President Medina at International Socialist Council, Pedro Sánchez expected
President Medina orders drafting new tourism security plan
President Medina to help bacon and sausage producers
Foreign Minister Vargas meets his American counterpart
Spain opens its archives to Dominican historians
Central Bank governor: Salaries should be increased
Could be shortage of gasoline
Neighbors say UNHCR defies city rulings to install office
Odebrecht hearings continue
Leonel Fernandez warns of a smear campaign
Marcha Verde leaders launch Bien Comun
Colombian money launderer arrested
Panama to host 2019 Caribbean Series
Carnival photography exhibition outside Parque Independencia
Soberano Awards nominees announced
President Medina at International Socialist Council, Pedro Sánchez expected
On Monday, 28 January 2019, President Danilo Medina, speaking at the opening of the meeting of the International Socialist Council in Santo Domingo at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on the Malecon, highlighted the support of the Council for rights, freedom, peace and equality in the world. He said that although the Dominican Liberation Party is not a member of the International Socialist coalition, the work and path carried out by the coalition was a reference not only for the PLD but also for all of the progressive parties and movements in Latin America. Medina said that for decades the increase across the world of workers’ rights, women’s rights and freedom of expression were examples of how people could conquer new challenges.
Expected to join the meetings on Tuesday, 29 January 2019, is the president of the Spanish government, socialist Pedro Sánchez. Sanchez is expected to arrive in time for discussions on the Venezuelan crisis and the self-proclamation of National Assembly leader Juan Guaido as interim president. Sanchez recognizes the legitimacy of Guaido if the current president, Nicolas Maduro does not call elections before 3 February 2019.
Sanchez is also scheduled for a Tuesday meeting with President Danilo Medina who has said the Dominican government supports Guaido. On Wednesday, Sanchez will meet with Mexican president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who continues to recognize Maduro, but would like dialogue to be started.
This will be the fourth visit of Sanchez to Latin American since he took office in June of last year, which demonstrates the importance he is giving to the region.
A source from Madrid has confirmed that the Venezuelan crisis will be on the agenda for the bilateral meetings, and that there is strong will between the heads of Mexico and the Dominican Republic to propose constructive initiatives for the region and to find solutions to pressing issues that will benefit the Venezuelan population.
Sanchez said that for Spain and the rest of Europe, it is vital that Venezuela hold free and fair elections, with international observers present, so that the Venezuelan people are able to elect their president without interference.
As far as the Dominican Republic is concerned, sources feel that it will be an important visit, the first official one by a Spanish president since 1996. The DR is a primary tourist destination for Spain with 170,000 Spanish visitors a year, and around 250,000 Dominicans live in Spain.
http://eldia.com.do/presidente-del-gobierno-espanol-visitara-manana-republica-dominicana/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...a-a-favor-de-los-derechos-libertades-y-la-paz
President Medina orders drafting new tourism security plan
President Danilo Medina issued Decree 47-19 ordering government institutions to draft a new tourism security plan and present this in the next three months. The Presidency instructed the Ministry of Foreign Relations, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Interior and Police, National Police, Armada, Specialized Corps for Touristic Security (CESTUR), the 911 Emergency System, the Center for Emergency Operations, the National Transport and Transit Institute (Intrant) and the Customs Agency to work under the coordination of the Ministry of Tourism in the development of the strategic touristic security plan.
Some believe that the Medina administration in its six years in government has not been able to effectively tackle escalating crime and tragic traffic accidents in the country. Now the President gives his cabinet three months to come up with a new strategy and a tourism security plan to strengthen the safety of tourism destinations.
President Medina to help bacon and sausage producers
On Sunday 27 January, President Danilo Medina met with members of the Association of Producers of Bacon and Sausage de Santana, La Altagracia (Aprotolonsa), to whom he agreed to donate 400 sows and to build the infrastructure to improve production. He said that the government would build them an abattoir, cold storage and a farm for the pigs, which would be donated.
He also agreed that the Administrative Ministry of the Presidency would donate two trucks and equipment for smoking the meat, via the Specialized Fund for Agricultural Development. He also said that the road system would be evaluated by the Ministry of Public Works and houses would be repaired by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Aprotolonsa generates around 1,100 direct and indirect jobs and distributes the processed meat to the provinces of La Altagracia, La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís and the municipality of Santo Domingo West. The producers are located in the community of Santana, in La Altagracia province.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...-tocino-de-higuey-aumentaran-ingresos-reciben
Foreign Minister Vargas meets his American counterpart
Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas met with the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss several matters, especially the situation in Venezuela. The meeting took place on Sunday night, 27 January 2019, following their participation in a meeting of the United Nations’ Security Council that is president over by Vargas. The emergency meeting was called to discuss the crisis in Venezuela.
