2008 – Page 213

Economy, Planning and Development Minister Temistocles Montas says that the government is aware that these are times for “rigid austerity.” He feels, nevertheless, that there is room for the subsidies in the budget, as reported in Hoy. Meanwhile, former administrator of the Central Bank, economist Apolinar Velo says that the present monetary and fiscal policies, …

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Contrary to what Minister Temistocles Montas told reporters, former Central Bank governor and economist Bernardo Vega told reporter Aleida Plasencia from Hoy newspaper that he did not think the coming months would be very agreeable, especially in the area of economic policy. He called on President Fernandez to start his adjustments now, and not wait …

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The World Bank has approved a US$42 million loan for the Electricity Distribution Rehabilitation Project, aimed at improving the service for EdeNorte, EdeSur and EdeEste electricity customers in the DR. “This project will help reduce both technical losses and energy theft on the EDEs’ rehabilitated power circuits, as well as improve the quality of electricity …

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The sale of the Shell Company’s 50% share of the Dominican Oil Refinery, Refidomsa, is ready, and the details will be presented to the board next week, according to the Hacienda MinisterVicente Bengoa. The minister told Listin Diario reporter Candida Acosta that his team was “finalizing” numbers and that the final report would be on …

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The president of the Senate of the Dominican Republic is facing off against the leader of the Chamber of Deputies. At stake is the start up of debates on Constitutional reform. Senate leader Reinaldo Pared Perez wants to wait until President Leonel Fernandez submits his agenda on 16 August when he is sworn in for …

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The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Jorge Subero Isa, has told reporters that the court never had any intention of hearing the Sun Land case before the 16 May elections. Judge Subero Isa said that all cases involving issues of constitutionality are of high priority for the court, and they are heard according to …

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In a somewhat surprising editorial comment, Diario Libre says that the PRD party, with Miguel Vargas Maldonado as its presidential candidate, won the straight party vote in 88 municipalities in the recent elections. This number represents 57% of all the cities. The PLD party won 63 municipalities, the PRSC won in Higuey and the Christian …

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The ubiquitous motorcycle taxis, known as ‘moto-conchos’ in local terminology, have decided to up their fares by RD$5 and RD$10 pesos a ride. The associations set up to regulate this fairly unique public transport system decided to increase fares due to the continual increases in the cost of gasoline. Moto-conchos are the units most affected …

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The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into alleged irregularities surrounding the contract signing of several young Dominican baseball players by members of the Chicago White Sox organization. As a result of the investigation, so far the Sox have fired their director of scouting for the Caribbean, David Wilder and two Dominican scouts. …

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Young Carlos Delgado Imbert, son of former judge Carmen Imbert Brugal and lawyer Angel Delgado Malagon, was the valedictorian at the commencement exercises at the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He was chosen from 800 graduates. His speech was interrupted several times by applause from an appreciative audience. Delgado Imbert graduated Summa …

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