Dolores Vicioso – Page 7152

A seven hour meeting yesterday between the Dominican Medical Association (AMD) and a government mediation committee failed to produce a concrete solution to doctors’ complaints. However, both sides are optimistic that the dialogue will help prevent further protests. The coordinator of the mediation team, Cesar Mella Mejías, said most of the points raised by the …

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Listín Diario reports that both public and private sector employees at Dominican airports will be subjected to drug and alcohol testing starting immediately. The tests will also apply to public officials, business managers and members of the armed forces on duty at airports. Anyone who refuses the tests could be fired, according to El Siglo. …

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The President of the Chamber of Deputies says that if PRD Deputy Jorge Luis Rojas Gómez was involved in an illegal migration incident at the Las Americas Airport, she will ask for his expulsion from the party. Rafaela Alburquerque said in Hoy newspaper that the allegations against the PRD deputy for Duarte Province are “very, …

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The Supreme Court recognized yesterday that non-marital unions have legal weight. The decision came after the high court heard the case of a woman whose common-law husband was killed in a traffic accident. The deceased had authorized an indemnity for his live-in companion. The ruling explained that for such a union to be legal the …

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The Education Minister has opened an investigation into teachers who collect a salary without working. Milagros Ortiz Bosch said it is probable that many teachers are taking the salaries of those who are working and not being paid. So far, Education Department staff have found only five incidents of this and they are at the …

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The system called “4 x 4” is now a reality, according to Listín Diario. Under the plan, free zone employees would work four days and be off for four days. The work day will be up to 12 hours long with staff working 44-hour weeks. It means free zone industries could nearly double production and …

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Refrescos Nacionales has announced it will acquire 51% of Ultrapasteurizadora Celia. The presidents of the two large Dominican companies made the announcement last night. Johnny Morales of Celia said the deal involves an investment of US$8 million. Ultrapasteurizadora Celia produces Celia juices and Refrescos Nactionales distributes Coca Cola products in the DR. El Siglo reports …

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Coffee growers have mixed feelings about a compensation fund created for the coffee sector. On one hand, the growers are grateful for the RD$200 subsidy per quintal (100 pounds) exported. But on the other hand, they wonder how they can export coffee and collect the subsidy if they don’t have “one centavo to begin collecting …

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Agriculture Minister Eligio Jáquez has announced a record seeding of 19 thousand tareas (629 square meters or 1195 hectares) of garlic in the Constanza and Tireo valleys. He estimates more than 160 thousand quintals should be harvested, which is enough to cover demand for the whole year. This would avoid having to import garlic bulbs …

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El Caribe newspaper reports there is growing concern in the capital about stray dogs and rabies. The National Rabies Center estimates that in Santo Domingo, there are some 150,000 street dogs who have no homes. Their reports also show 50 to 60 people are treated daily for animal attacks and bites, the majority of them …

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