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Viva telecom promotes its Ericsson 5G smartphone network
Barrick Gold is looking to expand
State retakes Bahia de las Aguilas property titles
Gender equality ordinance rejected by religious groups
JCE announces authorized polling companies
In DR, only 85,777 persons make RD$70,000+ a month
Medina family receives millions a month in wages from the government
18% of births in Dominican hospitals to foreigners
Peralta: Leonel would be more of a dictator than Danilo
Watching out for measles
Dengue continuing to rise
Arson attack in Cabarete
Dominicans arrested with US$1.6 million in a boat
Frenchman extradited
Marlon Martínez gets “medical leave”
Fatal accident in New York kills three
More rains due
Italy defeats DR in Volleyball Nations League
Carlos Sánchez presents “El hijo de Doña Yolanda” at Chao Café Teatro
Viva telecom promotes its Ericsson 5G smartphone network
President Danilo Medina and Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas were present for the testing of the 5G technology by Satel-Viva telecom chief executives Juan Ramón Gómez Díaz and Marcos Herrera on Tuesday, 28 May 2019. As reported by the Presidency, during the test speeds of 26,000 megabytes were reached. The technology is not yet for sale on Viva platforms.
The 5G network is being developed in the Dominican Republic by Viva with Swedish company Ericsson technology. The fifth generation mobile communication system promises to be 100 times faster than current systems available in the Dominican Republic today.
As explained during the presentation, the technology will allow operators a considerable cost reduction and will enable them to support up to one million connected devices in an area of only 2 square kilometers. Most important, the new network is intended to revolutionalize the way companies do business, relate to their customers and offer services. For instance, the technology opens doors to the installation of smart factories.
Speaking at the event Marco Herrera, executive president of Viva said: “This step gives us the leadership in the implementation of 5G technology that in the very near future will allow Dominicans to experience ultra-high speeds for data downloads, real-time applications, virtual reality games, real-time interaction of services that use the cloud and greater development of the Internet of Things (IoT).
Marco Herrera is the former director of the Funglode, the think tank of former President Leonel Fernandez.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...stracion-de-tecnologia-5g-en-rd-realizada-por
Barrick Gold is looking to expand
Energy & Mines Minister Antonio Isa Conde backs the announcement by Barrick Pueblo Viejo that it plans to invest US$1 billion to expand its operations in the Dominican Republic. Isa Conde stated that the extension of the mine's useful life means more revenues for the government and for the socially responsible projects the company has underway in the community where it is located. He said the Ministry is working on a new legal framework to make this type of mining sustainable from a financial, economic and environmental point of view.
Canada’s Barrick Gold announced this week plans to expand its Pueblo Viejo operation in northeastern Sánchez Ramírez province. The company said that a feasibility study is underway for the expansion project in 2020. The mine is already one of the world’s "tier one" gold mines. A tier one mine produces 500,000 ounces of gold a year and has a projected life of more than 10 years.
Barrick Gold Pueblo Viejo is considering an expansion of the mine’s processing plant and tailings capacity with an estimated initial capital investment of more than US$1 billion and the potential to extend the life of the mine into the 2030s.
https://www.barrick.com/English/new...-ViejoWill-Boost-its-Contribution-to-Economy/
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...es-para-expandir-mina-pueblo-viejo-GM12873630
https://mem.gob.do/sala-informativa...r-us1000-millones-refleja-confianza-en-la-rd/
State retakes Bahia de las Aguilas property titles
No one was penalized despite the lengthy legal process, but the good news is that the country has resumed ownership of the beach land known as Bahia de las Aguilas in the Jaragua National Park in southwestern Pedernales province. Legal advisor to the President, Flavio Darío Espinal received from Attorney General Jean Alain Rodríguez the property title for almost 362 million square meters corresponding to Bahía de las Aguilas in Enriquillo, Barahona.
The dispute of the ownership of the land began in 1992 and has just concluded. The legal case on behalf of the government was started in 1997 by prosecutor Piky Lora. Upon her death in 2013, the case would be continued by her daughter, lawyer Laura Acosta.
Bahia de las Aguilas is a protected area. The protected area has difficult access by land. It includes an 8 km long white sand beach with the same vegetation from the time of the Taino Indians. No coconut trees have been planted there.
The development of tourist infrastructure in the area is banned by the Environment Law 64-00, Sectorial Law for Protected Areas 202-04, The UN Convention on Biological Biodiversity, the UNESCO Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve, the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) in the Wider Caribbean Region, among others.
Nevertheless, the Medina administration has invited several international tourism industry development companies to tour the site. The government has said it has plans to call an global tender to hire a marketing company to promote foreign investment in Bahia de las Aguilas.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...-poder-ejecutivo-titulo-propiedad-de-casi-362
http://www.grupojaragua.org.do/bahia.html
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...cial-del-sur-en-manos-del-gobierno-FD12882351
Gender equality ordinance rejected by religious groups
The Ministry of Education has defended its recent ordinance saying that the implementation nationwide of the coeducational school model was not enough to eliminate the gender gap. The Ministry says that strongly ingrained negative male and female stereotypes prevail among young students. Starting early with gender programs is seen as a way to reduce sexist attitudes and violence against women. In the first three months of 2019, the country public prosecutor offices had already received 17,250 complaints of gender violence.
