to the US government.
Taveras, who is also the general secretary of the National Progressive Force (FNP) political party, explained that the annex obliges the Dominican Republic to provide alternative means to those established by Dominican law in favor of people who do not meet the local migratory requirements. Taveras alerted this should be rejected by the Constitutional Court that is reviewing the agreement.
Taveras said that the pros of the agreement are not sufficient for the country to be lenient in its approval. He said the annex is contrary to the original nature of the agreement, given the country’s geopolitical circumstances. “What is the place for an annex on refugees in an aviation pre-clearance agreement?, asks Taveras. He said the scope of the agreement was all about tourists arriving via the Punta Cana International Airport, where it would be implemented. The pre-clearance agreement would also reduce the number of illegal Dominicans traveling to the United States.
The agreement was negotiated two years ago and signed by Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas Maldonado and former US Ambassador James Brewster to include the annex. Following the signing, President Danilo Medina sent the bill to the Constitutional Court for its opinion, as reported in Listin Diario. This is the reason why the service has not begun at the Punta Cana International Airport, where major investments were made to accommodate the new service.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-juzga-inconstitucional-el-acuerdo-migratorio
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...erdo-de-prechequeo-a-espera-de-fallo-en-el-tc
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...checking-deja-a-eeuu-inmune-y-con-privilegios
Fishermen protest arrest by Bahamas authorities, they say they were in international waters
The Association of Fisherboat Owners of Puerto Plata has requested government assistance to protest what they call the persecution, indiscriminate arrest and repression of their members. They are protesting that 148 fishermen have been arrested on high seas.
The Bahamas authorities claim they were fishing in their waters, the local fishermen say they were in international waters. The Association says that the Bahamas authorities only attest to the arrest of 124 fishermen.
Legal advisor for the Association, José Carlos González requested intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Relations to stop what they call the persecution of Dominican fishermen by the Bahamian authorities. They are calling for the release from arrest of the crews of Paul, Digna Rosa and Chiqui fisherboats. He denied the crew confronted the Bahamians with firearms. He said Dominican fisherboats are checked by the local authorities for firearms prior to leaving port.
González complained that the Dominican Republic is the only country in the world that does not have laws that protect territorial waters.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...aman-a-las-bahamas-libertad-de-148-pescadores
Was a Spanish minister bribing Dominican government officers?
Spanish online news media, El Confidential says that Spanish judiciary is investigating the donation of US$500,000 that allegedly was paid to the Dominican government by Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce of Spain then under Miguel Sebastián who served under the government of José Luís Rodríguez Zapatero. The US$500,000 was reportedly to train staff that would work at the Merca Santo Domingo, a produce market built by the Spanish company Mercasa.
Also under investigation is a RD$500,000 donation that supposedly was made for the electoral campaign of President Danilo Medina in 2011. The investigations are underway by the Juzgado de Instrucción Número 5 de la Audiencia Nacional in Madrid that is investigating the case of Mercasa, a public market, for possible bribes paid abroad. The payment is mentioned in an audit on the Sociedad Estatal de Mercados Centrales de Abastecimiento.
http://diario16.com/escandalo-mercasa-salpica-tambien-miguel-sebastian/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...rno-dominicano-rd500-mil-campana-danilo-2011/
https://www.elconfidencial.com/espa...stian-donacion-presidente-dominicano_1630751/
http://hoy.com.do/apd-reclama-respuesta-por-caso-de-sobornos-mercasa/
Shouting insults in the Chamber of Deputies
The coordinator of Participación Ciudadana civic group criticized the surliness (tigueraje) present in Congress and the negative attitude that permeates the Chamber of Deputies legislators. Miriam Diaz Santana said the attitude, evidenced by a video that is circulating on social media of the Tuesday, 16 October 2018, session is shameful. She rebuked the behavior of two deputies whose volleyball of shouts and insults was seen after a YouTube video was uploaded.
Santana said: "What we have is lowliness in the National Congress, where any citizen who has economic or political power aspires to a deputy, invests a large amount of money and is elected legislator, and that is why you see that type of behavior in full session of the deputies due to the low academic status of many of them, as evidenced in the screaming of insults," said Diaz Santana.
