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search Fire In Playa Dorada - Weekend News August 17th. 2008
http://elnacional.com.do/article.aspx?id=54962 http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/noticias/nacionales/Agosto2008/incendioelpueblitodejopredidas.htm http://www2.elnuevodiario.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=115182 http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/08/incendio-provoca-prdidas-millonarias-en.html Costambar Pollution To Be Measured
http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/08/instalan-medidores-contaminacin.html http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/08/resumen-lo-que-est-pasando-en-puerto_13.html http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/noticias/nacionales/Agosto2008/apagonescausanprotestageneral.htm Swiss Robbed
Swiss resident of Puerto Plata Marck López was robbed of RD$6800 whilst in a shop in Plaza Turisol last weekend. http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/noticias/nacionales/Agosto2008/desconocidosrobanentienda.htm http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/08/resumen-lo-que-est-pasando-en-puerto.html Fake Employment Agency Puerto Plata
It appears that a fake employment agency was operating out of an accountant's office in Calle Separacion, Puerto Plata. The defrauded paid 500 pesos to sign up for jobs in a large hotel in the east of the DR which allegedly had some 2000 vacancies to fill. But the jobs turned out to be non-existent. This item was reported on local radio on the Así son las Cosas programme. http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/08/reclutadora-de-empleos-enga-muchos-en.html Italian Tourists Die In Bus Crash
'At least 20 people including Italian tourists were killed Friday when two buses collided head-on in the Dominican Republic, an official said. A car was also involved in the crash on a highway between the eastern cities of La Romana and Higuey, said Latif Mahfoud Rodriguez, director of the country's Transportation Authority. Ambulances and helicopters transferred some of the wounded to local hospitals. Mahfoud said at least 20 people died. Preliminary reports indicated four Italians were killed, he said.' Very graphic video is available on Remolacha.net and You Tube. The tragic story continues here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080815/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/dominican_bus_crash_3 Fay Fatalities
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2008/08/16/6473716-ap.html 2 Generals 1 Colonel 1 Fiscal
'A mixed commission of high ranking military and drug enforcement (DNCD) officers is investigating eight officers from the military services and the National Police, including two colonels that are under extradition requests from the United States due to their alleged ties to drug trafficking. Information obtained by Diario Libre at the DNCD reveals that the arrested officers under investigation are two colonels, a captain, and a major from the Navy, and two Army officers and two police officers.' This relates to the Bani massacre and the subsequent information submitted by Senator Wilton Guerrero as to local official complicity. Questions as to the neutrality of the investigators do not appear to have been raised but have probably been answered by the fact that the investigating commission found no links between the military officials and the narco-industry. A Diario Horizonte headline says that the Commission found that Senator Guerrero was wrong! Meanwhile, President Leonel's inauguration speech on Saturday warned drug and crime bosses that they would not be functioning here in the DR which must have caused a certain amount of humour among those circles or those linked to them who were in the audience............... Read developments in the English language version of Diario Libre: http://www3.diariolibre.com/noticias_det.php?id=29091 http://www3.diariolibre.com/noticias_det.php?id=29090 http://www.diariohorizonte.com/view/articulo.aspx?articleid=20261&zoneid=32 http://www.clavedigital.com/App_Pages/portada/Titulares.aspx?Id_Articulo=14757 http://www.clavedigital.com/App_Pages/Portada/EditorialA.aspx?Id_Articulo=6386 http://www.clavedigital.com/App_Pages/portada/Titulares.aspx?Id_Articulo=14748 RD$100,000 Reward For Killing Police Officer
Criminals in Villa Altagracia are apparently offering RD$100,000 reward for the revenge killing of police officers who killed two alleged drug dealers in a shootout. http://www.diariohorizonte.com/view/articulo.aspx?articleid=20204&zoneid=32 Former Olympic Wrestler Shot
'A former Olympic wrestler of the Dominican Republic has been shot dead by robbers here, Spain's EFE news agency reported. The incident took place in the Villa Juana neighbourhood Monday. Wilson Santiago Rojas was fatally injured when he went to the aid of a cousin who was attacked by robbers, the police said Monday'. More here: http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20080812/377/tsp-former-olympic-wrestler-killed-in-do_1.html Grupo Punta Cana Waste Project
'Dominican Republic tourist operator Grupo Punta Cana expects to greatly reduce its solid waste production, as well as reap important economic benefits, with the implementation of a solid waste management program that covers all of its operations, the group's solid waste manager Víctor Ojeda told BNamericas. In addition to a hotel, several real estate properties, a shopping mall and golf courses, the group owns the Punta Cana international airport, which handles traffic to and from the tourist destination. Called "Descarga Cero" (Zero Discharges), the program aims to dramatically lower the group's solid waste production, which is currently deposited at an open-air dump some 20km from the resort. "We hope that by February 2009, we will only dump 20% of the current load generated by the group at the waste dump. This includes all our facilities: the airport, the hotel, the cabins, etc.," Ojeda said.' The story continues: USDA Trains DR
'From June 9–13 the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Foreign Agricultural Service led diagnostic training in Managua Nicaragua for the national testing laboratories of Costa Rica Dominican Republic El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua and Panama. This training is part of a long-term capacity building program under the Dominican Republic–Central America–United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA–DR). It is aimed at strengthening national laboratories in operational and testing methods to meet U.S. and international standards. This program is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development in support of CAFTA–DR and by the USDA Emerging Markets Program.' More here: Fewer Brits Investing Abroad
