DR1 Daily News next update on 29 October 2018
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas says Brexit, the expiration of the Cotonu
TSA: Hold on construction of east city bus terminal
Heart diseases on the rise among Dominicans
Dominican Republic is world leader in free zone exports
Customs finds US$244,404 hidden in a van that arrived on the Ferries del Caribe
Raul Rizik apologizes for advocating for women to stay at home
Emely Peguero murder case recesses until 30 October 2018
DR Jazz Festival at Centro León
Polo cultural festival this weekend
Baroque music in Santo Domingo
Zion & Lennox from Puerto Rico at Palacio de los Deportes
DR1 Daily News next update on 29 October 2018
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 29 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
Promoting the DR as a logistics hub in London
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas says Brexit and the expiration of the Cotonou Agreement in 2020 present new opportunities for bilateral relations with the United Kingdom. He spoke during Dominican Week in the United Kingdom organized by the Dominican Embassy in London, the British Chamber of Commerce and the UK Embassy in the Dominican Republic.
Vargas called encouraging that the United Kingdom has reaffirmed the intention that Brexit would not affect the continuing reciprocal access of goods and services for Cariforum countries to the European Union and the mutual trade preferences. He said that political stability, sustained economic growth, juridical security, geographic position, and trade agreements already in place enhance the potential of the Dominican Republic in becoming a logistics and trade hub for the Central American and Caribbean region, with easy access to markets of more than 875 million consumers.
Vargas said the Dominican Republic is already the leading Caribbean exporter to the UK market, thanks to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). He said the maritime and air linkages have increased between both countries. He said that Eurostat data indicates that exchange between both countries has increased from US$358 million in 2010 to US$373 million in 2016. He said Dominican exports in 2010 were US$190 million, and had increased by 2016 to US$236 million. In 2017 around 177,000 tourists visited from the United Kingdom, with tourist receipts estimated at US$206 million.
Vargas was the keynote speaker for the panel “Beyond Brexit: the Dominican Republic as logistic center for investments by British Exporters in Manufacturing” during the Dominican Week in London. The event was organized by the National Council of Export Free Zones of the Dominican Republic and held at the Institute of Directors in London.
http://www.mirex.gob.do/medios/noti...s-economicas-rd-reino-unido-de-cara-al-brexit
TSA: Hold on construction of east city bus terminal
With its decision to put an indefinite hold on the construction by the Ministry of Public Works of an interurban bus terminal on grounds of the Mirador del Este park in eastern Santo Domingo, the Medina administration is giving time for the Ministry of Public Works to put its paperwork for the project in order. The Superior Administrative Court (TSA) ordered a hold on the construction, but did not order the Ministry of Public Works to restore the park area. A report in El Dia speculates this means the construction of the bus terminal could continue at a later date.
Those who object the project say it needs the green light of the city councilors, a land use permit, environmental permit (environmental impact study and social permit) as established in Environmental Law 64-00 and Law 176-07 of the National District and Municipalities.
Community organizations and the city councilors protest the site because it takes a chunk out of the eastern city recreational area and because it is located next door to the Los Tres Ojos natural park. Environmentalist Jose Manuel Mateo of the Academy of Sciences said the construction of the inter-urban bus terminal at that site would be catastrophic for the environmental balance in the area. Opponents of the site suggest the Ministry of Public Works use other areas that may be available on the Las Americas Expressway that are not next door to the recreational park areas.
While the terminal was not presented for approval to the city councilors, it already has the approval of the Mayor of East Santo Domingo Alfredo Martínez. The mayor says the land is owned by the Ministry of Sports. The site was the venue for the 2003 Pan American Sports Games. He says a parking lot was located there, and thus a land use permit is not necessary because the use of the property will be the same. “There is a parking area and it will continue to be used for parking,” Mayor Martínez has said.
Environment Minister Angel Estevez has also defended the construction of the bus terminal. Yet environmentalists say that the “no objection” letter granted by Estevez is not a valid document. They argue the construction was begun before presenting an environmental impact study and without the issuing of the social permit, a document whereby the community does not object to the construction.
