Dominican Today -
Kingston, Jamaica-The University of the West Indies hosted this week the launch of the Caribbean Growth Forum (CGF), a new regional platform for dialogue to foster higher levels of economic growth with opportunities for all in the region. More than 150 participants from the public and private sectors, academia, youth, and civil society joined the conference to discuss the key factors that have the greatest potential to contribute to increased growth in the region.
“The discussions we’ve had at the Forum have generated a lot of enthusiasm and fresh thinking on how we can move the growth agenda forward, “ said Professor E. Nigel Harris, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. ”We had frank conversations on actionable policies and shared examples of success stories illustrating how in the appropriate conditions change is possible. ”
The CGF is a partnership between the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in close collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Department For International Development (DFID) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The CGF will be guided strategically by a Steering Committee comprised of the Secretary General of CARICOM, the President of the CDB, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies.
“The Caribbean is a space with a rich and proud history, tradition and culture. It has a huge potential,” said Françoise Clottes, World Bank Director for the Caribbean. “It is ready to move beyond traditional markets and trade preferences and reach out into new sources of growth, exploiting its natural advantages of location, environment, political stability and democratic traditions. We have heard today very encouraging examples of how it is already happening. “
The two-day conference focused on competitiveness, innovation and entrepreneurship, and explored a broad range of issues such as how energy services can be improved in the Caribbean, what is needed to build a skilled labor market, how Caribbean governments can develop robust innovation economies, and practical steps for micro, small and medium enterprises to get improved access to finance.
“Successful implementation of far-reaching reforms requires the participation of the broadest coalition of social partners,” highlighted Warren Smith, President of the Caribbean Development Bank. “There has to be a broad-based understanding and acceptance in all sectors of Caribbean society that inaction is not an option. The Caribbean Growth Forum offers great promise for building an effective and purpose driven coalition. ”
Caribbean countries face many common challenges, such as frequent natural disasters, high poverty rates, a small size and lack of economies of scale, as well as vulnerability to external shocks. Economic growth has been structurally low in the region, and needs to become more inclusive. In addition, most countries experienced a significant economic contraction due to the 2008 global financial crisis.
In contrast to Latin America, which grew by an estimated 4. 2% in 2011, Caribbean countries only grew by an average of 2. 3%. Caribbean economies also face serious debt challenges. Public debt-to-GDP ratios have reached 100% in a number of countries in the past few years.
The CGF is a one-year initiative and will facilitate the sharing of knowledge and ideas on practical policies to stimulate sustainable and inclusive growth, and create jobs.
“We want this initiative to be truly inclusive, therefore we are inviting everyone to join the dialogue on how to generate economic growth and opportunities for all,” said Joel Branski, Country Representative, for Barbados at the IDB, “The Compete Caribbean Program has pledged its commitment to develop solid projects to support the work already started today and we will explore every avenue to stimulate growth in the Caribbean and reach out to all those other voices that are not always heard, including young people and civil society. ”
The launch of the CGF will be followed by the Digital Jam 2. 0 which will be held in Kingston on June 28-30. The focus on youth and jobs in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector is an integral part of the CGF agenda.
The delegation that participated from the Dominican Republic was composed of representatives from civil society, private sector and the media.
Read original at Dominican Today.
(Posted 17:59 Tuesday by DRSol NewsHound. Viewed 9390 times.)
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- Central banker Hector Valdez Albizu met with International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials to start the assessment on the Post-Program Monitoring, approved by its Executive Board in Washington.
Valdez said they discussed topics on the visit’s agenda, especially the year’s macroeconomic performance thus far, the implementation of short and medium term monetary and fiscal policies and the recent economic measures aimed at boosting the economy by releasing funds in banks’ reserve, and lowering Central Bank rates.
IMF delegation leader Przemek Gajdeczka was accompanied by technicians Jesús González García, Andrew Swiston, Francesco Grigoli and Nelson Sobrinho.
IMF Dominican Republic tepresentative, Mario Dehesa and Ana Beatriz Rodriguez, who represents the country at IMF headquarters in Washington, also took part in the meeting.
Read original at Dominican Today.
(Posted 15:29 Wednesday by DRSol NewsHound. Viewed 406 times.)
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo. - The new president of Dominican Republic’s Cement Producers Association (ADOCEM) on Tuesday said the cement industry works in harmony with the nation’s growth potential, whose six million ton installed capacity meets the growing local demand for the next 20 years.
