2001 – Page 55

Hoy newspaper highlights that the Mejia administration has established a new record with the Congressional passage of US$750 million in loans. Most of these loans are with private banks at high interest rates and without grace periods. This is in addition to the congressional approval of US$500 million in sovereign bonds and a US$200 million …

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Despite saying he would, Senator Dario Gomez (PRD-Santiago Rodriguez) did not submit his constitutional reform bill to the Senate yesterday. He did make a verbal presentation of it. His bill calls for the reduction of the 50%+1 vote necessary to win the election in the first round to 40%+1. The bill would also increase the …

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The National Council of Private Business (Conep) clarified its position on the devaluation of the peso. The press reported yesterday that the president of Conep supports the World Bank’s position that the peso be devaluated to RD$20 = US$1. Conep’s statement says that does not represent the official position of the organization. Conep admits, nevertheless, …

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Diplomat and university professor Jean G. Bissainthe wrote today in his column in Hoy newspaper about the long years of Dominican solidarity with Haitians. He comments that he frequently stops to talk to Haitian construction workers in Santo Domingo who tell him about the support they have received from Dominicans. “They confirm their well being …

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President Hipolito Mejia announced in Montevideo, Uruguay, that Chilean and Uruguayan companies could open manufacturing/distribution centers in the DR to export goods to Central America and the Caribbean. The companies would be taking advantage of the free trade agreements the DR has with its neighbors. President Mejia also mentioned a Chilean company that builds solar-powered …

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The President also said in Chile that a Senate bill for constitutional reform would not pass without the consensus of political parties and civic society. The document is expected to be on today’s congressional agenda, regardless of the President’s opinion. Prior to leaving for South America, the President had received the conclusions of a constitution …

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The Ministry of Public Works has announced the start of a drivers education program in 1,296 public and private schools in the six principal cities. The program will start with the new school year. Marino Saldaña, director of education at the Transit Department (DGTT) said the plan is to reach out to 90% of the …

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Despite privatization, government bureaucracy is increasing. Listin Diario reports that the Mejia government has added 23,207 new jobs. Thousands of government employees were fired to make way for PRD supporters when the PRD took office. The party had been out of office for 14 years. El Caribe estimates the number of new government jobs at …

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Environment Minister Frank Moya Pons told a newspaper correspondent that his department does not object to the construction of sport venues in Mirador del Este Park. The construction is already far advanced. Moya Pons had not been available to comment when the construction started. Previously, he had expressed his opposition to the project on grounds …

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