The State Sugar Council (CEA) and the Public Enterprise Reform Commission (CREP) have announced the discontinuation of land sales until the new administration of Hipolito Mejia begins on August 16. According to Felix Alcantara, CEA director, the decision was taken "to avoid suspicion" of impropriety during the transitional period. Belief is widespread among Dominicans that the three-month period between the election and inauguration of a new president affords an opportunity to outgoing office-holders to pilfer the resources of the state and make "shady" self-enriching deals of all sorts. Alcantara referred to a recent news story that implied that the CEA was disposing of its herds of formerly working cattle to favored clients at knock-down prices. The CEA is title-holder to vast sugar cane acreage, and has been disposing of its lands, in part to pay off government debt.
