Next DR1 Daily News on Monday, 28 January 2019
New Technology & Communications building at Ministry of Foreign Relations
New military operations center in Montecristi
Monción celebrates paved roads and renovated city park
Simplified tax system coming soon for small businesses
Selling Dominican pineapples on Amazon
Mirador del Sur Park to honor former President Balaguer
JCE says ID to Colombian drug capo was issued in Santo Domingo East
Angel Rondón confident he will clear his name
Angel Rondón says returning $ is out of the question
Victor Díaz Rua says Temístocles Montás should be in the Odebrecht case
Peravia senator insists organized crime is in control
Military patrol hits motorcyclist
Small plane crash lands in Boca de Yuma, drug contraband suspect
High surf and low temperatures forecast
Six Dominicans in Valentino fashion show in Paris
Estrellas win baseball championship!
12th FCGD Global Film Festival opens 30 January
Anthony Rios teams up with Sergio Vargas
Diego el Cigala and Ramon Orlando
Next DR1 Daily News on Monday, 28 January 2019
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 28 January 2019. The Monday issue will compile headline news for the previous Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Breaking news can be followed 24/7 in the Forums. Have a good weekend!
See the DR1 Forum at http://www.dr1.com
New Technology & Communications building at Ministry of Foreign Relations
President Danilo Medina was at the Ministry of Foreign Relations on Wednesday, 23 January 2019, for the inauguration of the Edificio de Tecnología de la Información y Comunicación and an adjacent 531-vehicle and 15,800 underground parking facility. The new venues complement the convention center already operating at the Ministry. The new 1,522 square meter communication and technology building houses the Ministry’s public access information office.
During the inauguration, Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas highlighted achievements of the country in foreign policy including:
Establishment of diplomatic ties with the Popular Republic of China
A non-permanent seat in the National Security Council of the United Nations
Establishment of diplomatic ties with five African countries
Elimination of visa requirement for 16 countries
The first award ceremony for the “Oscar de la Renta Dominican Migrant International Award. The first recipient was New York City doctor Rafael Lantigua
Temporary presidency of the Central American Integration System (SICA) Appointment of the country as regional coordinator for Latin America for the Latin America-Eastern Asia Cooperation Forum (Focalae) for 2019
State visits to 19 countries and receiving of official delegations from more than 30 countries.
Implementation of new commercial diplomacy to promote foreign trade.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...to-edificio-de-tecnologia-de-la-informacion-y
New military operations center in Montecristi
President Danilo Medina and Defense Minister Ruben Paulino Sem were at the northwestern border province of Montecristi on Tuesday, 22 January 2019 for the inauguration of the province’s new 414.80 m2 installations of the Joint and Interagency Task Force. The new facility will serve as base for the reinforcing of control and security operations at the border with Haiti in the area of Dajabón, Manzanillo, Pepillo Salcedo and Matas de Santa Cruz. It includes a heliport, cafeteria, warehouse, detention area, bathrooms, guard house, multiple use pavilion, offices for diverse uses, and dormitories area.
The task force seeks to combat illegal migration, contraband of merchandise and weapons from Haiti. The installations include closed circuit equipment to remotely supervise border operations. Soldiers have been fitted with pickups, motorcycles and buggy-type vehicles for the patrols in the difficult road areas along the border. Likewise, the soldiers have satellite communication and the service of drones for increased surveillance and security coordination actions.
The new headquarters will centralize actions of around 10 state entities of government: Dirección de Inteligencia del Estado Mayor Conjunto del MIDE, J-2; Ejército de República Dominicana (ERD); Dirección General de Migración (DGM), Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA); Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas (DNCD), including a canine unit; Policía Nacional (PN); Departamento Nacional de Investigaciones (DNI); Procuraduría General de la República, among others.
At the site is a 118.34m2 new facility for the Cuerpo Especializado de Control de Combustible (CECCOM), under the Ministry of Defense (MIDE) that is responsible for controlling distribution and commercialization of fuel, ensuring laws and regulations are met.
The Presidency says this is the third installation of this type that enters into operation. The government also operates another in Jicomé, Valverde Mao province and Los Pilones in Azua.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...ento-fuerza-de-tarea-conjunta-e-interagencial
Monción celebrates paved roads and renovated city park
President Danilo Medina was in the city of Monción in northwestern Santiago Rodríguez on Tuesday, 22 January 2019, for the inauguration of public works that included the renovation of 23 km of city streets and another 80 km in six roads to facilitate production and commerce in the area. The paved roads are those linking Navarrete to Esperanza, in Valverde; La Caída de Mao-Cruce Manga, in Valverde; Monción-El Rubio, in Santiago Rodríguez; Los Quemados-Caciques- Monción, in Santiago Rodríguez; Guayacanes-Cruce de Mao, in Valverde, and Mao-Esperanza, also in Valverde.
President Medina participated in the inaugural of the renovated 3,184 m2 central city park located at Calle San Antonio corner Colón.
Accompanying the President were Presidency Minister Gustavo Montalvo; Agriculture Minister Osmar Benítez; Industry & Commerce Minsiter Nelson Toca; Santiago Rodríguez senator Antonio de Jesús Cruz; Valverde senator Manuel Guichardo; Santiago Rodríguez governor Miguel Angel Núñez; Valverde governor Jose Valdez; Monción mayor José Napoleón Espinal, among others.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...que-municipal-y-seis-carreteras-que-mejoraran
Simplified tax system coming soon for small businesses
The director of the Tax Agency (DGII) Magín Díaz explained that his department will be installing early this year advisory centers to help small business comply with their tax obligations. The new centers are part of a move to replace the present facility for small business, the Procedimiento Simplificado de Tributación (PST) with a less bureaucratic Unico system. He said the ruling for the new system would be available for public hearing discussions prior to its passing and implementation. Díaz spoke on the TV program, “La cosa como es,” produced by journalist Edith Febles on Channel 45 of Teleradioamérica.
"Rather than selling this process as the elimination of the tax advance (anticipo), I would say that it is about the relaunching of the simplified tax regime authorized for small businesses,” he explained. He said the less complicated system seeks to encourage more businesses to formalize their operations.
