Hotels Combined

Compare hotel prices and find the best deal - HotelsCombined.com

Monday, November 21, 2011

Haiti-Dominican Republic officials continue talks to ease border tensions

Authorities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic are continuing talks amid an escalation in tension on the border shared by the two states.

This country’s State Secretary of the Interior Georges Racine is meeting with Dominican officials at a military post in Jimani in the neighbouring country.

Haitian authorities said the visit is a “goodwill gesture”, which shows the government’s interest in the disappearance of two Dominican farmers on the Haitian side of the lake Azuei. The duo has not been seen since Wednesday.

“Preliminary research conducted by the Army of the Republic Dominifcaine revealed traces of blood leading to the lake,” the website Haitilibre said.
Haitians fear this incident could spark further reprisals.

The Haitian delegation said any national found to be involved would be punished according to law.

The dispute arose after two Haitians reportedly killed a Dominican at the Savann Bonm border on November 9.

The Support Group for Returnees and Refugees said four Haitians have been killed since and three others seriously injured.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Caribbean 360

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Legislation eradicates Dominican “Indians”

Mulatto, black and white will be the only colors among Dominicans and will be stated thus in the citizens ID cards (cedula), effectively eradicating the nation’s “Indians.”

The bill “Dominican Republic Electoral Law Reform” states that in the master file of cedulas the color of Dominicans will be established by their ethnic group, and as such only three colors. The Spanish Royal Academy of Language defines ethnic group as “a human community defined by racial affinities.”

Organization of American States (OAS) and Central Electoral Board (JCE)technicians drafted the legislation to reform Electoral Law 275-97, and will be debated by the JCE prior to being submitted to Congress in the next few days.

The bill also states that in addition to the person’s ethnic group, in the cedulas master file information must figure the serial number for each municipality, the specific identity number, a citizen’s blood type, their father’s and mother’s full names, their digital photo and fingerprints, among others.

Rebuke

The measure announced late Thursday drew quick rebuke Friday morning, with prominent media figure Teo Veras asking the JCE to “leave that as is,” because in his view, it could only stoke “ill feelings.”

Although nearly all Taino Indians perished early during Spanish colonization, the term “Indio” lingered from the many remaining descendants of mixed blood also called mestizos.

The term over time came to describe a person whose color is neither black, white nor mulatto, the latter often called "moreno.".


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Dominican Today

Dominican Republic Very Advanced in Fighting Child Labor, Dramatic Decreases Seen

According to the results of a study just published by local authorities, in the past 10 years there has been a 14% reduction of child labor in the Dominican Republic.

According to these data, the country is moving towards the eradication of the worst forms of child labor by 2015 and the elimination of all forms of exploitation by 2020, as planned by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Office of the United Nations for Childhood. The study, conducted between December 2009 and January 2010, involved 9119 households and interviewed 8540 children aged between 5 and 17.

According to the ministry of local labor, more than 89% of children and adolescents of Dominican workers are able to continue their studies. The country is among the most advanced in the fight against child labor, a significant downward trend. The highest rates are recorded in the provinces of the southwest such as Bahoruco, Independencia, Pedernales and Barahona with 24.5%, while the lowest in the National District and the province of Santo Domingo, with 8%.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Hispanically Speaking

Friday, November 18, 2011

Dominican Republic’s business attractions showcased in Australia

Around 1,400 business leaders, 16 heads of State and 120 exhibitors participated in the Commonwealth of Nations’ Business Forum organized jointly with its Council and the Summit of heads of State from the entity’s 54 countries.

Commonwealth leader Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain led the event with representatives from the countries scattered in six continents, 2 in America, 12 in the Caribbean, 3 in Europe, 19 in Africa, 8 in Asia and 10 in the Pacific.

Dominican Republic Round Table of Commonwealth of Nations president Fernando González Nicolas said his has historically been a front door for those who’ve conquered the Americas and stressed his country’s leadership in tourism and mining and with great potential to attract foreign investment.

The forum showcased the Commonwealth’s potential for Dominican exports, tourism and increasingly more attractive for foreign investments especially in sectors, petroleum and natural gas.

The Commonwealth countries are home to 20,000 companies trading in the stock markets and control 25 percent of the global trade.

Emerging countries like India, Nigeria, South Africa, Malaysia are becoming new economic centers. For example five Commonwealth countries -Singapore, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia- figure among the world’s top 10 countries with the best climate for business.

González Nicolas said even Dominican Republic isn’t an active Commonwealth member, it can take advantage of those relations to diversify international trade and increase exports as well as the investments.

In Forum, South African industrialist and director of the global miner Anglogold, Mark Cutifani, said the price of gold could climb to USD$2,200 the ounce in 2013, given the world’s many uncertainties.

Moreover, the business leader announced a visit by investment promotion agencies of various Commonwealth countries which attended the Forum, which agreed to meet in Santo Domingo in February to exchange experiences of how small countries can effectively attract investments.

Gonzalez Nicolas added that the President of Mauritius investment Promotion Council and his Singapore and Pacific islands pars also plan a visit, hosted by the Round Table of Commonwealth Countries.


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Dominican Today

Stunning Diamonds

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Tourist arrivals to the Dominican Republic grew by 3.7% during the January-August period.

Tourist arrivals to the Dominican Republic grew by 3.7% during the January-August period. Local airports report that during this same time period some 2.6 million visitors entered the country, almost 100,000 more than during the same period in 2010.

In all, the total arrival of passengers during January-August totalled 3.3 million visitors. During August alone, 381,000 passengers entered the DR of which 277,000 were tourists.

The authorities explained that of the 2.6 million tourists that entered the DR during the first eight months of 2011,1.4 million came from North America (56%) – 962,000 from the United States (36%) and 501,000 from Canada (19%). These two countries accounted for 56% of all tourist arrivals, while 255,000 South American tourists (10%) also visited. Some 76,000 more South Americans visited the country this year than the same time period last year. This number represents a 42% increase in overall arrivals from South America and 79% in overall growth.

The main South American markets are Argentina with 70,000, representing 28% of all South Americans and 2.6% of all visiting tourists; Brazil with 46,000 (18% of all South Americans); Chile with 35,000 (25%); Venezuela, 32,000 (13%); and Colombia, 25,000 (10%).

European tourists travelling to the DR reached 763,000, representing 29% of all visiting tourists. The breakdown is: 177,000 from France (the third largest market, representing 6.7% of all arrivals; 119, 000 from Germany (4.5%); 112,000 from Spain (4.2%); 95,000 from England (3.6%); 71,000 from Italy (2.7%) and 67,000 from Russia (2.55%).

