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Dolores
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There is hope: First driver’s ed park for children
US$50 million loan, US$19.6 donation from European Investment Bank
Maybe 12,000 cases of dengue this year
Slow-moving legislature faces serious challenges
It was to be expected: Mike Pompeo praises Danilo
Now Hipólito Mejía backs constitutional reform
Citizen Participation movement says calls to reform constitution are untimely
Belarminio Ramírez: Medina takes role of mentor in PLD
PLD gives pre-candidates little time to campaign
Leonel Fernández leads among PLD pre-candidates
Miguel Vargas’ dilemma
Dominicans place third among the number of illegals in Chile
David Ortiz sent home from Boston hospital
McAfee is deported, complains his dogs stayed
Drug lord Macaco deported back to Colombia
Heavy rains forecast for the week
Robert Pigozzi makes it to Slalom finals in Pan Am Games
Dominican medal winners in the 2019 Pan Am Games
Xiomara Fortuna folklore show at National Theater
There is hope: First driver’s ed park for children
President Danilo Medina inaugurated a park dedicated to driver education in the Juan Bosch City grounds in the province of eastern Santo Domingo. Bad driving habits are at the core of the high rate of accidents in the country.
The 8,600m2 complex is designed to educate kids and adolescents on good driving habits as well as traffic laws. The authorities expect 15,000 children a year to learn to drive at the site.
The Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Education built the complex. The park will benefit those enrolled in public schools in Greater Santo Domingo.
The National Transport and Transit Institute (Intrant) boss, engineer Claudia Franchesca de los Santos praised the new facility.
https://elcaribe.com.do/2019/07/26/panorama/pais/inauguran-parque-de-educacion-vial/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...el-primer-parque-de-educacion-vial-AE13532255
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...imer-parque-de-educacion-vial-del-pais-danilo
US$50 million loan, US$19.6 donation from European Investment Bank
The Ministry of Hacienda has borrowed US$50 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for mitigation of disasters in the north of the Dominican Republic. The European Union will complement the loan with a US$19.6 million donation. Hacienda Minister Donald Guerrero Ortiz and Emma Navarro, vice president of the European Investment Bank signed the loan agreement.
The 20-year loan has a grace period of five years and interest is 4.20%. The loan can be used to build 1,000 housing and rehabilitate 55 km of roads. The funds are targeted for the reconstruction of houses affected by intense flooding caused by hurricanes Matthew and Maria in 2016 and 2017.
The Ministry of Public Works (MOPC) and the National Housing Institute (INVI) will carry out the disaster mitigation works in the northern provinces of Montecristi, Puerto Plata, Espaillat and Duarte.
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/anunci...esastres-naturales-en-4-provincias-del-norte/
Maybe 12,000 cases of dengue this year
Authorities are not making announcements in public, but medical personnel at key hospitals estimate that there will be at least 12,000 cases of dengue in the Dominican Republic this year.
A high of 4,000 cases has been reported when the peak months for the mosquito-borne disease are usually August and September.
Barahona, Santo Domingo province and the National District have the most cases. Dr. Clemente Terrero, the assistant director of the Children’s Hospital at the Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital in Santo Domingo, forecast that at this pace between 10,000 and 12,000 cases will be cared for at hospitals this year, well above the 1,558 seen last year.
The health authority recommendations are the same year to year: no standing water, wash with chlorine the rim of water containers kept outdoors, and keep these covered. Use mosquito netting and seek medical assistance if symptoms occur. These symptoms are a strong headache; pain behind the eyes; joint and muscular pain; skin rashes; diarrhea, a lack of energy, vomiting and nausea.
https://eldia.com.do/el-ano-podria-terminar-con-12-mil-casos-dengue/
Slow-moving legislature faces serious challenges
Diario Libre reports on several legislative bills on health, pensions, civil and commercial relations, and judicial procedures that need to be heard in the next legislative session that opens 16 August 2019. Among the bills pending for approval is the Social Security Law 87-01, where commissions paid to Pension Fund Administrators (AFPs) are up for discussion. It will need to be submitted again.
One of the most controversial pieces of legislation is the Penal Code and its references to abortion, as well as longer jail sentences. The Code had passed in Congress, but President Medina vetoed it. Medina favors exceptions to the ban on abortion in the case of rape or incest, a non-viable fetus and imminent danger to the mother’s life. Likewise, legislators have discussed total sentences of up to 60 years in jail. The present maximum is 30 years.
The Civil Code dates back to 1997 and discussions are ongoing. Among the controversial issues is restricting marriage to those 18 years of age.
Other bills that have languished in Congress are the bill that regulates domestic work, one on identity protection, changes to the Civil Code Procedures; the water bill and a bill on waste management. A bill to organize the nation’s territories is pending, as is another that protects parks, water resources, land use and zoning.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-pendientes-para-nueva-legislatura-PF13522692
It was to be expected: Mike Pompeo praises Danilo
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated President Danilo Medina for his decision of not seeking constitutional reform to be able to run for a third consecutive term. Medina made the announcement in a televised address to the nation on Monday, 22 July 2019.
