New transit regulations approved
Deadline for marbete is reached
Advances at Santo Domingo Bypass
Call for improved border security
Drinking hours back to normal
Facundo Manes to explain link between neurosciences and education
Major government social programs reach out to millions
Decision on Supreme Court judges approaches
ANEIH: Economy grows but informal and government jobs prevail
Dominicans deported from around the world
Journalist Alanna Lockward dies
Vuelta Independencia Nacional cycling race announced
Omega to perform 26 January at Puerto Plata Amphitheater
New transit regulations approved
The Executive Branch reported on 7 January 2019 that the Presidency has approved the first six rulings for the implementation of new Transit Law 63-17under the National Institute of Terrestrial Transit and Transport (Intrant). These are six of 22 rulings that need to be passed for the implementation of the law.
Intrant reported that the requirements for getting and keeping a driver’s license are now more rigorous. Likewise, requirements for a motor vehicle to circulate, via the Rules of the Vehicle Technical Inspection, are also stricter. The new rules include a points’ system for driving licenses that will penalize those who do not comply with regulations, rules on training in driving schools and a medical certificate encompassing psychological and physical conditions to ensure drivers are fit to drive.
The rulings approved by the Executive Branch are:
Reglamento de la Inspección Técnica Vehicular (ITV): This rule establishes minimum requirements for a motor vehicle to circulate and establishes the norms for vehicle revision and controls, replacing the previous “revista” sticker that was regularly issued without taking into consideration revision requirements enabling a large number of inadequate vehicles to continue in circulation.
Reglamento de Licencias de Conducir: This ruling seeks to improve driver education through license renewals in the understanding human error is responsible for up to 90% of the accidents. The new ruling establishes driver categories, restrictions for the issuing of the licenses and tests that need to be taken. Likewise, it establishes that drivers that commit infractions or have not renewed their license need to attend motor vehicle safety and operation classes prior to the renewal.
Reglamento sobre el Sistema de Puntos de la Licencia de Conducir: This ruling complements the driver license ruling and establishes a point system for drivers committing repeated faults by which their permit to drive can be removed.
Reglamento para la Capacitación, Formación y Educación Vial: This ruling focuses on drivers education programs starting in schools.
Reglamento de Certificado Médico Psicofísico de Conductores y de Centros Médicos Autorizados a su Expedición: This ruling looks into establishing that drivers meet minimum health conditions prior to receiving a license.
Reglamento de Escuelas de Conductores: This ruling seeks to regulate driver education schools.
The new rulings still need to be published by the Executive Branch so the procedure to start their implementation can start.
Meanwhile an editorial in Diario Libre observes that especially in traffic matters what is illegal is normal, while the government takes its time to publish the new rulings to apply the comprehensive Transit Law 63-17.
https://www.intrant.gob.do/index.ph...aprueba-reglamentos-elaborados-por-el-intrant
https://elnacional.com.do/poder-ejecutivo-aprueba-reglamentos-elaborados-por-el-intran/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...para-licencias-y-regulan-escuelas-de-choferes
http://hoy.com.do/para-que-no-lo-ag...-obtener-y-mantener-una-licencia-de-conducir/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...para-licencias-y-regulan-escuelas-de-choferes
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/la-normalidad-de-lo-ilegal-LO11799020
https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/transportistas-favorecen-nuevos-reglamentos-OI11801708
Deadline for marbete is reached
According to the Tax Agency (DGII), as of 7 January 2019, 13% of the vehicle park had yet to renew the permission for a vehicle to be on the road, or its “marbete”. According to the DGII, some 170,000 vehicle owners still needed to purchase the sticker for their vehicles.
The DGII reports receiving revenues for the issuing of marbetes of RD$1.9billion as of Monday, 7 January 2019, with an estimated RD$2.14 billion pending to be paid.
Those who do not pay by the cut-off date will have to pay a fine of RD$1,500. As of 8 January 2019, vehicles that do not display the sticker may be impounded by Digesett agents (the former Amet).