'Fewer British investors are buying overseas property due to a combination of economic factors according to a number of organisations. Interest in investing in overseas property is high but the credit crunch is preventing many taking the plunge. According to overseas currency specialists HiFX there is a 30% increase in the number of people enquiring about moving abroad compared with the first half of 2008 but those actually doing so has only risen by 10%. The organisation believes this is due to many of them being unable to sell properties in the UK because of the credit crunch.' Read on: http://www.propertywire.com/news/europe/uk-property-downturn-investing-abroad-200808141470.html Book News
Breaking News! Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple is now on sale at the Fine Gift Centre on 12 de Julio in Puerto Plata. The Fine Gift Centre is opposite RUSA exchange house and one block past the Post Office on 12 de Julio. More breaking news! A small number of copies of Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple are on sale at Puerto Plata Airport in the Duty Free section. Tourists who got smitten may thus purchase when leaving the DR and dream about returning............! Yet a further outlet! A small number of copies of Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple are available at Libreria Rodali, off 12 de Julio, Puerto Plata. Costambar residents and visitors! Dinner and a movie? No, breakfast and a good book! Visit Rainer and Beatiz's R & B Bakery, Calle Los Mangos, Villas Princesa, Costambar Tel.809-970-3083 where the book is also on sale. In fact you can drop in between 7am and 7pm daily except Saturdays for home made bread, cakes and pies and ...................a good read! And yes! We've made it to You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuAa_I5n53E Meanwhile the book is available online from the publishers, Best Books Online, and from Amazon UK. Amazon Canada are currently listing as 'temporarily out of stock' with more on order. New outlet for US customers! Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple is now available from The Dominican Bookshop: http://www.dominicanbookshop.com/Quisqueya_Mad_Dogs_and_English_Couple_p/978-1904502524.htm http://www.bestbooksonline.co.uk/bookshop/specials.php?id=68 Quisqueya has shown up on Amazon.com as being available (again) but at a price which is good for a giggle and not taking seriously! Reviews of the book are available at the above Amazon links as well as British Expat and Dominican Today. http://dominicantoday.com/app/article.aspx?id=25127 http://www.britishexpat.com/Book-Reviews-Quisqueya.1347.0.html Costambar Power Plant - Weekend News August 10th. 2008
Juntas de Vecinos from El Javillar, Costámbar, Maggiolo, Cafemba and Cofresí are joining together to protest the pollution from the Generadora San Felipe power plant. Residents of Costambar have long been aware of the oily black soot deposited in their swimming pools, homes and lungs yet previous requests for cleaning up the emissions have gone unheeded. Businesses associated with tourism in Cofresi are pushing for the removal of the power plant to another location where neither tourism nor the employment of those associated with it will be put in jeopardy. http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/noticias/nacionales/Agosto2008/federaciondevecinosafirmasalud.htm http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/noticias/nacionales/Agosto2008/funcionariahoteleraafirma.htm No Peace For The Dead
http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/noticias/nacionales/Agosto2008/delincuentesazotaneinquietanen.htm Economic Situation In Sosua
While shops are full of goods, shoppers are in short supply in Sosua. Local business people put this down to the falling off of north coast tourism in favour of the Punta Cana area. Conchistas similarly are complaining that no-one has money to meet their fares which have had to increase due to rising fuel prices. http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/noticias/nacionales/Agosto2008/sectorescalificandesesperante.htm Oregon Farmers In Maimon
A group of Oregon farmers has visited the farmers of Maimon with the intention of forming supportive links and helping with increased food production. Callejon De La Loma
Last Monday the owner of a home in Callejon de la Loma, Cabarete, reported that a Haitian fleeing from the police threw himself into the owner's garden as protection against police shots which were being fired. The police killed him anyway and residents of the area are reported to be fearful as a result. Meanwhile Cabarete has a new Police Chief, Lieutenant Colonel Eufemio Escolástico Díaz. http://elnuevonorte.com/Inicio/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/486/ItemID/1046/Default.aspx http://elnuevonorte.com/Inicio/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/486/ItemID/1050/Default.aspx German Deported
German citizen Volker Nospes has been deported from the DR to Munich as the result of an arrest order issued by a Munich Court. Mr. Nospes is alleged to be part of a gang which worked in the DR defrauding Germans back in June 2000. Other alleged co-conspirators are Ralf Teppan, Manfred Ziemk, Cristian Schwartau, Giusepe Di Lemme and Ralf Butenschon. The arrest of Mr. Nospes was made after collaboration between Interpol, DR authorities and the German Embassy in the DR and he was repatriated last Monday from Puerto Plata airport. According to a report in Dominican today in February 2007 three of the other named wanted men were deported in 2007. http://www2.elnuevodiario.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=113816 http://www.clavedigital.com/App_Pages/Noticias/Noticias.aspx?Id_Articulo=21211 http://www.periodistadigital.com/ultima_hora/object.php?o=959080 Cameraman Who Covered Crime Shot Dead
'Unidentified individuals shot and killed Dominican journalist Normando García Thursday evening in the city of Santiago, 102 miles (163 kilometers) north of the capital, Santo Domingo. The Committee to Protect Journalists is investigating whether García’s murder is linked to his journalistic work. At around 6:40 p.m., García, a cameraman for the daily news program “Detrás de la Noticia” (Behind the News) and producer of the music program “Pachanga Mix” on television station Teleunión, was dropping his car at a car wash when multiple gunshots were fired from a moving car, according to local news reports. At the time, García was talking to a taxi driver who was also fatally injured in the shooting. García, who died immediately, was shot five times in the head, four in the chest, and once in the leg, said Esteban Rosario, host of “Detrás de la Noticia.” The taxi driver was taken to a local hospital, where he died, according to local press reports. Rosario told CPJ that he believed García was murdered in retaliation for his work. García, known locally as Azabache, covered drug trafficking and crime.' The story continues: DR On The Edge Of Darkness
