DR1 Daily News - Monday, 2 September 2019

D

Dolores

Guest
New Hemocentro Nacional to resolve blood donations and transfusions
Government tries to control mosquitoes
Companies get mixed signals regarding tipping from government
Order is an unknown concept in "Little Haiti"
Central Bank wants S&Ls to take advantage of new funds
Nation's most important river is running out of water
Leonel Fernández says he will be the winner
Domínguez Brito challenges Leonel Fernández to debate proposals
Gonzalo Castillo goes all the way, Reinaldo Pared will not seek the PLD candidacy
Castillo and Dotel now out of Cesar Emilio Peralta drug case
Jaque Mate is the first on the US Kingpin Act list to turn himself in
Attorney General to investigate murder of 30-year old lawyer
If you bought a KitchenAid glass cooktop, consider replacing it
DR wins its first game in FIBA World Cup



New Hemocentro Nacional to resolve blood donations and transfusions
Vice President Margarita Cedeño and Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cardenas headed the official inauguration of the Hemocentro Nacional in the Ciudad de la Salud at Av. Charles de Gaulle in eastern Santo Domingo on Thursday, 29 August 2019. The center, nevertheless, will not be open to the general public until November. Dr. Sócrates Sosa directs the center.

At present, those in need of blood transfusions need to find donors. The only center in operation, the Red Cross Blood Bank, requires those seeking blood to bring a donor and pay for the service.

As reported, the new center can process 400 blood tests every hour and can attend to 10 donors simultaneously. It affiliates 16 blood banks located at hospitals nationwide.

The center should be operating at full capacity in three years. A mass awareness campaign will be held to motivate people to donate blood. Mobile units of the center will be placed at universities, companies and malls to encourage people to participate in the drive to donate blood to stock the inventories of the blood bank.

Research shows that 9 out of 10 persons will need a blood transfusion some time in their lives.

https://vicepresidencia.gob.do/vice...hemocentro-resolvera-deficit-de-sangre-en-rd/


Government tries to control mosquitoes
The Ministry of Public Health launched the National Program Against Dengue, an initiative to fight the dengue epidemic that has claimed 12 lives so far this year. The health system has reported more than 8,000 cases of persons, young and old.

Public Health Minister Rafael Sanchez Cardenas said: "Everyone should collaborate with this first national task force aimed at eliminating the mosquitoes that transmit dengue." The Ministry is telling people that everyone needs to be "together against dengue."

Greater Santo Domingo is the focus points of the initiative since the area has 35% of the nation's population.

The initiative calls for fumigation and educating people in the washing of water storage tanks with chlorine. The efforts will have crews helping remove rubbish and trash that can serve as mosquito breeding grounds.

Generally speaking, the symptoms of dengue are pain in the abdominal area, back, the bones, muscles and the back of the eyes; chills, fatigue, fever and loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting; skin rashes; headaches, throat aches, easy bruising or bleeding. Doctors can only treat the symptoms.

https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ontra-el-dengue-este-fin-de-semana-EM13975427
https://listindiario.com/la-vida/20...gue-en-el-pais-y-a-8074-los-casos-notificados


Companies get mixed signals regarding tipping from government
Fast food companies are awaiting a ruling from the Superior Administrative Court (TSA) to decide whether or not to remove the 10% they add to bills of delivery and take out orders. ProConsumidor Resolution 380-2016 had ordered fast food places and bars to not collect the 10% "tip" charge on orders for delivery or take-out.

The Dominican Association of Fast Food and Casual Dining Establishments (Adecor) and the National Hotel & Tourism Association told reporters from Diario Libre that the Ministry of Labor requires that the 10% be collected regardless of the type service. The Ministry of Labor says the 10% is a wage compensation paid to employees of these establishments. Labor Code (Law 16-92) in its Article 228 establishes that commercial establishments that serve food must add the 10% (a tip) to all invoices and that these funds be paid to the employees.

Adecor and Asonahores affiliated establishments say they will continue to charge the 10% until the TSA decides on the matter, explained Claudia Castaños, legal advisor to the Adecor.

https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...que-las-cobren-y-que-no-las-cobren-EM13972251


Order is an unknown concept in "Little Haiti"
The area in the National District known as "Little Haiti" has become chaotic mostly due to the lack of city or state government intervention. The story carried late last week in the El Caribe newspaper features a photo of part of Imbert Street, near Benito Gonzalez Street, in San Carlos. Little Haiti is adjacent to the Mercado Modelo, the city's leading arts and crafts market. Pervasive liter in Little Haiti makes it impossible for vehicular traffic to pass through.

