1999 – Page 57

Deputy Pelegrín Castillo said the Catholic Church proposal to award Dominican nationality to all children of Haitians born in the DR is absurd. He said if the DR would do so it would be indicating to the international community that the country is able to take upon itself Haiti’s poverty. He says that the international …

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The Senate has legislated to modify the Labor Code to include a provision which makes it obligatory for employers to give a 15-day vacation and full months salary bonus at Christmas time to maids and house help. This has been a general practice in many households that can afford to do so, but may have …

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The Central Electoral Junta has requested from the Executive Branch a RD$552 million budget for the 16 May 2000 presidential elections. The JCE requests an additional RD$107 million, in the very likely case the election may require a second round. The request is being studied by the Budget Commission of the Senate and the Budget …

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The Listín Diario publishes today its Sigma Dos poll on the standing of the contenders for the year 2000 presidential election. According to the survey, held 15-20 September, 37.6% favor Hipólito Mejía of the PRD; 28.1% favor Danilo Medina of the PLD; and 18% favor Joaquín Balaguer, yet only proclaimed by the Partido La Estructura. …

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Hamilton, Beattie & Staff’s survey shows that there is pessimism among Dominicans. The survey was taken 17-22 September, days when the talk of the day had started to be the expected increase in the price of gasoline and the effects of everyone’s pockets. 45% (up 4 points from the earlier survey which took place in …

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The Dominican Republic will be declared a pilot country by international finance organizations, governor of the Central Bank, Hector Valdez Albizu announced. Valdez commented to the press upon returning from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank meeting held recently in Washington that the IMF and the World Bank both think that the DR …

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Students at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo rioted yesterday to protest announcements that the UASD would have to pay for electricity consumed. The announcement had been made by university authorities. Electricity distribution and collection of bills was privatized in August and government entities now have to pay up or get disconnected. The UASD not …

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A brief in Hoy newspaper points out that the Ministry of Tourism has spent US$7 million on advertising campaigns seeking to target the US market in 1999. Minister of Tourism Felix Jiménez told the newspaper that as a result of the campaign there has been an increase in US visitors, primarily to Punta Cana. He …

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Expectations that the government would increase the price of gasoline caused a scarcity at several power pumps in Santo Domingo. Many drivers filled up, just in case. In 1996 when the barrel of fuel reached the US$26 level, the government increased the price of premium fuel to RD$32, subsequently lowering it to RD$27.90, despite the …

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Bird watchers be aware. The National Zoo and bird watchers organizations in the DR are carrying out their fifth, "World Bird Festival" all this month. The activity seeks to make all Dominicans aware of the importance of preserving birds. Those interested in participating in the events planned should contact Eduardo Vasquez or Bolivar Cabrera, of …

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