'The recently re-elected Fernandez administration faces tough and unpopular decisions to fix the Dominican Republic’s electricity sector. With the sector teetering on the brink of financial distress, investors participating in the Dominican Republic are again asking if the re-elected administration now has the political will and conviction to fix the system. Rolling blackouts and electricity shortages have become a way of life for the people of the Dominican Republic. Extremely high electricity losses, the vast majority from theft, and low collections from end users have plagued the sector and resulted in perpetual electricity shortages.' Fitch Ratings Special Report is at the first link: http://www.fitchratings.com/corporate/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=395386 http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080804/20080804006001.html?.v=1 http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews+articleid_2471019~title_Fitch--Dominican.html Hoax Bomb Threat On Thomsonfly Flight
'Furious passengers last night demanded to know why a packed holiday jet flew across the Atlantic despite a North-East man finding a note claiming there was a bomb on board. The terrified passenger found the hand-written note in a toilet only 20 minutes into the flight from the Dominican Republic to Newcastle. He immediately alerted a stewardess. Two more warnings were found, and the pilot left the controls to see them for himself. Although stewardesses were overheard discussing plans to divert to the nearest airport, the pilot decided the notes were a hoax and opted to carry on. The man who found the warning had to endure an eight-and-a-half-hour nightmare – unable to warn his family about the threat. Thomson flight TOM2592 continued from Punta Cana, with its 292 crew and passengers on board, including the man’s wife and two young children. The Northern Echo understands the man was told not to panic, and under no circumstances to alert his fellow passengers.' More here: http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/3573795.Fury_over_bomb_scare_on_airliner/ Settling Scores In Bani
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111711/7-bodies-of-foreigners-found-in-Dominican-Republic http://www.clavedigital.com/App_Pages/portada/Titulares.aspx?Id_Articulo=14690 http://www.clavedigital.com/App_Pages/portada/Titulares.aspx?Id_Articulo=14693 http://www2.elnuevodiario.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=113975 http://www.clavedigital.com/App_Pages/portada/Titulares.aspx?Id_Articulo=14725 http://bani.com.do/?module=displaystory&story_id=6854&format=html DR To Pay Olympic Medallists
'The Dominican Republic says it will pay its athletes who win gold, silver or bronze medals at the Olympic Games in Beijing. Sports Minister Felipe Payano said Tuesday the awards will range from nearly US$90,000 up to US$200,000. Winners could also get a car. It is the first time the Dominican government has made such an offer. Payano said trainers and sports officials who work with the 25 athletes going to the games could also be rewarded. They will receive a bonus of nearly US$30,000 for each gold medal won.' More here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080806/ap_on_sp_ol/oly_dominican_republic_olympic_rewards_1 Our Men in Havana
DR To Provide Flying Adventures
'The Government has teamed up with Caribbean Flying Adventures to make the DR the newest and most exciting destination for US-based private pilots'. Indeed...............! The story continues: http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?contentBlockId=8b3f7334-5171-4800-864e-2b1b96ba0f96 Book News
Breaking News! Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple is now on sale at the Fine Gift Centre on 12 de Julio in Puerto Plata. The Fine Gift Centre is opposite RUSA exchange house and one block past the Post Office on 12 de Julio. More breaking news! A small number of copies of Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple are on sale at Puerto Plata Airport in the Duty Free section. Tourists who got smitten may thus purchase when leaving the DR and dream about returning............! Yet a further outlet! A small number of copies of Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple are available at Libreria Rodali, off 12 de Julio, Puerto Plata. Costambar residents and visitors! Dinner and a movie? No, breakfast and a good book! Visit Rainer and Beatiz's R & B Bakery, Calle Los Mangos, Villas Princesa, Costambar Tel.809-970-3083 where the book is also on sale. In fact you can drop in between 7am and 7pm daily except Saturdays for home made bread, cakes and pies and ...................a good read! And yes! We've made it to You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuAa_I5n53E Meanwhile the book is available online from the publishers, Best Books Online, and from Amazon UK. Amazon Canada are currently listing as 'temporarily out of stock' with more on order. New outlet for US customers! Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple is now available from The Dominican Bookshop: http://www.dominicanbookshop.com/Quisqueya_Mad_Dogs_and_English_Couple_p/978-1904502524.htm http://www.bestbooksonline.co.uk/bookshop/specials.php?id=68 Quisqueya has shown up on Amazon.com as being available (again) but at a price which is good for a giggle and not taking seriously! Reviews of the book are available at the above Amazon links as well as British Expat and Dominican Today. http://dominicantoday.com/app/article.aspx?id=25127 http://www.britishexpat.com/Book-Reviews-Quisqueya.1347.0.html British Expat Robbed And Shot - Weekend News August 3rd. 2008
Craig Honeyman, a British expat living in El Choco, Sosua was robbed and shot on Monday morning. He was seriously injured and is in intensive care at Cento Medico Bournigal in Puerto Plata. Another foreigner, Hugo Ducros, was also robbed in absentia. An arrest has been made. By Friday various goods stolen in this and other robberies in the Sosua area had been recovered, particularly electrical goods. Police are now looking for weapons stolen from a number of foreigners living in the area. http://elnuevonorte.com/Inicio/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/486/ItemID/1025/Default.aspx http://elnuevonorte.com/Inicio/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/486/ItemID/1035/Default.aspx Neptune Rescued By Helicopter
http://www.periodicoelfaro.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1441&Itemid=1 Sosua: Like White House Turkeys
Hermann Strauss, ex-President of the Development Association of Sosua and of Productos Sosua, says that the supposed development of the Sosua community is pure invention and that poverty and misery exist in many of the barrios. According to him politicians only use the barrios by visiting prior to elections, a bit like the US tradition of pardoning the turkey at Thanksgiving. http://www.periodicoelfaro.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1428&Itemid=1 British Expat Arrested For Child Prostitution