Carlos Gonzalez said the Dominican Republic’s growing housing and infrastructure demand poses the need to use its resources efficiently, and develop the local industry to compete globally.
The also president of Cemex Dominican Republic spoke during his inaugural for the post replacing Osvaldo Oller, and will head ADOCEM until 2014.
Gonzalez, who’s also heads Cemex infrastructure projects and housing for South America and Caribbean region, said higher cement production could be achieved through a government working jointly with productive sectors “which such as ours has shown the ability to invest, create jobs, take risks and boost other sectors closely linked to our industry. “
He added that among their areas of work he’ll stress figure the promotion of new and more appropriate uses of cement in its various applications, and the encouragement of good practices, research and training.
Read original at Dominican Today.
(Posted 15:29 Wednesday by DRSol NewsHound. Viewed 409 times.)
Dominican Today -
Lima, Peru- Defending champion United States defeated Dominican Republic 25-12, 25-20, 25-18, for the gold medal in the Pan American Women’s Volleyball Movistar Cup night in Lima on Sunday.
The Americans’ performance was powerful show of big serves and consistent blocking.
Nicole Fawcett led the U. S. scoring with 15 points, including 6 blocks and 3 aces; Lauren Gibbemeyer added 11 with 3 blocks and Kristin Hildebrand contributed 9 and Megan Hodge 8.
Dominicans Annerys Vargas, Yonkaira Peña and Prisilla Rivera had 8 points each in the losing cause.
Read original at Dominican Today.
(Posted 15:29 Wednesday by DRSol NewsHound. Viewed 411 times.)
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- UN Program for Development (UNDP) coordinator Valerie Julliand called Dominicans a working, hospitable and caring people, with an extraordinary desire to progress and develop.
The UN official, who is leaving after concluding her tenure in the country, said she’ll always remember Dominican Republic’s solidarity as a nation to help the Haitian people in 2010 when the earthquake devastated the hemisphere’s poorest country.
Julliand said that during the more than four years as the UNDP representative she has forged her conviction that Dominicans are humane and sensitive. “During my time and my work in this country, I’ve lived a nice experience with the receptivity and warmth of you Dominicans, your desire to work, your sense of solidarity and permanent longing for progress. “
The UN official spoke during a farewell and recognition ceremony hosted by European Development Funds director Antonio Vargas.
Read original at Dominican Today.
(Posted 15:29 Wednesday by DRSol NewsHound. Viewed 415 times.)
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- Officials, military or civilian, will have to return properties they utilize illegally, after they were seized from people accused of money laundering and drug trafficking.
Justice Ministry Anti-Money Laundering Unit director German Miranda made the announcement, ??who affirmed there’ll be “no sacred cows. “
He said on in two months the authorities will count with an inventory of all assets that have been seized from criminals in Dominican Republic.
Read original at Dominican Today.
(Posted 15:29 Wednesday by DRSol NewsHound. Viewed 418 times.)
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- The head of State-owned Electric Utility (CDEEE) on Monday announced that the Dominican government is going ahead with its plan to build two coal-fired power plants, despite the rebuke such facility will likely face on pollution concerns.
Ruben Jimenez said the government’s interest isn’t to compete with the private sector, but to lower the cost of energy instead.
The official said the credentials of the companies interested in making tender offers to build two plants of 300 megawatts each in Hatillo, San Cristobal (south), will be disclosed June 24.
Jimenez added that the plants will be owned by the State but operated by the private sector, after a call for tenders. “The State is only interested in the installation of the plants to lower the cost of electricity, provide better service and much cheaper price for the population. “
Read original at Dominican Today.
(Posted 15:29 Wednesday by DRSol NewsHound. Viewed 421 times.)
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- As of last week the National District Office of the Prosecutor and the National Police seek 5,015 people with outstanding warrants, 4,900 of which are fugitives or in contempt of court.
The National Police Fugitive Dept. says from June 2012 to date 383 people were declared fugitives, 268 of which were charged and arraigned.
National Police acknowledges that the number of men and women fugitives grows by the day, on crimes including murder, child sexual rape, theft, fraud and drug trafficking.
As to the National Police Website’s “fugitives“ link, investigators say the National District Office of the Prosecutor sends many of those cases to help them apprehend people with outstanding warrants, but some never been caught or prosecuted.
The police admit that the disorganized records on fugitives and citizens prosecuted as criminals make their detention more difficult.