El Caribe points out no one in government has cared to tackle the urban chaos in the area. Little Haiti does not represent anything interesting for anyone in government. Thousands of Haitians live in crowded and precarious quarters in the area. The unhealthy atmosphere and chaos continue to reign. Dozens of run-down shacks serve food, and vendors of all sorts control the sidewalks and, in some areas, occupy 70% of the streets themselves.

El Caribe reports that the only way into the area is on foot. Biological wastes from cages of poultry and free-roaming dogs and cats flow into the scuppers in the same areas used by merchants. The lack of hygiene and chaos is affecting the Model Market (Mercado Modelo), for years, a tourist attraction.

https://m.elcaribe.com.do/2019/08/3...-un-concepto-desconocido-en-el-pequeno-haiti/


Central Bank wants S&Ls to take advantage of new funds
The governor of the Central Bank is encouraging the nation's savings and loan associations to obtain stand-by loans for construction projects or housing purchases. This money comes from the freeing of funds from cash reserve requirements.

Governor Hector Valdez Albizu spoke of RD$36 billion in legal reserves for loans of all sorts at fixed rates of 9% interest over six years made available in May 2019. He said that of the RD$13.6 billion set aside for housing construction under the preferential terms, only RD$1.73 billion has been used, or around 13%. He urged the S&Ls to accelerate their placement of loans for housing.

https://www.bancentral.gov.do/a/d/4...ra-la-adquisicion-y-construccion-de-viviendas


Nation's most important river is running out of water
The Yaque del Norte (the North Yaque River) serves six provinces in the north-central part of the Dominican Republic. In 2006, the National Institute of Water Resources (INDRHI) presented its Water Resources Plan, a series of studies on the water resources of the country, and projections regarding the availability and demand for water. According to the plan, the demand for water at the time was 93% compared to availability. For 2020, the projection was for 103.43%, in other words, a deficit of water facing demand.

According to Jose Raul Perez, the technical advisor on international cooperation for INDRHI and the former director of planning between 2009-2013, official agencies have not addressed the needs of the growing industry and population.
He said: "What is coming is that we are going to go from a latent crisis to an imminent crisis."

The Yaque del Norte watershed is the most important water source in the Dominican Republic. It covers 7,053 km2, 14.6% of the national territory, and affects 40 municipalities directly, in six provinces in the Central and Northwest Cibao Valley. The river feeds the two largest irrigation areas in the country.

There is a disproportion in the use of water from the different watersheds, meaning that there is little or no sense of economy or long-term vision in its daily use. Based on data published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Dominican Republic uses the most water per capita in all Central American and the Caribbean. The local rate is 700 m3 (177,800 gallons) per year per person. 80% of the water goes to agricultural production.

Therein lies one of the challenges for the country: How to reduce water consumption in the countryside.

New technologies may help mitigate the situation, such as pressurized irrigation systems. While these have proved to be very efficient, there has been strong resistance on the part of most farmers. It is also true that many of the technological innovations have not been partnered with technicians to help and guide in the proper use of the new systems. There is no doubt that more technology will help in the better use of the available water.

https://listindiario.com/economia/2...e-suficiente-agua-para-suplir-demanda-en-2020


Leonel Fernández says he will be the winner
Former President Leonel Fernández says he will defeat the powers that be, money and arrogance and win the 6 October 2019 primary. He said he will be in the ring on 6 October to defeat his contenders. He made the remarks when campaigning in Moca, Espaillat province.

The three-time former President proposed that the province be included in the touristic corridor made up by northern provinces of Montecristi, Puerto Plata, María Trinidad Sánchez (Nagua) and Samaná. He said the province has mountains, coastline, culinary attractions to attract tourists. He said this would stimulate the consumption of the provincial farm produce.

https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...poder-y-al-dinero-en-las-primarias-LD13988311


Domínguez Brito challenges Leonel Fernández to debate proposals
Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) presidential pre-candidate Francisco Domínguez had invited former President Leonel Fernández to debate on Sunday, 1 September 2019. Fernández was a no show. Domínguez Brito left the podium for Fernández empty and went ahead to present his proposals to followers and press as scheduled at 9am at the Hotel Embajador,

Domínguez Brito seeks to be the forerunner against Fernández in the 6 October 2019 primary. During the primary, the ruling party will choose its presidential candidate. Polls indicate that the top three contenders are Fernández, Domínguez and former Public Works Minister Gonzalo Castillo, the last to enter the political race.

Domínguez Brito said he sent an invitation to Fernández and suggested this take place in a city hotel. He said the debate should focus on what each candidate proposes for the economy, social justice, crime, corruption and impunity.

"It is time that we discuss the proposals," said Domínguez Brito during a press conference to announce the invitation to debate.