The eastern bus terminal is one of five large interurban bus terminals under construction by the Ministry of Public Works. Others are one in Los Alcarrizos, another at the Metro Mamá Tingó metro stop for the northern part of the city; other at the 6 de Noviembre and Carretera Sanchez highways for the south, and another in the east.
http://eldia.com.do/el-tsa-suspende-construccion-de-terminal-de-autobuses-en-parque-del-este/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...nstruira-cerca-del-parque-del-este-HF10736809
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/09...al-de-autobuses-del-este-pese-orden-judicial/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...n-terminal-de-autobuses-en-el-parque-del-este
http://eldia.com.do/el-tsa-suspende-construccion-de-terminal-de-autobuses-en-parque-del-este/
Heart diseases on the rise among Dominicans
The president of the Dominican Society of Cardiology, Dr. Claudia Almonte says that in the past 20 years home-cooked meals have been replaced by ultra processed food and Dominicans are now consuming too much saturated fats, sugars and cholesterol-generating foods. She said over the past two decades there has been a pronounced increase in heart diseases, according to the society’s research. She said in general Dominicans have poor eating habits. In her opinion, clearer labeling of foods sold here will help make Dominicans more aware of what they are eating. She called for Dominican authorities to follow steps taken in Chile.
Dominican Republic is world leader in free zone exports
On occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Dominican Free Zone Association (Adozona), Federico Domínguez Aristy, president of Adozona, and Manuel Enrique Tavares, first president of the organization, pinpointed several of the high points of the industry.
* Exports from January to September 2018: US$6.2 billion
* More than 170,000 direct jobs
* 665 manufacturers operating in 71 industrial parks in 25 of the 32 provinces
* Diversifying from an industry that began with 80% of apparel production to one now where tobacco manufactures, medical devices, footwear, call centers and others have important participation.
The diversified industry means the DR is now:
* Global leader in cigar exports
* Global leader in medical devices to the US market
* Second largest global exporter in cotton apparel
* Second exporter of electric switches to the United States
* Second exporter of dental floss to the United States
* Fourth exporter of medical devices and surgery devices to the United States
* Sixth exporter of leather products to the United States
* Eighth exporter of footwear to the United States
In 2017, the total of exports of Dominican goods reached US$10.12 billion, of which free zone industries contributed US$5.69 billion, or 56% of all goods exports.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...ndado-posicionando-rd-como-destino-excelencia
Customs finds US$244,404 hidden in vehicle that arrived on the Ferries del Caribe
Customs authorities seized US$244,404 that had been hidden in an ambulance-type vehicle that arrived from Puerto Rico. The National Drug Control Agency said the vehicle arrived on board Ferries del Caribe from San Juan, Puerto Rico. As reported, the finding was the result of an intelligence operation. A husband and wife couple, ages 51 and 46 years, was arrested. They were said to be the owners of the vehicle in which the money was being smuggled. Bringing in large amounts of cash is not prohibited, but needs to be declared.
http://dncd.gob.do/index.php/notici...l-dolares-llegaron-procedentes-de-puerto-rico
Raul Rizik apologizes for advocating for women to stay at home
The president of the Grupo Mejía Arcalá that imports Milex powdered milk has apologized for his remarks that suggested that families were better off when women stayed at home. In a brief video posted on his Twitter account, Raul Rizik stated: “I have never opposed the integration of women to national production and their professional careers. Women have contributed to reduce the social inequality.”
He addedd: “My concern and that of many other citizens is that the absence of the father or mother in the upbringing of children has led to a loss in values,” he stated. He concluded: “I know there is a segment of the population that does not think as I do, and I respect them, and apologize if they felt offended.”
In a speech on occasion of a retailer organization event, Rizik had observed… “the fact that the United Nations promoted that women work outside the home in business or politics was a “big mistake”. His opinion brought a backlash of commentaries. A spontaneous social media campaign called to #BoicotMejiaArcala.