The US Embassy shared the note dated 25 July 2019 from the US State Department:
“The United States welcomes Dominican President Medina’s announcement not to seek an extension of constitutionally mandated term limits that shows trust in the will of the people and bodes well for the future of the country. We hope future leaders of the Dominican Republic and leaders throughout the region will look to President Medina as an example of statesmanship and deference to a system of governance by and for the people. The United States supports the Dominican people and their democratic future.”
https://do.usembassy.gov/dominican-republic-president-medinas-decision/
Now Hipólito Mejía backs constitutional reform
On Thursday, 25 July 2019, former President Hipólito Mejía (2000-2004) surprised many when he announced his support to amend the 2015 Constitution so that President Danilo Medina can run for President in 2024. 78-year old Mejía is a leader of a minority faction in the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), the largest opposition party.
Nevertheless, Mejía said that once Medina is allowed to run again, the Dominican Constitution should restrict the presidential term to a maximum of two four-year periods. That is, the US model.
Mejía aspires to be elected the PRM presidential candidate in the 6 October 2019 party primary. Polls show he is far behind his main contender, Luis Abinader, who has been a strong opponent to constitutional reform.
Mejía's statements came after President Danilo Medina had announced on Monday, 22 July 2019, that he would not seek to reform the constitution to enable him to run in the 2020 general election.
Former Vice President Milagros Ortiz Bosch criticized Mejía’s remark. Ortiz Bosch served as Mejía’s Vice President from 2000 to 2004. She says that the PRM should be concentrating on party strengthening and its electoral strategy to win the 2020 general election. She said the focus should be on implementing strategies to oust the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) from power. The PLD has been in power now for almost 16 consecutive years.
PRM party leader José Ignacio Paliza also countered Mejía’s position. Paliza emphasized that the party should grow by its forces and on the actions of its legislators. He said to enable Medina to run in 2024 would foster impunity. He disagreed with those who consider Medina or Fernández undefeatable. He said: “Both can be defeated, each in their moment and time.”
In 2003, then-President Hipólito Mejía pushed through constitutional reform to enable himself to run for President. He then lost his bid for a second term against former President Leonel Fernández, who would remain in power from 2004-2008 and 2008-2012.
Mejía was elected President in 2000 when then-President Leonel Fernández did not fully back the PLD candidate at the time, today President Danilo Medina. Over the past years, Mejía has repeatedly spoken up to endorse positions by Medina, and has been contradictorily seen as a Medina ally. His daughter, Carolina Mejía is secretary general of the PRM and has not corroborated the positions of her father.
https://acento.com.do/2019/politica...stitucional-que-habilite-a-danilo-en-el-2024/
https://z101digital.com/milagros-or...e-rehabilitar-a-danilo-para-debilitar-al-pld/
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/ahora-quieren-reforma-constitucional-KE13532549
Citizen Participation movement says calls to reform the constitution are untimely
President Danilo Medina said he would not foster constitutional reform so he could run in 2020. Shortly after, the Social Christian Reformist Party (that has been a strong ally to the PLD in several elections) began promoting constitutional reform. Among the points on their list of priorities is that President Danilo Medina be allowed to run again in 2024. Former President Hipólito Mejía supported constitutional reform in the same week.
Citizen Participation, a civic watchdog group, nevertheless, reaffirms that constitutional change at this time “is unacceptable because we are entering into an electoral process.”
Carlos Pimentel, spokesman for Citizen Participation says that those proposing the reform work against the strengthening and transforming of the Dominican political system away from its focus on caudillos for the wellbeing of democracy. "Under no circumstances should we embark on constitutional reform in these circumstances, much less seek to do so for particular interests. It's reckless," says Pimentel.
https://pciudadana.org/?p=7772
Belarminio Ramírez: Medina takes role of mentor in PLD
Political scientist Belarminio Ramírez said that President Danilo Medina is concentrating on promoting his candidates in all the levels of the 2020 general elections. He observed that the leadership of Medina will be a deciding factor in the open primaries of the PLD and the selection of that party’s candidates for 2020 general elections."Danilism now goes. The stage is set for them to take the universe of presidential, congressional and municipal candidacies," he said.
The political scientist said that although President Medina will not be a candidate in 2020, he will have broad control of the PLD. Ramírez says that by assuming a mentor role, Medina's stronghold in the party will prevail.
Ramírez said, nevertheless, that the divide in the PLD between followers of Medina and Fernández will continue, independently of who is chosen to be the party's presidential candidate in the 6 October primary.
https://n.com.do/2019/07/27/politologo-afirma-el-danilismo-va-por-todo-en-las-elecciones-del-2020/
PLD gives pre-candidates little time to campaign
The PLD announced that the 606-member Central Committee of the ruling party would meet on Saturday, 10 August to vote on the dozen pre-candidates that seek to be registered for elective posts. The pre-candidates need to be registered no later than 22 August 2019 at the Central Electoral Board (JCE) to compete in the 6 October 2019 primary.