He said that the PST has not been successful. In operation since 2007, it only is used by around 10,000 small businesses, despite the hundreds of thousands that would qualify. But he said many companies were irregularly using the PST to avoid paying taxes.
The DGII says that the Unico model would be available for small companies with sales of up to RD$8.7 a year. It would be relaunched in coordination with the Ministry of Industry & Commerce small business program under Ignacio Mendez.
"If small companies use this scheme, they will not have to send forms every month, like large companies; they will not have to pay ITBIS every month, they will not have to pay the advance payment every month," said Díaz, making clear that the facility does not mean that small businesses still maintain their tax obligations.
Díaz estimated tax evasion in the Dominican Republic at 60%, and evasion of the ITBIS, the local sales tax, at around 45%.
https://dgii.gov.do/noticias/Pagina...butario-para-las-pequeñas-empresas-de-RD.aspx
Selling Dominican pineapples on Amazon
Agriculture Minister Osmar Benítez proudly announces that Dominican pineapples will soon be sold on Amazon.com. He explained that Shared-X Impact Farm is installing itself in a free zone Las Carolinas at Cruce del Pajón in central Monte Plata. Monte Plata province is a major pineapple-producing area.
Benítez said the company will be exporting organic pineapples online on Amazon. He estimated production of around 10 million pineapples in the farm’s two annual harvests. He said the farm will employ 500 permanent workers. The company is making a US$6.9 million investment that includes the construction of a packaging plant. He said the packaging plant will have capacity to fill a freight container per hour. He estimated 12 containers per week will be shipped during harvest time. The company expects to expand to production of 40 freight containers per week in the future.
Benítez said the company’s main market is northern Europe, but there are plans to market the pineapple in the United States and other countries.
The leader for the operation is Alfredo Ruiz, who is operations director for pineapples for Shared Ximpact, says he has 100 hectares planted of the fruit. He wants to add another 44 hectares.
http://hoy.com.do/empresa-rd-vendera-pina-via-amazon/
https://www.sharedximpact.com/
https://tedxasburypark.com/01/2015/john-denniston-wants-to-revamp-farming-in-developing-countries/
Mirador del Sur Park to honor former President Balaguer
The City Council of the National District unanimously approved a resolution that would add the name of late President Joaquín Balaguer to the Parque Mirador del Sur in Santo Domingo. Balaguer built the park and was known to visit for long walks attired in suit and tie. The request had been made by the block of PRSC councilors. Balaguer was President for terms from 1966 to 1978 and from 1986 to 1996.
Balaguer is also responsible for the construction of Greater Santo Domingo National Botanical Gardens, the National Zoo, and the Mirador del Norte Park in northern Santo Domingo.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...irador-sur-llevara-nombre-de-joaquin-balaguer
JCE says ID to Colombian drug capo was issued in Santo Domingo East
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) reported that the identification card (cédula No. 402-4095330-3) issued to now deported Colombian drug trafficker Julian Alberto Jimenez Monsalve (Machete), in the name of David Jose Mateo was issued by the Oficialia del Estado Civil de la 12va Circunscripción in Santo Domingo East. The JCE said that procedures were violated to issue the document. The document was issued on the same day of the transcription of his birth certificate in violation of the process that calls for an investigation to precedes the issuing of the document.
The JCE identified Alba Elizabeth Vásquez Curiel, Zewxis Oxiades Ledesma Gonell and Yaniris Yohanni Perez as responsible for the fraudulent issuing of the identification document.
Sandra del Carmen Francisco Paniagua, Oficial del Estado Civil de la Oficialía de la 12va Circunscripción de Santo Domingo Este, and the head of the office was suspended for 30 days without pay.
The identification document was voided, the identification card cancelled and the officers fired and have pending a case in the judiciary.
https://jce.gob.do/Noticias/comisio...ete-fue-obtenida-mediante-documentacion-falsa
Angel Rondón confident he will clear his name
Angel Rondon, lead suspect in the US$92 million Odebrecht case, feels state prosecutors no longer have a case against him. Rondón has insisted the funds received were for services rendered to the company.
“Those they say I bribed are no longer plaintiffs in the case that has been filed,” he told the press prior to the start of the Odebrecht hearing on Wednesday, 23 January 2019. “They are going to have to identify those I supposedly bribed in Hacienda, in the Budget Office and in the Executive Office,” he said when arriving to the Supreme Court of Justice for the hearing before Supreme Court of Justice special instruction judge, Alejandro Vargas.
The Attorney General Office has presented accusations for the US$92 million bribe to seven. These are: Angel Rondón Rijo, who served as commercial representative for Odebrecht in the Dominican Republic; former Public Works Minister Víctor Díaz Rúa; former presidents of the Senate Andrés Bautista and Jesús Vásquez; lawyer Conrado Pittaluga, senator Tommy Galán Grullón, and former director of the National Institute of Potable Water and Sewage, Roberto Rodríguez.
In his remarks to the press prior to the start of the hearing, Attorney General Jean Alain Rodríguez told reporters: "The citizens and we also hope that the judges will do justice with all the evidence they have in their hands.”
The case continues on 24 January 2019 at the Supreme Court of Justice.
http://hoy.com.do/caso-odebrecht-lo...luidos-en-el-expediente-asegura-angel-rondon/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ga-transferencias-odebrecht-rondon-KJ11904086
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/01/24/panorama/justicia/presenta-acusacion-en-caso-odebrecht/
Angel Rondón says returning $ is out of the question
Speaking prior to the start of the hearing for the Odebrecht US$92 million bribes case, Odebrecht commercial representative Angel Rondón said he is willing to reach an agreement with the Attorney General Office to resolve the case in which Odebrecht officers admitted in a New York court having paid US$92 million to secure contract work in the country. But, Rondón maintains that the cash he received, US$79 million, was in payment of his fees in securing contract work for Odebrecht with the Dominican government and that returning that cash is out of the question.
