Remittances from Dominicans living abroad were up in the first half of the year, according to a report in the Listin Diario. Dominicans sent home US$1.03 billion from January to June, for a 7.5% increase over the data registered the previous year. Interestingly, March is the peak month for sending remittances, which have increased every year over the past 11 years. In 2003, they grew 5.1%, with the total for the year being US$2.06 billion.