Medina returns from Italy, follow up meetings scheduled
Ministry of Hacienda makes life easier for illegal betting shops
Water service restored; concrete producer blamed for breakdown
Truck traffic banned on the Malecón
Brugal warehouse fire extinguished, losses in the millions
Dominican women are borrowing more
Remittances at more than US$6.49 billion in 2018
Med school deans and CMD analyze medical practice in DR
Listin Diario: Leonel Fernández is cool
Education Minister Andrés Navarro resigns to seek PLD presidential candidacy
Canada promotes Dominican online exports platform
49 injured in bus crash in Santiago
Solano sues Álvaro Arvelo for saying he is not the composer of “Por Amor”
DR is no longer a carefree destination
Venezuelans accused of stealing US$150,000 watch
Son and daughter of President Jovenel Moise cross border to DR
Capsized boat seen off Las Americas Expressway belonged to drug traffickers
Medina returns from Italy, follow up meetings scheduled
President Danilo Medina returned on Friday, 15 February 2019 to the Dominican Republic after his four-day trip to Italy (11-15 February) to attend the 42nd International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council held in Rome. At the Governing Council meeting, President Danilo Medina presented details of his Surprise Visits Program to support sustainable rural development.
Furthermore, when reporting on the trip, the Presidency announced the IFAD will be assisting the Dominican government with a US$34.6 million fund for rural initiatives that back women and youth groups. The president of IFAD, Gilbert Houngbo and other high-ranking officers of the United Nations agency will visit in March to discuss the project.
While in Rome, President Medina also met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The Presidency now announces that Italian government officers would soon travel to Santo Domingo to follow up with agreements on justice, extradition, cinematography, environmental cooperation, agriculture, agro energy sectors, and government digital initiatives.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...alia-presidente-danilo-medina-regresa-al-pais
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...omo-republica-dominicana-ha-logrado-reducir-0
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...orma-el-campo-de-manera-sostenible-y-duradera).
Ministry of Hacienda makes life easier for illegal betting shops
In the Dominican Republic, gaming businesses are more common than pharmacies and grocery shops. The Ministry of Hacienda just recently authorized generous concessions for betting and lottery establishments that have been freely operating, albeit illegally nationwide. In a report on the new resolutions, Diario Libre newspaper sums up what has happened: “If the betting shops don’t adjust to the law, then the law will adjust to them.”
Michel Dicent, executive director of the National Federation of Lottery Shops, told Diario Libre there are around 150,000 betting shops in operation that employ around 70,000 persons. Most of the gaming shops currently operate illegally. The Ministry of Hacienda acknowledges it had only authorized the operation of 30,750 nationwide. The new Ministry of Hacienda resolutions legalize these businesses. The Ministry of Hacienda argues that the legalization will enable the state to earn more income.
As part of the concessions granted to the businesses, the Ministry of Hacienda announced it is reducing the legal distance to be kept between one and another gaming shop. Ministry of Hacienda Resolution 005-2019 removes the 200-meter separation between one and another betting shop. Another, the Resolution 006-2019 reduces from 400 meters to 200 meters the separation from the gaming shops to institutions such as schools, hospitals and churches.
Previously, legislators in mid 2017 exempted gaming shops from the controls imposed by the Asset Laundering Law. The ruling PLD party is majority in Congress.
Financial analyst Alejandro Fernández has called the lotteries and betting shops “an economic cancer” and has written he cannot understand the Ministry of Hacienda’s measures, as reported in Diario Libre. He argues the poor are the most affected. He points to the statistic of RD$70 billion that the president of the Hacienda Commission of the Senate said Dominicans spent on gaming in 2014.
Sociologist Cándido Mercedes told a Diario Libre reporter, that while the measure may be good for state finances, it is not good for Dominican society. "More betting banks means a greater drain on the meager budget of poor and vulnerable sectors of Dominican society ... Socially, that indicates a culture of hope based on chance, not on its actual capabilities," he says.
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/banca-101-GC12104046
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...n-norma-del-ministerio-de-hacienda-NC12107578
http://www.hacienda.gob.do/wp-conte...existir-entre-una-banca-de-lotería-y-otra.pdf
http://www.hacienda.gob.do/wp-conte...os-de-Operaciones-para-Banca-s-de-lotería.pdf
Water service restored; concrete producer blamed for breakdown
The Santo Domingo Water and Sewer Corporation (CAASD) announced the restoration of water service to Santo Domingo on Sunday, 17 February 2019. Water supply to the city had suffered from a pipeline breakage.
The CAASD had determined that as of Monday, 11 February 2019, the settling of aggregate material due to inappropriate storage of aggregates at Hormigones America, located in Batey Bienvenido in Manoguayabo, had reduced water supply to the city by more than 50%.
Diario Libre interviewed Luis Salcedo, deputy director of operations for the CAASD, to get the technical details of the breakdown. The weight of the construction materials broke a joint of the water supply pipeline that was at less than three meters deep at that particular location.
After the CAASD recognized a decrease in the flow from the Valdesia supply line, they traced the source to the Hormigones America location. However, it appears that the company refused to allow access to their installations until the CAASD went to court and got a court order to gain access.
According to Alejandro Montas, director general of the CAASD, as soon as the area was drained, it took around 72 hours to repair the damage. According to many reports, the delay in the repair was because the aggregates company stalled until the court-ordered access forced them to allow the CAASD to work on the damage to their pipeline.
There has been speculation that the CAASD will seek damages from the company. Montas had told the press about talks with the Ministry of the Environment as to whether the company should be shut down at that location.