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualidad/8617923-empresario-pide-cacao-se-disculpa-comentario-machista/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...rechazo-a-consumir-productos-de-mejia-arcala/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...integracion-de-la-mujer-al-trabajo-IJ11096907
Emely Peguero murder case recesses until 30 October 2018
The defense attorneys of the family of murdered 16-year old teenager Emely Peguero are asking the court to levy a fine of RD$20 million and a 20-year jail sentence for Marlin Martinez, the mother Marlon Martinez for her role in the crime against Ms. Peguero. The defense attorneys are requesting a 30-year prison sentence be handed down to 19-year old Marlon Martínez. The case is being heard at the Second Collegiate Court of San Francisco de Macoris and has recessed until 30-31 October 2018 when the final arguments of the murder trial will be presented.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ely-peguero-pide-indemnizacion-de-20-millones
DR Jazz Festival at Centro León
The León Cultural Center in Santiago is hosting the DR Jazz Festival as part of their 15th anniversary celebrations. The jazz concert is scheduled for Friday, 26 October 2018 at 8pm. Edmar Castañeda, Colombian harp player who lives in the United States, will be offering the jazz concert with fusions of different styles and musical genres. The event has the backing of the Fundación Educativa Dominican Republic Jazz Festival.
On Thursday, 25 October 2018, the Centro León opened the exhibition of the contenders for the 27th Eduardo León Jimenes Arts Competition. The participating artists are Baltasar Alí, Cristian Lora, Eliazar Ortiz, Ernesto Rivera, Guillermo Zouain & Wendy V. Muñiz, José Morbán, Karmadavis, Laura Castro and Madeline Jiménez.
https://centroleon.org.do/CL/activi...stival-en-el-centro-leon-presentacion-en-vivo
Polo cultural festival this weekend
Puerto Rican crooner Danny Rivera will be again singing for the nature-loving crowds that congregate annually for the Festival del Cafe in Polo (Festicafé), Barahona. This year the festival is dedicated to Puerto Rico. It will take place at the municipal baseball field in Polo and is organized by the permanent Polo culture committee. It is an opportunity to taste the best coffee from the region, participate in workshops, and take eco-touristic excursions in the area.
https://elnacional.com.do/video-festival-del-cafe-en-polo-sera-dedicado-a-puerto-rico/
Baroque music in Santo Domingo
Enjoy the music of baroque masters by attending the Sunday, 28 October 2018 concert that will be rendered at 6:30pm at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música, on Av. César Nicolás Penson in Santo Domingo. Baroque music, the western art music composed from approximately 1600 to 1750, before the Renaissance music era, is known for its grandiose, dramatic and energetic spirit. The epinette, known as the instrument of kings and queens, is at the center of the performance.
There will be baroque workshops from Friday 26 October to Monday 29 October by visiting musicians Mario Aschauer, Josefine Stoppelenburg
and Guy Fishman.
The concert is organized by the Fundación de la Villa de Santo Domingo that was created in 2009 to promote the Colonial City of Santo Domingo. John Thomas Dodson is the musical director.
https://www.metrord.do/do/entretenc...fomentar-la-musica-barroca-santo-domingo.html
Zion & Lennox from Puerto Rico at Palacio de los Deportes
Urban music artists Zion & Lennox are performing on Friday, 26 October 2018 at 8pm at the Palacio de los Deportes in the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center. The Puerto Rican duo is best known for their reggaeton presentations. The duo was named by the Billboard Awards as the “Best Latin Urban Duo). They promise to perform their best hits: “La player,” “Otra vez,” “Te quiero pa mi, “ “Embriagame,” “No es justo,” “Bandolera,” and “Pierdo la cabeza”, among many others. Tickets are for sale at Supermercados Pola, Tiendas La Sirena and Spring Center.