Rondón advanced that lots of truth would come forth during the hearing that began on Wednesday, 23 January 2019. Rondon said that if Attorney General Jean Alain Rodriguez had been interested in resolving the case, he should have just included him in the case and not the others.
He said the Public Ministry will have to prove in the hearing who received the bribes and why others with whom he met to lobby for the approval of the contracted work are not included.
The Attorney General has presented accusations for the US$92 million bribe to seven individuals: Angel Rondón Rijo, who served as commercial representative for Odebrecht in the Dominican Republic; former Public Works Minister Víctor Díaz Rúa; former presidents of the Senate Andrés Bautista and Jesús Vásquez; lawyer Conrado Pittaluga, senator Tommy Galán Grullón, and former director of the National Institute of Potable Water and Sewage, Roberto Rodríguez.
The case continues on 24 January 2019 at the Supreme Court of Justice.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...er-caso-odebrecht-pero-sin-devolver-el-dinero
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ga-transferencias-odebrecht-rondon-KJ11904086
Victor Díaz Rua says Temístocles Montás should be in the Odebrecht case
Speaking with reporters prior to the start of the hearing for the Oderecht US$92 million bribes case at the Supreme Court of Justice, former Public Works Minister under the Leonel Fernandez administration, Victor Diaz Rua complained that there are people who were excluded from the Odebrecht bribes case despite having publicly admitted receiving the bribe money. The former secretary of finances of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), the ruling government party, complained that a person who had admitted receiving cash is now campaigning in politics after not being included.
While Diaz did not name the politician, it is well known that former Industry & Commerce Minister Temístocles Montás who in June 2017 admitted in a paid space in the media that he had received three contributions for PLD political campaigns in 2008 (San Cristóbal), 2012 (San Juan de la Maguana) and 2016 (eastern provinces) from Ángel Rondón. ]
The Attorney General has presented accusations for the US$92 million bribe to seven individuals: Angel Rondón Rijo, who served as commercial representative for Odebrecht in the Dominican Republic; former Public Works Minister Víctor Díaz Rúa; former presidents of the Senate Andrés Bautista and Jesús Vásquez; lawyer Conrado Pittaluga, senator Tommy Galán Grullón, and former director of the National Institute of Potable Water and Sewage, Roberto Rodríguez.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ero-de-odebrecht-no-fue-incluida-en-acusacion
http://eldia.com.do/diaz-rua-critica-precandidato-pld-fuera-sacado-del-caso-odebrecht/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...on-quiere-un-arreglo-relacionado-con-sobornos
Peravia senator insists organized crime is in control
Senator Wilton Guerrero (PLD-Peravia), speaking from the forum of the Senate, said that organized crime has taken control of the streets of the Dominican Republic. He said anyone can be a victim of organized crime and common delinquency. The senator spoke to address remarks made by the chaplain of the Presidential Palace, Alejandro Cabrera, who had called for the senator to shut up and let the Police work during Sunday, 20 January 2019 mass at the Presidential chapel.
Guerrero feels the chief of the Police Major General Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte is not doing his job and has called for his resignation. “The director of the Police does more damage to the country than child and maternal mortality, unemployment, femicides and AIDS all together,” he said.
"Police General Ney Aldrin Bautista should resign his position as chief of police, because the situation the country is experiencing indicates that the team with which he is directing public security has been a total failure, and that team in general terms it is at the service of crime, it is at the service of organized crime and crime, " he said speaking from Congress.
He complained that Dican, DNCD and Dicrim, the government drug units, “are the biggest businesses the Dominican Republic has at this time.”
"There is no company, exporter, importer and manufacturer that yields more dividends than the DNCD, the Dicrim and the Dican. It is a lack of respect for the country that General Ney Aldrin designates his assistant at the head of the Dican to be next to that negotiation of organized crime, "he said.
Guerrero said that the country lives a curfew because of crime and people no longer wear their jewelry, leading to the bankruptcy of jewelry stores and farmers are impotent with so many robberies.
"It is not out of line on my part to request the resignation of a public official, such as the director of the Police who harms the country, because the country has a curfew due to crime, without guarantee even for a departmental commander, as Colonel Ramos was murdered in Baní," he said. Guerrero was referring to the Police colonel who was murdered while visiting a known drug spot in the southcentral city. He also mentioned the recent murder of Freddy Breton, who was the brother of the Archbishop of Santiago.
Meanwhile, Police director Bautista Almonte said he would stay on the job. “My answer is that I am here today,” he told the press.
http://eldia.com.do/wilton-guerrero-lanza-criticas-a-los-cambios-que-hizo-la-policia/
https://elnacional.com.do/wilton-reitera-la-delincuencia-controla-calles/
https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2019/01/23/550505/wilton-el-director-de-la-pn-dana-al-pais
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL0MbodMD-Z6Ep_AaMeIk9soPLLrkR7zXO&v=G1c8ZxrWHEc
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/01...ue-narcotrafico-permea-varias-areas-del-pais/
http://eldia.com.do/wilton-guerrero-le-da-un-rapapolvo-al-capellan-que-lo-mando-a-callar/
Military patrol hits motorcyclist
The director of the Ciudad Tranquila Task Force (Ciutran), Ricardo Castillo announced he has suspended for 30, 20 and 10 days three Air Force military for excessive use of force in the case of a motorcyclist circulating on the Autopista del Coral. A video put into evidence the excesses committed by Pedro Alberto Diaz Mejía, who was driving the Ciutran pickup, and Alejandro Concepción and Eloy Medina.
Circulating on social media, the video showed a military patrol vehicle belonging to CIUTRAN hitting a motorcycle on Sunday afternoon, 20 January 2019, knocking it over at high speed and driving off. The incident took place on the Coral Highway, near the La Romana airport.
The rider of the motorcycle, Daniel Valdez, was a member of a motorcycle club and was wearing a helmet and had all his papers in order. He was knocked off his bike, not having been asked to stop and is currently in hospital with injuries to his leg.
http://eldia.com.do/motorista-atrop...ia-del-este-narra-como-ocurrieron-los-hechos/
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/01...pello-a-motociclista-en-la-autovia-del-coral/
Small plane crash lands in Boca de Yuma, drug contraband suspect
An update in Diario Libre on the crashed small airplane that landed in San Rafael de Yuma reveals that a man who was arrested at the site was just a local bystander. According to military sources, the airplane crashed around 1:30am on Wednesday, 23 January 2019, near the coastal town of Boca de Yuma. It was on an unreported flight.