As reported on CDN, the Ministry of Environment did order the shutdown of the construction material plant on 15 February 1019. Nevertheless, the TV station reports that normal operations at this location continued.
The company said they would issue a statement on Tuesday, 19 February. The company describes itself as a provider of solutions in concrete, vendor of reinforced concrete and other construction materials. It lists on its website among its clients Silversun Gallery, Torre Azul, Metro de Santo Domingo and Agora Mall.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-el-colapso-de-tuberia-de-valdesia-CK12095106
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=471b9Zp-Xjs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d9ZoUJHIPI
https://elcaribe.com.do/2019/02/14/...gua-en-gsd-se-restablecera-la-mayor-brevedad/
Truck traffic banned on the Malecón
The city government of the National District and the Transit Agency (Digesett) announced that cargo and heavy vehicle traffic is banned on the sea-bordering Malecón in Santo Domingo. The capital city government (ADN) says it will be penalizing those that are in violation of the city order 2-2017. The implementation of the 2017 city order had been postponed while the Santo Domingo bypass, a toll road, is under construction. Works are fast advancing on that road.
Truckers have authorized access to the sea-bordering road from Monday to Friday from midnight to 2pm and Saturdays from midnight to noon. On Sundays and holidays, the 14km sea-bordering avenue is off limits to cargo and heavy vehicle traffic. The city government urges businesses and transporters to establish the necessary logistics to transport cargo at night or use other routes.
Brugal warehouse fire extinguished, losses in the millions
The fire erupted Thursday, 14 February 2019 around 11am at the Puerto Plata city Brugal warehouse located on the Puerto Plata-Cofresí highway. The blaze was under control late on Friday, 15 February 2019. It took more than a day for firemen to control the flames that engulfed several barrels of precious aging rum at the Brugal & Co. warehouse. As reported, two Air Force helicopters were used to drop seawater on the fire. Firefighters and equipment from as far away as Santiago and La Vega were sent to help the Puerto Plata firemen. Nine firemen suffered burns and respiratory problems.
The director of the Center for Emergency Operations (COE), General Juan Manuel Méndez traveled to Puerto Plata to help with the coordination efforts. Civil Defense, the 911 Emergency System, Army, and Traffic Agency (Digesett) were on site to also participate in the efforts and assist with traffic in the affected area.
The president of Casa Brugal, Augusto Ramírez thanked government and community for the support. He told reporters that all of the employees were evacuated safely. He said that losses were going to be in the millions. He said that at the time of the fire, there were some 17,000 barrels of rum on site undergoing the aging process.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ndio-fue-sofocado-y-agradece-ayuda-DD12114236
http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/verNoticia.aspx?Id=29260
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...stileria-de-brugal-en-puerto-plata-JK12095518
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...do-con-fuego-en-deposito-de-brugal-DC12102616
Dominican women are borrowing more
There is relatively not much of a distinction between men and women when it comes to borrowing money from banks in the Dominican Republic. The Superintendence of Banks, Luis Armando Asuncion reports that 934,529 men and 859,969 women have taken on bank loans. Banks lent RD$352.47 billion to persons in the Dominican Republic. While borrowing was down for men, it was significantly up for women.
The Superintendence said that women borrowing was up RD$21.19 billion in 2018.
Per every 10,000 inhabitants in the country, there are 2,433 that owe banks money. Likewise, 24,438 companies borrowed from banks.
50.8% of the credits to the business sector were to manufacturing, construction, real estate, hotels and farm business, or RD$563.4 billion. Another 25.9% of loans was for the purchase of vehicles, and personal loans. 16.8% was for mortgage loans, or RD$186.1 billion in 96,343 loan contracts.
https://eldia.com.do/hombres-deben-mas-dinero-que-las-mujeres/
Remittances at more than US$6.49 billion in 2018
The Central Bank reports that expats sent home remittances for more than US$6.49 billion in 2018. That is US$582.3 million more than in 2017 for a 9.8% increase. Remittances in 2017 were US$5.91 billion. Dominicans received US$66% in US currency and 34% in Dominican pesos.
Those receiving the remittances reported living in the province of Santo Domingo and the National District (41.4%), Santiago (14.9%), Duarte – San Francisco de Macoris (5.3%), and La Vega (4.2%).
Remittances flowed from the United States, Spain, Italy, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Switzerland, primarily.
The peak months for sending remittances are March, July and December.
The Central Bank says that 76.1% of the remittances are transferred by remittance companies, and 23.9% by banks.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...4-millones-en-remesas-durante-2018-KL12088310
Med school deans and CMD analyze medical practice in DR
The deans of many of the nation’s medical schools together with the Dominican Medical Guild (CMD) have met to make recommendations to improve the delivery of medicine in this country, as well as review the legal requirements for foreigners and those who do their medical residencies overseas to practice medicine in the country.
Taking part in the meeting were the president of the CMD, Wilson Roa, together with the president of the National Council of Medical Specialties, the head of the Dominican Association of Medical Schools, the dean of the UASD medical school and the head of the National Council of Medical Residencies. Third year residents also presented their views on the subject of medical practice by foreigners and graduates of foreign residency programs.
The meeting took a detailed look at the legal framework needed to practice medicine in the Dominican Republic by foreigners. A meeting with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESyCT) was proposed to be followed by a meeting with medical schools to discuss their residency programs.
https://elnacional.com.do/gobierno-decanos-y-cmd-analizan-ejercicio-medico-legal/
Listin Diario: Leonel Fernández is cool
In an apparent effort to reach out to young voters, former President Leonel Fernandez has revamped his political self. Listin Diario highlights today how the usually very formal politician has recently frequently been seen dancing a good merengue or bachata with ease, singing melodies from different times, playing a little domino attired with a baseball cap and tennis shoes, or even dressing as an explorer, with backpack and boots, in one of his new campaign spots.
