2014 – Page 69

The central government fiscal deficit for the first eight months of the year is at RD$22.7 billion, according to the National Budget Office (DIGEPRES). The Medina administration spent RD$304.8 billion and had revenue of only RD$282.1 billion. As reported in Diario Libre, the deficit was financed through loans. The Ministry of Hacienda says the deficit …

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The National Budget has allocated 20 cents of every peso in tax revenue to make interest payments on public debt, or around RD$87.17 billion. That is twice the sum allocated in 2007 (ten cents) and almost five times what was paid in 2000, when it was four cents. Interest payments scheduled for 2015 on the …

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The Dominican Electricity Industry Association (ADIE) reports that the government has accumulated a debt of US$905 million in arrears, a new record, according to a story in Hoy. This is up from US$818 million in August 2014. ADIE says this affects the capacity of the generators to supply the service, and plant shutdowns are likely …

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The Ministry of Public Health has announced that the country’s first Ebola isolation ambulance has been equipped. Ministry of Public Health Emergencies and Disasters director Dr. Entola Martinez said the unit has been fitted with the bio-security equipment needed to move a person suspected of having the lethal disease. The Ministry also said it is …

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The Presidency and the Ministry of Interior and Police are reminding potential applicants that 28 October is the deadline established in Naturalization Law 169-14 for registration of children of undocumented Haitians born in the Dominican Republic before 18 April 2007. The law established a free fast-tracked process for naturalization but those interested needed to apply …

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The Economist reports on how PetroCaribe, the Venezuelan energy-assistance program for the Caribbean and Central America places the Dominican Republic in a vulnerable position. The Economist says that the deferred payments established by the program for Venezuelan oil exports represented an average of US$2.3 billion a year for Venezuela. “So far, the desire for influence …

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Venezuelan William Mercay has built a prototype of an electric car that he says is ready for production and export to other Latin American countries. The Teldiux Allien vehicle can be charged from any 110-watt electric outlet. It has three wheels, one at the front and two at the back, a 52-horse power engine and …

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A Wall Street Journal report released last month coinciding with President Danilo Medina and former President Leonel Fernandez’s visit to New York City mentioned an unnamed Dominican senator who was allegedly paid a bribe as a key figure in the Super Tucanos purchase. All eyes focused on PLD senator Felix Bautista, but now online news …

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The United States Embassy is making it easier US visa holders. Ambassador James Brewster has announced that as of 12 November a visa center for servicing non-immigrant visa requests will be open at the centrally located Santo Domingo mall, Galeria 360. The services are open to those applying after the date. Non-immigrant visas will now …

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The Consulate of Spain will be in charge of issuing visas for travel to Italy, as reported in Listin Diario. Spanish Ambassador Jaime Lacadena commented that Spain has traditionally been the main first port of entry for Dominicans anyway. Lacadena made the comment while being interviewed during the inaugural ceremony of the 8th Hispanidad 2014 …

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