The American Chamber of Commerce presidential candidate talks will be held on schedule, despite speculation to the contrary. The American Chamber of Commerce organizes the mid-April luncheons so that its members can meet the presidential candidates. Candidates make a presentation, and then chamber members get a chance to ask questions. Am Cham says they have letters from the PRD (Hipólito Mejía) and the PLD (Danilo Medina) confirming their attendance. The talks are scheduled in order of how the parties fared in the previous presidential election. Thus, the order would be: first, presidential candidate of the Partido Reformista Social Cristiano; second, presidential candidate of the Partido Revolucionario Dominicano; third, presidential candidate of the Partido de la Liberación Dominicana. The PRSC presidential candidate, 94-year old Joaquín Balaguer is scheduled to speak first. But, of the three, he is the only one who hasn’t confirmed his attendance. A proposal for him to be represented by former Vice President Jacinto Peynado, the PRSC vice presidential candidate, was rejected by the American Chamber of Commerce on grounds that it would set an undesirable precedent. Balaguer is affected by severe physical liabilities common to a person of his age. The Am Cham presentations are sold out early, so those interested in participating should purchase their luncheon tickets with the Chamber several weeks in advance. To contact the Chamber, write amcham@codetel.net.do or call 809 544-2222.