Fernandez is a ruling party presidential pre-candidate. He aspires to be the PLD candidate in the 2020 general elections and add a fourth presidency to his previous three terms from 1996-2000, 2004-2008 and 2008-2012.
The newspaper reports points out that in his normal life, as the president of a foundation of higher education and university (Funglode), Fernández’s style is classic suit-and-tie, more in tune with that of former presidents who attend international conferences, seminars, talks or society affairs.
https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2019/02/18/554004/leonel-cambia-su-estilo-de-campana
Education Minister Andrés Navarro resigns to seek PLD presidential candidacy
Education Minister Andrés Navarro announced by Twitter that he is resigning to seek the PLD presidential candidacy in the May 2020 general election. Other Medina administration ministers to resign for the same purpose are Francisco Domínguez Brito in April 2018 from his position as Minister of Environment, and Carlos Amarante Baret in May 2018 from his position as Minister of Interior and Police.
Navarro’s announcement was followed up with an event at the PLD Casa Nacional, the ruling political party’s headquarters on the Av. Independencia in Santo Domingo.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-lanza-precandidatura-presidencial-PD12115486
Canada promotes Dominican online exports platform
The Embassy of Canada announced on Friday, 15 February 2019, a new program to back young businessmen interested in exporting to Canada. Ambassador Shauna Hemingway said that the government seeks to encourage the export of farmed and manufactured products to Canada.
The embassy is working with the Dominican-Canadian Chamber of Commerce on an online export platform.
In a visit to El Dia newspaper, she explained that trade between both countries is US$1.4 billion annually. Merchandise exports to the Dominican Republic from Canada were $200 million in 2018, while imports from the Dominican Republic to Canada totaled over $1.2 billion.
Canadian investment in the Dominican Republic is around US$7 billion, in companies such as Barrick Pueblo Viejo, The Bank of Novia Scotia, among others. Around 900,000 Canadians visit the country every year. She estimated there are 30,000 to 40,000 Dominicans living in Canada. Ambassador Hemingway also spoke of work programs available to skilled Dominicans in Canada.
https://eldia.com.do/canada-facilitara-vias-para-que-los-jovenes-puedan-exportar/
https://www.canadainternational.gc....ral_relations_bilaterales/index.aspx?lang=eng
49 injured in bus crash in Santiago
Police reported that at least 49 persons were injured on 17 February 2019 when the driver of a bus serving the San José de las Matas-Santiago route lost control of the bus. He skid on a curve and the bus turned over in Hoya Bellaca, Guajaca. Passengers that were interviewed say the unnamed driver was speeding and did not heed to passenger requests to slow down.
The accident occurred at 6pm. The bus was carrying residents who had been their Sunday in San José de las Matas river recreation centers. The injured were assisted by the Police, the Red Cross and the 911 System and the San José de las Matas firemen and were taken to the José María Cabral y Báez public hospital in Santiago.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...atienden-heridos-en-el-hospital-cabral-y-baez
Solano sues Álvaro Arvelo for saying he is not the composer of “Por Amor”
88-year old Maestro Rafael Solano is suing radio host Álvaro Arvelo and Z-101 radio station owned by Willy Rodríguez for RD$100 million. The lawsuit stems from for Arvelo’s remarks on the morning talk show “El gobierno de la mañana” stating that Solano is not the author of the Dominican classic love song, “Por Amor.” “Por Amor” is probably the best known of Dominican songs, a popular musical selection at Dominican weddings. Arvelo says the real songwriter is composer and lawyer Manuel Troncoso, who died in 2012.
A hearing for the case was held on Friday, 15 February 2019 at the 8th Penal Hall of First Instance of the National District. The case will continue on 19, 21 and 28 February. Solano is represented by lawyers Laura Acosta and Nassef Perdomo who accuse Arvelo and the radio station of defamation and violation of the high technology crime law.
Arvelo made his remarks on 7 and 8 May 2015. The commentaries were later shared on the website of the radio station and social media.
https://www.eljaya.com/index.php/no...ano-demanda-a-alvarito-y-a-la-z-por-rd-100-mm
https://radionotas.com/2017/07/03/el-enigma-sobre-el-verdadero-autor-de-la-cancion-por-amor/
https://diariodigital.com.do/2006/0...r-y-una-bellaqueria-contra-rafael-solano.html
https://iliocapozzi.blogspot.com/2015/05/alvaro-arvelo-la-cancion-por-amor-no-es.html
http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/verNoticia.aspx?Id=29263
DR is no longer a carefree destination
Despite being blessed by Mother Nature and having some of the friendliest people in the world, the Dominican Republic is not paradise. After years of increased drug trafficking, a justice system that is often seen to protect the criminals and not necessarily the victims, and the abundance and constraints of a growing economy have resulted in the perfect conditions leading to an increase in overall crime in the Dominican Republic.
Recent travel advisory revisions by the US and UK governments now reflect what has long been known locally. This country can no longer be considered a carefree vacation destination.
The United States State Department travel advisory for the Dominican Republic calls for travelers to “exercise increased caution due to crime.” Its citizens need to be alert because “violent crime, such as robbery, murder, and sexual assault, is common.“
The advisory states that the wide availability of weapons, the use of and the trade of illicit drugs, coupled with a weak criminal justice system all contribute to a high level of ongoing criminality.