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Trav PR

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Eveoke taking "Las Mariposas" to the Dominican Republic in three-city tour

Eveoke Dance Theatre became immersed in the history and culture of the Dominican Republic in creating "Las Mariposas," a piece inspired by the real-life Mirabal sisters. Three of the sisters, codenamed "Las Mariposas" ("the butterflies") were murdered in 1960 because of their roles in the resistance against Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo; a fourth sister, now in her eighties, has dedicated her life to preserving their memory. The story became known internationally through "In the Time of the Butterflies," a celebrated novel by Julia Alvarez.

Now Eveoke is taking "Las Mariposas" to the Dominican Republic. In a three-city tour at the end of this month, they'll perform for audiences including surviving members of the Mirabal family.

The audience will also include Alvarez, who set the wheels in motion for the Dominican tour. As part of the premiere of "Las Mariposas" last November, Eveoke and several community partners brought Alvarez to San Diego. After seeing "Las Mariposas" in rehearsal, she contacted friends in the Dominican Republic and at the U.S. Embassy about bringing Eveoke to the Dominican Republic. The U.S. State Department is sponsoring their tour.

Besides performing, Eveoke will teach classes and visit sites connected to the Mirabals' lives. And, in a cultural exchange, they'll learn merengue from Dominican dancers.

Catherine Kineavy, dramaturg for the project, says that "Las Mariposas" has been a high point for Eveoke. "Many of our artists have expressed that as artists doing this show, meeting Julia Alvarez, and going to the Dominican Republic is one of their greatest experiences of being an artist," she says.


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Sign On San Diego

iScent Online Fragrances

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Dominican hookers, gays, citizens weigh in on bill to create red light district

The bill aimed at creating Dominican Republic’s first “zones of sexual tolerance” or red light districts again spurred heated debate among representatives of sexual workers and conservative groups present in the Chamber of Deputies’ public hearing Friday.

Members of the United Women’s Movement and the Transvestites, Transsexuals and Transgendered Community warned that the regulation of sexual work to specific zones or red light districts violates their rights and the sexual workers’ desire to surmount their condition of marginality.

“One prostitutes because we go though much need. Believe me it’s not easy to sleep with a man one doesn’t want, but when our children are passing hunger and there’s no work it’s not possible to do something else another thing,” said United Women representative Jacqueline Montero, who worked as a prostitute for 12 years until getting elected a councilwoman in the town of Haina.

Meanwhile the citizen Maria Carlos proposed that in any legislation which looks to regulate prostitution, sexual workers must be described with some other term, since that activity cannot be acknowledged as a job.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Dominican Today

Men's Sexy Underwear

Monday, November 14, 2011

Tapia Twins of Dominican Republic Separated

Maria and Teresa Tapia, 19 month old conjoined twins from the Dominican Republic, had marathon surgeries this week to separate them.

Maria and Teresa had surgery at Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University to sever the connections of their livers, pancreata and intestines. The girls arrived in Richmond about two months ago for the surgical team, led by Dr. David Lanning, to begin preparing for the intense surgeries.

Lanning spoke about the procedure earlier this week and expects the twins to be completely healthy once they heal from the surgeries. The team that performed the procedures consisted of 6 surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and many more support staff.

The twins have become so popular in their home country that they received a visit from the First Lady of the Dominical Republic earlier this week.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Surgery About

Le Domaine - Premium Cookware, Kitchenware, Knives and Bakeware Online

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Dominican Republic: No asylum bid for Arroyo

The Dominican Republic's foreign minister denied reports from Philippine officials that former President Gloria-Arroyo has requested asylum in the Caribbean nation.

Carlos Morales Troncoso told The Associated Press in Dominican Republic that they have not received an application for asylum from Arroyo.

Arroyo is facing corruption complaints and has been barred from seeking medical treatment abroad.

Alan Paguia, a legal expert, said that imposing a travel ban against the Pampanga lawmaker without constitutional basis violates her right to travel and will boost her chance of being granted political asylum if she opts to seek refuge abroad.

"It will be easier for Mrs. Arroyo to apply for asylum because the administration is showing patent persecution of her," Paguia said.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said earlier that she was checking reports that Arroyo had asked for political asylum in the Dominican Republic, where she visited early this year.

A newspaper column on Wednesday said Hans Dannenberg, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to India, personally delivered asylum papers to the former President on October 25.

The Philippines has no extradition treaty with the Dominican Republic and with this the former President cannot be deported by the host country even if cases are lodged against her.

Ferdi Topacio, Arroyo’s lawyer allayed fears about her proposed medical travel to nations without extradition treaties with the Philippines, saying she can be forced back to the country if government cancels her passport.

"Extradition treaties aren't needed - all that must be done is to cancel her passport so the country where she is can repatriate her for being an undocumented alien," Topacio said.

President Benigno Aquino III has refused to lift Arroyo's travel ban, saying she might never return to face the charges, which she denies.

Paguia said Arroyo could apply for asylum if she wanted since it was her right to pursue such course of action to flee persecution.

He said despite Arroyo being under Department of Justice (DOJ) watch list order (WLO) in connection with several cases, she remained free to go abroad.

"WLO is not an authority to deprive a person of his liberty," he said.
He said travel restriction must be based on due process even if the Arroyo issue is imbued with public interest.

"The Constitution requires a judicial order - which means a case should have been filed in court - or a specific provision of law," he said.
Neither requirement already existed in Arroyo's case at this point so she was free to travel, he said.

Paguia also said that the administrative circular was far from being the judicial order, or law, which the Constitution requires.

"Such circular is just a guideline which the executive branch issued - laws are issued by the judicial branch," he said.

Topacio also said De Lima erred in banning Arroyo from traveling abroad, noting such decision is unconstitutional.

Article III, Sec. 6 of the Constitution provides that "the liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law shall not be impaired except upon lawful order of the court."

The same provision states that "neither shall the right to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law."

Arroyo's case doesn't fall under any of such three constitutional limitations, Topacio pointed out.

"She can't be prevented from traveling therefore," he said.

Arroyo, who is suffering from hypoparathyroidism and bone mineral disorder, has since petitioned the Supreme Court to nullify the watch list orders against her and husband Jose Miguel because it supposedly curtailed their constitutional right to travel.

In response, the High Court conducted a special raffle of the two cases, and court spokesman Midas Marquez said that they will be treated as urgent during the en banc session on November 15.

