2016 – Page 65

In the middle of a ceremony when ambassadors were presenting their credentials to President Danilo Medina at the Presidential Palace yesterday Tuesday 3 May 2016, the airspace above the Presidential Palace was invaded by a light aircraft distributing flyers in support of the National Unity Party (PUN) candidate for National District Senator, General Rafael Percival …

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Attorney General Francisco Dominguez Brito and Central Electoral Board (JCE) president Roberto Rosario announced yesterday, Tuesday 3 May 2016, that inmates in pre-trial custody will be allowed to vote at the upcoming elections. This applies to 1,800 men and women being held in 18 jails around the country, the first time ever in the country’s …

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The Ministry of Energy and Mines presented the National Hydrocarbon Database developed by Schlumberger Limited on hydrocarbon resources in the country yesterday, Tuesday 3 May 2016. The Ministry says the data valued at US$100 million could mark the start of the oil exploration and production industry in the country. Minister of Energy and Mines Antonio …

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During a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Accompanying Measures for Bananas Program held at the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD) yesterday, Tuesday, 3 May 2016, it was announced that the Dominican banana sector generates US$420 million a year and creates more than 32,000 jobs, 44% of which are permanent and 12% of which are …

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Industry and Commerce Minister Jose del Castillo, who is also the president of the National Free Trade Zones Council, says that the ministry has approved permits for 15 new companies that applied to set up operations in the duty free manufacturing zones. They have also signed contracts to develop and open three new free zone …

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After the Uber taxi service announced a 30% drop in its rates on Wednesday 27 April 2016, the number of people downloading the application for rides in the Dominican Republic rose by 43%. Uber reported a 27% increase in rides and a 29% increase in new users. Although the customers were satisfied, the drivers who …

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A traveler from the Dominican Republic was arrested at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport after approximately nine pounds of cocaine was found in his computer bag and tucked inside his pants. On Friday, 29 April 2016, Federal Customs and Border Protection officers noticed the unusually heavy weight of a computer bag belonging …

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The National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) announced the arrest of two men and a woman caught selling drugs in Santo Domingo’s Naco neighborhood at 11pm yesterday, Tuesday 3 May 2016. As well as arresting the three suspects whose ages were given as 25, 28 and 32, agents also dismantled a small marijuana growing operation in …

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PRD Deputy for Barahona Fabio Vargas, who is seeking to be re-elected on 15 May 2016, was uninjured after being shot at by persons unknown in the city’s Baitoita neighborhood, but his vehicle received several bullet holes. Vargas was attacked while visiting a home in the area and his vehicle was riddled with bullet holes …

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The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has announced that 20 provinces are still on alert for flooding, overflowing rivers and mudslides. The provinces on yellow alert are La Vega, Monsenor Nouel (Bonao), Monte Plata, Hato Mayor, La Romana, La Altagracia (Higuey), El Seibo, San Cristobal (especially in the Villa Altagracia area), San Pedro de Macoris, Sanchez …

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