This Tuesday, the deputies Pedro Botello, of La Romana, and Manuel Diaz, of Villa Altagracia (San Cristóbal), held a shouting match of insults in the day’s session. Efforts by Deputies president, Radhamés Camacho, to calm the two were to no avail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYXf05tjeHU
https://elnacional.com.do/coordinad...e-en-el-congreso-y-repudia-actitud-diputados/
Fenatrano calls off strike after Omsa announces free bus service
The governmental bus service, OMSA ordered free service on Wednesday, 17 October 2018, in response to the announced work stoppage by Fenatrano bus units. Hector Mojica, director of the entity, said that Omsa service was reinforced by units lent to it by the Ministry of Education, the Cesac, Air Force, Customs, Port Authority and other government agencies. Mojica said the free rides were offered to expedite the service and avoid long queues. He said the extra buses were put on key routes along the Maximo Gomez and 27 de Febrero avenues to guarantee people would have the means to get to their jobs.
The strike and protest march to the Ministry of Industry & Commerce called by Fenatrano president Juan Hubieres was then called off and did not take place. Later Hubieres claimed he never called for the strike.
A report in El Nacional speculates that the positioning of police- military and the free bus service offered by Omsa discouraged the Fenatrano and other disgruntled transport groups of transport workers to go ahead with the protests. The coordinated effort of the government agencies were effective deterrents to the march that was to take place in front of the Ministry of Industry & Commerce on Av. 27 de Febrero and the bus work stoppage scheduled for Wednesday.
https://elnacional.com.do/mojica-an...rcularan-gratis-este-miercoles-17-de-octubre/
http://hoy.com.do/juan-hubiere-niega-que-convocara-paro-hoy/
https://elnacional.com.do/despliegue-militar-obligo-a-choferes-desistir-de-marcha/
High reproduction rates of green iguanas concern environmentalists
Diario Libre alerts that green iguanas are reproducing in the Dominican Republic at alarming rates and represent a major threat to local wildlife. Environmentalists say the iguana is running wild in Los Haitises and Peravia province and is a threat to local species.
The reptile was noticed on 3 October 2018 by an tour group photographer Natanael Kelly in Cayo las Aves, in the National Park Los Haitises who sounded the alarm. Guide Wilfredo Benjamin later confirmed the identity of the species and said it was a first time the iguana was sighted in the park. The Cayo las Aves area, which is 145 meters long by 50 meters wide, is a major attraction for tourists arriving on boat for his natural exuberance.
Its scientific name is of the creature is Iguana iguana and it is a native of Central and South America. It can measure up to two meters long and weigh 15 kg. It reproduces in February. Because of its capacity to turn green, it can hide well in the forests.
As reported in Diario Libre, Dr. Stesha Pasachnik of the International Iguana Foundation, who has for years researched iguanas in the country, said the species is a threat to local fauna. “The invasion of the green iguanas outside of their natural distribution is a real threat that could lead to a widespread problem in the Caribbean. Islands such as Puerto Rico and Grand Cayman are being invaded by the species. She said the first green iguanas were reported in 2012, but the problem has been growing and she called for measures to eradicate the species because of its threat to the survival of native wild fauna, infrastructure and tourism.
Ernst Rupp, Grupo Jaragua researcher, said that the green iguanas have been sighted in Paya, Baní. He also called for a plan for their eradication.
Diario Libre cites an article in El Nuevo Dia in Puerto Rico whereby the reptiles were said to have damaged highways, delayed airline flights, eliminated entire ornamental flora in gardens and crop harvests, leaving their feces in pools and Jacuzzis and interrupting the electricity service. He said the species was introduced as a pet in Puerto Rico in the 1960s.
In the Dominican Republic there are two endemic iguana species – Iguana Rinoceronte (Cyclura cornuta) and the Ricord (Cyclura ricordi). Both species are in danger of extinction.
In the Dominican Republic the domestication and marketing of the green iguana is illegal. Nevertheless, these green iguanas can be seen for sale at stands along the 6 de Noviembre highway, and in Paya in Baní, Peravia.
https://www.diariolibre.com/medioam...ra-el-parque-nacional-los-haitises-LD11039417
Fire burns motorcycle assembly plant
Residents in Santo Domingo observed since dawn of Wednesday, 18 October 2018, plumes of black smoke caused by a major fire at a warehouse and motorcycle assembly manufacturer identified as Kuso Motors/ Susana Hermanos in Villa Juana that housed motorcycle parts and hardware goods, in northern National District.
