2008 – Page 25

Los Haitises will be getting 1,200 military guards to continue clearing out the national park. Environment Minister Jaime David Fernandez and Armed Forces Minister Pedro Rafael Pena Antonio said the protection of Los Haitises is a matter of sovereignty and national security. The move is the next step in a continued effort to remove squatters …

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The Dominican Beer Producers Association (ACOFAVE) says that the industry generates RD$14 billion in revenue annually, which is equivalent to 2.1% of the DR’s GDP. ACOFAVE president Rafael Menicucci says that, directly and indirectly, the beer industry employs more than 100,000 people. ACOFAVE members are Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana, Cerveceria Vegana, Cerveceria Bohemia and Ambev Dominicana.

Citizens woke to a cruel surprise today as the Fenatrano bus union staged an impromptu strike, leaving thousands of people stranded. The bus union didn’t announce the strike in advance, leaving people with little room to maneuver and find alternative transport options. Fenatrano bus union leader Juan Hubieres said the “surprise strikes” are part of …

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The old practice of stealing manholes is once again on the rise, posing an additional danger for citizens during blackouts. Manhole covers are stolen and resold as scrap metal for big bucks. The metal is then exported. Aside from being a nuisance for city officials who must constantly replace the covers, pedestrians must now take …

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According the World Trade Organization, the DR scores passing grades when it comes to market and trade liberalization. But the WTO points out that these changes in policy are selective as they are a result of the DR entering in agreements with the US (DR-CAFTA) and Caricom (EPA). The WTO has conducted three evaluations in …

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The Dominican Embassy in Thailand is reporting that several Dominican citizens are among the thousands of foreigners stranded at Bangkok airport during the recent anti-government protests, unable to get onto flights home. Ambassador Hans Dannenberg Castellanos, who is based in India, says he is in constant communication with the stranded travelers and the Embassy is …

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A group of baseball fans is suing the Tigres del Licey after an incident turned ugly during their Saturday game against the Gigantes. Lawyer Washington Espina, representing the fans, says he has a video that proves that Licey players were at fault during the incident on Saturday and caused injuries to several fans. Players Ronny …

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Forgetting about their on-the-field squabbles, the Gigantes were all business yesterday as they fended off the Aguilas easily with a 5-2 victory. The Gigantes are keeping themselves in the play-off hunt and look to be this year’s strongest championship contender. Standings Team W-L Avg. Games Behind GIGANTES 22 – 14 .611 — TOROS 20 – …

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The Metropolitan Transport Authority (AMET) impounded 314 vehicles last weekend in operations against drivers who had not renewed their license stamps on time. Metropolitan Police commander Colonel Ernesto Rodriguez Garcia said the vehicles were taken to the old Dog Track, where, after paying a fine and purchasing the sticker, they were returned to their owners. …

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Since the weekend, the Dominican Customs Department began to allow returning Dominican expatriates to bring in US$2,500 worth of goods, duty free. The traditional Christmas tax exemption only applies to one appliance, as per Law 9-96.