Administrative Minister of the Presidency Jose Ramón Peralta expects the Danilismo candidates will win the primaries at the three levels – municipal, congressional and presidential. The PLD is using polling companies to measure the pre-candidate popularity.
https://hoy.com.do/pld-adelanta-reu...eccionara-sus-precandidatos-a-la-presidencia/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...dato-por-encuestas-frente-a-leonel-LE13538762
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/danili...de-leonel-fernandez-en-el-comite-central-pld/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...omite-central-para-el-10-de-agosto-EB13566233
Leonel Fernández leads among PLD pre-candidates
A MullenLowe Interamerica poll published in the Listin Diario on 29 July 2019 reveals that former President Leonel Fernández is likely to win the open primaries of the Dominican Liberation Party with 50.5%. The PLD primaries are open to all eligible voters. The same poll says that PRM pre-candidate Luis Abinader has the best political image in the country, ranking with a 24.1% compared to National District Mayor David Collado's 22.3% and Vice President Margarita Cedeño's 21%.
The automated telephone poll was carried out on 26 July 2019. It was funded by Mayor David Collado. The sample was 62% women and 38% of 47,283 persons contacted. Of these 2,000 persons responded.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...naria-primarias-y-abinader-tiene-mejor-imagen
Miguel Vargas’ dilemma
A short editorial commentary in El Espía on page 4 in Diario Libre on 29 July 2019 makes the point that Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas needs to decide now whether he resigns to run for his party, the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD) or if he offers his support to other candidates in the PLD, or seeks an alliance with a third party to ensure the minimum of votes needed to keep the party's status with the Central Electoral Board (JCE).
Earlier this month, Vargas announced that his support to the PLD was only if President Danilo Medina was the candidate. When Medina announced on Monday, 22 July 2019 that he would not seek the presidency in 2020, Vargas is now left without the PLD as a significant ally to secure votes in 2020 election. The editorial in Diario Libre remarks that Vargas’s adversaries are counting the days for him to step down, while at the Ministry of Foreign Relations, people are praying to keep their jobs.
https://epaper.diariolibre.com/epaper/
Dominicans place third among the number of illegals in Chile
Sometimes it is better to be in third place. Case in point, Dominicans are listed as the third most prevalent group of illegals residing in Chile. In first place, as is to be expected nowadays, are Venezuelans. Then Cubans, followed by Dominicans. Bolivians and Colombians fill out the top five places.
According to the reports from El Mercurio newspaper in Santiago, Chile, there are over 1,500 Venezuelans among the estimated 4,225 illegals registered by the Chilean authorities as of the first half of this year.
A little over a month ago, on 22 June, the Chilean authorities imposed new rules to enter the country. The requirement of a consular visa has complicated things for Dominicans, Cubans and Venezuelans.
The Jesuit Migration Service told reporters that the new restrictions are the cause of the increase in the number of illegals.
Newspaper reports have brought to the forefront the creation of new mafia-type organizations, similar to the “coyotes” along the Mexican-American border, which smuggle illegals into Chile.
Although recent numbers place the Dominicans in the number three slot of illegals for 2019, in the overall picture of immigrants in Chile, Dominicans are not in the top four as of 31 December 2018. Venezuela is first overall (288,000), followed by Peru (223, 923), Haiti (179,338) and Colombia (146,582).
https://elnacional.com.do/dominican...ilegales-ingreso-a-chile-en-lo-que-va-de-ano/
https://www.extranjeria.gob.cl/estadisticas-migratorias/
David Ortiz sent home from Boston hospital
Retired Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz was sent home from Massachusetts General Hospital after an extended stay from 9 June 2019. Ortiz was hospitalized after he was shot at in the back when sitting at the Dial Bar & Lounge in Eastern Santo Domingo. He was first operated on in Santo Domingo, and then underwent two other surgeries in Boston.
An investigation into the shooting revealed a ruined plot intended instead to target a friend of Ortiz, Sixto David Fernandez, according to Dominican authorities.
25-year old Rolfi Ferreira-Cruz of New Jersey was arrested and identified as the alleged gunman who fired the shots at Ortiz. A dozen were also arrested for investigations in the case. Victor Hugo Gomez, a cousin of Fernández, was named by the authorities as the mastermind of the shooting. He was arrested on 28 June in the Dominican Republic. The Police said he was angry at Fernandez for naming him in a 2011 drug bust that led to his imprisonment.
https://www.wcvb.com/article/david-...after-shooting-in-dominican-republic/28527455
https://abcnews.go.com/Internationa...shooting-dominican-republic/story?id=64608750
https://hoy.com.do/dan-de-alta-a-david-ortiz-y-continuara-rehabilitacion-en-casa/
McAfee is deported, complains his dogs stayed
The man famous for creating the McAfee antivirus software was deported to the United Kingdom from Puerto Plata on Thursday, 25 July 2019. Dominican authorities did not present charges against McAfee, and he was given the option as to where he wanted to be sent. John McAfee had arrived in Puerto Plata from Cuba on board the yacht, "The Great Mystery,” on Monday, 22 July.