The fire started at around 6pm on Tuesday and was extinguished Tuesday evening. The smoldering rubble produced acrid smoke even after it was declared out. The smoke mostly affected the east and west sides of Avenida Maximo Gomez in the Villa Juana and Ensanche La Fe area of the city, north of Av. John F. Kennedy. It coincided with the declaration of strike by Fenatrano and many speculated protestors were burning tires and causing the smoke. Witnesses in the area where the warehouse is located, at Calle 23 between Paraguay and Mauricio Baez streets in Villa Juana, said the fire began after electrical service was restored following a blackout. Several homes evacuated.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...afecta-sectores-del-sur-del-distrito-nacional
https://elnacional.com.do/fuego-destruye-almacen-de-motos-y-ferreteria-en-villa-juana/
Percival band assailants sentenced
The First Collegiate Court of the National District sentenced on Wednesday, 18 October 2018, Brayan Peter Félix Paulino (Mariachi) to 30 years in jail and Francisco Alberto de Jesús Caraballo de 20 years in jail for participation in several assaults under ring-leader, the late John Percival. These two are also sentenced to compensate the relatives of the affected by their crimes with RD$10 million, and another RD$10 million to the Banco Popular Dominicano, for damages during a bank robbery.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10...nal-condena-dos-implicados-banda-de-percival/
Blas Peralta killing of Mateo Aquino Febrillet: Was it murder or a killing?
News talk shows and social media are analyzing the dissident vote of judges Miriam Brito and Juan Hiroito Reyes in the Supreme Court of Justice revision of the First Collegiate Court of the National District sentence for 30 years in jail to Blas Peralta, the former kingpin of the nation’s leading truckers’ association, Fenatrado. The judges say the ruling should have been for a homicide and not murder (homicidio vs. asesinato). The Supreme Court confirmed the sentence of 30 years, the maximum sentence in the Dominican Republic, and cash compensation to Aquino’s three children and his wife in the amount of RD$31 million.
Peralta’s lawyers say they will appeal the verdict to the Constitutional Court. Peralta attorneys are seeking a reduction of the 30-year sentence to, at most, 20 years, which is the maximum penalty applied for homicide in the country. The Peralta defense denies there was premeditation in the case of the murder of the former UASD rector, Mateo Aquino Febrillet and describes the incident as an unfortunate ending of a row between two people. Another man in the same vehicle was the intended target of Peralta. This person escaped uninjured.
The defense of Peralta argues that it was never the intention of their client to kill Aquino Febrillet. The shots fired did injure Aquino Febrillet’s secretary.
Lawyer José Parra Báez, for the Aquino family, says that during the trial it was proved there was premeditation that turns the killing from a homicide into a murder case.
https://elnacional.com.do/ven-condena-a-peralta-podria-ser-anulada/
Claro Tec Empresarial at the Embajador Hotel
US technology policy expert and former senior advisor for innovation to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Alec Ross and Victor di Bari, are two of the guest speakers at the Claro Tec Empresarial high-tech telecom conference taking place 18 and 19 October 2018, at the grounds of the Embajador Hotel. Ross is the author of the 2016 non-fiction bestseller “The Industries of the Future” that explores the forces that will change the world in robotics, genetics, digital currency, coding and big data. Futurist Vito Di Bari is an innovation trends keynote speaker. He has been UNESCO's executive director of the International Multimedia Institute in the city of Milan, Italy, and professor of design and management of innovation at Politecnico di Milano and Bocconi University both in Milan, Italy.
Claro Tec is an event that highlights the latest trends in digital technology that support growth towards productivity and competitiveness. On the program are conferences and demonstrations on: City and Smart Business, Education, Cybersecurity, Hospitality, Health and Artificial Intelligence.
In addition to the keynote addresses by Alec Ross and Vito di Bari, there will be around 15 more experts in digital transformation.
http://clarotec.do/
http://clarotec.do/assets/agenda-conferencias-clarotec-2018.pdf
Folklore show at Mamey in Colonial City
Folklorist Xiomara Fortuna will be presenting “Son Verdad,” her first album this Thursday, 18 October 2018 at Mamey on Calle Mercedes 315 in the Colonial City. The performance is a tribute to Dominican folklore. Entertainment writers say that Xiomara Fortuna is following in the footsteps of leading Dominican folklorist Casandra Damirón. The presentation is set for 7pm.
