JULY 2010

The Dominican Republic’s Central Bank issues new RD $20 bill

A new era for the family of national banknotes

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, led by the director of this entity, Hector Valdez Albizu, and Deputy Minister of Finance, Julio Anibal Fernandez, representing the minister, Vicente Bengoa, made an act of issuing the new RD $20 bill in polymer.

Valdez Albizu said the issuance of this bill marks a new era for the family of domestic notes, with which the Dominican Republic will incorporate itself into the process of the technological revolution in the monetary world that can no longer be avoided.

About thirty countries, including advanced nations such as Australia, Chile, China and Taiwan, as well as countries in our hemisphere, such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Paraguay, have successfully replacedlow-denomination paper for polymer banknotes, the governor said.

He explained that the Central Bank decided to relaunch the 20-peso bill because the 25 pesos coin does not replace the note, since they have different names.

The 25 pesos coin meet the need for payment of tolls throughout the country, the governor said, adding that since 2004 the institution has received requests for the reprint of the twenties.

He said the new RD $20 bill in polymer is safer, cleaner and more durable, and with this bill the Central Bank places the country at the height of international monetary standards concerning the manufacture of small bills.

He added that the new bill went through a years long process, first with the technical study by the Central Bank on the advantages and disadvantages of its use, its discussion to the Committee on Contests for the Banknote Printing and Minting of Coins, the Monetary Board approval and a public tender for its construction, which fell to the experienced French firm Oberthur Technologies.

After his speech, Central Bank Governor and Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Julio Anibal Fernandez, formally put the new bill into circulation, accompanied by Deputy Governor, Mrs. Clarissa de la Rocha de Torres, Manager Dr Pedro Silverio, the Assistant General Manager, Mr. Ervin Novas, the Deputy Manager of Operations, Mr. Frank Montaño, and the Director of Issuance and Custody, Virginia Ms. Hernandez.

The ceremony was also attended by Ramón Núñez Ramírez, Cesar Nicolas Penson and Emilio De Luna, Honorable members of the Monetary Board, advisors, directors and other officials of the Central Bank.

Characteristics of the new bill

The new RD $20 bill is printed on non-fibrous non-porous polymer, and so will last three to four times longer than paper. The polymer with which the ticket is made absorbs less moisture, sweat and dirt, making it more hygienic. And the modern technology incorporates new security measures that make it difficult to counterfeit.

Some of its distinguishing features are: transparent window in the form of a butterfly with the initials BCRD, the wings that change colors from purple to gold, and a shaded image of the equestrian statue of General Gregorio Luperon, observable only to the light.

Santo Domingo Live, 01.07.10

Thursday marked the first half of Santo Domingo´s reign as the Capital of American Culture 2010

The city establishes itself as a cultural destination

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- Thursday, July 1^st marked the halfway point of Santo Domingo´s year long reign as the official American Capital of Culture 2010. The formal opening ceremony was held on February 16^th at the Presidential Palace in the presence of President Leonel Fernández and other authorities of the country, as well as the President of the International Bureau of Cultural Capitals, Xavier Tudela.

The President of the Bureau stated that today we make a positive assessment of the first half Santo Domingo as the American Capital of Culture 2010, for the events that have taken place and the international promotion that Santo Domingo is enjoying.

Those from the outside of the country are rediscovering the Dominican Republic as a destination not just for sun, sea and nature, but also for culture. One of the challenges is to continue to build up Santo Domingo as a destination for cultural tourism, which is a highly valued by visitors from developed countries.

Mr. Tudela said that from an internal perspective value is being placed on culture as an element of social cohesion and identification of the Dominican soul. Cultural expression in the country is rich and during the second half of 2010 Santo Domingo will continue to work to consolidate the objectives that have been developed during the first half.

Finally, Mr. Tudela recognized the effort that all institutions, organizations and individuals involved are making to ensure the success of Santo Domingo 2010. The American Capital of Culture, established in 1998, aims to promote inter-American integration from the cultural field, contribute to a better understanding between the peoples of the Americas, while respecting their national and regional diversity.

The American Capital of Culture organization is a member of the International Bureau of Cultural Capitals, which promotes international cultural capital cities and establishes new bridges of cooperation with Europe, a continent that established the cultural capital in 1985.

The previous capitals were; Mérida (México) 2000; Iquique (Chile) 2001; Maceió (Brazil) 2002; Ciudad de Panamá (Panamá) y Curitiba (Brazil) 2003; Santiago (Chile) 2004; Guadalajara (México) 2005; Córdoba (Argentina) 2006; Cusco (Perú) 2007; Brasilia (Brazil) 2008; and Asunción (Paraguay) 2009.