Via a press release, Vargas said that the meeting with Pompeo was wide ranging and productive and that he stressed to the US Secretary of State that the Dominican Republic understood that a democratic, peaceful and stable Venezuelan state can only be achieved through constructive dialog. He also said that they had spoken about ways to deepen bilateral relations between the USA and the DR.
At the Security Council meeting, Vargas asked for a swift calling of elections in Venezuela with the participation of all of the parties and called for a release of all political prisoners in the country.
https://almomento.net/canciller-r-dominicana-se-reune-con-pompeo-y-trata-crisis-de-venezuela/
https://elnacional.com.do/canciller-vargas-se-reune-con-secretario-de-estado-de-ee-uu-mike-pompeo/
Spain opens its archives to Dominican historians
Spain is opening up its historical records to Dominican historians. On Monday, 28 January 2019, the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Archivos Estatales del Reino de España and the Archivo General de la Nacion de la Republica Dominicana took place at the Ministry of Culture of Spain in Madrid. Both entities are the national archives of the two countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding gives the Dominican Republic access to unpublished historical documents in the Spanish national archives that cover more than 350 years of Santo Domingo history. The signing ceremony occurred on Wednesday, 23 January 2019, but was only now announced.
Present for the event was the director general of the Bellas Artes del Reino de España, Román Fernández-Baca Casares; Dominican ambassador to Spain, Olivo Rodríguez Huertas; the director general del Archivo General de la Nación de la República Dominicana, Roberto Cassá; the subdirector general de los Archivos Estatales, Severiano Hernández; and the executive vice president for public relations and communications of the Banco Popular Dominicano, José Mármol.
The memorandum allows for the identification, selection, organization and digital reproduction of primary historical sources related to the Dominican Republic that are filed at the Archivo General de Indias, the Archivo Histórico Nacional, the Archivo General de Simancas and the Archivo General de la Administración.
In making the announcement for the Spanish government, the director general of Bellas Artes, Román Fernández- Baca Casares, said that it is a very important step in the mutual exchange of historical documentation, in which not only the Dominican Republic will enrich its history but also that Spain will be able to better understand the evolution of colonial life in Santo Domingo, as well as emigration and Spanish exile on the island.
Dominican ambassador Olivo Rodríguez Huertas thanked the Spanish government for allowing the Dominican Republic to be the first country in Latin America to access all the historical documentation in the Spanish state archives, dating from late 15th century until well into the 19th century. Rodríguez Huertas thanked Banco Popular, in the person of its president Manuel A. Grullón, for the financial support that will make possible the digitization of this valuable historical documentation.
https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2019/01/28/551173/acuerdo-historico-entre-espana-y-rd
Central Bank governor: Salaries should be increased
Central Bank governor, Héctor Valdez Albizu, has called for the private sector to increase wages in order for economic growth to reach all of the population. He highlighted that growth should not only be concentrated on the highest earners, but it should be considered that the average salary in the private sector is RD$10,900 at the same time as the family basket costs RD$13,818.
He confirmed that the government was doing as much as possible, building schools, hospitals, medical centers, 911 emergency system, but it was also necessary to increase individual income.
Local statistics indicate that the poverty rate has decreased from 39.5% to 24.5% since 2012, which is below the average for Latin America, and since 2012, some 1,400,000 are no longer classed as being within the poverty sector.
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...-llegara-a-todos-cuando-aumenten-los-salarios
Could be shortage of gasoline
The president of the National Association of Gasoline Retailers (Anadegas) has said that the sector is concerned about the restriction of the provision of fuel as ordered by the Dominican Petroleum Refinery. Arnulfo Rivas said that the limitation on the amount of fuel available began over a month ago and that at first it was restricted to gasoline, but now it includes diesel.
He said that the authorities keep proposing a new date to end of the restrictions, now set for 4 February 2019, but that in some cases the provision of fuel to be purchased is down by 70%. Rivas warned that it is possible that starting today, some gas stations could run out of fuel.
Rivas confirmed that there was no increase in demand for fuel in the country nor on the border with Haiti where, he said, some people were profiting from the fuel shortage in Haiti by delivering large truckloads of fuel across the border and selling it at higher prices than in the Dominican Republic. He called on the government to resolve the situation.
However, the president of the Dominican Transport Federation (Fenatrado), Ricardo de los Santos, said that the measures taken by Refidomsa had so far not affected the sector at all, and denied that there is a fuel shortage.
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...-hasta-un-70-de-los-despachos-de-combustibles
Neighbors say UNHCR defies city rulings to install office
Bella Vista is a rare exception of a primarily residential neighborhood in the capital city. Its streets are tree-studded and the low density of the area means there is relatively little traffic.
Now the neighborhood has for months been contesting the installation of offices for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR-ACNUR) in the area. The operation of the offices is in violation to the neighborhood rules.
The board of the neighborhood purchased a paid advertisement in Diario Libre to go public in reporting that the installation of the UNHCR offices is a land use violation as established by the Junta de Vecinos Reparto Helios de Bella Vista Este y Oeste Inc. The facility would open at Av Las Ninfas #8, corner Las Jabillas, in Helios de Bella Vista.