The show features performances of several Dominican folkloric rhythms, including “carabiné,” “mangulina”, “salves” and more traditional merengue. She will be performing to music by Dominican composers Bienvenido Brens, Luis Kalaf, and rendering tribute to singers such as late Elenita Santos, and her “El Rayito de Sol.” She will be accompanied by percussionists Otoniel Nicolás, José Rodríguez, Raúl Sánchez, Luis Darío Sánchez, among others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbGPa81JEXs
https://acento.com.do/2018/spk-espe...ocheson-verdad-tributo-al-folclor-dominicano/
DR moves up 22 slots on World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness report
CNTraveler: Santo Domingo is a star
Buyers for Punta Catalina coal-fired plant
Santo Domingo gets the backing of Madrid city government
Passport applications and renewals online
Register your company name in just a day
DR is giving up too much for pre-clearance, says former Migration Agency director
Fishermen protest arrest by Bahamas authorities, they say they were in international waters
Was a Spanish minister bribing Dominican government officers?
Shouting insults in the Chamber of Deputies
Fenatrano calls off strike after Omsa announces free bus service
High reproduction rates of green iguanas concern environmentalists
Fire burns motorcycle assembly plant
Percival band assailants sentenced
Blas Peralta killing of Mateo Aquino Febrillet: Was it murder or a killing?
Claro Tec Empresarial at the Embajador Hotel
Folklore show at Mamey in Colonial City
DR1 Daily News next update on 22 October 2018
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 22 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
DR moves up 22 slots on World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness report
The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2018 ranks the Dominican Republic 82nd of 140 countries. In the 2017 report, the country was ranked 104th of 137 countries. Pedro Brache, president of the National Business Council, attributed the improvement to new public-private efforts lead by the National Competitiveness Council to reduce obstacles to doing business.
The country scored best in labor market (51st), health (63rd), market size (69th), financial system (70th), and infrastructure (77th). The worst performance was measured by the indicators on institutions (99th), innovation capacity (94th), skills (90th), business dynamism (90th), product market (84th) and ICT adoption (82nd).
The institutions ranking has improved from 129th in the previous report to the present 99th. The DR, nevertheless, continues to score poorly in the institutions category, with an incidence of corruption ranking of 113th, homicide rate of 127th ranking, and reliability of police services at 131st ranking, and judicial independence scoring 125th. This confirms findings of the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index 2017 where the Dominican Republic is listed 135th of 180 countries.
The Global Competitiveness Report is a platform for leaders to understand and anticipate emerging economic and social trends, and to adapt policies and practices to the rapidly evolving economy and society. The Global Competitiveness Report is designed to help policy-makers, business leaders and other stakeholders around the world shape their economic strategies in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Of the 140 countries listed, the Dominican Republic with a 57.4 score is ranked 82nd, only above Ecuador (55.8), Paraguay (53.4), Guatemala (53.4), El Salvador (52.8), Honduras (52.5), Nicaragua (51.5), Venezuela (43.2) and Haiti (36.5) in Latin America and the Caribbean. The top five best performing Latin American and Caribbean countries are: Chile (70.3), Mexico (64.6), Uruguay (62.7), Costa Rica (62.1), and Colombia (61.6).
The Dominican Republic’s island neighbor, Haiti is ranked lowest in the survey in corporate governance, and overall 138th of 140 countries, with its institutions ranked 138th, too.
http://reports.weforum.org/pdf/gci4-2018/WEF_GCI4_2018_Profile_DOM.pdf
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GCR2018/05FullReport/TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2018.pdf
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...l-conep-sobre-indice-global-de-competitividad
http://reports.weforum.org/global-c...1539853324.9105319976806640625000#economy=DOM
https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/corruption_perceptions_index_2017
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...conomico-mundial-los-32-paises-mas-corruptos/
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...rrupcion-mundial-segun-foro-economico-mundial
CNTraveler: Santo Domingo is a star
Condé Nast Traveler has voted Santo Domingo among their most friendly cities in the world. The results were based on a query in the 31st annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.
CN Traveler explains: “For years, we've asked our readers to rate a city's "friendliness" in the Readers’ Choice Awards survey, focusing on where you felt welcome. Did an outgoing local show you the way? Was the city easy to navigate? Hundreds of thousands of readers took the survey this year. “
The results were published online on August 2018. In 2018, these are the friendliest cities in the world according to Conde Nast Traveler readers:
The Readers’ Choice Awards are described as the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. In 2018, nearly half a million readers rated their travel experiences and gave high grades to the newly renovated historic center of the capital city.
The most friendly cities according to Conde Nast Traveler readers:
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Cork, Ireland
Queenstown, New Zealand
Galway, Ireland
Puebla, Mexico
Adelaide, Australia
Dublin, Ireland
Victoria, Canada
Chiang Mai, Thailand
In its text on the city, CN Traveler says:
“Punta Cana and Samana may get hyped for their idyllic coasts and mega-resorts, but Santo Domingo is our readers’ favorite spot in the Dominican Republic. The colonial town is full of old-world charm, ‘stunning’ beaches and ‘kind, warm-hearted people.’ One reader mentioned that “customer service is their priority so expect to be pampered at all times.” Add to that some quaint shops and leafy boulevards made for late-night strolls and you have yourself a capital city that scores serious points.”