McAfee was detained for four days after he entered the Dominican Republic heavily armed. Law enforcement agents seized the weapons. McAfee argued the arms were needed to protect those on the boat from pirates at sea.
McAfee said he was well treated by Dominican authorities, despite spending hardship time in jail. But when he was not allowed to take his dogs back with him to the UK, he lashed out, threatening that if anything happens to the dogs, he would “work to ensure Dominican Republic tourism ends.”
The tweet read: “The issue we now have is that the D.R. has not returned our dogs to us. We were not allowed to leave anyone in our boat to care for them when we were deported. The D.R. government took custody and we've heard nothing. If they were harmed I will work to ensure D.R. tourism ends.”
Before being deported, he also tweeted:
“If the Dominican Republic harms a single hair on any of my dogs that they forced @theemrsmcafee and myself to separate from, then, yes, wrath will rain down from heaven.”
Responding to the tweet, the Attorney General Office said that the dogs were released to the custody of the defense counsel of McAfee in the Dominican Republic, represented by Cándido Simón.
News reports say that McAfee was traveling with German Robert Whitfield, Bahamian Oral Thompson, Haitian Vasner Louis and Richard Alan Gibson, and his wife Elizabeth (Janice) McAfee. The media did not explain if the others were deported.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...erros-que-permanecen-bajo-custodia-PC13558896
https://www.eteknix.com/john-mcafee-is-now-in-london-with-plans-to-bring-people-down/
http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/verNoticia.aspx?Id=30488
https://nypost.com/2019/07/26/irs-fugitive-john-mcafee-sent-to-uk-after-stint-in-dominican-jail/
https://cointelegraph.com/news/fresh-out-of-jail-john-mcafee-now-wants-boris-johnsons-job
https://www.ccn.com/news/john-mcafee-uk-prime-minister/2019/07/26/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-autoridades-segun-la-procuraduria-PD13549350
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/audio-...n-tumbara-gobierno-dominicano-por-corrupcion/
Drug lord Macaco deported back to Colombia
Members of the National Police, working for Interpol, arrested Carlos Mario Jimenez (a.k.a. Macaco) when he passed through Migration at Las Americas International Airport on a flight from Miami, USA. He has finished serving a prison sentence in the United States. He had been convicted on charges of drug trafficking and homicide and was identified as a dangerous person by Interpol. The former Colombian guerrilla leader is a former leader of a paramilitary group in Colombia and is considered one of the most feared drug lords in that South American country. As reported, he has issues pending in the Colombia justice system.
He was deported on an Avianca flight direct to Bogota.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-narcotraficante-colombiano-macaco-IF13528572
Heavy rains forecast for the week
A passing trough and an incoming tropical wave are forecast to bring heavy rains to the Dominican Republic this week. For Monday, 29 July 2019, the forecast is for rain showers in the afternoon in the eastern, northeastern, southeastern, northern, Central Mountain Range and Greater Santo Domingo areas. The effects of the tropical wave are expected to be felt by Wednesday, 31 August.
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/onda-tropical-provocara-fuertes-lluvias-en-rd-haiti-y-puerto-rico/
Robert Pigozzi makes it to Slalom finals in Pan Am Games
Dominican water skier Robert Pigozzi advanced to the finals in the water ski competitions in the Lima, Peru Pan American Games. He established a Pan American record with 2.50/58/10.25 competing in Men’s Slalom in the Laguna Bujama. Pigozzi trains at the family skiing facilities in the Boca Chica municipality.
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/domini...nal-en-esquina-acuatico-juegos-panamericanos/
https://www.lima2019.pe/resultados
Dominican medal winners in the 2019 Pan Am Games
Dominican weight lifter Beatriz Pirón won gold in the 49kg event at the Lima Pan Am Games on Saturday, 27 July 2019. Santa Cotes won bronze in the same event. Weight lifter Zacarías Bonnat won his first silver in 81 kg; Julio César Cedeño won bronze in 73kg. In the taekwondo competition, Bernardo Pie won silver. Bowlers Aumí Guerra and Astrid Valiente won bronze in women’s doubles.
https://hoy.com.do/bonnat-pie-y-cedeno-amplian-a-seis-las-medallas-de-rd/
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/bernardo-pie-gana-primera-plata-para-rd-en-taekwondo/
Xiomara Fortuna folklore show at National Theater
Folklorist Xiomara Fortuna celebrates her 40 years as a leading folklorist with the show “llegando voy” set for 3 August 2019 at the main hall of the National Theater.
Performing with her will be Raulín Rodríguez, Covi Quinta,a Vakeró, La Marimba, El Prodigio, Techy Fatule, Janio Lora, Diomary La Mala, Roldán Mámol, Mula, Cheddy García.
Tickets are for sale online at Uepa Tickets and at CCN Servicios, Supermercados Nacional and Jumbo stores. Tickets range from RD$1,625 to RD$870.