Soon after she stepped down in June 2010 however, the 64-year-old Pampanga lawmaker is now facing cases of electoral sabotage and plunder. Given the gravity of these complaints, the government asked her to seek permission first before embarking on an overseas travel.

Aquino, who has long accused Arroyo's administration of corruption, told reporters at a televised news conference that allowing her predecessor to leave the country would be an unacceptable risk.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Sun Star

Le Domaine - Premium Cookware, Kitchenware, Knives and Bakeware Online

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Dominican Republic to renovate capital with $31.5M

The Dominican Republic plans to spend $31.5 million to promote tourism in the capital of Santo Domingo.

Tourism Minister Francisco Javier Garcia said Thursday that a $30 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank plus $1.5 million in local funds will be used to restore historic sites. The money also will be used to plant trees, eliminate aboveground electrical wires and organize street vendors in the colonial zone.

The government says only 15 percent of the 4 million tourists who visit yearly stop in Santo Domingo.

The bank estimates the project will boost the number of visitors from 600,000 to 1.6 million by 2016.

Most visitors flock to all-inclusive resorts along the northern and eastern coasts.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Business Week

Gift Baskets and Hampers Delivered

Friday, November 11, 2011

Dominican authorities seize 28 packages of Colombian cocaine

Dominican Republic authorities seized on Monday 28 packages of cocaine from Colombia about 17 miles east from the capital, Santo Domingo.

According to the National Directorate for Drug Control (DNCD), the drugs were seized from a motorboat in the port of Multimodal Caucedo and were destined to end up in the Netherlands.

The Filipino crew members, Felimon Querubin Barilla and Bombino Wacan Fernandez, were apprehended by Domincan authorities after receiving a tip from a Colombian official working in the international affairs division of the anti-drug agency, according to DNCD spokesperson Roberto Lebron.

The anti-narcotics agents who arrested the men alleged that the foreigners received nearly $17,000 as payment for transporting the drugs.

According to Lebron, the two foreigners are under investigation at the agency's headquarters where they will be sent to the Santo Domingo Provincial Prosecutor's Office to be brought to justice.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Colombia Reports

Maternity Clothes Sale

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Dominican Republic to Bestow Actor Danny Glover with Honorary PhD for His International Work

US actor and producer Danny Glover, one of the stars invited to the Global Dominican Film Festival which will be held in Santo Domingo from November 15 until 20 November, will be awarded an honorary PhD at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo.

Glover is also a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and this latest award is in recognition of his international work in support of human rights and against AIDS. The awards ceremony will form part of the university’s 475th anniversary celebrations.

The Dominican Global Film Festival is dedicated this year to Barahona’s Maria Montez, a 1940s Hollywood actress known as the “Queen of Technicolor.”

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Hispanically Speaking

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

The Governments of Canada and the Dominican Republic Announce the Conclusion of Labour Cooperation Agreement Negotiations

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, and the Honourable Francisco Dominguez Brito, Dominican Republic's Minister of Labour, today announced the successful conclusion of labour cooperation negotiations between the two countries.

"The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining strong relationships and continued dialogue with our partner countries," said Minister Raitt. "Our government is happy to have worked closely with the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Labour to develop the first global stand-alone Labour Cooperation Agreement."

"It is a great honour for the Dominican Republic to conclude this agreement and to confirm, once again, the country's commitment to complying with norms related to fair and decent work," said Mr. Dominguez Brito. "Canada is a great friend of the Dominican people and we are proud to share a common respect for these labour principles."

The Canada-Dominican Republic Agreement on Labour Cooperation is one of the most comprehensive labour cooperation agreements to date and the first globally to enforce labour obligations that are not linked to a free trade agreement.

Canada and the Dominican Republic have established a strong and highly effective working relationship through participation in the Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour (IACML). Since 2009, the Dominican Republic has received nearly $645,000 in labour-related technical assistance programming from the Government of Canada.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Market Watch

Mothers Love Baby Products

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Puerto Plata's Natural Beauty Dazzles in the 2012 Miami Dolphins Cheerleader Swimsuit Calendar

The sexy Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders have released their 2012 Swimsuit Calendar and television specials, which were shot in Dominican Republic's top ecotourism paradise of Puerto Plata at the upscale IBEROSTAR Costa Dorada resort and surrounding attractions. The swimsuit calendar is available online for $15.99 at www.shop.dolphins.com.

"The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism welcomed 22 cheerleaders to Puerto Plata's breathtaking scenery among limitless eco-adventures and vibrant history, making it a memorable setting for the Miami Dolphins Cheerleader Calendar," said Magaly Toribio, Vice Minister of International Promotion for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.

"In support of a special partnership with one of the most recognized football teams in the nation, the IBEROSTAR Costa Dorada served as the tropical backdrop for the 2012 Miami Dolphins Cheerleader Calendar," said John Long, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts. "The five-star, all-inclusive IBEROSTAR Costa Dorada provided upscale accommodations, expansive pools, fine dining venues and superior customer service for a memorable vacation experience."

During their stay, the cheerleaders enjoyed exquisite culinary offerings, vibrant entertainment, upscale rooms with panoramic views and easy accessibility to the North Coast's unique recreational offerings. The Puerto Plata region includes idyllic beach towns like Cabarete, Cofresi, Sosua and more, all resting along stunning coastlines with nearby mountains studded with waterfalls.

The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders will be featured as models for the fashionable L Boutique, Coral Gables store at 133 Giralda on Nov. 4. Fans can read the cheerleaders' trip diaries and view exclusive clips of their experiences in Puerto Plata at www.miamidolphinscheerleaders.net.


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Sacremento Bee

Get up to $1000 - Apply Now!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Dominican police arrest US model

A Dominican judge ruled Monday that an American surf instructor and part-time model can be detained for a year without bail while prosecutors prepare a drug trafficking case against him.

Police say they arrested Rick Spelman of Thousand Oaks, California, on suspicion of drug trafficking on Oct. 18 when they found him with a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of genetically engineered marijuana while he was taking a bus to Cabarete, a tourist town where he has been giving surf lessons for several years between modeling jobs.

On Monday, Judge Jose Alejandro Vargas ruled that Spelman was a flight risk and can be detained for 12 months in a Dominican jail. The 31-year-old suspect is being held at a lockup where roughly 5,500 men are held in a facility built for 1,200 inmates.

No charges have been filed in the case, but the Dominican legal system allows for preventive detention while a case is under investigation. Human rights groups have long said the provision is abused and thousands of people are held without charge for extended periods.

In his first appearance before a judge last week, Spelman said the marijuana was soley for his own consumption.