The 2018 Readers' Choice Awards are celebrated in Condé Nast Traveler's November issue on newsstands October 16 and on online at www.cntraveler.com/rca
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...ndo-en-reader-s-choice-awards-2018-LD11033967
https://www.cntraveler.com/gallerie...ndliest-and-unfriendliest-cities-in-the-world
Buyers for Punta Catalina coal fired power plant
US investors have shown strong interest in purchasing the 752 MW Punta Catalina coal-fired power central under construction in southern Peravia province, as reported in El Dia. The newspaper speculates this could be why US Ambassador Robin Bernstein was present at the signing of the coal supply agreement for the test period of the power plant by US company, XCoal Energy & Resources.
As reported, three offers have been made, one of which would call for the purchase of 80% ownership for US$2 billion. Spokespeople for the power plant, nevertheless, told El Dia reporters that the priority is to finish the power plant so that it can enter into operation as programmed next year.
As reported, the power plant on record has cost US$2.1 billion of which US$1.23 billion came from government revenues, US$291 million was borrowed from the SACE European bank, US$595 million was financed with sovereign bonds. The government has also committed to advance US$336 million to Odebrecht-Technimont to finish the project, pending the results of arbitration in a New York court.
Initially, the government contracted the plant for US$1.94 billion, but had to incur in additional costs when the BNDES funding offered by the Brazilian government collapsed after the Odebrecht global bribes scandal.
El Dia article speculates that the price would not be enough to cover the total costs incurred by the Dominican government to build the power plant.
http://eldia.com.do/estadounidenses-quieren-el-80-de-punta-catalina/
Santo Domingo gets the backing of Madrid city government
The city mayors of Madrid and Santo Domingo, Manuela Carmena and David Collado, signed a declaration of intent whereby a comprehensive collaboration program would be developed with policies and initiatives for mutual benefit. The signing was at the City Government of Madrid, under the umbrella of the Union of Iberoamerican Capital Cities (UCCI). Collado has requested assistance from the city government of Madrid for urban clean up and firefighting efforts.
Also present was Dominican ambassador to Spain, lawyer Olivo Rodríguez Huertas. Mayor Carmen has offered her backing to the city of Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo is the first Spanish city in the Americas.
During the event, Rodríguez Huertas invited Mayor Collado to attend the Feria del Libro de Madrid that will be held 31 May to 16 June 2019 and that this year is dedicated to the Dominican Republic.
https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2018/10/18/537936/madrid-y-santo-domingo-firman-acuerdo
Passport applications and renewals online
The Passports Agency (DGP) announced Dominican passports can be requested online for the same cost as when applying in person. Director of the agency, Aura Toribio, said they will no longer be levying the RD$300 online transactions charge. First time passport requests and renewals are accepted for adults and minors. The service is still only available for residents in the Dominican Republic.
http://solicitudweb.pasaportes.gob.do/
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias/pasaportes-anula-pago-de-300-pesos-por-servicios-en-linea
Register your company name in just a day
The National Office for Industrial Property (Onapi) announced that commercial name certificates are being issued in a single day, as compared to five days in the past. She said requests can be made at 8am and the next day by 8am, the certificate for the name will be issued or rejected. The transactions can be carried out online. Michele Guzman of Onapi said that the fast tracking of the certificates occurred after President Danilo Medina issued Decree 260-18.
DR is giving up too much for pre-clearance, says former Migration Agency director
The Dominican Republic would be giving up too much if it signs the pre-clearance aviation agreement for Punta Cana International Airport, with a migratory matters annex on refugees, says former Migration Agency director, Jose Ricarto Taveras. The Constitutional Court now needs to issue its opinion on the Pre-Clearance Agreement for US customs clearance that has been approved for Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
Former Migration Agency director, lawyer José Ricardo Taveras explains that the terms of the addendum are “unacceptable” and in violation of the Dominican Constitution. He says these violate the principle of national sovereignty when establishing that US officers would be guardians of the national policy of refugees. The agreement obliges the Dominican authorities to be accountable to the US government.
