Christmas arrives and with it the celebrations. N Digital reports that millions in taxpayer money are being used by government institutions to entertain their more than 600,000 employees and collaborators with parties, artists, raffles, bonds and Christmas baskets full of sweets and spirits.
As reported, the contracting processes for these services were activated in the last quarter of the year. Among these, N Digital mentions that the Santiago Water Corporation (Coraasan) allocated RD$16.5 million for “urgent” purchase of 3,850 Christmas gift baskets. Included in these are bottles of Johnnie Walker Gold and Black, Chivas Regal 18, Moet Chandon champagne.
The Banco de Reservas hired Juan Luis Guerra at around RD$25 million for a Christmas party. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has allocated RD$3.3 million to prepare its party and has hired Mozart La Para at a cost of RD$419,200 and RD$700,000 for Frank Reyes. This is in addition to RD$5.5 million to the hotel where the party would take place, for around an overall cost of the Christmas party of RD$10 million.
The Metropolitan Office of Bus Services (OMSA) has allocated RD$7.4 million to its Christmas party. The Ministry of Hacienda has budgeted RD$9.8 million for their party.
Nuria Investigacion Periodística detected that the funds destined to Christmas parties in only in 12 government institutions are over RD$60 million.
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N Digital
10 December 2019