Archive for October, 2018
The new Transit Law 63-17 prohibits children under 8 years old from travelling on a motorcycle, among other measures to enhance safety. But this is one of the many provisions in the law that has caused discussions among the more than 750,000 motorcycle taxi drivers who transport children all the time. Nationwide, the motorcycles are used to take children to school every day. According to the Tax Agency (DGII) there are 2,238,671 motorcycles registered in the country.
The director of the National Institute of Traffic and Ground Transport (Intrant), Claudia Franchesca de los Santos, says that they are implementing a plan to ensure that the law is complied with, not only regarding the transporting of minors, but also other aspects of the law such as the compulsory use of a helmet and that only one passenger per motorcyclist be transported. The use of a helmet is met in Greater Santo Domingo, but not so outside of the capital city.
De los Santos says that the majority of accidents involving motorcycles did not happen in local neighborhoods, but on major roads and that was where they would begin to enforce the law.
However, an official from the National Center for Motorcycle Taxi Workets, Iván Lozada said that they were in agreement with the new law but felt it should be applied equally across all the sectors involved. He highlighted that often motorcycles travel in places where four wheeled vehicles could not so they were the only option for reaching some schools. He went on to say and that there had to be a realistic solution as to how to get children under 8 years to school.
Source: DR1, DiarioLibre
Oct 24, 2018
The Dominican Republic shoe is coming to a Nike store near you soon. Nike has said it will release the Air Force 1 to celebrate Dominican culture. The shoe has white leather upper sneakers, complete with dark red and navy accents on the Swoosh and laces and a message of “De Lo Mio” on the sole (meaning you’re a close friend). Mismatched tongue tags feature the words “República” and “Dominicana” on the right and left shoe. The shoes are set to be on the market in November 2018, through Nike SNKRS.
Previously, Nike had released the Air Force 1 “West Indies” and “Puerto Rico” branded sneakers. But this is a first for the Dominican Republic. The Nike Air Force 1 “De Lo Mio” spirit is to promote diversity and inclusivity, say the marketers. The shoe will be available at select Nike stores and online.
https://sneakernews.com/2018/10/17/n…lic-de-lo-mio/
Source: DR1, Sneakersnews
Oct 24, 2018
Small business representatives are optimistic that come January 2019, the Tax Agency (DGII) will begin to implement a new tax regime to benefit the smaller companies, as reported in Diario Libre. The new plan calls for the elimination of the gruesome “anticipo,” or the monthly taxes that companies need to pay depending on the previous years’ income level for the month. The new plan, now known as the Regimen Simplificado Unico, would relieve micro and small business from the payment of the advance income tax.
Small Business Deputy Minister Ignacio Mendez says the measure will benefit companies categorized as micro, or those that have 1 to 15 workers, and assets up of up RD$3 million and sales up to RD$6 million, indexed for inflation every year. Or small businesses that are those with from 16 to 60 workers, assets up to RDR12 million and revenues up to RD$40 million, indexed for inflation every year.
The plan is that already existing micro and small businesses could apply for the new regime, in addition to the new companies that seek their DGII tax registration. But Isaachart Burgos, a former president of the Confederation of Small and Medium Sized Companies (Codopyme), says that the government should grant facilities for companies with arrears with the DGII to regularize their status so they too can switch plans and benefit from the new regime.
The new tax plan seeks to encourage informal businesses to regularize their status as a company. It is estimated that more than half of all businesses in the country are not regulated by the government.
Source: DR1, DiarioLibre
Oct 24, 2018
The Ministry of Interior and Police (MIP) has given a grace period for the renewal of firearms licenses through 22 November 2018. A press release from the ministry states that the extension is to give more time to firearms holders to put their papers in order prior to Firearms Law No. 631-16 coming into force. The ministry warns that those who do not renew are subject to sanctions and their weapons could be confiscated. The Ministry says that inspections to check on license validity will be carried out across the country once the period of grace ends.
Source: DR1, Hoy
Oct 24, 2018
Ministry of Environment and National Police recovered a 1-1/2 meter long crocodile that had been meandering in a gully in Barrio Nuevo, Sabana Perdida, in north eastern Santo Domingo province and that had been captured on Saturday, 20 October 2018. The baby crocodile was sent to the National Zoo to receive care. The zoo authorities will decide to either keep the baby crocodile in the crocodile area of the zoo or return it to its natural habitat in Enriquillo Lake in southwestern Barahona.
Area resident, Aneudy Rivas had captured the crocodile in the early morning and requested a reward to deliver the reptile to the authorities. Rivas, who works in Juan Dolio, San Pedro de Macoris, went to work that day but kept in contact by phone with the authorities. Eventually, he agreed to voluntarily hand over the crocodile upon his return from San Pedro. The reptile was taken to the National Zoo for assessment.
