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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Dominican Republic’s 1st wind energy park ready by mid 2011

Dominican Republic’s first ever wind energy park is much closer to start operating as the components of the generating towers are already at the port Cabo Rojo, in southwestern Pedernales province, from where they’ll then head to the nearby town Juancho for assembly.

The US$100 million, 19 turbine wind energy project is expected to start generating around 33.5 megawatts by mid 2011, whose output can supply around 33,000 Dominican homes.

The power companies EGE Haina and Punta Cana-Macao invest in the Wind Energy Park Los Cocos and the nearby Quilvio Cabrera Park, being built simultaneously. The Spanish company Cobra Energía manufactures the 19 wind generators.

Source: Dominican Today

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Dominican Republic forests grow 5.4% in 7 years

The Minister of the Environment affirmed Wednesday that Dominican Republic’s forest cover has increased 5.4 percent in just seven years and has now reached between 33 and 35 percent.

Jaime David Fernandez said research to measure the country’s woods found that forests covered 27.5 percent of the territory in 1996. The latest research established that the coverage climbed from 32.9% in 2003 to reach as high as 35 percent in seven years.

He said the figure results from diverse efforts and projects carried out through the Plan Quisqueya Verde, which planted 11.4 million trees of different varieties such as mahogany, Caribbean pine, cedar, oak and tamarind during 2010.

The official presented his agency’s activities for the first half of 2011, including the United Nations world program, to which Environment will send the document to be included in the global program, with the actions planed around the world to help the forests.

Fernandez listed the activities associated with environmental dates to be conducted during the first six months next year, such as the Day of the Journalist, in April, to establish the forest of the journalist, activity whose print version uses forests as the raw material.

Source: Dominican Today

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Dominican Republic’s top tourist region also takes forged deeds crown

Although suspected for years, Higuey, Altagracia province (east), has been ominously crowned the country’s top region in forged deeds of property for the last three years, with 104 cases, the head of the Real Estate Jurisdiction revealed Tuesday morning.

Wilson Gomez also cited Santo Domingo, San Pedro, Santiago and Samaná as the other places where many documents are forged.

The official noted however that the forgery of titles has fallen in the last few years, with 108 cases in 2008 compared with 41 in 2010. “It’s necessary to stress that of the total of forgery cases only 2.3 percent were actually carried out."

In a gathering with the press the Real Estate agency chief also revealed that as of 2010 as much as 20% of the country’s land isn’t registered.

Higuey is the county seat of Altagracia province, the country’s major tourism resort region, with nearly 30,000 rooms.

Source: Dominican Today

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Monday, December 27, 2010

Ex-Dominican President Blanco, 84, dies

Former Dominican Republic President Salvador Jorge Blanco, 84, died Sunday after several weeks in a coma, his doctors said.

El Dia reported Blanco died about 3:30 a.m. at his residence. The Dominican newspaper said he had undergone multiple brain operations after suffering a head injury in a fall at his home Nov. 20.

Blanco, a leader in the Social Democratic Party, served as president from 1982-86.

El Nuevo Diario said Blanco's body will lie in state at the Palace and Congress Monday with his burial set for Tuesday.

Source: UPI

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Dominican Republic dams supply 12% less energy in the last 5 years

The electricity output of the country’s hydroelectric dams has been falling for the last five years, from 1,879 gigawatt/hours in 2005 to 1,403 gigawatt/hours in 2010, or 476 gigawatt/hours fewer.

The figure is also just under 12% of the total supplied to the national grid (SIN). The State-owned Hydroelectric Power Company (EGEHID) provided the fibures based on calculations by its technicians in a meeting last week.

The contribution of the hydroelectric dams fell 39 gigawatt/hours in 2010, from 1,442.4 in 2009 to 1,403 gigwatt/hours this year.

EGEHID administrator Victor Ventura said the hydroelectric dams saved the country US$240 million, for not having to buy around 3.16 million barrels of oil and announced a program in 2011 to refurbish the facilities at Tavera, Rincon, Sabaneta, Jimenoa, Lopez-Angostura, Sabana Yegua, Rio Blanco and Valdesia, but with Jigüey-Aguacate as a priority.

Dominican Republic’s 25 hydroelectric dams can generate 523 megawatts.

Source: Dominican Today

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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Travellers to Dominican Republic offered advice to protect against cholera

Travellers to the Dominican Republic are being reminded to take precautions against cholera.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a news release Monday about the spread of cholera in Haiti and, to a limited degree, the Dominican Republic, which shares the same island.

Earlier this month, the Public Health Agency of Canada posted recommendations on its website for taking safe food and water precautions against the acute intestinal infection while in the Dominican Republic.

It advised Canadians to speak with a health-care provider or travel clinic at least six weeks before travelling, and consider getting vaccinated. The agency noted that most travellers are at low risk, but would be at higher risk if they're going to areas with limited access to clean water and food.

Tips from the CDC include packing water purification tablets to make your own safe water for drinking, and packing oral rehydration salts to use if you get sick with diarrhea.

It said only safe water should be used for drinking, preparing foods and drinks, washing hands and brushing teeth.

"Safe water is water that has been boiled or treated with water purification tablets or chlorine," the CDC said.

"Bottled water with unbroken seals and canned/bottled carbonated beverages are also safe to drink and use."

If travellers become sick with watery diarrhea, they should start drinking water mixed with oral rehydration salts immediately, and try to sip from the solution every few minutes, the CDC said.

They should also visit a clinic.

"The government of Dominican Republic has a national plan aimed at preventing and controlling cholera outbreak in the country," PHAC said in its notice posted Dec. 8.

"This response includes enhancing surveillance, water and sanitation services and education. They are also focusing on prompt and appropriate care for those who become infected."

The CDC added that if travellers become ill within five days of their return home from Haiti or the Dominican Republic, they should seek medical care right away and refrain from further travel until they're well.

