2008 – Page 356

For the first time in weeks, gasoline and diesel prices have receded a little from their historic highs. Premium gasoline went down by RD$2.40, and regular was reduced by RD$1.50 per gallon. Diesel fuel went down by RD$2.49 (premium) and RD$2.39 (regular), but propane gas remained at RD$59.95 per gallon. Other fuels such as avgas …

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The European Union (EU) plans to fund 27 social projects in the Dominican Republic this year. The Program for the Support of Local Civil Society Initiatives (PRIL) announced financing for a total of RD$148 million of these projects. The PRIL is an EU-supported government initiative. Their programs include networking, social platforms, health projects and development …

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The Central Bank reports that 2007 saw inflation at just 8.88%, thereby fulfilling the goal set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the year. The bank gave itself a pat on the back by saying that the single-digit inflation was accomplished in spite of the effects of Tropical Storms Noel and Olga and the …

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The president of the board of the Plaza de la Salud hospital, Julio Amado Castanos Guzman and social security expert Fulgencio Severino have told Hoy that the health intermediaries (ARS) are collecting for services they are not offering. He specifically mentioned the companies are pocketing payments for meds while the “single prescription form” (receta unica) …

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A study carried out by students of the Medical School at the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC) revealed that 21% of young women aged 17-25 have used the ‘morning after’ pill to prevent pregnancies, and of these, only 10% did so with a doctor’s prescription. Another study showed that 47% of young people mix …

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A press release by the National Drug Control office (DNCD) said that the assistant director of the anti-narcotics division of the State Department said that she was “satisfied” that the Dominican fight against drug trafficking was progressing. Christy MacCampbell said that she would recommend increasing the United States assistance and support for the DNCD’s efforts …

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Tommy Hilfiger is advertising a 14-23 January sale at its shops in Plaza Central and Acropolis. Helados Bon is advertising their premium ice cream line, Etiqueta Negra, selling for prices of their traditional ice cream flavors. Valid for Bonitos, Danesas and Barquitos only for 14 January 2008. La Isla in Naco advertises 50% off on …

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In Friday night’s action, a victory by the Aguilas Cibaenas over the Tigres del Licey, 6-2, brought the Round Robin section of the tournament into a three-way tie for first place. The Estrellas Orientales lost to the Gigantes del Cibao who kept their playoff hopes alive with the victory, 2-1. On Saturday, the Aguilas Cibaenas …

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Amidst challenges of impropriety and fraudulent NGOs, President Leonel Fernandez signed the 2008 Budget and Law for Public Spending, officially making it law. The total budget is for RD$300 billion. Senate president Reinaldo Pared Perez (PLD-National District) challenged Chamber of Deputies president Julio Cesar Valentin’s (PLD-National District) claims that funds for ruling party senators’ and …

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Santiago city councilors are following in the footsteps of San Cristobal city councilors and are arguing for pay raises claiming that the RD$44,000 they receive in per diems per month is an embarrassment. Hoy writes that councilors aspire to have their monthly per-diems raised to RD$90,000 and that these be converted to salaries as is …

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