2001 – Page 12

Listín Diario reports that sugar consortium Pringamosa has revived the sugar industry in the Eastern region of the country, boosting an economy that supports thousands of workers. The new energy in the sugar industry began with the privatization of state enterprises under the previous government and since then more than 7000 people have found work …

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A controversial plan to remodel Mirador del Sur park has been shelved. The Public Works Department (SEOPC) has suspended plans to widen the sidewalk, install an automatic watering system and other changes valued at millions of pesos. Ecology and sporting groups opposed the project saying it would damage and reduce green areas of the park. …

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Dominican big leaguer Albert Pujols has been named Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News magazine, which also named Barry Bonds as Player of the Year. Pujols, of the Cardinals, broke several records this year. His average was 329 with 36 home runs, 112 runs scored and 130 runs batted in (RBIs). Mets player …

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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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