Urbanization process in the country grows from 56.7% to 81.7% in 28 years, according to a study; Luis Abinader tells international business leaders: "This is the best time to invest"; the Dominican Republic ranks among the world's leading countries in budget transparency; coins are being taken to Haiti to make jewelry; more residential areas are being fortified against crime; Abinader appoints Juan Manuel Méndez as director of Emergency Medical Services; a bill regulating attendance at mass events is approved; the government asks Pfizer to exchange 1.2 million adult vaccines for children's doses.
The urbanization process in the country grew from 56.7% to 81.7% in 28 years, according to a study.
Over the past 28 years, the country's urbanization process has grown from 56.7% to 81.7%, reaching the average for Latin America and the Caribbean. Experts believe this rate will continue to rise, presenting an opportunity for the country to regulate this growth and improve the quality of life and living conditions for its residents. This is the conclusion of the study, "Enabling the Path for the Development of Prosperous Cities and Territories in the Dominican Republic," conducted by specialists from the World Bank, the European Union, and the Ministry of Economy. The study aimed to contribute to addressing the challenges related to land use and territorial development policies.
Tourism is growing without appropriate urban surroundings
Tourism is growing without adequate urban surroundings. If the Dominican Republic as a destination with exceptional attractions for travelers from around the world, the most immediate step should be the urban improvement of the areas surrounding hotel hubs. The geese that lay the golden eggs in this region cannot continue, as the World Bank, to be situated amidst a lack of infrastructure and basic services that guarantee a quality of life.
Luis Abinader to international business leaders: "This is the best time to invest"
President Luis Abinader asserted yesterday that the best time to attract investment to the Dominican Republic is now, as countries recover from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption to supply chains caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Abinader stated that, although the current humanitarian situation and international crisis have fostered "a certain level of pessimism," this is "the best time to invest.".
The Dominican Republic ranks among the world's leading countries in budget transparency
The Dominican Republic has ranked among the top 10 countries in the world for budget transparency, according to the latest Open Budget Survey 2021 conducted by the International Budget Partnership. “For the Dominican Republic, it is an honor and a source of pride to have achieved this score,” stated Finance Minister Jochi Vicente during his participation in the event “Pathways to Progress in the 2021 Open Budget Survey,” organized by the International Budget Partnership.
Coins are taken to Haiti to be made into jewelry
Haitians are hoarding one, five, and ten peso coins to melt them down in blacksmith shops in their country and then make metal jewelry, which they sell on the streets and in shops in various Haitian cities, including Cap-Haïtien and Port-au-Prince. Merchant Jael Louis said that with the five and one peso coins, Haitians make rings, earrings, and other jewelry, and after melting them down, they also use them as ornaments on copper chains.
Moreresidential areas are being fortified against crime
Residents in certain areas of the capital have opted to protect their homes themselves or by using private security agencies to achieve the peace and security they so desperately crave in the face of the threat of criminals. The Altos de Alameda residential complex, located in the National District, is one such community that has its own security personnel, even implementing measures such as a total ban on vehicles like taxis, motorcycles, and delivery services, with the exception of those belonging to the security detail responsible for protecting the residents.
Abinader appoints Juan Manuel Méndez as director of Emergency Medical Services
President Luis Abinader appointed retired Major General Juan Manuel Méndez as Director of Emergency Medical Services, in an honorary capacity. The Emergency Medical Services Directorate is part of the National Health Service (SNS) and, according to the decree, plays a fundamental role as one of the response institutions of the National Emergency and Security System 9-1-1, being the entity responsible for the timely dispatch of ambulances and personnel in response to emergency calls received through the 9-1-1 system.
Bill regulating attendance at mass events approved
The Senate of the Republic approved in its first reading the bill that aims to regulate attendance at public and private mass events. This legislation proposes to regulate the number and organization of attendees at large gatherings in public and private spaces.
Government asks Pfizer to exchange 1.2 million adult vaccines for children's doses
The new addendum to the vaccine purchase contract with Pfizer Free Panama, which would serve to change 1.2 million pending adult vaccine doses to doses for children between 5 and 12 years old, generated heated discussions in the Senate on Wednesday, leading to the withdrawal of the People's Force and Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) caucuses.
Sources: Hoy, El Día, Diario Libre, Listín Diario.