https://www.metrord.do/do/destacado/2018/10/23/zion-lennox-felices-cantar-este-viernes-26-rd.html
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas says Brexit, the expiration of the Cotonu
TSA: Hold on construction of east city bus terminal
Heart diseases on the rise among Dominicans
Dominican Republic is world leader in free zone exports
Customs finds US$244,404 hidden in a van that arrived on the Ferries del Caribe
Raul Rizik apologizes for advocating for women to stay at home
Emely Peguero murder case recesses until 30 October 2018
DR Jazz Festival at Centro León
Polo cultural festival this weekend
Baroque music in Santo Domingo
Zion & Lennox from Puerto Rico at Palacio de los Deportes
DR1 Daily News next update on 29 October 2018
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 29 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
Promoting the DR as a logistics hub in London
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas says Brexit and the expiration of the Cotonou Agreement in 2020 present new opportunities for bilateral relations with the United Kingdom. He spoke during Dominican Week in the United Kingdom organized by the Dominican Embassy in London, the British Chamber of Commerce and the UK Embassy in the Dominican Republic.
Vargas called encouraging that the United Kingdom has reaffirmed the intention that Brexit would not affect the continuing reciprocal access of goods and services for Cariforum countries to the European Union and the mutual trade preferences. He said that political stability, sustained economic growth, juridical security, geographic position, and trade agreements already in place enhance the potential of the Dominican Republic in becoming a logistics and trade hub for the Central American and Caribbean region, with easy access to markets of more than 875 million consumers.
Vargas said the Dominican Republic is already the leading Caribbean exporter to the UK market, thanks to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). He said the maritime and air linkages have increased between both countries. He said that Eurostat data indicates that exchange between both countries has increased from US$358 million in 2010 to US$373 million in 2016. He said Dominican exports in 2010 were US$190 million, and had increased by 2016 to US$236 million. In 2017 around 177,000 tourists visited from the United Kingdom, with tourist receipts estimated at US$206 million.
Vargas was the keynote speaker for the panel “Beyond Brexit: the Dominican Republic as logistic center for investments by British Exporters in Manufacturing” during the Dominican Week in London. The event was organized by the National Council of Export Free Zones of the Dominican Republic and held at the Institute of Directors in London.
http://www.mirex.gob.do/medios/noti...s-economicas-rd-reino-unido-de-cara-al-brexit
TSA: Hold on construction of east city bus terminal
With its decision to put an indefinite hold on the construction by the Ministry of Public Works of an interurban bus terminal on grounds of the Mirador del Este park in eastern Santo Domingo, the Medina administration is giving time for the Ministry of Public Works to put its paperwork for the project in order. The Superior Administrative Court (TSA) ordered a hold on the construction, but did not order the Ministry of Public Works to restore the park area. A report in El Dia speculates this means the construction of the bus terminal could continue at a later date.
Those who object the project say it needs the green light of the city councilors, a land use permit, environmental permit (environmental impact study and social permit) as established in Environmental Law 64-00 and Law 176-07 of the National District and Municipalities.
Community organizations and the city councilors protest the site because it takes a chunk out of the eastern city recreational area and because it is located next door to the Los Tres Ojos natural park. Environmentalist Jose Manuel Mateo of the Academy of Sciences said the construction of the inter-urban bus terminal at that site would be catastrophic for the environmental balance in the area. Opponents of the site suggest the Ministry of Public Works use other areas that may be available on the Las Americas Expressway that are not next door to the recreational park areas.
While the terminal was not presented for approval to the city councilors, it already has the approval of the Mayor of East Santo Domingo Alfredo Martínez. The mayor says the land is owned by the Ministry of Sports. The site was the venue for the 2003 Pan American Sports Games. He says a parking lot was located there, and thus a land use permit is not necessary because the use of the property will be the same. “There is a parking area and it will continue to be used for parking,” Mayor Martínez has said.
Environment Minister Angel Estevez has also defended the construction of the bus terminal. Yet environmentalists say that the “no objection” letter granted by Estevez is not a valid document. They argue the construction was begun before presenting an environmental impact study and without the issuing of the social permit, a document whereby the community does not object to the construction.