A high level commission of investigators from the DNCD, Air Force and Attorney General Office are investigating the case. As reported, the plane crashed when its motor shut down. An unnamed source told Diario Libre that the aircraft was on a flight to allegedly transport something illicit, possibly drugs.
A preliminary report from the Dominican Aviation Institute (IDAC) revealed that a flight plan had not been filed for the flight.
There is speculation the airplane could have been assembled in the Dominican Republic. It has no back seats, but Diario Libre sources say it was assembled with the necessary technology to fly.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/buscan-a-quienes-volaron-en-avioneta-cayo-en-este-KJ11901568
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...habrian-sido-detenidos-por-la-dncd-IB11898642
High surf and low temperatures forecast
Chilly temperatures under 15C are forecast for mountain towns and high surf for north coast towns, says the weather service (Onamet). Lows of 10C to 13C are forecast for the mountain town of Constanza.
Rains are forecast for most of the country as a cold front moves from the north to the southeast. Rains are forecast in Puerto Plata, Santiago, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Samana and La Altagracia. Waves of up to 11 feet are forecast from Montecristi in the northwest to Cabo Engaño, in the southeast. Small craft should stay in port, given the abnormal waves and wind gusts.
In the city of Santo Domingo, morning temperatures of around 21C are forecast. It will be chillier in Santiago, with morning temperatures of around 18/20C forecast. Punta Cana will enjoy less cold weather, with lows of 22/24 in the early morning. Warm temperatures of 27-32C are forecast for noontime nationwide.
Six Dominicans in Valentino fashion show in Paris
Dominican models were chosen by fashion designer house Valentino to show off the Spring 2019 collection on Wednesday, 23 January 2019 in Paris, France, Diario Libre reports. The show closing was by supermodel Naomi Campbell. The Dominican models were Lineisy Montero, Hiandra Martinez, Elibeidy Dani, Anyelina Rosa, Licett Morillo and Annibelis Baez.
https://www.diariolibre.com/revista...desfilaron-para-valentino-en-paris-EJ11903799
https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2019-couture/valentino
Estrellas win baseball championship!
The persevering Mallens finally achieved their goal: a Dominican Professional Winter Baseball Championship for the Estrellas Orientales of San Pedro de Macorís. José Mallén, president and José Mallén Calac, general manager, together with Miguel Feris Chalas and Francisco Domínguez Brito received the BHD Leon trophy from the president of the Dominican Baseball League (Lidom), Vitelio Mejía after the 4-0 win over the Toros del Este at the La Romana Francisco Micheli Stadium. It was the first Estrellas pennant in 51 years.
The “green dream” happened at 11:57pm on 23 January 2019, thanks to general manager Fernando Tatis who dedicated the win to the loyal fans of the town of San Pedro de Macoris. Playing on the team was his son, Fernando Tatis Jr., who had an outstanding performance during the tournament.
José Sirí was named the Most Valuable Player of the series, the Estrellas won 5-1, in a series that could have gone to nine games. The 2018-2019 Dominican Professional Winter Baseball Championship was dedicated to Cooperstown immortal Vladimir Guerrero.
The Estrellas had not won a pennant since 14 February 1968, despite making it to the playoffs 17 times. This is the team’s third crown of champions. Their first team title was obtained in 1954 against the Tigres del Licey, then again in 1968 against the Leones del Escogido.
The Estrellas did a clean sweep of the 2018-2019 Dominican Professional Winter Baseball Championship. The team won the regular series (29-11), the round robin (11-7) and the playoffs (5-1).
The Estrellas now will represent the Dominican Republic at the Caribbean Series that is scheduled to take place 2-8 February 2019 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. The celebration of the Caribbean Series in Venezuela, nevertheless, is in doubt, given the worsening of the political crisis in that South American country. Juan Puello Herrera, Caribbean Baseball Commissioner, called for a telephone conference of the presidents of the regional leagues. Venezuela has not been able to finish its championship.
http://www.estrellasorientales.com.do/
http://eldia.com.do/por-fin-las-estrellas-orientales-entierran-el-maleficio/
https://www.diariolibre.com/portada...-lo-mas-alto-cinco-decadas-despues-BJ11906153
https://listindiario.com/el-deporte/2019/01/24/550683/termino-la-espera-de-51-anos
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/01...as-estrellas-ponen-fin-una-sequia-de-51-anos/
12th FCGD Global Film Festival opens 30 January
Palacio del Cine in Blue Mall is hosting the 2019 Global Film Festival. The Festival de Cine Global Dominicano is organized by the Global Foundation. The opening night is on 30 January at 7pm at the National Theater. The film that opens the show is: “Como si fuera la primera vez,” a Mexican comedy filmed in the Dominican Republic. Korea is the guest country this year. The showings continue at the Blue Mall. See the scheduled films at:
https://tamoencine.org/
Anthony Rios teams up with Sergio Vargas
Legendary bolero and merengue singers Sergio Vargas and Anthony Rios will be performing starting at 10pm at the Sala de Fiestas of the Santo Domingo Barceló Hotel (former Lina Hotel) on Friday, 1 February 2019. Tickets are for sale at the CCN Servicios, Supermercados Nacional and Jumbo ticket centers and online at Uepa Tickets. Tickets start at RD$1,625 for general admission to RD$2,710 special guest.
https://www.uepatickets.com/Tickets.aspx?id=9790
Diego el Cigala and Ramon Orlando
The Palacio de los Deportes in the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center presents the concert “15 Años de Lágrimas Negras” with singer-composers Diego el Cigala and Ramón Orlando on Saturday, 2 February 2019 as of 8:30pm. Tickets online at Uepa Tickets start at RD$1,625 general admission through RD$8,660 special guests.
https://www.uepatickets.com/Tickets.aspx?id=9734
New Technology & Communications building at Ministry of Foreign Relations
New military operations center in Montecristi
Monción celebrates paved roads and renovated city park
Simplified tax system coming soon for small businesses
Selling Dominican pineapples on Amazon
Mirador del Sur Park to honor former President Balaguer
JCE says ID to Colombian drug capo was issued in Santo Domingo East
Angel Rondón confident he will clear his name
Angel Rondón says returning $ is out of the question
Victor Díaz Rua says Temístocles Montás should be in the Odebrecht case
Peravia senator insists organized crime is in control
Military patrol hits motorcyclist
Small plane crash lands in Boca de Yuma, drug contraband suspect
High surf and low temperatures forecast
Six Dominicans in Valentino fashion show in Paris
Estrellas win baseball championship!
