2009 – Page 126

Tropical Storm Ana was degraded to a tropical wave by the time it got near to the DR, but the nation’s emergency response units under the Committee for Emergency Operations (COE) activated their contingency plans anyway. The effort served as a warm up now that the Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season is reaching its most active …

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The Biennial of Visual Arts opened at the Museum of Modern Art at Plaza de la Cultura in Santo Domingo on Sunday, 16 August. The event this year is dedicated to painter Ramon Oviedo, on his 85 years. This is a collective exhibition of some of the best in contemporary painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, video, …

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President Leonel Fernandez named businessman Celso Marranzini to head the State-Owned Electric Companies (CDEEE). Marranzini, a former president of the National Council of Business (Conep) has been perhaps the most vocal critic of the inefficiencies at the CDEEE under Segura. Segura became probably the most controversial government officer, after TV investigative journalist Nuria Piera took …

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Celso Marranzini, in one of his first statements after his appointment, stressed all must pay for the service. He said people can expect actions focused on collecting for energy served, billing and reducing expenses. He said he seeks less arrears with power generators to reduce the financial blackouts. “We would like to warn all that …

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Continuing with the 16 August tradition of making changes in the government cabinet, President Leonel Fernandez appointed: Politician Jose Francisco Pena Guaba (former head of the National Lottery): Dominican Port Authority. Former La Romana senator Enrique Martinez (former head of the State Sugar Council-CEA): National Lottery. Sigfrido Pared Perez: Migration Department. Politician Artistides Fernandez Zucco …

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School started today nationwide. An estimated 2.6 million students are enrolled in public and private schools in the 2009-2010 school year. President Leonel Fernandez was expected tos formally inaugurate the school year with a ceremony at the Centro de Excelencia Bella Vista public school in Santiago. The Ministry of Education has announced the implementing this …

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The United Nations has named the international consulting team that will study the process whereby the Ministry of Environment issued a permit for installation and operation of a cement plant in the buffer zone of Los Haitises National Park. The cement plant has been the most controversial industry of recent months, receiving a 85% rejection …

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The PLD majority in Congress re-elected Reinaldo Pared Perez and Julio Cesar Valentin of the ruling PLD party to preside the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. Upon being sworn in for a second two year period, both defended the government from critics that point to widespread corruption in office, and called for respect among …

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Yesterday marked the 146th anniversary of the Restoration, the efforts of General Gregorio Luperon to restore independence from Spain. Gaspar Polanco, Benito Moncion and other figures of the restoration movement were also honored for their participation in the 1863-1865 movement. Vice President Rafael Alburquerque lead the ceremonies at the National Pantheon in the Colonial Zone.

Bishop Emeritus of the Santo Domingo Archdiocese Monsignor Francisco Jose Arnaiz said that the “perfection” of the nation is in jeopardy due to the misuse of public funds, the increase in drug use and drug trafficking, extreme poverty, lack of public safety and an indifference displayed by government officials to key problems. Arnaiz made his …

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