DR1 Daily News - Monday, 22 July 2019

D

Dolores

Guest
Regional mayors meet in Santo Domingo
JCE: Losses significant, but fire will not affect primaries
Reelection: Will this week be the deciding week?
PLD pre-candidates speak out for unity
Thousands join Sunday protest walk against constitutional reform
CEI-RD says most foreign investment profits are re-invested in DR
DEA director visits local drug agency
For every immigrant arriving in the DR, there are 3 Dominicans overseas
Landslide danger continues on Santiago’s Del Sol St.
Massive desertion at Dominican universities
There is a national epidemic of traffic accidents
Police say they have solved the bank robbery in Sabana de la Mar
Seedstars convene Dominican competitors
DR takes big steps to reduce HIV/AIDS
Fake news: Wrong list on wealthiest in DR circulated
Authorities shut down marijuana nursery in Verón
210 athlete strong Dominican team to Peru Pan Am Games
Growing the sport in the DR, Al Horford coming for NBA camp
Club Rafael Barías wins Santo Domingo basketball championship



Regional capital city mayors meet in Santo Domingo
Mayor David Collado of the National District hosted mayors from Central American cities and Puerto Rico last week in Santo Domingo. The mayors came for the 27th meeting of mayors of the Central American, Mexican and Caribbean region of the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities (UCCI).

Participating were Mayor Nasry Juan Asfura Zablah of Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Mayor Ernesto Luis García Prieto of San Salvador, El Salvador; Mayor Araya Monge of San José, Costa Rica; Mayor Reyna Rueda Alvarado of Managua, Nicaragua; Guatemala City councilor Alessandra María Gallio; Vice Mayor of Panama City, Judy Meana Barrera; and Marcos Antonio Rigau, president of the municipal legislature of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In the concluding document, the capital cities of Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean reaffirmed their efforts to facilitate the adaptation of territories to new economic, technological, demographic, environmental and social circumstances of the world, and to strengthen the fundamental bases of a climate of multidimensional urban prosperity.

The UCCI is an international, non-governmental organization that groups 29 major Ibero-American cities and fosters ties and friendly relations between the members.

During the event, Mayor Collado spoke of the importance of the UCCI as a network whereby mayors can have access to regional initiatives and to learn from the successes of others.

https://eldia.com.do/alcaldes-de-centroamerica-mexico-y-el-caribe-reafirman-compromiso/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...basura-reune-a-alcaldes-iberoamericanos-en-rd


JCE: Losses big, but fire will not affect primaries
A major fire affected one of the warehouses of the Central Electoral Board (JCE) located off Av. Luperón in western Santo Domingo. The Inspection Unit (Unidad de Inspectoría) was destroyed, said the president of the JCE, Julio Cesar Castaños Guzmán. Fire brigades were able to put out the blaze before it spread to other areas of the JCE.

Castaños Guzman said that the upcoming 6 October 2019 primaries would not be affected. He, nevertheless, described the losses as in the millions. He said a printing division, and IT support areas that store old equipment, documentation and networks were affected.

https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-jce-presidente-dice-hubo-danos-considerables
https://hoy.com.do/video-lo-que-dij...y-los-equipos-que-se-usaran-en-las-primarias/
https://n.com.do/2019/07/21/preside...ado-equipos-para-primarias-no-fue-afectado-2/


Reelection: Will this week be the deciding week?
The ambitions of both President Danilo Medina and former President Leonel Fernández to return to power in 2020 have the Dominican Republic on edge. Political analysts explain that Medina followers control the ruling party, the government’s budget, the Supreme Court and the Senate. They tell that regardless, constitutional reform has not yet been submitted because the needed votes in the Chamber of Deputies have not been ensured. These are the same people that maneuvered in 2015 to change the 2010 Constitution to enable the reelection of Medina. But this time around, they have not been able to count on the vote of the followers of Fernández, who is the president of the ruling political party.

Time is running out. There have been several would-be attempts at starting the process in Congress. The PLD needs to submit its list of presidential pre-candidates on 22 August to the Central Electoral Board. Likewise, 17 August is the deadline for the filing affiliations of parties and political movements.

The regular work session of Congress closes on 26 July 2019. The Senate is summoned to work on Tuesday, 23 July. Political analysts say this is not normal, as the Senate usually works on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If the Senate hears the bill that would convene the National Assembly for the Revision of the Constitution on Tuesday, there would be time then to submit it to the Chamber of Deputies on Thursday or Friday. A 24-hour time space is required. Only the vote of half of those present is needed to convene the National Assembly that would then set to the task of constitutional reform.