12th FCGD Global Film Festival opens 30 January
Anthony Rios teams up with Sergio Vargas
Diego el Cigala and Ramon Orlando
Next DR1 Daily News on Monday, 28 January 2019
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 28 January 2019. The Monday issue will compile headline news for the previous Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Breaking news can be followed 24/7 in the Forums. Have a good weekend!
See the DR1 Forum at http://www.dr1.com
New Technology & Communications building at Ministry of Foreign Relations
President Danilo Medina was at the Ministry of Foreign Relations on Wednesday, 23 January 2019, for the inauguration of the Edificio de Tecnología de la Información y Comunicación and an adjacent 531-vehicle and 15,800 underground parking facility. The new venues complement the convention center already operating at the Ministry. The new 1,522 square meter communication and technology building houses the Ministry’s public access information office.
During the inauguration, Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas highlighted achievements of the country in foreign policy including:
Establishment of diplomatic ties with the Popular Republic of China
A non-permanent seat in the National Security Council of the United Nations
Establishment of diplomatic ties with five African countries
Elimination of visa requirement for 16 countries
The first award ceremony for the “Oscar de la Renta Dominican Migrant International Award. The first recipient was New York City doctor Rafael Lantigua
Temporary presidency of the Central American Integration System (SICA) Appointment of the country as regional coordinator for Latin America for the Latin America-Eastern Asia Cooperation Forum (Focalae) for 2019
State visits to 19 countries and receiving of official delegations from more than 30 countries.
Implementation of new commercial diplomacy to promote foreign trade.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...to-edificio-de-tecnologia-de-la-informacion-y
New military operations center in Montecristi
President Danilo Medina and Defense Minister Ruben Paulino Sem were at the northwestern border province of Montecristi on Tuesday, 22 January 2019 for the inauguration of the province’s new 414.80 m2 installations of the Joint and Interagency Task Force. The new facility will serve as base for the reinforcing of control and security operations at the border with Haiti in the area of Dajabón, Manzanillo, Pepillo Salcedo and Matas de Santa Cruz. It includes a heliport, cafeteria, warehouse, detention area, bathrooms, guard house, multiple use pavilion, offices for diverse uses, and dormitories area.
The task force seeks to combat illegal migration, contraband of merchandise and weapons from Haiti. The installations include closed circuit equipment to remotely supervise border operations. Soldiers have been fitted with pickups, motorcycles and buggy-type vehicles for the patrols in the difficult road areas along the border. Likewise, the soldiers have satellite communication and the service of drones for increased surveillance and security coordination actions.
The new headquarters will centralize actions of around 10 state entities of government: Dirección de Inteligencia del Estado Mayor Conjunto del MIDE, J-2; Ejército de República Dominicana (ERD); Dirección General de Migración (DGM), Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA); Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas (DNCD), including a canine unit; Policía Nacional (PN); Departamento Nacional de Investigaciones (DNI); Procuraduría General de la República, among others.
At the site is a 118.34m2 new facility for the Cuerpo Especializado de Control de Combustible (CECCOM), under the Ministry of Defense (MIDE) that is responsible for controlling distribution and commercialization of fuel, ensuring laws and regulations are met.
The Presidency says this is the third installation of this type that enters into operation. The government also operates another in Jicomé, Valverde Mao province and Los Pilones in Azua.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...ento-fuerza-de-tarea-conjunta-e-interagencial
Monción celebrates paved roads and renovated city park
President Danilo Medina was in the city of Monción in northwestern Santiago Rodríguez on Tuesday, 22 January 2019, for the inauguration of public works that included the renovation of 23 km of city streets and another 80 km in six roads to facilitate production and commerce in the area. The paved roads are those linking Navarrete to Esperanza, in Valverde; La Caída de Mao-Cruce Manga, in Valverde; Monción-El Rubio, in Santiago Rodríguez; Los Quemados-Caciques- Monción, in Santiago Rodríguez; Guayacanes-Cruce de Mao, in Valverde, and Mao-Esperanza, also in Valverde.
President Medina participated in the inaugural of the renovated 3,184 m2 central city park located at Calle San Antonio corner Colón.
Accompanying the President were Presidency Minister Gustavo Montalvo; Agriculture Minister Osmar Benítez; Industry & Commerce Minsiter Nelson Toca; Santiago Rodríguez senator Antonio de Jesús Cruz; Valverde senator Manuel Guichardo; Santiago Rodríguez governor Miguel Angel Núñez; Valverde governor Jose Valdez; Monción mayor José Napoleón Espinal, among others.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...que-municipal-y-seis-carreteras-que-mejoraran
Simplified tax system coming soon for small businesses
The director of the Tax Agency (DGII) Magín Díaz explained that his department will be installing early this year advisory centers to help small business comply with their tax obligations. The new centers are part of a move to replace the present facility for small business, the Procedimiento Simplificado de Tributación (PST) with a less bureaucratic Unico system. He said the ruling for the new system would be available for public hearing discussions prior to its passing and implementation. Díaz spoke on the TV program, “La cosa como es,” produced by journalist Edith Febles on Channel 45 of Teleradioamérica.
"Rather than selling this process as the elimination of the tax advance (anticipo), I would say that it is about the relaunching of the simplified tax regime authorized for small businesses,” he explained. He said the less complicated system seeks to encourage more businesses to formalize their operations.