A British resident of Puerto Plata, identified variously as Oliver Martin Chamanp and Oliver Martin Yapur, had been arrested for prostituting minors. The story came to light when one of the children told his teacher who then reported the matter. Police kept the man under observation and eventually caught him picking up two shoeshine boys. The perpetrator appeared in Court and was remanded in custody so that the investigation could continue. According to Yahoo News the accused filmed the children undertaking various sexual acts and subsequently sold the pornographic material via the Internet. It is also alleged that he ran a 'business' of procuring children for pederast tourists. http://www.periodicoelfaro.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1513&Itemid=1 http://www.periodistadigital.com/ultima_hora/object.php?o=956936 http://es.noticias.yahoo.com/efe/20080731/twl-las-autoridades-dominicanas-detienen-6aad12c.html 20 Years For Killing American
In October 2007 American citizen Ricardo Jesus Smart, 67, was murdered when he went to the aid of a Haitian neighbour in Boca Chica who was being robbed. Last Monday two of the three men guilty of the crime were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. SCJ Backs Sequestration of Canadian's Assets
http://www3.diariolibre.com/noticias_det.php?id=26463 http://7dias.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=16809 Benitez Brothers Planned To Rule East Of DR
'Apparently, the four Benítez brothers, using the services of some 40 front men from the Dominican Republic and other nations, had plans to become the owners of the eastern part of the country through the investment of money that was the product of a criminal enterprise. The plan was revealed by the Attorney General of the Dominican Republic who warned that any dirty money that is invested is not secure and leads to other criminal activities. Germán Miranda Villalona, the head of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit of the Attorney General's office, said that the plan uncovered by the authorities was that in five years the Benítez brothers proposed to become the owners of the area and take over legal investments. Villalona stated that his people were dealing with one of the biggest money laundering schemes ever seen in the country or even in the Caribbean because of its size and scope.' The story continues in the English language version of Diario Libre: JetBlue Travel Blew-Boo
http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=243777@video.wixt.com Iran Chats Up DR
'In addition to China, Taiwan and other interested countries that see the Dominican Republic as a possible hub for their growth in the Caribbean, Iran is now preparing to make a push to establish itself here. Of course, the strategic position of the Dominican Republic in relation to the USA may also be of interest to them. Iranian president Mahmud Ahmadineyad has stated that his country wants to strengthen its relations and cooperation with Dominican Republic, specifically in the scientific and industrial fields, which Iran sees as a growth area. Ahmadineyad, in a meeting with the new Dominican ambassador in Tehran, stated that Iran has signed numerous cooperation agreements with Latin American countries, especially Venezuela, and has established several joint industrial projects with that country.' The story continues: http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/domrep/domrep.php?news_id=9329&start=0&category_id=18 Hispanics Of Jewish Ancestry
'Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Wendy Canelones was curious about the custom her grandmother and great-grandmother had of lighting candles on Friday afternoon. She assumed it was just an old habit. But she was unaware - as were her relatives - that they were carrying on a centuries-old Jewish tradition of welcoming the Sabbath with the lighting of candles every Friday at sunset. It wasn't until she was an adult that Canelones, an Orlando resident, discovered she was of Jewish heritage. She came to understand her early fascination with that culture and religion as well as where some family rituals came from.' Read on: http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080729/HEALTH/807290308 Tourism: Incorrect Remedies
'Despite the recommendations drafted by the UN Economic Commission for LatinAmerica and the Caribbean (CEPAL) in response to the languishing Dominican Republic tourism industry, local officials continue drafting ineffective proposals that ignore the root causes of this sector’s recent decline in revenue (“Dominican Tourism Industry Looks to Sidestep Crisis,” June 12, 2008). Eliminating the tax on fuel, granting “Fifth Freedom” (less restrictive landing rights) and supporting massive ad campaigns to attract increased flights into the country are not sufficient strategies to produce long-term, sustainable growth. In effect, these measures would benefit foreign airlines the most and any revenue incurred domestically would be stalled at the airport gates.' More here http://www.coha.org/2008/06/analyst-cites-dominican-tourisms-ills-prescribes-remedies/ http://www.diariohorizonte.com/view/articulo.aspx?articleid=19958&zoneid=32 New Sand For DR Beaches
'The Dominican Republic is spending $25 million dollars improving its beaches to make them more attractive to visitors. It is part of a wider plan to boost tourism as officials are worried that cuts in flights from the US and other problems such as the recent power cuts could seriously hit the number of people interested in investing in the country, the second largest island in the Caribbean. Seven beaches will be spruced up. The project includes bringing in 1.4 million cubic metres of sand and demolishing buildings judged to be damaging the coastal environment. The project which gets underway later this year will focus on Caleta de La Romana, Palenque and Najayo de San Cristóbal, San Rafael and El Quemaito de Barahona, Juan Bolaños and Costa Verde de Montecristi.' Read on: http://www.propertywire.com/news/south-america/sand-improve-caribbean-beaches-200807221355.html Four Renewable Energy Plants
'A Dominican renewable energy company says it plans to build a commercial ethanol-production plant and three facilities operating on biofuels in this Caribbean nation. RJS Group president Francisco Batista said the projects will cost $340 million and be built in the country's northwest. The ethanol plant will produce 100 million gallons (380 million liters) a year'. More here: Nabbed 8 Years Later
'A Dominican national charged with staging fake car crashes returned to the United States thinking eight years was long enough to make Hudson County forget him, but he was arrested after landing at Kennedy Airport in New York, officials said. "I would say he is surprised," said Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Zevits Wednesday of Francisco Madera, 34, formerly of Park Avenue in Union City, who was arraigned Monday. In 2000, Madera was charged in four separate indictments with offenses including health care claim fraud, conspiracy, theft by deception, attempted theft, and unsworn falsification, Zevits said. "He got wind of the indictments and fled to the Dominican Republic when he knew it was getting too hot (here)," Zevits said.' The story continues: http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/jerseycity/index.ssf?/base/news-6/121757651798090.xml&coll=3 Book News