The renewal process started on 1 October 2018. Those vehicles five years old or less pay RD$3,000 and those over five years old pay RD$1,500.
https://eldia.com.do/unos-250-mil-vehiculos-aun-no-renuevan-el-marbete/
https://www.metrord.do/do/destacado...ar-marbete-1500-pesos-extra-desde-manana.html
Advances at Santo Domingo Bypass
Public Works Minister Gonzalo Castillo reports that works are advancing on the second phase of the 20 km Santo Domingo Bypass (Tramo II de la Circunvalación de Santo Domingo). The bypass is built so that vehicles that are headed east or north do not need to enter the National District and the municipalities Santo Domingo Oeste, Norte and Este. The bypass seeks to decongestion traffic in the province of Santo Domingo and the capital city.
The construction calls for 14 bridges, including six over rivers, and eight overpasses connecting three principal regions in the country. The stretch goes from Km 16 to 36. The Ministry says that works are underway at 94% of the stretch. He said the highway will connect to the Santo Domingo-Samana (Autopista del Nordeste) highway.
The bypass begins in the southern region, in Haina, crosses the Autopista Duarte at Km 18, connects to the Autopista del Nordeste and unites then to the east of the country via the Autopista Las Americas, as of the Boca Chica municipality.
The contractor of the highway is Raul Rizek.
Low attendance for first day back at school
Yesterday, Monday 7 January 2019, was the first day back at public schools after the Christmas holidays, but attendance was low. According to Diario Libre, attendance ranged from 30% to 50% of the schools that reporters checked, but the teachers and administrative staff were all present and the school meals were delivered. Most private schools also resumed classes on Tuesday, 8 January 2019.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...a-de-clases-tras-fiestas-navidenas-IO11796806
Call for improved border security
Several sectors have asked for improvements in the surveillance on the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, following the death of a Dominican soldier, Oriano Montero Encarnación, on Saturday, 5 January 2019, at the hands of a Haitian, who was later killed by another soldier in the community of Pinzon, in Elias Piña. The deceased and sergeant Carlos Manuel Montero Lorenzo were patrolling the area and ordered two Haitians to stop. One of the Haitians reportedly responded with gunfire, killing Montero. The Army announced the promotion of both soldiers.
What is known is that the late Oriano Montero Encarnacion of the Army was assigned to the Specialized Corps of Frontier Security (Cesfront). He was shot and killed by a Haitian who was being detained by a border patrol in el Callejón, in Elías Piña, in the south east of the country, bordering with Haiti. Following the incident, another member of the patrol killed the Haitian, who was with a fellow Haitian, who fled the scene.
The Ministry of Defense has ordered an investigation amid calls to improve border security.
An editorial in Diario Libre highlighted the weaknesses at the Dominican border with Haiti. Adriano Miguel Tejada, executive editor of Diario Libre stressed that the incidents that occurred over the weekend in which a Dominican soldier and a Haitian national died and others were injured, are not isolated incidences. These assaults are the result a combination of factors that are not being addressed by the authorities.
Tejada writes: “In first place, order cannot be imposed at the border without clear rules at both sides of the border. Haiti is a country without respect to rules and our authorities for a long time have taken advantage of that situation to violate our laws. This ambivalence creates situations of instability and lawlessness at the border.
He also explains that in second place, the stationing at the border of poorly trained soldiers, many of them new recruits, without knowledge of the terrain and ineffectively armed, without clear "rules of engagement", make the application of the norms difficult. For their part, Haitians are aware that the instructions that Dominican soldiers have are not to shoot unless it is in their own defence (not even in that of their nationals) encourages bold and reckless behaviour. In addition, there is a common belief that corruption leads to a lack of observing of rules, as is the case of the flow of contraband between the two countries.
Tejada also points out that in third place, the border must be "cooled" and we are "heating" it. The best example of "cooling" is Codevi, the free zone manufacturing project of Fernando Capellán. Examples of warming are bi-national markets, which lend themselves to all kinds of incidents and pressures, and the announced presence of thousands of troops in the area without a precise doctrine of what their role is.