Foro Feminista, Profamilia, Oxfam, the Confederación Nacional de Mujeres Campesinas (Conamuca), Udemu and the Núcleo de Mujeres (NAM) in a published note backed the Ministry of Education for issuing Ordinance 33-19, dated 22 May 2019. The ordinance calls for a restructuring of plans and concrete programs to reduce gender gaps and gender stereotypes. The organizations say it is an important step to advance in gender equality, contribute to improving work conditions for women and female participation in politics. The programs will be developed to reduce sexist education and machismo.
The Ministry of Education had expected the measure to be well received. But instead, representatives of the Christian and Catholic churches have lashed out against it. Journalists Patricia Solano and Diana Lora dedicated most of their Monday, 27 May 2019 La Cuestión radio talk show (Super 7 FM) to find explanations to the controversial position taken by the churches regarding the ordinance.
Sociologist Rosario Espinal told listeners of the La Cuestión talk show that the position by Catholic Church Bishop Victor Masalles follows an international stand by churches abroad to reject initiatives that delve into gender equality. She says this is understandable because religious groups are patriarchal structures. “To advocate for gender equality is to question the essence of religious institutions,” she said.
Catholic Church bishop Victor Masalles had sent out a tweet calling the ordinance a threat to life, that it would reduce births, and that it attempts against the education of future generations.
On Tuesday, 28 May 2019, the Catholic Church Bishops Conference in the Dominican Republic issued a statement:
“Gender politics mask the gender ideology that uproots human nature, ignore biology, ignore irrefutable scientific concepts. Therefore, this ordinance lacks support for its application. Therefore, we understand that it is harmful to gender policy to be included in the curricular design, in such a way that it is a condition without which the development of students' key competences cannot be evaluated.”
The opinion of the churches in the Dominican Republic is important because they control a large number of public schools in the country.
Article 39 of the Dominican Constitution speaks to gender equality:
“Women and men are equal before the law. Any act with the purpose or result of lessening or invalidating the recognition, enjoyment or exercise of equality in the fundamental rights of women and men is prohibited. All necessary steps shall be taken to ensure the eradication of inequality and discrimination due to gender.”
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...inerd-educacion-para-la-igualdad-en-derechos/
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...-politica-de-genero-lea-integro-el-documento/
https://domiplay.net/podcast/la-cuestion-radio/super-7/13-00-2019-05-27-Mon
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-educacion-sobre-equidad-de-genero-FD12881602
https://www.ced.org.do/comunicado-a...-33-2019-del-minerd-sobre-politica-de-genero/
JCE announces authorized polling companies
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has authorized 13 polling companies to carry out surveys for the general elections in 2020. Municipal elections are scheduled for 16 February and presidential and congressional elections for 17 May 2020. The companies had been required to register to carry out polls and comply with Electoral Regime Law 15-19.
The validated polling companies are now:
Gallup Dominicana
Servi-Marketing Interactivo (SMI)
CID Latinoamérica
Herrera, Almonte y Asociados
Mercado & Cuantificaciones y Asociados
Centro Económico del Cibao
Asisa Research Group
Consultores estratégico de Marketing
Investigaciones RD Rasa
Sigma Dos República Dominicana
Newlink Dominicana
José Dorin Cabrera
NG Media
Sistemas Globales (Sisglo)
Newpartners.
In DR, only 85,777 persons make RD$70,000+ a month
A report in Diario Libre on 28 May 2019 reveals that 73% (1.44 million people) of those that contribute to the Social Security System make low wages, or under two minimum wages. This means their pension will be even lower when they retire.
According to recent statistics from the Superintendence of Pensions (Sipen) only 85,777 persons make wages over RD$70,000 a month. In the Dominican Republic, 1,969,696 persons contribute to the Social Security System, while 3,895,037 persons are in the system.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...-un-futuro-de-pensiones-irrisorias-GM12873005
Medina family receives millions a month in wages from the government
YouTube talk show host Altagracia Salazar shared an Excel with details on at least 12 members of President Danilo Medina and First Lady Candida Montilla family that are on the government payroll. The list does not include the pay or significant funds handled by both the President’s Office nor the First Lady Office.
