Bill Gates, the world’s richest man, replaced President Leonel Fernandez with President Bill Clinton yesterday, having been bruptly called to Washington, D.C. to attend a hastily called meeting to discuss the prospects for financial markets and the "new economy," hosted by the U.S. chief executive. His appointment with Fernandez scotched, other Microsoft officials stood in for Gates, offering their apologies to the President. The rest of Fernandez’ Seattle schedule took place as planned and, importantly, he signed the agreement whereby Microsoft will invest US$13 million in the Cybernetic Park, whose opening is scheduled for the waning days of his presidency in August. CEO Steve Ballmer signed for Microsoft, which will establish a permanent training center in the park, and offer 3,000 scholarships. Plans call for the giant software company to collaborate with the government in combating intellectual piracy. Presented with a Microsoft-emblazoned cap, Fernandez proudly pointed to the label, "Made in the Dominican Republic." You see," he said, "we’re everywhere." The cap had been produced in the Villa Altagracia free zone. Before leaving Seattle for Washington, D.C., Fernandez toured the Microsoft Museum as well as a Boeing assembly plant. He also visited the Center for Internet Studies at University of Washington where he spoke to a gathering about his plans for technological education, and signed a technical support agreement. The Center’s director hailed him as "a strong leader of vision."