Taveras, who is also the general secretary of the National Progressive Force (FNP) political party, explained that the annex obliges the Dominican Republic to provide alternative means to those established by Dominican law in favor of people who do not meet the local migratory requirements. Taveras alerted this should be rejected by the Constitutional Court that is reviewing the agreement.
Taveras said that the pros of the agreement are not sufficient for the country to be lenient in its approval. He said the annex is contrary to the original nature of the agreement, given the country’s geopolitical circumstances. “What is the place for an annex on refugees in an aviation pre-clearance agreement?, asks Taveras. He said the scope of the agreement was all about tourists arriving via the Punta Cana International Airport, where it would be implemented. The pre-clearance agreement would also reduce the number of illegal Dominicans traveling to the United States.
The agreement was negotiated two years ago and signed by Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas Maldonado and former US Ambassador James Brewster to include the annex. Following the signing, President Danilo Medina sent the bill to the Constitutional Court for its opinion, as reported in Listin Diario. This is the reason why the service has not begun at the Punta Cana International Airport, where major investments were made to accommodate the new service.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-juzga-inconstitucional-el-acuerdo-migratorio
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...erdo-de-prechequeo-a-espera-de-fallo-en-el-tc
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...checking-deja-a-eeuu-inmune-y-con-privilegios
Fishermen protest arrest by Bahamas authorities, they say they were in international waters
The Association of Fisherboat Owners of Puerto Plata has requested government assistance to protest what they call the persecution, indiscriminate arrest and repression of their members. They are protesting that 148 fishermen have been arrested on high seas.
The Bahamas authorities claim they were fishing in their waters, the local fishermen say they were in international waters. The Association says that the Bahamas authorities only attest to the arrest of 124 fishermen.
Legal advisor for the Association, José Carlos González requested intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Relations to stop what they call the persecution of Dominican fishermen by the Bahamian authorities. They are calling for the release from arrest of the crews of Paul, Digna Rosa and Chiqui fisherboats. He denied the crew confronted the Bahamians with firearms. He said Dominican fisherboats are checked by the local authorities for firearms prior to leaving port.
González complained that the Dominican Republic is the only country in the world that does not have laws that protect territorial waters.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...aman-a-las-bahamas-libertad-de-148-pescadores
Was a Spanish minister bribing Dominican government officers?
Spanish online news media, El Confidential says that Spanish judiciary is investigating the donation of US$500,000 that allegedly was paid to the Dominican government by Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce of Spain then under Miguel Sebastián who served under the government of José Luís Rodríguez Zapatero. The US$500,000 was reportedly to train staff that would work at the Merca Santo Domingo, a produce market built by the Spanish company Mercasa.
Also under investigation is a RD$500,000 donation that supposedly was made for the electoral campaign of President Danilo Medina in 2011. The investigations are underway by the Juzgado de Instrucción Número 5 de la Audiencia Nacional in Madrid that is investigating the case of Mercasa, a public market, for possible bribes paid abroad. The payment is mentioned in an audit on the Sociedad Estatal de Mercados Centrales de Abastecimiento.
http://diario16.com/escandalo-mercasa-salpica-tambien-miguel-sebastian/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...rno-dominicano-rd500-mil-campana-danilo-2011/
https://www.elconfidencial.com/espa...stian-donacion-presidente-dominicano_1630751/
http://hoy.com.do/apd-reclama-respuesta-por-caso-de-sobornos-mercasa/
Shouting insults in the Chamber of Deputies
The coordinator of Participación Ciudadana civic group criticized the surliness (tigueraje) present in Congress and the negative attitude that permeates the Chamber of Deputies legislators. Miriam Diaz Santana said the attitude, evidenced by a video that is circulating on social media of the Tuesday, 16 October 2018, session is shameful. She rebuked the behavior of two deputies whose volleyball of shouts and insults was seen after a YouTube video was uploaded.
Santana said: "What we have is lowliness in the National Congress, where any citizen who has economic or political power aspires to a deputy, invests a large amount of money and is elected legislator, and that is why you see that type of behavior in full session of the deputies due to the low academic status of many of them, as evidenced in the screaming of insults," said Diaz Santana.
