2014 – Page 255

The Ministry of Foreign Relations has announced the suspension of United States Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to the DR, planned for Tuesday, 9 March given the priority the US government is giving to the Ukraine crisis. After attending President Michele Bachelet’s inauguration in Chile, Biden will return to Washington in time for Wednesday, 12 …

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Writing in today’s Listin Diario, Monday 10 March, political analyst Guarionex Rosa speculates that Vice President Joe Biden’s visit was aimed at assuaging fears following the recent meeting between President Obama and Haitian President Michael Martelly in Washington. Rosa says that the meeting in Washington took place at the insistence of the Black Caucus, a …

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Diario Libre’s editorial today, Monday 10 March, comments that the country should be pleased when people ask about the Constitutional Court Ruling 168-13 and the Illegal Immigrant Legalization Plan. Adriano Miguel Tejada says this is an opportunity to present our side of the story. “Everyone can understand whatever they want, but after listening to our …

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Ministry of Public Works employees were seen working on improvements to the toll booths over the weekend of 8-9 March nationwide, as the increase in tolls is imminent. Last week the Ministry announced plans to increase tolls on the Las Americas, 6 Noviembre, Carretera Sanchez and Duarte highways from RD$30 one-way at present to RD$50 …

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Dominican public debt increased 5% during the first year of the Medina administration, moving from 32.6% of GDP in 2012 to 38.5% in 2013. The government says that in 2012 the public debt was US$19.23 billion, and this increased to US$23.20 billion by year-end 2013, up US$3.96 billion. Of the total US$14.92 billion is foreign …

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Herrera Industries Association (AIEH) president Victor Castro is calling for improved efficiency in government spending. He said that the government could increase the tax burden without creating new taxes or increasing the rates of those already in place by increasing efficiency in public spending, as reported in El Caribe. Castro said this would enable a …

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The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has announced the imminent disbursal of RD$67 million to registered political parties in fulfillment of the law that calls for the government to contribute to political parties. Some 26 parties will benefit. The PLD, PRD and PRSC will each receive RD$17,889,855. Other parties receiving funds are: Movimiento Democratico Alternativo: RD$1,208,790 …

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Miguel Lama, president of the country’s largest free zone park, the Santiago Free Zone Corporation, has announced that the park is being expanded to install 19 eco- industrial factory buildings in a new area in western Santiago. Lama said the expansion would add 209,191 square meters of manufacturing area. Another 303,000 square meters has been …

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The government has announced the start of the seasonal spring ban on lobster consumption in the Dominican Republic. The closed season, from 1 March to 31 June, is aimed at allowing lobsters to breed. Consumers are asked to refrain from eating lobsters during this period, unless they are imported.

Guillermo Esteban Perez Chicon, better known as Guillo Perez, passed away on Sunday, 9 March. He was 88. Born in Moca in 1926, he was one of the best-known Dominican painters, acclaimed for his use of local themes and color. He is remembered for his sugar cane and palm tree landscapes, and his roosters, along …

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