The Capital of American Culture 2011 will be named within the next few days.

Santo Domingo Live, 02.07.10

President Leonel Fernandez to visit Germany and the United States

Will be welcomed by Christian Wulff and Barack Obama

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- President Leonel Fernandez will meet with his counterparts in the United States and Germany, Barack Obama and Christian Wulff, and also German prime minister, Angela Merkel, on his tour that will last through the 13^th of this month. He will also hold meetings with businessmen and other personalities.

Mr. Fernández is scheduled to meet Monday, the 5^th, with the Prime Minister of Germany Angela Merkel, and later that day will meet with Federal President. On Monday, the 12^th, he will be received by the United States president, Barack Obama.

At 1:30 pm on Monday, the head of State will participate in a working lunch offered by the Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor of Germany, Federal Westernwelle Guido, an hour and a half later he will meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel, while at 3:45, he will hold a meeting with reporters at the Federal Chancellery.

At six o’clock in the afternoon he will be received by the director and vice president of the German Council on Foreign Relations, Fritjof Von Nordenskjöld, where he will give a speech.

On Tuesday at 11 am, the Dominican president will attend a meeting at the Deutsche Bank, then he will go to a lunch hosted by the German Cooperative Bank and later he will sign the Golden Book at the RedTown Hall.

That same day, Fernandez will have a private audience with the mayor Klaus Wowereit, and at 6:00 will lead a business conference at the Latin American Institute, titled The Dominican Republic: Political, Social and Economic in the Present and Future Prospects. On Wednesday July 7^th, Fernandez is scheduled to arrive in Hamburg for a meeting of the Business Association for Latin America (LAV) at the headquarters of the Confederation of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).

At 12:30 pm, the Dominican president will hold talks with Ole Beust, Mayor of Hamburg and at 1:30 pm will go to a luncheon in the Senate of Hamburg, and later fly on a private flight to Paris, France. Thursday, the 8th, he is expected to meet with French Senate President Gerard Larcher in the Luxembourg Palace.

On Friday, the 9th, the President will attend a meeting with Jacques Attali to sign the contract The Implementation of the International Commission of Reflection on the Future Challenges for the Dominican Republic, along with the Dominican Minister of Economy, Planning and Development Temistocles Montas.

On Saturday, the 10^th, President Fernandez will fly to New York, where he has various private meetings scheduled, and on the 11^th he will fly to Washington.

While in Washington, he will meet with U.S. president, Barack Obama and also visit George Washington University, before returning to the Dominican Republic on Wednesday July 14^th.

Santo Domingo Live, 05.07.10

The French Embassy and the Tourism Cluster of Santo Domingo sign agreement

To promote sustainable tourism

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The French Embassy and the Tourism Cluster of Santo Domingo, with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Ministry, signed a cooperation agreement to develop the program Strabon Caribe in the Dominican Republic, which will contribute to the projection of sustainable tourism.

On behalf of the French government, the agreement was initialed by the Ambassador of France, Roland Dubertrand, and Jean-Luc Lory, Project Coordinator for Strabon- Caribe. Representing the Dominican Republic were, Freddy Ginebra, general coordinator of the Cluster of Santo Domingo, Esteban Guillén and Roddy Pérez, coordinator and administrator of Strabo-Dominican Republic.

Ambassador Dubertrand reported that Strabo-Caribe is a Caribbean heritage program, modeled after Strabo-Méditerranée. It provides an interactive platform that provides access to national websites, bringing together the different partners in a country of the network.

Freddy Ginebra, explained by using e-mail addresses, local actors, particularly civil society, will be able to produce and digitally publish information about their natural and cultural heritages, as well as provide students, teachers, social researchers and travelers with vast knowledge about the diversity and richness of the Caribbean.

He stressed that with Strabon-Dominican Republic, Internet users worldwide will be able to access, with just one network, current information on several Caribbean islands.

The coordinator, Esteban Guillen, reported that they started integrating various Caribbean islands in 2008: seven countries already have their own websites: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic.

Santo Domingo Live, 06.07.10

Santo Domingo American Capital of Culture 2010

Civil society is incorporated into the event

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- A total of 29 projects run by groups and independent cultural institutions will receive funding from the Ministry of Culture to develop various programs and activities within the framework of the celebration of Santo Domingo, the American Capital of Culture 2010.

The first 16 projects have already started to receive the financial support, so that they can implement their plans for the six months from July to December of this year.