The neighborhood board under board president María del Pilar Rodríguez de Messina, says that the municipal authorities verified the land use violation, construction of additions to the location and remodeling without proper permits. Also the project is in violation of the Acta de Comprobación de Infracciones No. 13462 issued on 17 January 2019 by the Urban Planning Department of the National District Municipality (ADN). Also the violation of Municipal Resolutions Nos. 48-2006 and 85-2009 that regulate land use and prohibit the installation of business and institutional entities in Helios of Bella Vista. Rodriguez has expressed concern the new office would disrupt the residential area’s quality of life.
Representatives of UNHCR were invited to a meeting with the neighborhood boards at the city government on 22 January 2019, but did not attend.
The neighborhood groups criticize the apparent lack of ethical norms established by the ethics office of the United Nations itself that promote the reputation of by their executives.
The board members expressed their concern after being told that because of the investment already made by UNHCR they would go ahead and install their new offices at the site.
On Monday, 28 January 2019, the city government under Mayor David Collado ordered the halt of the remodeling works.
https://elnacional.com.do/alcaldia-del-dn-paraliza-remodelacion-casa-acnur/
Odebrecht hearings continue
Supreme Court judge Francisco Ortega continued on Monday, 28 January 2019, with the preliminary hearings for those accused in the Odebrecht bribe scandal. The Specialized Prosecution Service for the Persecution of Administrative Corruption (Pepca) presented the case against senator Tommy Galan and Roberto Rodriguez, former administrator of the National Aqueduct and Sewage Institute (INAPA).
The prosecutors accused the defendants of hiding assets in order not to show their receipt of bribes.
The accused in the Odebrecht case are businessman Ángel Rondón; former Minister of Public Works Víctor Díaz Rúa; former president of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), Andrés Bautista; former PRM Senator Jesús Vásquez; Senator Tommy Galán; lawyer Conrado Pittaluga and the former director the National Institute of Acueducts and Sewage, (Inapa), Roberto Rodríguez.
http://eldia.com.do/caso-odebrecht-ministerio-publico-presenta-acusacion-contra-tommy-galan/
Leonel Fernandez warns of a smear campaign
In a press conference in which journalists were not allowed to ask questions, supporters of the former President Leonel Fernandez denounced that Venezuelan political strategist Juan José Rendón was conceiving an ambitious smear campaign that would seek to lower the former President’s highest ranking among eligible contenders for the PLD presidential candidacy in the 2020 general elections.
"We ask the Dominican people to remain on alert before the dirty campaign, false information and manipulation that is intended to develop against Leonel Fernández because it represents the defense of our Constitution and the democratic values of the Dominican people," says the press release on the event.
“The team of men and women who, along with the Dominican people, accompany Dr. Leonel Fernández, will not retreat in this fight, and these dark sectors are warned that we will not allow them to get away with this chicanery that seeks to bury the hope of continuing the paths of progress, development and social justice,” states the document.
In a tweet, Rendon denied his participation in any such activity.
The PLD is divided between the followers of former President Leonel Fernandez, who by the 2015 Constitution can run for President, and those of President Danilo Medina who are calling for a constitutional change so he can seek re-election. Polls show Medina is the leading PLD politician, but the 2015 Constitution that enabled him to seek the presidency in 2016, bans him from running for another term.
http://hoy.com.do/el-publicista-jj-...eparar-campana-sucia-contra-leonel-fernandez/
https://elnacional.com.do/alertan-s...lo-ejecutan-sectores-enquistados-en-gobierno/
http://eldia.com.do/el-carrusel-de-la-vida-1373/
Marcha Verde leaders launch Bien Comun
Key members of the Marcha Verde civic movement announced they are creating a political organization, Bien Común with the primary goal of removing the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) and their "crafty politicians" from power in the 2020 general election. Marcha Verde and its anti-impunity in government efforts mobilized more eligible voters through their popular protest marches than the political parties whose leaders are known to pay people to participate in party activities.
Jhonatan Liriano, Natalia Mármol, Franiel Genao, Heidy Adón, Ico Abreu and Marcelino Reyes (Danny) spent the last two years in the media and on the streets mobilizing the citizens against corruption and government impunity. Now they are switching their green outfits for orange, the color of their new political organization.
Bien Comun seeks to be an alternative to the established political parties and consolidate the anti-PLD vote and attract young voters.
The leaders of the new political organization now must enroll enough members to be recognized by the Central Electoral Board (JCE) as a legitimate political party.
http://hoy.com.do/dirigentes-de-la-marcha-verde-crearon-una-organizacion-politica/
Colombian money launderer arrested
The Attorney General’s Office has announced that Colombian Diego Prada has been arrested, accused of being the head of a criminal enterprise involved with introducing millions of dollars into the country via mules, in order to pay for drugs. A press release says that Prada was arrested at dawn on Saturday 26 January 2019, while he was travelling in an SUV in Santo Domingo, in an operation carried out by members of the Drug Control Agency, DNCD and the Anti Money Laundering Prosecution Service.
