2021News

Government buys back shares in Dominican Petroleum Refinery, names new director

The Dominican government announced on Thursday, 19 August 2021 the buyback of the 49% shares Venezuela had purchased in the Dominican Petroleum Refinery (Refidomsa). The government paid US$88.1 million to resume full control of the state company. As reported, Venezuela had paid US$131 million for its 49% ownership in 2010. Hacienda Minister Jose Manuel Vicente …
2021News

Jorge Mera presents achievements for year one at the Ministry of Environment

Environment Minister Orlando Jorge Mera presented institutional achievements and emphasized the positive impact the Ministry of Environment has had on sustainable development and environmental restoration in the country. He said the efforts are directed at mitigating the impact of climate change and to preserve water, protected areas, biodiversity, penalize crimes and strengthen environmental education. Jorge …
2021News

DR shares experiences in coral restoration with Honduras and Costa Rica

The ministries of Economy and Foreign Relations signed an agreement with the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the embassies of Costa Rica and Honduras in the Dominican Republic for innovation in the conservation and restoration of coral reefs — “Aplicación de herramientas innovadoras para la conservación y restauración de arrecifes de coral”. The initiative …
2021News

Special committee to review Penal Code in Senate; revised Code also submitted in Chamber of Deputies

A special Senate committee is again entrusted with reviewing the Penal Code that had passed in the Chamber of Deputies after 11 months of review. The chair of the committee is Santiago Zorilla (PRM-El Seibo). Other members are Faride Raful (PRM-National District), Aris Iván Lorenzo (PLD-Elias Piña), Antonio Taveras (PRM-Santo Domingo), Franklyn Romero (PRM-Duarte), Virgilio …
2021News

Angel Rondon refutes charges of distributing bribes for contract work

The defense of Odebrecht commercial representative Angel Rondon presented closing arguments on 19 August 2021 insisting that state prosecutors had not presented proof that Rondón had received millions in bribe money from the Brazilian construction company. A US Court in December 2016 had declared the company had paid US$92 million in bribes to secure contract …
2021News

President Luis Abinader: What’s on the agenda for 2021

The successful management of the Covid-19 pandemic, advances towards universal health care, and the economy’s recovery are the three shining stars of the first year of the Abinader administration. After TDGrace rained out the traditional 16 August annual rendition at the National Assembly (Congress), President Luis Abinader chose the backdrop of flag-colored lighting, dozens of …