The Minister of Culture José Rafael Lantigua, was in charge of the event which gave the first resources to entities whose projects were properly evaluated and approved by a selection committee formed by Freddy Ginebra, Director General of the American Capital of Culture, Jose Oviedo, coordinator of civil society participation, and Bernarda Jorge, Deputy Minister of Creativity and Popular Participation of the Ministry of Culture.

Among the projects to receive funding for the American Capital of Culture include, the World Gala Stars of Dance, produced by renowned dancer and dance director Monika Despradel, which will take place on July 8th and 9th, the Dominican Gastronomic Tour to be held from August to December, organized by the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (Asonahores) and the important seminar on Dominican history, to be held in August.

In addition, the exhibition El duende se viste de…, produced by Casa de Teatro, will be performed in July, the Paseo de la Moda, in El Conde, organized by the Santo Domingo Tourism Cluster and the Photo-Image Photo Festival, to be held in September, under the coordination of Mayra Johnson and Charles Steel.

Similarly, the project Art on Wheels, produced by the group of artists Quinta Pata, which pictorially redesign urban transport buses, and the program Pathways Architectural Santo Domingo, by the Erwin Walter Palm Foundation.

In the past few months, the Ministry of Culture in the Cultural Capital program has sponsored the following events: Exhibition of Maria Felix and the Fashion-Week, produced by Tita Hasbun, a ballet recital by the director of the famous Cuban Marianela Boán, presented at Casa de Teatro, and the Chamber Music Workshop ´Traveling Notes´, whose first performance was in March.

Other events that have received support from the Cultural Capital, Blasones Arms , held in April, the Festiband 2010, Dominican Wind Orchestra, the show The Corsair, produced by the Academy of Dance andthe Music Festival, held in early June with the backing of the French Embassy and coordinated by Jean Solito.

Projects that will receive funding for implementation in the coming months are: Tureiro, a play produced by Theatre Guloya, the musical, The Count, led by Patricia Ascuasiati and the Encounter Youth Choir and the Latin American Festival of Piano, performed by the Centre for Musical Studies.

In addition, the projects: City of Women, CIPAF, Classics in Flying, Festisón and Stew Festival, coordinated by Raúl Pérez Peña, Street Theatre, and Poets in the Park, among others.

American Capital of Culture events have taken place in Italy, Taiwan, Spain and the Czech Republic, including the National ^{Folkloric Ballet}, directed by Professor Josefina Miniño, the Choir of the National Conservatory of Music and the Orchestra, and the National Ballet of Spain, which was presented at the National Theatre.

More presentations that are planned for the second half of the year are: the world famous Divan Orchestra, which brings together Israeli and Palestinian musicians, led by the famous Jewish-Argentine director Daniel Barenboim, the National Ballet of Prague, the Ballet of Andalusia and the percussion spectacle Drumline Battery Battle, from the State of Indiana, USA. Finally, beginning on July 30^th, there will be a monthly program called Somos, which is a production based on various Creole musical groups and artists, inaugurated on Saturday 30 at Plaza España, and in the following months in various public arenas of Santo Domingo.

Santo Domingo Live, 07.07.10

Construction advancing on the second line of the Metro of Santo Domingo

Diandino Peña provides details of the work

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Office for the Reorganization of Transport (OPRET) arrived on Wednesday morning to begin work on the fourth station of the second metro line in Santo Domingo, having already opened the stations in the Maximo Gomez Avenue, The Ortega y Gasset, Lope de Vega and now, the Abraham Lincoln to John F. Kennedy.

Three miles have been completed on the tunnel in a period of six months, according to the director of OPRET, engineer Diandino Peña, who, along with a group of technicians, gave details of the work

He said that Today we take an important step on line two of the Santo Domingo Metro, on the basis of the technical effort we have made at OPRET towards fulfilling the promise of President (Leonel Fernandez) and we arrived at the fourth station coming from the Olympic Center, John F. Station Kennedy, and Juan Pablo Duarte station.

Mr. Peña said the tunneling will continue from the Lincoln station to Winston Churchill Avenue and then go East, from Kennedy to where the financial resources allow us to continue working.

The director of OPRET noted that the leadership of President Fernández will be critical to the future of this project.

He added that the President was currently headed to Paris to meet with French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, in regards to his promise to support the implementation of these railways

Mr. Peña was accompanied by the deputies of OPRET, engineers Leonel Carrasco and Rafael Serrano, in addition to the Security Chief of the Construction of Metro Line II, General Nelson Peguero, and his personal assistant Marilys Perez, among others

Santo Domingo Live, 08.07.10

Growth of cruise ship tourism in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo received 50 vessels in seven months

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- President of Sans Souci Investments, Lisandro Macarrulla announced yesterday that between October 2009 and April of this year, via the Puerto Santo Domingo, 50 vessels arrived from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Club Med, Hansa, AIDA, Holland Americaand Pullmantur, via the port in Santo Domingo.