Source: Winnipeg Free Press

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Three Dead, 13 Missing in Shipwreck off Dominican Republic

At least three people were killed and 13 others reported missing when a small boat sank after sailing from Playa Grande, a town in the northeastern Dominican Republic, for Puerto Rico, emergency management officials said Tuesday.

The body of a former National Police captain has been recovered and the bodies of two 17-year-old boys were spotted in the water, the emergency management chief in the area, Minerva Santos, told reporters.

The small boat apparently hit a reef and split in two, Santos said.

Emergency management office workers, navy personnel and the victims’ relatives are conducting the search for the missing occupants of the boat.

Thousands of Dominicans try to reach the U.S. commonwealth of Puerto Rico every year, preferring to risk their lives rather than continue living in poverty in their homeland.

Usually traveling aboard a type of rickety wooden craft known as a “yola,” many migrants drown each year on the treacherous journey across the Mona Passage. EFE

Source: Latin American Herald Tribune

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Dominican President takes his government’s latest scandal in stride

President Leonel Fernandez has yet to state his Administration’s position on the diplomatic cables of the United States Embassy provided by Wikileaks, disclosed Friday by the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

The scandal is the latest in a corruption-fraught government, as the cables name three ruling PLD party senior leaders who allegedly sought bribes even “audaciously,” to unblock major investments.

Ex Tourism minister Felix (Felucho) Jimenez, ex CEO of the State-owned Power Companies (CDEEE) Radhames Segura and Economy minister Temistocles Montas are named as seeking bribes or blocking investments in the U.S. Embassy cables sent to Washington. Ex Airports Department director Andres Varderhorst is also named as allegedly seeking bribes.

But Fernandez yesterday continued his usual stance of either ignoring or downplaying major scandals, reiterating that the economy will continue its rate of growth in 2011, despite global financial crisis.

The Head of State handed out Christmas baskets to poor families in districts of San Francisco, Valverde, Santiago and La Vega, accompanied with reelection chants and slogans on signs and garments.

Source: Dominican Today

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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Japanese vehicles have 75% of Dominican Republic market

Most Dominicans prefer Japanese vehicles, even their U.S. versions, over others, as revealed by the Internal Taxes Agency (DGII), that 75% are Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Daihatsu and Suzuki.

The DGII also reports that 8.7% are U.S. makes, 8.3% are  European, 3.4% are Korean and 3.5% from other countries.

It says there are 966,556 Japanese vehicles currently resisted, led by Toyota (431,105), Honda (115,642) and Nissan (98,268).

As to the U.S. brands, of the 111,659 registered, Chevrolet leads with 45,251, followed by Ford (39,079), and Dodge, with 7,618.

The 106,556 European-made vehicles have 8.3% of the market, with Volkswagen leading with 22,412, Mercedez Benz (14,250) and BMW (18,718).

Korean vehicles are 3.4% of the total, with 44,089, led by Hyundai (7,994) and Kia (2,729).
The other brands account for 3.5%, with 45,692 vehicles.

Source: Dominican Today

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Friday, December 17, 2010

Grammatical Crisis in the Dominican Republic’s Constitution

The President of the Dominican Language Academy, Bruno Rosario Candelier, revealed yesterday that the Academy found more than 200 grammatical errors within the text of the Dominican Republic’s new constitution, amended last January.

Rosario said that despite speaking with legislators about the absolutely shameful and embarrassing amount of mistakes, the majority passed the document.

In the same press conference, Rosario Candelier said that the teaching of Spanish language in the country is a failure, due to the fact that teachers throughout the nation are ill-prepared, the hours dedicated to Spanish classes minimal, text books are outdated and there are zero reading habits among both teachers and students.
The Dominican Republic has an illiteracy rate of 84.4%.

The Ministry of Education has released a statement saying “We believe the considerations of the academy to be very sensible, and the National Council for Education will look into these criticisms and will keep them in consideration.” The spokesman for the ministry, Melanio Paredes added that the ministry has already scheduled meetings with Rosario Candelier to discuss possible strategies, content, and the emphasis of Spanish education in the nation’s schools.

Though we weren’t looking hard for all of the 200, at the time of publication, HS-News was able to spot several gaffes in the text of the constitution found in a few websites, including official sources.
Someone point these politicians to the spell check button, for the love of god and country.

Source: Hispanically Speaking News

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Castro calls Dominican Republic meeting for Haiti a "deceitful maneuver”

Cuban leader Fidel Castro on Friday criticized ex U.S. president Bill Clinton for "lying" about the aid to rebuild Haiti and about the international medical assistance currently being sent to that to fight the cholera epidemic.

In an article published today titled "The lies of Clinton," Cuba’s ex- president also called the meeting of the Haiti Interim Reconstruction Commission (CIRH) held Wednesday in Santo Domingo, a "deceitful maneuver," which in his view solved "absolutely nothing."

According to Castro, after the meeting Clinton – the UN special envoy for Haiti- admitted that only 897 million dollars have been disbursed of the more than 5.7 billion pledged for Haiti for the 2010-2011 period for the country’s post quake reconstruction, bug even those 897 million, “are nowhere to be seen."

The Cuban leader also accuses the ex President of disdaining the work by the Cuban medical crews and from other nations of the region which crisscross that impoverished country.

"Clinton with his lies tries to ignore the work of the thousands of Cuban and Latin American doctors, nurses and technicians who are bearing the brunt in the battle to defeat the epidemic in the only possible manner, which is by penetrating the country’s most isolated corners."

Castro begins his article assuring that "it’s really sad to have to rebuke him," describes Clinton as "an man with a goodhearted aspect."

Source: Dominican Today

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Lawmakers pact to squash Dominican Republic education push

The opposition PRSC party announced an agreement with the pro-government bloc led by the  PLD, to approve the bill of the 2011 Budget, which will not include the allocation of 4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for education, as the Law stipulates.

