Businessman Francis Malla has resigned the post of treasurer of the Organizing Committee of the Pan American Games. Sources say he does not want to be part of the controversy of whether the games should be held or not in the DR. News stories also confirm that another leading businessman, Jose León Ascencio has also resigned. León’s resignation, though, is several months old, according to the president of the Pan Am Games Organizing Committee, Dr. José Joaquín Puello. León reportedly resigned because the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of his company will coincide with the Santo Domingo 2003 Pan Am Games. January will be a crucial month for a decision of whether Santo Domingo will host the Games. President Mejía has expressed his support and announced a RD$365 million budget allotment for next year, but the country needs a final go ahead from the Pan American Sports Organization that is sending a commission in mid January. Those arguing in favor of the celebration of the Games say it will be the boost that sports in the DR need and will be an investment in the young people of the country. Those against say the games are but another way to make a small group of people rich, and point to the millions the country has spent on planting sport installations around the country that are later abandoned.