Mr. Macarrulla stressed that the the success is thanks to the great support being given by the institutions involved in port operations. He urged that this support be extended to all aspects of tourism in the capital, such as cleaning, decoration and lighting, and to support efforts to improve the waterfront of Santo Domingo. He added that there are still many things to do and we must sustain support to continue having success.

The institutions recognized were: the Navy, National Police, Tourist Police (Politur), Metropolitan Transportation Authority (AMET), Specialized Port Security Corps (CESEP) and Customs and Immigration.

Plaques were awarded to the representatives of these institutions.

Santo Domingo Live, 09.07.10

Las Americas International Airport welcomes more than 200,000 passengers

During the month of May 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- About 233,000 passengers, from 244 different countries, passed through Las Americas airport during the month of May, according to data provided by the Airports Department. 118,016 passengers entered the country on regular flights from the United States, Europe, Central America, South America and other Caribbean islands.

Meanwhile 113,920 flew out of Las Americas on scheduled flights to different destinations around the world. This same period saw 640 tourists entering, and 668 departing on charter flights.

Avast majority of Dominican passengers who travelled during that period, according to data provided, arrived in Santo Domingo from the United States, Puerto Rico, Spain, Panama, Caracas, Venezuela, Curacao and Cuba.

Meanwhile, airport authorities expect an increase in the arrival of Dominican and foreign passengers during the summer season when Dominicans and their children go on holiday from schools, universities and factories in the United States and other countries.

It was noted that the airlines have already reserved a majority of the seats to the thousands of passengers who are expected to reach the Dominican Republic during the summer season. Beginning last weekend, there was an increase in passenger flow of Dominicans living abroad who are coming into the country, from New York, Miami, Boston and San Juan, Puerto Rico, with their wives and children to rest and enjoy the holiday period.

Santo Domingo Live, 12.07.10

Dominican Republic signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Kuwait

During the Third Air Navigation Conference ICAN / 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic was pleased to sign, with the Civil Aviation Authority of the State of Kuwait, a Memorandum of Understanding and initialize the formal signing of an air transport agreement whereby the Parties based on reciprocity, be granted the right to fifth freedom air at intermediate points and beyond.

The agreement was signed within the framework of the Third Air Navigation Conference of ICAN / 2010 sponsored by the Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held in the city of Montego Bay, Jamaica.

This information was provided by the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Board (CAB), Luis Paulino Rodriguez Ariza, who led the delegation that participated in the meeting.

Mr. Ariza reported that the signing of this agreement formally begins commercial air relations between Kuwait and the Dominican Republic

He added that the Dominican Republic held consultation meetings with the Republic of India and the United States. With the latter, the parties expressed their intention to further discuss an open skies agreement that will include the necessary safeguards, and ensure the healthy interest of both States and the effective protection of the rights of the traveling public.

The delegation also consisted of Ambassador Axel Wittkop, representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Antonio Yapor Alba, a member of the Board of Civil Aviation, on behalf of private sector, Jose Pantaleon, member of the Civil Aviation Board, representing the Executive Legal Consultant, José Luis Abraham, a member of the Civil Aviation Board, representing the private sector and Arturo Villanueva, member of the Civil Aviation Board, representing the private tourism sector.

Also, Paul Lister Marin, Secretary of the Civil Aviation Board, Bernarda Candelario Franco, in charge of the Department of Air Transport and Ana Maria Serrata, in charge of the International Arrangements Section of the JAC.

Santo Domingo Live, 13.07.10

Cruise tourism contributes eighty million dollars to the economy each year

Dominican Republic will host the XVII Annual Cruise Conference

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia, claimed that cruise tourism is growing in the Dominican Republic and currently generates more than eighty million dollars each year.

The official explained that each time a cruise ship that docks at a Dominican port it generates about two hundred thousand dollars, and currently about four hundred cruise ships come to Dominican ports each year.

The Cruise Association of Florida and the Caribbean (FCCA) announced the dates for its 17^th annual conference and exhibition, which is scheduled to be held from the 25th to the 29th of October in Santo Domingo.

Tourism Minister and President of the FCCA, Michele Paige, reported that Dominican Republic was selected this year in recognition of sustained growth that the country has seen in this type of tourism since 2006.

In Santo Domingo, La Romana, and Samaná, cruise ships accounted for 237,866 tourists in 2006, 303,000 in 2007, some four thousand more in 2008 and more than 498,000 in 2009.

