2016 – Page 119

The Ministry of Labor has announced that as of 9 February 2017 maternity leave will be increased from 12 to 14 weeks. Women have the option of deciding when to take the leave, many dividing it before and after the birth and others taking it all after the birth. The extension comes with the implementation …

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The president of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) and Judicial Branch Council (CPJ) Mariano German Mejia inaugurated the one-stop shop for property paperwork yesterday, Tuesday 1 March 2016. He said the aim was to provide swift services but reminded users that the paperwork still needs to meet established standards. There are additional fees for …

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The International Monetary Board has praised the Dominican economy for what it describes as its “vibrant performance” in its report on its latest consultation with the Dominican economic authorities. The report highlights that growth has averaged over 7% during 2014-15 fueled mainly by domestic demand. The forecast, nevertheless, is for growth to slow to 5.4% …

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Central Electoral Board (JCE) president Roberto Rosario has announced the alliances submitted by political parties that will be taking part in the 15 May 2016 general election for municipal, legislative officials in addition to the President and Vice President. The ruling PLD party has registered agreements with 13 recognized political organizations. The PLD allies at …

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The minority Liberal Reformist Party (PLR) has proclaimed President Danilo Medina as its presidential candidate for the May 2016 elections. The ceremony took place on Monday, 29 February 2016 at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel in Santo Domingo where Medina was proclaimed by PLR president and senator for La Altagracia, Amable Aristy Castro. On 16 January …

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The most recent Alfonso, Cabrera & Asociados poll carried out between 25 and 28 February 2016 shows that the downward trend in voter popularity for President Danilo Medina’s re-election bid is continuing. While Medina had a 90.4% popularity rating in March 2013, this has gradually declined to 51.2% as of February 2016. Luis Abinader started …

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The Chamber of Deputies has ratified the temporary suspension of the social management fund known as the “barrilito” following a resolution by the Central Electoral Board (JCE) limiting the funds assigned to legislators 60 days before election day. Chamber president Abel Martinez said that the fund, which is worth around RD$50,000 a month per legislator, …

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The PRSC owes more than RD$30 million to several media companies. The once-powerful party during the Joaquin Balaguer administrations is more than eight months behind in its payments and according to some sources its relationships with the media are deteriorating. Most of the debt is for advertising and the situation has arisen despite press reports …

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The Dominican government has placed US$2.5 billion in bonds on international markets to finance deficits in public finances, according to the annual report issued by the Ministry of Hacienda. The report states that the government used the funds to pay off the US$1.93 billion Petrocaribe owed to Venezuela, reducing the debt accumulated through December 2014 …

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The Constitutional Court has annulled a court order issued by judge Awilda Reyes of the Fourth Hall of the National District on 20 August 2015 ordering the Banco de Reservas to return US$20 million to Prado Universal Corporation, a company owned by convicted drug trafficker Arturo del Tiempo. The payment was intended to compensate for …

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