Following his arrest for money laundering and drug dealing, the authorities raided an apartment in Torre Viena, Los Cacicazgos sector where Prada was said to live. There they confiscated more than US$111,000 and a money counting machine. Prada had been sought for around ten months, and was taken to the Public Prosecutor in Santiago.
http://hoy.com.do/atrapan-capo-colombiano-le-decomisan-us-y-maquina/
Panama to host 2019 Caribbean Series
The Caribbean Baseball Series will be held in Panama from 4 to 10 February 2019 at the Estadio Nacional Rod Carew in the city of Panama. Hosting the event in Santo Domingo or Barranquilla, Colombia was also considered.
The tournament had originally been scheduled to be held in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, but was cancelled after the escalating of the political crisis in Venezuela. The Confederation had said earlier that the change was necessary due to the breaking of relations of the United States with Venezuela. This made it impossible for MLB-affiliated players to go to Venezuela. This is in addition to the current political crisis in that country.
This will not be the first time that the series has had to be moved from Venezuela, as last year it moved to Guadalajara, Mexico instead of Barquisimeto although on that occasion the decision was taken several months in advance rather than at the last minute as will happen in this case.
The participating teams for the 2019 Caribbean Series are the winners of the winter profesional baseball leagues in Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. These teams are the Cardenales de Lara (Venezuela), Charros de Jalisco (Mexico), Cangrejeros de Santurce (Puerto Rico), Estrellas Orientales (Dominican Republic), Leñeros de las Tunas (Cuba), and Los Toros de Herrera (Panama).
This 2019, the host city, Panama is participating as guest team. Panama had hosted three Caribbean Series in the first phase of the tournament, in the years 1952, 1956 and 1960.
The Confederation also announced Puerto Rico was chosen the host city for 2020 Caribbean Series.
The Dominican Repubic will be represented by the Estrellas Orientales. The Estrellas announced they have contracted several key players of the Toros del Este, the team they defeated in the playoffs, after three key players, Fernando Tatis Jr and Jose Siri and Miguel Sano, announced they would not be playing with the team in the Caribbean Series. Reportedly, their MLB teams did not authorize their playing in the series.
Meanwhile, Venezuela announced that it may sue for losses in revenues it would suffer as a result of the change in the site of the championship. Venezuelan authorities had insisted it wanted to host the event as scheduled.
https://listindiario.com/el-deporte...ribe-a-panama-cambios-en-el-equipo-dominicano
http://hoy.com.do/venezuela-actuara-legalmente-por-perdidas-ante-retiro-de-serie-del-caribe/
https://listindiario.com/el-deporte/2019/01/28/551220/serie-del-caribe-sera-en-panama
Carnival photography exhibition outside Parque Independencia
The Ministry of Culture has announced the “Carnavalum” photography exhibition with 50 works in large format dedicated to carnival in the Dominican Republic at the outdoor gallery of the gates around the Parque Independencia in the Colonial City. The Ministry says the photography is by Mariano Hernandez who captured moments of carnivals around the country from 1988 to 2018. The exhibition will be open from Friday, 8 February 2019, when it will be inaugurated by Culture Minister Eduardo Selman, through 4 March 2019.
The carnival photography exhibition depicts moments and characterizations from carnivals from all around the country.
Carnival takes place with Sunday parades in interior cities, with the carnivals of La Vega, Santiago, Bonao and Punta Cana among the most visited. On 3 March 2019, the leading national carnival parade will take place on the Malecon of Santo Domingo with the participation of dozens of cultural groups from all around the country.
http://cultura.gob.do/index.php/not...arnaval-dominicano-en-el-parque-independencia
Soberano Awards nominees announced
The Association of Show Business Chroniclers (Acroarte) announced the nominees to the 35th Soberano Awards 2019 in the categories of classic arts, music, television and cinema. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, 19 March 2019, with the pre-ceremony red carpet parade of stars starting at 7pm outside the National Theater. The Soberano Awards are organized by Acroarte and sponsored by the Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, brewers of Presidente beer.
The most nominations this year was won by Manny Cruz, who was included in the categories of song writer, soloist of the year, album of the year (“Sobrenatural”), best merengue (“Sabes enamorarme”).
Others receiving three nominations were: Xiomara Fortuna, Elvis Martínez, Héctor Acosta y Ala Jazá. Jhoel López, Lo Blanquito, Vicente García, Nathalie Peña Comas and Eddy Herrera were listed in two categories.
This year, the producer is Alberto Zayas and the host will be Milagros Germán.