In an early appraisal, zoo veterinarians told the press that the two to three year old baby crocodile measures 140 centimeters and weighs 12.1 lbs, that is below the normal weight of a crocodile of that size. The vets say it showed signs of weakness and intense stress. The vets say the crocodile will be kept under observation.
Supposedly, in the same area there is at least another crocodile. The Ministry of Environment has alerted the population to stay away to avoid injuries. Residents in Barrio Nuevo are on the lookout for a larger crocodile.
It is not known how the crocodiles came to live in the northern city area. The natural habitat of crocodiles is in Enriquillo Lake, in southwestern Barahona.
Source: DR1, Metrord
Oct 24, 2018
Debates are ongoing after PQD deputy Besaida Mercedes Abreu submitted a resolution to the Chamber of Deputies calling for the Ministry of Education to implement Art. 25 of Law 44-00 that establishes the reading of biblical text after the raising of the flag and singing of the national anthem in schools. The article also calls for the study of the Bible at least once a week with programs to be presented by the Roman Catholic Church and the Dominican Confederation of Evangelical Unity (CODUE).
“In each public school, upon consensus of the competent religious bodies or authorities, a program of common biblical instruction will be offered or, failing that, two individual biblical instruction programs will be offered, one for each competent religious body or authority. The parents of the students or tutors, could choose between the two programs of biblical instruction by means of a simple written declaration, being able also to opt for the exemption of the matter, as prescribed by the General Law of Education “, establishes the article III.
The law also establishes that biblical instruction programs will be forwarded to the National Board of Education for appropriate approval.
Those that oppose the bill say that religion is a personal decision and cannot be imposed on the students. Those who defend the bill say that the study of the Bible will help develop values in students to help reduce delinquency and crime at an early age. The bill has the backing of the president of the Dominican Association of Lawyers (CARD) Miguel Surun who argues that the Constitution establishes we are a Christian country and thus the Bible should be taught in schools. Advocates also say that the Concordat signed with the Vatican in 1954 is still in effect.
Source: DR1, Eldia
Oct 24, 2018
Eight separate challenges of the Political Parties Law 33-18 have been sent to the Constitutional Court within its first two months of going into effect. Opposition parties, middle ranking directors of the ruling PLD party, the Fundación Prensa y Derecho, and independent lawyers have presented the motions that seek to annul the implementation of the law that passed on 15 August 2018 to regulate the 2020 general elections.
The law has been accused of being a press gag law. Its Art. 44 restricts publishing “negative messages” in social media that could affect the public image of the candidates, among other debatable articles. Miguel Franjul, editor of Listin Diario and regional IAPA vice president, said at the most recent Interamerican Press Association general assembly in Salta, Argentina that the law is a threat to freedom of press in the Dominican Republic.
Source: DR1, Listindiario
Oct 24, 2018
Colombia exported US$230 million in non-mining or energy products to the Dominican Republic. As of July 2018, exports were at US$143 million, for a 9% increase over trade for the first seven months of 2017. The DR buys glass containers, plastics and construction materials, animal feed raw materials for local industries.
Colombia imported US$24 million. Pharmaceutical product and medical device are the main Dominican exports to Colombia. These were up 30% in 2017, according to data compiled by Pro Colombia export agency.
In an interview with Listin Diario, ProColombia president, Flavia Santoro Trujillo says Colombia-DR relations have brought an increase in exports, investment and tourism, for mutual benefit. While the trade balance favors Colombia, Santoro says many Colombian companies have invested in the DR creating new employment opportunities and business linkages for Dominicans. She said Colombian companies are using the Dominican Republic as a platform to access other areas in the Caribbean. She mentioned the companies PQP, Arclad and Grupo Nutresa as major investors in the Dominican market.
Source: DR1, Listindiario
Oct 24, 2018
The famous beer festival Oktoberfest yet again took place last weekend (Oct 19 – 21) at Parada Típica El Choco, Sosua. It was very well attended and a big success. Especially on Saturday there was an overwhelming crowd. People not only from Sosúa and Cabarete, but also many from Santiago, Cofresi, Puerto Plata, and even from the capital came to thsi event. Fortunately, Marco and Jacqueline (the hosts) were prepared with extra tables and chairs. During the three days everybody was in a very good mood. Three days to eat, drink, dance and sing along with the Oktoberfest Schlager songs.
Marco was the DJ and ensured everybody participated in the polonaises and polkas. Besides the dance floor a lovely bar was set up with original German draft beer. And, of course, the high quality beer was served in large ‘stiefels’ (mugs). Marco, Jacqueline and the entire staff were dressed in original Swiss costumes and took care of the festive atmosphere of the party. The party continued till Sunday evening. Again several local companies participated in the event and had a stand at the Oktoberfest. For the children there were fun games where the trampoline was by far a favorite.
Source: Sosua News
Oct 24, 2018