In a press conference together with Senate president and PLD General Secretary Reinaldo Pared, PRSC spokesman Ramon Rogelio Genao said the pact “For a dignified and quality education” stipulates a gradual increase of the funds allocated to the education sector until reaching 5.5% of the GDP.

The agreement would pave the way for the bill of the 2011 Budget to cruise through the Chamber session which started at 1:30 p.m., from its original schedule 10 a.m., a delay prompted by the meetings between Pared, Chamber of Deputies president Abel Martinez and the PRSC deputies.

The development comes after several ruling party deputies voiced their support for the 4% campaign by voting against the piece, but according to reports, PLD leaders subsequently pressed them to tow the party line.

Outside Congress meanwhile a large crowd continues to tinge the area yellow, the color of the weeks long campaign being waged by the Dignified Education Coalition, to demand enforcement of the Education law.

Source: Dominican Today

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Georgia, Dominican Republic establish diplomatic relations

Georgia and Dominican Republic have signed a protocol on establishing diplomatic relations.

In line with the protocol, the  establishment of diplomatic relations, serves the interests of the peoples of the two countries. In the relations with each other, the sides will adhere to principles of sovereign equality, friendly relations, respect to territorial integrity and inviolability of state borders.

In line with international practice, the parties informed the UN Secretary General about establishment of diplomatic relations. The ceremony was held in New York, at the Georgian permanent office.

Source: News AZ

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Fun-Fun Cave ‘perfect’ for adventure travel in Dominican Republic

Fun-Fun Cave in Hato Mayor is ideal for adventure travel in the Dominican Republic, according to the Caribbean nation's Ministry of Tourism.

Holidaymakers enjoying adventure travel in the Dominican Republic, part of the island of Hispaniola, are told to consider a trip to Fun-Fun Cave in order to take in the sights of one of the world's largest natural formations.

"Descend by rope to see beautiful colourful tunnels and gigantic corridors, stalactites and stalagmites, petroglyphs, cave art and the magical whisper of an underground river," the tourism authority suggests.

Trips to the cave are likely to take a full day but can be embarked upon from a number of different locations.

Among these are Santo Domingo, Juan Dolio, Punta Cana, Boca Chica and Bavaro, providing a choice of starting point for travellers staying in different areas.

Reaching the mouth of the cave itself could prove to be an adventure, with a horse ride followed by a walk through humid woodlands in the forest Las Haitises.

Source: Dominican Republic Hotels and Resorts

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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Promotion can squeeze more dollars our of golf tourism, official says

The country boasts a wide variety of golf courses in different tourist regions, but needs at least US$5 million yearly to promote the activities in the country and profit from the upscale lifestyle to attract the tourists which generate the most currencies.

Tourism vice-minister Magaly Toribio made the affirmation in the Dominican Golf Forum sponsored the by the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (Funglode) in Casa de Campo.

She said the country’s 31 golf courses were designed by the world’s most prestigious firms and 28 of them are capable of lodging tourists. “These golf courses benefit the country because the golfer-tourist spends much more than the traditional tourist, and when a foreigner arrives at a destination that has a golf course, aside from giving the hotel more prestige it also generates more income because the golf tourist is the one which spends the most when they go on vacation.”

The official said Tourism began to promote the country’s golf courses more than two years ago. “We expect that this is going to help us in the quality and spending of the tourist in Dominican Republic, which is very important.”

Toribio said the amount that number of golfers who come to the country has considerably increased since Dominican Republic is being promoted as a golf destination, which has spurred investors to come here.
Despite not having current statistics, she said nearly 500,000 passengers come here to golf, which in her view may explain that this year tourist arrivals climbed nearly 4% compared with last year.

Source: Dominican Today

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Dominican Republic’s construction industry consumed 2.7M tons of cement

Cement sales reached nearly 2.7 million tons in 2010, and 260,000 of that just in November, figures which most accurately evaluate the health of the country’s construction industry.


Cement sales and consumption were around 5.3% higher this year, climbing from a demand of nearly 2.7 million tons last year to nearly 2.8 million tons in 2010.

The Dominican Cement Producers Association’s optimism with the industry’s first quarter performance wasn’t in vain, as demand rose an average of 11,900 tons daily.

Daily consumption however, fell 10,600 tons from June to November, a decline as high as 10%, a noticeable lull in demand between one quarter to another.

The cement makers revealed that the highest consumption was mostly in bulk sales (77% versus 23% for bagged), which in its view suggests that the current large construction works spurred the growth of the demand.

They added that while they don’t expect considerable changes by yearend, they do expect 2011 to be a year of many challenges for the cement sector and the construction industry.

Source: Dominican Today

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Monday, December 13, 2010

Kids get Spain’s Royal Soccer coaching in Carol Morgan School

Trainers from Spain’s Royal Soccer Federation School, RFEF, offered workshops to the children of the School of International Soccer, which operates in the Carol Morgan School, in addition to offering training for all Dominican Republic’s soccer coaches.

The intensive course on soccer’s technical aspects was taught by the RFEF trainers Eduardo Valcárcel, Carlos Albert, Alexander Pividal and Santiago Moreda, in the hotel BQ Santo Domingo.

Children 7 or older of the School of International of Soccer received exclusive training on Saturday 11 from 9 a.m. 12:30 p.m., in the facilities of the Carol Morgal School.

Source: Dominican Today

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Studies confirm paltry wages, union leader says

The president of the federation of Dominican worker’s unions grouped in the CNTD on Sunday revealed that studies prove that the country’s current wages don’t correspond with the level of capacity of the different professionals.

Jacobo Ramos said most of Dominican Republic’s professionals are undervalued, forcing many to immigrate to other markets to seek better salaries and working conditions.

The union leader placed the local professionals’ average monthly wage from RD$18,000 to RD$30,000, noting that government employees are the most capable of earning higher salaries. “But we do have distortions within the Government structure, with people with functions who earn a salary above other officials with senior hierarchy and even more than the President himself.”