Defense lawyer Manuela Ramirez said Spelman's legal team intends to argue that cultural criteria must be taken into account since California voters legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes in 1996. They intend to argue that the California native had no idea that marijuana was illegal in the Dominican Republic, Ramirez said.

Ramirez also said they will try to get the judge's order overruled so Spelman can be granted bail or at least transferred to a less crowded jail.

But National Drug Control Agency spokesman Roberto Lebron said the transgenic marijuana that Spelman was allegedly caught with has never been seen by anti-drug agents on the island before.

Lebron alleged that Spelman smuggled the marijuana from the U.S. mainland to sell it to tourists who flock to Cabarete's surfing beaches.

Dominican authorities are investigating if Spelman might be linked to a drug smuggling network. If convicted of drug trafficking, he faces up to 30 years in a Dominican prison.

A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo said staff are in contact with Spelman's relatives but would not provide further details.


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Mercury News

Unique gift ideas, posters from PictureStore

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Dominican Central Bank: Growth slows, inflation up

The Dominican Republic's Central Bank says growth has been slower and inflation higher than expected this year.

The bank says the economy grew 4.2 percent in the first nine months of this year, less than expected because of the weak global economy. It had projected growth of 5 percent to 6 percent. It says inflation was at an annual rate of 7.5 percent, largely due to higher fuel prices.

Central Bank Gov. Hector Valdez said Friday the trends indicate growth of 5 percent for the full year and inflation at 8.5 percent.

Exports for January through September rose more than 24 percent and foreign direct investment reached $1.8 billion. Valdez projects foreign investment will total $2 billion by the end of the year.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Business Week

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Rapper Future Shoots ‘Tony Montana’ Video in the Dominican Republic

Rapper Future journeyed to the Dominican Republic to shoot the gritty video for “Tony Montana,” his Scarface-inspired single that’s burning up radio. The Atlanta rapper hung out with fellow ATLien Rocko and the local youth, rode bikes with his crew, and chilled oceanside while filming scenes throughout the country. The street anthem has already spawned a remix with Drake.

“When I was making ‘Tony Montana,’ it was so far fetched for me to get Drake on the record,” explained Future. “They called me and said, ‘Drake wants to get on Tony.’ We had a long conversation. I sent it to him and he sent it back the same night. ‘Tony Montana’ is the Scarface movie on wax.”

Future has inked a deal with Epic Records and will release his debut album Pluto early next year.


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Rap Up

Friday, November 4, 2011

Second Central America and Dominican Republic Forum for Transparency San José

The Second Central America and Dominican Republic Forum for Transparency will take place in San José, Costa Rica from 2-3 November. The two-day event is hosted by the government of Costa Rica and will be opened by President Laura Chinchilla.

The second edition of the Forum will bring government, business and civil society together to coordinate measures to eradicate corruption, exchange experiences and discuss issues relevant for the countries of the region such as the implementation of international anti-corruption conventions, the role of the private sector and the media in the fight against corruption, and whistleblowers protection. The Forum will also focus on corruption and insecurity, judicial transparency, corruption within the security forces, and the link between organised crime and political campaign financing.

President Chinchilla will be joined by Alejandro Salas, Regional Director for the Americas at Transparency International, for the opening.

The Forum will publish a final declaration and recommendations identifying key points of action essential for progress in the regional fight against corruption on 3 November.


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Transparency International

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Dominican first lady accepts vice presidential bid

First lady Margarita Cedeno of the Dominican Republic has been picked as the vice presidential candidate for the governing party ahead of 2012 elections.

The Dominican Liberation Party says the wife of President Leonel Fernandez will run with presidential candidate Danilo Medina. Medina is a 59-year-old economist who unsuccessfully sought to be the party's presidential candidate in 2000.

The 46-year-old Cedeno received a standing ovation from party officials at a Wednesday conference.

Earlier this year, the first lady declined calls by supporters to run for the presidency just weeks after the party cleared the way for her candidacy. Her husband is not running for a third term.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: AP

Liberator sex furniture

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Dominican Republic Jazz Festival swings in soon, Jazz-Quad reports

For 14 years, jazz aficionados from around the world have come to the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival to hear top-of-the-line Latin jazz musicians from the Caribbean, and Central and South America in the tropical towns of Cabarete and Sosua on the north shore of the Dominican Republic, the website Jazz-Quad reports. This year's event is from November 9th through November 12th.

Part of what makes this festival different from others is that during its four days and three nights it wanders from venue to venue so attendees listen to outstanding jazz in different acoustical settings—most of them outdoors.

Mostly Free

The festival is free for all but one session. "We did this," says Jennifer Kirkman, a founder and director of the festival, "because we wanted as many people as possible to have exposure to jazz and its international character."

The "free" is made possible by its music-supportive sponsors: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, Dominican Republic Ministry of Culture, Ferreteria Ochoa, Millennium Resort in Cabarete, Sea Horse Ranch in Cabarete (founders), and Ayuntamiento (City Council) Sosua.

The festival is more than an entertainment experience. It gets attendees the privilege of sitting in the VIP section in front of the stage with the sponsors and the musicians during the event. This continuous opportunity has the reasonable price tag of US$150.00. It includes complimentary Cuba Libres made with Brugal rum, one of the sponsors. This is a good deal. Opening night on Wednesday is in the Parque Mirador Sosúa at 8pm. Under the stars, fans hear the Puerto Varas Jazz Sextet from Chile and Sabrina Estaban, the Dominican Republic's "Las Divas del Jazz."

Thursday's music is in the open-sided, roofed-over amphitheater of the Casa Marina resort. A workshop/seminar starts at 10:30am with the Puerto Varas Big Band from Chile. The afternoon is free to sightsee at such places as Monkey Jungle and Zip Lines, or snorkel or SCUBA in the really, really crystal-clear waters of Sosua Bay.

The night session features the Dominican Republic's Tes-A-T, and Ismail Miranda from Puerto. This is a charity session that has a price of US$200.00. The proceeds go to fund special educational music programs. This session is included for the VIP ticket holders.

On the Beach, Under the Stars

Friday starts at 11am under a tent on Cabarete Beach with workshops for school children, but anyone can attend to learn from these master jazz musicians.

The afternoon starts at 1pm and with a concert for youth by youth. This is led by the Puerto Varas Big Band, whose musicians are between the ages of 16 and 22. This session is in keeping with the goals of the festival to expose and inspire young people to learn to enjoy and appreciate music. They also have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument.