The list presented on Salazar’s “Sin Maquillaje” YouTube talk show on 28 May 2019 includes:
Sandra Janett Montilla (Digecom) RD$125,000, sister of the First Lady
Rosanna Altagracia Montilla (CDEEE) RD$320,000, sister of the First Lady
Marcos Vinicio Montilla (Mirex) RD$250,000, brother of the First Lady
Luis Asunción Alvarez (Superintendency of Banks) RD$999,999, brother-in-law of the First Lady
Carmen Magalys Medina (Fomper) RD$326,000, sister of the President
Luis Ernesto de León (EdeEste) RD$695,000, brother-in-law of President Medina
Angel Eduardo Contreras (Superintendency of Banks) RD$394,000, husband of the daughter of President Medina
Rafael Contreras (Ministry of Agriculture) RD$200,000, father of the husband of a daughter of President Medina
Edgar Mejía Butten (Mercado Valores) Not Available, son-in-law of President Medina
Lucia Medina (Chamber of Deputies) RD$500,000, sister of President Medina
Aracelis Medina Sánchez, (Banco de Reservas) Not available, sister of President Medina
Mario Medina Sánchez (IDAC) RD$105,000, brother of President Medina
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9DVD0SPZgbY
18% of births in Dominican hospitals to foreigners
According to a study issued by the Dominican Political Observatory (OPD-Funglode), some 18% of the births registered in Dominican hospitals between 2010 and 2017 were to foreigners. The analysis, “Situation of Foreign Births in the Public Health System in the Dominican Republic” reveals that between 2010 and 2017 there were 930,508 births in the country of which 166,860 were to foreigners.
The report analyzed birth statistics at public hospitals in the National District, and the provinces of Santo Domingo, Santiago, Bahoruco, Barahona, Pedernales, Independencia, Elías Piña, Dajabón and La Altagracia.
Of the 166,860 births to foreigners in the past seven years, 123,950 were registered in the Foreigner Book (Libro de Extranjería) of the Central Electoral Board (JCE) as born to Haitians, or 15.66% of those born in the country.
The research shows that in the National District, foreign births are about half of the total births at the La Altagracia Maternity Hospital, the largest in the country. The study revealed that the government spent RD$300 million in medical care at public hospitals to foreign women from 2013 to 2016.
https://www.opd.org.do/index.php/no...ntre-2010-y-2017-fueron-de-madres-extranjeras
Peralta: Leonel would be more of a dictator than Danilo
Administrative Minister of the Presidency, Jose Ramon Peralta speaking on the radio talk show Cuentas Claras (La Nota 95.7FM) on Monday, 27 May 2019, acknowledged the impasse in the ruling PLD party on the political aspirations of President Danilo Medina to continue in power and those of former President Leonel Fernández who seeks to return to the Presidency.
Peralta on the talk show denied those who equate Medina’s seeking a third term to instating a dictatorship. He reminded his talk show hosts that if that were so, then it would better apply to Fernández who is seeking a fourth term.
Medina needs the votes of the PLD followers of Fernández to push a second constitutional amendment through Congress that would enable him to seek the second reelection.
https://eldia.com.do/peralta-dice-leonel-seria-mas-dictador-que-danilo/
https://somospueblo.com/jose-ramon-peralta-dice-leonel-seria-mas-dictador-que-danilo/
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h-Z12_u6asg
Watching out for measles
The Ministry of Public Health has increased its epidemic vigilance for measles in all of the tourist areas of the country. The Ministry now requires clinic or hospital patients attended for a fever to be checked for measles.
Speaking to Listin Diario, Heath Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas said that vigilance had increased to control the spreading of any imported measles. He said that at entry points to the country, and in hotels, notices are posted indicating that all cases of fever need to be reported.
The last case of measles in the country was 18 years ago in 2001.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...intensifica-la-vigilancia-contra-el-sarampion
Dengue continuing to rise
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports the disease is on the rise around the world. The WHO says that 2019 is a year of a dengue epidemic. In the Dominican Republic, this is showing.
The incidence of children being admitted to the Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital in Santo Domingo with dengue has increased by 2,000% over the same period last year. So far this year 390 children have been admitted with different types of dengue compared to only 10 last year at the same time.
In the Dominican Republic, last year to date, there were 409 cases of dengue recorded, and so far this year there have been 1,807 cases, but no deaths. Dr. Clemente Terrero, second in charge at the hospital, said that at midday on Monday, 27 May, 16 minors were admitted with dengue, including three who were seriously ill.
The highest number of cases during the last four weeks, when 523 cases of dengue have been notified, have been from Bani with 38, Barahona, 35, Santo Domingo East, with 63, Santo Domingo North, 30, and the National District with 60.
In the last week, there have been 10 confirmed cases of malaria, two of whom were people who came from Venezuela and Haiti.
http://hoy.com.do/incidencia-de-dengue-se-ha-elevado-hasta-2000-este-ano/
Arson attack in Cabarete
Unknown people set fire again to a large area in the municipal district of Cabarete, in what is described as a new attack on the environment. The forest fire devoured dozens of nests, eggs and chicks as well as killed crabs, turtles and other species, endemic to the area.
According to Máximo Reynoso Vásquez, the fire affected a school in La Cienaga when the dense smoke caused breathing difficulties for the students and teachers as well as local residents.
Cabarete residents say they are fed up with the number of arson attacks against the environment and complain that the authorities are doing nothing. They recall that precisely a year ago, an arson attack destroyed thousands of square meters of vegetation in Islabon in Cabarete including the destruction of flora in the natural wetland in the protected area.