Recommendations are for tourists to be aware of their surroundings and not physically resist any robbery attempt. Tourists are also advised to not openly display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
The Dominican Republic is now currently at level 2 of the US travel advisory system that has 4 levels of increasing severity. Level 1 being for people travelling in the United States; Level 2 contains warnings to strengthen awareness of security measures; Level 3 asks travelers to reconsider their need to travel to a destination and Level 4 is a warning for people to not travel to that particular country.
The Dominican Republic is the leading tourist destination in the Caribbean region and last year received over 5.9 million visitors. .
https://travel.state.gov/content/tr...ories/dominican-republic-travel-advisory.html
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ajar-hacia-la-republica-dominicana-AK12095720
Venezuelans accused of stealing US$150,000 watch
The National Police is accusing several Venezuelans of stealing expensive watches. On Sunday, 17 February 2019, spokesman for the Police, Frank Félix Durán Mejía accused Venezuelans of stealing a Richard Miller Rafael Nadal watch, valued at US$150,000 from a La Dolcerie customer in Piantini, National District. The Police announced it recovered the watch and two 9mm pistols.
The main suspect is 29-year old Venezuelan Lenin Amado Zambrano Lorenzo. The authorities say he also has Dominican nationality. Zambrano was arrested when driving a motorcycle along Av. Mirador del Este in Santo Domingo East. At the moment of the arrest he had on him Pietro Beretta and Armscor pistols.
In the same case, the Police seek Venezuelans Lugo Andrés Santiago, Ramón Velásquez Blanquez and José Nestor Díaz.
The Police say the gang would choose their victims by the watches and then set up the robbery primarily in public places.
The Police urge the owner of the stolen watch, Maskim Vangeli, to file a legal complaint in order to prepare a strong case against the accused.
http://www.policianacional.gob.do/n...-costoso-reloj-a-un-ciudadano-norteamericano/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...venezolanos-de-robar-relojes-caros-HD12115637
http://hoy.com.do/video-este-fue-el...lones-de-pesos-en-el-restaurante-la-dolcerie/
Son and daughter of President Jovenel Moise cross border to DR
Media reports that the eldest son of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and his daughter, are now in the Dominican Republic while violent protests continue in Haiti. The protestors want Moise to resign.
Reportedly, son Joverlein Moise, 27, crossed the border with Jimaní at around 9am on Saturday, 16 February 2019 with his personal security. At the border he received Dominican military protection from the Specialized Land Border Security Corps (Cesfront) as he passed through the military checkpoints in the border area. He was headed for Santo Domingo.
Listin Diario reported that a daughter of President Moise had previously flown to Santo Domingo entering by way of the La Isabela International Airport.
The press reports that after more than a week of violent clashes in most parts of Haiti, President Jovenel Moise called for a dialogue. The violence has claimed at least nine lives. In a message broadcast to the nation, Moise, who has just finished two years of his term, said that he was going to reestablish peace and stability.
At the same time the United States announced that it was withdrawing all “non-essential” personnel and warned US citizens not to travel to Haiti. A US State Department note refers to widespread demonstrations that are violent and unpredictable in Port-au-Prince and other parts of Haiti. Due to these demonstrations, on 14 February the US State Department ordered the exit of all non-essential personnel and their families.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government has closed their embassy in the Haitian capital at a time when some 100 Canadian tourists from Quebec are stranded and cannot get out of the country. The Foreign Ministry said in a press communiqué: “We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days in order to guarantee the safety of our diplomats and their families.” Transat, the tour company that is responsible for the tourists from Quebec, said that it was not safe enough to transfer the nearly 100 tourists to the airport in Port Au Prince.
The Ministry of Foreign Relations reported that the Dominican Embassy in Haiti is open. Ambassador Alberto Despradel continues to monitor the situation for the Dominican government. Additional army patrols have been sent to the border.
Listín Diario reports that the Maria Montez International Airport in Barahona has been readied to receive emergency flights from Haiti at any time. Air travel distance to the airport from Port-au-Prince is around 84 miles, around 150 km by road. Border provinces fuel stations have been militarized.
http://www.loophaiti.com/content/haiti-le-fils-du-president-se-refugie-republique-dominicaine
https://elnacional.com.do/hijo-del-presidente-haitiano-entro-al-pais-por-jimani/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-tambien-se-encuentra-en-republica-dominicana
http://hoy.com.do/1875248-2/
https://listindiario.com/las-mundia...esencial-de-haiti-y-canada-cierra-su-embajada
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...ariza-estaciones-combustibles-frontera-haiti/
Capsized boat seen off Las Americas Expressway belonged to drug traffickers
The National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) and the Dominican Armada confirmed speculations that a capsized fiberglass boat recovered drifting at Km 13 of Las Americas Expressway, along the Caribbean Sea had been used for drug trafficking. On Friday, 15 February 2019, the Armada units recovered the boat, without crew. It was taken to the Sansouci Naval Base and is now under the responsibility of the intelligence division (M2). The operation caused traffic congestion on the highway as dozens of onlookers stopped to watch what was going on.
The DNCD reports that the 27-foot boat with three 85 hp motors had delivered 707 kilos of cocaine that reached shore at dawn on Monday, 11 February 2019.
