2007 – Page 16

Brazilian ambassador in the DR Ronald Edgar Dunlop says that the Brazilian National Economic and Social Development Bank (BNDES) has increased the total of money available for development of Brazilian-contracted public works in the Dominican Republic. Dunlop says that BNDES has increased its line of credit to the Dominican government after damage to infrastructure by …

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The Budget and Public Spending bill, which should have been submitted to Congress in October, is at a standstill because of disagreements between the government and the International Monetary Fund. Hacienda Minister Vicente Bengoa, quoted in Listin Diario, says that the IMF and the government’s economic team are at an impasse, which has caused a …

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The World Bank is urging the Dominican government to make macro-economic stability a priority. World Bank Latin America and the Caribbean managing director Juan Jose Daboub asked the government to maintain relations with international organizations that helped the DR recover from a near economic collapse in 2003. Daboud, quoted in Listin Diario, added that employment …

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The President of the Supreme Court of Justice, Jorge Subero Isa, says that the charges of unconstitutionality against the Sun Land contracts have not been forgotten. The Supreme Court has yet to issue an opinion on constitutional violations regarding contracts signed by the state for US$130 million and US$200 million with Sun Land, a Florida-based …

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According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in a “worse case scenario” the DR could experience a reduction of 60% in its water supply in 100 years, which could severely affect the country’s development if preventive measures aren’t taken. The information is part of a climate analysis of global and local climate trends, which …

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Hoy is reporting an increase in vegetable prices as a result of food shortages in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Noel. Some vegetable prices have increased by 20% to 25% at a number of supermarkets, like Nacional, Ole and Amigos. A pound of peppers that previously cost RD$36.95 is now priced at RD$49.5 and eggplant …

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Results of the most recent Gallup-Hoy newspaper poll show that most Dominicans are disappointed with President Leonel Fernandez’s government. Some 4.3% rated the government as very good, 35.7% as good, for a 40% satisfaction rating. But 18.7% said he had carried out a mediocre government, and 28.9% rated the government as bad, for a 47.6% …

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The National Drug Control Department has seized a shipment of 55 kilos of drugs and arrested a Colombian national and two Dominican military officers, Sergeant Major Lepido Antonio Diaz and Sergeant Edgard Rodriguez Vicente, for their involvement in the crime. Half of the haul was found in the trunk of a Honda Acura while Vargas …

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Subtropical Storm Olga was passing south of Santo Domingo around noon today, on its way westwards to Jamaica. It is expected to bring heavy rains and waves to all Dominican coasts. The rare December phenomenon comes almost two weeks after the Atlantic Hurricane Season ended on November 30th. As it makes its way inland, it …

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December is the best month for watching baseball, reports Dionisio Soldevila for Hoy newspaper. It is the time of year when the Major League Baseball players don their Dominican team uniforms and show their stuff on the field. For instance, the Aguilas Cibaenas are announcing the debut of Rafael Furcal, Melky Cabrera. The Tigres del …

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