For the full list of nominees, see:
http://acroarte.com.do/lista-de-nominados-a-premio-soberano-2019/
President Medina orders drafting new tourism security plan
President Medina to help bacon and sausage producers
Foreign Minister Vargas meets his American counterpart
Spain opens its archives to Dominican historians
Central Bank governor: Salaries should be increased
Could be shortage of gasoline
Neighbors say UNHCR defies city rulings to install office
Odebrecht hearings continue
Leonel Fernandez warns of a smear campaign
Marcha Verde leaders launch Bien Comun
Colombian money launderer arrested
Panama to host 2019 Caribbean Series
Carnival photography exhibition outside Parque Independencia
Soberano Awards nominees announced
President Medina at International Socialist Council, Pedro Sánchez expected
On Monday, 28 January 2019, President Danilo Medina, speaking at the opening of the meeting of the International Socialist Council in Santo Domingo at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on the Malecon, highlighted the support of the Council for rights, freedom, peace and equality in the world. He said that although the Dominican Liberation Party is not a member of the International Socialist coalition, the work and path carried out by the coalition was a reference not only for the PLD but also for all of the progressive parties and movements in Latin America. Medina said that for decades the increase across the world of workers’ rights, women’s rights and freedom of expression were examples of how people could conquer new challenges.
Expected to join the meetings on Tuesday, 29 January 2019, is the president of the Spanish government, socialist Pedro Sánchez. Sanchez is expected to arrive in time for discussions on the Venezuelan crisis and the self-proclamation of National Assembly leader Juan Guaido as interim president. Sanchez recognizes the legitimacy of Guaido if the current president, Nicolas Maduro does not call elections before 3 February 2019.
Sanchez is also scheduled for a Tuesday meeting with President Danilo Medina who has said the Dominican government supports Guaido. On Wednesday, Sanchez will meet with Mexican president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who continues to recognize Maduro, but would like dialogue to be started.
This will be the fourth visit of Sanchez to Latin American since he took office in June of last year, which demonstrates the importance he is giving to the region.
A source from Madrid has confirmed that the Venezuelan crisis will be on the agenda for the bilateral meetings, and that there is strong will between the heads of Mexico and the Dominican Republic to propose constructive initiatives for the region and to find solutions to pressing issues that will benefit the Venezuelan population.
Sanchez said that for Spain and the rest of Europe, it is vital that Venezuela hold free and fair elections, with international observers present, so that the Venezuelan people are able to elect their president without interference.
As far as the Dominican Republic is concerned, sources feel that it will be an important visit, the first official one by a Spanish president since 1996. The DR is a primary tourist destination for Spain with 170,000 Spanish visitors a year, and around 250,000 Dominicans live in Spain.
http://eldia.com.do/presidente-del-gobierno-espanol-visitara-manana-republica-dominicana/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...a-a-favor-de-los-derechos-libertades-y-la-paz
President Medina orders drafting new tourism security plan
President Danilo Medina issued Decree 47-19 ordering government institutions to draft a new tourism security plan and present this in the next three months. The Presidency instructed the Ministry of Foreign Relations, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Interior and Police, National Police, Armada, Specialized Corps for Touristic Security (CESTUR), the 911 Emergency System, the Center for Emergency Operations, the National Transport and Transit Institute (Intrant) and the Customs Agency to work under the coordination of the Ministry of Tourism in the development of the strategic touristic security plan.
Some believe that the Medina administration in its six years in government has not been able to effectively tackle escalating crime and tragic traffic accidents in the country. Now the President gives his cabinet three months to come up with a new strategy and a tourism security plan to strengthen the safety of tourism destinations.
President Medina to help bacon and sausage producers
On Sunday 27 January, President Danilo Medina met with members of the Association of Producers of Bacon and Sausage de Santana, La Altagracia (Aprotolonsa), to whom he agreed to donate 400 sows and to build the infrastructure to improve production. He said that the government would build them an abattoir, cold storage and a farm for the pigs, which would be donated.
He also agreed that the Administrative Ministry of the Presidency would donate two trucks and equipment for smoking the meat, via the Specialized Fund for Agricultural Development. He also said that the road system would be evaluated by the Ministry of Public Works and houses would be repaired by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Aprotolonsa generates around 1,100 direct and indirect jobs and distributes the processed meat to the provinces of La Altagracia, La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís and the municipality of Santo Domingo West. The producers are located in the community of Santana, in La Altagracia province.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...-tocino-de-higuey-aumentaran-ingresos-reciben
Foreign Minister Vargas meets his American counterpart
Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas met with the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss several matters, especially the situation in Venezuela. The meeting took place on Sunday night, 27 January 2019, following their participation in a meeting of the United Nations’ Security Council that is president over by Vargas. The emergency meeting was called to discuss the crisis in Venezuela.
Via a press release, Vargas said that the meeting with Pompeo was wide ranging and productive and that he stressed to the US Secretary of State that the Dominican Republic understood that a democratic, peaceful and stable Venezuelan state can only be achieved through constructive dialog. He also said that they had spoken about ways to deepen bilateral relations between the USA and the DR.