The evening starts at 8pm. Because this year's theme is vocalists, it starts by featuring Tutti Druyan, from Israel. She is a young and up and coming vocalist currently studying at the Berkelee Collegee of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

Following her is the Afro-Cuban Antillean fusion specialist, Xiomara Fortuna from the Dominican Republic. Turning up the heat to close the evening is the amazing and accomplished singer from Cuba, Gema Corredera.

During the break, there are approximately 15 restaurants and bars along the beach to enjoy dinner at—local seafood, steaks, Italian food and an Irish sports pub. No shoes necessary at any of them.

Saturday night starts at 9pm, still on the beach, with Rando Camasta from the Dominican Republic and Jerry Medina y La Banda from Puerto Rico. The evening ends by opening part of the audience floor for dancing—no telling which artists will jump back up on stage for an impromptu jazz session.


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Dominican Today

Best Toy Brands On Sale

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Dominican Republic, 1st Time President of The Parlacen

The Dominican Republic has been elected new President of the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) and is to assume office October 31st in ceremony to be held at the headquarter in Guatemala.

Its member countries, in line with its Constitution, assume pro tempore leadership in alphabetic order. The Dominican Republic joined the organization as observer in 1996 and enjoys full membership from 2009.

Lawmaker Manolo Pichardo of Liberacion Dominicana Party was elected by consensus among the Dominican coalition in the Parlacen: the Partido Revolucionario Dominicano (PRD), the de la Liberacion Dominicana (PLD), the Social-Christian Reformist Party (PSCR) and their allies, to honor the rotation pact signed in 2010.

The Elections Commission is made up of Dominicans Miguel Oviedo (PDI) as Secretary and MP Santiago Rodriguez (PLD) plus Edme Arnaud (PRD) for Secretary; Gloria Anaya and Julio Cesar Grijalva (El Salvador); Vidal Flores and Tulio Mariano Gonzalez (Honduras); Lloy Buhey David and Octavio Alvarado (Nicaragua); Francisco Lopez and Arturo de la Cruz (Guatemala) and Luis Castilla and Pablo Perez (Panama).

The Parlacen Foundation Treaty was signed in 1987 and its members - Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Honduras and Nicaragua- held the first official session on October 28, 1991.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Plenglish

Xmas Sale 50% Off

Monday, October 31, 2011

Technical Precision adds Dominican Republic capacity

Technical Precision Plastics Inc. is boosting the capacity of its Haina, Dominican Republic, facility with the addition of three Milacron Robotshot molding machines. The company plans to enlarge the facility by mid 2012.

The company will add two 165 ton presses and one 275 press by the end of November to support the increasing demand from existing customers and the addition of new customers, according to general manager Rick Malec, in an email response to questions.

The expansion will bring the number of presses at the Dominican Republic facility to eight. The company established Technical Precision Plastics Dominica Ltd in 2009 to provide clean room medical molding services to medical device companies in the Dominican Republic.

Malec said the 12,000 square feet Haina plant has 22 employees and operates in the PIISA Industrial Park, a free trade zone. He said the company plans to boost the space to 20,000 square feet by June 2012, to meet increasing demand.

The company’s main facility in Mebane, N.C., has 36 presses ranging in size from 55 tons to 350 tons. It has 135 employees.

Malec said the North Carolina plant specializes in multi-shot molding, running both two and three-shot machines. It is planning to boost its three-shot capacity in the first quarter of 2012.

TPP formed in Mebane in 1984 and has grown since. It has a 50,000 square foot facility and added a 26,000 square foot annex in 2006. It serves a varied customer base, including the aerospace, agricultural, automotive, consumer, medical and textile industries.


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Plastics News

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Geoffrey and Brynne Edelsten spend millions on Caribbean resort, casino

After pocketing millions earlier this year following the sale of his Allied Medical Group, former GP Geoffrey Edelsten has forked out millions to buy a Dominican Republic resort and casino.

Edelsten and second wife Brynne last week exchanged contracts on the Playa Chiquita Resort and Casino, a small resort which sources say Edelsten bought for a song.

Although Edelsten's reps would not confirm the figure he paid yesterday, we were informed Edelsten plans to transform the Caribbean property into a nightclub with accommodation for 500.

"He will live part of the year there but will continue to base himself in Australia," said his publicist John Scott.

Playa Chiquita (meaning small beach) is on the coast of Sosua and is one of two casinos in the region although the Dominican Republic itself is a gaming sanctuary.

To help manage the renovation Edelsten, 68, also snapped up a private jet - a Challenger 601 - which he will base in Miami for flights to the resort.

Edelsten had a colourful 45 years as a doctor, entrepreneur and one-time Sydney Swans investor/promoter.

The Allied sale reportedly swelled his wealth by $100 million, with some spent buying his wife's favourite Vegas fashion label, Nurielle, for which she is a designer.

On November 15 the man perennially dubbed "disgraced medico" will release Enigma, a frank and revealing tell-all book of his life and the year spent in jail after being found guilty of soliciting hitman Christopher Dale Flannery to beat up a former patient.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: News.com.au

Le Domaine - Premium Cookware, Kitchenware, Knives and Bakeware Online

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Philip Morris to Invest Heavily in Dominican Market

Smoking is regaining popularity among young people in the Dominican Republic, and now the Philip Morris Dominicana company is announcing a plan to invest RD$500 million (approximately $13M USD) in the Dominican market.

Director Ricardo Petrikovich said that the company intends to increase its presence in the country. Philip Morris has been in the country for 40 years manufacturing Marlboro and Nacional cigarettes.

Petrikovich said the company was promoting the planting of Burley tobacco for cigarette manufacturing. “Our intention is to continue to increase our support for producers, with financing, training, advisory services and investment in related areas,” he said during a meeting with reporters in Santiago. At the same time Petrikovich said that the company would continue with programs to prevent cigarette consumption among minors.

He said the company has obtained international environmental management certificate ISO 140001 and health and labor security certificate OHSAS 18001.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Dominican Today

Compare hotel prices and find the best deal - HotelsCombined.com

Friday, October 28, 2011

Fernandez breaks ground for US$115M dam at La Vega

President Leonel Fernandez on Thursday headed the groundbreaking for the construction of the Guaigui dam in the community of the same mane in central La Vega province Guaigüí dam, which will supply potable water, irrigation, prevent the Camú River’s flooding and generate clean energy.

The dam and related structures will cost US$115 million, of which 78 million will come from financing by bank of London, and the remaining 37 million are Dominican government matching funds.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Dominican Today

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Cuba Denounces US Blockade in the Dominican Republic

In a press conference offered today at the Cuban Embassy, Bandrich said that the resistance against the blockade and the claim for the immediate release of the five anti-terrorist Cuban fighters unfairly held in US prisons are the two basic requisites for a normalization of relations with the United States.