As to the private sector he said it’s widely known that professional wages are highly reduced, which has led the CNTD to constantly press for a change in the country’s current wage structure, but regrets that whenever the talk turns to changing the Labor Code, employers speak only of a reform for their benefit.

Source: Dominican Today

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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Xstrata plans to double nickel mine output by 2016

Dow Jones reported that Xstrata Plc plans to double nickel mine output by 2016. Falcondo, in the Dominican Republic, is on track to ramp up to 50% capacity, roughly 14,000 tonnes a year, of nickel in ferronickel by 2011, and the Koniambo, New Caledonia, nickel project is 65% complete and on track for a 2012 start date and capacity of 60,000 tonnes.

The miner has three additional nickel projects in feasibility; Kabanga, Tanzania, planned to start in 2014 with capacity of 40,000 to 45,000 tons; Fraser Morgan, to start in 2012 with capacity of 6,000 tonnes and a return to 100% capacity at Falcondo by 2016.

Mr Ian Pearce head of Xstrata's nickel division said that there are four additional projects in feasibility and scoping stage. Pearce noted nickel pig iron is now a permanent component of elastic nickel supply.

Xstrata said in the short and medium term the availability of nickel supply means prices will be driven cash costs. In 2009, Xstrata produced 88,577 tonnes of refined nickel production.

The company also said that a post tax non cash impairment charge of USD 440 million will be reflected in its results for the year ending December 31st 2010, following a review of the Araguaia, Brazil nickel project.

It added that the impairment is primarily due to the company giving more priority to other growth projects in its nickel pipeline, including Koniambo, Kabanga, and the 50% capacity restart of Falcondo.

Source: Steelguru

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Dominican Republic passes 2011 Budget of US$10.0B

he Senate declared urgent the bill for the 2011 Budget of RD$390 billion (US$10.0 billion) and approved it in two consecutive roll calls around Friday noon, with 24 votes to 3, as senators from Peravia province Wilton Guerrero; from Espaillat, Jose Rafael Vargas, and from Monte Plata, Charlie Mariotti.

The piece was approved with changes to earmark allotments for the Constitutional Court, the Superior Electoral Court and the Ombudsperson.

The 2011 Budget and was formulated based on a 4.50% average rate of inflation, an average projected exchange rate of 39 pesos per dollar, and an average crude price of US$84.50 per barrel.

Source: Dominican Today

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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Aviation chief says Dominican airspace shut to drugs, not the coasts

Dominican Civil Aviation Institution  (IDAC) director Jose Tomas Perez affirmed Tuesday here that Dominican Republic’s airspace is definitively closed to drug trafficking and asked the government to control the coasts to keep the drug smugglers from using that route“We have controlled the entry of drugs to the Dominican Republic through the sky almost totally. I can assure you that at this moment, specifically in October, the entry of airplanes is zero,” he said.

The official, a member of the PLD’s Political Committee, the ruling party’s top echelon, based his affirmation on a report provided him by the United States Southern Command, whose radar blips he says don’t show a single drug trafficking aircraft flying into Dominican Republic.

“When we arrived in IDAC two or three years ago the number of airplanes which entered the country with drugs was between 180 and 190 per year. The report we have for September and October shows zero entries by the aerial route.”

He said the Southern Command report surprised him because practically all the radar blips (illegal flights) have been detoured toward Honduras. “But the drugs continue entering the country by sea and naturally we must close that route and when we close it, criminality will fall more than 50% in the entire country.”

Source: Dominican Today

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Orego-Stim products launched in Dominican Republic

Nearly 100 people from the agribusiness sector attended a seminar at which the main speaker on Orego-Stim was Dr Alfonso Diaz from Colombia.

The seminar was organized by the Meriden Animal Health Ltd distributor Simtec S.A. According to Javier Sicard, CEO, the seminar was a huge success and "we look forward to working with Meriden Animal Health Limited in developing this exciting market."

Orego-Stim is the 100 per cent natural feed additive/flavour used globally in the diets of a variety of commercial livestock species to enhance and maximise overall performance, increasing financial returns.

Orego-Stim not only improves the functioning of the gut, but is renowned for other interesting properties.

Source: Dominican Today

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Friday, December 10, 2010

17-Year-Old Dominican Republic National Signed For $2.9 Million

A 17-year-old Dominican Republic baseballer, Esteilo Peguero, has been signed to a whopping $2.9 million deal by The Mariners.

The eye popping deal is only the fourth highest ever paid to an international prospect in history. Peguero was a top prospect in the DR, according to Baseball America.

Ben Badler of Baseball America reports that Peguero is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound shortstop with `good bat speed` who`s likely to move to second or third base eventually. Earlier this year the Toronto Blue Jays gave right-hander Adonis Cardona of Venezuela a $2.8 million bonus.

The Mariners also signed Dominican outfielder Phillips Castillo for $2.2 million in July, giving the team two of the best hitters in the international amateur ranks.

Source: Caribbean World News

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Dominican Republic GDP to grow 7%, “in worse of cases”

Despite a very difficult and complex year with many discussions on the foreign debt and going through a post crisis period, the Product Gross Domestic (GDP) will grow this year, in the worse of cases, around 7%, Central banker Héctor Valdez Albizu revealed yesterday.

He said according to the Monthly Economic Activity Index the GDP will grow 7.5% by October, for which the GDP will close between 7 and 7.4 percent for December. "That’s to say, that we are closing with good year and the most important manifestation has been that we have reached in very short period, what we economists call the potential capacity of the economy in terms of recovery."

He said in real terms the GDP had grown 7.6% in the January-September period, above the International Monetary Fund’s projections, which have been reviewed three times this year.

Speaking with reporters in a Christmas gathering Valdez Albizu said the economy’s growth has been reached with a strong push of credit for the private sector, which has grown 18% above the estimates of the authorities, adding however that, "that isn’t sometimes good because it can provoke unnecessary pressures on prices."

