2008 – Page 177

Is a 2008 “fiscal reform” in the DR on the way? Fiscal reform in the DR is code word for tax increases. Hoy reports that the recent visit by the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Murilo Portugal, could be indicative of more taxes. Portugal explains that all aspects of the nation’s fiscal policies …

Read more…

Chamber of Deputies President Julio Cesar Valentin has confirmed that Congress members have received a pay increase of RD$58,491 per Deputy since March. Deputies now receive a basic salary of RD$175,000. Including perks and incentives, each Deputy now makes RD$342,568 per month. Previous to the wage increase deputies made RD$116,000 per month. Valentin says that …

Read more…

In an address to the press during the closing of the 2008 Annual Caribbean Tourism Summit, Alec Sanguinetti, CEO of the Caribbean Hotel Association speculated that Southwest airlines could be interested in flying to the Caribbean. He said that nations that adopt pre-clearance would be in a position to receive Southwest jets. Pre-clearance is a …

Read more…

Nestle Dominicana S.A. has announced that it will no longer produce or sell ice cream in the country and will stop all ice cream production at its Manoguayabo factory immediately. The company will also stop importing ice cream to the DR. A press release from the company explained that the dominance of a particular brand …

Read more…

The Attorney General for the National District, Jose Manuel Hernandez Peguero and president of the Human Rights Commission Manuel Maria Mercedes, say that every month more than 2,000 Dominicans are arrested during police raids and thrown in jail without justification. The National Police is beginning a new campaign to inform citizens about their rights. Mercedes …

Read more…

Dominican Attorney General Radhames Jimenez Pena inaugurated the National Legal Representation Office for Victims’ Rights yesterday. The Office will provide legal advice and services to people who otherwise cannot afford it. Jimenez said the office is expected to help the legal system work more effectively. The new office is located on Doctor Baez #16 near …

Read more…

Interior and Police Minister Franklin Almeyda has been discharged from the University of Miami Hospital after undergoing heart surgery there last week. Henry Castellanos, who has taken over duties while Almeyda recovers, says that Almeyda will remain in Miami for a few more days as part of his recovery. While in the hospital Almeyda received …

Read more…

Dominicans Ariel Corniel, Enmanuel Rondon, Robinson Vasquez, Jean Carlos Paulino, Carlos David Martinez, Alex Soto, Argene Gonzalez, Luis Alberto Peralta, Patrick Mendoza, Kelvin Corniel and Joel Mendoza have all qualified for the finals at the VIII Kite Board World Championships being held in Cabarete, Puerto Plata this week. Of the 16 Dominican athletes who entered …

Read more…

The Ministry of Public Works has announced that a section of the Duarte Highway near Santo Domingo will be closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday so that a bridge can be completed at the 11th kilometer of the highway. Listin Diario reports that on Friday 27th the inside lane from Santo Domingo to Santiago will …

Read more…

The Ministry of Education announced that the 2008-2009 school year will begin on 18 August for both private and public schools and will end on 29 June 2009. Technical schools and Middle Schools Excellence programs will begin on 4 August. The Ministry of Education has also announced that next year’s National Exams will be held …

Read more…