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/xiomara-fortuna-celebra-40-anos-en-el-teatro-nacional/
US$50 million loan, US$19.6 donation from European Investment Bank
Maybe 12,000 cases of dengue this year
Slow-moving legislature faces serious challenges
It was to be expected: Mike Pompeo praises Danilo
Now Hipólito Mejía backs constitutional reform
Citizen Participation movement says calls to reform constitution are untimely
Belarminio Ramírez: Medina takes role of mentor in PLD
PLD gives pre-candidates little time to campaign
Leonel Fernández leads among PLD pre-candidates
Miguel Vargas’ dilemma
Dominicans place third among the number of illegals in Chile
David Ortiz sent home from Boston hospital
McAfee is deported, complains his dogs stayed
Drug lord Macaco deported back to Colombia
Heavy rains forecast for the week
Robert Pigozzi makes it to Slalom finals in Pan Am Games
Dominican medal winners in the 2019 Pan Am Games
Xiomara Fortuna folklore show at National Theater
There is hope: First driver’s ed park for children
President Danilo Medina inaugurated a park dedicated to driver education in the Juan Bosch City grounds in the province of eastern Santo Domingo. Bad driving habits are at the core of the high rate of accidents in the country.
The 8,600m2 complex is designed to educate kids and adolescents on good driving habits as well as traffic laws. The authorities expect 15,000 children a year to learn to drive at the site.
The Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Education built the complex. The park will benefit those enrolled in public schools in Greater Santo Domingo.
The National Transport and Transit Institute (Intrant) boss, engineer Claudia Franchesca de los Santos praised the new facility.
https://elcaribe.com.do/2019/07/26/panorama/pais/inauguran-parque-de-educacion-vial/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...el-primer-parque-de-educacion-vial-AE13532255
https://presidencia.gob.do/noticias...imer-parque-de-educacion-vial-del-pais-danilo
US$50 million loan, US$19.6 donation from European Investment Bank
The Ministry of Hacienda has borrowed US$50 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for mitigation of disasters in the north of the Dominican Republic. The European Union will complement the loan with a US$19.6 million donation. Hacienda Minister Donald Guerrero Ortiz and Emma Navarro, vice president of the European Investment Bank signed the loan agreement.
The 20-year loan has a grace period of five years and interest is 4.20%. The loan can be used to build 1,000 housing and rehabilitate 55 km of roads. The funds are targeted for the reconstruction of houses affected by intense flooding caused by hurricanes Matthew and Maria in 2016 and 2017.
The Ministry of Public Works (MOPC) and the National Housing Institute (INVI) will carry out the disaster mitigation works in the northern provinces of Montecristi, Puerto Plata, Espaillat and Duarte.
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/anunci...esastres-naturales-en-4-provincias-del-norte/
Maybe 12,000 cases of dengue this year
Authorities are not making announcements in public, but medical personnel at key hospitals estimate that there will be at least 12,000 cases of dengue in the Dominican Republic this year.
A high of 4,000 cases has been reported when the peak months for the mosquito-borne disease are usually August and September.
Barahona, Santo Domingo province and the National District have the most cases. Dr. Clemente Terrero, the assistant director of the Children’s Hospital at the Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital in Santo Domingo, forecast that at this pace between 10,000 and 12,000 cases will be cared for at hospitals this year, well above the 1,558 seen last year.
The health authority recommendations are the same year to year: no standing water, wash with chlorine the rim of water containers kept outdoors, and keep these covered. Use mosquito netting and seek medical assistance if symptoms occur. These symptoms are a strong headache; pain behind the eyes; joint and muscular pain; skin rashes; diarrhea, a lack of energy, vomiting and nausea.
https://eldia.com.do/el-ano-podria-terminar-con-12-mil-casos-dengue/
Slow-moving legislature faces serious challenges
Diario Libre reports on several legislative bills on health, pensions, civil and commercial relations, and judicial procedures that need to be heard in the next legislative session that opens 16 August 2019. Among the bills pending for approval is the Social Security Law 87-01, where commissions paid to Pension Fund Administrators (AFPs) are up for discussion. It will need to be submitted again.
One of the most controversial pieces of legislation is the Penal Code and its references to abortion, as well as longer jail sentences. The Code had passed in Congress, but President Medina vetoed it. Medina favors exceptions to the ban on abortion in the case of rape or incest, a non-viable fetus and imminent danger to the mother’s life. Likewise, legislators have discussed total sentences of up to 60 years in jail. The present maximum is 30 years.
The Civil Code dates back to 1997 and discussions are ongoing. Among the controversial issues is restricting marriage to those 18 years of age.
Other bills that have languished in Congress are the bill that regulates domestic work, one on identity protection, changes to the Civil Code Procedures; the water bill and a bill on waste management. A bill to organize the nation’s territories is pending, as is another that protects parks, water resources, land use and zoning.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-pendientes-para-nueva-legislatura-PF13522692
It was to be expected: Mike Pompeo praises Danilo
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated President Danilo Medina for his decision of not seeking constitutional reform to be able to run for a third consecutive term. Medina made the announcement in a televised address to the nation on Monday, 22 July 2019.
