2007 – Page 113

Frequent trips by President Leonel Fernandez to Santiago and the Cibao region in recent months seem to reflect a growing concern within the government about the President’s decreased popularity. Diario Libre comments that Fernandez only has a 22% approval rating in some areas. Some possible reasons for the decline in the President’s popularity could be …

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President Leonel Fernandez has signed the license plate reduction bill into law, clearing the way for a reduction in license plate renewal stickers. The law now establishes that license plate registration stickers will cost the same as last year. Cars that are five years or older will be subject to a RD$1,200 fee and owners …

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The Central Electoral Board (JCE) judges have agreed to reduce the cost of ‘cedula,’ the ID and voting cards issued to Dominicans living abroad. Cedulas will now cost US$15, down from US$35. The cost of obtaining duplicates was also reduced from RD$500 to RD$350. Anyone requesting a cedula for the third time will now pay …

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Leading executives of the Association of Industries of the DR (AIRD) have criticized government overspending in violation of the 2007 Austerity Law in an interview with Hoy newspaper. Manuel Diez, president; Ligia Bonetti, vice president and Circe Almanzar, executive director said that increased taxation and spending could bring about an economic crisis. They said that …

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The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has appointed Pablo Amaury Espinal to head their Foreign Trade and International Trade Treaty Department (DICOEX). Espinal replaces Vilma Arbaje de Contreras who will continue in a technical advisory role. The appointment comes following the designation of Melanio Paredes as the new Minister of Industry and Commerce, replacing Francisco …

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The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology will have more funds for scholarships to needy students. Taiwanese Ambassador Eduardo Chen has handed Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Ligia Amada Melo a check for US$1 million to be used for student scholarships. Melo added that a portion of the funds would be used to …

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In their Central America and Caribbean Monthly Report issued today, Bear Stearns reports that strong growth continues in the DR, driven by the financial services, communications and commerce sectors, and by a healthy upsurge in total exports. The DR’s GDP expanded by 7.9% in the first half of the year, and is projected to expand …

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The American Chamber of Commerce has invited El Salvador Vice President to speak on trade and social responsibility in the DR next week. AmCham vice president William Malamud made the announcement yesterday at a press conference. Also speaking at the conference, El Salvador Ambassador Ernesto Ferreiro explained that Vice President Ana Vilma Albanez de Escobar …

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The Dominican Republic is one of the largest recipients of remittances in Latin America and the Caribbean. In recent years, remittances have made up more than 8% of the country’s GDP. In 2007 the DR is estimated to receive RD$3 billion, according to Central Bank director Hector Valdez Albizu. Valdez Albizu, quoted in Hoy, added …

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The special commission appointed to study the contract for the construction of a tourism dock in Bayahibe has issued a negative verdict about the company, as reported in Diario Libre. Bayahibe is the main departure port for boats taking tourists on the Saona Island tour. Before presenting the report, commission president, deputy Eugenio Cedeno Areche …

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