2001 – Page 188

The Minister of Industry and Commerce Angel Lockward announced that the government reached an agreement with energy distributing companies to compensate these with 30% of the billing cost of low income households. He explained that they have developed a scale of 100, 200 and 350 a month to bill households in low income barrios. He …

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Representatives of employers and employees of the hotel and restaurant sector agreed on a 15% increase in the minimum wages of the sector. The new wages approved last Friday, 23 February are as follows: Companies with assets of RD$500,000+: RD$3,030 (up from RD$2,633) Companies with assets of RD$200,000-RD$499,999.99): RD$2,160. Companies with assets of RD$200,000-: RD$1,950 …

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The director of the Department of Customs, Vicente Sanchez Baret requested the help of businessmen to eliminate what he called the payment of "macuteo" or payments made to agents to reduce what is paid to the state. This practice had been practically eliminated during the previous government but is said to be back. Sanchez Baret …

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The Dominican Labor Code stipulates that the workday of minors of 16 years cannot be more than six hours. It also bans minors of 14 years from working. The exceptions to the rule are those that work in art-related activities, cultural activities, science or educational activities. The same article allows minors to work in minor …

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A poll carried out by Penn, Schoen & Berland for El Siglo newspaper (7-11 February nationwide) shows that 65% of Dominicans are somewhat or very satisfied with the first six months of government of President Mejia. 79% of the population feels his travels abroad are beneficial for the country. Two out of every three Dominicans …

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Former President Leonel Fernandez criticized the government of Hipolito Mejia for lacking a vision of where the nation is headed. He said this creates frustrations for the population. "People had hopes, they had many expectations of this PRD government, after 14 years out of government. It was understand that all those years would have served …

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The American Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Industries of Herrera concur with Carlos Guillermo Leon, president of the Foundation for Justice and Institutionality, and vice president of one of the leading Dominican companies, in their request that the government fulfill its promise to remove the exchange surcharge on foreign currency transactions. Spokesmen for …

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Former President Joaquin Balaguer requested that President Hipolito Mejia suspend the construction of the Manabao-Tavera-Bejucal hydroelectric complex. The former President feels that the dam would affect the main water sources of the country. In a written communication to President Mejia, the influential politician urged that the dam construction be suspended until its execution is studied …

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President Hipolito Mejia celebrated his 60th birthday yesterday, taking time out from a busy schedule to dance merengue with his sister Isabel Mejía and have lunch at home with his family. On his birthday, the President carried out a usually full agenda. His day started with a breakfast at the apartment of Minister of Public …

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