2008 – Page 80

El Dia newspaper is denouncing reports that Haitian immigrants living in Hormigo, Villa Altagracia are toppling trees for making charcoal for cooking, a practice that is common in Haiti and has led to almost total deforestation there. The newspaper says that the practice is increasing amidst the silence and complicity of the authorities. The report …

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Chief of Police Rafael Guzman Fermin explained the reasons for the suspension of the director of the International Police division in the DR, Colonel Frener Bello Arias. Yesterday, two foreigners – Massimo Dalla Mora and Lidija Rizvanovic – gave an interview to yesterday’s Hoy newspaper, claiming they had been the victims of an extortion attempt …

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A pilot who “occasionally” piloted the Presidential helicopter has been dismissed, according to reports from the Presidency. Major General Joaquin Perez Feliz of the Air Force said that Lieutenant Colonel Harold Manzano Garcia was dismissed for “serious proven faults.” As reported in the El Castrense website, Manzano Garcia was dismissed for his alleged “ties” to …

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The DR and Canada have resumed free trade talks, according to the Ministry of Foreign Relations. Deputy Minister Manuel Trullols explains that both sides have agreed to exchange information and continue developing the foundation for trade negotiations. The Canadian Embassy is compiling updates on investment, cooperation, competitiveness, commercial rights, the environment and tourism to prepare …

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President Leonel Fernandez has appointed controversial politician Angel Lockward Dominican as ambassador to Colombia. Lockward has served as Minister without Portfolio in the Fernandez government. Lockward has appealed against a judgment that implicates him in a major case of alleged fraud against the state involving coupons used to subsidize propane gas purchases when he was …

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The city of Santo Domingo consumes 500 million gallons of water per day when the average consumption should be around 280 million gallons per day. According to water authority (INAPA) director Mariano German, the increase in water use affects communities that still lack basic water supplies. German added that the issue is especially relevant because …

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Customs (DGA) officials have prohibited the import of vehicles with the steering wheel on the right-hand side. The DGA says that they endanger road safety. The DGA is giving a 30-day deadline for all vehicles currently at the ports to be returned to their country of origin. Recently, illicit street-racing groups imported numerous high-performance right-hand …

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Former Central Bank governor Bernardo Vega warns that several business deals could fall through this year due to the global financial crisis. As reported in Hoy, Vega said that foreign acquisitions of Dominican companies, investment in tourism projects and real estate purchases are some of the deals that may be put on hold. He says …

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According to economist Guillermo Caram, the Dominican economy is on the decline and now is the time for austerity and changing the focus of public spending. Caram seemed particularly skeptical about whether the government would implement austerity measures. “Talking to the government about austerity is like talking to the devil about a crucifix,” he commented. …

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Robert Zoellick, president of the World Bank Group, says that the financial crisis affecting the US and Europe will be critical for developing nations. He says that the world needs to rethink the way it tries to solve its economic problems. According to Zoellick the crisis could affect the level of exports, foreign capital inflows, …

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