2007 – Page 107

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has appointed Pablo Amaury Espinal to head their Foreign Trade and International Trade Treaty Department (DICOEX). Espinal replaces Vilma Arbaje de Contreras who will continue in a technical advisory role. The appointment comes following the designation of Melanio Paredes as the new Minister of Industry and Commerce, replacing Francisco …

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The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology will have more funds for scholarships to needy students. Taiwanese Ambassador Eduardo Chen has handed Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Ligia Amada Melo a check for US$1 million to be used for student scholarships. Melo added that a portion of the funds would be used to …

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In their Central America and Caribbean Monthly Report issued today, Bear Stearns reports that strong growth continues in the DR, driven by the financial services, communications and commerce sectors, and by a healthy upsurge in total exports. The DR’s GDP expanded by 7.9% in the first half of the year, and is projected to expand …

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The American Chamber of Commerce has invited El Salvador Vice President to speak on trade and social responsibility in the DR next week. AmCham vice president William Malamud made the announcement yesterday at a press conference. Also speaking at the conference, El Salvador Ambassador Ernesto Ferreiro explained that Vice President Ana Vilma Albanez de Escobar …

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The Dominican Republic is one of the largest recipients of remittances in Latin America and the Caribbean. In recent years, remittances have made up more than 8% of the country’s GDP. In 2007 the DR is estimated to receive RD$3 billion, according to Central Bank director Hector Valdez Albizu. Valdez Albizu, quoted in Hoy, added …

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The special commission appointed to study the contract for the construction of a tourism dock in Bayahibe has issued a negative verdict about the company, as reported in Diario Libre. Bayahibe is the main departure port for boats taking tourists on the Saona Island tour. Before presenting the report, commission president, deputy Eugenio Cedeno Areche …

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The National Human Rights Commission has asked Attorney General Radhames Jimenez to order an investigation into an incident where three unarmed prisoners were shot and killed at the jail in Moca. Officials claim that the prisoners were attempting to break out of the jail. The head of the human rights organization, Manuel Maria Mercedes, told …

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For the third time this year Mattel Inc. has recalled toys that were made in China following fears that the toys contain lead and could be harmful to children. Listin Diario reports that as a result, the company has announced that seven Barbie doll accessories will be removed from Dominican toy-store shelves. Mattel says that …

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Dominican drug officials are facing increased challenges in the fight against drugs as consumption in the country increases due to falling prices. The situation is causing great concern and National Drug Council president Mabel Feliz is acknowledging an increase in “micro-trafficking,” especially in the country’s poorer barrios. Diario Libre writes that the decrease in price …

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Julio Antonio Dominguez has turned himself in to the police a day after reportedly killing 36-year old bus passenger Antonia Castro. He had fled after the accident. Fellow passengers reported that the bus driver was racing another Fenatrano bus along the San Martin Avenue route from Villa Mella to Santo Domingo city center. His reckless …

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