The Dominican Republic is facing an outbreak of chickenpox and over the last week more than 880 cases were reported. The Epidemiologic Department at the Ministry of Public Health registered during the four weeks 3,316 cases that represent an increase of 14% over the same period last year. Chicken pox is a virus that regularly attacks people during the summer, although tropical climate favors its appearance during any time of the year.
Officials from the Ministry of Public Health recommend quarantining patients in their homes and not allowing contact with other persons who have not had the illness. Persons with chickenpox should not go to work or school or church until the outbreak, the tiny blisters have dried up, in around five days.
Chickenpox is caused by a virus that generally affects children and is not dangerous. It is not one of the illnesses on the recommended vaccination list followed by the Dominican public health sector and that is backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
Chickenpox is not on the Broad Program of Immunizations (PAI) list because it is not considered a health risk. Nevertheless, officials recommend avoiding that those infected scratch the outbreak and damage the skin because this can produce major infections. Affected persons should bath two or three times a day and keep hands clean and fingernails short.
Source: DR1, DiarioLibre
May 25, 2018
COMMUNICATION FROM IMMIGRATION SAYING THAT NON-RESIDENT WILL BE ALLOWED UP TO 60 DAYS IN DR LEGALLY
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice ministry for Consular and Migratory Affairs, presents its compliments to the Honorable Diplomatic and Consular Missions accredited in the country, in occasion of sending the Circular of the General Directorate of Migration, through which it informs that the period of permanence will be up to 60 days, extendable, for foreign nationals admitted as non-resident in the Dominican Republic, tourists, business persons and group members being included in this category on account of their sporting, artistic or related nature.
Likewise, it is reported that foreign nationals who wish to remain in the country for a period longer than 60 days, by study, work, residence, investment, or other activity whose nature requires exceeding the established period, must request the corresponding visa beforehand by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, subsequently, go to the General Directorate of Immigration to manage their Temporary Residence or Permanent Residence permit, fulfilling for them the requirements in the aforementioned law and its regulations.
In this sense, the General Directorate of Migration, making use of the powers granted by Law 285-04 and its Regulation of Application, established by presidential decree 631-11, provides that any foreign national who exceeds the period authorized for their stay in the national territory, whose limit should not exceed the (60) days when he enters as a tourist, is SUBJECT TO NO ADMISSION AT THE TIME OF RETURNING TO THE COUNTRY, without prejudice to the penalty or rate of stay to which the FIFTH paragraph of Resolution DGM-05-2013 on the immigration control procedure in the Dominican Republic.
Source: Abreu & Associates Immigration Service, Migracion.gob.do
May 25, 2018
Overstay fees/fines have been increased. They have also clarified, in writing, that time begins on date of arrival, not the 31st day.
https://www.migracion.gob.do/Content/docs/prorroga.pdf
EXTENSION DEPOSITS OF RECORDS As of the date hereof, all cases of foreign users who, having violated the term of thirty (30) days prescribed in PARAGRAPH and article 45 and article 71 of the General Law of Migration No. 285- 04, of August 15, 2004, within which they had to make the deposit of their applications and request EXTENSION FOR APPLICATION OF DEPOSITS OF RECORDS FOR RESIDENCE PURPOSES AND / OR ANY OTHER IMMIGRATION STATUS that is of place according to the law, charge them the following amounts, depending on the case:
From 1 to 4 months RD $ 5,000.00 Pesos
From 4 to 5 months RD $ 6,000.00 Pesos
From 5 to 6 months RD $ 7,000.00 Pesos
From 6 to 7 months RD $ 8,000.00 Pesos
From 7 to 8 months RD $ 9,000.00 Pesos
From 8 to 9 months RD $ 10,000.00 Pesos
From 9 to 10 months RD $ 11,000.00 Pesos
From 10 to 11 months RD $ 12,000.00 Pesos
From 11 to 12 months RD $ 13,000.00 Pesos
From one (1) year of entering the country, an additional five thousand pesos will be charged with 00/100 (RD $ 5,000.00), for each year or fraction of year.
For the pertinent purposes, the term will be computed from the date to the country not of the period established in the residence visa.
Overstay fees paid at the airport so far stay the same, and allow you to be in the country for up to 60 days.
https://www.migracion.gob.do/Menu/Index/21
Source: DR1 Forum, Migracion.gob.do
May 24, 2018
The Dominican Republic is a few hundred kilometers of snow-white sandy beaches, which are framed by magnificent tropical jungles. Travelers from different parts of the world like to come here to inspire amazing landscapes, as well as rest and relax on the most beautiful beaches.