Read original at Dominican Today.
(Posted 15:29 Wednesday by DRSol NewsHound. Viewed 423 times.)
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo. – The Presidency on Wednesday clarified that president Danilo Medina’s pledge of drastic measures to deal with Port-au-Prince’s ban on Dominican eggs and chickens aren’t against Haiti, but to help poultry production instead.
“At no time did the President say that drastic measures would be against anyone,“ said Presidency spokesman Robert Rodriguez, adding that fraternity reigns between Dominican Republic and Haiti, as with all people in the world.
The official statement comes in the heels of media reports that suggest the drastic measures would be against the neighboring country.
In the National Palace press conference, the Presidency’s spokesman said the Dominican government “doesn’t harbor“ the slightest feeling of hostility toward the Haitian people and that Medina’s comments on Tuesday weren’t against anyone and “must be taken in regards to poultry farmers. “
Read original at Dominican Today.
(Posted 15:29 Wednesday by DRSol NewsHound. Viewed 422 times.)
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo. – The Dominican Government today announced the construction of the third Metro (subway) line, to run from La 17 Bridge, across the Ozama river to the 14-kilometer marker on the Mella highway, next to San Luis township and the San Isidro Airbase.
Santo Domingo East mayor Juan de los Santos made the announcement Wednesday, and affirmed that it’s a day of rejoicing for the province, “because it means the start of a new era in transportation and communication. “
“President Danilo Medina has authorized us to make this announcement today on the Metro’s third line, which will connect the San Luis municipal district with Santo Domingo and the National District,“ de los Santos said in a press conference.
Read original at Dominican Today.
(Posted 14:59 Wednesday by DRSol NewsHound. Viewed 925 times.)
Dominican Today -
Amsterdam- In response to the World Bank’s latest climate change report, Turn Down The Heat: Climate Extremes, Regional Impacts, and the Case for Resilience, Greenpeace International climate campaigner Stephanie Tunmore said:
“Fossil fuels are being extracted and burned in the name of development and prosperity, but what they are delivering is the opposite, as the World Bank’s report so clearly underlines.
“Bold action is needed from all governments, and the World Bank must lead the way by shifting all its energy financing from fossil fuels to renewables and energy efficiency. These are the only solutions that can truly end poverty and avert catastrophic climate change. ??
“Some major impacts from climate change are already unavoidable and rich countries must urgently support the poor and vulnerable to adapt. But massive increases in the future costs of adaptation and damage can only be avoided by investing in a clean energy future now. “
Contact:
?Stephanie Tunmore, Greenpeace International climate campaigner: +44 7796 947 451 or stephanie. tunmore@greenpeace. org?
Read original at Dominican Today.
(Posted 13:29 Wednesday by DRSol NewsHound. Viewed 2421 times.)
.png){kind=small}
Dominican Today -
Kingston, Jamaica-The University of the West Indies hosted this week the launch of the Caribbean Growth Forum (CGF), a new regional platform for dialogue to foster higher levels of economic growth with opportunities for all in the region. More than 150 participants from the public and private sectors, academia, youth, and civil society joined the conference to discuss the key factors that have the greatest potential to contribute to increased growth in the region.
“The discussions we’ve had at the Forum have generated a lot of enthusiasm and fresh thinking on how we can move the growth agenda forward, “ said Professor E. Nigel Harris, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. ”We had frank conversations on actionable policies and shared examples of success stories illustrating how in the appropriate conditions change is possible. ”
The CGF is a partnership between the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in close collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Department For International Development (DFID) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The CGF will be guided strategically by a Steering Committee comprised of the Secretary General of CARICOM, the President of the CDB, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies.
“The Caribbean is a space with a rich and proud history, tradition and culture. It has a huge potential,” said Françoise Clottes, World Bank Director for the Caribbean. “It is ready to move beyond traditional markets and trade preferences and reach out into new sources of growth, exploiting its natural advantages of location, environment, political stability and democratic traditions. We have heard today very encouraging examples of how it is already happening. “
The two-day conference focused on competitiveness, innovation and entrepreneurship, and explored a broad range of issues such as how energy services can be improved in the Caribbean, what is needed to build a skilled labor market, how Caribbean governments can develop robust innovation economies, and practical steps for micro, small and medium enterprises to get improved access to finance.
