2003 – Page 82

The Chamber of Deputies has authorized the government to develop its request for a third placement of sovereign bonds, in the amount of US$255 million, to be placed on international capital markets. This round of bonds is being called for to raise funds for the construction of the Coral Highway, which would link the tourist …

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Fundacion Siglo 21, an economic think-tank, asks today in its commentary in the Listin Diario if anyone is doing the math or requesting calculations from others before making decisions in government. Economist Isidoro Santana writes that the lack of governmental calculations is evident once again regarding the renationalization of Edenorte and Edesur, but explains that …

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The Listin Diario reports that an analysis from the north branch of the Colegio de Ingenieros, Arquitectos y Agrimensores (Codia), the top engineering society in the Dominican Republic, stipulates that 24 buildings in the city of Santiago must be torn down. The buildings suffered major structural damages that make the demolitions necessary. Ervin Vargas says …

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The local press has been following the case of murdered youth Jose Francisco Nolasco, who was killed by the police in an apparent case of mistaken identity. The police were in pursuit of a known delinquent in Sabana Perdida when Lieutenant Cristino Alvarez Ventura fired at Nolasco. When the lieutenant realized he had killed the …

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Diario Libre reports today that 700 of the estimated 18,000 prisoners held in the nation’s jails are between 60 and 84 years of age. The Penal Code contains clauses that provide for their release, however, and a movement has begun to seek the liberation of these senior citizens. The law establishes that upon reaching the …

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Feriarte 2003, the Dominican arts & crafts expo, is now open at the Hotel Melia’s Gran Salon on Santo Domingo’s Malecon. It will run until Sunday 28 September from 10am to 10pm and admission is free. The exhibition is sponsored by the Santo Domingo Chamber of Commerce and is a great place to purchase Dominican-made …

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President Hipolito Mejia returned yesterday from his 12-day trip to Spain, Israel, Jordan and Holland, marking his 38th international expedition in his three years in government. He arrived at 5:10pm from Madrid on board an Air Europa flight and was received by Vice-President Milagros Ortiz Bosch. He described his trip as a very good one.

Monday morning’s 6.5-magnitude earthquake caused damages estimated at RD$500-RD$700 million in the northern and central regions of the country. El Caribe reports that according to bulletin No. 4 of Emergency Committee, 121 buildings were damaged in Santiago, of which 42 were private dwellings. The tally also includes 44 public schools, 4 hospitals, 4 government offices, …

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After the “buscones”, or those who make a living by using their government connections, had been disposed of during the government enhancement programs of the Fernandez government of 1996-2000, Hoy newspaper reports they are now a practical necessity to cut red tape. The newspaper cites of the case of a woman residing in the US, …

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City residents of Santo Domingo have been wondering why the government has been steadily increasing the cost of the water supply service. Journalist Marino Zapete revealed that his monthly water bill had gone up from RD$96 in December of last year to RD$1,718 this month, without his consumption having increased. The exponential cost of water …

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