Last Saturday, television journalist Nuria Piera reported on legal cases pending against Augusto Menendez, one of the promoters of the controversial artificial island that is to be built off the shore of Santo Domingo. According to Piera, Menendez has seven accusations of allegedly having committed fraud against citizens and companies. Meanwhile, the promoters’ representatives have not wanted to face the press to discuss this issue. Yesterday, Diario Libre visited Eulogio Santaella’s office trying to get feedback about the report, but a secretary said he was not in his office and could not say when he would be back. Santaella could not be reached by telephone either. Rumors to the effect that former INESPRE Director during the Salvador Jorge Blanco (1982-86) administration, Jose Michelen, is one of the investors in the project, could not be confirmed. Michelen was indicted for corruption after serving at INESPRE.