He stresses: “The border requires clear rules and policies that encourage civil discipline and a serious commitment to the sovereignty of the country, or problems will continue ...”
https://www.facebook.com/eldia.com.do/photos/a.258662327511180/2373565399354185/?type=3
http://hoy.com.do/piden-mayor-vigilancia-en-frontera-dominico-haitiana-tras-muerte-dos-personas/
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/algo-huele-mal-en-la-frontera-AO11794015
Drinking hours back to normal
The Ministry of Interior and Police has reminded that the extension of drinking hours, applied for the Christmas and New Year period, is now over, and that according to Decree 308-06, no alcoholic drinks can be sold after midnight, Sunday to Thursday and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
http://hoy.com.do/se-acabaron-las-f...l-horario-de-expendio-de-bebidas-alcoholicas/
Facundo Manes to explain link between neurosciences and education
Vice President Margarita Cedeño announced that Argentinian neuroscience international expert Facundo Manes will give two master conferences for the educational community at the National Theater. The conferences are: “Neurosciences and Education: What is Important for Learning” and “Decision Making, Creativity and Leadership: Neuroscience Perspective.” They are scheduled for Monday, 14 January 2019 at 5pm and Tuesday, 15 January at 11am at the main Carlos Piantini hall of the National Theater. The conferences are targeted at physicians, psychologists, teachers and general public.
Admission is free, but reservations need to be made via the link at the Vice Presidency webpage at https://www.facebook.com/ViceRDo/ or https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?u=2240947b2b2e6c5d084fdc5fa&id=65d217120c
http://hoy.com.do/experto-en-neurociencias-visitara-la-rd/
https://facundomanes.com/
Major government social programs reach out to millions
The latest report from the Progresando con Solidaridad (Prosoli) social programs directed by the Office of the Vice Presidency indicates that 828,887 families are receiving welfare deposits, according to a report in Diario Libre. Diario Libre says this impacts around 2.7 million persons of a voter population of 7.5 million persons, according to the Central Electoral Board. According to Enhogar, the average Domincian family is 3.3 persons.
Diario Libre reports that 495,595 families benefited from student vouchers and that 956, 906 households received Bonogás Hogar (the propane gas subsidy) and 448,299 Bonoluz (the electricity subsidy).
As reported, the Social Cabinet budget increased by RD$1,257,562,712 for 2019, since the budget allocated will be RD$18,513,747,464, while for 2018 it was RD $ 17,256,184,752.
"Comer es primero" has budgeted for 2019 RD $ 8,642,337,900; Prosoli RD $ 1,285,679,900; Bonoluz RD $ 2,068.22,188 Home Gas Bond RD $ 2,628,000.00; the School Attendance Incentive 800 million, and Aid to Elderly RD$399,996,000.
Diario Libre says the social programs are a way to maintain political partisanship among voters. But the leading PRM opposition party was prompt to say they would keep the social programs.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...sonas-y-son-buenas-armas-politicas-DO11791442
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...subsidios-sirvan-para-promover-pld-BI11801321
Decision on Supreme Court judges approaches
The secretary of the National Magistracy Council (CNM), judge Fran Soto has said that prospects are excellent that 12 highly qualified judges for the Supreme Court of Justice will be selected in a transparent manner. He said that the judges would be chosen for the Supreme Court of Justice and the Superior Electoral Court, and when asked that the judges supporting former President Leonel Fernandez would be dismissed and replace by those for President Danilo Medina, he said that that was purely speculation.
When asked about the Odebrecht case judge, Francisco Ortega Polanco, he said that he would not be evaluated now, but in August, and he also said that Supreme Court president, Mariano German Mejía, would be evaluated in the same way as other judges, should he wish to continue.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-y-francisco-ortega-no-ira-a-escrutinio-ahora
ANEIH: Economy grows but informal and government jobs prevail
The National Association of Herrera Industries (ANEIH) disputes that all is fine and dandy with the economy as the Central Bank would like the country to believe. In a statement, ANEIH says that the country, contrary to what has been established by the Department of Monetary Programing and Economic Studies of the Central Bank, needs a change in its economic model.
ANEIH establishes that despite recording the highest economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean, the country has been incapable of significantly reducing the number of informal jobs and increasing the quality of jobs.