Environmentalist Michel Gay-Crosier says that the fires are set twice a year so that those who set them can fish, or take land to build homes, without thinking of the environmental damage.
https://eldia.com.do/desconocidos-le-prenden-fuego-a-zona-vegetal-en-area-protegida-de-cabarete/
Dominicans arrested with US$1.6 million in a boat
US Federal authorities have detained two Dominicans who were transporting US$1.6 million across the Mona Channel to Puerto Rico in a boat. The San Juan-based US Coastguard asked for assistance when inspecting a boat that had broken down. The Maritime Air and Sea Operations’ Unit (AMO) found the boat some 16 miles to the southeast of Cabo Rojo in Puerto Rican waters.
The boat and its occupants had been traveling from Santo Domingo when its motor failed. The boat was towed into port at Mayaguez, where officials carried out a search and found the money hidden inside a propane gas tank.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...os-que-traian-1-6-millones-de-dolares-en-yola
Frenchman extradited
Officials from the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) and members of the Public Prosecution Service have handed over a Frenchman accused of fraud, money laundering, identity fraud and criminal association to the French Department of International Cooperation. Sebastien Fabrice Derriot, aged 48, was arrested and deported on a commercial flight flying from Las Americas International Airport to Paris to face charges in a French court.
He had been arrested back in March 2019 in the Procab residential complex in Cabarete, Puerto Plata province.
https://eldia.com.do/extraditan-a-frances-acusado-de-estafa-organizada-y-blanqueo-de-capitales/
Marlon Martínez gets “medical leave”
Diario Libre reported on 29 May 2019 that convicted murderer 21-year old Marlon Martínez was taken to the Centro Medico Doctor Grullon in Salcedo to be checked for an alleged ankle injury he would have suffered playing basketball at the Juana Núñez jail in Maria Trinidad Sánchez province. The newspaper says that the transfer did not follow the regular permit channels.
Martínez is sentenced to 30 years in jail for the murder of his girlfriend 16-year old Emely Peguero who was pregnant with his child.
Diario Libre reported that the boss of the jail authorized that Martínez leave the jail calling it “an emergency.”
Diario Libre reports that Martínez was transported guarded by two members of the Dominican army.
Recently, his mother, former Migration Agency deputy director, Marlin Martínez was benefited by a Court of Appeals reduction of her jail sentence for hiding the corpse, from 5 years to 2 years. She is expected to be free from jail this summer.
The spokesperson for the Attorney General Office Julieta Tejada told Diario Libre that Marlon Martínez had “received the due care and was returned to his cell.”
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-a-marlon-de-la-carcel-sin-permiso-FD12880489
Fatal accident in New York kills three
Three Dominicans have died and another six members of the same family were injured in a traffic accident in New Jersey on Sunday 26 May 2019. The family was traveling to visit Niagara Falls on Memorial Day. Those who died are Ondina Castro de la Cruz, aged 47, her daughter, Mayelin Brito Castro and her granddaughter, Kiara Hernández. Among the six injured there are three minors, aged 4, 10 and 14. The family is originally from El Caliche, Capotillo in Santo Domingo.
The person suspected of causing the accident is a young man, Richard Sawicki, who is accused of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The family is originally from El Caliche, Capotillo in Santo Domingo.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ersey-hay-otros-6-heridos-de-la-misma-familia
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ra-planeaba-venir-al-pais-en-junio-GM12878394
More rains due
According to the National Meteorology Office (Onamet), a weather front will continue to bring moderate to severe showers and electrical storms, mainly in the north, northeast, northwest, southeast, the central mountain range and the border area. Onamet has issued a flood warning for 14 provinces: Monte Plata, Elías Piña, Santiago, Monseñor Nouel, Santiago Rodríguez, La Vega, San Juan, Hato Mayor, Valverde, Sánchez Ramírez, San Cristóbal, Dajabón, San Pedro de Macorís and Greater Santo Domingo. The rains are forecast to continue on Wednesday and Thursday, 29-30 May.
The good news is that the rains are falling in areas where there are farms and large reservoirs.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-72-horas-mantienen-alerta-para-14-provincias
Italy defeats DR in Volleyball Nations League
The Dominican Republic senior women’s team, ranked 10th in the world, lost to Italy, ranked 8th, during the FIVB Volleyball Nations League. The game was played in Conegliano, Italy. The DR lost 3-1. Scores were 25-18, 27-25, 18-25, 25-20.
The Dominican team will next play Serbia (ranked 1st) at 11am Dominican time on 29 May 2019.
The Dominican Republic is in 7th place in the tournament. The top six teams move on to the final round.
https://www.diariolibre.com/deportes/italia-marco-la-diferencia-ante-una-inestable-rd-JD12882975
https://www.volleyball.world/en/vnl...38.618392094.1559044249-1791822030.1558527289
Carlos Sánchez presents “El hijo de Doña Yolanda” at Chao Café Teatro
Taking from his life experiences to make people laugh, stand up comedian Carlos Sánchez announced he will be presenting his take on being a son at the Chao Café located on the third floor of Agora Mall in Santo Domingo. The show is set for Friday, 31 May 2019 at 9pm. This is Sánchez’s most popular comedy show in the past 10 years.
Tickets are for sale online at Uepa Tickets for RD$870 and RD$1,075 on the show day.