Domínguez Brito is one of a group of six PLD politicians that had agreed to carry out polls to determine who would run for the group in the primary against former President Leonel Fernández. The six aspired to get the backing of President Danilo Medina. Recently new campaigner Gonzalo Castillo is announcing he has the favor of Medina and is running in the primary. The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has given the party an extension until 10 September to remove pre-candidates registered for the 6 October primary.

https://hoy.com.do/francisco-dominguez-brito-reta-a-leonel-fernandez-a-debate-publico-este-domingo/
https://n.com.do/2019/09/01/leonel-fernandez-no-se-presento-al-debate-convocado-por-dominguez-brito/
https://z101digital.com/dominguez-brito-lamenta-que-leonel-fernandez-no-asistiera-a-debatir/
https://hoy.com.do/dominguez-brito-simula-que-debate-con-leonel-fernandez/
https://dominguezbrito2020.com/


Gonzalo Castillo goes all the way, Reinaldo Pared will not seek the PLD candidacy
Over the weekend, it was difficult to listen to the radio without having to hear a Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) pre-candidate Gonzalo Castillo campaign spot. With the 6 October primary date nearing, the former Public Works Minister intensified propaganda and his campaigning.

In Diario Libre on Monday, 2 September, Castillo tells why he is the best man to guarantee the continuing of the Danilo Medina administration. He says he will consolidate this and bring to it his vision as a new school politician and man of the 21st Century. He says he is a man of action. “The people prefer me, that is why I am an electoral phenomenon,” Castillo said during the interview. He promised to focus on youths and technology, and to double the “surprise visits” program of President Medina.

Meanwhile, the president of the Senate and secretary general of the PLD, Reinaldo Pared Pérez announced he would no longer run for President. Pared Pérez says he will continue to back the party of which he has been a member for 44 years. He said the conditions have varied and the campaigning has become one-sided in favor of one candidate [Gonzalo Castillo]. He said a part of the government is making unfair the pre-primary campaign. He observed the last minute participation of a new player who he says has for a year been preparing his political project using one of the most important ministries of the state as launching platform.

Already, former Minister of Education Carlos Amarante Baret had protested Castillo is using his influence in the Ministry of Public Works to secure the favor of city governments. While President Medina had promptly appointed replacements when Amarante (Interior & Police), Francisco Domínguez Brito (Environment), and Andrés Navarro (Education) resigned from their ministries, Medina has not named a replacement at the Ministry of Public Works. Of the group of six that originally sought the favor of President Medina, only Navarro, Domínguez Brito, Temístocles Montas (a former Minister of Economy and Industry & Commerce) and Radhames Segura (former vice president of the Public Electricity Corporation, CDEEE, remain in the race for the Presidency.

Over the weekend, Andrés Navarro offered the vice presidency of his candidacy to both Gonzalo Castillo and Domínguez Brito.

https://hoy.com.do/gonzalo-apela-a-la-unidad-nacional-enfrentar-males-rd/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...as-renuncia-de-reinaldo-y-amarante-CD13986631
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...a-y-desajusta-el-tablero-del-danilismo-en-pld
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...so-me-he-convertido-en-un-fenomeno-JD13986429
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-duplicaremos-las-visitas-sorpresa-ED13986354
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-su-candidato-a-la-vicepresidencia-FD13987002


Castillo and Dotel now out of Cesar Emilio Peralta drug case
Retired ballplayer Luis Castillo was in the Dominican Republic on Friday to present documentation to clear his name from the Cesar Emilio Peralta drug case. The Justice Ministry reportedly accepted the documentation as valid and will not press the charges announced last week by the Attorney General in a press conference.

Castillo was mentioned in the drug case together with fellow MLB player Octavio Dotel. Dotel was cleared from the case but had to post bail anyway after a sweep of his house found he had unauthorized firearms.

https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ado-de-la-red-de-cesar-el-abusador-EM13979872


Jaque Mate is the first on the US Kingpin Act list to turn himself in
On Friday, 30 August 2019 in the afternoon, Yadher Rafael Jaquez Araujo (Jaque Mate) became the first to turn himself in to the Dominican law enforcement authorities that are investigating the Cesar Emilio Peralta drug case. Jaque Mate was best known as a major promoter of local artists at the network of major nightclubs owned by the so-called Cesar Emilio Peralta Drug Trafficking Operation (Peralta DTO). His lawyer says the charges are of money laundering. Jaque Mate is sought in extradition by the US government.