ANEIH stated: “Employment continues to grow only half of what GDP grows, because it is neglected and discourages the fundamental productive sectors, such as agriculture, industry and agro-industry, which have the greatest potential to generate linkages.”
In the document signed by its president, Antonio Taveras Guzmán, the business organization noted that the Labor Force Survey (ENCFT) of the BCRD reveals that, of every 6 jobs created in 2018 three corresponded to the informal sector, two to the government and only one to the formal private sector.
http://aeih.org.do
https://www.argentarium.com/veedor/...a-cambiar-modelo-economico-del-banco-central/
Dominicans deported from around the world
The United States is not the only country that deports Dominicans from their territory, even though the highest number of Dominicans are deported from the US. Statistics prepared by the National Migration Institute, part of the Ministry of Interior and Police, has identified other countries that also deport Dominicans. For example, in 2016 some 203 Dominicans were deported from Puerto Rico; 152 from Spain, and 105 from Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, 90 were deported from Chile, 88 from Panama, 62 from French Guyana, 55 from Mexico, 46 from Curacao and 30 from Ecuador. There were an additional 360 Dominicans deported from other countries. The United States, with 1,711 deportees has the highest number accounting for 59% of those deported.
According to Amparo Reyes, director of the Fundación Bienvenido Seas, the United States has the most severe deportation regime, deporting all who have served time in jail, whereas other European countries give Dominicans the option of remaining in the country or returning to the Dominican Republic.
The investigation concludes that Dominican deportations from the United States, continue to increase, with 66,669 Dominican deported from there in the last 23 years. Of these, 68.2% are for criminal cases and 31.8% for non-criminal cases.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...yoria-de-deportados-llega-desde-eeuu-y-europa
Journalist Alanna Lockward dies
Yesterday, Monday 7 January 2019, 57-year old journalist Alanna Lockward fell seriously ill in Haiti. The investigator, university professor and author died in Santo Domingo at the age of 57. She died in the hospital following her return from Haiti.
Alanna Lockward was born in Santo Domingo on 23 March 1961 and studied in Mexico and Berlin. She was the founding director of the Art Labor Archives, and author of several books and essays.
In addition, she was the cultural editor of Listin Diario and investigative journalist for the former Rumbo magazine as well as a columnist for the Miami Herald and Acento.com.do
She was a professor at PUCMM in Santiago, and visiting professor at Humboldt University in Berlin, Warwick University in the UK, the Dutch Art Institute, and Goldsmiths University in London.
https://hoy.com.do/fallece-la-periodista-y-cineasta-alanna-lockward/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/fallece-la-periodista-y-escritora-alanna-lockward-AO11795216
https://acento.com.do/2019/cultura/...egunda-gran-perdida-del-arte-la-cultura-2019/
Vuelta Independencia Nacional cycling race announced
The most important cycling race held every year in the Dominican Republic, the Vuelta Independencia Nacional, will take place 25 February to 3 March 2019. The event is organized by the Dominican Cycling Federation (Fedoci). The president of Fedoci, Jorge Blas Díaz said that the race kicks off with a 125 kilometer first race on 25 February. The route for this race is along the Circunvalación de Santo Domingo-La Mina-Retorno, Autopista Circunvalación San Cristóbal-Baní, San José de Ocoa.
On the second day, 26 February, the cyclists will cover a route of 120 kilometers from Santo Domingo to La Romana.
On Independence Day, 27 February, the racers will cover the Circuito El Higuero of 110 km.
On 28 February, the route is 120 km from Santo Domingo to Monte Plata.
On 1 March, the route is 165 km from Monte Plata to San Francisco de Macorís.
On 2 March, the race will be 110 km on the Circuito Area Monumental de Santiago.
https://elnacional.com.do/te-enteraste-2873/
Omega to perform 26 January at Puerto Plata Amphitheater
El Mega Omega Concierto is booked for the 4,500-seat capacity Puerto Plata Amphitheater. This is the first concert of the year at the popular venue that faces the Atlantic Ocean. The show is produced by Luis Medrano. Omega is popular for his best hits such as “Cambonea”, “Dame vida,” “Escudo de Dios,” “Tu no esta pa mi” and others.