Barrick Gold is looking to expand
State retakes Bahia de las Aguilas property titles
Gender equality ordinance rejected by religious groups
JCE announces authorized polling companies
In DR, only 85,777 persons make RD$70,000+ a month
Medina family receives millions a month in wages from the government
18% of births in Dominican hospitals to foreigners
Peralta: Leonel would be more of a dictator than Danilo
Watching out for measles
Dengue continuing to rise
Arson attack in Cabarete
Dominicans arrested with US$1.6 million in a boat
Frenchman extradited
Marlon Martínez gets “medical leave”
Fatal accident in New York kills three
More rains due
Italy defeats DR in Volleyball Nations League
Carlos Sánchez presents “El hijo de Doña Yolanda” at Chao Café Teatro
Viva telecom promotes its Ericsson 5G smartphone network
President Danilo Medina and Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas were present for the testing of the 5G technology by Satel-Viva telecom chief executives Juan Ramón Gómez Díaz and Marcos Herrera on Tuesday, 28 May 2019. As reported by the Presidency, during the test speeds of 26,000 megabytes were reached. The technology is not yet for sale on Viva platforms.
The 5G network is being developed in the Dominican Republic by Viva with Swedish company Ericsson technology. The fifth generation mobile communication system promises to be 100 times faster than current systems available in the Dominican Republic today.
As explained during the presentation, the technology will allow operators a considerable cost reduction and will enable them to support up to one million connected devices in an area of only 2 square kilometers. Most important, the new network is intended to revolutionalize the way companies do business, relate to their customers and offer services. For instance, the technology opens doors to the installation of smart factories.
Speaking at the event Marco Herrera, executive president of Viva said: “This step gives us the leadership in the implementation of 5G technology that in the very near future will allow Dominicans to experience ultra-high speeds for data downloads, real-time applications, virtual reality games, real-time interaction of services that use the cloud and greater development of the Internet of Things (IoT).
Marco Herrera is the former director of the Funglode, the think tank of former President Leonel Fernandez.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...stracion-de-tecnologia-5g-en-rd-realizada-por
Barrick Gold is looking to expand
Energy & Mines Minister Antonio Isa Conde backs the announcement by Barrick Pueblo Viejo that it plans to invest US$1 billion to expand its operations in the Dominican Republic. Isa Conde stated that the extension of the mine's useful life means more revenues for the government and for the socially responsible projects the company has underway in the community where it is located. He said the Ministry is working on a new legal framework to make this type of mining sustainable from a financial, economic and environmental point of view.
Canada’s Barrick Gold announced this week plans to expand its Pueblo Viejo operation in northeastern Sánchez Ramírez province. The company said that a feasibility study is underway for the expansion project in 2020. The mine is already one of the world’s "tier one" gold mines. A tier one mine produces 500,000 ounces of gold a year and has a projected life of more than 10 years.
Barrick Gold Pueblo Viejo is considering an expansion of the mine’s processing plant and tailings capacity with an estimated initial capital investment of more than US$1 billion and the potential to extend the life of the mine into the 2030s.
https://www.barrick.com/English/new...-ViejoWill-Boost-its-Contribution-to-Economy/
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...es-para-expandir-mina-pueblo-viejo-GM12873630
https://mem.gob.do/sala-informativa...r-us1000-millones-refleja-confianza-en-la-rd/
State retakes Bahia de las Aguilas property titles
No one was penalized despite the lengthy legal process, but the good news is that the country has resumed ownership of the beach land known as Bahia de las Aguilas in the Jaragua National Park in southwestern Pedernales province. Legal advisor to the President, Flavio Darío Espinal received from Attorney General Jean Alain Rodríguez the property title for almost 362 million square meters corresponding to Bahía de las Aguilas in Enriquillo, Barahona.
The dispute of the ownership of the land began in 1992 and has just concluded. The legal case on behalf of the government was started in 1997 by prosecutor Piky Lora. Upon her death in 2013, the case would be continued by her daughter, lawyer Laura Acosta.
Bahia de las Aguilas is a protected area. The protected area has difficult access by land. It includes an 8 km long white sand beach with the same vegetation from the time of the Taino Indians. No coconut trees have been planted there.
The development of tourist infrastructure in the area is banned by the Environment Law 64-00, Sectorial Law for Protected Areas 202-04, The UN Convention on Biological Biodiversity, the UNESCO Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve, the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) in the Wider Caribbean Region, among others.
Nevertheless, the Medina administration has invited several international tourism industry development companies to tour the site. The government has said it has plans to call an global tender to hire a marketing company to promote foreign investment in Bahia de las Aguilas.
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...-poder-ejecutivo-titulo-propiedad-de-casi-362
http://www.grupojaragua.org.do/bahia.html
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...cial-del-sur-en-manos-del-gobierno-FD12882351
Gender equality ordinance rejected by religious groups
The Ministry of Education has defended its recent ordinance saying that the implementation nationwide of the coeducational school model was not enough to eliminate the gender gap. The Ministry says that strongly ingrained negative male and female stereotypes prevail among young students. Starting early with gender programs is seen as a way to reduce sexist attitudes and violence against women. In the first three months of 2019, the country public prosecutor offices had already received 17,250 complaints of gender violence.