The DNCD reported that once the shipment was detected, the crew attempted to sink the boat that had drifted from the waters of Bayahibe, La Altagracia province. The drugs would float to shore. Two Colombians and three Dominicans are under arrest as the case continues to be investigated.
http://dncd.gob.do/index.php/notici...jo-carga-de-707-kilos-cocaina-el-pasado-lunes
Ministry of Hacienda makes life easier for illegal betting shops
Water service restored; concrete producer blamed for breakdown
Truck traffic banned on the Malecón
Brugal warehouse fire extinguished, losses in the millions
Dominican women are borrowing more
Remittances at more than US$6.49 billion in 2018
Med school deans and CMD analyze medical practice in DR
Listin Diario: Leonel Fernández is cool
Education Minister Andrés Navarro resigns to seek PLD presidential candidacy
Canada promotes Dominican online exports platform
49 injured in bus crash in Santiago
Solano sues Álvaro Arvelo for saying he is not the composer of “Por Amor”
DR is no longer a carefree destination
Venezuelans accused of stealing US$150,000 watch
Son and daughter of President Jovenel Moise cross border to DR
Capsized boat seen off Las Americas Expressway belonged to drug traffickers
Medina returns from Italy, follow up meetings scheduled
President Danilo Medina returned on Friday, 15 February 2019 to the Dominican Republic after his four-day trip to Italy (11-15 February) to attend the 42nd International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council held in Rome. At the Governing Council meeting, President Danilo Medina presented details of his Surprise Visits Program to support sustainable rural development.
Furthermore, when reporting on the trip, the Presidency announced the IFAD will be assisting the Dominican government with a US$34.6 million fund for rural initiatives that back women and youth groups. The president of IFAD, Gilbert Houngbo and other high-ranking officers of the United Nations agency will visit in March to discuss the project.
While in Rome, President Medina also met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The Presidency now announces that Italian government officers would soon travel to Santo Domingo to follow up with agreements on justice, extradition, cinematography, environmental cooperation, agriculture, agro energy sectors, and government digital initiatives.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...alia-presidente-danilo-medina-regresa-al-pais
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...omo-republica-dominicana-ha-logrado-reducir-0
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...orma-el-campo-de-manera-sostenible-y-duradera).
Ministry of Hacienda makes life easier for illegal betting shops
In the Dominican Republic, gaming businesses are more common than pharmacies and grocery shops. The Ministry of Hacienda just recently authorized generous concessions for betting and lottery establishments that have been freely operating, albeit illegally nationwide. In a report on the new resolutions, Diario Libre newspaper sums up what has happened: “If the betting shops don’t adjust to the law, then the law will adjust to them.”
Michel Dicent, executive director of the National Federation of Lottery Shops, told Diario Libre there are around 150,000 betting shops in operation that employ around 70,000 persons. Most of the gaming shops currently operate illegally. The Ministry of Hacienda acknowledges it had only authorized the operation of 30,750 nationwide. The new Ministry of Hacienda resolutions legalize these businesses. The Ministry of Hacienda argues that the legalization will enable the state to earn more income.
As part of the concessions granted to the businesses, the Ministry of Hacienda announced it is reducing the legal distance to be kept between one and another gaming shop. Ministry of Hacienda Resolution 005-2019 removes the 200-meter separation between one and another betting shop. Another, the Resolution 006-2019 reduces from 400 meters to 200 meters the separation from the gaming shops to institutions such as schools, hospitals and churches.
Previously, legislators in mid 2017 exempted gaming shops from the controls imposed by the Asset Laundering Law. The ruling PLD party is majority in Congress.
Financial analyst Alejandro Fernández has called the lotteries and betting shops “an economic cancer” and has written he cannot understand the Ministry of Hacienda’s measures, as reported in Diario Libre. He argues the poor are the most affected. He points to the statistic of RD$70 billion that the president of the Hacienda Commission of the Senate said Dominicans spent on gaming in 2014.
Sociologist Cándido Mercedes told a Diario Libre reporter, that while the measure may be good for state finances, it is not good for Dominican society. "More betting banks means a greater drain on the meager budget of poor and vulnerable sectors of Dominican society ... Socially, that indicates a culture of hope based on chance, not on its actual capabilities," he says.
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/banca-101-GC12104046
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...n-norma-del-ministerio-de-hacienda-NC12107578
http://www.hacienda.gob.do/wp-conte...existir-entre-una-banca-de-lotería-y-otra.pdf
http://www.hacienda.gob.do/wp-conte...os-de-Operaciones-para-Banca-s-de-lotería.pdf
Water service restored; concrete producer blamed for breakdown
The Santo Domingo Water and Sewer Corporation (CAASD) announced the restoration of water service to Santo Domingo on Sunday, 17 February 2019. Water supply to the city had suffered from a pipeline breakage.
The CAASD had determined that as of Monday, 11 February 2019, the settling of aggregate material due to inappropriate storage of aggregates at Hormigones America, located in Batey Bienvenido in Manoguayabo, had reduced water supply to the city by more than 50%.
Diario Libre interviewed Luis Salcedo, deputy director of operations for the CAASD, to get the technical details of the breakdown. The weight of the construction materials broke a joint of the water supply pipeline that was at less than three meters deep at that particular location.
After the CAASD recognized a decrease in the flow from the Valdesia supply line, they traced the source to the Hormigones America location. However, it appears that the company refused to allow access to their installations until the CAASD went to court and got a court order to gain access.
According to Alejandro Montas, director general of the CAASD, as soon as the area was drained, it took around 72 hours to repair the damage. According to many reports, the delay in the repair was because the aggregates company stalled until the court-ordered access forced them to allow the CAASD to work on the damage to their pipeline.
There has been speculation that the CAASD will seek damages from the company. Montas had told the press about talks with the Ministry of the Environment as to whether the company should be shut down at that location.
