2005 – Page 152

In 1958, the tallest objects in the area around what is now Naco and Piantini were almond and mango trees. Three years later, according to El Caribe, the first one-family houses were being built. In 1965 there were barely 310,000 people in Santo Domingo, compared to the latest census, which puts the figure at close …

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The inauguration of the Cultural Plaza at the San Luis Fortress in Santiago has completely dispelled any previous plans to turn the area into a parking lot. The fort, where Dominican independence was approved on 6 March 1844, is now a new home for paintings and historical artifacts, as well as the Clock Tower, which …

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Investigators are trying to figure out how a Police sergeant could become a “Customs Collector” and accumulate RD$100 million for “customs errands.” In the US, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is trying to confirm that this money really belongs to Luis Reyes Mendoza, a former sergeant who is now a Police lieutenant. The money, US$5,842,000, …

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Peruvian plastic surgeon Dr. Cesar Morillas’s statement to a Spanish publication, El Mundo that he had “created” Miss World, leaves open the possibility that Peruvian Maria Julia Mantilla could be replaced. Dominican Claudia Cruz would then become Miss World, as reported in Hoy newspaper. Cruz works for the Ministry of Tourism, and travels extensively promoting …

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At a time when the price of the barrel of petroleum is at a new all time high, President Leonel Fernandez met last night with the Energy Sector Committee to evaluate the energy situation of the country. According to Radhames Segura, manager of the government’s electric corporation (CDEEE) and appointed spokesperson for the group, they …

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The Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced it is going ahead with the plan to distribute US$2 million worth of energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs. Industry and Commerce Minister Francisco Javier Garcia is optimistic the distribution of the bulbs will result in the government having to import US$35 million less. The bulbs will be distributed …

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Director of the Center for Investment and Export (CEI-RD), Eddy Martinez announced during a visit to New Delhi earlier this month that the DR would soon open an embassy in New Delhi to support new efforts to join strengths of India with those of the DR. Both governments have expressed a keen interest in opening …

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Environment Minister Max Puig explained on Channel 4 TV last night that what the government signed regarding the artificial island was a letter of intent merely as an expression of the willingness of the Dominican state so that the promoters can obtain the financing for the feasibility studies that cost millions of dollars. As reported …

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Eduardo Selman, government spokesman for the 3.6-km long artificial island authorized to be built along the Malecon, has said that the details of the contract signed by the Dominican state would not be revealed to the general public until the project is sent to Congress. Listin Diario revealed that the builders have yet to announce …

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Government spokesman for the island, architect Eduardo Selman has been extolling the positive contribution the controversial artificial island would bring to Santo Domingo. Among the benefits: Potential revenues of US$75 million, or 5% on the sale of the available lots where buildings would be located. US$75 million in taxes on the sales of the properties. …

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