2008 – Page 36

Writing in today’s Listin Diario, deputy Vinicio A. Castillo Seman says that citizens should become aware of the urgent need to reform the Penal Procedures Code. He points to three recent cases that highlight the need for this reform. He criticizes the fact that the code, which has been in effect for four years now, …

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The Deputy Minister of Protected Areas at the Ministry of the Environment reaffirmed yesterday that the first squatters to leave Los Haitises National Park were high-ranking military officers from the armed forces or the National Police who had occupied the lands in an irregular fashion. Deputy Minister Eleuterio Martinez said “Everyone will have to get …

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A total of 93% of all the jails in the Dominican Republic are sources of pollution. An estimated 60% do not have sufficient beds for the number of inmates, while in others overpopulation has reached 300%, according to the results of a study by the Ministry of Public Health Environmental Health Division. This overpopulation, ranging …

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Families of over 90 travelers that are still missing after attempting an illegal crossing of the Mona Channel to Puerto Rico on 14 November are losing hope. The boat departed from Miches, but according to reports the captain accepted more passengers than the boat could safely hold. The US Coast Guard abandoned the search mid …

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The beats of the Caribbean are now mixed with the sounds of Japan, in new tracks recorded by maestro Chichi Peralta for his new release “Amor Samurai,” included in his fourth CD, “De aquel lao del rio” that will be available to the general public in January 2009. The shamisen, shakuhachi, Japanese strings and taiko …

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Cool breezes and temperature lows for the year – in the low 20s Celsius – are reminding Dominicans that Christmas time is approaching. Traditionally, the chilly weather welcomes the Christmas holidays. The Meteorological Office says that the lows will continue throughout the week nationwide due to a front moving in from the north.

On Saturday, the Tigres del Licey defeated the Estrellas Orientales 11-5, and stayed in first place. The Toros del Este defeated the Aguilas Cibaenas 9-4 and the Gigantes del Cibao and Leones del Escogido were rained out. In yesterday’s action, the return of pitcher Nelson Figueroa helped the Aguilas shut out the Tigres del Licey, …

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The National Development Council meeting of 19 government ministers has approved a RD$329 billion budget for 2009, up from RD$300 million in 2008. On the whole, government departments will get the same allocations as in the 2008 budget. Of the RD$29 million difference, RD$17 billion will go to cover wage and pension increases that were …

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Nurses picketed in front of Congress yesterday, demanding a 100% salary raise and other concessions. Three nurses’ unions protested in front of Congress as union leaders met with lawmakers. Nurses have held a series of strikes in order to pressure the government, but it seems unlikely the nurses will get their demands in the 2009 …

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The government has become the sole owner of the Dominican Petroleum Refinery (REFIDOMSA). Hacienda Minister Vicente Bengoa said that the year-long negotiations with the Shell Company had now concluded. Shell used to own 50% of the company until it agreed to sell its stake for US$110 million. The purchase of Shell is part of President …

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