As reported on CDN, the Ministry of Environment did order the shutdown of the construction material plant on 15 February 1019. Nevertheless, the TV station reports that normal operations at this location continued.
The company said they would issue a statement on Tuesday, 19 February. The company describes itself as a provider of solutions in concrete, vendor of reinforced concrete and other construction materials. It lists on its website among its clients Silversun Gallery, Torre Azul, Metro de Santo Domingo and Agora Mall.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-el-colapso-de-tuberia-de-valdesia-CK12095106
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=471b9Zp-Xjs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d9ZoUJHIPI
https://elcaribe.com.do/2019/02/14/...gua-en-gsd-se-restablecera-la-mayor-brevedad/
Truck traffic banned on the Malecón
The city government of the National District and the Transit Agency (Digesett) announced that cargo and heavy vehicle traffic is banned on the sea-bordering Malecón in Santo Domingo. The capital city government (ADN) says it will be penalizing those that are in violation of the city order 2-2017. The implementation of the 2017 city order had been postponed while the Santo Domingo bypass, a toll road, is under construction. Works are fast advancing on that road.
Truckers have authorized access to the sea-bordering road from Monday to Friday from midnight to 2pm and Saturdays from midnight to noon. On Sundays and holidays, the 14km sea-bordering avenue is off limits to cargo and heavy vehicle traffic. The city government urges businesses and transporters to establish the necessary logistics to transport cargo at night or use other routes.
Brugal warehouse fire extinguished, losses in the millions
The fire erupted Thursday, 14 February 2019 around 11am at the Puerto Plata city Brugal warehouse located on the Puerto Plata-Cofresí highway. The blaze was under control late on Friday, 15 February 2019. It took more than a day for firemen to control the flames that engulfed several barrels of precious aging rum at the Brugal & Co. warehouse. As reported, two Air Force helicopters were used to drop seawater on the fire. Firefighters and equipment from as far away as Santiago and La Vega were sent to help the Puerto Plata firemen. Nine firemen suffered burns and respiratory problems.
The director of the Center for Emergency Operations (COE), General Juan Manuel Méndez traveled to Puerto Plata to help with the coordination efforts. Civil Defense, the 911 Emergency System, Army, and Traffic Agency (Digesett) were on site to also participate in the efforts and assist with traffic in the affected area.
The president of Casa Brugal, Augusto Ramírez thanked government and community for the support. He told reporters that all of the employees were evacuated safely. He said that losses were going to be in the millions. He said that at the time of the fire, there were some 17,000 barrels of rum on site undergoing the aging process.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ndio-fue-sofocado-y-agradece-ayuda-DD12114236
http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/verNoticia.aspx?Id=29260
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...stileria-de-brugal-en-puerto-plata-JK12095518
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...do-con-fuego-en-deposito-de-brugal-DC12102616
Dominican women are borrowing more
There is relatively not much of a distinction between men and women when it comes to borrowing money from banks in the Dominican Republic. The Superintendence of Banks, Luis Armando Asuncion reports that 934,529 men and 859,969 women have taken on bank loans. Banks lent RD$352.47 billion to persons in the Dominican Republic. While borrowing was down for men, it was significantly up for women.
The Superintendence said that women borrowing was up RD$21.19 billion in 2018.
Per every 10,000 inhabitants in the country, there are 2,433 that owe banks money. Likewise, 24,438 companies borrowed from banks.
50.8% of the credits to the business sector were to manufacturing, construction, real estate, hotels and farm business, or RD$563.4 billion. Another 25.9% of loans was for the purchase of vehicles, and personal loans. 16.8% was for mortgage loans, or RD$186.1 billion in 96,343 loan contracts.
https://eldia.com.do/hombres-deben-mas-dinero-que-las-mujeres/
Remittances at more than US$6.49 billion in 2018
The Central Bank reports that expats sent home remittances for more than US$6.49 billion in 2018. That is US$582.3 million more than in 2017 for a 9.8% increase. Remittances in 2017 were US$5.91 billion. Dominicans received US$66% in US currency and 34% in Dominican pesos.
Those receiving the remittances reported living in the province of Santo Domingo and the National District (41.4%), Santiago (14.9%), Duarte – San Francisco de Macoris (5.3%), and La Vega (4.2%).
Remittances flowed from the United States, Spain, Italy, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Switzerland, primarily.
The peak months for sending remittances are March, July and December.
The Central Bank says that 76.1% of the remittances are transferred by remittance companies, and 23.9% by banks.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...4-millones-en-remesas-durante-2018-KL12088310
Med school deans and CMD analyze medical practice in DR
The deans of many of the nation’s medical schools together with the Dominican Medical Guild (CMD) have met to make recommendations to improve the delivery of medicine in this country, as well as review the legal requirements for foreigners and those who do their medical residencies overseas to practice medicine in the country.
Taking part in the meeting were the president of the CMD, Wilson Roa, together with the president of the National Council of Medical Specialties, the head of the Dominican Association of Medical Schools, the dean of the UASD medical school and the head of the National Council of Medical Residencies. Third year residents also presented their views on the subject of medical practice by foreigners and graduates of foreign residency programs.
The meeting took a detailed look at the legal framework needed to practice medicine in the Dominican Republic by foreigners. A meeting with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESyCT) was proposed to be followed by a meeting with medical schools to discuss their residency programs.
https://elnacional.com.do/gobierno-decanos-y-cmd-analizan-ejercicio-medico-legal/
Listin Diario: Leonel Fernández is cool
In an apparent effort to reach out to young voters, former President Leonel Fernandez has revamped his political self. Listin Diario highlights today how the usually very formal politician has recently frequently been seen dancing a good merengue or bachata with ease, singing melodies from different times, playing a little domino attired with a baseball cap and tennis shoes, or even dressing as an explorer, with backpack and boots, in one of his new campaign spots.