The US Embassy shared the note dated 25 July 2019 from the US State Department:
“The United States welcomes Dominican President Medina’s announcement not to seek an extension of constitutionally mandated term limits that shows trust in the will of the people and bodes well for the future of the country. We hope future leaders of the Dominican Republic and leaders throughout the region will look to President Medina as an example of statesmanship and deference to a system of governance by and for the people. The United States supports the Dominican people and their democratic future.”
https://do.usembassy.gov/dominican-republic-president-medinas-decision/
Now Hipólito Mejía backs constitutional reform
On Thursday, 25 July 2019, former President Hipólito Mejía (2000-2004) surprised many when he announced his support to amend the 2015 Constitution so that President Danilo Medina can run for President in 2024. 78-year old Mejía is a leader of a minority faction in the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), the largest opposition party.
Nevertheless, Mejía said that once Medina is allowed to run again, the Dominican Constitution should restrict the presidential term to a maximum of two four-year periods. That is, the US model.
Mejía aspires to be elected the PRM presidential candidate in the 6 October 2019 party primary. Polls show he is far behind his main contender, Luis Abinader, who has been a strong opponent to constitutional reform.
Mejía's statements came after President Danilo Medina had announced on Monday, 22 July 2019, that he would not seek to reform the constitution to enable him to run in the 2020 general election.
Former Vice President Milagros Ortiz Bosch criticized Mejía’s remark. Ortiz Bosch served as Mejía’s Vice President from 2000 to 2004. She says that the PRM should be concentrating on party strengthening and its electoral strategy to win the 2020 general election. She said the focus should be on implementing strategies to oust the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) from power. The PLD has been in power now for almost 16 consecutive years.
PRM party leader José Ignacio Paliza also countered Mejía’s position. Paliza emphasized that the party should grow by its forces and on the actions of its legislators. He said to enable Medina to run in 2024 would foster impunity. He disagreed with those who consider Medina or Fernández undefeatable. He said: “Both can be defeated, each in their moment and time.”
In 2003, then-President Hipólito Mejía pushed through constitutional reform to enable himself to run for President. He then lost his bid for a second term against former President Leonel Fernández, who would remain in power from 2004-2008 and 2008-2012.
Mejía was elected President in 2000 when then-President Leonel Fernández did not fully back the PLD candidate at the time, today President Danilo Medina. Over the past years, Mejía has repeatedly spoken up to endorse positions by Medina, and has been contradictorily seen as a Medina ally. His daughter, Carolina Mejía is secretary general of the PRM and has not corroborated the positions of her father.
https://acento.com.do/2019/politica...stitucional-que-habilite-a-danilo-en-el-2024/
https://z101digital.com/milagros-or...e-rehabilitar-a-danilo-para-debilitar-al-pld/
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/ahora-quieren-reforma-constitucional-KE13532549
Citizen Participation movement says calls to reform the constitution are untimely
President Danilo Medina said he would not foster constitutional reform so he could run in 2020. Shortly after, the Social Christian Reformist Party (that has been a strong ally to the PLD in several elections) began promoting constitutional reform. Among the points on their list of priorities is that President Danilo Medina be allowed to run again in 2024. Former President Hipólito Mejía supported constitutional reform in the same week.
Citizen Participation, a civic watchdog group, nevertheless, reaffirms that constitutional change at this time “is unacceptable because we are entering into an electoral process.”
Carlos Pimentel, spokesman for Citizen Participation says that those proposing the reform work against the strengthening and transforming of the Dominican political system away from its focus on caudillos for the wellbeing of democracy. "Under no circumstances should we embark on constitutional reform in these circumstances, much less seek to do so for particular interests. It's reckless," says Pimentel.
https://pciudadana.org/?p=7772
Belarminio Ramírez: Medina takes role of mentor in PLD
Political scientist Belarminio Ramírez said that President Danilo Medina is concentrating on promoting his candidates in all the levels of the 2020 general elections. He observed that the leadership of Medina will be a deciding factor in the open primaries of the PLD and the selection of that party’s candidates for 2020 general elections."Danilism now goes. The stage is set for them to take the universe of presidential, congressional and municipal candidacies," he said.
The political scientist said that although President Medina will not be a candidate in 2020, he will have broad control of the PLD. Ramírez says that by assuming a mentor role, Medina's stronghold in the party will prevail.
Ramírez said, nevertheless, that the divide in the PLD between followers of Medina and Fernández will continue, independently of who is chosen to be the party's presidential candidate in the 6 October primary.
https://n.com.do/2019/07/27/politologo-afirma-el-danilismo-va-por-todo-en-las-elecciones-del-2020/
PLD gives pre-candidates little time to campaign
The PLD announced that the 606-member Central Committee of the ruling party would meet on Saturday, 10 August to vote on the dozen pre-candidates that seek to be registered for elective posts. The pre-candidates need to be registered no later than 22 August 2019 at the Central Electoral Board (JCE) to compete in the 6 October 2019 primary.