At the Security Council meeting, Vargas asked for a swift calling of elections in Venezuela with the participation of all of the parties and called for a release of all political prisoners in the country.
https://almomento.net/canciller-r-dominicana-se-reune-con-pompeo-y-trata-crisis-de-venezuela/
https://elnacional.com.do/canciller-vargas-se-reune-con-secretario-de-estado-de-ee-uu-mike-pompeo/
Spain opens its archives to Dominican historians
Spain is opening up its historical records to Dominican historians. On Monday, 28 January 2019, the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Archivos Estatales del Reino de España and the Archivo General de la Nacion de la Republica Dominicana took place at the Ministry of Culture of Spain in Madrid. Both entities are the national archives of the two countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding gives the Dominican Republic access to unpublished historical documents in the Spanish national archives that cover more than 350 years of Santo Domingo history. The signing ceremony occurred on Wednesday, 23 January 2019, but was only now announced.
Present for the event was the director general of the Bellas Artes del Reino de España, Román Fernández-Baca Casares; Dominican ambassador to Spain, Olivo Rodríguez Huertas; the director general del Archivo General de la Nación de la República Dominicana, Roberto Cassá; the subdirector general de los Archivos Estatales, Severiano Hernández; and the executive vice president for public relations and communications of the Banco Popular Dominicano, José Mármol.
The memorandum allows for the identification, selection, organization and digital reproduction of primary historical sources related to the Dominican Republic that are filed at the Archivo General de Indias, the Archivo Histórico Nacional, the Archivo General de Simancas and the Archivo General de la Administración.
In making the announcement for the Spanish government, the director general of Bellas Artes, Román Fernández- Baca Casares, said that it is a very important step in the mutual exchange of historical documentation, in which not only the Dominican Republic will enrich its history but also that Spain will be able to better understand the evolution of colonial life in Santo Domingo, as well as emigration and Spanish exile on the island.
Dominican ambassador Olivo Rodríguez Huertas thanked the Spanish government for allowing the Dominican Republic to be the first country in Latin America to access all the historical documentation in the Spanish state archives, dating from late 15th century until well into the 19th century. Rodríguez Huertas thanked Banco Popular, in the person of its president Manuel A. Grullón, for the financial support that will make possible the digitization of this valuable historical documentation.
https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2019/01/28/551173/acuerdo-historico-entre-espana-y-rd
Central Bank governor: Salaries should be increased
Central Bank governor, Héctor Valdez Albizu, has called for the private sector to increase wages in order for economic growth to reach all of the population. He highlighted that growth should not only be concentrated on the highest earners, but it should be considered that the average salary in the private sector is RD$10,900 at the same time as the family basket costs RD$13,818.
He confirmed that the government was doing as much as possible, building schools, hospitals, medical centers, 911 emergency system, but it was also necessary to increase individual income.
Local statistics indicate that the poverty rate has decreased from 39.5% to 24.5% since 2012, which is below the average for Latin America, and since 2012, some 1,400,000 are no longer classed as being within the poverty sector.
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...-llegara-a-todos-cuando-aumenten-los-salarios
Could be shortage of gasoline
The president of the National Association of Gasoline Retailers (Anadegas) has said that the sector is concerned about the restriction of the provision of fuel as ordered by the Dominican Petroleum Refinery. Arnulfo Rivas said that the limitation on the amount of fuel available began over a month ago and that at first it was restricted to gasoline, but now it includes diesel.
He said that the authorities keep proposing a new date to end of the restrictions, now set for 4 February 2019, but that in some cases the provision of fuel to be purchased is down by 70%. Rivas warned that it is possible that starting today, some gas stations could run out of fuel.
Rivas confirmed that there was no increase in demand for fuel in the country nor on the border with Haiti where, he said, some people were profiting from the fuel shortage in Haiti by delivering large truckloads of fuel across the border and selling it at higher prices than in the Dominican Republic. He called on the government to resolve the situation.
However, the president of the Dominican Transport Federation (Fenatrado), Ricardo de los Santos, said that the measures taken by Refidomsa had so far not affected the sector at all, and denied that there is a fuel shortage.
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...-hasta-un-70-de-los-despachos-de-combustibles
Neighbors say UNHCR defies city rulings to install office
Bella Vista is a rare exception of a primarily residential neighborhood in the capital city. Its streets are tree-studded and the low density of the area means there is relatively little traffic.
Now the neighborhood has for months been contesting the installation of offices for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR-ACNUR) in the area. The operation of the offices is in violation to the neighborhood rules.
The board of the neighborhood purchased a paid advertisement in Diario Libre to go public in reporting that the installation of the UNHCR offices is a land use violation as established by the Junta de Vecinos Reparto Helios de Bella Vista Este y Oeste Inc. The facility would open at Av Las Ninfas #8, corner Las Jabillas, in Helios de Bella Vista.