He said that the PST has not been successful. In operation since 2007, it only is used by around 10,000 small businesses, despite the hundreds of thousands that would qualify. But he said many companies were irregularly using the PST to avoid paying taxes.
The DGII says that the Unico model would be available for small companies with sales of up to RD$8.7 a year. It would be relaunched in coordination with the Ministry of Industry & Commerce small business program under Ignacio Mendez.
"If small companies use this scheme, they will not have to send forms every month, like large companies; they will not have to pay ITBIS every month, they will not have to pay the advance payment every month," said Díaz, making clear that the facility does not mean that small businesses still maintain their tax obligations.
Díaz estimated tax evasion in the Dominican Republic at 60%, and evasion of the ITBIS, the local sales tax, at around 45%.
https://dgii.gov.do/noticias/Pagina...butario-para-las-pequeñas-empresas-de-RD.aspx
Selling Dominican pineapples on Amazon
Agriculture Minister Osmar Benítez proudly announces that Dominican pineapples will soon be sold on Amazon.com. He explained that Shared-X Impact Farm is installing itself in a free zone Las Carolinas at Cruce del Pajón in central Monte Plata. Monte Plata province is a major pineapple-producing area.
Benítez said the company will be exporting organic pineapples online on Amazon. He estimated production of around 10 million pineapples in the farm’s two annual harvests. He said the farm will employ 500 permanent workers. The company is making a US$6.9 million investment that includes the construction of a packaging plant. He said the packaging plant will have capacity to fill a freight container per hour. He estimated 12 containers per week will be shipped during harvest time. The company expects to expand to production of 40 freight containers per week in the future.
Benítez said the company’s main market is northern Europe, but there are plans to market the pineapple in the United States and other countries.
The leader for the operation is Alfredo Ruiz, who is operations director for pineapples for Shared Ximpact, says he has 100 hectares planted of the fruit. He wants to add another 44 hectares.
http://hoy.com.do/empresa-rd-vendera-pina-via-amazon/
https://www.sharedximpact.com/
https://tedxasburypark.com/01/2015/john-denniston-wants-to-revamp-farming-in-developing-countries/
Mirador del Sur Park to honor former President Balaguer
The City Council of the National District unanimously approved a resolution that would add the name of late President Joaquín Balaguer to the Parque Mirador del Sur in Santo Domingo. Balaguer built the park and was known to visit for long walks attired in suit and tie. The request had been made by the block of PRSC councilors. Balaguer was President for terms from 1966 to 1978 and from 1986 to 1996.
Balaguer is also responsible for the construction of Greater Santo Domingo National Botanical Gardens, the National Zoo, and the Mirador del Norte Park in northern Santo Domingo.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...irador-sur-llevara-nombre-de-joaquin-balaguer
JCE says ID to Colombian drug capo was issued in Santo Domingo East
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) reported that the identification card (cédula No. 402-4095330-3) issued to now deported Colombian drug trafficker Julian Alberto Jimenez Monsalve (Machete), in the name of David Jose Mateo was issued by the Oficialia del Estado Civil de la 12va Circunscripción in Santo Domingo East. The JCE said that procedures were violated to issue the document. The document was issued on the same day of the transcription of his birth certificate in violation of the process that calls for an investigation to precedes the issuing of the document.
The JCE identified Alba Elizabeth Vásquez Curiel, Zewxis Oxiades Ledesma Gonell and Yaniris Yohanni Perez as responsible for the fraudulent issuing of the identification document.
Sandra del Carmen Francisco Paniagua, Oficial del Estado Civil de la Oficialía de la 12va Circunscripción de Santo Domingo Este, and the head of the office was suspended for 30 days without pay.
The identification document was voided, the identification card cancelled and the officers fired and have pending a case in the judiciary.
https://jce.gob.do/Noticias/comisio...ete-fue-obtenida-mediante-documentacion-falsa
Angel Rondón confident he will clear his name
Angel Rondon, lead suspect in the US$92 million Odebrecht case, feels state prosecutors no longer have a case against him. Rondón has insisted the funds received were for services rendered to the company.
“Those they say I bribed are no longer plaintiffs in the case that has been filed,” he told the press prior to the start of the Odebrecht hearing on Wednesday, 23 January 2019. “They are going to have to identify those I supposedly bribed in Hacienda, in the Budget Office and in the Executive Office,” he said when arriving to the Supreme Court of Justice for the hearing before Supreme Court of Justice special instruction judge, Alejandro Vargas.
The Attorney General Office has presented accusations for the US$92 million bribe to seven. These are: Angel Rondón Rijo, who served as commercial representative for Odebrecht in the Dominican Republic; former Public Works Minister Víctor Díaz Rúa; former presidents of the Senate Andrés Bautista and Jesús Vásquez; lawyer Conrado Pittaluga, senator Tommy Galán Grullón, and former director of the National Institute of Potable Water and Sewage, Roberto Rodríguez.
In his remarks to the press prior to the start of the hearing, Attorney General Jean Alain Rodríguez told reporters: "The citizens and we also hope that the judges will do justice with all the evidence they have in their hands.”
The case continues on 24 January 2019 at the Supreme Court of Justice.
http://hoy.com.do/caso-odebrecht-lo...luidos-en-el-expediente-asegura-angel-rondon/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ga-transferencias-odebrecht-rondon-KJ11904086
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/01/24/panorama/justicia/presenta-acusacion-en-caso-odebrecht/
Angel Rondón says returning $ is out of the question
Speaking prior to the start of the hearing for the Odebrecht US$92 million bribes case, Odebrecht commercial representative Angel Rondón said he is willing to reach an agreement with the Attorney General Office to resolve the case in which Odebrecht officers admitted in a New York court having paid US$92 million to secure contract work in the country. But, Rondón maintains that the cash he received, US$79 million, was in payment of his fees in securing contract work for Odebrecht with the Dominican government and that returning that cash is out of the question.
Rondón advanced that lots of truth would come forth during the hearing that began on Wednesday, 23 January 2019. Rondon said that if Attorney General Jean Alain Rodriguez had been interested in resolving the case, he should have just included him in the case and not the others.