Administrative Minister of the Presidency Jose Ramón Peralta expects the Danilismo candidates will win the primaries at the three levels – municipal, congressional and presidential. The PLD is using polling companies to measure the pre-candidate popularity.
https://hoy.com.do/pld-adelanta-reu...eccionara-sus-precandidatos-a-la-presidencia/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...dato-por-encuestas-frente-a-leonel-LE13538762
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/danili...de-leonel-fernandez-en-el-comite-central-pld/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...omite-central-para-el-10-de-agosto-EB13566233
Leonel Fernández leads among PLD pre-candidates
A MullenLowe Interamerica poll published in the Listin Diario on 29 July 2019 reveals that former President Leonel Fernández is likely to win the open primaries of the Dominican Liberation Party with 50.5%. The PLD primaries are open to all eligible voters. The same poll says that PRM pre-candidate Luis Abinader has the best political image in the country, ranking with a 24.1% compared to National District Mayor David Collado's 22.3% and Vice President Margarita Cedeño's 21%.
The automated telephone poll was carried out on 26 July 2019. It was funded by Mayor David Collado. The sample was 62% women and 38% of 47,283 persons contacted. Of these 2,000 persons responded.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...naria-primarias-y-abinader-tiene-mejor-imagen
Miguel Vargas’ dilemma
A short editorial commentary in El Espía on page 4 in Diario Libre on 29 July 2019 makes the point that Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas needs to decide now whether he resigns to run for his party, the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD) or if he offers his support to other candidates in the PLD, or seeks an alliance with a third party to ensure the minimum of votes needed to keep the party's status with the Central Electoral Board (JCE).
Earlier this month, Vargas announced that his support to the PLD was only if President Danilo Medina was the candidate. When Medina announced on Monday, 22 July 2019 that he would not seek the presidency in 2020, Vargas is now left without the PLD as a significant ally to secure votes in 2020 election. The editorial in Diario Libre remarks that Vargas’s adversaries are counting the days for him to step down, while at the Ministry of Foreign Relations, people are praying to keep their jobs.
https://epaper.diariolibre.com/epaper/
Dominicans place third among the number of illegals in Chile
Sometimes it is better to be in third place. Case in point, Dominicans are listed as the third most prevalent group of illegals residing in Chile. In first place, as is to be expected nowadays, are Venezuelans. Then Cubans, followed by Dominicans. Bolivians and Colombians fill out the top five places.
According to the reports from El Mercurio newspaper in Santiago, Chile, there are over 1,500 Venezuelans among the estimated 4,225 illegals registered by the Chilean authorities as of the first half of this year.
A little over a month ago, on 22 June, the Chilean authorities imposed new rules to enter the country. The requirement of a consular visa has complicated things for Dominicans, Cubans and Venezuelans.
The Jesuit Migration Service told reporters that the new restrictions are the cause of the increase in the number of illegals.
Newspaper reports have brought to the forefront the creation of new mafia-type organizations, similar to the “coyotes” along the Mexican-American border, which smuggle illegals into Chile.
Although recent numbers place the Dominicans in the number three slot of illegals for 2019, in the overall picture of immigrants in Chile, Dominicans are not in the top four as of 31 December 2018. Venezuela is first overall (288,000), followed by Peru (223, 923), Haiti (179,338) and Colombia (146,582).
https://elnacional.com.do/dominican...ilegales-ingreso-a-chile-en-lo-que-va-de-ano/
https://www.extranjeria.gob.cl/estadisticas-migratorias/
David Ortiz sent home from Boston hospital
Retired Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz was sent home from Massachusetts General Hospital after an extended stay from 9 June 2019. Ortiz was hospitalized after he was shot at in the back when sitting at the Dial Bar & Lounge in Eastern Santo Domingo. He was first operated on in Santo Domingo, and then underwent two other surgeries in Boston.
An investigation into the shooting revealed a ruined plot intended instead to target a friend of Ortiz, Sixto David Fernandez, according to Dominican authorities.
25-year old Rolfi Ferreira-Cruz of New Jersey was arrested and identified as the alleged gunman who fired the shots at Ortiz. A dozen were also arrested for investigations in the case. Victor Hugo Gomez, a cousin of Fernández, was named by the authorities as the mastermind of the shooting. He was arrested on 28 June in the Dominican Republic. The Police said he was angry at Fernandez for naming him in a 2011 drug bust that led to his imprisonment.
https://www.wcvb.com/article/david-...after-shooting-in-dominican-republic/28527455
https://abcnews.go.com/Internationa...shooting-dominican-republic/story?id=64608750
https://hoy.com.do/dan-de-alta-a-david-ortiz-y-continuara-rehabilitacion-en-casa/
McAfee is deported, complains his dogs stayed
The man famous for creating the McAfee antivirus software was deported to the United Kingdom from Puerto Plata on Thursday, 25 July 2019. Dominican authorities did not present charges against McAfee, and he was given the option as to where he wanted to be sent. John McAfee had arrived in Puerto Plata from Cuba on board the yacht, "The Great Mystery,” on Monday, 22 July.