The eastern bus terminal is one of five large interurban bus terminals under construction by the Ministry of Public Works. Others are one in Los Alcarrizos, another at the Metro Mamá Tingó metro stop for the northern part of the city; other at the 6 de Noviembre and Carretera Sanchez highways for the south, and another in the east.
http://eldia.com.do/el-tsa-suspende-construccion-de-terminal-de-autobuses-en-parque-del-este/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...nstruira-cerca-del-parque-del-este-HF10736809
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2018/09...al-de-autobuses-del-este-pese-orden-judicial/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...n-terminal-de-autobuses-en-el-parque-del-este
http://eldia.com.do/el-tsa-suspende-construccion-de-terminal-de-autobuses-en-parque-del-este/
Heart diseases on the rise among Dominicans
The president of the Dominican Society of Cardiology, Dr. Claudia Almonte says that in the past 20 years home-cooked meals have been replaced by ultra processed food and Dominicans are now consuming too much saturated fats, sugars and cholesterol-generating foods. She said over the past two decades there has been a pronounced increase in heart diseases, according to the society’s research. She said in general Dominicans have poor eating habits. In her opinion, clearer labeling of foods sold here will help make Dominicans more aware of what they are eating. She called for Dominican authorities to follow steps taken in Chile.
Dominican Republic is world leader in free zone exports
On occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Dominican Free Zone Association (Adozona), Federico Domínguez Aristy, president of Adozona, and Manuel Enrique Tavares, first president of the organization, pinpointed several of the high points of the industry.
* Exports from January to September 2018: US$6.2 billion
* More than 170,000 direct jobs
* 665 manufacturers operating in 71 industrial parks in 25 of the 32 provinces
* Diversifying from an industry that began with 80% of apparel production to one now where tobacco manufactures, medical devices, footwear, call centers and others have important participation.
The diversified industry means the DR is now:
* Global leader in cigar exports
* Global leader in medical devices to the US market
* Second largest global exporter in cotton apparel
* Second exporter of electric switches to the United States
* Second exporter of dental floss to the United States
* Fourth exporter of medical devices and surgery devices to the United States
* Sixth exporter of leather products to the United States
* Eighth exporter of footwear to the United States
In 2017, the total of exports of Dominican goods reached US$10.12 billion, of which free zone industries contributed US$5.69 billion, or 56% of all goods exports.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...ndado-posicionando-rd-como-destino-excelencia
Customs finds US$244,404 hidden in vehicle that arrived on the Ferries del Caribe
Customs authorities seized US$244,404 that had been hidden in an ambulance-type vehicle that arrived from Puerto Rico. The National Drug Control Agency said the vehicle arrived on board Ferries del Caribe from San Juan, Puerto Rico. As reported, the finding was the result of an intelligence operation. A husband and wife couple, ages 51 and 46 years, was arrested. They were said to be the owners of the vehicle in which the money was being smuggled. Bringing in large amounts of cash is not prohibited, but needs to be declared.
http://dncd.gob.do/index.php/notici...l-dolares-llegaron-procedentes-de-puerto-rico
Raul Rizik apologizes for advocating for women to stay at home
The president of the Grupo Mejía Arcalá that imports Milex powdered milk has apologized for his remarks that suggested that families were better off when women stayed at home. In a brief video posted on his Twitter account, Raul Rizik stated: “I have never opposed the integration of women to national production and their professional careers. Women have contributed to reduce the social inequality.”
He addedd: “My concern and that of many other citizens is that the absence of the father or mother in the upbringing of children has led to a loss in values,” he stated. He concluded: “I know there is a segment of the population that does not think as I do, and I respect them, and apologize if they felt offended.”
In a speech on occasion of a retailer organization event, Rizik had observed… “the fact that the United Nations promoted that women work outside the home in business or politics was a “big mistake”. His opinion brought a backlash of commentaries. A spontaneous social media campaign called to #BoicotMejiaArcala.