Fernandez is a ruling party presidential pre-candidate. He aspires to be the PLD candidate in the 2020 general elections and add a fourth presidency to his previous three terms from 1996-2000, 2004-2008 and 2008-2012.
The newspaper reports points out that in his normal life, as the president of a foundation of higher education and university (Funglode), Fernández’s style is classic suit-and-tie, more in tune with that of former presidents who attend international conferences, seminars, talks or society affairs.
https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2019/02/18/554004/leonel-cambia-su-estilo-de-campana
Education Minister Andrés Navarro resigns to seek PLD presidential candidacy
Education Minister Andrés Navarro announced by Twitter that he is resigning to seek the PLD presidential candidacy in the May 2020 general election. Other Medina administration ministers to resign for the same purpose are Francisco Domínguez Brito in April 2018 from his position as Minister of Environment, and Carlos Amarante Baret in May 2018 from his position as Minister of Interior and Police.
Navarro’s announcement was followed up with an event at the PLD Casa Nacional, the ruling political party’s headquarters on the Av. Independencia in Santo Domingo.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-lanza-precandidatura-presidencial-PD12115486
Canada promotes Dominican online exports platform
The Embassy of Canada announced on Friday, 15 February 2019, a new program to back young businessmen interested in exporting to Canada. Ambassador Shauna Hemingway said that the government seeks to encourage the export of farmed and manufactured products to Canada.
The embassy is working with the Dominican-Canadian Chamber of Commerce on an online export platform.
In a visit to El Dia newspaper, she explained that trade between both countries is US$1.4 billion annually. Merchandise exports to the Dominican Republic from Canada were $200 million in 2018, while imports from the Dominican Republic to Canada totaled over $1.2 billion.
Canadian investment in the Dominican Republic is around US$7 billion, in companies such as Barrick Pueblo Viejo, The Bank of Novia Scotia, among others. Around 900,000 Canadians visit the country every year. She estimated there are 30,000 to 40,000 Dominicans living in Canada. Ambassador Hemingway also spoke of work programs available to skilled Dominicans in Canada.
https://eldia.com.do/canada-facilitara-vias-para-que-los-jovenes-puedan-exportar/
https://www.canadainternational.gc....ral_relations_bilaterales/index.aspx?lang=eng
49 injured in bus crash in Santiago
Police reported that at least 49 persons were injured on 17 February 2019 when the driver of a bus serving the San José de las Matas-Santiago route lost control of the bus. He skid on a curve and the bus turned over in Hoya Bellaca, Guajaca. Passengers that were interviewed say the unnamed driver was speeding and did not heed to passenger requests to slow down.
The accident occurred at 6pm. The bus was carrying residents who had been their Sunday in San José de las Matas river recreation centers. The injured were assisted by the Police, the Red Cross and the 911 System and the San José de las Matas firemen and were taken to the José María Cabral y Báez public hospital in Santiago.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...atienden-heridos-en-el-hospital-cabral-y-baez
Solano sues Álvaro Arvelo for saying he is not the composer of “Por Amor”
88-year old Maestro Rafael Solano is suing radio host Álvaro Arvelo and Z-101 radio station owned by Willy Rodríguez for RD$100 million. The lawsuit stems from for Arvelo’s remarks on the morning talk show “El gobierno de la mañana” stating that Solano is not the author of the Dominican classic love song, “Por Amor.” “Por Amor” is probably the best known of Dominican songs, a popular musical selection at Dominican weddings. Arvelo says the real songwriter is composer and lawyer Manuel Troncoso, who died in 2012.
A hearing for the case was held on Friday, 15 February 2019 at the 8th Penal Hall of First Instance of the National District. The case will continue on 19, 21 and 28 February. Solano is represented by lawyers Laura Acosta and Nassef Perdomo who accuse Arvelo and the radio station of defamation and violation of the high technology crime law.
Arvelo made his remarks on 7 and 8 May 2015. The commentaries were later shared on the website of the radio station and social media.
https://www.eljaya.com/index.php/no...ano-demanda-a-alvarito-y-a-la-z-por-rd-100-mm
https://radionotas.com/2017/07/03/el-enigma-sobre-el-verdadero-autor-de-la-cancion-por-amor/
https://diariodigital.com.do/2006/0...r-y-una-bellaqueria-contra-rafael-solano.html
https://iliocapozzi.blogspot.com/2015/05/alvaro-arvelo-la-cancion-por-amor-no-es.html
http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/verNoticia.aspx?Id=29263
DR is no longer a carefree destination
Despite being blessed by Mother Nature and having some of the friendliest people in the world, the Dominican Republic is not paradise. After years of increased drug trafficking, a justice system that is often seen to protect the criminals and not necessarily the victims, and the abundance and constraints of a growing economy have resulted in the perfect conditions leading to an increase in overall crime in the Dominican Republic.
Recent travel advisory revisions by the US and UK governments now reflect what has long been known locally. This country can no longer be considered a carefree vacation destination.
The United States State Department travel advisory for the Dominican Republic calls for travelers to “exercise increased caution due to crime.” Its citizens need to be alert because “violent crime, such as robbery, murder, and sexual assault, is common.“
The advisory states that the wide availability of weapons, the use of and the trade of illicit drugs, coupled with a weak criminal justice system all contribute to a high level of ongoing criminality.