Mr. Garcia said cruise tourism is expected to grow by another 5% this year. The first four months of this year have seen the arrival of three hundred fifty thousand tourists, to various ports around the country.

At the conference, which brings together tour operators, travel agents, suppliers and agents of vessels, the Ministry of Tourism will be able to renew agreements and contracts with the cruise ship industry.

Santo Domingo Live, 14.07.10

Fernandez meets with African-American Congressmen

The Dominican president returns to the country on Thursday

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The African American Affairs Committee of the Congress of the United States pledged support to the Dominican Republic in addressing issues of international drug trafficking and the reconstruction process in Haiti.

The commitment came during a meeting between President Leonel Fernandez and the Congressmen of the commission, headed by its president, Barbara Lee.

President Fernández said the Dominican Republic’s hopes to gain the support of different political constituencies in the United States.

The issue of security and the war on drugs is one of the principle concerns of the Dominican Republic and we will try to maintain close collaboration and with all countries affected by this situation and seek a new vision of how to deal with this problem, said the Dominican President, who also made it clear that drugs policy should target both, suppliers and consumers.

He said that the Dominican Republic has made progress in the internal process to create better conditions and opportunities for those living on the margins, in order to counter the influence against drugs.

At the meeting, Congresswoman Barbara Lee expressed the interest of the Commission to remain linked to the process of the Dominican Republic, as the needs of its society are very similar to the needs of African-American groups.

The meeting also discussed the reconstruction process in Haiti and its desire to expedite the funds as soon as possible so that the process could begin, which in his opinion will take ten years to complete.

Fernandez invited the congressmen to visit the Dominican Republic to experience first hand the transformation taking place in the country.

Among those present at the meeting were; Congressmen Charles Rangel, a founder of the committee, Donald Payne, in charge of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Gregory Meeks, in charge of the financial and monetary policy, and California Congresswoman Donna Watson.

After the meeting with the African American group, the Dominican president met with Congressman Eliot Engel of the House of Representatives, head of the Committee on Hemispheric Affairs, who spoke on the Haitian issue.

Later, Fernandez was invited by Congress to visit several rooms of the Library of Congress. Fernandez left the Dominican on the 3rd of this month, bound for Germany, where he held several meetings, then moved to France and on Saturday came to the U.S., where he also had several meetings, including one with U.S. President Barack Obama.

Santo Domingo Live, 15.07.10

Ministry of Environment and the Tourism Cluster of Santo Domingo sign an agreement

Toward the purpose of sustainable tourism development in the Santo Domingo Province

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Tourism Cluster of Santo Domingo signed an inter agency cooperation agreement committing themselves to joint efforts and joint activities with the aim of achieving sustainable tourism development in the province of Santo Domingo.

The event was chaired by the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Jaime David Fernandez Mirabal, and Freddy Ginebra, general coordinator of the Tourism Cluster.

This agreement provides for the gradual development of urban ecotourism areas, such as the Parque Mirador del Oeste, which lies within the Ruins of Engombe, Los Tres Ojos, Springs of the Cachon de la Rubia and the Ozama Wetlands, and simultaneously raises actions to enhance responsible travel between nationals and foreigners.

Through the agreement, the Cluster is committed to promoting the activities and attractions in the areas of high natural value recovered by the Ministry of the Environment to the official website of tourism in the city and provide advice to ministry staff in the field of tourism marketing.

The Ministry of the Environment is committed to join and participate as an active member of the Cluster, collaborate on training and civic education on conservation of natural resources, to support the Cluster in their efforts to help strengthen and promote tourism and integrate the Cluster at the opening and development of new tourist attractions in Santo Domingo.

The signing of this agreement is part of the duties of the Ministry of the Environment to guide, promote and stimulate private institutions, community organizations and non-governmental activities for the preservation, restoration and sustainable use of natural resources.

The Santo Domingo Tourism Cluster is an institution created to promote, cooperate, devise and promote productive initiatives for sustainable development of tourism in the city of Santo Domingo.

The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the United States Agency for International Development and the Dominican Alliance Program for Sustainable Tourism, led by Duty Greene, Odalis Perez, Meg Hendrickson and Katia Rios.

Santo Domingo Live, 16.07.10

Navy receives visit from Japanese ships

From the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Navy was visited by three ships of the Fleet Training Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan, which will be in the port Don Diego de la Avenida Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó (Old Port Avenue), from the 17^th to the 20^th of July, 2010.

The overseas cruise ships consists of Kashima, Yamagri and Sawayuki and their visit aims to promote bilateral relations between Japan and the Dominican Republic and at the same time, provide nautical training for new graduates of the School of Cadets of the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan.