He explained that the blockade has caused 975 billion USD in losses to Cuba and for 20 years the United States has failed to comply with the decision of the UN General Assembly demanding the end of that hostile policy that is in violation of all international regulations, besides failing in its attempt to destroy the Cuban Revolution.

Regarding the release of The Cuban Five, as they are internationally known, Bandrich said they continue in prison because Rene Gonzalez, who left prison on October 7, is now under supervised release for three years, banned from returning to Cuba and reuniting with his family.

Rene, along with Gerardo Hernandez, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando Gonzalez and Ramon Labanino, detained in the United States in 1998, were given harsh sentences for monitoring terrorist activities by anti-Cuban groups based in Florida.

They were subject to a trial plagued with irregularities and their rights have been repeatedly violated by punishment including solitary confinement and a ban on family visit.

Asked about his tasks as new representative of the Cuban Government in the Dominican Republic, Bandrich explained that he plans to maintain the long standing good relations between the two countries, based on respect to sovereignty, non interference in internal affairs and maintain collaboration in education, sports and other areas of mutual interest.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Prensa Latina

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Kraft Foods Introduces New Cocoa Scheme

In a commitment with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Cocoa Partnership initiative of Kraft Foods is planning to increase the yield and quality of Dominican cocoa.

The program will provide training on farming techniques for about for about 10,000 small-scale cocoa farmers in the country.

Bharat Puri, senior vice president, global chocolate, Kraft Foods said, “The challenges facing today’s cocoa farmer cannot be solved by any one company or organization. Only by working together – public and private sectors along with farmers and civil society – will we be able to make the difference that’s needed.”

Kraft Foods Inc. stocks were at 34.85 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 0.0% change in the stock price over the past 3 months.


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: eMoney Daily

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Tarantulas seized at Zurich Airport

Customs agents at Zurich Airport have blocked the delivery of 261 tarantulas shipped from the Dominican Republic.

The arachnids in question are Mexican redknee tarantulas – a protected species, according to a statement released by the Zurich customs investigation office on Wednesday.

Customs workers had found the individually-wrapped tarantulas packed in six cartons in August; ten of the large furry spiders had apparently died during the journey.

Zurich Zoo is taking care of the tarantulas for now; the creatures will eventually be placed in permanent homes. Their venom is not considered dangerous to humans.

The man who had ordered them is a Swiss spider breeder and dealer. When the authorities inspected his home they found 665 tarantulas as well as 72 meat-eating centipedes.

He had imported these illegally by post from central America, but he can keep them because their species are not under protection. However, he will be cited for breaching VAT law.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Swiss Info

Stunning Diamonds

Monday, October 24, 2011

Dominican Republic loses preliminary WTO ruling

The World Trade Organization has issued a preliminary ruling against the Dominican Republic's tariffs on imports of polypropylene bags and tubular fabric, according to a text obtained by Reuters on Thursday.

The case was brought by Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala after the Dominican Republic introduced a 38 percent tax on the imports as a temporary measure to protect its own producers.

Use of such temporary protection, so-called "safeguard measures", is permitted under WTO rules if a specific industry is at serious risk because of an increase in imports.

But the preliminary report, which was issued by the WTO's dispute settlement body on Wednesday and is likely to be finalised near the end of November, agreed with the complaint and found the Dominican Republic's action was not justified. (Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Karolina Tagaris)

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Reuters Africa

iScent Online Fragrances

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Strike shuts down Dominican Republic university

Professors and other employees at the Dominican Republic's biggest public university have gone on strike and left 185,000 students without classes.

The protesters are seeking a total of $520,000 in back pay, a 15 percent wage boost and demanding the government allocate $18 million more for a university that now operates on a $109 million budget.

Chancellor Mateo Aquino says the university has a $693 million deficit and can't afford to raise salaries??.

The university professors' federation plans to march to Congress on Monday.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Money MSN

Men's Sexy Underwear

Saturday, October 22, 2011

More Royal Caribbean ships will visit the Dominican Republic in 2012-2013

After several meetings with three major cruise lines that touch Dominican ports, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Radhames Martinez Aponte, said the country should feel satisfied with the achievements so far in the event organized by the Association of Cruise Florida and the Caribbean (FCCA). Among the FCCA members is Royal Caribbean, who agreed to increase the amount of passengers that will visit the country in 2012-2013.

"During the meetings we held with Royal Caribbean, MSC and Norwegian have promised us that from the 2012-2013 season will increase the number of cruise ships or cruise the ability of playing the Dominican Republic, which would raise the number of tourists coming this way, "said Martinez Aponte.

Michael Roman, vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean for Royal Caribbean, acknowledged the efforts being made by the Ministry of Tourism to further improve the conditions of ports and the changes they have experienced.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Royal Caribbean

Le Domaine - Premium Cookware, Kitchenware, Knives and Bakeware Online

Friday, October 21, 2011

Village Farms to pack bell peppers in Dominican Republic

Village Farms International is beginning packing sweet bell peppers at a new facility in Santiago, Dominican Republic, in October.

“We should be fully operational by the end of the month,” said Stephen Ruffini, chief financial officer of Vancouver, Canada-based Village Farms International.

The packing and distribution site will operate under a new subsidiary, Village Farms DR, SRL.

It offers computerized grading machinery, value-added packaging, cold storage, certified quality assurance and the company’s Global Food Safety Initiative programs.

“Growers there have been selling their produce to wholesalers in the Dominican Republic who have connections to various U.S. wholesalers,” Ruffini said. “Nobody had a packhouse. There was a lot of lost product not handled properly in the cold chain. Growers weren’t happy with the pricing they received. It was haphazard.”

“What we’re selling is a fully operational packhouse and cooler. Bring your peppers to us and we’ll pay X. Mexico has made that transition to modern packing facilities over the last 10 years. We’re really the first to do so in the Dominican Republic.”

The site is expected to start operations with 15 employees.

Village Farms will also manage export logistical services of its packaged, branded peppers for distribution in the U.S.

The company has partner greenhouse growers in high-elevation areas of the Dominican Republic, the optimal locations for bell peppers.

“(The) Caribbean region is poised to become a consistent supplier of hydroponic greenhouse-grown sweet bell peppers to the U.S.,” Michael Minerva, senior vice president of grower relations supply development, said in a news release. “Village Farms has engaged in this project to meet its growing customer demand for greenhouse grown bell peppers.”