Recommendations are for tourists to be aware of their surroundings and not physically resist any robbery attempt. Tourists are also advised to not openly display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
The Dominican Republic is now currently at level 2 of the US travel advisory system that has 4 levels of increasing severity. Level 1 being for people travelling in the United States; Level 2 contains warnings to strengthen awareness of security measures; Level 3 asks travelers to reconsider their need to travel to a destination and Level 4 is a warning for people to not travel to that particular country.
The Dominican Republic is the leading tourist destination in the Caribbean region and last year received over 5.9 million visitors. .
https://travel.state.gov/content/tr...ories/dominican-republic-travel-advisory.html
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ajar-hacia-la-republica-dominicana-AK12095720
Venezuelans accused of stealing US$150,000 watch
The National Police is accusing several Venezuelans of stealing expensive watches. On Sunday, 17 February 2019, spokesman for the Police, Frank Félix Durán Mejía accused Venezuelans of stealing a Richard Miller Rafael Nadal watch, valued at US$150,000 from a La Dolcerie customer in Piantini, National District. The Police announced it recovered the watch and two 9mm pistols.
The main suspect is 29-year old Venezuelan Lenin Amado Zambrano Lorenzo. The authorities say he also has Dominican nationality. Zambrano was arrested when driving a motorcycle along Av. Mirador del Este in Santo Domingo East. At the moment of the arrest he had on him Pietro Beretta and Armscor pistols.
In the same case, the Police seek Venezuelans Lugo Andrés Santiago, Ramón Velásquez Blanquez and José Nestor Díaz.
The Police say the gang would choose their victims by the watches and then set up the robbery primarily in public places.
The Police urge the owner of the stolen watch, Maskim Vangeli, to file a legal complaint in order to prepare a strong case against the accused.
http://www.policianacional.gob.do/n...-costoso-reloj-a-un-ciudadano-norteamericano/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...venezolanos-de-robar-relojes-caros-HD12115637
http://hoy.com.do/video-este-fue-el...lones-de-pesos-en-el-restaurante-la-dolcerie/
Son and daughter of President Jovenel Moise cross border to DR
Media reports that the eldest son of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and his daughter, are now in the Dominican Republic while violent protests continue in Haiti. The protestors want Moise to resign.
Reportedly, son Joverlein Moise, 27, crossed the border with Jimaní at around 9am on Saturday, 16 February 2019 with his personal security. At the border he received Dominican military protection from the Specialized Land Border Security Corps (Cesfront) as he passed through the military checkpoints in the border area. He was headed for Santo Domingo.
Listin Diario reported that a daughter of President Moise had previously flown to Santo Domingo entering by way of the La Isabela International Airport.
The press reports that after more than a week of violent clashes in most parts of Haiti, President Jovenel Moise called for a dialogue. The violence has claimed at least nine lives. In a message broadcast to the nation, Moise, who has just finished two years of his term, said that he was going to reestablish peace and stability.
At the same time the United States announced that it was withdrawing all “non-essential” personnel and warned US citizens not to travel to Haiti. A US State Department note refers to widespread demonstrations that are violent and unpredictable in Port-au-Prince and other parts of Haiti. Due to these demonstrations, on 14 February the US State Department ordered the exit of all non-essential personnel and their families.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government has closed their embassy in the Haitian capital at a time when some 100 Canadian tourists from Quebec are stranded and cannot get out of the country. The Foreign Ministry said in a press communiqué: “We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days in order to guarantee the safety of our diplomats and their families.” Transat, the tour company that is responsible for the tourists from Quebec, said that it was not safe enough to transfer the nearly 100 tourists to the airport in Port Au Prince.
The Ministry of Foreign Relations reported that the Dominican Embassy in Haiti is open. Ambassador Alberto Despradel continues to monitor the situation for the Dominican government. Additional army patrols have been sent to the border.
Listín Diario reports that the Maria Montez International Airport in Barahona has been readied to receive emergency flights from Haiti at any time. Air travel distance to the airport from Port-au-Prince is around 84 miles, around 150 km by road. Border provinces fuel stations have been militarized.
http://www.loophaiti.com/content/haiti-le-fils-du-president-se-refugie-republique-dominicaine
https://elnacional.com.do/hijo-del-presidente-haitiano-entro-al-pais-por-jimani/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-tambien-se-encuentra-en-republica-dominicana
http://hoy.com.do/1875248-2/
https://listindiario.com/las-mundia...esencial-de-haiti-y-canada-cierra-su-embajada
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...ariza-estaciones-combustibles-frontera-haiti/
Capsized boat seen off Las Americas Expressway belonged to drug traffickers
The National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) and the Dominican Armada confirmed speculations that a capsized fiberglass boat recovered drifting at Km 13 of Las Americas Expressway, along the Caribbean Sea had been used for drug trafficking. On Friday, 15 February 2019, the Armada units recovered the boat, without crew. It was taken to the Sansouci Naval Base and is now under the responsibility of the intelligence division (M2). The operation caused traffic congestion on the highway as dozens of onlookers stopped to watch what was going on.
The DNCD reports that the 27-foot boat with three 85 hp motors had delivered 707 kilos of cocaine that reached shore at dawn on Monday, 11 February 2019.
The DNCD reported that once the shipment was detected, the crew attempted to sink the boat that had drifted from the waters of Bayahibe, La Altagracia province. The drugs would float to shore. Two Colombians and three Dominicans are under arrest as the case continues to be investigated.
http://dncd.gob.do/index.php/notici...jo-carga-de-707-kilos-cocaina-el-pasado-lunes