| Le Soleil Dominicain |
| "Nouvelles Quotidiennes de la Republique Dominicaine en Anglais Depuis 2004" |
| Friday, April 27th, 2012 |
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National Congress floating in cash
Story Text & Photos © 2012 by DR1 Apr 27 2012 20:31PM
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DR1 - Legislators in the DR have not had a work session in weeks, and news reports say these are not scheduled for until after the election to allow the politicians to campaign for their presidential candidates in their jurisdictions.
Meanwhile, TV investigative journalist Alicia Ortega reports this week on the high cost of the legislators to Dominican taxpayers. She pointed out on her El Informe con Alicia program that Congress in the Dominican Republic is the most costly in the Americas, on a per citizen base. She said the RD$5. 44 billion the government has allocated to Congress means each citizen pays US$15 a year to the pockets of the legislators.
The legislators were elected for six-year period in 2010. She says over the period, their budget will be over RD$33 billion.
She says the US$139 million cost for the DR is above that of Peru that pays US$110. 9 million, Costa Rica with US$76. 2 million and Uruguay with US$63. 8 million.
On a per capita base, the DR pays more than Venezuela, which although a country of 27 million compared to nine million in the DR, only spends US$13 per inhabitant.
For the report, Ortega used data provided by the Center for Research and Development of Education (CIDE) in Chile.
She made the point that the president of the Senate and three other senators monthly receive an extra of RD$900,000 allocated to enable them to make "social contributions". The rest of the legislators receive in addition to their high wages between RD$710,000 and RD$450,000. This adds up to RD$229 million in discretionary funds plus the additional RD$68 million in wages. She makes the point that the president of the Senate, Reinaldo Pared Perez (PLD-National District) receives a wage of RD$175,000 plus the RD$900,000 of the so-called "barrilito" a month. He is thus guaranteed at least RD$77. 4 million for his six-year contract in the Senate.
The 178 national deputies receive RD$87,000 for social compensation, RD$50,000 for support to legislative work, RD$35,000 for representation expenses, and RD$45,000 for diet, plus their legislative wage of RD$175,000 for an annual wage of RD$1. 05 billion a year, as reported in Diario Libre. There are 32 senators and 178 national deputies in the DR.
Read original at DR1.
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DRSol Evening Weather Summary for May 22, 2013
Story Text & Photos © 2013 by The Dominican Sun May 22 2013 23:29PM
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 The Dominican Sun - Across the Dominican Republic in the last 24 hours the highest observed temperature by DRSol was 88 at Puerto Plata International. The coolest reading came from La Romana International Airport with an overnight low of 72. Widely scattered light to moderate showers and thunderstorms were reported, and rain is being observed right now as well at Samana, La Romana International Airport, Punta Cana and Las Americas. Skies were generally mostly cloudy. Winds are averaging 12 mph from the SE, with a peak gust to 139 mph seen at 4PM this afternoon at Santiago. By the Numbers DR cities reported rain 31% of the time, and thunderstorms 18%. Average reported rainfall intensity on a scale of 0 to 100 was 38. Cloud cover totaled 60%. Click above to view summaries for the last week or last month. Last updated at 7:28PM. Read original at The Dominican Sun.
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AES supplies energy at Central America`s and the Caribbean’s most competitive prices
Story Text & Photos © 2013 by Dominican Today May 22 2013 21:59PM
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 Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- The consolidated portfolio of energy generators that the power company AES manages offer the most competitive electricity prices in the local market as well as the Central America and Caribbean region.
This was revealed by Marco De la Rosa, during breakfast the Energy Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAMDR), explaining that AES sells a kilowatt hour of electricity 26% lower than Dominican Republic’s hydroelectrics, 40 % below the average of other technologies in Central America and the Caribbean, and less than half the average price of other contracts and the local spot market.
De La Rosa attributed this competitive advantage to factors such as the technologies used by AES Dominicana’s power plants and the types of fuel, such as natural gas and coal, coupled with an efficient administrative management taking advantage of economies of scale made possible by being part of a global company such as AES Corporation.
We reaffirm AES’ long term commitment with the country to continue contributing to the development of the Dominican energy sector and improve the quality of life of the communities where we operate, in line with our corporate mission, noted De La Rosa during the activity.
In that aspect he affirmed that it’s very positive that the CDEEE has within its strategic plan to expand electricity production based on coal with the expansion of the Itabo III unit, utilizing the existing platform, which would add 300 megawatts to the National Interconnected Electric System (SENI), which will undoubtedly result in savings to the state coffers through a significant reduction in the electricity sector’s financial deficit which is covered with central government funds.
He said the energy base’s continued diversification, reduced dependence on oil, with bolstered and expanded high voltage grids and refurbished power lines, installation of meters and continuously more efficient technical management and commercial sector distribution systems, are the main challenges facing the electric power sector in the short and medium term.
Read original at Dominican Today.
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Don’t send Haitians to Dominican territory, official warns Brazil
Story Text & Photos © 2013 by Dominican Today May 22 2013 21:59PM
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 Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- Immigration Agency director on Wednesday said the country isn’t obliged to receive Haitian nationals repatriated from Brazil or other nations, if they didn’t depart from the country.
Jose Ricardo Taveras noted that in recent months Brazil has deported more than 300 Haitians who allegedly departed from Dominican Republic.
He said the country, which signed off on the International Migration Convention, is obliged to receive foreigners who’ve departed illegally from Dominican ports and airports to other nations, but if those Haitians Brazil plans repatriate didn’t leave from Dominican territory, Brasilia “could save the money of their airfare because we will not receive them here.
The official stressed that although the issue is about human beings, the country isn’t obliged to receive those who’ve traveled to Brazil from other nations.
Read original at Dominican Today.