Breaking News! Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple is now on sale at the Fine Gift Centre on 12 de Julio in Puerto Plata. The Fine Gift Centre is opposite RUSA exchange house and one block past the Post Office on 12 de Julio. More breaking news! A small number of copies of Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple are on sale at Puerto Plata Airport in the Duty Free section. Tourists who got smitten may thus purchase when leaving the DR and dream about returning............! Yet a further outlet! A small number of copies of Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple are available at Libreria Rodali, off 12 de Julio, Puerto Plata. Costambar residents and visitors! Dinner and a movie? No, breakfast and a good book! Visit Rainer and Beatiz's R & B Bakery, Calle Los Mangos, Villas Princesa, Costambar Tel.809-970-3083 where the book is also on sale. In fact you can drop in between 7am and 7pm daily except Saturdays for home made bread, cakes and pies and ...................a good read! And yes! We've made it to You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuAa_I5n53E Meanwhile the book is available online from the publishers, Best Books Online, and from Amazon UK. Amazon Canada are currently listing as 'temporarily out of stock' with more on order. New outlet for US customers! Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple is now available from The Dominican Bookshop: http://www.dominicanbookshop.com/Quisqueya_Mad_Dogs_and_English_Couple_p/978-1904502524.htm http://www.bestbooksonline.co.uk/bookshop/specials.php?id=68 Quisqueya has shown up on Amazon.com as being available (again) but at a price which is good for a giggle and not taking seriously! Reviews of the book are available at the above Amazon links as well as British Expat and Dominican Today. http://dominicantoday.com/app/article.aspx?id=25127 http://www.britishexpat.com/Book-Reviews-Quisqueya.1347.0.html Neptune Gone! Weekend News - July 27th. 2008
http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/07/buzo-rescata-brazo-estatua-neptuno-del.html http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/07/la-estatua-del-rey-neptuno-est-en-el.html http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/07/fiebre-del-hierro-pone-en-peligro.html http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/07/derriban-estatua-rey-neptuno-con-fines.html Culture And Music In Plaza Independencia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHnRY_iSKxE http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/07/una-tarde-con-el-arte-y-la-cultura-don.html Court Functions
The transformers have still not been repaired but it would appear that some work is now being carried out at the Puerto Plata Courthouse. HBO Wants 60 Miles East
Tax Exemptions For Working Foreigners
The DGII has announced tax incentives for foreign companies engaged in product development, research and technology. Consultants in these areas will not need to pay income tax. The legislation is at the third link. http://www2.elnuevodiario.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=112017 http://www.dgii.gov.do/legislacion/NormasGenerales/Documents/NormaGeneral04-2008.pdf US Missionary Shot
Bruce Aguilar, 53, a US evangelist missionary in the DR to help with building a church, was shot and seriously injured in the El Zumbón, area of Hatillo, San Cristobal. He was walking with other missionaries on a trip organised by the Pentecostal Chrurch when he stopped to look at a rooster on the patio of a house; two men on a motorbike rode up and attempted to steal Mr. Aguilar's gold chain and when he resisted they shot him. The victim is currently in Clinica Abreu, Santo Domingo. Police have detained some 100 motorcyclists. Narco Tolls
Two of Hoy's journalists have produced an in-depth look at the functioning of the drugs industry in the DR. They describe the fees paid to law enforcement officials so that narcos may operate in a trouble free fashion. Meanwhile, Major General Rafael Radhamés Ramírez Ferreira, Head of the DNCD, has confirmed that some 5000 DNCD officers have been fired in the last 23 months because of their links to drug dealing. http://www.hoy.com.do/el-pais/2008/7/23/240846/Los-narcos-pagan-peajes-para-facilitar-microtrafico Holiday Hell Brit Gets £5,925 Compensation
'A Kent man has been awarded £5,925 in compensation following a "holiday from hell" in the Dominican Republic. Marc Stringer, 29, from Deal, took a five-star break at the Paraiso Del Sol resort with MyTravel three years ago. But within three days he was in hospital on an intravenous drip suffering from severe diarrhoea. Thomas Cook, which has since merged with MyTravel, said it took reports of illness very seriously, and an "agreed settlement" had been reached. Mr Stringer, who went on holiday with his girlfriend, said the brochure had promised a "tropical paradise", but it soon became apparent that was far from the truth.' Read on: S&P Ratings
'Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it affirmed its 'B+/B' sovereign credit rating on the Dominican Republic and removed it from CreditWatch, where it was placed on Feb. 8, 2008, with negative implications because of uncertainty concerning payment and legality of government promissory notes due between March and July 2008. The outstanding promissory notes, part of a series totalling $130 million issued through 2006 to SunLand Corp. and subsequently sold to non-resident investors, fell into arrears in Sept. 2007. The arrears were cleared by early 2008, and a local bank bought the notes in February 2008. S&P also said the outlook on the Dominican Republic is negative reflecting its widening fiscal and current account deficits, which led to diminishing external liquidity. S&P said it also reflects the growing risk that lower external liquidity and rising macroeconomic strain could hurt creditworthiness.' More here: http://www.iii.co.uk/news/?type=afxnews&articleid=6817368&subject=companies&action=article http://www.clavedigital.com/App_Pages/portada/Titulares.aspx?Id_Articulo=14570 http://www.clavedigital.com/App_Pages/portada/Titulares.aspx?Id_Articulo=14584 Medical Mission
'They stand in line in the heat all day with no water, no food and no iPods or cell phones or hand-held video games to wile away the boredom. They just stand there, waiting. But for the poor of the Dominican Republic, their patience is worth the long, dreary wait when they are ushered into a small room to see doctors and nurses from America, giving them free medical care. Recently a group of doctors, nurses, pre-med and nursing students, plus other volunteers from Wood County and beyond returned from a one-week medical trip to the small country. Their trip was in conjunction with Solid Rock Missions of Wauseon which maintains a compound with a medical clinic and school in the Dominican at which volunteers offer their services.' Read on: http://www.sent-trib.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4338&Itemid=81 Taiwanese Presidential Visit
'Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou will visit allies Paraguay and the Dominican Republic for eight days from August 12, Foreign Minister Francisco Ou said Tuesday. "The president is to attend the inaugural ceremonies of the newly elected presidents in Paraguay on August 15 and in the Dominican Republic on August 16," he said. Ma will make brief stopovers in Los Angeles on his way to Paraguay and in San Francisco on his way back from the Dominican Republic, Ou said. Taiwan has maintained official ties with Paraguay and the Dominican Republic, among the 23 diplomatic allies that recognize Taipei over Beijing, a rival of the island since they split at the end of a 1949 civil war.' More here: Waterfalls And Cheeses
'What a fun day! While in the Dominican Republic, we took a tour that went first to the Cascada Damajagua, a waterfall. The waterfall has 20 levels, but we went only to No. 7. Higher than that, you have to climb a rock wall by a knotted rope. Two guides go with each group and they help people where the going gets tough. Some of the tour consists of walking alongside the river, sometimes walking in it or through a pool, sometimes swimming (once we were able to climb a ladder). Coming down, it's all rock slides and jumps into the pool. The water was cold, but we got used to it. Then we were taken to an open-air restaurant in Imbert for lunch. There was a huge cage of parakeets that gave the place a feel of being out in the jungle.' The story continues: http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080726/LIFESTYLE/807260314 Dominican Priest In Paterson
'The Rev. Santiago Rodriguez, a Roman Catholic leader in the Dominican Republic, does not take his vacations in Paterson lightly. He offers blessings to residents who open their doors to the youthful man in a clerical collar. While playing pickup basketball with city teens, Rodriguez answers questions about the priesthood. He juggles prayer circles, Masses and youth programs at a half-dozen Paterson churches.' Read on: http://myheraldnews.com/view.html?type=stories&action=detail&sub_id=40230 Dominican Sounds Meet Personal Style
'There’s no place like home for Juan Luis Guerra, the Dominican Republic’s leading pop songwriter, who won five Latin Grammy Awards last year with his album “La Llave de Mi Corazón” (“The Key to My Heart,” from EMI Latin). Mr. Guerra’s songs, which have become hits across the Spanish-speaking world, are firmly grounded in the Dominican Republic’s upbeat merengue and lilting bachata, along with the island’s various regional styles. But that doesn’t mean Mr. Guerra is in any way provincial.' More in the New York Times: Book News
Breaking News! Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple is now on sale at the Fine Gift Centre on 12 de Julio in Puerto Plata. The Fine Gift Centre is opposite RUSA exchange house and one block past the Post Office on 12 de Julio. More breaking news! A small number of copies of Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple are on sale at Puerto Plata Airport in the Duty Free section. Tourists who got smitten may thus purchase when leaving the DR and dream about returning............! Yet a further outlet! A small number of copies of Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple are available at Libreria Rodali, off 12 de Julio, Puerto Plata. Costambar residents and visitors! Dinner and a movie? No, breakfast and a good book! Visit Rainer and Beatiz's R & B Bakery, Calle Los Mangos, Villas Princesa, Costambar Tel.809-970-3083 where the book is also on sale. In fact you can drop in between 7am and 7pm daily except Saturdays for home made bread, cakes and pies and ...................a good read! And yes! We've made it to You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuAa_I5n53E Meanwhile the book is available online from the publishers, Best Books Online, and from Amazon UK. Amazon Canada are currently listing as 'temporarily out of stock' with more on order. New outlet for US customers! Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple is now available from The Dominican Bookshop: http://www.dominicanbookshop.com/Quisqueya_Mad_Dogs_and_English_Couple_p/978-1904502524.htm http://www.bestbooksonline.co.uk/bookshop/specials.php?id=68 Quisqueya has shown up on Amazon.com as being available (again) but at a price which is good for a giggle and not taking seriously! Reviews of the book are available at the above Amazon links as well as British Expat and Dominican Today. http://dominicantoday.com/app/article.aspx?id=25127 http://www.britishexpat.com/Book-Reviews-Quisqueya.1347.0.html Gregory's Life Could Be Great - Weekend News July 20th. 2008
Joe and his wife decided to enter Gregory's life when they learned that an operation would provide Gregory with a totally normal lifestyle. They have been helping Gregory's mother to get diagnostic tests and dental work for Gregory - a prerequisite to the operation. There are many wonderful medical organisations which visit the DR and provide free surgery for children with Gregory's condition. There are also many children in the DR in need of free surgery because their families do not have the US$13,000 which surgery and follow up therapy costs. Gregory could go on a waiting list for an operation in two years time. The problem is................Gregory might not have two years. He is nearly 7. Untreated cases show a mortality rate of 70% by age 10. Joe Hall is not prepared to take this risk and so he and this website are asking those touched by the story of one little boy to help. Please email Joe at helpgregory@hotmail.com Donations can be made by Paypal, credit card, cash or cheque and no sum is too small. Those donating US$75 and above will receive a photo of Gregory after he has recovered from surgery. That way you will remember a child made whole again through your donations. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/tetralogy_of_fallot/page2_em.htm http://www.emedicine.com/radio/byname/Tetralogy-of-Fallot.htm Explosion In Courthouse
http://www.periodicoelfaro.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1322&Itemid=1 http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/07/explosin-3-transformadores-deja-prdidas.html http://www.periodicoelfaro.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1373&Itemid=1 Demo Against Edenorte Next Wednesday
Blackouts are back with a vengeance! Most of the area served, or rather disserved by Edenorte is experiencing anything up to 18 and 22 hour blackouts. FUNTRAPP, the Federación Unitaria de Trabajadores de Puerto Plata, are calling a peaceful picket outside Edenorte offices on Calle Beller, Puerto Plata next Wednesday July 23rd at 10.00 am. All residents are invited to join in expressing their discontent with the current state of electricity provision. http://www.periodicoelfaro.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1363&Itemid=1 http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/07/en-puerto-plata-piquetearn-edenorte.html Oil In Luperon?