McAfee was detained for four days after he entered the Dominican Republic heavily armed. Law enforcement agents seized the weapons. McAfee argued the arms were needed to protect those on the boat from pirates at sea.
McAfee said he was well treated by Dominican authorities, despite spending hardship time in jail. But when he was not allowed to take his dogs back with him to the UK, he lashed out, threatening that if anything happens to the dogs, he would “work to ensure Dominican Republic tourism ends.”
The tweet read: “The issue we now have is that the D.R. has not returned our dogs to us. We were not allowed to leave anyone in our boat to care for them when we were deported. The D.R. government took custody and we've heard nothing. If they were harmed I will work to ensure D.R. tourism ends.”
Before being deported, he also tweeted:
“If the Dominican Republic harms a single hair on any of my dogs that they forced @theemrsmcafee and myself to separate from, then, yes, wrath will rain down from heaven.”
Responding to the tweet, the Attorney General Office said that the dogs were released to the custody of the defense counsel of McAfee in the Dominican Republic, represented by Cándido Simón.
News reports say that McAfee was traveling with German Robert Whitfield, Bahamian Oral Thompson, Haitian Vasner Louis and Richard Alan Gibson, and his wife Elizabeth (Janice) McAfee. The media did not explain if the others were deported.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...erros-que-permanecen-bajo-custodia-PC13558896
https://www.eteknix.com/john-mcafee-is-now-in-london-with-plans-to-bring-people-down/
http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/verNoticia.aspx?Id=30488
https://nypost.com/2019/07/26/irs-fugitive-john-mcafee-sent-to-uk-after-stint-in-dominican-jail/
https://cointelegraph.com/news/fresh-out-of-jail-john-mcafee-now-wants-boris-johnsons-job
https://www.ccn.com/news/john-mcafee-uk-prime-minister/2019/07/26/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-autoridades-segun-la-procuraduria-PD13549350
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/audio-...n-tumbara-gobierno-dominicano-por-corrupcion/
Drug lord Macaco deported back to Colombia
Members of the National Police, working for Interpol, arrested Carlos Mario Jimenez (a.k.a. Macaco) when he passed through Migration at Las Americas International Airport on a flight from Miami, USA. He has finished serving a prison sentence in the United States. He had been convicted on charges of drug trafficking and homicide and was identified as a dangerous person by Interpol. The former Colombian guerrilla leader is a former leader of a paramilitary group in Colombia and is considered one of the most feared drug lords in that South American country. As reported, he has issues pending in the Colombia justice system.
He was deported on an Avianca flight direct to Bogota.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-narcotraficante-colombiano-macaco-IF13528572
Heavy rains forecast for the week
A passing trough and an incoming tropical wave are forecast to bring heavy rains to the Dominican Republic this week. For Monday, 29 July 2019, the forecast is for rain showers in the afternoon in the eastern, northeastern, southeastern, northern, Central Mountain Range and Greater Santo Domingo areas. The effects of the tropical wave are expected to be felt by Wednesday, 31 August.
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/onda-tropical-provocara-fuertes-lluvias-en-rd-haiti-y-puerto-rico/
Robert Pigozzi makes it to Slalom finals in Pan Am Games
Dominican water skier Robert Pigozzi advanced to the finals in the water ski competitions in the Lima, Peru Pan American Games. He established a Pan American record with 2.50/58/10.25 competing in Men’s Slalom in the Laguna Bujama. Pigozzi trains at the family skiing facilities in the Boca Chica municipality.
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/domini...nal-en-esquina-acuatico-juegos-panamericanos/
https://www.lima2019.pe/resultados
Dominican medal winners in the 2019 Pan Am Games
Dominican weight lifter Beatriz Pirón won gold in the 49kg event at the Lima Pan Am Games on Saturday, 27 July 2019. Santa Cotes won bronze in the same event. Weight lifter Zacarías Bonnat won his first silver in 81 kg; Julio César Cedeño won bronze in 73kg. In the taekwondo competition, Bernardo Pie won silver. Bowlers Aumí Guerra and Astrid Valiente won bronze in women’s doubles.
https://hoy.com.do/bonnat-pie-y-cedeno-amplian-a-seis-las-medallas-de-rd/
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/bernardo-pie-gana-primera-plata-para-rd-en-taekwondo/
Xiomara Fortuna folklore show at National Theater
Folklorist Xiomara Fortuna celebrates her 40 years as a leading folklorist with the show “llegando voy” set for 3 August 2019 at the main hall of the National Theater.
Performing with her will be Raulín Rodríguez, Covi Quinta,a Vakeró, La Marimba, El Prodigio, Techy Fatule, Janio Lora, Diomary La Mala, Roldán Mámol, Mula, Cheddy García.
Tickets are for sale online at Uepa Tickets and at CCN Servicios, Supermercados Nacional and Jumbo stores. Tickets range from RD$1,625 to RD$870.
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/xiomara-fortuna-celebra-40-anos-en-el-teatro-nacional/