If the motion does not pass this week, President Danilo Medina could still convene the legislators to stay at work in extraordinary session through 14 August.

Tops on the would-be agenda for National Assembly would be the removal of a temporary clause included in the 2015 Constitution that disallows Medina from running in 2020. The government also wants to unify municipal elections scheduled for 16 February 2020 with the presidential and congressional election, set for 17 May 2020.

The 2015 Constitution establishes that constitutional reform can pass with at least two-thirds of the votes of the National Assembly. There are 222 senators and deputies. If all were to attend, then a vote of 148 is needed. As mentioned above, Medina has the backing of most of the senators, not so of the Chamber of Deputies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FezAtahsY1A


PLD pre-candidates speak out for unity
Pre-candidates lawyer Francisco Domínguez Brito, architect Andrés Navarro and Vice President Margarita Cedeño, regarded as the new generation within the ruling Dominican Liberation Party, called for an end to confrontations in the ruling party. They called for party unity and understanding.

Domínguez Brito favors the convening of the political and central committees of the PLD and that the debate be dealt with internally.

Andrés Navarro called for commitments that guarantee the unity of the party and also backs that the differences be handled as established by the party statutes and not in the social media and media.

Vice President Margarita Cedeño, who is the wife of former President Leonel Fernández, called for clear headedness and unity. “I want to call on all the PLD family to bet on wisdom and unity, on love for the people and the party. The current political situation has me as concerned as is our militancy and the people in general. Danilo Medina and Leonel Fernandez, leaders of the PLD, have the support of all the peledeístas so that together they may find the correct solution to the great challenge we face. Let yourselves be guided by what unites you: love for your country and the desire to build a more just country for all Dominicans,” said Vice President Cedeño.

https://n.com.do/2019/07/19/aspirantes-presidenciales-piden-no-echar-mas-lena-al-fuego-en-el-pld/
https://eldia.com.do/margarita-cedeno-aboga-por-la-unidad-danilo-leonel/


Thousands join Sunday protest walk against constitutional reform
The Coalición Democrática was able to convene a large turnout to their protest walk against the continuance in power of President Danilo Medina or the return to power of former President Leonel Fernández of the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD). The protestors began the walk at Parque Enriquillo and ended it at the Altar de la Patria, after walking down Duarte and Las Mercedes streets in the Colonial City.

The march was called against corruption and impunity and had the backing of the largest opposition party, the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM). The president of the party, senator José Ignacio Paliza and secretary general Carolina Mejía participated in the march. Also backing the rally were the Dominican Humanist Party (PHD), Dominicans for Change (DxC), Social Democrat Revolutionary Party (PRSD), El País que Queremos, among others. Journalist Juan Bolívar Díaz spoke for the group.

https://listindiario.com/la-republi...dad-nacional-para-detener-continuidad-del-pld


CEI-RD says most foreign investment profits are re-invested in DR
The executive director of the Center for Exports and Investments in the Dominican Republic (CEI-RD), Marius De León told reporters that 54% of the profits from foreign investments are re-invested in the country. He said this is proof of the confidence investors have in the Dominican Republic. He was guest speaker at the monthly breakfast of the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic.

De Leon talked about how there are more than US$500 million in Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) in on-going projects. He said exports are expected to top US$12 billion, a healthy 8.3% increase over 2018.

https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...tranjera-es-reinvertido-en-el-pais-JE13429770


DEA director visits local drug agency
The United States and the Dominican Republic will continue to join forces to fight organized crime, including drug trafficking in the Caribbean region, according to a press release from the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD). The release was issued as a wrap-up on the recent visit of Uttam Dhillon, acting administrator of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

He met with Félix Alburquerque Comprés, president of the National Narcotics Control Agency (DNCD). During the meeting, Dhillom said the US will continue to provide support to the Dominican Republic.

"Collaboration between the two countries is vital to continue confronting transnational crime and drug trafficking together and effectively," said Dhillon, during his visit.

DNCD President, Vice Admiral Alburquerque Comprés expressed appreciation for DEA support in battling drug trafficking, money laundering and organized crime.

"We are going to continue united in this fight against international drug trafficking, a scourge to which we have given resounding blows," the president of the DNCD told the acting administrator of the DEA.

During his visit, Dhillon was accompanied by special agent in charge of the Caribbean Division, Apolonio Collazo; DEA country attaché, Carl A Shirer; Robyn Thiemann, chief of staff, US Department of Justice; and Hayley Conklin, special advisor to the DEA acting administrator.

http://dncd.gob.do/index.php/notici...tados-unidos-dea-visita-presidente-de-la-dncd


New profile on Dominican migration published by INM
The director of the National Migration Institute (INM), Florinda Rojas announced the availability of the Dominican Republic Migratory Profile 2017. The International Organization for Migration (OIM) funded the study.