Dominican Republic is a real paradise for every traveler who is a true connoisseur of beach holidays. The Republic is washed by the warm Caribbean Sea and the majestic Atlantic Ocean, thanks to which the coast, suitable not only for sunbathing, but also for swimming, stretches for many kilometers. It should be noted that there are a huge number of resort and tourist areas, but there are also the most popular among holidaymakers.
Cap Cana
Cap Cana is one of the most luxurious resorts of the Dominican Republic. All hotels, as well as resorts of the named area have a class of luxury. The port of Capa Cana is approached by delightful yachts, while on the waterfront are the chicest boutiques and restaurants.
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic, the center of the city’s busy urban life. Striking architecture, ancient streets, bazaars, where you can buy a variety of souvenirs, museums, cathedrals, as well as exhibition galleries – all this offers to know more the capital of the Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana
Punta Cana is a true beach paradise, which is perfect for a family holiday. The nature of Punta Cana is extraordinarily beautiful. Bright-turquoise warm sea, the highest palm trees, long white sandy beaches that are similar to flour – do you really need something else for complete happiness? There are all conditions for a good vacation. There is an opportunity to dive with a personal instructor, and you can go on an unforgettable fishing trip or visit the national park, which contains the rarest species of animals. The variety of options for entertainment in Punta Cana is extensive. Especially popular is the local resort area, like Playa Bavaro, which is known for its magnificent beaches. In this city there is an excellent international airport, so there is no need for a separate transfer.
Any city, as well as the terrain of the Dominican Republic, has its own advantages and features. Some travelers visit their vacation to go round the whole country in order to get acquainted with the living conditions and peculiarities of this extraordinary and picturesque corner of our planet.
https://republicapro.com/
The incapacitating drug, scopolalamine (burundanga), is making rounds in the Dominican Republic, the National Police has confirmed. The drug is blown into faces or soaked into business cards. The Police are warning to think twice before grabbing a piece of paper from a stranger under any pretext.
A report in Listin Diario relates the experiences of local victims of the drug, but likewise, tourists are said to be also targeted.
The drug is known to create a zombie-like state in its victims, leaving the person with no ability to control their actions, and at risk of emptying their bank accounts, handing over all belongings or opening up their homes. Incidents are reported for nightclubs and bars. The victims are both young women and wealthy-appearing men.
Police spokesman Frank Durán has called people to steer clear of persons soliciting directions to banks and other commercial establishments. He said the drug is inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Source: DR1, Policianacional
May 22, 2018
Acting US ambassador in the Dominican Republic, Robert Copley, alerted the Dominican Republic to the poor track record in transparency, environmental and labor and local community development associated with Chinese investments and loans in other parts of the world. Reportedly, Copley met with President Danilo Medina on Thursday, 17 May 2018, for an hour when he expressed the official concern and “disappointment” on the Dominican establishing relations with China last month. The meeting occurred after the Dominican Republic severed 77-year old relations with Taiwan as a condition to sign a formal agreement with China.
The diplomatic ties request was signed in China by Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas and Administrative Minister of the Presidency Jose Ramon Peralta.
Copley said the position of the United States is that it respects the right of the Dominican Republic to establish relations with another country. However, the US government feels the timing was off. He also expressed concern that the country could take on loans that could affect the Dominican environment, labor and communities.
Copley remarked on issues with the track record of Chinese investments in Latin America and Africa.
Responding to the ambassador’s remarks, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lu Kang, said, in a press conference on 18 May 2018, since the US established relations with China in 1979, it is difficult understand why the US government wants to prevent other countries from entering into formal relations with the Chinese government.
He said: “China stands ready to develop friendly cooperative relations with other countries around the world on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the one-China principle. Since last year, China has established diplomatic ties with Panama and the Dominican Republic. It once again demonstrates that the one-China principle has been universally acknowledged and endorsed by the international community. As a principle of righteousness, it corresponds with the will of the people and the irresistible trend of the times.
“We are strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the above-mentioned remarks by the US side. The US established diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China in 1979 and acknowledged in the three China-US Joint Communiques that there is only one China in the world and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole China. So, it baffles us as to why the US side wants to prevent other countries from recognizing the one-China principle and normalizing relations with the People’s Republic of China? We urge the US side to abide by the one-China principle, honor the clauses and its commitments in the three China-US Joint Communiques, refrain from making irresponsible remarks at other countries’ decisions to develop ties with China, and stop exploiting cross-Straits relations to interfere in China’s internal affairs.”
In the Dominican Republic, the Chinese commercial representative Fu Xinrong said the Copley statement is an intromission into Dominican affairs and irresponsible comment.
