2008 – Page 171

Maybe not for President, but Hector “El Torito” Acosta has been asked to be part of the Barack Obama presidential campaign. The goal is to get a foothold on the Latino vote, and in particular the Dominican vote. Pundits have speculated that Obama has yet to secure Latino votes and explain that some Latinos might …

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Major League slugger Alex Rodriguez has separated from his wife Cynthia Rodriguez and the couple had been separated since after the birth of their second daughter, as reported in the Listin Diario. The story has made gossip headlines around the world. Sources indicates that problems in the marriage surfaced last year after Rodriguez was photographed …

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The Presidency has sent the government of Colombia a message of congratulations on the Colombian army’s successful rescue of Ingrid Betancourt and 14 other hostages being held by the FARC. Betancourt had been in captivity for over six years. The note reads: “We send our congratulations to the government of President Alvaro Uribe for his …

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Between January and June 2008 the government spent RD$130.9 billion, of which RD$43.5 billion or 32.4% was spent on subsidizing fuel, free trade zones, bakers, milk producers, transport, farmers and other sectors. The government spent an additional RD$41.5 billion, interests payments accounted for RD$134.1 billion, loans RD$4.88 billion and RD$28.9 billion went towards capital spending. …

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The Central Bank is denying reports of a shortage of change in the DR and says that 3.4 million RD$5 coins have been put into circulation since 18 June. Officials say that the use of coin machines, juke boxes, tolls and bus fares has lead to an increased need for coins. The Central Bank says …

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The government and the transport sectors have reached a deal which could put an end to the rift between both sides. According to a report in El Caribe, the consensus towards a potential agreement was at 97% of 13 points demanded by the transporters. The agreements would require the final approval of the President. Though …

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Transport fares have gone up by 67% during the first six months of the year, but fuel prices have only gone up 13.3% and 23.8% for gasoline and GLP. El Caribe writes that bus unions have been complaining that fares must be increased to cover their costs and arguing that passengers should absorb those cost …

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Affiliates of the National Association of Fuel Retailers (ANADEGAS) have called off their protest and will keep their gas stations open. ANADEGAS had warned that beginning today at 6am its affiliate gas stations would close indefinitely as a response to the closure of three affiliate gas stations. ANADEGAS has 600 member gas stations. ANADEGAS president …

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The Senate began the hearing to decide whether the four remaining members of the Chamber of Accounts, the government auditing body, should remain in their posts or be fired. Five other members have resigned amidst accusations of misconduct, nepotism and violations of their role as auditors. President of the Chamber of Accounts, Andres Terrero said …

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Spanish authorities have announced the seizure of a small boat carrying 1.5 tons of cocaine. The illegal narcotics have an estimated street value of EUR200 million (US$316 million). The authorities said that the boat, which was headed for the Basque region of Spain, has been traced to the Dominican Republic. Spanish officials say that two …

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