Source: Dominican Today

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Dominican Republic pension funds top US$333.2M, 7% of GDP

The accumulated pension funds will reach RD$120.0 billion (US$333.2 million, around 7% of the Gross Domestic Product, GDP) this year, and are expected to surpass RD$150.0 billion for 2011.

Pensions superintendent Joaquin Geronimo provided the figures yesterday, and said for 2014 the funds will total nearly RD$300 billion, or 12% of the GDP.

The official said however that what’s important in the pension funds isn’t to count the money, because it grows RD$2.0 billion every month, with interests added, but to assure that they serve to guarantee the workers security in the future and wellbeing in the present.

Geronimo added that it’s not enough to guarantee a worthy pension at the time of an affiliate’s retirement if those funds don’t help to improve the economy and the population’s living conditions, by investing them in productive activities, such as in the promotion of housing for workers.

Source: Dominican Today

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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Dominican Republic steel mill converts to natural gas

Dominican Republic’s only steel mill (METALDOM) swapped fuel oil for natural gas to fire its furnace, at a cost of more than US$2 million.

The company said the conversion seeks to reduce the effect of greenhouse gases and improve air in quality in the capital, responding to Metaldom’s sustainability policy developed several years ago.
Plant executive vice president Eduardo Gisbert said the intention is to make Metaldom one of the most efficient companies with low environmental impact levels and reveals the importance for the industry’s change to natural gas.

“Our company wants to improve its development from a perspective of responsibility with our employees as well as with the community and the environment, for which Metaldom is making the necessary changes in the matter of energy, safety, cleanliness, among others,” the executive added.

Source: Dominican Today

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JetBlue soars on Dominican Republic’s thriving tourism, economy

The expansion of tourism and other economic activities in Caribbean and Latin American countries has become the key for carriers such as JetBlue’s notable growth.

The stability shown by nations such as Dominican Republic despite the recent global financial crisis and a rising consumption capacity y the people in the region forms part of the favorable indicators which the multinational company has taken into account to increase its number of flights here.

“Right now we have an average of 20 daily flights during spring here and more than 25 daily flights during the summer’s arrival,” said Robin Hayes, vice president of JetBlue, which has operations in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata and La Romana.

He said JetBlue plans to increase the number of flights between Republic Dominicana and Puerto Rico, in spite of the high taxes to fly between such close destinations.

The executive revealed that for the following spring the carrier will increase its flights from two to three daily, in response to the demand, although the San Juan-Santo Domingo fare is “undoubtedly” the Caribbean’s most expensive. “The Caribbean market is very competitive and the governments often see this as an opportunity to generate more income. But they must learn to see the flow of passengers as an opportunity to let an economy entire grow and not only tax collections.”

Hayes, interviewed by listin.com.do along with the executives Scott M. Laurence and Chad Meyersonn in the airline’s local offices, noted that the country’s airports charge increasingly higher fees, which Laurence affirmed that when combined with the taxes, are key to the airline’s decisions to add or eliminate flights in JetBlue destinations. “We’re very happy with the services we have in the country. We thank the entire population for using our services. We aim to continue growing in this nation.”

Source: Dominican Today

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Dominican Republic protests flood the Web, cross oceans

From overpasses in the sultry Dominican capital to parks in chilly Madrid and New York, the "Yellow Monday" protest to demand that the Government allocate four percent of the GDP for education snowballed since the early hours on Monday, supported by people at work, schools and other activities, featuring a yellow article of garment or on vehicles.

This grass roots campaign of civil society has received the support of businesses, churches, opposition political parties, organizations and the population.

Many commuters wearing yellow t-shirts and scarves were seen in the city’s avenues, where even the moto-taxis joined in on the protest, which has also flooded Facebook and Twitter, as users change their profile photo to a yellow tinge.

Source: Dominican Today

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Barcelo opens Bavaro Palace Deluxe mega resort in Dominican Republic

Boasting an innovative Club House and Entertainment District unlike any other, in addition to a variety of suites to accommodate families and singles alike, the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe has opened the doors to it’s all-new, all inclusive mega resort.

The all-new Club House offers state of the art entertainment and unlimited dining options promising guests an experience unlike any other. Inspired by the lights, glamour and style of Las Vegas, the Club House theater is the place to be for spectacular nightlife. Additionally, the Club House boasts a nightclub, casino and shopping district with 16 stores for guests to enjoy the all-inclusive experience of their dreams. Sip on an original Barcelo cocktail while a live DJ spins today’s hottest dance beats in the nightclub, or try your luck on both slot machines and table games in the 24-hour casino.

The dining selection offered throughout the Club House and resort is unmatched by any in the Caribbean. With an impressive selection of unique restaurants to choose from, each location is a distinctive gourmet experience allowing the guests to feel fully immersed in the culture of each restaurant. From the minimalist traditions of Japan to the sophistication of French cuisine and the fun flair of Mexican dishes, every meal is a transportation to each location.

After days spent lounging on the white sands of Bavaro Beach, named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic, and nights spent grooving in the Club House’s entertainment district, a relaxing afternoon in the spa is the perfect restoration remedy. Discover a unique spa experience in the all-new Barcelo U Spa. Featuring a state of the art wellness center, a private outdoor pool only accessible by spa guests and a full service salon, Bavaro’s U Spa is a luxurious vacation for the senses. In addition, yoga and spinning classes are offered in the fitness center which is fully equipped to maintain your workout routine while away from home.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe features three distinct upscale hotel wings consisting of: junior suites and family junior suites located right on the beach, ocean front junior suites, family rooms tucked back in their own private area, and a section of high end suites with Club Premium services - Panoramic, Master, and Presidential – also located right on the beach.

Source: Travel Daily News

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Monday, December 6, 2010

Dominican Republic named best value destination

Thousands of readers from around the world have elected the Dominican Republic (DR) as the Best Value Destination, according to Budget Travel’s “Readers Choice Awards.”