Prior to the signing of full-fledged diplomatic relations, Chinese investment in the Dominican Republic was already growing with several new companies beginning operations.
Source: DR1, Listindiario
May 22, 2018
On Sunday, 27th May Mother’s Day is celebrated in the Dominican Republic. In the Dominican Republic Mother’s Day is always held on the last Sunday of May. It is the day you should thank your mother in a very special way, overloading her with gifts. The gratitude of the children for the mother is high. To help the children express their gratitude, the flower shops and the many boutiques and shops are making special offers on washing machines, refrigerators, gas stoves, television sets, clothing and shoes. In Sosúa in El Batey, Sosúa Abajo and Charamicos we see flags outside the shops and shop windows decorated, to present the special Mother’s Day offers to lure the sons and daughters to buy their mother a present to express their gratitude for her.
But it is also a tradition for the Herman Strauss foundation and the military Airbase to provide gifts like food and other stuff for mothers from poor families.
Source: Sosua News
May 22, 2018
Last Friday, Sosúa Sharks, the basketball team from Sosúa, have won the tournament ‘Torneo de Baloncesto Superior XXIV 2018 Puerto Plata’ for the third time. A great performance. The team played several matches on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays against teams from Puerto Plata, Montellano, Santiago, Maimón and Sabaneta and lost only two games.
In the finals they played against the Las Cotorras from Puerto Plata, just as in 2015. They had to play against their opponent seven times in two weekends. The Las Cotorras or parrots won the first two games, but the rest of the games was won by the Sharks. After the presentation of the victory trophy the celebration went off. The team went to Charamicos, honking their horns and celebrating with a wildly enthusiastic crowd. Sosúa Sharks would like to thank their sponsors Hispaniola Beach, Gansevoort Playa Imbert, Ferreteria Luciano, Cable Delancer and Ahnvee Resort & Sports for their support. Thanks to these sponsors, the team was able to prepare for the tournament and appear in an appropriate team uniform.
Source: Sosua News
May 22, 2018
Public Schools
The primary language of instruction in public schools in the Dominican Republic is Spanish. There are generally not enough teachers, facilities or funding to meet the demands of the unusually large Dominican school-age population. Many private and religious schools supplement the state-financed schools. Children aged 7 to 14 years are required to attend, and almost every large community has elementary and secondary schools. Public schools are free to attend, however, a child need uniform and books to buy.
Instruction in foreign languages is available in Dominican schools for children of all ages. Curriculum is available in Spanish and other languages. Some schools will offer education in one language whilst others may be bilingual. While there are students enrolled from all over the world, the majority is Dominican. This means that much of the school’s informal social life will take place in Spanish, regardless of the educational facility’s policies.
Private Schools
Private schools in the Dominican Republic normally have the medium of instruction in English and usually take children from many nationalities. Students must meet a certain level of English fluency for entrance. The school year is normally divided into two semesters which begin in mid-late August and finish early-mid June.
Tuition fees for students vary from school to school, the maximum being US$8,000 per academic year. As a general rule the older the child, the higher the fees. There may be additional charges for school lunches, uniforms and schoolbooks and materials.
Validity of Qualification after leaving Dominican School
Schools which are accredited by the Dominican Ministry of Education offer certificates which are valid for entrance to Dominican, European and US universities. However, students planning to undertake higher education in the US may wish to attend a school which has been accredited by the US Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Those interested in studying in Europe, should consider a school where the International Baccaulaureate curriculum is used.
Education in English is available in Santo Domingo as well as in La Romana, Santiago, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.
List of private schools in the North Coast (Sosua – Cabarete – Puerto Plata)
PUERTO PLATA
Santa Rosa
Offers Pre-K through Grade 12, located downtown, close to the Malecon.
Oldest, and respected school, religious (Catholic) influences.
Spanish speaking, many foreigners attend this school nonetheless.
Costs about RD$2,000 per month, excl. books, uniforms, meals and registration fee.
Colegio Adventista
Offers Pre-K through Grade 12, located downtown.
Spanish speaking, with about 10% foreigners.
English and French lessons.
Good reputation.
Costs about RD$1,200 per month, excl. books, uniforms, meals and registration fees.
Colegio San José
Most respected school in the city, Pre-K through Grade 12.
Spanish speaking only, with English and French lessons
A lot of practical work, outdoor education combined with classroom education.
Costs approx. RD$2,500 per month. Excl. meals, uniforms, books and registration fees. Non-religious.
Alic New World School
Grades Pre-K through Grade 12.