During the presentation of the study, Jorge Baca, mission chief for OIM in the Dominican Republic, said that the profile of migration in the country has changed. He explained that while in the 20th Century migrants were from rural communities, today people from the cities are migrating.

The study researchers say foreign migrants in the Dominican Republic continue at 5.4% of the total population, as it was a century ago, or around half a million people. On the other hand, Dominican expats have increased to around two million people.

Between 2000 and 2015, according to the National Migration Profile, the number of emigrating persons increased from 880,000 to 1.3 million. By 2016, nearly 1.1 million Dominican lived in the United States, and today, these persons and their descendants are the fifth-largest Hispanic group in the US, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

The US is the predominant destination with 90% of overseas Dominicans living there. From just 12,000 Dominicans in 1960, the number climbed to 169,000 in 1980 and doubled in 1990 and again in 2010.

The Yearly Immigration Statistics from the US Department of Homeland Security show that over 50,000 legal residents were approved in 2015, 60,000 in 2016 and 58,000 in 2017. The vast majority of Dominicans with residency status in the US have migrated taking advantage of the process of family reunification.

In Europe, Spain is the preferred country, with an estimated 158,000 Dominican expats, followed by Italy with 43,000 Dominican residents. An estimated 50,000 Dominicans live in Puerto Rico. Dominicans living in Canada are doubling every decade and there are now around 16,000.

https://elcaribe.com.do/2019/07/18/...n-el-exterior-por-cada-inmigrante-en-el-pais/
http://inm.gob.do/index.php/component/k2/item/247


Landslide danger continues on Santiago’s Del Sol St.
The tragic landslide that took the lives of five workers in Santiago still is a threat to those in the city. A giant hole remains at Del Sol Street near the Monument to the Restoration. Traffic accidents have occurred in the area. Nearly two months after the original incident, the construction company has yet to set a completion date for the repairs to the roadway.

The underground cables that supply the area were also affected by the initial landslide and all of these have yet to be repaired.

Access is difficult and commerce in the area has been severely affected. A detour creates a bottleneck for persons traveling to and from the Duarte Highway or the Estrella Sadhalá Avenue.

Over the recent weekend, a car crashed into the Jersey Barrier marking the beginning of the detour. According to the report in the El Caribe, work is going slowly and with little heavy machinery.

https://elcaribe.com.do/2019/07/18/...-el-peligro-por-derrumbe-en-la-calle-del-sol/


Massive drop-outs at Dominican universities
According to the Dominican Association of University Rectors (ADRU), the student drop out rate is at 50%, with 30% of drop-outs occurring in the first year. The rectors recently participated in the Weekly Breakfast of the Corripio Communications Group.

According to these university leaders, most students can’t afford to stay. Student loans are costly and scholarships are few.

Angel Hernandez, the rector of UAPA and president of ADRU, said the nation has to decide the kind of society it wants and the training that is needed. He said more technical careers would enable graduates to find decent jobs both here and abroad. Local higher education schools need to ensure their studies have international accreditation so the titles are valid for their students abroad, he said.

The rectors also called for more preparation of college professors and urged the creation of doctoral programs at local universities. They noted that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT) has many scholarships available. However, Hernandez said that barely 0.05% of the GDP is dedicated to financial aid for higher education. Hernández spoke of the need for increases in government subsidies to private universities. One rector said that his school receives just RD$15 per student per month.

Hernandez also noted that 40% of the nation’s university students are enrolled at the state Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (220,000). The UASD does not charge tuition to low-income students.

At the Corripio meeting, Hernández was accompanied by fellow rectors Marcos Villamán, Epifanio González Minaya and Esteban Tiburcio.

https://eldia.com.do/adru-revela-50-estudiantes-dejan-universidades-a-los-dos-anos-de-entrar/


There is a national epidemic of traffic accidents
The Catholic weekly, “Camino” says the traffic accident rate is “a national epidemic.” The more than 3,000 traffic fatalities each year (and growing) constitute one of the worst records in the world per 100,000 population. In Sunday’s editorial, the Archbishop of Santiago Freddy Breton makes the point that “people leave without saying good-bye.”

In 2017 more than 97,000 persons were injured in traffic accidents. The number places the Dominican Republic in the unenviable position of #2 among all of the 192 nations in the world.

