2008 – Page 35

On Saturday, the Tigres del Licey defeated the Estrellas Orientales 11-5, and stayed in first place. The Toros del Este defeated the Aguilas Cibaenas 9-4 and the Gigantes del Cibao and Leones del Escogido were rained out. In yesterday’s action, the return of pitcher Nelson Figueroa helped the Aguilas shut out the Tigres del Licey, …

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The National Development Council meeting of 19 government ministers has approved a RD$329 billion budget for 2009, up from RD$300 million in 2008. On the whole, government departments will get the same allocations as in the 2008 budget. Of the RD$29 million difference, RD$17 billion will go to cover wage and pension increases that were …

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Nurses picketed in front of Congress yesterday, demanding a 100% salary raise and other concessions. Three nurses’ unions protested in front of Congress as union leaders met with lawmakers. Nurses have held a series of strikes in order to pressure the government, but it seems unlikely the nurses will get their demands in the 2009 …

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The government has become the sole owner of the Dominican Petroleum Refinery (REFIDOMSA). Hacienda Minister Vicente Bengoa said that the year-long negotiations with the Shell Company had now concluded. Shell used to own 50% of the company until it agreed to sell its stake for US$110 million. The purchase of Shell is part of President …

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Dr. Ricardo Koening, president of the Dominican Exporters Association (ADOPEX) says he expects Dominican exports to decrease in 2009, adding there is the concern that many Dominican products will lose market share. Koening added that after the holiday rush there would be a “2009 hangover.” Koening explained that Dominicans would have to deal with the …

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According to Foreign Relations Minster Carlos Morales Troncoso, exports to Europe have exceeded the US$600 million mark, making the signing of the EPA agreement between CARICOM and the European Union even more relevant. Morales stressed the potential benefits of the agreement for the DR, in an interview with today’s Listin Diario. Morales said that the …

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Dominican singer songwriter Juan Luis Guerra is once again lending his name to an important cause. The singer is leading a campaign against illegal trips by Dominicans to Puerto Rico. Guerra says he’s worried by recent reports of numerous trips to the neighboring island, especially those that end in great tragedies. Guerra said he would …

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The Navy has announced that it will continue searching for a boat carrying illegal migrants to Puerto Rico. Though the US Coast Guard and Puerto Rican rescue crews have called off any further searches, the Dominican Navy says it will continue searching a large area until they find the small craft. The boat disappeared a …

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An explosion in an electrical generator caused a fire at the offices of the Supreme Court of Justice in the Centro de los Heroes, forcing a full evacuation of the premises this morning. No one was reported injured, but there was mass panic. Supreme Court president, Jorge Subero Isa said that the explosion happened because …

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Supreme Court of Justice president Jorge Subero Isa announced today that the Sun Land case decision would be announced on 17 December. The announcement comes after the full body of the Supreme Court heard arguments for declaring the entire Sun Land contract in violation of the Constitution. The US$130 million loan package was signed for …

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