A study by the Dominican Academy of Sciences indicating the possibility that there could be oil deposits under the sea between Luperon and the Turcs and Caicos Islands attracted more than a little interest in these days of soaring oil prices. Reports in the press may have got a little ahead of themselves, however. Concerns about territorial maritime rights between the DR and the UK will be academic if no black gold is discovered. http://www.periodicoelfaro.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1326&Itemid=1 http://sacandomelao.blogspot.com/2008/07/posibilidades-de-petrleo-en-luperon.html Sabaneta Disco Shoot Out
Two men died as a result of a disturbance in a disco in Sabaneta de Yasica last weekend, at least one was a totally innocent resident whose help was called to pacify the fight. The alleged perpetrator is a known narcotrafficker against whom Fiscal Ceballos of Sosua was building a case before he himself was killed in November 2006. http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/noticias/nacionales/Junio2008/Julio2008/sepeliojovensabanetase.htm http://www.periodicoelfaro.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1368&Itemid=1 British Expats: Register Online
British expats can now register with the Embassy online. 'The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Online Registration module supports the registration of citizens living or visiting abroad. It allows individuals to register and manage their own travel details via the Internet both prior to and during a period abroad. This information can be used by FCO to alert citizens to relevant travel concerns as well as contact citizens in the event of an emergency.' The website for registration is here: https://www.locate.fco.gov.uk/locateportal/ Betting Shop Hold Up
Last Monday at 4pm the Lotería Reddy Miguel on 27 de Febrero, Puerto Plata was held up by two armed assailants on a motorbike who made the cashier hand over RD$5000. http://www.puertoplatadigital.com/noticias/nacionales/Junio2008/Julio2008/atracanbancaloteria.htm DR To Explore Orinoco?
The announcement that the DR Refinery REFIDOMSA and the Venezuelan Petroleum Company (PDVSA) will jointly prospect in the Orinoco Basin sounds like a sequel to the Wombles of Wimbledon Common which was a British fictional series for children. According to geologist Osiris de Leon the DR has never possessed the technical or human resources to do this and nor does it have the political will to spend the necessary financial resources. So the announcement is a nice thought but probably not reality based. Just like the Wombles of Wimbledon Common whose character Orinoco was............a shirker who loved sleep and food! The Wombles were productive however; these pointy-nosed furry creatures lived in burrows, and helped the environment by collecting and recycling rubbish in useful and ingenious ways with their motto Make Good Use of Bad Rubbish. Metaphor for politics in the DR perhaps? The President's Plan - Have We Heard All This Before?
The President spoke eventually on Thursday evening, sharing his plan to overcome the DR's economic woes. Amongst the many proposals minimum salaries will be increased and higher salaried Government employees will take a cut. There were also promises of decreased spending on Governmental officials' expenses. Much of what was said was a repeat of Presidential speeches in 2004 (when we believed it!) and 2006 (when we didn't). There is little evidence to suggest the proposals should be viewed with any more credibility than the last time. http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080718/dominican_economy.html?.v=1 http://www.clavedigital.com/App_Pages/portada/Titulares.aspx?Id_Articulo=14525 Eye-Opening Trip
'Growing up, Stephanie Swantek always knew she wanted her future to include two things: helping people and travel. “The ‘Feed the Children’ ads on television always used to make me cry,” the Danielson resident said. “I’d be like, ‘Mom, let’s help the world.’ ” Swantek, 20, is a student at Oregon State University. When a group from the International Student Volunteers program visited the campus last fall “screaming and yelling about helping other people,” she knew the program would be for her. Swantek returned Thursday from a monthlong volunteer trip to the Dominican Republic with the nonprofit volunteer. She said it was “eye-opening” and so much more.' The story continues: Eye-Opening March
Prostitutes in Santiago have been on the receiving end of a police crackdown. They are thr |
A fire destroyed some 50 gift shops in Plaza el Pueblito, Playa Dorada in the early hours of Wednesday morning. It is assumed at this stage that the fire was the result of a short circuit. The craft shops are made of block but have thatched roofs. Most of the contents of the shops were destroyed and unfortunately these were not covered by insurance.