Foro Feminista, Profamilia, Oxfam, the Confederación Nacional de Mujeres Campesinas (Conamuca), Udemu and the Núcleo de Mujeres (NAM) in a published note backed the Ministry of Education for issuing Ordinance 33-19, dated 22 May 2019. The ordinance calls for a restructuring of plans and concrete programs to reduce gender gaps and gender stereotypes. The organizations say it is an important step to advance in gender equality, contribute to improving work conditions for women and female participation in politics. The programs will be developed to reduce sexist education and machismo.
The Ministry of Education had expected the measure to be well received. But instead, representatives of the Christian and Catholic churches have lashed out against it. Journalists Patricia Solano and Diana Lora dedicated most of their Monday, 27 May 2019 La Cuestión radio talk show (Super 7 FM) to find explanations to the controversial position taken by the churches regarding the ordinance.
Sociologist Rosario Espinal told listeners of the La Cuestión talk show that the position by Catholic Church Bishop Victor Masalles follows an international stand by churches abroad to reject initiatives that delve into gender equality. She says this is understandable because religious groups are patriarchal structures. “To advocate for gender equality is to question the essence of religious institutions,” she said.
Catholic Church bishop Victor Masalles had sent out a tweet calling the ordinance a threat to life, that it would reduce births, and that it attempts against the education of future generations.
On Tuesday, 28 May 2019, the Catholic Church Bishops Conference in the Dominican Republic issued a statement:
“Gender politics mask the gender ideology that uproots human nature, ignore biology, ignore irrefutable scientific concepts. Therefore, this ordinance lacks support for its application. Therefore, we understand that it is harmful to gender policy to be included in the curricular design, in such a way that it is a condition without which the development of students' key competences cannot be evaluated.”
The opinion of the churches in the Dominican Republic is important because they control a large number of public schools in the country.
Article 39 of the Dominican Constitution speaks to gender equality:
“Women and men are equal before the law. Any act with the purpose or result of lessening or invalidating the recognition, enjoyment or exercise of equality in the fundamental rights of women and men is prohibited. All necessary steps shall be taken to ensure the eradication of inequality and discrimination due to gender.”
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...inerd-educacion-para-la-igualdad-en-derechos/
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...-politica-de-genero-lea-integro-el-documento/
https://domiplay.net/podcast/la-cuestion-radio/super-7/13-00-2019-05-27-Mon
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-educacion-sobre-equidad-de-genero-FD12881602
https://www.ced.org.do/comunicado-a...-33-2019-del-minerd-sobre-politica-de-genero/
JCE announces authorized polling companies
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has authorized 13 polling companies to carry out surveys for the general elections in 2020. Municipal elections are scheduled for 16 February and presidential and congressional elections for 17 May 2020. The companies had been required to register to carry out polls and comply with Electoral Regime Law 15-19.
The validated polling companies are now:
Gallup Dominicana
Servi-Marketing Interactivo (SMI)
CID Latinoamérica
Herrera, Almonte y Asociados
Mercado & Cuantificaciones y Asociados
Centro Económico del Cibao
Asisa Research Group
Consultores estratégico de Marketing
Investigaciones RD Rasa
Sigma Dos República Dominicana
Newlink Dominicana
José Dorin Cabrera
NG Media
Sistemas Globales (Sisglo)
Newpartners.
In DR, only 85,777 persons make RD$70,000+ a month
A report in Diario Libre on 28 May 2019 reveals that 73% (1.44 million people) of those that contribute to the Social Security System make low wages, or under two minimum wages. This means their pension will be even lower when they retire.
According to recent statistics from the Superintendence of Pensions (Sipen) only 85,777 persons make wages over RD$70,000 a month. In the Dominican Republic, 1,969,696 persons contribute to the Social Security System, while 3,895,037 persons are in the system.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...-un-futuro-de-pensiones-irrisorias-GM12873005
Medina family receives millions a month in wages from the government
YouTube talk show host Altagracia Salazar shared an Excel with details on at least 12 members of President Danilo Medina and First Lady Candida Montilla family that are on the government payroll. The list does not include the pay or significant funds handled by both the President’s Office nor the First Lady Office.