Deadline for marbete is reached
Advances at Santo Domingo Bypass
Call for improved border security
Drinking hours back to normal
Facundo Manes to explain link between neurosciences and education
Major government social programs reach out to millions
Decision on Supreme Court judges approaches
ANEIH: Economy grows but informal and government jobs prevail
Dominicans deported from around the world
Journalist Alanna Lockward dies
Vuelta Independencia Nacional cycling race announced
Omega to perform 26 January at Puerto Plata Amphitheater
New transit regulations approved
The Executive Branch reported on 7 January 2019 that the Presidency has approved the first six rulings for the implementation of new Transit Law 63-17under the National Institute of Terrestrial Transit and Transport (Intrant). These are six of 22 rulings that need to be passed for the implementation of the law.
Intrant reported that the requirements for getting and keeping a driver’s license are now more rigorous. Likewise, requirements for a motor vehicle to circulate, via the Rules of the Vehicle Technical Inspection, are also stricter. The new rules include a points’ system for driving licenses that will penalize those who do not comply with regulations, rules on training in driving schools and a medical certificate encompassing psychological and physical conditions to ensure drivers are fit to drive.
The rulings approved by the Executive Branch are:
Reglamento de la Inspección Técnica Vehicular (ITV): This rule establishes minimum requirements for a motor vehicle to circulate and establishes the norms for vehicle revision and controls, replacing the previous “revista” sticker that was regularly issued without taking into consideration revision requirements enabling a large number of inadequate vehicles to continue in circulation.
Reglamento de Licencias de Conducir: This ruling seeks to improve driver education through license renewals in the understanding human error is responsible for up to 90% of the accidents. The new ruling establishes driver categories, restrictions for the issuing of the licenses and tests that need to be taken. Likewise, it establishes that drivers that commit infractions or have not renewed their license need to attend motor vehicle safety and operation classes prior to the renewal.
Reglamento sobre el Sistema de Puntos de la Licencia de Conducir: This ruling complements the driver license ruling and establishes a point system for drivers committing repeated faults by which their permit to drive can be removed.
Reglamento para la Capacitación, Formación y Educación Vial: This ruling focuses on drivers education programs starting in schools.
Reglamento de Certificado Médico Psicofísico de Conductores y de Centros Médicos Autorizados a su Expedición: This ruling looks into establishing that drivers meet minimum health conditions prior to receiving a license.
Reglamento de Escuelas de Conductores: This ruling seeks to regulate driver education schools.
The new rulings still need to be published by the Executive Branch so the procedure to start their implementation can start.
Meanwhile an editorial in Diario Libre observes that especially in traffic matters what is illegal is normal, while the government takes its time to publish the new rulings to apply the comprehensive Transit Law 63-17.
https://www.intrant.gob.do/index.ph...aprueba-reglamentos-elaborados-por-el-intrant
https://elnacional.com.do/poder-ejecutivo-aprueba-reglamentos-elaborados-por-el-intran/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...para-licencias-y-regulan-escuelas-de-choferes
http://hoy.com.do/para-que-no-lo-ag...-obtener-y-mantener-una-licencia-de-conducir/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...para-licencias-y-regulan-escuelas-de-choferes
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/la-normalidad-de-lo-ilegal-LO11799020
https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/transportistas-favorecen-nuevos-reglamentos-OI11801708
Deadline for marbete is reached
According to the Tax Agency (DGII), as of 7 January 2019, 13% of the vehicle park had yet to renew the permission for a vehicle to be on the road, or its “marbete”. According to the DGII, some 170,000 vehicle owners still needed to purchase the sticker for their vehicles.
The DGII reports receiving revenues for the issuing of marbetes of RD$1.9billion as of Monday, 7 January 2019, with an estimated RD$2.14 billion pending to be paid.
Those who do not pay by the cut-off date will have to pay a fine of RD$1,500. As of 8 January 2019, vehicles that do not display the sticker may be impounded by Digesett agents (the former Amet).