“Successful implementation of far-reaching reforms requires the participation of the broadest coalition of social partners,” highlighted Warren Smith, President of the Caribbean Development Bank. “There has to be a broad-based understanding and acceptance in all sectors of Caribbean society that inaction is not an option. The Caribbean Growth Forum offers great promise for building an effective and purpose driven coalition. ”
Caribbean countries face many common challenges, such as frequent natural disasters, high poverty rates, a small size and lack of economies of scale, as well as vulnerability to external shocks. Economic growth has been structurally low in the region, and needs to become more inclusive. In addition, most countries experienced a significant economic contraction due to the 2008 global financial crisis.
In contrast to Latin America, which grew by an estimated 4. 2% in 2011, Caribbean countries only grew by an average of 2. 3%. Caribbean economies also face serious debt challenges. Public debt-to-GDP ratios have reached 100% in a number of countries in the past few years.
The CGF is a one-year initiative and will facilitate the sharing of knowledge and ideas on practical policies to stimulate sustainable and inclusive growth, and create jobs.
“We want this initiative to be truly inclusive, therefore we are inviting everyone to join the dialogue on how to generate economic growth and opportunities for all,” said Joel Branski, Country Representative, for Barbados at the IDB, “The Compete Caribbean Program has pledged its commitment to develop solid projects to support the work already started today and we will explore every avenue to stimulate growth in the Caribbean and reach out to all those other voices that are not always heard, including young people and civil society. ”
The launch of the CGF will be followed by the Digital Jam 2. 0 which will be held in Kingston on June 28-30. The focus on youth and jobs in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector is an integral part of the CGF agenda.
The delegation that participated from the Dominican Republic was composed of representatives from civil society, private sector and the media.
Read original at 
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- Central banker Hector Valdez Albizu met with International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials to start the assessment on the Post-Program Monitoring, approved by its Executive Board in Washington.
Valdez said they discussed topics on the visit’s agenda, especially the year’s macroeconomic performance thus far, the implementation of short and medium term monetary and fiscal policies and the recent economic measures aimed at boosting the economy by releasing funds in banks’ reserve, and lowering Central Bank rates.
IMF delegation leader Przemek Gajdeczka was accompanied by technicians Jesús González García, Andrew Swiston, Francesco Grigoli and Nelson Sobrinho.
IMF Dominican Republic tepresentative, Mario Dehesa and Ana Beatriz Rodriguez, who represents the country at IMF headquarters in Washington, also took part in the meeting.
Read original at 
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo. - The new president of Dominican Republic’s Cement Producers Association (ADOCEM) on Tuesday said the cement industry works in harmony with the nation’s growth potential, whose six million ton installed capacity meets the growing local demand for the next 20 years.
Carlos Gonzalez said the Dominican Republic’s growing housing and infrastructure demand poses the need to use its resources efficiently, and develop the local industry to compete globally.
The also president of Cemex Dominican Republic spoke during his inaugural for the post replacing Osvaldo Oller, and will head ADOCEM until 2014.
Gonzalez, who’s also heads Cemex infrastructure projects and housing for South America and Caribbean region, said higher cement production could be achieved through a government working jointly with productive sectors “which such as ours has shown the ability to invest, create jobs, take risks and boost other sectors closely linked to our industry. “
He added that among their areas of work he’ll stress figure the promotion of new and more appropriate uses of cement in its various applications, and the encouragement of good practices, research and training.
Read original at 
Dominican Today -
Lima, Peru- Defending champion United States defeated Dominican Republic 25-12, 25-20, 25-18, for the gold medal in the Pan American Women’s Volleyball Movistar Cup night in Lima on Sunday.
The Americans’ performance was powerful show of big serves and consistent blocking.
Nicole Fawcett led the U. S. scoring with 15 points, including 6 blocks and 3 aces; Lauren Gibbemeyer added 11 with 3 blocks and Kristin Hildebrand contributed 9 and Megan Hodge 8.
Dominicans Annerys Vargas, Yonkaira Peña and Prisilla Rivera had 8 points each in the losing cause.
Read original at 
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- UN Program for Development (UNDP) coordinator Valerie Julliand called Dominicans a working, hospitable and caring people, with an extraordinary desire to progress and develop.
The UN official, who is leaving after concluding her tenure in the country, said she’ll always remember Dominican Republic’s solidarity as a nation to help the Haitian people in 2010 when the earthquake devastated the hemisphere’s poorest country.
