2000 – Page 3

The joy of the Christmas holiday was marred for the families of 23 persons who lost their lives during the 36 hours between 12 noon Saturday and midnight Sunday. Another 160 persons sustained injuries needing hospital attention in the same period. Four died and seven were injured in a two-car collision in Villa Mella, immediately …

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The reporters who normally gather outside the Santo Domingo home of President Hipolito Mejia were surprised on Christmas morning when the Chief Executive first invited them inside and then personally conducted them on a tour. Mejia explained that the gesture was part of his effort to "demystify the presidential image" and become "an accessible president." …

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In separate statements to the press, top government sources unanimously promised an imminent reduction in the price of petroleum-based products. President Hipolito Mejia declined to offer details, but said that he would scrupulously observe "the letter of the law" governing fuel prices. Mejia was referring to the recently enacted "Hydrocarbons Law" that requires a bi-weekly …

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President Hipolito Mejia turned some colorful phrases in describing his attitudes toward some of his cabinet-level appointees. The Head of State told reporters he is dissatisfied with the members of his government who are "very conflictive." Others are too slow to act. They "skate on mud," he said, or require "gasoil to start their motors." …

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The Mayor of Santo Domingo, Johnny Ventura, accepted the judgment of President Hipolito Mejia that the collection of garbage in Santo Domingo is City Hall’s responsibility. However, said Ventura, "if the people would only pay their garbage collection bill, I wouldn’t have to go begging from the [national] government." Mejia responded brusquely to a reporter …

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While the President of the Senate, Ramon Alburquerque, continues to insist that "this is the only opportunity that Congress will have to reform the Constitution," leading political figures are unable to see the urgency. Under guidance from the Senate President, the upper chamber pushed through a 22-point bill to amend the national Constitution. However, leaders …

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The President of the Dominican Medical Association (AMD) has asked the Ministry of Public Health to identify and remove all foreign physicians who are practicing in the DR without fulfilling the legal requisites to exercise the medical profession. Victor Diaz Alba, who headed an AMD delegation that met with Public Health Minister, Jose Rodriguez Soldevilla, …

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DR1 Daily News will not be published on Monday, 25 December, Christmas Day. As usual, the staff of the DR1 Daily News will take a break for the holidays. The service will be back on Tuesday, 26 December. The news service will also break for the 1 January holiday.

President Hipólito Mejía cut the symbolic ribbon inaugurating the Torre Empresarial at Sarasota Avenue, almost corner Abraham Lincoln Avenue. The 12-floor business tower has an area of 7,941 square meters of construction with covered parking for 360 cars. Business organizations that have already moved in include the National Business Council (CONEP), National Association of Young …

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Minister of Tourism Ramon Alfredo Bordas opposes the installation of a fuel terminal in Las Maras, Luperón, West of Puerto Plata. The project promoted by the Santiago-based Grupo de Energía Global seeks to set up the US$25 million terminal to supply North Coast energy needs. Promoters say that the terminal is 99.9% environmentally-safe, but Minister …

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