The renewal process started on 1 October 2018. Those vehicles five years old or less pay RD$3,000 and those over five years old pay RD$1,500.
https://eldia.com.do/unos-250-mil-vehiculos-aun-no-renuevan-el-marbete/
https://www.metrord.do/do/destacado...ar-marbete-1500-pesos-extra-desde-manana.html
Advances at Santo Domingo Bypass
Public Works Minister Gonzalo Castillo reports that works are advancing on the second phase of the 20 km Santo Domingo Bypass (Tramo II de la Circunvalación de Santo Domingo). The bypass is built so that vehicles that are headed east or north do not need to enter the National District and the municipalities Santo Domingo Oeste, Norte and Este. The bypass seeks to decongestion traffic in the province of Santo Domingo and the capital city.
The construction calls for 14 bridges, including six over rivers, and eight overpasses connecting three principal regions in the country. The stretch goes from Km 16 to 36. The Ministry says that works are underway at 94% of the stretch. He said the highway will connect to the Santo Domingo-Samana (Autopista del Nordeste) highway.
The bypass begins in the southern region, in Haina, crosses the Autopista Duarte at Km 18, connects to the Autopista del Nordeste and unites then to the east of the country via the Autopista Las Americas, as of the Boca Chica municipality.
The contractor of the highway is Raul Rizek.
Low attendance for first day back at school
Yesterday, Monday 7 January 2019, was the first day back at public schools after the Christmas holidays, but attendance was low. According to Diario Libre, attendance ranged from 30% to 50% of the schools that reporters checked, but the teachers and administrative staff were all present and the school meals were delivered. Most private schools also resumed classes on Tuesday, 8 January 2019.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...a-de-clases-tras-fiestas-navidenas-IO11796806
Call for improved border security
Several sectors have asked for improvements in the surveillance on the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, following the death of a Dominican soldier, Oriano Montero Encarnación, on Saturday, 5 January 2019, at the hands of a Haitian, who was later killed by another soldier in the community of Pinzon, in Elias Piña. The deceased and sergeant Carlos Manuel Montero Lorenzo were patrolling the area and ordered two Haitians to stop. One of the Haitians reportedly responded with gunfire, killing Montero. The Army announced the promotion of both soldiers.
What is known is that the late Oriano Montero Encarnacion of the Army was assigned to the Specialized Corps of Frontier Security (Cesfront). He was shot and killed by a Haitian who was being detained by a border patrol in el Callejón, in Elías Piña, in the south east of the country, bordering with Haiti. Following the incident, another member of the patrol killed the Haitian, who was with a fellow Haitian, who fled the scene.
The Ministry of Defense has ordered an investigation amid calls to improve border security.
An editorial in Diario Libre highlighted the weaknesses at the Dominican border with Haiti. Adriano Miguel Tejada, executive editor of Diario Libre stressed that the incidents that occurred over the weekend in which a Dominican soldier and a Haitian national died and others were injured, are not isolated incidences. These assaults are the result a combination of factors that are not being addressed by the authorities.
Tejada writes: “In first place, order cannot be imposed at the border without clear rules at both sides of the border. Haiti is a country without respect to rules and our authorities for a long time have taken advantage of that situation to violate our laws. This ambivalence creates situations of instability and lawlessness at the border.
He also explains that in second place, the stationing at the border of poorly trained soldiers, many of them new recruits, without knowledge of the terrain and ineffectively armed, without clear "rules of engagement", make the application of the norms difficult. For their part, Haitians are aware that the instructions that Dominican soldiers have are not to shoot unless it is in their own defence (not even in that of their nationals) encourages bold and reckless behaviour. In addition, there is a common belief that corruption leads to a lack of observing of rules, as is the case of the flow of contraband between the two countries.
Tejada also points out that in third place, the border must be "cooled" and we are "heating" it. The best example of "cooling" is Codevi, the free zone manufacturing project of Fernando Capellán. Examples of warming are bi-national markets, which lend themselves to all kinds of incidents and pressures, and the announced presence of thousands of troops in the area without a precise doctrine of what their role is.