This Tuesday, the deputies Pedro Botello, of La Romana, and Manuel Diaz, of Villa Altagracia (San Cristóbal), held a shouting match of insults in the day’s session. Efforts by Deputies president, Radhamés Camacho, to calm the two were to no avail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYXf05tjeHU
https://elnacional.com.do/coordinad...e-en-el-congreso-y-repudia-actitud-diputados/
Fenatrano calls off strike after Omsa announces free bus service
The governmental bus service, OMSA ordered free service on Wednesday, 17 October 2018, in response to the announced work stoppage by Fenatrano bus units. Hector Mojica, director of the entity, said that Omsa service was reinforced by units lent to it by the Ministry of Education, the Cesac, Air Force, Customs, Port Authority and other government agencies. Mojica said the free rides were offered to expedite the service and avoid long queues. He said the extra buses were put on key routes along the Maximo Gomez and 27 de Febrero avenues to guarantee people would have the means to get to their jobs.
The strike and protest march to the Ministry of Industry & Commerce called by Fenatrano president Juan Hubieres was then called off and did not take place. Later Hubieres claimed he never called for the strike.
A report in El Nacional speculates that the positioning of police- military and the free bus service offered by Omsa discouraged the Fenatrano and other disgruntled transport groups of transport workers to go ahead with the protests. The coordinated effort of the government agencies were effective deterrents to the march that was to take place in front of the Ministry of Industry & Commerce on Av. 27 de Febrero and the bus work stoppage scheduled for Wednesday.
https://elnacional.com.do/mojica-an...rcularan-gratis-este-miercoles-17-de-octubre/
http://hoy.com.do/juan-hubiere-niega-que-convocara-paro-hoy/
https://elnacional.com.do/despliegue-militar-obligo-a-choferes-desistir-de-marcha/
High reproduction rates of green iguanas concern environmentalists
Diario Libre alerts that green iguanas are reproducing in the Dominican Republic at alarming rates and represent a major threat to local wildlife. Environmentalists say the iguana is running wild in Los Haitises and Peravia province and is a threat to local species.
The reptile was noticed on 3 October 2018 by an tour group photographer Natanael Kelly in Cayo las Aves, in the National Park Los Haitises who sounded the alarm. Guide Wilfredo Benjamin later confirmed the identity of the species and said it was a first time the iguana was sighted in the park. The Cayo las Aves area, which is 145 meters long by 50 meters wide, is a major attraction for tourists arriving on boat for his natural exuberance.
Its scientific name is of the creature is Iguana iguana and it is a native of Central and South America. It can measure up to two meters long and weigh 15 kg. It reproduces in February. Because of its capacity to turn green, it can hide well in the forests.
As reported in Diario Libre, Dr. Stesha Pasachnik of the International Iguana Foundation, who has for years researched iguanas in the country, said the species is a threat to local fauna. “The invasion of the green iguanas outside of their natural distribution is a real threat that could lead to a widespread problem in the Caribbean. Islands such as Puerto Rico and Grand Cayman are being invaded by the species. She said the first green iguanas were reported in 2012, but the problem has been growing and she called for measures to eradicate the species because of its threat to the survival of native wild fauna, infrastructure and tourism.
Ernst Rupp, Grupo Jaragua researcher, said that the green iguanas have been sighted in Paya, Baní. He also called for a plan for their eradication.
Diario Libre cites an article in El Nuevo Dia in Puerto Rico whereby the reptiles were said to have damaged highways, delayed airline flights, eliminated entire ornamental flora in gardens and crop harvests, leaving their feces in pools and Jacuzzis and interrupting the electricity service. He said the species was introduced as a pet in Puerto Rico in the 1960s.
In the Dominican Republic there are two endemic iguana species – Iguana Rinoceronte (Cyclura cornuta) and the Ricord (Cyclura ricordi). Both species are in danger of extinction.
In the Dominican Republic the domestication and marketing of the green iguana is illegal. Nevertheless, these green iguanas can be seen for sale at stands along the 6 de Noviembre highway, and in Paya in Baní, Peravia.
https://www.diariolibre.com/medioam...ra-el-parque-nacional-los-haitises-LD11039417
Fire burns motorcycle assembly plant
Residents in Santo Domingo observed since dawn of Wednesday, 18 October 2018, plumes of black smoke caused by a major fire at a warehouse and motorcycle assembly manufacturer identified as Kuso Motors/ Susana Hermanos in Villa Juana that housed motorcycle parts and hardware goods, in northern National District.