Village Farms has greenhouse facilities in Texas and British Columbia. The company markets primarily to retail grocers and fresh-food distributors in the U.S. and Canada.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: The Packer

Gift Baskets and Hampers Delivered

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Dominican Republic Aims to Have Merengue Deemed a National Treasure

Dominican Republican Senators Fernando Mateo Vasquez and Manuel Antonio Paula have asked the Ministry of Culture to submit Dominican merengue as a candidate for UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.

The importance of intangible cultural heritage according to the UNESCO is not the cultural manifestation itself but rather the wealth of knowledge and skills that is transmitted through it from one generation to the next.

Musicians Dioni Fernandez and Manuel Tejada initiated the measure. The Ministry now needs to present the application to the evaluation committee that meets in Paris in November.

If approved, this will be the DR’s fourth UNESCO listing after Santo Domingo Colonial City received one in 1990, the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit Congos of Villa Mella in 2008 and the Cocolo Dance Drama Tradition, also in 2008.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Hispanically Speaking

Maternity Clothes Sale

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Region nations mull port protection next week

Dominican Republic will host a regional event in which representatives from several countries will analyze port protection, mostly to prevent terrorism and other activities that pose threats to national security.

Several continental organizations sponsor the activity with delegates from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.

Specialized Port Security Corps (CESEP) director Luis R. Lee Ballester, who made the announcement Thursday, said the sub regional workshop is slated from October 18 to 20.

The conclave’s sponsors include the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE), the Organization of American States (OAS), Canada’s Transport Ministry and the United States Coastguard Service (USCG).

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Dominican Today

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Barrick Named Carbon Disclosure Leader in Canada, Recognized for CSR in Chile and Dominican Republic

Barrick has been recognized as one of the top five companies in Canada for its climate change disclosure practices and has received separate awards for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance in Chile and the Dominican Republic.

For the second consecutive year, Barrick was named as a carbon disclosure leader in Canada, this year ranking among the top five companies in an annual survey conducted by the Carbon Disclosure Project. Barrick was selected from among 200 major Canadian companies as the most prepared, involved and transparent in their approach to climate change information disclosure practices and strategies. The Carbon Disclosure Project is the only global climate reporting system that asks companies to disclose GHG emissions and climate change strategies. The survey is available for use by a wide audience including institutional investors, corporations, policy makers, public sector organizations, government bodies, academics and the public.

“At Barrick, it is a business imperative to manage the long-term, energy-related risks associated with climate change,” said Bill Williams, Barrick’s vice president for Environment. “We are committed to public disclosure and are very pleased to be ranked as one of the top five leading companies in Canada by the Carbon Disclosure Project this year. We will continue to report on the progress we are making, as we pursue opportunities to reduce energy consumption, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions and adopt renewable energy projects at our operations.”

Through energy conservation and efficiency programs, Barrick’s global GHG emissions were reduced by 206,200 metric tons in 2010. The company continues to explore innovative technologies and implement alternative energy projects in Chile, Argentina, the U.S., Tanzania and other locations.

In Chile, Barrick received an award from the Chilean Ministry of Planning and Cooperation for its efforts to reduce poverty in the country’s Antofagasta and Atacama regions. “We are very proud to receive this award and it commits us to continue this type of work,” said Barrick vice president of corporate affairs Rod Jiménez. “We believe that by working together with communities, we can add value and contribute to a better society.”

Since 2009, Barrick has been working with the Solidarity and Social Investment Fund (FOSIS) to implement projects to help people living in extreme poverty near its Chilean mine sites. The programs provide assistance to micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses. In 2010, 89 entrepreneurs and 35 small businesses received support from Barrick. As well, since 2008, Barrick has been part of the Atacama Commitment, a unique alliance with Chilean NGOs and government partners that includes a range of programs and projects aimed at improving economic and social conditions in communities in the Atacama region, home to Barrick’s Cerro Casale and Pascua-Lama projects.

“This award is aimed at recognizing companies with specific programs and initiatives to overcome poverty,” said Joaquin Levin, Chile’s minister of planning and cooperation. “It is focused on identifying and rewarding everyone who is collaborating on poverty reduction initiatives and inviting others to join this challenge.”

Finally, in the Dominican Republic, Barrick’s Pueblo Viejo operation was recognized by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic with an award for its community development practices. The award recognizes Barrick for its innovative work in helping develop a wide array of CSR initiatives in collaboration with residents and governments in communities surrounding the Pueblo Viejo project. Pueblo Viejo was one of six companies vying for the award.

“We are thrilled and gratified to be receiving this award, which recognizes our extensive work with communities to help them determine the sustainable development initiatives that they want to implement, and ensure they have the capacity to see those initiatives through to completion,” said Faby Manzano, CSR manager, Pueblo Viejo Dominicana Corporation.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: 3bl Media

Mothers Love Baby Products

Monday, October 17, 2011

Dominican Republic learns Korean economic model

The visiting Dominican Republic secretary of state said Wednesday that the Caribbean island state wants to follow the Korean economic model, which helped the nation become one of the world’s strongest information technology powerhouses.

“We are seeking to follow Korea’s example. Dominican Republic has been an agricultural country, but wants to transform to an advanced IT industry-based nation,” said Eddy Martinez, secretary of state of Dominican Republic through an interpreter in an interview with The Korea Times.

Martinez came to Seoul with fellow government officials and businessmen to take part in an education program, invited by the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank).

Martinez, also in charge of the nation’s export and investment agency, said he hopes a bilateral relationship with Korea will be enforced through his visit.

“We want to be a strategic ally of Korea. We hope to have more important relationships with Korean companies.”

Martinez said that he is especially interested in Korea’s advanced three-dimensional (3D) technology and digital content business. Korea’s LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics are two of the world’s leading companies with high-end 3D technologies.

The secretary of state also said he wants to learn from Korea’s education system, which has produced quality human resources enabling drastic economic development.

Julio Anibal Fernandez Javier, vice finance minster of Dominican Republic, stated his appreciation of Korea Eximbank for providing the Economic Development Cooperation Fund of $23 million to his country, which contributed to its customs agency modernization project.

Javier also hoped for more loans from Korea for its projects for its immigration agency modernization and trade center construction.
Korea Eximbank said that it has already approved an additional loan of $25 million for the immigration improvement, and is in talks with Dominican Republic on the trade center project, valued at $36 million.

The state-run bank introduced the nation’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) support program titled “Korea’s Hidden Champions” to the Dominican Republic people. A hidden champion refers to an SME, which has an internationally competitive market share though its exports are less than $4 billion.

