2003 – Page 93

An increasing number of PRD deputies are opposing President Hipolito Mejia’s re-election plans, for fear that his candidacy may lead them back into opposition, report the newspapers. Even the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Alfredo Pacheco, has distanced himself from the PPH (Proyecto Presidencial Hipolito, internal PRD campaign for the President’s re-election), although he …

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It is reported that the negotiations between the International Monetary Fund delegation and the government are not progressing, and that the IMF is unwilling to accept the government’s position that its reacquisition of the power supply companies from Union Fenosa will not affect the country’s debt burden. The IMF commissioned research by independent experts, which …

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The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a US$6-million loan to the Dominican banking sector, with the aim of strengthening the financial system. This is part of a program designed in the aftermath of the collapse of Baninter, the result of alleged fraud on a grand scale. The measures funded by this loan will include …

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All clients of Segna, the insurance company intervened by the Insurance Superintendence this week, are being instructed to insure their properties with alternative insurance companies. Their policies will be canceled on the last day of this month, and clients should seek any payments due to them before that date, including those with pre-paid policies. Meanwhile, …

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The president of state oil refinery Refidomsa, Amaury Justo Duarte, warned that fuel prices would be increased at the weekend as a result of global oil price rises and the fall of the peso against the US dollar. A barrel of crude has gone up by 4.5% to US$33.28, while the dollar-peso rate now stands …

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The propane gas depot which exploded last week in the Santo Domingo residential district of Villas Agricolas has been closed down. The capital’s municipal authorities responded to pleas from the local community and ordered that the depot be shut down. A committee to evaluate the situation has been established. Last week’s gas tanker explosion caused …

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There are reports that the domestic (propane) gas shortage has reared its head once more. Yesterday, most propane supply depots were closed, affecting many households dependent on the fuel, and public transport drivers who have converted their vehicles to run on this cheaper alternative to gasoline. The few depots that were open for business were …

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With the dollar at RD$41 to RD$1, the papers continue to focus on the toll this is taking on the consumer. Diario Libre reports that family budgets have been completely altered by the price rises. Chicken prices have crossed the RD$30-per-lb mark and in some supermarkets is selling for almost RD$34. The newspaper focuses on …

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Following the Senate’s approval of the controversial 5% tax on export goods, the export sector has decided to suspend its voluntary fixed-rate monthly contributions to the government. The business community had agreed to make the contributions on 8 November, but now claims that the 5% tax goes against their agreement with the government, and that …

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The Listin Diario reports that the next legislative stage to impose the 5% tax on exports could be difficult. The Chamber of Deputies could pose a challenge to the controversial surcharge with the stiff opposition of PLD and PRSC deputies, as well as a PRD faction opposed to the levy. PLD spokesman Teodoro Reyes said …

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