The fire started at around 6pm on Tuesday and was extinguished Tuesday evening. The smoldering rubble produced acrid smoke even after it was declared out. The smoke mostly affected the east and west sides of Avenida Maximo Gomez in the Villa Juana and Ensanche La Fe area of the city, north of Av. John F. Kennedy. It coincided with the declaration of strike by Fenatrano and many speculated protestors were burning tires and causing the smoke. Witnesses in the area where the warehouse is located, at Calle 23 between Paraguay and Mauricio Baez streets in Villa Juana, said the fire began after electrical service was restored following a blackout. Several homes evacuated.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...afecta-sectores-del-sur-del-distrito-nacional
https://elnacional.com.do/fuego-destruye-almacen-de-motos-y-ferreteria-en-villa-juana/
Percival band assailants sentenced
The First Collegiate Court of the National District sentenced on Wednesday, 18 October 2018, Brayan Peter Félix Paulino (Mariachi) to 30 years in jail and Francisco Alberto de Jesús Caraballo de 20 years in jail for participation in several assaults under ring-leader, the late John Percival. These two are also sentenced to compensate the relatives of the affected by their crimes with RD$10 million, and another RD$10 million to the Banco Popular Dominicano, for damages during a bank robbery.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/10...nal-condena-dos-implicados-banda-de-percival/
Blas Peralta killing of Mateo Aquino Febrillet: Was it murder or a killing?
News talk shows and social media are analyzing the dissident vote of judges Miriam Brito and Juan Hiroito Reyes in the Supreme Court of Justice revision of the First Collegiate Court of the National District sentence for 30 years in jail to Blas Peralta, the former kingpin of the nation’s leading truckers’ association, Fenatrado. The judges say the ruling should have been for a homicide and not murder (homicidio vs. asesinato). The Supreme Court confirmed the sentence of 30 years, the maximum sentence in the Dominican Republic, and cash compensation to Aquino’s three children and his wife in the amount of RD$31 million.
Peralta’s lawyers say they will appeal the verdict to the Constitutional Court. Peralta attorneys are seeking a reduction of the 30-year sentence to, at most, 20 years, which is the maximum penalty applied for homicide in the country. The Peralta defense denies there was premeditation in the case of the murder of the former UASD rector, Mateo Aquino Febrillet and describes the incident as an unfortunate ending of a row between two people. Another man in the same vehicle was the intended target of Peralta. This person escaped uninjured.
The defense of Peralta argues that it was never the intention of their client to kill Aquino Febrillet. The shots fired did injure Aquino Febrillet’s secretary.
Lawyer José Parra Báez, for the Aquino family, says that during the trial it was proved there was premeditation that turns the killing from a homicide into a murder case.
https://elnacional.com.do/ven-condena-a-peralta-podria-ser-anulada/
Claro Tec Empresarial at the Embajador Hotel
US technology policy expert and former senior advisor for innovation to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Alec Ross and Victor di Bari, are two of the guest speakers at the Claro Tec Empresarial high-tech telecom conference taking place 18 and 19 October 2018, at the grounds of the Embajador Hotel. Ross is the author of the 2016 non-fiction bestseller “The Industries of the Future” that explores the forces that will change the world in robotics, genetics, digital currency, coding and big data. Futurist Vito Di Bari is an innovation trends keynote speaker. He has been UNESCO's executive director of the International Multimedia Institute in the city of Milan, Italy, and professor of design and management of innovation at Politecnico di Milano and Bocconi University both in Milan, Italy.
Claro Tec is an event that highlights the latest trends in digital technology that support growth towards productivity and competitiveness. On the program are conferences and demonstrations on: City and Smart Business, Education, Cybersecurity, Hospitality, Health and Artificial Intelligence.
In addition to the keynote addresses by Alec Ross and Vito di Bari, there will be around 15 more experts in digital transformation.
http://clarotec.do/
http://clarotec.do/assets/agenda-conferencias-clarotec-2018.pdf
Folklore show at Mamey in Colonial City
Folklorist Xiomara Fortuna will be presenting “Son Verdad,” her first album this Thursday, 18 October 2018 at Mamey on Calle Mercedes 315 in the Colonial City. The performance is a tribute to Dominican folklore. Entertainment writers say that Xiomara Fortuna is following in the footsteps of leading Dominican folklorist Casandra Damirón. The presentation is set for 7pm.
The show features performances of several Dominican folkloric rhythms, including “carabiné,” “mangulina”, “salves” and more traditional merengue. She will be performing to music by Dominican composers Bienvenido Brens, Luis Kalaf, and rendering tribute to singers such as late Elenita Santos, and her “El Rayito de Sol.” She will be accompanied by percussionists Otoniel Nicolás, José Rodríguez, Raúl Sánchez, Luis Darío Sánchez, among others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbGPa81JEXs
https://acento.com.do/2018/spk-espe...ocheson-verdad-tributo-al-folclor-dominicano/
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