He stresses: “The border requires clear rules and policies that encourage civil discipline and a serious commitment to the sovereignty of the country, or problems will continue ...”
https://www.facebook.com/eldia.com.do/photos/a.258662327511180/2373565399354185/?type=3
http://hoy.com.do/piden-mayor-vigilancia-en-frontera-dominico-haitiana-tras-muerte-dos-personas/
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/algo-huele-mal-en-la-frontera-AO11794015
Drinking hours back to normal
The Ministry of Interior and Police has reminded that the extension of drinking hours, applied for the Christmas and New Year period, is now over, and that according to Decree 308-06, no alcoholic drinks can be sold after midnight, Sunday to Thursday and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
http://hoy.com.do/se-acabaron-las-f...l-horario-de-expendio-de-bebidas-alcoholicas/
Facundo Manes to explain link between neurosciences and education
Vice President Margarita Cedeño announced that Argentinian neuroscience international expert Facundo Manes will give two master conferences for the educational community at the National Theater. The conferences are: “Neurosciences and Education: What is Important for Learning” and “Decision Making, Creativity and Leadership: Neuroscience Perspective.” They are scheduled for Monday, 14 January 2019 at 5pm and Tuesday, 15 January at 11am at the main Carlos Piantini hall of the National Theater. The conferences are targeted at physicians, psychologists, teachers and general public.
Admission is free, but reservations need to be made via the link at the Vice Presidency webpage at https://www.facebook.com/ViceRDo/ or https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?u=2240947b2b2e6c5d084fdc5fa&id=65d217120c
http://hoy.com.do/experto-en-neurociencias-visitara-la-rd/
https://facundomanes.com/
Major government social programs reach out to millions
The latest report from the Progresando con Solidaridad (Prosoli) social programs directed by the Office of the Vice Presidency indicates that 828,887 families are receiving welfare deposits, according to a report in Diario Libre. Diario Libre says this impacts around 2.7 million persons of a voter population of 7.5 million persons, according to the Central Electoral Board. According to Enhogar, the average Domincian family is 3.3 persons.
Diario Libre reports that 495,595 families benefited from student vouchers and that 956, 906 households received Bonogás Hogar (the propane gas subsidy) and 448,299 Bonoluz (the electricity subsidy).
As reported, the Social Cabinet budget increased by RD$1,257,562,712 for 2019, since the budget allocated will be RD$18,513,747,464, while for 2018 it was RD $ 17,256,184,752.
"Comer es primero" has budgeted for 2019 RD $ 8,642,337,900; Prosoli RD $ 1,285,679,900; Bonoluz RD $ 2,068.22,188 Home Gas Bond RD $ 2,628,000.00; the School Attendance Incentive 800 million, and Aid to Elderly RD$399,996,000.
Diario Libre says the social programs are a way to maintain political partisanship among voters. But the leading PRM opposition party was prompt to say they would keep the social programs.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...sonas-y-son-buenas-armas-politicas-DO11791442
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...subsidios-sirvan-para-promover-pld-BI11801321
Decision on Supreme Court judges approaches
The secretary of the National Magistracy Council (CNM), judge Fran Soto has said that prospects are excellent that 12 highly qualified judges for the Supreme Court of Justice will be selected in a transparent manner. He said that the judges would be chosen for the Supreme Court of Justice and the Superior Electoral Court, and when asked that the judges supporting former President Leonel Fernandez would be dismissed and replace by those for President Danilo Medina, he said that that was purely speculation.
When asked about the Odebrecht case judge, Francisco Ortega Polanco, he said that he would not be evaluated now, but in August, and he also said that Supreme Court president, Mariano German Mejía, would be evaluated in the same way as other judges, should he wish to continue.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-y-francisco-ortega-no-ira-a-escrutinio-ahora
ANEIH: Economy grows but informal and government jobs prevail
The National Association of Herrera Industries (ANEIH) disputes that all is fine and dandy with the economy as the Central Bank would like the country to believe. In a statement, ANEIH says that the country, contrary to what has been established by the Department of Monetary Programing and Economic Studies of the Central Bank, needs a change in its economic model.
ANEIH establishes that despite recording the highest economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean, the country has been incapable of significantly reducing the number of informal jobs and increasing the quality of jobs.