Budget Travel’s Editor in Chief, Nina Willdorf, stopped by NBC’s “The Today Show,” on Thursday, July 29, to announce winners of the magazine’s “Readers Choice Awards” and recognize DR as an affordable and easily-accessible destination for U.S. travelers.

The DR Minister of Tourism’s Vice Minister of International Promotion Magaly Toribio mentioned, “We are honored to be voted a ‘Best Value Destination’ by Budget Travel readers. The award is so meaningful to us because it comes from savvy travelers who have visited the DR and experienced firsthand our refreshing offerings and lively culture. The DR Ministry of Tourism will continue to exceed expectations so that visitors can enjoy our country’s diverse eco-activities, magnificent nature, world-class beaches and sophisticated accommodations to suit every budget and taste.”

Nina Willdorf, Budget Travel editor, noted, “Budget Travel readers are always looking for affordable, exotic vacation ideas and the DR was the clear front-runner in the category for best value destination. The DR is an easy island escape that’s close to home.”

“With eight international airports, the DR is an easy, direct flight from most major U.S. gateways. With sophisticated cities, resort communities and charming towns and villages in a country with warm, friendly people, the DR is receiving accolades from many top travel organizations as a must-see destination,” Toribio added.

Source:  Amber Coast Realty

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Saturday, December 4, 2010

Dominican Republic president stresses importance of education

President Leonel Fernandez of the Dominican Republic Friday highlighted the importance of education as a tool to reduce inequality during a meeting in Argentina.

Fernandez made the remarks at the 20th Ibero-American Summit held in Mar del Plata, a seaside resort in Argentina.

"There must be a connection between education and economic growth," he said, adding that "education is fundamental to protecting the growing mobility of our society."

Fernandez also downplayed the impact of economic crisis in the region, saying Latin America would soon recover to pre-crisis level as "it has maintained its macroeconomic stability and certain growth."

The two-day summit, bringing together leaders of 18 Latin American countries and their counterparts from Spain, Portugal and Andorra, will mainly focus on the themes of "education and social inclusion."

Source: English People Daily

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18 Dominican military officials detained

Authorities have detained 18 military officials and two U.S. pilots after stopping a cocaine-laden airplane from taking off, officials said Friday.

The small plane, a Short 360, was carrying 145 1-kilogram (2.2-pound) bricks of cocaine and was bound for Puerto Rico late Thursday, said Rolando Rosado Mateo, president of the National Drug Control Agency.

The officials detained include members of the drug control agency and airport security, along with a captain, three lieutenants and two lieutenant colonels.

He said agents also found $70,000 in cash inside a car that belongs to one official.

Rosado identified the pilots as Kevin Kuranz and Christopher Smith.

The plane's owner, Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Air Cargo Carriers LLC, issued a statement saying it was cooperating with U.S. and Dominican authorities.

"The company denies any knowledge in the matter and expects that its pilot and copilot, who have been detained for questioning, will be released," it said in a statement.

The Dominican Republic is a major transit point for drugs bound for the United States.

Source: Washington Post

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Thursday, December 2, 2010

Dominican Republic’s Venezuela oil tab: US$1.0B

Dominican Republic’s current debt for Venezuela’s oil is more than US$1.0 billion, that country’s ambassador in Santo Domingo Alfredo Murga revealed Wednesday.


He stressed however that the framework for the Petrocaribe agreement stipulates that the group of oil bills will be paid under conditions he described as very special, with solidarity and cooperation between both nations.
In that regard the diplomat said from now all fuel supply debts will be related since Venezuela has a 49 percent stake in the country’s refinery, Refidomsa.

Murga added that Caracas, through its State owned PDVSA, acquired the Refidomsa shares in a deal the diplomat expects means good business which in addition to easing the Dominicans’ weakness in energy, would also give Venezuela the opportunity to place its crude in the Eastern Caribbean market.

Source: Dominican Today

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Wikileaks benefit Dominican Republic, prestigious entity says

Institutionalism and Justice Foundation (Finjus) executive director Serbio Tulio Castaños affirmed Tuesday that the Wikileaks revelations on the United States diplomatic policy concerning Dominican Republic are favorable because they may clarify many cases which had remained in silence.

He cited the cases of visas of government and military officials that may have been canceled, information which if revealed could lead to investigations and subsequent prosecutions.

He noted however that there’s nothing new in knowing that type handling of United States diplomatic policy since the problem isn’t Dominican Republic, but that country instead. "It’s not as negative as the world sees it because interesting things could occur, beneficial for the country."

As to the possible extradition request for Eddy Brito by Puerto Rican authorities, Castaños said it’s normal that the authorities of both countries work together to dismantle the structures of organized crime.

He said it would be beneficial to reveal the names of those who belong to Dominican institutions by Puerto Rico’s authorities, acknowledging that they have been more active in dismantling drug trafficking structures.

Source: Dominican Today

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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Dominican teen wins international peace prize

Sixteen-year-old Francia Simon from the Dominican Republic won the International Children's Peace Prize for campaigning for better access to health care and education.

Simon, who lives in a sugar plantation community, won the award for helping 136 children obtain birth certificates, without which it is impossible to access health care and education in the Caribbean nation.

"Without a certificate, you are not a person," said Simon, who was dressed in the white, red and blue colours of her country.

"You are the flag for thousands of children in the world," said Guatemalan
1992 Nobel Peace laureate Rigoberta Menchu Tum during the award ceremony.

The International Children's Peace Prize, awarded by the Dutch foundation KidsRight, includes a donation of 100,000 euros (132,000 dollars) to projects connected with the winner's activities.


Source: Channel News Asia


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Association for the Sustainable Development of Sosua schedules general public meeting

The Association for the Sustainable Development of Sosua is holding a general public meeting on Thursday, December 2, starting at 5 p.m. sharp.

For the people interested in the future development of Sosua, whether as a business or individual, this is a good opportunity to learn about future developments and have your input.