The bank wants to enforce the backbone of the nation’s industry supporting 100 SMEs which have the potential to grow as globally competitive companies.

The 12 Dominican Republic officials and businessmen also visited the main office of Celltrion, a leading biopharmaceutical company based in Incheon, and an example of a Korean hidden champion.

They are scheduled to drop by global Seoul-based companies, such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, to look around plants and industrial infrastructure later in the week.

Korea Eximbank organized this event as part of its “Knowledge Sharing Program,” which introduces the country’s experience of economic achievement to developing nations.

Korea has drawn attention from the world for its rapid economic success from poverty and the ruins of the Korean War.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Korea Times

Get up to $1000 - Apply Now!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Dominican Republic starts up wind power project

Dominican Republic inaugurated its first large-scale wind power project on Tuesday in a move to develop renewable energy sources in the Caribbean country's crisis-ridden power sector.

President Leonel Fernandez attended the opening of the twin wind parks of Los Cocos and Quilvio Cabrera in Pedernales province in the southern part of Dominican Republic's frontier with Haiti.

The facility, which involved an investment of around $100 million by private local power companies Punta Cana-Macao (CEPM) and EGE-Haina, has 19 wind towers and will contribute 33 megawatts (MW) to the national electricity network. It will save around 200,000 barrels of oil a year, officials said.

The country's electricity sector, which relies on costly oil imports, has been in crisis for decades and consumers suffer frequent power blackouts. Private estimates say some 40 percent of Dominicans fail to pay for electricity, with many using illegal hookups to power their homes.

Under a $1.66 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) stand-by program, the government has been slashing hefty subsidies to the electricity sector and raising fees, but it has still budgeted around $350 million in subsidies this year.

A number of wind power projects already exist in the Caribbean -- in Jamaica, Cuba, Aruba and Guadelupe -- but the Dominican Republic facility was believed to be the largest of its kind so far, EGE-Haina officials said.

EGE-Haina said a second phase of the wind farm project would add an additional 52 MW in 2012.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Reuters

Unique gift ideas, posters from PictureStore

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Dominican Republic Offers Support for Palestine’s UN Bid

Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez, in a meeting with visiting President Mahmoud Abbas, Friday offered his country’s support for the Palestinians’ United Nations membership bid, according to reports.

Abbas, on an official visit to several Central American and Caribbean countries, discussed with Fernandez the Palestinian plan to gain UN recognition and membership.

The Palestinian president addressed the Dominican Parliament during which he announced that the Palestinian Authority intends to open an embassy in Santo Domingo.

“We hope that this embassy will be the central stage to develop our bilateral relations and our relations with many countries whether in Central America or the Caribbean,” he said.

Abbas said that the majority of world countries have recognized Palestine because they believe that this move is very essential for stability and peace in the region. The Dominican Republic has been one of the first countries to support the Palestinian bid, he said.

Fernandez conferred on Abbas the 'Order of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez and Mella,' the highest and principal honor of the Caribbean country.

“We hope to achieve peace and security among Israelis and Palestinians,” said Fernandez. “Recognizing the statehood of Palestine would help bring about lasting peace in the Middle East and ease concerns in the entire Arab community.”

He added that the Dominican Republic “does not hesitate to recognize the legitimate right of Palestine to be recognized as a free, sovereign and independent nation.”

Abbas arrived in the Dominican Republic on Friday, the first leg of his Latin American tour to gather world support for the Palestinian UN bid.

He will travel to el-Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Colombia, and will stop in Portugal on his way back.

The vote from Colombia and Portugal, two non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, is crucial to get the UN body to discuss the Palestinian application for membership. While the two states have said they might abstain, Abbas is trying to get them to vote in favor of the application.

The Security Council has first to accept the recommendation before it is brought before the UN General Assembly for a final vote. The United States, a permanent Security Council member, said it will veto it if the Palestinians get nine or more votes in favor.


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Palestine News & Info Agency

Friday, October 14, 2011

Village Farms opens packing, distribution facility in Dominican Republic

Village Farms International Inc. (TSX:VFF) has opened a packing and distribution facility in the Dominican Republic.

The company, which specializes in greenhouse-grown produce, said Monday that the subsidiary, located in Santiago, will begin packaging sweet bell peppers this month.

All of the logistal services of exporting the produce to the United States will be managed by the company.

"With the proper grower training programs in place, effective packaging and logistics services, and steady guidance the Caribbean region is poised to become a consistent supplier of hydroponic greenhouse grown sweet bell peppers to the United States," senior vice-president Michael Minerva in a release.

Village Farms, headquartered in Vancouver, is one of North America's largest producers of greenhouse-grown tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers. It operates in both Texas and British Columbia.

For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Winnipeg Free Press

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Lansing adds direct flights to Dominican Republic

It's getting a little easier to book a warm-weather trip. Punta Cana has joined Cancun and Montego Bay with non-stop flights out of Lansing.

To celebrate, the Capital Regional International Airport is hosting the Fly Lansing Travel Extravaganza from 5-8 p.m. Thursday in the airport terminal. Representatives from Apple Vacations, Sun Country Airlines, tourism bureaus and resort properties will be on site to familiarize the public with direct flights to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Cancun, Mexico, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and others.

"Lansing worked hard to get the Sun Country service at their airport that does run seasonal non-stop flights to (these spots)", according to Peggy Riley, of Dolphin Vacations, a division of Professional Travel, in Grand Rapids. "The first year, (the Lansing airport) offered only Cancun, the second they added Jamaica, and this year they added Punta Cana."

Local travel agents have booked many of the seats for the Spring Break dates on these flights. Riley said Lansing is the only airport to offer these other than Chicago or Detroit.

"The flights to Montego Bay and Punta Cana operate once a week, and the service starts in December and operates through the first week of April," she said.

Remarkably, Riley said, one of the advantages of the Sun Country service is they rarely cancel a flight. Even in the worst snowstorms of last year, their flight departed from Lansing when others didn’t.

Travel agents also can help travelers find hotels to stay at the night before and be taken to the airport for the flight, "just like in Detroit and Chicago," she said.

The third annual Travel Extravaganza is open to the public and free and includes prizes, food and parking. Get more information on Sun Country and Apple Vacation packages by visiting Flylansing.com, contact the Fly Lansing Concierge Travel Center at 517-321-4688 or contact your travel agent.


For the best rates and deals on hotels, resorts and holiday accommodation in the Dominican Republic click here

If you found this interesting check out our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: MLive

Compare hotel prices and find the best deal - HotelsCombined.com