2008 – Page 44

Dozens of traffic lights out of service and the lack of electricity have made it very difficult to get round Santo Domingo, risking life and limb for drivers and pedestrians alike. Major intersections lack this form of automatic traffic control because the lights are damaged, and to this one must add the lack of electricity …

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The National Drug Control Department (DNCD) has confirmed that the content within 108 boxes labeled “shampoo” was nothing more than liquid cocaine. The shipment was seized on the docks at Haina Oriental, before it could be shipped to the United States. The seizure was also assisted by the Dominican Customs Department. DNCD chief Major General …

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Lawyer Marino Vinicio Castillo (Vincho), the President’s chief advisor on drug issues, says that more than 700 drug flights penetrated Dominican airspace between 2007 and 2008, each carrying at least 300 kilograms of drugs. He said these flights are continuing. Castillo told Listin Diario reporters that the planes are using a method called “streaks” which …

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The price of fuel has dropped for the sixth consecutive week. Prices fell from between RD$1.40 and RD$6 per gallon. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported that during the week of 15-21 November the price of a gallon of premium gasoline would be RD$137.80, a RD$6 peso reduction. Regular gasoline would be RD$124.40, also …

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The National Police has formally accused five young men of the murder of AMET Internal Affairs assistant Major Paula Mercedes, 38, in a shooting last Tuesday in the Claret sector of the National District. The police said that the motive was robbery and that she resisted. Most of the young men, who average just 20 …

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The rainstorms that affected a large part of the country over the weekend will diminish slightly beginning today, according to the National Meteorological Office (Onamet). Nevertheless, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) is keeping the Green Alert it issued on Saturday in place for Santo Domingo province, San Cristobal, Bani, Azua and San Jose de Ocoa. …

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After a rainy weekend, last night the Tigres del Licey beat the Aguilas Cibaenas 6-2 with homeruns by D’Angelo Jimenez and Emilio Bonifacio. Japanese import Shimizu Akinobi pitched well enough to earn the win over Jose Lima who went six innings but suffered the loss. The Quisqueya Ball Park was nearly full of fans who …

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Environment Minister Jaime David Fernandez has issued an ultimatum to people living and working in Los Haitises National Park: either get out or be moved out by force. Speaking about the initiative Fernandez said, “future generations are in jeopardy, and by not acting we would be responsible for destroying it.” During recent weeks the Minister …

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The Dominican government has announced that it will give the Shell Company US$110 million next week to finalize the purchase of Shell’s stake in the Dominican Petroleum Refinery (REFIDOMSA). Hacienda Minister Vicente Bengoa also announced that the government would pay energy generators US$23 million. The government owes the generators an estimated US$430 million. State- run …

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During a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso called on the international community to discuss their religious differences and cultures as a way of halting extremist actions and intolerance, which he said have bred international terrorism. The Minister added that world peace will only be possible when it becomes …

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