During the activity, to be held at the Beach House restaurant in Sea Horse Ranch, the presentations by the various committees and the schedule of next year's plans will also be discussed.

Source: Dominican Today

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Dominican Republic has fewer poor this year, report

Dominican Republic will reduce its poverty index 3.2 points from 44.3% to 41.1%, this year, says a report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (Cepal), published yesterday in Chile.


Cepal affirms that Latin America’s vigorous economic recovery this year will prompt a fall in poverty in most of the region’s countries in 2010.

Latin America’s social panorama for 2010, presented in Santiago by Cepal Executive secretary Alicia Bárcena, projects that poverty and extreme poverty will decline 1.0 and 0.4 percentage points compared with 2009, when the global financial crisis inflicted its sharpest impact on the region.

It’s expected that 32.1% of Latin America’s inhabitants will remain in a situation of poverty and 12.9% in extreme poverty in 2010, or 180 million poor, of which 72 million would be in a situation of extreme poverty, returning to similar levels posted in 2008.

Cepal’s report highlights that despite the crisis’ strong repercussions in the region, poverty rose only one tenth of a percentage point (from 33.0% to 33.1%) in 2009.

Bárcena said the figures spark optimism that the region is again on the path to reduce poverty, a tendency which began in 2003.

“The countries of the region reveal a resilience in the social variables which hadn’t been registered in preceding crises.”

Source: Dominican Today

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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tourist arrivals climb 7.7% in October

Santo Domingo,- Nonresident tourist arrivals to Dominican Republic climbed 7.7% in October, according to a report by the Central Bank, which specifies that there were 17,866 more visitors compared with the same 2009 period.

It said the growth of the tourist flow during the January-October 2010 results from the arrival of more nonresident foreigners, or 17,205 additional tourists, “which means a variation of 9.05% compared with the same month last year, whereas nonresident Dominicans showed an increase of 1.68%.”

As to the first 10 months this year, 3,799,871 passengers arrived, or 4.26% more than the 3,644,679 which arrived in the same 2009 period.

Source: Dominican Today 
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Join Green & Black's® Organic Chocolate in the Dominican Republic

Green & Black's® Organic Chocolate, a global organic and Fair Trade Certified™ chocolate brand, announced its first ever Global Ambassador program.  The program will send ten Americans and U.K. residents on a 14 day expedition in the depths of the Dominican Republic.  Successful applicants from both the U.S. and U.K. will serve as Global Ambassadors on behalf of Green & Black's Organic Chocolate and will become an integral part of a local cocoa farming community in the Dominican Republic.  While there, Ambassadors will help build a gravity-fed water system to ensure that the residents of the community have consistent access to fresh, drinkable water. 

Qualifying Green & Black's Global Ambassadors will be those who have made a difference in their own local communities and are interested in expanding their aid to help Green & Black's improve the Dominican cocoa farming community.  From November 19, 2010 through January 3, 2011, interested individuals can visit the Green & Black's U.S. Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GreenandBlacks.US) to complete two essay questions and submit a picture showcasing support for their local cause.  Winners will be announced January 21, 2011 and the Dominican Republic experience will take place from March 26, 2011 to April 9, 2011.  Additionally, each of the winning applicants will receive $1,000 for a local-community building cause of their choice.

"Green & Black's is a Fair Trade Certified brand dedicated to empowering our cocoa growing partners to establish sustainable livelihoods and communities through agricultural and social programs," said Nicole McLaughlin, Marketing Director, U.S. Chocolate, Kraft Foods.  "Our goal is to find likeminded people who are not only dedicated to helping their own local communities, but communities across the globe.  The work they'll do and the impact they'll make will be an experience the Ambassadors and the Dominican cocoa farming community will never forget."

Source: PR Newswire

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Sunday, November 28, 2010

Ex-Dominican President Jorge Blanco in Serious Condition After Fall

Former Dominican Republic President Jorge Blanco is in grave condition at a capital clinic after falling and hitting his head, his son, the politician Orlando Jorge Mera, said Saturday.

The ex-president, 85, who governed the nation between 1982 and 1986, fell before dawn Saturday at his home and was taken in a state of coma to a clinic where he underwent surgery, his son told reporters.

“The situation is extremely grave,” Jorge Mera, secretary-general of the opposition Dominican Revolutionary Party, or PRD, to which Jorge Blanco belongs, said.

Jorge Mera said that his father “is fighting against death” at the intensive care unit of the Abel Gonzalez Clinic in the Dominican capital.

In 2007, Jorge Blanco was implanted with a valve to correct his walking difficulties caused by the hydrocephaly, or water on the brain, that he was suffering.

In addition, in 2005 the ex-Dominican president was admitted as an emergency patient due to heart problems.

Jorge Blanco was sentenced in Nov. 1987 to 20 years in prison and the payment of millions in fines for illicit enrichment while he was in office.

However, during the government of Hipolito Mejia (2000-2004), also of the PRD, Jorge Blanco was declared “not guilty” by the court, after the president in the name of the Dominican government dropped the accusations against the former head of state.

Source: Latin American Herald Tribune

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USAID helps farmers grow oregano ecologically

MONTE PLATA, Dominican Republic.- Aimed at improving the standard of living of rural families, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) spurred the establishment of 60 farms to grow oregano ecologically associated with citruses, in 8 communities of eastern Monte Plata province.

By implementing this project the USAID, in coordination with the Dominican Union of Alternative Training Schools (UDEFA) installed a green oregano distillery to extract oil, with which the 60 beneficiary growers will diversify their crops and access new markets.

The initiative, which integrated 20 farms of 10 tareas each planted with oregano and citruses, while 40 farms of 5 tareas each are in the process of forming a cooperative to jointly manage their crops, cost RD$5.6 million, with the USAID contributing 2.5 million and the rest were matching funds from the associates.
The project was developed in the towns Yamasá, Bayaguana and Sabana Grande de Boya, in one of the country’s poorest provinces.