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Former beauty queen wants quick divorce from mogul husband
Story Text & Photos © 2013 by Dominican Today May 22 2013 19:29PM
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 Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- Former beauty queen Sandra Kurdas, who accused her husband, the businessman Frank Jorge Elías with assault, said she wants to conclude their divorce soon.
I have hopes that the process will end soon, said Kurdish through on Twitter. I am very concerned that he can manipulate things to hurt me from prison. I just want live in peace and enjoy my children.
The former Miss Ohio posted photos showing bruises to her face and blames Jorge, her husband of 32 years.
The business leader is being held since Friday, when the National District Permanent Attention Court sent him to spend three months in custody at San Pedro while awaiting trial.
Read original at Dominican Today.
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Airports chief says strict security reigns over all air terminals
Story Text & Photos © 2013 by Dominican Today May 22 2013 18:59PM
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 Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- Airports Dept. director Aristides Fernandez on Wednesday said security services of quality are provided at all aerodromes operated by the Government.
He said the air terminals, from where dozens of domestic flights to Haiti and the Caribbean islands operate daily, are equipped with modern and sophisticated security and video cameras, to control all air traffic.
The official said the strict controls applied at domestic airports prevent the terminals from being used for drug smuggling and other crimes.
Our Armed Forces and Airports Department officials deployed in all aerodromes maintain absolute control of all aircraft movements and passengers, the official told reporters prior to a meeting with representatives from several agencies and the Airports Commission at the Las Americas International Airport.
Read original at Dominican Today.
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State bank announces 7. 5‰ rate for homes of up to US$97,500
Story Text & Photos © 2013 by Dominican Today May 22 2013 18:29PM
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 Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo. . - Dominican Republic’s State-owned bank (Ban-Reservas) on Wednesday announced a 7. 5% interest rate for low-cost homes of up to RD$4. 0 million (US$97,500).
Reservas administrator Vicente Bengoa said the rate, which stems from the Monetary Board’s release of bank reserves, will increase to 8% in the second year, and 8. 5% in six years.
He said industry can access loans with rates from 7 to 9%, from 7. 5 to 9% for the agro sector and 9% for consumer loans, all subject to a risk assessment on the applicant.
In a news conference held at Ban-Reservas headquarters on Churchill Av. , the official said the funds should be available by July.
Read original at Dominican Today.
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Government forks out US$135M to nix 30-year road toll contract
Story Text & Photos © 2013 by Dominican Today May 22 2013 17:29PM
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 Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- The Dominican government and the Colombian company Dominican Roads Concession (DOVICON) on Monday agreed to terminate the 30-year contract to manage the tolls on the Duarte-Puerto Plata and 6 de Noviembre (southern) highways, with a US$135 million compensation.
The details of the contract termination will reportedly be announced in the coming days and includes a US$124 million loan from the State-owned Reservas bank.
The previous administration headed by Leonel Fernández signed the contract with DOVICON, which in addition to the Duarte, called for repairs and maintenance of the country’s major northern and southern roads.
The company had agreed to spend US$400 million to recover at least US$3. 7 billion in tolls.
The contract called for DOVICON to invest US$471. 9 million to complete the work of design, of finance and to maintain the Southern and Duarte highways, while the contractor charged a toll of RD$50 in various new and current stations on both highways.
Read original at Dominican Today.
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State bank announces 7. 5‰ rate for homes of up to US$975,000
Story Text & Photos © 2013 by Dominican Today May 22 2013 17:29PM
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Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo. . - Dominican Republic’s State-owned bank (Ban-Reservas) on Wednesday announced a 7. 5% interest rate for low-cost homes of up to RD$4. 0 million (US$975,000).
Reservas administrator Vicente Bengoa said the rate, which stems from the Monetary Board’s release of bank reserves, will increase to 8% in the second year, and 8. 5% in six years.
He said industry can access loans with rates from 7 to 9%, from 7. 5 to 9% for the agro sector and 9% for consumer loans, all subject to a risk assessment on the applicant.
In a news conference held at Ban-Reservas headquarters on Churchill Av. , the official said the funds should be available by July.
Read original at Dominican Today.
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Government measures spur Banesco bank to expand
Story Text & Photos © 2013 by Dominican Today May 22 2013 16:59PM
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 Dominican Today -
Santo Domingo- Banesco bank CEO Juan Carlos Escotet on Wednesday said the Monetary Board’s decisions and changes implemented point to the growth of financial intermediaries, prompting them to expand their business in the Dominican Republic.
Escotet, who met with president Danilo Medina in National Palace, said the bank will open three new branches this year, for a total of 14 nationwide.
He said Banesco’s Dominican bank assets exceed US$34. 0 billion in the seven countries it operates, with more than 7. 0 million clients.
Banesco executives and government officials also attended the meeting.
Read original at Dominican Today.
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Lunchtime Weather Report on this May 22, 2013
Story Text & Photos © 2013 by The Dominican Sun May 22 2013 16:29PM
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 The Dominican Sun - Across the Dominican Republic in the last 24 hours the highest observed temperature by DRSol was 88 at Santiago. The coolest reading came from La Isabella with an overnight low of 72. A few spotty light to moderate showers and thunderstorms were reported, and rain is being observed right now as well at Samana, Punta Cana, Las Americas and La Isabella. Skies were generally partly cloudy. Winds are averaging 11 mph from the SE, with a peak gust to 127 mph seen at 8PM last night at Punta Cana. By the Numbers DR cities reported rain 17% of the time, and thunderstorms 7%. Average reported rainfall intensity on a scale of 0 to 100 was 44. Cloud cover totaled 54%. Click above to view summaries for the last week or last month. Last updated at 12:28PM. Read original at The Dominican Sun.
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