The number one spot belongs to Niue, a tiny 260 km2 coral island in the Marshall Islands with a population of 1,624. Even one traffic fatality would skyrocket their standing in the world list. It is 186 times smaller than the Dominican Republic and has 6,500 times fewer people.

By any reasonable measure, the DR ranks first in the “Worst Traffic Deaths” around the world. The real number is 93.7 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, while countries like Switzerland, Germany, France, Spain and Canada have less than seven fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants.

The Archbishop cites the lack of respect for traffic laws, especially those regarding red lights. (Note: This reporter witnessed the results of a four car accident at the intersection of Bartolome Colon and Estrella Sadhala in Santiago last night!!).

The fact that this is maybe the only country in the world where there are drive-thru windows for cold beers is most certainly a major contributing factor. Technology is also a culprit, with texting and chatting while driving a vehicle is known to be on a par with driving while intoxicated. The final note by the magazine’s editors calls for a massive driver education campaign through every available media outlet.

In 2017, the country passed a new driving law creating the National Transit and Ground Transport Institute (Intrant). The Intrant, nevertheless has been slow in passing rulings and implementing the law.

https://elnacional.com.do/ven-epidemia-de-accidentes-transito-en-rd/
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/07...e-las-muertes-en-accidentes-son-una-epidemia/


Police say they have solved the bank robbery in Sabana de la Mar
The National Police reported that in less than 24 hours it solved the robbery of the Banreservas branch in Sabana de la Mar, in eastern Hato Mayor province. The robbers had made off with over RD$7 million and a firearm at around 6pm on Wednesday, 17 July 2019.

The robbers used an emergency door that had been conveniently left open. They came armed with a machete and something that looked like a homemade shotgun, called a “chagon.”

The Police announced the arrest of four suspects in the case. These are Dinerinson Medina Féliz, Antoni Medina Féliz, Yohan Encarnación Mercedes and Dahian Alberto Encarnación Mercedes, all resident in Sabana de la Mar. The investigators suspect Dinerinson Medina Féliz, who worked at the bank as a security guard, planned the crime.

According to El Dia, the National Police recovered RD$5,003,200 and US$99,417. Law enforcement also recovered three cell phones and a .38 cal Smith & Wesson revolver with five rounds in the cylinder and one expended round.

As reported, when the robber was cornered, he fired at the Police. He was wounded in the leg by the arresting officers.

https://eldia.com.do/policia-dice-r...ursal-del-banco-de-reservas-sabana-de-la-mar/
https://eldia.com.do/apresan-implicados-en-robo-a-sucursal-de-banreservas-en-sabana-de-la-mar/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ursal-bancaria-de-sabana-de-la-mar-HC13444113
https://hoy.com.do/1942108-2/


Seedstars convene Dominican competitors
The Seedstars World competition is looking for Dominican technology entrepreneurs. The chosen will then participate in the 4th Latam Regional Summit. Dominican companies have to 22 August 2019 to apply. The Dominican Seedstar will be announced on 5 September 2019. The regional summit will take place in Medellín, Colombia from 27 to 29 November.

The event is described as a catalysis to facilitate the best business and investment opportunities in the region. It gathers startups, investors, mentors, ambassadors, partners and over 200 key stakeholders in the heart of the continent. Participating companies need to have investments of under US$500,000 and have two years or less in operation.

The focus is on science, technology and innovation. The main goal is to generate conditions so that startups and entrepreneurs can compete in new markets.

Seedstars World is the world's largest startup competition in emerging markets. For the past six years, Seedstars Teams travel around for a 9-month world tour and scout for the best early-stage startups in 65+ countries, organizing 100+ events. One winner is selected to represent each country visited, and is then invited to attend one of the 5 regional summits, reuniting all local winners of each region to network with regional investors, mentors and corporates. Local winners are also awarded the chance to represent their countries at the Seedstars Summit, the competition’s final happening in Switzerland, where startups compete for up to US$500,000 in investment. The Seedstars Summit is the flagship event of Seedstars, filled with breakout sessions, panel discussions, specialized workshops and the best minds from emerging markets.

https://www.seedstarsworld.com/event/seedstars-santo-domingo-2019


DR takes big steps to reduce HIV/AIDS
Data published by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) reveals that new HIV cases in the country have decreased compared to previous years. The report also shows a decrease in deaths from AIDS, a slight increase in those currently living with HIV, and an increase in people who have coverage while receiving treatment for the virus.

During 2018, UNAIDS in its reports on the Dominican Republic, highlights that the number of new infections (all ages) fell from an estimated 2,800 people to 2,700 compared to 2017.

