2007 – Page 326

The president of the Association of Industries, Manuel Diez Cabral is calling for an end to Fenatrado’s monopoly on trucking of goods. Diez described the 35% rate increase announced by Fenatrado as “abusive”. He said that the only way of finding out whether this increase is fair is to allow free competition in goods transportation. …

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The former president of the Association of Santiago Free Zones, Carlos Manuel Alvarez said that the sector is on the verge of collapse. He said that 25,000 jobs were lost in Santiago in 2006, and 45,000 nationwide from 2004 to 2006. He attributed the crisis to the expiry of the benefits of the United States …

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The Dominican Republic Industrial Association (AIRD) will request meetings with the Dominican Banking Association (ABA) as well as with government financial control entities in order to obtain more credit for local industries. The industrialists are particularly interested in obtaining credit for capital goods, and they are finding that the recent restrictions imposed on banks have …

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The exorbitant wages paid to some government officials contradict the supposed austerity plan the government has announced, spokesmen for Fundacion Institutionalidad y Justicia (Finjus) and Participacion Ciudadana (PC) told Hoy newspaper. They pointed out that the inequity in government officials’ wage levels and pensions is a reflection of a fragmented state that does not act …

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Sociologist Ramon Tejada Holguin and political scientist Pedro Catrain concur that political clientelism prevails amongst the PLD majority in Congress. In an interview for Hoy, they highlighted their belief that the legislators put their party and personal interests first, and cited the way the National Budget was approved and the new judges of the Central …

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As many as 11.3% of females in the DR have taken on sexual partner before their 15th birthday, according to a nationwide survey, Enhogar 2006 (Encuesta Nacional de Hogares de Propositos Multiples). In the urban areas, the percentage is 10.2%, while in rural areas it is 14.2%, according to research carried out by the National …

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The Dominican Republic’s most famous television personality, Freddy Beras Goico, underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer over the weekend and is said to be doing very well after the operation. His personal doctor was present during the eight and a half hour operation at Massachusetts Generals Hospital in Boston. El Caribe said that Dr Fernando Contreras …

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Hoy newspaper’s environmental editor Domingo Abreu points out that Nintendo has been a godsend for birds in Dominican cities, and a big reason for the increase in birds urban areas. He points out that birds have made Santo Domingo their habitat, even species that were expected to become extinct years ago. He provides a cultural …

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The recent rains have isolated more than thirty communities in the north east of the country, and at least two people have died as a result of the swollen rivers in the area. The province of Maria Trinidad Sanchez (Nagua) has been hardest hit. According to the weather bureau, a stationary front over the Windward …

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The United States Coast Guard, alerted by the Dominican Navy, rescued 23 people who were attempting to make an illegal crossing to Puerto Rico in a small craft. According to Diario Libre, the boat capsized about ten nautical miles southeast of Saona Island. One woman was drowned and two are said to be missing. El …

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