USAID interim director James Watson said the project incorporated technologies and environment-friendly practices in the farming processes. “The USAID’s main support is to help Dominican Republic to reduce poverty and I believe that when obtaining new markets you will be able to gradually have better living conditions, and at the same time create jobs and productivity in the field.”

Source: Dominican Today

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Feud killing pits two SW towns, sparks violent protests

BARAHONA, Dominican Republic. - Police and troops patrol the dusty streets of the southwest towns Cabral and Cachón to prevent incidents sparked by the death an agronomist, gunned down Wednesday by a son a retired Police colonel.

The Police and troops were deployed in the streets of both Barahona province towns after the death of Fernelis Gomez Feliz, 51, by Roderqui Cuevas, 35, who fled the scene, and which unleashed violent protests in Cabral, torching tires blocking streets and hurling bottles and other objects.

Early Wednesday a group of people from Cabral went to the elementary school looking for students from Cachón, and pelted Cabral’s Police post with stones, a Police source said, with no injuries reported. Although Cabral and Cachón remain calm, normal activities are practically paralyzed.

The alleged killer is a son of the Police colonel Rafael Cuevas, and who allegedly had a long standing feud with his victim.

Source: Dominican Today

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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Barkhausen takes Dominican Republic Go-Kart Championship

Dominican Republic’s Go-Kart Championship season concluded last Saturday in Santo Domingo’s Kartodromo go-kart track under harsh weather, but the rains didn’t slow the drivers of the Barkhausen Racing Team, which again took the 1st Place crown.

Twelve year-old racer Diego Barkhausen again bolted from the pole position and sped to first place in both races in the Minimax Category, a victory that secures him the 2010 Rotax Max MiniMax Championship in the category for racers from 8 to 12 hears of age.

The win makes Barkhausen the only competitor with two straight 1st place finishes in the Dominican MiniMax championship in more than three years.

Source: Dominican Today

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Friday, November 26, 2010

Blast at hospital in the Dominican Republic kills at least 9

VILLA MELLA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (BNO NEWS) — An explosion and resulting fire at a hospital in the central Dominican Republic left at least nine people killed on Wednesday, the El Nuevo Diario newspaper reported on Thursday.

The explosion, believed to have been caused by a problem with electricity supply cables, happened at the Ney Arias Lora Hospital in Villa Mella. The blast and a resulting fire killed nine people and left several others injured.

Rescue teams and paramedics were rushed to the scene and so far recovered two bodies. Firefighters are still trying to get the blaze under control.

Rescue workers were able to rescue a female engineer alive but she later died due to the severity of the carbon monoxide intoxication as a result of the smoke she inhaled.

The hospital belongs to the Public Health Ministry and is located in Villa Mella, a municipality about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the Dominican capital city of Santo Domingo. The building was to be used as the headquarters for a government-sponsored program to sell medicines at a lower price.

Source: Island Crisis

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Dominicans demand more money for public schools

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Hundreds of protesters clutching yellow umbrellas are demanding the Dominican Republic spend more on public education.

The government spends only 2 percent of GDP on schools although the law requires 4 percent. The law was approved in 1997, but no administration has complied with it.

Teachers union president Radhames Camacho said Friday that just 39 percent of the country's 11,091 public primary schools have a library and only 61 percent have safe drinking water. Camacho was among the protesters holding umbrellas printed with the message: "4 percent for education."

President Leonel Fernandez has said he doesn't plan to boost spending. He says he sees no direct link between money spent and school performance.

Source: Washington Post

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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Dominican Republic Jazz Fest starts today

The organizing committee for the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival has sent the following calendar for the event starting today, November 25, to conclude the 27th.

VIP Passes to the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival in Santiago can be bought by contacting David Zinaman at 829-962-8828.  On the North Coast, please contact Jennifer Kirkman at 809-850-1234.

The Sea Horse Ranch office will also have them available as well as the evening of the performance (please bring exact change).

Each pass is $150 dollars, $50 of which will go directly to the Fundacion Educativa DR Jazz Festival.  The pass is good for all three days of the event and includes admission for Santiago and special VIP seating with complimentary drinks in Cabarete.

Whether you buy a VIP Pass or not, please come out and support the Festival and please forward this email. 

Source: Dominican Today

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Viva Residence Samana: confidence in real estate tourism

Viva Residence Las Terrenas unveiled its first units of the models in a preopening celebration where Viva Resorts Group Vice president Rafael Blanco (Papo) said shows confidence in the advance of tourism development in the country’s northeastern region.


The US$20 million investment in Viva Residence, located in the picturesque bay of Cosón, makes it the group’s second real estate tourism  development, joining Viva Residence’s Bahía Estela, located just steps away from the white sand beach project Viva Residence Las Terrenas.

Blanco showed reporters the first model villas and apartments and infrastructure including the swimming pool which winds through he project internally .

The beachfront real estate development boasts a design by the famed architect Antonio Imbert, with 76 apartments and villas.

Source: Dominican Today

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Money woes hobbles Dominican Republic Census

In a repeat of previous debacles with the census, the talliers hired to conduct this decade’s population and housing count slated to begin at 8 .a.m. today haven’t hit the streets claiming they’ve yet to be paid.

The impasse prompted Statistics Office (ONE) director Pablo Tactuk to convene a meeting of the Census Advisory Committee to analyze the situation that threatens the highly promoted count.

News source eldia.com.do reports most residents in several barrios including Cristo Rey, Simon Bolivar, Las Cañitas and Villa Carmen await to be counted, but the census takers are nowhere to be seen. It quoted El Dique Neighborhood Board president Jorge Hernandez, who said that in the barrio Los Guandules “the Census, by this time, is a failure.”

Some people trained as supervisors said they have yet to be paid and refuse to work.

Eldia.com.do adds that ONE’s sent a letter to the Presidency requesting an additional RD$565 million to conduct the Census, but the money hasn’t been disbursed. 

Source: Dominican Today

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