He said the Public Ministry will have to prove in the hearing who received the bribes and why others with whom he met to lobby for the approval of the contracted work are not included.
The Attorney General has presented accusations for the US$92 million bribe to seven individuals: Angel Rondón Rijo, who served as commercial representative for Odebrecht in the Dominican Republic; former Public Works Minister Víctor Díaz Rúa; former presidents of the Senate Andrés Bautista and Jesús Vásquez; lawyer Conrado Pittaluga, senator Tommy Galán Grullón, and former director of the National Institute of Potable Water and Sewage, Roberto Rodríguez.
The case continues on 24 January 2019 at the Supreme Court of Justice.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...er-caso-odebrecht-pero-sin-devolver-el-dinero
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ga-transferencias-odebrecht-rondon-KJ11904086
Victor Díaz Rua says Temístocles Montás should be in the Odebrecht case
Speaking with reporters prior to the start of the hearing for the Oderecht US$92 million bribes case at the Supreme Court of Justice, former Public Works Minister under the Leonel Fernandez administration, Victor Diaz Rua complained that there are people who were excluded from the Odebrecht bribes case despite having publicly admitted receiving the bribe money. The former secretary of finances of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), the ruling government party, complained that a person who had admitted receiving cash is now campaigning in politics after not being included.
While Diaz did not name the politician, it is well known that former Industry & Commerce Minister Temístocles Montás who in June 2017 admitted in a paid space in the media that he had received three contributions for PLD political campaigns in 2008 (San Cristóbal), 2012 (San Juan de la Maguana) and 2016 (eastern provinces) from Ángel Rondón. ]
The Attorney General has presented accusations for the US$92 million bribe to seven individuals: Angel Rondón Rijo, who served as commercial representative for Odebrecht in the Dominican Republic; former Public Works Minister Víctor Díaz Rúa; former presidents of the Senate Andrés Bautista and Jesús Vásquez; lawyer Conrado Pittaluga, senator Tommy Galán Grullón, and former director of the National Institute of Potable Water and Sewage, Roberto Rodríguez.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ero-de-odebrecht-no-fue-incluida-en-acusacion
http://eldia.com.do/diaz-rua-critica-precandidato-pld-fuera-sacado-del-caso-odebrecht/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...on-quiere-un-arreglo-relacionado-con-sobornos
Peravia senator insists organized crime is in control
Senator Wilton Guerrero (PLD-Peravia), speaking from the forum of the Senate, said that organized crime has taken control of the streets of the Dominican Republic. He said anyone can be a victim of organized crime and common delinquency. The senator spoke to address remarks made by the chaplain of the Presidential Palace, Alejandro Cabrera, who had called for the senator to shut up and let the Police work during Sunday, 20 January 2019 mass at the Presidential chapel.
Guerrero feels the chief of the Police Major General Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte is not doing his job and has called for his resignation. “The director of the Police does more damage to the country than child and maternal mortality, unemployment, femicides and AIDS all together,” he said.
"Police General Ney Aldrin Bautista should resign his position as chief of police, because the situation the country is experiencing indicates that the team with which he is directing public security has been a total failure, and that team in general terms it is at the service of crime, it is at the service of organized crime and crime, " he said speaking from Congress.
He complained that Dican, DNCD and Dicrim, the government drug units, “are the biggest businesses the Dominican Republic has at this time.”
"There is no company, exporter, importer and manufacturer that yields more dividends than the DNCD, the Dicrim and the Dican. It is a lack of respect for the country that General Ney Aldrin designates his assistant at the head of the Dican to be next to that negotiation of organized crime, "he said.
Guerrero said that the country lives a curfew because of crime and people no longer wear their jewelry, leading to the bankruptcy of jewelry stores and farmers are impotent with so many robberies.
"It is not out of line on my part to request the resignation of a public official, such as the director of the Police who harms the country, because the country has a curfew due to crime, without guarantee even for a departmental commander, as Colonel Ramos was murdered in Baní," he said. Guerrero was referring to the Police colonel who was murdered while visiting a known drug spot in the southcentral city. He also mentioned the recent murder of Freddy Breton, who was the brother of the Archbishop of Santiago.
Meanwhile, Police director Bautista Almonte said he would stay on the job. “My answer is that I am here today,” he told the press.
http://eldia.com.do/wilton-guerrero-lanza-criticas-a-los-cambios-que-hizo-la-policia/
https://elnacional.com.do/wilton-reitera-la-delincuencia-controla-calles/
https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2019/01/23/550505/wilton-el-director-de-la-pn-dana-al-pais
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL0MbodMD-Z6Ep_AaMeIk9soPLLrkR7zXO&v=G1c8ZxrWHEc
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/01...ue-narcotrafico-permea-varias-areas-del-pais/
http://eldia.com.do/wilton-guerrero-le-da-un-rapapolvo-al-capellan-que-lo-mando-a-callar/
Military patrol hits motorcyclist
The director of the Ciudad Tranquila Task Force (Ciutran), Ricardo Castillo announced he has suspended for 30, 20 and 10 days three Air Force military for excessive use of force in the case of a motorcyclist circulating on the Autopista del Coral. A video put into evidence the excesses committed by Pedro Alberto Diaz Mejía, who was driving the Ciutran pickup, and Alejandro Concepción and Eloy Medina.
Circulating on social media, the video showed a military patrol vehicle belonging to CIUTRAN hitting a motorcycle on Sunday afternoon, 20 January 2019, knocking it over at high speed and driving off. The incident took place on the Coral Highway, near the La Romana airport.
The rider of the motorcycle, Daniel Valdez, was a member of a motorcycle club and was wearing a helmet and had all his papers in order. He was knocked off his bike, not having been asked to stop and is currently in hospital with injuries to his leg.
http://eldia.com.do/motorista-atrop...ia-del-este-narra-como-ocurrieron-los-hechos/
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/01...pello-a-motociclista-en-la-autovia-del-coral/
Small plane crash lands in Boca de Yuma, drug contraband suspect
An update in Diario Libre on the crashed small airplane that landed in San Rafael de Yuma reveals that a man who was arrested at the site was just a local bystander. According to military sources, the airplane crashed around 1:30am on Wednesday, 23 January 2019, near the coastal town of Boca de Yuma. It was on an unreported flight.
