2007 – Page 37

Economist Bernardo Vega says that the government’s purchase of Shell’s shares in the Dominican Refinery (Refidomsa) could become a receptacle for public sector jobs given to political appointees and known as ‘botellas’. The former governor of the Central Bank fears that the current payroll of 63 people could balloon to 630 or 6,300 if the …

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Engineer Bernardo Castellanos says that it is possible that the energy sector deficit could reach US$600 million, US$400 million above the 2007 energy subsidy, which had been established at US$400 million. Castellanos said that the government has never been able to meet its goals when it came to energy subsidies. Castellanos added that according the …

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The Ministry of Environment estimates that about four million cubic meters of construction material will be needed for building projects for victims of Tropical Storm Noel, which justifies removing sand and gravel from the country’s rivers, even after a decree prohibited the extractions. The ministry said that removing the gravel could also be a solution …

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The Ministry of Education is announcing that by next Monday all students and all schools in the DR will return to normal. Many schools are being used as shelters for people driven out of their homes by Tropical Storm Noel, and many students weren’t able to attend classes as a result. In all, 50,000 students …

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A report on public debt sent from the Ministry of Treasury to the Senate indicates that the government has received US$777.3 million in external funds, of which US$366.8 million have been directed towards investment opportunities and US$410.5 million towards the budget and a balance of payments. The report also indicates that at the close of …

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A Central Bank reports highlights that 49.15% of income earned by Dominicans is spent on alcoholic beverages and tobacco, transport and food. The study looked at 10 different categories including education, health, housing, recreation and hotels. Thirty three percent of income is spent on food and alcohol, and transport took up 15.95% of Dominican incomes. …

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San Jose de Ocoa, one of the areas worst hit by Tropical Storm Noel, will be receiving RD$1.55 billion in relief funds. President Leonel Fernandez has announced that the funds would be used for rebuilding roads, houses, aqueducts, irrigation systems and the farming sector. Diario Libre reports that 100 homes have already been rebuilt in …

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The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has abandoned its Electoral Campaign and Propaganda resolution regarding the 2008 presidential campaign because a consensus could not be reached between the political parties, the civil society and the press. The JCE agreed to review the resolution that prohibits television advertising until the electoral proclamation. JCE communications director Felix Reyna …

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The number of reported leptospirosis cases is rising at alarming levels. The authorities report there have been 27 deaths after Tropical Storm Noel. A total of 58 people have died from the disease, with 1,183 possible cases and 135 confirmed cases reported, according to Health Minister Bautista Rojas Gomez, as reported in Hoy. The health …

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Heavy rains have led to the evacuation of 44 more people, leaving parts of Barahona and Monte Plata provinces cut off from the other communities. Because of the risk of more rains due to a storm front over Haiti, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) has maintained a red alert for San Cristobal, Monsenor Noel, Ocoa, …

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