The list presented on Salazar’s “Sin Maquillaje” YouTube talk show on 28 May 2019 includes:
Sandra Janett Montilla (Digecom) RD$125,000, sister of the First Lady
Rosanna Altagracia Montilla (CDEEE) RD$320,000, sister of the First Lady
Marcos Vinicio Montilla (Mirex) RD$250,000, brother of the First Lady
Luis Asunción Alvarez (Superintendency of Banks) RD$999,999, brother-in-law of the First Lady
Carmen Magalys Medina (Fomper) RD$326,000, sister of the President
Luis Ernesto de León (EdeEste) RD$695,000, brother-in-law of President Medina
Angel Eduardo Contreras (Superintendency of Banks) RD$394,000, husband of the daughter of President Medina
Rafael Contreras (Ministry of Agriculture) RD$200,000, father of the husband of a daughter of President Medina
Edgar Mejía Butten (Mercado Valores) Not Available, son-in-law of President Medina
Lucia Medina (Chamber of Deputies) RD$500,000, sister of President Medina
Aracelis Medina Sánchez, (Banco de Reservas) Not available, sister of President Medina
Mario Medina Sánchez (IDAC) RD$105,000, brother of President Medina
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9DVD0SPZgbY
18% of births in Dominican hospitals to foreigners
According to a study issued by the Dominican Political Observatory (OPD-Funglode), some 18% of the births registered in Dominican hospitals between 2010 and 2017 were to foreigners. The analysis, “Situation of Foreign Births in the Public Health System in the Dominican Republic” reveals that between 2010 and 2017 there were 930,508 births in the country of which 166,860 were to foreigners.
The report analyzed birth statistics at public hospitals in the National District, and the provinces of Santo Domingo, Santiago, Bahoruco, Barahona, Pedernales, Independencia, Elías Piña, Dajabón and La Altagracia.
Of the 166,860 births to foreigners in the past seven years, 123,950 were registered in the Foreigner Book (Libro de Extranjería) of the Central Electoral Board (JCE) as born to Haitians, or 15.66% of those born in the country.
The research shows that in the National District, foreign births are about half of the total births at the La Altagracia Maternity Hospital, the largest in the country. The study revealed that the government spent RD$300 million in medical care at public hospitals to foreign women from 2013 to 2016.
https://www.opd.org.do/index.php/no...ntre-2010-y-2017-fueron-de-madres-extranjeras
Peralta: Leonel would be more of a dictator than Danilo
Administrative Minister of the Presidency, Jose Ramon Peralta speaking on the radio talk show Cuentas Claras (La Nota 95.7FM) on Monday, 27 May 2019, acknowledged the impasse in the ruling PLD party on the political aspirations of President Danilo Medina to continue in power and those of former President Leonel Fernández who seeks to return to the Presidency.
Peralta on the talk show denied those who equate Medina’s seeking a third term to instating a dictatorship. He reminded his talk show hosts that if that were so, then it would better apply to Fernández who is seeking a fourth term.
Medina needs the votes of the PLD followers of Fernández to push a second constitutional amendment through Congress that would enable him to seek the second reelection.
https://eldia.com.do/peralta-dice-leonel-seria-mas-dictador-que-danilo/
https://somospueblo.com/jose-ramon-peralta-dice-leonel-seria-mas-dictador-que-danilo/
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h-Z12_u6asg
Watching out for measles
The Ministry of Public Health has increased its epidemic vigilance for measles in all of the tourist areas of the country. The Ministry now requires clinic or hospital patients attended for a fever to be checked for measles.
Speaking to Listin Diario, Heath Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas said that vigilance had increased to control the spreading of any imported measles. He said that at entry points to the country, and in hotels, notices are posted indicating that all cases of fever need to be reported.
The last case of measles in the country was 18 years ago in 2001.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...intensifica-la-vigilancia-contra-el-sarampion
Dengue continuing to rise
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports the disease is on the rise around the world. The WHO says that 2019 is a year of a dengue epidemic. In the Dominican Republic, this is showing.
The incidence of children being admitted to the Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital in Santo Domingo with dengue has increased by 2,000% over the same period last year. So far this year 390 children have been admitted with different types of dengue compared to only 10 last year at the same time.
In the Dominican Republic, last year to date, there were 409 cases of dengue recorded, and so far this year there have been 1,807 cases, but no deaths. Dr. Clemente Terrero, second in charge at the hospital, said that at midday on Monday, 27 May, 16 minors were admitted with dengue, including three who were seriously ill.
The highest number of cases during the last four weeks, when 523 cases of dengue have been notified, have been from Bani with 38, Barahona, 35, Santo Domingo East, with 63, Santo Domingo North, 30, and the National District with 60.
In the last week, there have been 10 confirmed cases of malaria, two of whom were people who came from Venezuela and Haiti.
http://hoy.com.do/incidencia-de-dengue-se-ha-elevado-hasta-2000-este-ano/
Arson attack in Cabarete
Unknown people set fire again to a large area in the municipal district of Cabarete, in what is described as a new attack on the environment. The forest fire devoured dozens of nests, eggs and chicks as well as killed crabs, turtles and other species, endemic to the area.
According to Máximo Reynoso Vásquez, the fire affected a school in La Cienaga when the dense smoke caused breathing difficulties for the students and teachers as well as local residents.
Cabarete residents say they are fed up with the number of arson attacks against the environment and complain that the authorities are doing nothing. They recall that precisely a year ago, an arson attack destroyed thousands of square meters of vegetation in Islabon in Cabarete including the destruction of flora in the natural wetland in the protected area.