Julliand said that during the more than four years as the UNDP representative she has forged her conviction that Dominicans are humane and sensitive. “During my time and my work in this country, I’ve lived a nice experience with the receptivity and warmth of you Dominicans, your desire to work, your sense of solidarity and permanent longing for progress. “
The UN official spoke during a farewell and recognition ceremony hosted by European Development Funds director Antonio Vargas.
Read original at 
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- Officials, military or civilian, will have to return properties they utilize illegally, after they were seized from people accused of money laundering and drug trafficking.
Justice Ministry Anti-Money Laundering Unit director German Miranda made the announcement, ??who affirmed there’ll be “no sacred cows. “
He said on in two months the authorities will count with an inventory of all assets that have been seized from criminals in Dominican Republic.
Read original at 
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- The head of State-owned Electric Utility (CDEEE) on Monday announced that the Dominican government is going ahead with its plan to build two coal-fired power plants, despite the rebuke such facility will likely face on pollution concerns.
Ruben Jimenez said the government’s interest isn’t to compete with the private sector, but to lower the cost of energy instead.
The official said the credentials of the companies interested in making tender offers to build two plants of 300 megawatts each in Hatillo, San Cristobal (south), will be disclosed June 24.
Jimenez added that the plants will be owned by the State but operated by the private sector, after a call for tenders. “The State is only interested in the installation of the plants to lower the cost of electricity, provide better service and much cheaper price for the population. “
Read original at 
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- As of last week the National District Office of the Prosecutor and the National Police seek 5,015 people with outstanding warrants, 4,900 of which are fugitives or in contempt of court.
The National Police Fugitive Dept. says from June 2012 to date 383 people were declared fugitives, 268 of which were charged and arraigned.
National Police acknowledges that the number of men and women fugitives grows by the day, on crimes including murder, child sexual rape, theft, fraud and drug trafficking.
As to the National Police Website’s “fugitives“ link, investigators say the National District Office of the Prosecutor sends many of those cases to help them apprehend people with outstanding warrants, but some never been caught or prosecuted.
The police admit that the disorganized records on fugitives and citizens prosecuted as criminals make their detention more difficult.
Read original at 
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo. – The Presidency on Wednesday clarified that president Danilo Medina’s pledge of drastic measures to deal with Port-au-Prince’s ban on Dominican eggs and chickens aren’t against Haiti, but to help poultry production instead.
“At no time did the President say that drastic measures would be against anyone,“ said Presidency spokesman Robert Rodriguez, adding that fraternity reigns between Dominican Republic and Haiti, as with all people in the world.
The official statement comes in the heels of media reports that suggest the drastic measures would be against the neighboring country.
In the National Palace press conference, the Presidency’s spokesman said the Dominican government “doesn’t harbor“ the slightest feeling of hostility toward the Haitian people and that Medina’s comments on Tuesday weren’t against anyone and “must be taken in regards to poultry farmers. “
Read original at 
Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo. – The Dominican Government today announced the construction of the third Metro (subway) line, to run from La 17 Bridge, across the Ozama river to the 14-kilometer marker on the Mella highway, next to San Luis township and the San Isidro Airbase.
Santo Domingo East mayor Juan de los Santos made the announcement Wednesday, and affirmed that it’s a day of rejoicing for the province, “because it means the start of a new era in transportation and communication. “
“President Danilo Medina has authorized us to make this announcement today on the Metro’s third line, which will connect the San Luis municipal district with Santo Domingo and the National District,“ de los Santos said in a press conference.
Read original at 
Dominican Today -
Amsterdam- In response to the World Bank’s latest climate change report, Turn Down The Heat: Climate Extremes, Regional Impacts, and the Case for Resilience, Greenpeace International climate campaigner Stephanie Tunmore said:
“Fossil fuels are being extracted and burned in the name of development and prosperity, but what they are delivering is the opposite, as the World Bank’s report so clearly underlines.
“Bold action is needed from all governments, and the World Bank must lead the way by shifting all its energy financing from fossil fuels to renewables and energy efficiency. These are the only solutions that can truly end poverty and avert catastrophic climate change. ??
“Some major impacts from climate change are already unavoidable and rich countries must urgently support the poor and vulnerable to adapt. But massive increases in the future costs of adaptation and damage can only be avoided by investing in a clean energy future now. “
Contact:
?Stephanie Tunmore, Greenpeace International climate campaigner: +44 7796 947 451 or 