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualidad/8617923-empresario-pide-cacao-se-disculpa-comentario-machista/
https://acento.com.do/2018/actualid...rechazo-a-consumir-productos-de-mejia-arcala/
https://www.diariolibre.com/noticia...integracion-de-la-mujer-al-trabajo-IJ11096907
Emely Peguero murder case recesses until 30 October 2018
The defense attorneys of the family of murdered 16-year old teenager Emely Peguero are asking the court to levy a fine of RD$20 million and a 20-year jail sentence for Marlin Martinez, the mother Marlon Martinez for her role in the crime against Ms. Peguero. The defense attorneys are requesting a 30-year prison sentence be handed down to 19-year old Marlon Martínez. The case is being heard at the Second Collegiate Court of San Francisco de Macoris and has recessed until 30-31 October 2018 when the final arguments of the murder trial will be presented.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ely-peguero-pide-indemnizacion-de-20-millones
DR Jazz Festival at Centro León
The León Cultural Center in Santiago is hosting the DR Jazz Festival as part of their 15th anniversary celebrations. The jazz concert is scheduled for Friday, 26 October 2018 at 8pm. Edmar Castañeda, Colombian harp player who lives in the United States, will be offering the jazz concert with fusions of different styles and musical genres. The event has the backing of the Fundación Educativa Dominican Republic Jazz Festival.
On Thursday, 25 October 2018, the Centro León opened the exhibition of the contenders for the 27th Eduardo León Jimenes Arts Competition. The participating artists are Baltasar Alí, Cristian Lora, Eliazar Ortiz, Ernesto Rivera, Guillermo Zouain & Wendy V. Muñiz, José Morbán, Karmadavis, Laura Castro and Madeline Jiménez.
https://centroleon.org.do/CL/activi...stival-en-el-centro-leon-presentacion-en-vivo
Polo cultural festival this weekend
Puerto Rican crooner Danny Rivera will be again singing for the nature-loving crowds that congregate annually for the Festival del Cafe in Polo (Festicafé), Barahona. This year the festival is dedicated to Puerto Rico. It will take place at the municipal baseball field in Polo and is organized by the permanent Polo culture committee. It is an opportunity to taste the best coffee from the region, participate in workshops, and take eco-touristic excursions in the area.
https://elnacional.com.do/video-festival-del-cafe-en-polo-sera-dedicado-a-puerto-rico/
Baroque music in Santo Domingo
Enjoy the music of baroque masters by attending the Sunday, 28 October 2018 concert that will be rendered at 6:30pm at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música, on Av. César Nicolás Penson in Santo Domingo. Baroque music, the western art music composed from approximately 1600 to 1750, before the Renaissance music era, is known for its grandiose, dramatic and energetic spirit. The epinette, known as the instrument of kings and queens, is at the center of the performance.
There will be baroque workshops from Friday 26 October to Monday 29 October by visiting musicians Mario Aschauer, Josefine Stoppelenburg
and Guy Fishman.
The concert is organized by the Fundación de la Villa de Santo Domingo that was created in 2009 to promote the Colonial City of Santo Domingo. John Thomas Dodson is the musical director.
https://www.metrord.do/do/entretenc...fomentar-la-musica-barroca-santo-domingo.html
Zion & Lennox from Puerto Rico at Palacio de los Deportes
Urban music artists Zion & Lennox are performing on Friday, 26 October 2018 at 8pm at the Palacio de los Deportes in the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center. The Puerto Rican duo is best known for their reggaeton presentations. The duo was named by the Billboard Awards as the “Best Latin Urban Duo). They promise to perform their best hits: “La player,” “Otra vez,” “Te quiero pa mi, “ “Embriagame,” “No es justo,” “Bandolera,” and “Pierdo la cabeza”, among many others. Tickets are for sale at Supermercados Pola, Tiendas La Sirena and Spring Center.
https://www.metrord.do/do/destacado/2018/10/23/zion-lennox-felices-cantar-este-viernes-26-rd.html
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