Bilingual school, not all teachers are educated, certified teachers though (usually the foreigners are not, and the local teachers are )
French lessons offered.
Costs around RD$2,500 per month, excl. books, uniforms, meals and registration fees.
Colegio Carlos Maria Hernandez
Offers Pre-K through Grade 12, small children in a separate building.
Located on Avenida 27 de Febrero, close to Tropical supermarket.
Spanish Speaking. Several foreigners attending this school.
Non-religious. Good reputation.
Costs around RD$1,500 per month, excl. books, uniforms, meals and registration fees.
Torre Alta Montessori School
Pre-school located in Torre Alta area of Puerto Plata.
Half days, bilingual. Good reputation.
Costs around RD$5,000 per month excl. meals, diapers, etc.
Bautista
Small school, close to supermercado Jose Luis.
Only half day, religious (Evangelical) and Spanish speaking.
Quite a lot of foreigners put their children here, if they live close by, to allow them to learn the language and integrate into the local social life.
Costs around RD$400 per month, excl. books, uniforms (shirts only here) and registration fees.
Colegio Isabel
Located close to the fire station.
For children with learning difficulties.
Spanish speaking.
Good reputation.
Pre-school Hermanas Pierret
Located by Parque Luperon downtown.
Solid school with good reputation.
Spanish speaking.
John’s English School
Afternoon/evening English language school.
Located close to the cemetery.
Foreigners and Dominican children, grade 1-9.
Many foreigners have this as a supplement, to keep their children’s English alive and correct.
Colegio Mary Lithgow
Large school on Calle Kennedy downtown.
Offers pre-K through grade 12.
Spanish speaking.
English lessons.
Good reputation, and a few foreigners attending.
Religious influences (Evangelical).
Costs around RD$2,000 per month excl. books, uniforms, meals and registration fees.
Escuela De Educación Especial
Located by Parque Luperon, in the Victorian building where Arthur Roderick (the architect who designed Central Park and most of Puerto Plata’s Victorian buildings). School for children with special needs. Good reputation.
SOSUA
ISLA Academy
ISLA Academy offers a high-quality, rigorous and personalized curriculum taught primarily in English. The ISLA Academy team is comprised of internationally certified, experienced teachers from eight different countries. A unique offering to the private, international schools of the Dominican Republic, ISLA Academy is the only institution that offers an exclusively inquiry-based method of learning. Inquiry-based learning ensures that students are prepared for a global society and encourages them to be active participants in their own education.
Tel: 809-571-4633
Playa Laguna, Sosua, Dominican Republic
Email: islaoffice@islaacademy.com
www.islaacademy.com
The International School of Sosua (ISS)
ISS is accredited by SACS, located in Sosua (La Mulata), and serves the communities of Sosua, Cabarete, and Puerto Plata. It has Grades Pre-K through Grade 12 and offers diploma programs from both the US and Dominican Republic. Courses are taught in English and teachers are certified in their field. The school has upgraded sophisticated facilities: soccer field, basketball ground, musical class with the equipment, rich library, karate class, drama class and more…
Fees: from US$600 per month (including books). The older the child the higher the fee.
Website: www.issosua.com
The Garden Kids School
Children aged 5–11 years (Pre-K to Grade 12).
Languages: Bilingual, primarily English
Teachers: only certified
Fees: US$400 per month, plus uniform, inscription fee, books etc.
Website: http://gardenkids.edu.do/
Colegio Children’s World
Founded in 2008
Languages: Bilingual, primarily Spanish
Level: Pre-K – Grade 12
Teachers: mostly certified
Fees: US$300 per month, plus uniform, inscription fee, books etc.
Located: behind German butchery store “Bavaria”
Nueva Vida Escuela
Religious school
Languages: mostly Spanish
Level: Pre-K – Grade 12
Fees: US$80 per month, plus uniform, books, inscription fee
Colegio Luis Hess
This is the oldest school in Sosua, founded by Jews in 1941.
Located: Pedro Clisante
Languages: Spanish
Fees: from RD3000 per month, plus uniform, books, inscription fee
http://www.clhess.edu.do/
CABARETE
3 Mariposas Montessori
The school was founded to support poor families in the area
Languages: English, Spanish and Creole
Teachers: some certified from USA and other countries, volunteers
Children from 0 – 6 years old
Website: http://3mariposasmontessori.com/
Colegio El Coral
Located in the side street down from Plaza Ocean Dream
Languages: Spanish
Fees: RD900 per month, plus uniform, books, inscription fee
Children: Kindergarten – Grade 8, primarily Dominican kids