A spokesman for the Navy, Agustín Rodríguez Morillo, reported several activities with the crew of the vessels comprising the Japan Training Squadron, among which are a wreath to the Founding Fathers, as well as a concert open to the public offered by the bands of the Japanese Navy and the Navy, to be held in the Plaza España in front of the Alcazar de Don Diego Colon, this Sunday from 6:00 to 7:00 _P.M.

Santo Domingo Live, 19.07.10

Free Zones Council announces the creation of 1.385 new jobs

The free zones sector begins to show a clear recovery

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The executive director of the National Council of Free Zones (CNZFE), Luisa Fernández Durán, announced the creation of 1,385 new jobs with the approval of nine additional companies in free zones, which are scattered in different places throughout the country.

The addition of these companies will be generate an investment of RD $165 million dollars, and produce nearly $ 7 million in foreign currency.

At a time when the global economy continues to struggle, the free zones in the Dominican Republic hav begun to show a clear recovery, said the official.

Mr. Fernandez also said that with the creation of new direct jobs the industry further demonstrates clear sign of economic recovery and confidence by foreign and domestic investors.

Among the companies that are being added: Eminem, SA, dedicated to developing tobacco products and their derivatives, Which will generate 300 jobs; Laurus International DR, a call center company that will create 120 new jobs; Caribbean Apparel, SA, a textile manufacturing which will generate 485 new direct jobs, while ZZ Manufacturing Company, a marketer of glass containers will create 180 new jobs.

Other new companies include: Moca Waste Management, Metro Tech Engine of the Caribbean, Caribbean Termo Corp., the company Roig Agro Cacao, to be located in Bani and Artesenia Tamboril, which is devoted to the manufacture of wooden boxes for cigars and other products.

Conference

Luisa Fernández Durán announced the celebration in the country of the fourteenth Latin American Conference on Free Zones, which will take place October 27^th, 28^th, and 29^th. The meeting is designed to promote the competitiveness of the free zones in the region and to promote and publicize the excellent investment opportunities offered by the Dominican Republic to the foreign investor.

Santo Domingo Live, 20.07.10

Members of the Central American Integration System support the initiative of the Dominican Republic

To create a Fund for the Prevention and Mitigation of Disasters

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA), Panama, Belize and the Dominican Republic, supported the proposal of President Leonel Fernandez toward the creation of an International Fund for Prevention and Mitigation of Disasters and Reconstruction, which will be presented as a resolution to the Assembly of United Nations (UN) and the International Conference on Climate Change by members of SICA.

SICA member countries also welcomed Fernandez’s initiative to hold a ministerial meeting of Heads of State and Government in Santo Domingo, with the aim of coordinating efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in the region.

The Vice President, Rafael Alburquerque, presented the Dominican position in the framework of the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government that make up SICA, which is based in the Salvadoran capital, whose proposal was also welcomed by the Regional Meeting of Vice Presidents III, held in the country recently.

Mr. Alburquerque said that Central American and Caribbean regions have become highly vulnerable to hurricanes and storms, whose frequencies have increased due to climate change, which greatly affects the social and economic development of the countries in the area.

It now appears that the resources we have devoted to education, food production and development will have to be diverted toward the rebuilding of our infrastructures due to the impact of tropical storms, he said.

He mentioned Agatha, the first atmospheric phenomenon of the current hurricane season, which significantly affected the region and left hundreds dead and injured and did extensive damage to infrastructures and production.

These recent tropical storms and earthquakes in Chile and Haiti showed us that no country or region in the world is exempt from the impact of these natural disasters. It also demonstrated the need for the solidarity in the actions of our nations to cope with these events, said Albuquerque.

Santo Domingo Live, 21.07.10

Inauguration of the National Pediatrics Boulevard

To recognize the work of medical specialists

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Office of the First Lady, Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, in collaboration with the Dominican Society of Pediatrics, inaugurated the first National Pediatrics Boulevard as a way to recognize the work of these outstanding specialists of medicine.

Addressing the attendees, the First Lady said that pediatricians help children to grow up healthy, but also with love, as there is a special bond between the parents, the pediatricians and the child that is irreplaceable, unforgettable and everlasting.

Mrs. Fernandez congratulated all pediatricians and the families of the pediatricians, in addition to thanking all the staff of the hospital, President Leonel Fernandez, the Health Minister, Bautista Rojas Gomez, and businesses who sponsored the remodeling and construction of the new areas of the hospital.

