2008 – Page 268

The price of a metric ton of re-bar for construction has risen by 17% in just three weeks. Known as the “atado” in Spanish (‘a bundle’), the price of 2,226 pounds of steel re-enforcement bars has increased by RD$7,800 in the last 23 days, going from RD$46,000 to RD$53,800. The price increases are attributed to …

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The Attorney General of the Dominican Republic has sent 31 inmates from the Puerto Plata Model Jail to “real” jails throughout the country, including the infamous 15 de Azua. The 31 inmates had staged a riot in the model prison, where conjugal visits are allowed and specialized prison guards, not police or army personnel, are …

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The police have arrested two men and are looking for a third in connection with the murder of Eunilde Feliz Ruiz last Thursday in Santo Domingo East. The thugs were trying to steal Mr. Feliz’ motorcycle. The police have identified Victor Manauris Riveras or Victor Jose Rivera Garcia, 22, a.k.a. Pompi, and a 15-year old …

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According to PRSC party leader Federico Antun Batlle, tomorrow’s summit meeting between the opposition parties is almost confirmed. The main purpose of the meeting is to take a long, hard look at the accusations of government use of public funds in the election campaign, nearly snuffing out any efforts by the opposition to achieve effective …

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Manny Ramirez, the Dominican slugger who plays for the Boston Red Sox, proved once again why he is worth so much money. In the first game of the new season, Ramirez drove in four runs, including the winning run in the tenth inning, as the Red Sox defeated the Oakland Athletics 6-5. Ramirez’ two doubles …

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El Caribe, citing a report by the Central Bank, is reporting that foreign direct investment (FDI) to the DR increased significantly in 2007. The period in question represents the date after DR-CAFTA came into effect and according to the report, FDI reached US$1.7 billion in 2007. This figure represents a 16.3% increase from 2006 and …

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Dominicans will be able to acquire biometric passports at their consulates in Hamburg, Germany; Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, Spain; and Rome, Italy. In the Americas they can be obtained in St. Maartin, Boston and Miami in the US, and in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Passports are also available from the Passports Department in Santo Domingo. …

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A total of 31 deaths were reported during the three-day Semana Santa (Holy Week) holiday, 412 people were injured and the authorities dealt with 2,500 emergency incidents. The figures were released by the Emergency Operations Center (COE) and the country’s three main trauma hospitals. In 2007 a similar number of deaths (32) was registered and …

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The Central Electoral Board ruled on the CB scandal today, following calls from the private and public sector for investigations into the case. JCE Judge Roberto Rosario announced the JCE has issued Resolution 001-2008 that instructs that the government discontinue payrole payments for services that do not correspond with government employees. TV journalist Nuria Piera …

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The 18th Caribbean Geological Conference is taking place in Santo Domingo with the participation of leading experts on mining and geology in the Caribbean. The event is sponsored by the Department of Mining, the Dominican Geology Society and the DR Mining & Petroleum Chamber of Commerce. The conference will focus on the exchange of information …

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