With respect to Dominicans currently living with HIV (all ages), the number of people increased over the previous year, by an estimated 69,000 to 70,000.

Deaths annually have maintained a steady decline in statistics since 2004, when the point was at its highest, with an estimated 5,900 people, decreasing progressively to 1,200 in 2018.

A total of 38,952 individuals, including children and adults are receiving treatment. These numbers place the Dominican Republic as one of the countries of Latin America with greater "progress" in the continent.

https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ces-en-disminucion-de-nuevos-casos-de-vihsida


Fake news: Wrong list on wealthiest in DR circulated
Last week, an online news story that featured former president of the collapsed Baninter bank, Ramon Baez Figueroa, as the richest man in the country made the social media rounds in the Dominican Republic. It was picked up by several media.

The story claimed that the source was the list of the richest published in Forbes Mexico. Eventually, as the story went viral, Forbes Mexico clarified it was fake news.

What is true: In its May 2019 issue on the 40 most wealthy in Central America and the Caribbean, the listed Dominicans are: Frank Rainieri Marranzini (7), Felix Garcia Castellanos (9), Felipe Vicini Lluberes (11), Jose Luis Corripio Estrada (14), Manuel Estrella (17), Carlos Jose Marti (22), Ligia, Jose Miguel and Alberto Bonetti (24), Pedro Brache (26), Hector Jose Rizek (28), and Abraham Selman Hasbun (39).

The wealthiest Dominican sports people, according to Forbes are: Albert Pujols (1), Alfred Horford (2), Robinson Cano (3) and Johnny Cueto (4).

https://somospueblo.com/revista-for...n-baez-figueroa-entre-los-mas-ricos-del-pais/
https://www.forbes.com.mx/ellos-son-los-empresarios-mas-ricos-de-centroamerica-y-rd/
https://issuu.com/forbeslatam/docs/forbes_ca_mayo_2019


Authorities shut down marijuana nursery in Verón
The National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) and members of the Public Ministry dismantled a marijuana greenhouse with 286 plants in a house in Verón, La Altagracia province (Punta Cana).

"The plants are between 5 and 30 inches high and weighed 80 pounds according to the analysis of the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF)," said the DNCD note.

The authorities are on the trail of two men that escaped to avoid their arrest. They are only known as Boris and El Indio.

https://eldia.com.do/autoridades-de...e-marihuana-en-veron-y-decomisan-286-plantas/


210 athlete strong Dominican team to Pan Am Games in Peru
Dominicans will be following the performances of worldclass athletes Luguelín Santos (400m run), Ana Villanueva (karate), Crismery Santana (weight lifting), the Queens of the Caribbean (volleyball) at the Pan Am Games that will take place in Lima, Peru from 26 July to 11 August 2019. They are part of the 210 athletes that will represent the country at the leading regional sports event.

They will try to better Dominican performance in previous championships. In the Toronto Pan Am Games in 2015, the Dominican Republic ended with 24 medals (three gold medals, 11 silver and 10 bronze), and ranked 13th overall. But in Guadalajara 2011, the country had won 33 medals (7 gold, nine silver and 17 bronze) for 9th place.

http://z101digital.com/delegacion-d...ma-puesto-13-en-el-medallero-de-toronto-2015/
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...n-rd-en-lima-2019-se-que-van-preparados-y-hay


Growing the sport in the DR, Al Horford coming for NBA camp
NBA star Al Horford (Philadelphia 76ers) is coming for the first Junior NBA Camp. The three-day camp this July will host 108 local boys and girls (ages 14-16) from under-served communities across the Dominican Republic selected by Horford’s non-profit organization, La Tribu de Quisqueya.

The Jr. NBA camp will be held at the Carol Morgan School (CMS) and has the sponsorship of the school, and Altice, Banco Popular, Gatorade and Spalding corporations.

The camp format, led by the NBA and Horford, will feature on-court drills, competitions and scrimmages, along with life skills sessions run by NBA coaches, trainers and staff. Joining Horford at the camp will be 76ers player development coach Drew Jones.

https://www.nba.com/sixers/news/horford-help-launch-first-jr-nba-camp-dominican-republic


Club Rafael Barías wins Santo Domingo basketball championship
Club Rafael Barias won its fourth National District Basketball Superior Championship on Sunday, 21 July 2019. The team defeated Mauricio Báez 69-63 to win the Santo Domingo Cup trophy. Mauricio Báez had won the regular season. The tournament was sponsored by the National District government.

https://www.diariolibre.com/deporte...mauricio-baez-y-recupera-la-corona-GA13461362