2009 – Page 149

Andres Van der Horst Alvarez, director of the National Competitiveness Council, said that the World Economic Forum’s newly released Global Enabling Trade Report 2009 index shows that the DR is neck and neck Panama as the region’s leading nation in export process. He said the DR is ranked among the top 20 best in the …

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The Constitutional Revisory Assembly approved a first reading on Art. 247 that will allow that a referendum (yes and no vote on an issue submitted by the government) be used to make changes to the Constitution in the future. The Central Electoral Board would prepare the referendum vote, once receiving the question from the government. …

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Association of Industries of Herrera (AEIH) president Manuel Cabrera is asking the government for answers about supposed violations of the DR-CAFTA agreement by Central American nations. Cabrera claims that some Central American countries are exporting “dumped” goods to the DR, in violation of the free trade agreement and to the detriment of Dominican businesses. Dumping …

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Writing in today’s Clave Digital, environmental columnist Roberto Sanchez comments on the professional track record of Colombia’s former environment minister, Juan Mayr Maldonado. He points out that Mayr Maldonado was denounced during his term by indigenous groups from Alto Sinu and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta for allegedly maneuvering in favor of the installation …

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The vice president for generation of the AES Dominicana, Angel Guastaferro confirms what everyone knows by now. Despite allegations of technical difficulties at the generation plants being made by government electricity sector officials, Guastaferro says that the arrears of the government on the subsidy payments are behind the blackouts. He said that the arrears affect …

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Delegations from the DR, Cuba and Haiti have agreed on the basic structure for the Caribbean Biological Corridor, which will include 59 protected areas in the three countries. The Corridor focuses on the development of conservation policies, bio-trade and ecotourism in each country. It also seeks to preserve endemic species in each protected area. The …

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The recently released Gallup-Hoy poll reveals that 53.3% of the 1,200 persons able to vote that were interviewed feel that the government is not doing a good job within the education sector. An even lower perception of performance is perceived for other areas of the economy, fighting drugs, the energy sector or Haitian immigration. Of …

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A police sergeant accused of killing a bystander during protests in the neighborhood of Capotillo has been relieved of his duties and is expected to go to trial. Cleber Encarnacion Quevedo is charged with shooting dead 13-year old Miguel Angel Encarnacion, who was said to be standing nearby when residents of Capotillo took to the …

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A 23-year old youth was gunned down yesterday during protest in Bonao. Police say they were shot by two hooded men. Two journalists were also shot, but survived. It was announced yesterday that Bonao’s merchant, community and popular organizations would begin a 72-hour strike. Police say they have a video, which captured the event. Police …

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Visitors to the Santo Domingo Zoo can see the three baby lions that were born this week. The lions were named Alba, Canela and Rayas. Zoo director Patricia Toribio said that the newest inhabitants have come in time to provide enjoyment for more than 400 children who will be attending summer camps at the zoo. …

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