The neighborhood board under board president María del Pilar Rodríguez de Messina, says that the municipal authorities verified the land use violation, construction of additions to the location and remodeling without proper permits. Also the project is in violation of the Acta de Comprobación de Infracciones No. 13462 issued on 17 January 2019 by the Urban Planning Department of the National District Municipality (ADN). Also the violation of Municipal Resolutions Nos. 48-2006 and 85-2009 that regulate land use and prohibit the installation of business and institutional entities in Helios of Bella Vista. Rodriguez has expressed concern the new office would disrupt the residential area’s quality of life.
Representatives of UNHCR were invited to a meeting with the neighborhood boards at the city government on 22 January 2019, but did not attend.
The neighborhood groups criticize the apparent lack of ethical norms established by the ethics office of the United Nations itself that promote the reputation of by their executives.
The board members expressed their concern after being told that because of the investment already made by UNHCR they would go ahead and install their new offices at the site.
On Monday, 28 January 2019, the city government under Mayor David Collado ordered the halt of the remodeling works.
https://elnacional.com.do/alcaldia-del-dn-paraliza-remodelacion-casa-acnur/
Odebrecht hearings continue
Supreme Court judge Francisco Ortega continued on Monday, 28 January 2019, with the preliminary hearings for those accused in the Odebrecht bribe scandal. The Specialized Prosecution Service for the Persecution of Administrative Corruption (Pepca) presented the case against senator Tommy Galan and Roberto Rodriguez, former administrator of the National Aqueduct and Sewage Institute (INAPA).
The prosecutors accused the defendants of hiding assets in order not to show their receipt of bribes.
The accused in the Odebrecht case are businessman Ángel Rondón; former Minister of Public Works Víctor Díaz Rúa; former president of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), Andrés Bautista; former PRM Senator Jesús Vásquez; Senator Tommy Galán; lawyer Conrado Pittaluga and the former director the National Institute of Acueducts and Sewage, (Inapa), Roberto Rodríguez.
http://eldia.com.do/caso-odebrecht-ministerio-publico-presenta-acusacion-contra-tommy-galan/
Leonel Fernandez warns of a smear campaign
In a press conference in which journalists were not allowed to ask questions, supporters of the former President Leonel Fernandez denounced that Venezuelan political strategist Juan José Rendón was conceiving an ambitious smear campaign that would seek to lower the former President’s highest ranking among eligible contenders for the PLD presidential candidacy in the 2020 general elections.
"We ask the Dominican people to remain on alert before the dirty campaign, false information and manipulation that is intended to develop against Leonel Fernández because it represents the defense of our Constitution and the democratic values of the Dominican people," says the press release on the event.
“The team of men and women who, along with the Dominican people, accompany Dr. Leonel Fernández, will not retreat in this fight, and these dark sectors are warned that we will not allow them to get away with this chicanery that seeks to bury the hope of continuing the paths of progress, development and social justice,” states the document.
In a tweet, Rendon denied his participation in any such activity.
The PLD is divided between the followers of former President Leonel Fernandez, who by the 2015 Constitution can run for President, and those of President Danilo Medina who are calling for a constitutional change so he can seek re-election. Polls show Medina is the leading PLD politician, but the 2015 Constitution that enabled him to seek the presidency in 2016, bans him from running for another term.
http://hoy.com.do/el-publicista-jj-...eparar-campana-sucia-contra-leonel-fernandez/
https://elnacional.com.do/alertan-s...lo-ejecutan-sectores-enquistados-en-gobierno/
http://eldia.com.do/el-carrusel-de-la-vida-1373/
Marcha Verde leaders launch Bien Comun
Key members of the Marcha Verde civic movement announced they are creating a political organization, Bien Común with the primary goal of removing the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) and their "crafty politicians" from power in the 2020 general election. Marcha Verde and its anti-impunity in government efforts mobilized more eligible voters through their popular protest marches than the political parties whose leaders are known to pay people to participate in party activities.
Jhonatan Liriano, Natalia Mármol, Franiel Genao, Heidy Adón, Ico Abreu and Marcelino Reyes (Danny) spent the last two years in the media and on the streets mobilizing the citizens against corruption and government impunity. Now they are switching their green outfits for orange, the color of their new political organization.
Bien Comun seeks to be an alternative to the established political parties and consolidate the anti-PLD vote and attract young voters.
The leaders of the new political organization now must enroll enough members to be recognized by the Central Electoral Board (JCE) as a legitimate political party.
http://hoy.com.do/dirigentes-de-la-marcha-verde-crearon-una-organizacion-politica/
Colombian money launderer arrested
The Attorney General’s Office has announced that Colombian Diego Prada has been arrested, accused of being the head of a criminal enterprise involved with introducing millions of dollars into the country via mules, in order to pay for drugs. A press release says that Prada was arrested at dawn on Saturday 26 January 2019, while he was travelling in an SUV in Santo Domingo, in an operation carried out by members of the Drug Control Agency, DNCD and the Anti Money Laundering Prosecution Service.
