2008 – Page 126

Former Environment Minister Max Puig was sworn in yesterday by Economy, Development and Planning Minister Temistolces Montas. Puig replaces Jose Ramon Fadul who is the new minister of Industry and Commerce. Puig says that he strive to secure better work conditions for Dominicans and favors continued talks for wage increases to compensate workers for rising …

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President Leonel Fernandez appointed lawyer Abel Rodriguez del Orbe to be the legal advisor to the Executive Branch, replacing Cesar Pina Toribio who is now Secretary of the Presidency. Rodriguez held the posts of legal advisor and attorney general in the first government of Fernandez starting 1996. President Fernandez on Tuesday, 19 August announced the …

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Vice President Rafael Alburquerque is recovering after being admitted to Corazones Unidos Hospital on Sunday. The Vice President was admitted for dengue fever and reduced white blood cell counts. His doctors say he received antipyretic treatment and IV solution and has been monitored frequently. President Leonel Fernandez and his wife Margarita Cedeno both visited the …

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A June investigation into the work hours of doctors employed at the Public Hospital Francisco Moscoso Puello substantiates the Ministry of Public Health’s claim that doctors do not put in the hours for which they are paid. Overall the study reveals that the physicians on the hospital’s payroll only work half of the hours for …

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UASD University rector Franklin Garcia Fermin announced the fall semester at the state university central campus in Santo Domingo and branches nationwide has been postponed to start Monday, 25 August to give additional time for students to register for classes. He said that in the meantime students can participate in student fairs that are being …

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The Swiss-British company Xstrata has announced the temporary closing of its nickel plant Falcondo. The company says that its costs have risen due to escalating petroleum prices at a time when the market prices for nickel has declined. Falcondo, located 80 kilometers from Santo Domingo, in Bonao, will continue maintenance and reparation projects during the …

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In one week the price of cement increased by 17%, or RD$45. Last week the price for a bag was RD$230 and it is now selling for RD$275. The price surge is somewhat baffling considering that international petroleum prices have declined by US$30 in the last month. For weeks producers have blamed increases on the …

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Dominican Week, the annual encounter between things Dominican and American organized by the Russin, Vecchi, Heredia Bonetti law firm and the Foundation Dominican American Assistance Fund (DAAF) is set for Monday 22 September through Friday, 26 September. Again, there will be academic, artistic, cultural and business communities organized in Washington, D.C. (22, 23, 24 September) …

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The Navy has suspended four senior officers and three lower ranking officers for ties to drug trafficking over the past few months, according to Navy chief, Vice Admiral Julio Cesar Ventura Bayonet. Hoy writes that the National Drug Control Department (DNCD) recommended the cancellations. Chief of the Navy Julio Cesar Ventura Bayonet says that all …

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Ten hurt and another eight arrested after protesters took to the streets of Dajabon on the border with Haiti, angry over the lack of energy service. Listin Diario writes that protesters were blocking roads with rocks, trees, burnt tires and other objects. The protesters argue that though they pay their electricity bills they only receive …

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