The revelation that the president of its board of directors and five other board officers are receiving "per diems" has put the Dominican Red Cross (CRD) on the front pages in the latest episode of a confusing dispute within the non-profit organization. Interviewed by Listin Diario, former CRD director, Angel Almanzar, revealed that he was discharged from his position because he opposed these payments to "volunteers", along with their "improper" assignment of cars, drivers and fuel allowances. The aggregate monthly value of these "per diems" is RD$73,000 (around US$4,600), with RD$15,000 assigned to board president Clever Read Cabral. When questioned by reporters, Read Cabral denied that he was receiving a monthly RD$15,000 allowance, but only RD$13,999, as had his predecessors. Read Cabral also charged that Almanzar was receiving his own "per diem" of RD$7,000 in addition to his monthly salary of RD$35,000 (around US$3,100), and use of CRD car and driver. Due to the charges and counter-charges, the general assembly of the CRD has divided along pro- and anti-Almanzar lines, though Read Cabral offered assurance that "everything is functioning as normal," within the organization. However, the situation appears to be growing more complicated. An attempt to mediate is being made by the International Red Cross Federation. The general accounting office (Camera De Cuentas) is launching an investigation into the CRD’s finances under Almanzar. In addition, Almanzar has made it known that he is filing a law suite against the CRD.