A high level commission of investigators from the DNCD, Air Force and Attorney General Office are investigating the case. As reported, the plane crashed when its motor shut down. An unnamed source told Diario Libre that the aircraft was on a flight to allegedly transport something illicit, possibly drugs.
A preliminary report from the Dominican Aviation Institute (IDAC) revealed that a flight plan had not been filed for the flight.
There is speculation the airplane could have been assembled in the Dominican Republic. It has no back seats, but Diario Libre sources say it was assembled with the necessary technology to fly.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/buscan-a-quienes-volaron-en-avioneta-cayo-en-este-KJ11901568
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...habrian-sido-detenidos-por-la-dncd-IB11898642
High surf and low temperatures forecast
Chilly temperatures under 15C are forecast for mountain towns and high surf for north coast towns, says the weather service (Onamet). Lows of 10C to 13C are forecast for the mountain town of Constanza.
Rains are forecast for most of the country as a cold front moves from the north to the southeast. Rains are forecast in Puerto Plata, Santiago, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Samana and La Altagracia. Waves of up to 11 feet are forecast from Montecristi in the northwest to Cabo Engaño, in the southeast. Small craft should stay in port, given the abnormal waves and wind gusts.
In the city of Santo Domingo, morning temperatures of around 21C are forecast. It will be chillier in Santiago, with morning temperatures of around 18/20C forecast. Punta Cana will enjoy less cold weather, with lows of 22/24 in the early morning. Warm temperatures of 27-32C are forecast for noontime nationwide.
Six Dominicans in Valentino fashion show in Paris
Dominican models were chosen by fashion designer house Valentino to show off the Spring 2019 collection on Wednesday, 23 January 2019 in Paris, France, Diario Libre reports. The show closing was by supermodel Naomi Campbell. The Dominican models were Lineisy Montero, Hiandra Martinez, Elibeidy Dani, Anyelina Rosa, Licett Morillo and Annibelis Baez.
https://www.diariolibre.com/revista...desfilaron-para-valentino-en-paris-EJ11903799
https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2019-couture/valentino
Estrellas win baseball championship!
The persevering Mallens finally achieved their goal: a Dominican Professional Winter Baseball Championship for the Estrellas Orientales of San Pedro de Macorís. José Mallén, president and José Mallén Calac, general manager, together with Miguel Feris Chalas and Francisco Domínguez Brito received the BHD Leon trophy from the president of the Dominican Baseball League (Lidom), Vitelio Mejía after the 4-0 win over the Toros del Este at the La Romana Francisco Micheli Stadium. It was the first Estrellas pennant in 51 years.
The “green dream” happened at 11:57pm on 23 January 2019, thanks to general manager Fernando Tatis who dedicated the win to the loyal fans of the town of San Pedro de Macoris. Playing on the team was his son, Fernando Tatis Jr., who had an outstanding performance during the tournament.
José Sirí was named the Most Valuable Player of the series, the Estrellas won 5-1, in a series that could have gone to nine games. The 2018-2019 Dominican Professional Winter Baseball Championship was dedicated to Cooperstown immortal Vladimir Guerrero.
The Estrellas had not won a pennant since 14 February 1968, despite making it to the playoffs 17 times. This is the team’s third crown of champions. Their first team title was obtained in 1954 against the Tigres del Licey, then again in 1968 against the Leones del Escogido.
The Estrellas did a clean sweep of the 2018-2019 Dominican Professional Winter Baseball Championship. The team won the regular series (29-11), the round robin (11-7) and the playoffs (5-1).
The Estrellas now will represent the Dominican Republic at the Caribbean Series that is scheduled to take place 2-8 February 2019 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. The celebration of the Caribbean Series in Venezuela, nevertheless, is in doubt, given the worsening of the political crisis in that South American country. Juan Puello Herrera, Caribbean Baseball Commissioner, called for a telephone conference of the presidents of the regional leagues. Venezuela has not been able to finish its championship.
http://www.estrellasorientales.com.do/
http://eldia.com.do/por-fin-las-estrellas-orientales-entierran-el-maleficio/
https://www.diariolibre.com/portada...-lo-mas-alto-cinco-decadas-despues-BJ11906153
https://listindiario.com/el-deporte/2019/01/24/550683/termino-la-espera-de-51-anos
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/01...as-estrellas-ponen-fin-una-sequia-de-51-anos/
12th FCGD Global Film Festival opens 30 January
Palacio del Cine in Blue Mall is hosting the 2019 Global Film Festival. The Festival de Cine Global Dominicano is organized by the Global Foundation. The opening night is on 30 January at 7pm at the National Theater. The film that opens the show is: “Como si fuera la primera vez,” a Mexican comedy filmed in the Dominican Republic. Korea is the guest country this year. The showings continue at the Blue Mall. See the scheduled films at:
https://tamoencine.org/
Anthony Rios teams up with Sergio Vargas
Legendary bolero and merengue singers Sergio Vargas and Anthony Rios will be performing starting at 10pm at the Sala de Fiestas of the Santo Domingo Barceló Hotel (former Lina Hotel) on Friday, 1 February 2019. Tickets are for sale at the CCN Servicios, Supermercados Nacional and Jumbo ticket centers and online at Uepa Tickets. Tickets start at RD$1,625 for general admission to RD$2,710 special guest.
https://www.uepatickets.com/Tickets.aspx?id=9790
Diego el Cigala and Ramon Orlando
The Palacio de los Deportes in the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center presents the concert “15 Años de Lágrimas Negras” with singer-composers Diego el Cigala and Ramón Orlando on Saturday, 2 February 2019 as of 8:30pm. Tickets online at Uepa Tickets start at RD$1,625 general admission through RD$8,660 special guests.
https://www.uepatickets.com/Tickets.aspx?id=9734