ANEIH stated: “Employment continues to grow only half of what GDP grows, because it is neglected and discourages the fundamental productive sectors, such as agriculture, industry and agro-industry, which have the greatest potential to generate linkages.”
In the document signed by its president, Antonio Taveras Guzmán, the business organization noted that the Labor Force Survey (ENCFT) of the BCRD reveals that, of every 6 jobs created in 2018 three corresponded to the informal sector, two to the government and only one to the formal private sector.
http://aeih.org.do
https://www.argentarium.com/veedor/...a-cambiar-modelo-economico-del-banco-central/
Dominicans deported from around the world
The United States is not the only country that deports Dominicans from their territory, even though the highest number of Dominicans are deported from the US. Statistics prepared by the National Migration Institute, part of the Ministry of Interior and Police, has identified other countries that also deport Dominicans. For example, in 2016 some 203 Dominicans were deported from Puerto Rico; 152 from Spain, and 105 from Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, 90 were deported from Chile, 88 from Panama, 62 from French Guyana, 55 from Mexico, 46 from Curacao and 30 from Ecuador. There were an additional 360 Dominicans deported from other countries. The United States, with 1,711 deportees has the highest number accounting for 59% of those deported.
According to Amparo Reyes, director of the Fundación Bienvenido Seas, the United States has the most severe deportation regime, deporting all who have served time in jail, whereas other European countries give Dominicans the option of remaining in the country or returning to the Dominican Republic.
The investigation concludes that Dominican deportations from the United States, continue to increase, with 66,669 Dominican deported from there in the last 23 years. Of these, 68.2% are for criminal cases and 31.8% for non-criminal cases.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...yoria-de-deportados-llega-desde-eeuu-y-europa
Journalist Alanna Lockward dies
Yesterday, Monday 7 January 2019, 57-year old journalist Alanna Lockward fell seriously ill in Haiti. The investigator, university professor and author died in Santo Domingo at the age of 57. She died in the hospital following her return from Haiti.
Alanna Lockward was born in Santo Domingo on 23 March 1961 and studied in Mexico and Berlin. She was the founding director of the Art Labor Archives, and author of several books and essays.
In addition, she was the cultural editor of Listin Diario and investigative journalist for the former Rumbo magazine as well as a columnist for the Miami Herald and Acento.com.do
She was a professor at PUCMM in Santiago, and visiting professor at Humboldt University in Berlin, Warwick University in the UK, the Dutch Art Institute, and Goldsmiths University in London.
https://hoy.com.do/fallece-la-periodista-y-cineasta-alanna-lockward/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/fallece-la-periodista-y-escritora-alanna-lockward-AO11795216
https://acento.com.do/2019/cultura/...egunda-gran-perdida-del-arte-la-cultura-2019/
Vuelta Independencia Nacional cycling race announced
The most important cycling race held every year in the Dominican Republic, the Vuelta Independencia Nacional, will take place 25 February to 3 March 2019. The event is organized by the Dominican Cycling Federation (Fedoci). The president of Fedoci, Jorge Blas Díaz said that the race kicks off with a 125 kilometer first race on 25 February. The route for this race is along the Circunvalación de Santo Domingo-La Mina-Retorno, Autopista Circunvalación San Cristóbal-Baní, San José de Ocoa.
On the second day, 26 February, the cyclists will cover a route of 120 kilometers from Santo Domingo to La Romana.
On Independence Day, 27 February, the racers will cover the Circuito El Higuero of 110 km.
On 28 February, the route is 120 km from Santo Domingo to Monte Plata.
On 1 March, the route is 165 km from Monte Plata to San Francisco de Macorís.
On 2 March, the race will be 110 km on the Circuito Area Monumental de Santiago.
https://elnacional.com.do/te-enteraste-2873/
Omega to perform 26 January at Puerto Plata Amphitheater
El Mega Omega Concierto is booked for the 4,500-seat capacity Puerto Plata Amphitheater. This is the first concert of the year at the popular venue that faces the Atlantic Ocean. The show is produced by Luis Medrano. Omega is popular for his best hits such as “Cambonea”, “Dame vida,” “Escudo de Dios,” “Tu no esta pa mi” and others.