2010 – Page 236

Peravia senator Wilton Guerrero advocates closing down the National Drug Control Department (DNCD) and setting up a new institution staffed by civilians, not military. He said that in his hometown, Bani, drug control agents just look the other way while a drug supermarket operates. “There are many honest men and women in the DNCD, but …

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La Vega cyclist Leonardo Grullon (Tigua) was run over and killed by a freight truck on the Duarte Highway yesterday morning. He was training with fellow cyclists Jorge Perez, Jose Rodriguez and Eury Vidal. The accident happened when the truck crashed into the group on the route La Vega to Santiago. Three of the group …

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The year’s leading cultural event in the DR, the Santo Domingo book fair has a full program of cultural and entertainment activities. Dedicated this year to Mexico, this means there will be Mexican music and dance in the afternoons and evenings at the Teatro Arena Luis Dias and the National Theater. For scheduled events at …

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The Santo Domingo International Book Fair is open at the Plaza de la Cultura site through 9 May. This annual book fair is the most attended cultural event in the DR. President Leonel Fernandez, First Lady Margarita Cedeno and Vice President Rafael Alburquerque were at the opening celebration at the National Theater yesterday evening. This …

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The director of the Center for Exports and Investment (CEI-RD) Eddy Martinez forecasts a 15-20% increase in exports this year, as reported in El Caribe. He also expressed optimism that the country will attract upwards of US$2.4 million this year, or about 15-20% more than last year. He said that despite the global financial difficulties, …

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The Popular Savings & Loan Association (APAP) has announced it has RD$300 million available for fixed price mortgages. The mortgages will be for five years at a fixed rate of 15%. Gustavo Ariza, executive vice president, made the announcement yesterday. He said they had another program for low-cost housing at an 8.9% interest rate, that …

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The National Business Council (CONEP), the Santo Domingo Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Haiti are organizing the first business and investment conference with a focus on reconstruction efforts in Haiti. The forum will concentrate on sectors that can generate a large number of jobs. Business representatives are coming from …

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European travel to and from the DR has resumed as airports reopened in Europe after fears that the volcanic ash cloud could affect aircraft engines grounded 80% of flights. An estimated 85,000 flights were cancelled during the six-day shutdown, including several from Germany, France, the UK and even Spain to the DR. All flights are …

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Monsignor Agripino Nunez says that although representatives of public hospital doctors and the government were not able to reach an agreement during their meeting yesterday, talks would continue. The meeting between Vice President Rafael Alburquerque and the doctors at the Presidential Palace lasted two hours. Also attending were Public Health Minister Bautista Rojas Gomez, Hacienda …

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The Ministry of Environment says that they have records of 129 forest fires that have destroyed 34,370 tareas of forests, or approximately 2,160 hectares (5,300 acres). Deputy Minister Bernabe Manon Rossi made the announcement when accepting a RD$1 million donation for the purchase of firefighting equipment from Carlos Marti, president of propane gas distributor Tropigas. …

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