Being recognized at the Dr. Robert Reid Cabral Children´s Hospital, were; Dr. Alberto Peguero, founder of the first pediatric hospital and president of the Dominican Society of Pediatrics, Dr. Jaime Jorge, Dominican precursor of Pediatrics, and Dr. Rafael Miranda, precursor of the first chair of pediatrics and pediatric surgery.

Doctors also being recognized were; Rafael Santoni, founder of the first pediatric hospital and precursor of the first chair of pediatrics, Aquiles Manuel Rodriguez, a pediatrician promoter of international relations, and Emil Kasse Acta, pediatrician and humanist.

Also recognized were; scientist and teacher of generations of pediatricians in the Dominican Republic, Dr. Hugo Mendoza, teacher of pediatrics and a pioneer of breast-feeding, Dr. Josefina Garcia Coen, and the Master of pediatrics and pediatric rheumatology pioneer, Dr. Marianela Castillo Ariza.

Dr. Julio Manuel Rodriguez Gullón, Dominican master and pioneer of pediatric hematology, Dr. Haydee Rondon, master of pediatrics, child nutrition pioneer and founder of IDAN, and Dr.

Theophile Gautier, pioneer in research on the causes of Pseudohermaphroditism Dr. Luis Rivera Mejía, the forerunner of modern neonatology in the Dominican Republic, Dr. Elbio Morla Baez, teacher of pediatrics and founder of the Diabetes and Endocrinology Unit, and Dr. Jesus Feris Iglesias, teacher and research pioneer of pediatric infectious diseases.

Julio Cabrera, a pediatrician known for his humanistic contributions to child health in the region of Cibao, and Juan Ramirez, a cardiologist, pediatrician and researcher, who saved hundreds of Dominican children, and Mariano Defilló, creator of Pediatric Cardiology in the Dominican Republic.

Santo Domingo Live, 22.07.10

Twenty-fourth edition of the organized by the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants

From August 25^th to the 28^th

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Asonahores Exhibition, the most important event for the exchange of business in the Dominican tourism sector, has reached its twenty-fourth edition. It returns with the inclusion of preset appointments, with which it seeks to ensure direct and professional contact between buyers and suppliers of this important economic area.

This year the event will be held at the Convention Center at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel & Casino, from the 25th to the 28th of August.

This is the most significant exhibition of the year for the tourist sector and the high volume of consumption of goods and services generated by this activity, the association said in a statement sent yesterday to the public.

Registration will remain open until there is space available for vendors.

Buyers will be allowed to register until the first day of the event. Participants will be allowed to set uppreset appointments. The meeting and exhibition participants will also have contact with the most valued representatives of local and international cuisine.

Asonahores brings together the major players in the sector. It is currently chaired by Haydee Kuret de Ranieri, and is preparing to improve the quality of services and products in the local hotels. The Dominican Republic is the Latin American country that receives highest percentage of revenue from tourism compared to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the Tourism Index Latin Business Chronicle.

In 2009, tourism revenues in the Dominican fell 2.4%, to 4.065 million dollars. This figure is equivalent to 8.7% of the Dominican economy.

Santo Domingo Live, 23.07.10

V International Children’s Film Festival Santo Domingo 2010

Opened by the Office of the First Lady

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- With the first lady of the Republic, Dr. Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, and the young Mexican actress Marianne Güereña, in attendance, the V International Children’s Film Festival Santo Domingo 2010 was inaugurated.

Mrs. Fernandez was again pleased to present a varied and entertaining program of film, chosen for children and young people, to enjoy, learn, dream and have fun during their summer vacation.

This children’s film festival is a big party that we have prepared for you and your family, where you can enjoy films and cartoons that have themes that promote and reinforce positive civic and moral values, and also participate in workshops, where they will learn about audiovisual resources and other interesting aspects of cinema, which may motivate them, later, to enter the world of cinema , explained the First Lady.She stressed that this is an opportunity for children from low-income families who participate in Progressing programs and Community Technology Centers, to enjoy the variety of films being presented, and also allow them to socialize and share with other children.

Posthumous tribute was paid to the great film critic Arturo Rodriguez, who was director of the Festival during the previous four years. To Arturo Rodríguez we give our appreciation, gratitude and admiration forever, Cedeño said.

Children and adolescents who attended the event enjoyed the movie Rock Marí, starring the actress of Mexican nationality, Güereña Marianne, a girl of 12 years who also sings and dances, and has won the hearts of Mexican audiences with her talent.

The Film which kicked off the Festival presented the story of a girl has music running through her veins and dreams of becoming a rock singer, but that her wishes are threatened by a tragic event and so she decides to take a trip with her best friend, and eventually attains her goal.