Peralta and his associates are accused of operating the largest drug smuggling and money laundering operation in the Caribbean. The drug smuggling and money laundering operation flourished openly in the Dominican Republic for around 20 years, up until 16 July 2019, when the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States shared with the Dominican Presidency, Attorney General Office and the National Drug Control Agency an extensive file with information on the drug trafficking and money laundering operation. The local authorities acted on the information with a sweep on more than 50 homes and businesses on Tuesday, 20 August. At the time of the raid, no one was arrested. The media reported on how Cesar Emilio Peralta and many of his top men, had spent the weekend before the raid vacationing at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana where the Latin Tour Festival took place with the participation of many top urban and Latin music stars.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm755
https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/20190820_peralta_chart.pdf
https://hoy.com.do/caso-cesar-el-ab...tre-cesar-el-abusador-y-los-artistas-urbanos/
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/de-buena-tinta/se-le-fue-la-lisa-despues-de-segura-ED13987762


Attorney General to investigate murder of 30-year old lawyer
The Attorney General's Office of the Republic ordered an investigation into the case of the death of 30-year old lawyer Anibel Gonzalez on Saturday, 1 September 2019 in the early morning at her residence in Los Maestros, San Pedro de Macorís. Rodríguez says the participation of prosecutor Margarita Hernández of San Pedro de Macorís needs to be reviewed. The premature release of Fernández from jail is attributed to an agreement drafted by the prosecutor.

Justice Ministry Inspector General Bolivar Sanchez and Ana Andrea Villa Camacho, head of the gender violence division of the Attorney General's Office, are in charge of the investigation. Gonzalez’s former husband, Yasmil Oscar Fernández Estévez (Ray Fernández) was the owner of a furnishing store.

Fernández supposedly shot her with three bullet shots and then killed himself.

Fernández was sentenced to five years jail in 2017 for attempting to murder his former wife, injuring her then with seven stab wounds. "It is unexplainable how this man was free after only a year and a half in jail, despite his record of physical and psychological violence against the victim," said Miguel Surun Hernández, president of the Dominican Lawyers Guild (CARD). The CARD said that if the law had been fulfilled, Anibel González would still be alive for her three children.

Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) opposition party pre-candidate Luis Abinader says the death is another proof of the weaknesses of the Dominican justice.

https://hoy.com.do/procurador-ordena-investigacion-sobre-asesinato-de-la-abogada-anibel-gonzalez/
https://hoy.com.do/muere-abogada-qu...xpareja-quien-se-quito-la-vida-tras-el-hecho/
https://hoy.com.do/colegio-de-abogados-pide-investigar-libertad-del-asesino-de-anibel-gonzalez/
https://hoy.com.do/luis-abinader-ad...-la-gente-como-en-el-caso-de-anibel-gonzalez/
https://hoy.com.do/niunaanibelmas-planton-contra-la-violencia-de-genero-este-lunes/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...nzalez-evidencia-falla-de-fiscalia-OD13986329


If you bought a KitchenAid glass cooktop, consider replacing it
ProConsumidor, the government protection agency, says Whirlpool Corporation has alerted that KitchenAid glass cooktops (KCES950 and KCES956) sold in the Dominican Republic can present a fire hazard. The corporation says there have been cases when these have turned on by themselves.

Anina del Castillo, the director of ProConsumidor, says that so far her office has not been notified of any local case. Abroad the company has recalled the cooktops. As reported around 50 of these units have been sold locally. The models were recalled by the company and those who have purchased these may seek a replacement cooktop free of charge, says ProConsumidor. Meanwhile, owners are being told to not leave empty cookware or flammable material on or near the cooktop.

People who have these cooktops in their homes are urged to contact Whirlpool to arrange for the installation of a replacement cooktop free of charge. They are also being told to turn the cooktop off at the circuit breaker and to not leave empty cookware or flammable material on or near the cooktop.

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/29/us/cooktops-recall-trnd/index.html
https://eldia.com.do/pro-consumidor-llama-a-revisar-estufa-marca-kitchenaid-por-desperfecto/


DR wins its first game in FIBA World Cup
The Dominican Republic national basketball team defeated Jordan in its opening match during the first group stage of the 32-team FIBA World Cup. The tournament is taking place in China. The game ended 80-76 on 1 September 2019. The quarters ended 22-17, 25-19, 14-17 and 19-23.

The Dominican Republic team is ranked 18th in the world, Jordan 49th.

FIBA in its report on the DR vs Jordan game stated: "The Dominican Republic flirted with disaster but ultimately turned it down, escaping with a thrilling 80-76 victory over a determined Jordan side which rallied from a 16-point deficit for a frenzied finish in the opening game of Group G festivities in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019."

The Dominican Republic is playing in Group G. It now needs to play Germany (ranked 22nd) and France (ranked 3rd). The game is set for 3 September at 4:30am Dominican time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOw2lpDqACo&feature=onebox
http://www.fiba.basketball/basketba...al-dwairi-to-win-their-first-world-cup-opener
 
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