2008 – Page 215

No, Dominicans are not being sold to the Japanese, but a chocolate bar made from Dominican cacao is being sold in Japan under the name Lotte “Dominican.” The chocolate used in the bar is from San Francisco de Macoris, according to press reports. Dominican company Roig Commercial has signed a contract with the Mitsubishi Corporation, …

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The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reasserted its position that the current banana trade regime in place between the European Union and Asian, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries is illegal and must be modified. A group of trade experts from the WTO was responding to a challenge from the United States. According to Hoy, the …

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With the 16 May election behind us, the PLD-majority Chamber of Deputies has announced that one of its priorities is to reform the Dominican Constitution. PRSC deputy Luis Gonzalez Sanchez said they would not wait for President Leonel Fernandez to present a draft to Congress on 16 August, when he begins his new term. As …

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The Central Electoral Board (JCE) is being commended for its role in the 16 May presidential elections. The Institutionalism and Justice Foundation (FINJUS) has congratulated the JCE for its efficiency. FINJUS vice president, Servio Tulio Castanos Guzman, quoted in Hoy, said that all the mechanisms put in place to ensure electoral transparency had worked efficiently. …

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Central Electoral Board (JCE) Administrative Chamber president Roberto Rosario, quoted in Hoy, says that the board plans to evaluate the 2008 election with a view to reforming the country’s electoral laws. He said that the JCE is considering the creation of a new law regulating activities by the political parties. Another priority is to improve …

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The once-mighty PRSC’s days may be numbered after a dismal turnout in this year’s presidential elections. Hoy reports that the PRSC could stop receiving RD$200 million in state funds because it did not obtain more than 5% of the vote in the elections. Electoral Law 275-97 states that 80% of taxpayer funds allocated to political …

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Although the PLD rode a wave of overwhelming support to win the presidency, Hoy is reporting that the party only received 65,000 more votes in 2008 than it did in 2004. In 2004 PLD party received 1,771,377 votes, compared to 1,836,468 votes in 2008. This is in contrast to the PRD party that garnered 467,749 …

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The National Drug Control Department (DNCD) is reporting the haul of 252 kilos of pure cocaine that was thrown from a small plane between Villa Riva and Samana. The Dominican Air Force and the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) made the seizure. Listin Diario writes that when the agents went to collect the drugs, which …

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Jumbo supermarket is advertising green plantains for RD$6.95ea, Bugalu tomatoes for RD$5.95lb, limes for RD$9.50lb, pineapples for RD$17.95lb, potatoes for RD$7.95lb, Red Globe grapes for RD$49.95lb, plums for RD$59.95lb, and cantaloupes for RD$17.95ea. La Sirena is promoting Milex milk powder for RD$229.95/1,000g, and Elite yoghurt for RD$59.95/32oz, La Kasbah is advertising 15-50% off furniture, maps …

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Dominicans gave four more years to President Leonel Fernandez and Vice President Rafael Alburquerque in the Friday, 16 May presidential election. Fernandez is credited with restoring macroeconomic stability and a favourable business climate after inheriting an economic and banking crisis. Of a total of 5,764,387 registered voters, 4,086,541 valid votes were counted. The Central Electoral …

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