The Festival´s films will be presented at the Palazzo del Cinema in Bella Vista Mall in Santo Domingo through July 28th, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

Other offerings include; Ice Age 2, Alvin and the Chipmunks 2, Horton Hears a Who, Space Chimps, Orz Boy, Madagascar 2, Alien vs Monster, Alice in Wonderland, How to educate your Dragon, Happy Feet, Ice Age3, and Anita, among others.

As in previous versions of the festival, there will be films that will go on to competitions and other exhibitions. Among the countries invited this year are; USA, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Cuba, Spain, Turkey, Jamaica, Chile, Taiwan, Ecuador, and Mexico, among others.

For the fifth consecutive year the festival was organized by the first lady so that children and young Dominicans could enjoy a whole week of carefully selected films to awaken their intellects and their imaginations.

For the first time, as part of the Festival, there will be a short film competition on the theme of values.The shorts who win will be shown on the big screen for everyone to enjoy.

Santo Domingo Live, 26.07.10

Government presents the Rectory Commission for the Colonial Zone

For the preservation of the area and its monuments

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The government of President Leonel Fernandez promised to support unconditionally the Rectory Commission for the Colonial City, for the re-launch and recovery of its economy and hopes of turning it into a bigger tourist attraction.

The information was provided by Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, Temistocles Montas, in a ceremony held at the Green Room of the National Palace, where he was presented the Rectory Commission for the Colonial City, created by the Executive Branch, by decree 635-05, to develop projects that preserve and promote the historical center of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo.

As soon as the project reaches the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, it will be given the priority required for the purpose of encountering international financing, and central government support, because this projectmust have the resources necessary to once and for all elevate the Colonial Zone , said Montas.

The Commission is composed of the trustee of the National District, Roberto Salcedo, as President, the Minister of Economy, Planning and Development Temistocles Montas, as Vice President, and Culture Minister, José Rafael Lantigua, as Executive Secretary.

Moreover, as rotating members of the Commission, they will be representatives of; Civil Society, a recognized institution in the defense of the built heritage, and specialists in conservation of monuments and cultural property.

Roberto Salcedo, mayor of the National District, in his speech revealed that the Commission intends to relaunch a strategic project for the Colonial City in order to achieve a competitive area for business and generating wealth, which is attractive for tourism.

While José Rafael Lantigua, Culture Minister considered that the Colonial City of Santo Domingo requires urgent attention, so that it can be provided with the services it requires.

Architect Diana Martinez, director of Cultural Heritage and Property of the Capital council, gave the introductory speech.

The activity was attended by officials of the City, and the Ministries of Economy, Planning and Development, and Culture, neighborhood associations, civil society and institutions that defend the cultural heritage of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo.

Santo Domingo Live, 27.07.10

Assessment of compliance with the Millennium Development Goals

Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development workshop held

BREAKING NEWS: Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD) held a workshop to assess the compliance by the Dominican Republic of the objectives designed by the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations in 2000, especially in the health sector.

The workshop, which was held at the headquarters of the Ministry and was attended by representatives of the public institutions that deal with the prevention of diseases and health care, was sponsored by the Directorate General for Economic and Social Development (DGDES), directed by Juan Monegro.

Mr. Monegro explained that this time the conference was focused on the review of indicators for monitoring three objectives associated with the health issue, namely: reduction in mortality rates of children under 5 years old (Goal 4); improvement of maternal health (Goal 5); and the combating of HIV / AIDS, malaria and other diseases (Goal 6).

During the workshop, seven reports were presented, which discussed the progress that has been made, and how and when the millennium goals and targets associated with the health issue will be reached.

Specifically addressed were the control of maternal mortality and infant vaccine-preventable diseases, malnutrition, HIV / AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and access to medication, added Mr. Monegro.

This was the fifth of six scheduled workshops. The previous workshops addressed: education, gender equity, information technology and communication (ICT) and environment, said the official.

Mr.Monegro explained that as with previous workshops, this activity meant an excellent opportunity to address, in depth, the health situation, which is a crucial factor in development.

Workshop participants included CEOs, officials and experts from the Directorate General of Maternal, Infant and Adolescent, representatives of the Directorate of the Expanded Program on Immunization, the General Directorate of Nutrition, and the Directorate General of Control of STDs and HIV / AIDS.

Also present were staff members of the National Program of Tuberculosis Control, National Center for Tropical Disease Control and the Directorate of Drugs and Pharmacies, as well as the Ministry of Public Health and Welfare.

Starting this year, monitoring and reporting progress of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), became the responsibility of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, consistent with its nature and mandate of the Act to be the leading agency for planning, coordination of public policies and monitoring and evaluation of their impact.

Santo Domingo Live, 28.07.10