2008 – Page 263

The airport at Santiago is now safer to access. The government has inaugurated a new overpass that will allow people to arrive and depart the airport without having to cross the Duarte Turnpike. The overpass also provides safer, alternative access to Licey al Medio. Before the overpass was built, more than 60 accidents occurred at …

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President Leonel Fernandez headed up the celebration of the 164th anniversary of the Battle of the 30th of March in Santiago. The battle, which took place in 1844, is said to have given enormous strength to the Dominican fight for independence from Haiti. Archbishop Ramon Benito de la Rosa y Carpio called the battle “the …

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The director of mining, Octavio Lopez has announced the discovery of jade deposits in the Cordillera Septentrional. The jadeite variety of jade is highly prized by jewelry manufacturers and is fairly rare. According to Lopez, this is the third precious stone located in the Dominican Republic, together with amber and larimar. Jadeite is only found …

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The Dominican Republic and Guatemala are the only two countries in DR-CAFTA that have not been able to access money from the Millennium Account because of internal issues. This is based on some 20 indicators, according to Jose E. Signoret, the director of the Office for Strengthening Commercial Capacity, part of the Office of the …

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The government subsidy programs for propane gas and for electricity to poor barrios are using up funds at an alarming rate. According to El Caribe, in the case of the propane subsidy, the budget allocation will be consumed in six months at the current rate. The government has announced that it will review the subsidy …

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The Central Electoral Board (JCE) will withhold funding for the political parties until it has ruled on the appeal filed by the PNVC after the JCE rejected its alliance with the Social Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRSD) and the Fourth Way. The total funding is said to be worth RD$1.06 billion, with the three major parties …

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Much of Santo Domingo West is suffering severe water shortages due to a decrease in the flow of the Haina River. Some reports say that the river has decreased its flow by as much as 66% due to the prolonged drought in the watershed. The Santo Domingo Water Authority (CAASD) is calling on all users …

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The Dominican Red Cross has launched a recruitment program for young Dominican donors between the ages of 17 and 25, aimed at creating a donor culture that will fulfill the nationwide need for blood. The campaign, called “Club 25” will focus on young adults and satisfy demand for 70,000 pints of blood each year. According …

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The National Police have announced the arrest of four men who assaulted two Dutch citizens and a Dominican woman last week. The break-in took place in the Alma Rosa sector of Santo Domingo East, in the La Moneda apartment complex. After tying up and beating the three victims, the four stole jewelry, cash and an …

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Simon Romero, best known as the man behind the DR’s gastronomic festivals, now in their 33rd year, has passed away. He died Saturday at midnight of complications from diabetes. He was well known for his efforts to keep the festival going as a tribute to the hard work and creativity of Dominican judges. The festival …

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