Environmentalist Michel Gay-Crosier says that the fires are set twice a year so that those who set them can fish, or take land to build homes, without thinking of the environmental damage.
https://eldia.com.do/desconocidos-le-prenden-fuego-a-zona-vegetal-en-area-protegida-de-cabarete/
Dominicans arrested with US$1.6 million in a boat
US Federal authorities have detained two Dominicans who were transporting US$1.6 million across the Mona Channel to Puerto Rico in a boat. The San Juan-based US Coastguard asked for assistance when inspecting a boat that had broken down. The Maritime Air and Sea Operations’ Unit (AMO) found the boat some 16 miles to the southeast of Cabo Rojo in Puerto Rican waters.
The boat and its occupants had been traveling from Santo Domingo when its motor failed. The boat was towed into port at Mayaguez, where officials carried out a search and found the money hidden inside a propane gas tank.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...os-que-traian-1-6-millones-de-dolares-en-yola
Frenchman extradited
Officials from the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) and members of the Public Prosecution Service have handed over a Frenchman accused of fraud, money laundering, identity fraud and criminal association to the French Department of International Cooperation. Sebastien Fabrice Derriot, aged 48, was arrested and deported on a commercial flight flying from Las Americas International Airport to Paris to face charges in a French court.
He had been arrested back in March 2019 in the Procab residential complex in Cabarete, Puerto Plata province.
https://eldia.com.do/extraditan-a-frances-acusado-de-estafa-organizada-y-blanqueo-de-capitales/
Marlon Martínez gets “medical leave”
Diario Libre reported on 29 May 2019 that convicted murderer 21-year old Marlon Martínez was taken to the Centro Medico Doctor Grullon in Salcedo to be checked for an alleged ankle injury he would have suffered playing basketball at the Juana Núñez jail in Maria Trinidad Sánchez province. The newspaper says that the transfer did not follow the regular permit channels.
Martínez is sentenced to 30 years in jail for the murder of his girlfriend 16-year old Emely Peguero who was pregnant with his child.
Diario Libre reported that the boss of the jail authorized that Martínez leave the jail calling it “an emergency.”
Diario Libre reports that Martínez was transported guarded by two members of the Dominican army.
Recently, his mother, former Migration Agency deputy director, Marlin Martínez was benefited by a Court of Appeals reduction of her jail sentence for hiding the corpse, from 5 years to 2 years. She is expected to be free from jail this summer.
The spokesperson for the Attorney General Office Julieta Tejada told Diario Libre that Marlon Martínez had “received the due care and was returned to his cell.”
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-a-marlon-de-la-carcel-sin-permiso-FD12880489
Fatal accident in New York kills three
Three Dominicans have died and another six members of the same family were injured in a traffic accident in New Jersey on Sunday 26 May 2019. The family was traveling to visit Niagara Falls on Memorial Day. Those who died are Ondina Castro de la Cruz, aged 47, her daughter, Mayelin Brito Castro and her granddaughter, Kiara Hernández. Among the six injured there are three minors, aged 4, 10 and 14. The family is originally from El Caliche, Capotillo in Santo Domingo.
The person suspected of causing the accident is a young man, Richard Sawicki, who is accused of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The family is originally from El Caliche, Capotillo in Santo Domingo.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ersey-hay-otros-6-heridos-de-la-misma-familia
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ra-planeaba-venir-al-pais-en-junio-GM12878394
More rains due
According to the National Meteorology Office (Onamet), a weather front will continue to bring moderate to severe showers and electrical storms, mainly in the north, northeast, northwest, southeast, the central mountain range and the border area. Onamet has issued a flood warning for 14 provinces: Monte Plata, Elías Piña, Santiago, Monseñor Nouel, Santiago Rodríguez, La Vega, San Juan, Hato Mayor, Valverde, Sánchez Ramírez, San Cristóbal, Dajabón, San Pedro de Macorís and Greater Santo Domingo. The rains are forecast to continue on Wednesday and Thursday, 29-30 May.
The good news is that the rains are falling in areas where there are farms and large reservoirs.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-72-horas-mantienen-alerta-para-14-provincias
Italy defeats DR in Volleyball Nations League
The Dominican Republic senior women’s team, ranked 10th in the world, lost to Italy, ranked 8th, during the FIVB Volleyball Nations League. The game was played in Conegliano, Italy. The DR lost 3-1. Scores were 25-18, 27-25, 18-25, 25-20.
The Dominican team will next play Serbia (ranked 1st) at 11am Dominican time on 29 May 2019.
The Dominican Republic is in 7th place in the tournament. The top six teams move on to the final round.
https://www.diariolibre.com/deportes/italia-marco-la-diferencia-ante-una-inestable-rd-JD12882975
https://www.volleyball.world/en/vnl...38.618392094.1559044249-1791822030.1558527289
Carlos Sánchez presents “El hijo de Doña Yolanda” at Chao Café Teatro
Taking from his life experiences to make people laugh, stand up comedian Carlos Sánchez announced he will be presenting his take on being a son at the Chao Café located on the third floor of Agora Mall in Santo Domingo. The show is set for Friday, 31 May 2019 at 9pm. This is Sánchez’s most popular comedy show in the past 10 years.
Tickets are for sale online at Uepa Tickets for RD$870 and RD$1,075 on the show day.