2008 – Page 63

Environmental Minister Jaime David Fernandez says that sand extraction companies closed earlier this week for violating environmental regulations will not be allowed to re-open or have extensions. However, they will be allowed to remove the accumulated processed materials found in their factories on condition that they dismantle their equipment. The Minister says the factories will …

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The National Business Council (CONEP) is asking Congress to ratify the free trade agreement with the European Union, the European Partnership Agreement (EPA) before 31 October. Conep president Lisandro Macarulla said that failing to ratify the agreement would create a negative atmosphere for the country’s competitiveness, reduce revenue and endanger job security for strategic sectors …

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Rolling blackouts are still being reported throughout the DR, despite the fact that new generators have come in to try and ease the situation. Hoy reports a deficit of 928 MW compared to a demand of 1,884 MW. The State-run Electricity Companies (CDEEE) paid US$20 million to the energy distributors, bringing the government’s total debt …

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The 72-hour protest that began on Tuesday has officially ended. The protests were organized by the Alternative Social Forum and called for the government to provide citizens in the region with basic services, improved power supply and lower food prices, among other demands. Yesterday, as part of a general work stoppage, protestors marched through sectors …

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The sex trade is third behind drug trafficking and the arms trade as most profitable illegal crime activity. Although the DR has tried to monitor this there are no government policies, or sufficient funds, to help fight the growth of this industry. In an attempt to achieve this, German development agency GTZ is to fund …

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Listin Diario is reporting that the Villa Altagracia municipality hired five more councilors than is allowed according to Law 3455, as well as Article 2 of the Constitution, Article 21 of municipal law and articles 32,47,48 and 52 of the Chamber of Accounts law. Also, the city hall had to pay out RD$1.6 million more …

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Dominican sailor Raul Aguayo was crowned champion at the Laser Regatta held in Boca Chica last week. The event was sponsored by the Dominican Sailing Federation and the Spanish Embassy and included some of the sport’s top sailors. Sebastian Mera and Guillermo Flaquer came in second and third place, respectively.

Not that he needs the money, but slugger Manny Ramirez could be raking even more green this upcoming season as suitors prepare their offers. Ramirez, coming off a career year, split between Boston and Los Angeles, has dispelled rumors that he is over the hill and has many teams wondering what they can do to …

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The World Series is under way and the Tampa Bay Rays have decided to make a series out of it. After losing the first game to the Philadelphia Phillies the Rays came out with a vengeance on Thursday, winning the game 4-2. B.J. Upton has continued his MVP post-season and Carlos Pena’s defense, as well …

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The Aguilas were able to get some revenge, or at the very least get the bad taste out of their mouths after their 21-6 thrashing by rival Licey. The Aguilas won last night’s game 14-7 and Mendy Lopez joined the ranks of the immortal after hitting his 50th homerun in the Dominican Winter League. Pitching …

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