Archive for November, 2020
JetBlue flights to Newark and Punta Cana
JetBlue began new daily direct flights from Newark International Airport to Punta Cana on 19 November 2020. The relatively short flight makes it possible for tourists to get to the beach fast. Punta Cana resorts are operating under extensive health protocols, and the low density and health protocols tourists will find at the resorts increases the likelihood of having a Covid-19 safe vacation.
JetBlue included the new route to meet demand by the leisure and visiting friends and relatives market segment. JetBlue reports that the VFR travel trends are up for the third quarter of the year. The increase in this market segment has reduced losses for the airline in the third quarter of the year.
The airline promotes itself saying it is flying Airbus A320 aircraft that offers the most legroom in coach. Service on-board includes free Fly-Fi, described as the fastest broadband internet in the sky. Travelers receive complimentary and unlimited name-brand snacks and soft drinks. Also included in all fares are live DirectTV on board the flight. Those booking flights with JetBlue also benefit from the waivers on all change and cancel fees for all fares.
Source: DR1, JetBlue
Nov 25, 2020
Abinader administration and European Union announce new initiatives to combat violence against women
On the occasion of the International Day of International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, President Luis Abinader announced the Presidency will be submitting comprehensive legislation to combat violence against women. The bill will be part of the National Plan for Prevention and Attention to Violence against Women of the new administration.
In presenting the plan on 24 November, President Abinader said the initiative seeks to install a comprehensive system to protect and guarantee the right of all women to a life free of violence.
He also announced a specialized police force will be created to respond to cases of gender violence in a rapid and timely manner.
President Abinader spoke on the occasion of the anniversary of the murder of the three Mirabal sisters, Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa for their efforts to combat dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. Also murdered was their chauffeur, Rufino Cruz. The murder took place on 25 November 1960. It was the tipping point for the subsequent murder of Trujillo. The United Nations established the 25th of November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in commemoration of the three brave women.
On Tuesday, 24 November, President Abinader was also present for the launching of a program funded by the European Union to reduce gender violence and inequality in the country. The program is for EUR5 million. Women Minister Mayra Jiménez signed the “Coordination in the prevention of gender violence in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDA) in the Dominican Republic” program.
European Union ambassador Gianluca Grippa explained the program seeks to address the problem from a perspective of prevention by supporting government efforts in this direction. Grippa tweeted that the European Union is committed to working with the Abinader government, civil society, and the private sector in building gender equality. He said the new gender action plan promotes a more fair society.
Source: DR1, Hoy
Nov 25, 2020
Gallup: 70% of Dominican households don’t have computers nor are connected to the Internet
The November 2020 Gallup-Hoy poll revealed the difficulties for unfolding virtual education in the Dominican Republic. The Ministry of Education is set on instating a digital learning program nationwide and is placing an order for RD$15 billion to buy 940,000 computers and tablets to make this happen.
The poll revealed that the gap in Internet connectivity is greater in the East and Southwest. Even in Greater Santo Domingo (National District and Santo Domingo province), 65% of homes are not connected.
As a result, the Ministry of Education uses time on regular TV channels and radio to broadcast classes. Public schools that already have been supplied with computers and are located in areas with known Internet coverage are working with online learning, supplemented by TV and radio programming.
The poll also asked how the distance learning program was going. 40.8% of the parents said their children were doing well, while another 31.9% said things were not going well.
65.87% of the households surveyed said they had children 6-11 years old. Of these, 80.2% were in public schools and 15% in private schools. 0.6% said they did not enroll this year.
The survey was carried out nationwide from 11-16 November 2020. 1,200 households were polled in person. The sample has an error margin of 2.8%.
Source: DR1, Hoy
Nov 25, 2020
Puerto Plata prepares Puerto Plata Open PGA Tour Latin America
Golf is a sport where players can easily keep their distance. Puerto Plata is keeping with the organization of its Puerto Plata Open PGA Tour Latin America. The games are scheduled for 14 to 20 December 2020 at the Playa Dorada Golf Course, where players play amidst legendary 70+-year-old majestic trees. The organizers are keeping to the golf health protocols to safeguard the health of participants and staff. The tournament comes with cash prizes for US$175,000. Some 144 national and international golfers are expected to compete.
The organizers explain that players must take a Covid-19 test prior to participating. Each player must stay at Playa Dorada hotel and condos under the Ministry of Tourism lodging health protocol program.
The Dominican Republic has hosted Latin American PGA Tour Latin America tournaments every season since the Tour’s founding in 2012. This is the fourth time it is played at the 18-hole Playa Dorada Golf Course.
Source: DR1, N Digital
Nov 25, 2020
Last updated January 23, 2026 at 4:16 pm