2004 – Page 34

The press reports today on a collaboration between DR and US crime prosecution forces. News reports have revealed that Gregory R. Swarn was arrested in the DR in connection to charges of mail and wire fraud, money laundering and his alleged involvement in a South Florida telemarketing scheme that bilked approximately 400 individuals out of …

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The Ministry of Public Works removed the concrete barriers that had been placed on the Duarte Bridge that spans the Ozama River. As reported in El Caribe, the 103 ramparts weighed the same as a stand-still traffic jam of 200 vehicles, considerably affecting the lifespan of the bridge that has long been due for the …

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Culture Minister Jose Rafael Lantigua said that the government has purchased a new air-conditioning system for the National Theater. The unit cost US$925,000 and will be installed in time for December’s performances. Several significant presentations have had to be cancelled at the theater for lack of adequate ventilation after the previous government spent millions in …

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The Listin Diario reports today that if Congress approves the wage increase bill, those very members of the legislature will stand the most to gain. As was proposed by the Chamber of Deputies, the 30% increase for those making up to RD$90,000 a month would mean RD$27,000 more a month for the legislators. The increase …

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The Group of Dominican Professionals (GDP-WASH), the Dominican Organization of International Resources (ODRI ? a 501 (c) (3) organization), and the 4-40 Foundation will join forces to raise funds to assist Dominican children suffering from cancer. On Friday, November 19, 2004, GDP-WASH will host a benefit gala-dance at The Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel in Washington, …

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Several of the region’s best martial artists will be in Santo Domingo this week to participate in the 14th Pan American Taekwondo Championships being held from November 18 – 21, 2004. The General Assembly and elections will take place prior to the Championships on November 17, 2004. Some 20 countries have confirmed their participation in …

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After months of only partial use, the Ministry of Public Works opened two lanes for light vehicles on the Juan Pablo Duarte Bridge in the capital city of Santo Domingo. Several lanes had been closed to traffic due to the previous authorities’ purported intention to initiate repairs on the structure. While Public Works Minister Freddy …

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Labor Minister Jose Ramon Fadul managed to get representatives of CONEP (the national business council) and the labor unions to sit down and reach a consensus on the new wage agreements, particularly the part that provides for a 25% wage increase for those making less than RD$20,000 per month. The talks managed to overcome some …

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The Monetary Board has introduced several changes in the way to calculate interest rates on long-term investment certificates, in accord with certain recommendations from the IMF. Among the changes will be to let the market determine the interest rates paid, a move suggested by the IMF to preserve interest on long-term deposits. The interest rates …

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Industry and Commerce Minister Francisco Javier Garcia told reporters yesterday that he did not see any reason for commercial establishments not to lower their prices. He pointed out that inventory that had been purchased with dollars at the high end of this year’s roller coaster exchange rate were now exhausted and that his ministry would …

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