Equipment to measure pollution in Costambar and surrounding areas has been installed at the Generadora San Felipe. The equipment will measure PM-10, particulate matter which measure up to 10 micrometres in aerodynamic mass median diameter. Meanwhile Lic. Sergio Cueto, public relations officer for the Generadora company, is accusing the residents of a well organised campaign in the public media backed by powerful interests! All of this could be somewhat moot in the light of the announcement that the power plant will be out of service for three weeks because of maintenance! The equipment should thus register zero pollution if the plant is not in operation. Timing, as they say, is everything!
'Flooding from Tropical Storm Fay has killed one woman and left two children missing in the Dominican Republic. Forecasters said Fay could reach hurricane strength when it approaches central Cuba on Sunday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says the storm's centre has passed over Haiti and is about 205 kilometres southeast of Guantanamo, Cuba.' The bodies of the two children have now been found. More here: 
Quisqueya: Mad Dogs and English Couple is available in Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata in the Playa Dorada Gift Shop. 
Metal thieves leave no manhole cover unturned not even the last resting place of Puerto Plata citizens. The Municipal cemetery has lost crucifixes and metal bars and now even the entrance gate is being dismantled, piece by piece.
'The bullet-riddled bodies of seven men were discovered on Tuesday along a drug-smuggling route south of the Dominican capital, authorities said. Police said the victims, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, were found dumped with their hands tied together alongside a road near Ojo de Agua, a village about 40 miles (65 km) south of Santo Domingo. One was identified as Jesus David del Rio, a 28-year-old Colombian. An eighth man, identified as a 
'The Benitez brothers were masters of Medicare fraud, prosecutors say. They spent their Medicare millions on Mediterranean-style homes, apartments, hotels, boats, a helicopter, even a water park -- all in the resort area of Bavaro, Dominican Republic, court records show. After they were indicted on fraud charges in late May, Carlos, Jose and Luis Benitez used their Cuban passports to travel from Miami to the Dominican Republic, then to Cuba. The three brothers are accused of defrauding the U.S. government's health insurance program by billing $110 million in false claims for HIV drug-infusion treatments at their dozen Miami-Dade clinics. Medicare paid their companies about $84 million in reimbursements between 2001 and 2004, according to federal authorities and court records.' The story continues in the Miami Herald:
Looks like Puerto Plata's Malecon will get Neptune back (see last week's News). The Governor arranged for the Air Force to rescue the statue which has now been taken to the Governor's office for a clean up prior to reinstallation.
'The Supreme Court of Justice (SJC) has backed the expulsion of the Canadian owner of the casino at the San Geronimo Hotel, Iván Cech, after finding that the Executive Order that instituted the measure did not violate the Constitution. The court rejected the appeal of unconstitutionality against the 11 May 2006 Executive Order. The court said that Article 15 of the General Law on Migration says that foreigners that have impediments such as money earned from illegal drugs, or who are serving or being processed to serve jail sentences for criminal offenses shall not be admitted to the Dominican Republic.' Read more in the new English language version of Diario Libre:
'They spent ten days in the Dominican Republic bringing clothing and necessities to children in orphanages. But when a group of giving teenagers and their chaperones tried getting home, they ended up being the ones looking for help. The group just got back from Santiago, where they brought food, clothing, medical, and bath supplies to orphans. “We gave supplies and water... but we also gave them just joy and probably hope too to see people who live so far away actually care about them,” says 14-year-old volunteer Joe Hall. They were supposed to fly home Sunday night. After their driver dropped them off and left, they found out their JetBlue flight into JFK had been cancelled due to bad weather.......................Then things went from bad to worse - it'd be two days before they could all get home.' Read more at the first link. On Friday American Airlines cancelled a flight from Santo Domingo to Miami due to mechanical problems but all of their passengers were sent to a hotel. The JetBlue passengers were given neither hotel nor vouchers. To add insult to injury the volunteer group missed their connecting flight in the US from JFK to Syracuse being held up in Customs. It appears that two of the group got through Customs to the flight on time and begged the airline to wait but..................it didn't. As the group organiser remarked 'Ironic how we had 10 wonderful problem free days in a third world country and then a problem when we hit corporate America!!!' More here with the video at the second link: 
Not quite T in the park but last Saturday a free concert was held in Plaza Independencia in the centre of Puerto Plata. The band is the Ayuntamiento Band of Montellano.Video of the concert is at the first link. Earlier in the afternoon local children participated in an interactive performance of Don Quixote.
HBO have expressed an interest in obtaining the world rights to 60 Miles East, the yola journey documentary by Jorge Lendeborg. This would mean translating the dialogue to other languages for greater exposure..gif)
He could be gregarious, genial and living life with gusto. Could be. But Gregory has a congenital birth defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot. Whereas other 6 year olds run, play and go to school Gregory can only squat and watch a trifle enviously. The squatting helps him get his breath back after he has walked from the bedroom to the TV in the lounge of the family home in Gaspar Hernandez, Dominican Republic. One of Gregory's neighbours is Joe Hall, a 47 year old Canadian expat who recently became the father of a healthy baby, Justin. It is Joe's dream that one day Gregory and Justin will be able to kick a ball together or play baseball.
Last Monday morning around 8.30 am litigants, judges and lawyers arriving early at Puerto Plata's Court were somewhat alarmed by a loud explosion and a lot of smoke. This was not the signal that an unhappy defendant disapproved of a sentence but three transformers who were no longer able to cope! The Fire Brigade doused the fire but since then neither the Appeal Court nor any of the lower courts have been able to work because there is no electricity. The Court records system is computerised so records are not accessible and sentences cannot be recorded alongside there being no air conditioning, fans or functioning security barrier. Some judges are using their home computers to study materials in order to arrive at sentence decisions. Meanwhile it will apparently take 15 days to repair the transformers. Procurador Fiscal Víctor Mueses says that they are looking into hiring a generator but it has not actually happened yet.