Following his arrest for money laundering and drug dealing, the authorities raided an apartment in Torre Viena, Los Cacicazgos sector where Prada was said to live. There they confiscated more than US$111,000 and a money counting machine. Prada had been sought for around ten months, and was taken to the Public Prosecutor in Santiago.
http://hoy.com.do/atrapan-capo-colombiano-le-decomisan-us-y-maquina/
Panama to host 2019 Caribbean Series
The Caribbean Baseball Series will be held in Panama from 4 to 10 February 2019 at the Estadio Nacional Rod Carew in the city of Panama. Hosting the event in Santo Domingo or Barranquilla, Colombia was also considered.
The tournament had originally been scheduled to be held in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, but was cancelled after the escalating of the political crisis in Venezuela. The Confederation had said earlier that the change was necessary due to the breaking of relations of the United States with Venezuela. This made it impossible for MLB-affiliated players to go to Venezuela. This is in addition to the current political crisis in that country.
This will not be the first time that the series has had to be moved from Venezuela, as last year it moved to Guadalajara, Mexico instead of Barquisimeto although on that occasion the decision was taken several months in advance rather than at the last minute as will happen in this case.
The participating teams for the 2019 Caribbean Series are the winners of the winter profesional baseball leagues in Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. These teams are the Cardenales de Lara (Venezuela), Charros de Jalisco (Mexico), Cangrejeros de Santurce (Puerto Rico), Estrellas Orientales (Dominican Republic), Leñeros de las Tunas (Cuba), and Los Toros de Herrera (Panama).
This 2019, the host city, Panama is participating as guest team. Panama had hosted three Caribbean Series in the first phase of the tournament, in the years 1952, 1956 and 1960.
The Confederation also announced Puerto Rico was chosen the host city for 2020 Caribbean Series.
The Dominican Repubic will be represented by the Estrellas Orientales. The Estrellas announced they have contracted several key players of the Toros del Este, the team they defeated in the playoffs, after three key players, Fernando Tatis Jr and Jose Siri and Miguel Sano, announced they would not be playing with the team in the Caribbean Series. Reportedly, their MLB teams did not authorize their playing in the series.
Meanwhile, Venezuela announced that it may sue for losses in revenues it would suffer as a result of the change in the site of the championship. Venezuelan authorities had insisted it wanted to host the event as scheduled.
https://listindiario.com/el-deporte...ribe-a-panama-cambios-en-el-equipo-dominicano
http://hoy.com.do/venezuela-actuara-legalmente-por-perdidas-ante-retiro-de-serie-del-caribe/
https://listindiario.com/el-deporte/2019/01/28/551220/serie-del-caribe-sera-en-panama
Carnival photography exhibition outside Parque Independencia
The Ministry of Culture has announced the “Carnavalum” photography exhibition with 50 works in large format dedicated to carnival in the Dominican Republic at the outdoor gallery of the gates around the Parque Independencia in the Colonial City. The Ministry says the photography is by Mariano Hernandez who captured moments of carnivals around the country from 1988 to 2018. The exhibition will be open from Friday, 8 February 2019, when it will be inaugurated by Culture Minister Eduardo Selman, through 4 March 2019.
The carnival photography exhibition depicts moments and characterizations from carnivals from all around the country.
Carnival takes place with Sunday parades in interior cities, with the carnivals of La Vega, Santiago, Bonao and Punta Cana among the most visited. On 3 March 2019, the leading national carnival parade will take place on the Malecon of Santo Domingo with the participation of dozens of cultural groups from all around the country.
http://cultura.gob.do/index.php/not...arnaval-dominicano-en-el-parque-independencia
Soberano Awards nominees announced
The Association of Show Business Chroniclers (Acroarte) announced the nominees to the 35th Soberano Awards 2019 in the categories of classic arts, music, television and cinema. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, 19 March 2019, with the pre-ceremony red carpet parade of stars starting at 7pm outside the National Theater. The Soberano Awards are organized by Acroarte and sponsored by the Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, brewers of Presidente beer.
The most nominations this year was won by Manny Cruz, who was included in the categories of song writer, soloist of the year, album of the year (“Sobrenatural”), best merengue (“Sabes enamorarme”).
Others receiving three nominations were: Xiomara Fortuna, Elvis Martínez, Héctor Acosta y Ala Jazá. Jhoel López, Lo Blanquito, Vicente García, Nathalie Peña Comas and Eddy Herrera were listed in two categories.
This year, the producer is Alberto Zayas and the host will be Milagros Germán.
For the full list of nominees, see:
http://acroarte.com.do/lista-de-nominados-a-premio-soberano-2019/
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