The United States is investigating a yacht linked to a Russian oligarch; the central government's non-financial assets exceed one trillion pesos in value; the Dominican Republic now has more Iberia flights than in 2019; tax revenues represented 92.0% of the total collected in 2021; Vivienda Feliz maintains agreed-upon prices despite increases and material shortages; the government delivers the renovated historic San Dionisio parish in Higüey; prisoners at Bella Colina prison report paying up to 25,000 pesos to authorities; Texas crude opens down 2.3% to $109.75; experts claim war will accelerate the use of cryptocurrencies; Biden is "disappointed" at not being able to cross into Ukraine to see the situation; Russia and Ukraine: Moscow declares the first phase of the invasion of Ukraine complete and "lowers" its military objectives.
The United States is investigating a yacht linked to a Russian oligarch
Agents from the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) visited a luxury yacht linked to a Russian oligarch yesterday, which is anchored in the port of Santo Domingo. During their inspection, the U.S. agents were accompanied by officials from various Dominican agencies, according to videos released by local media.
Central Government non-financial assets exceed one trillion pesos in value
At the close of 2021, the Dominican Central Government held over one trillion pesos in non-financial assets, a figure the Ministry of Finance considers preliminary and subject to refinement as it is currently conducting a process to compile and update the assets, property, plant, and equipment owned by the Dominican State. Within the Net Non-Financial Assets account, the most valuable assets at the end of 2021 were buildings and improvements, followed by machinery and equipment. In total, the net property, plant, and equipment recorded in the Central Government's financial statements as of December 31, 2021, amounted to 1,049,592,232,566 pesos, an increase of 37,707,839,146 pesos compared to 2020.
The Dominican Republic now has more Iberia flights than in 2019.
The Dominican Republic now has more Iberia flights than in 2019, before the pandemic, revealed Víctor Moneo, Iberia's director for Latin America. He highlighted his personal preference for the Dominican Republic, where he travels every year for his vacations. Moneo added that he has even been spending Christmas in the Punta Cana area and has visited Playa Esmeralda in Miches, is familiar with the attractions of Samaná, and will continue exploring the Dominican Republic's beauty.
Tax revenues represented 92.0% of the total collected in 2021
According to the Ministry of Finance, during the period January-December 2021, central government revenues showed a year-on-year increase of 33.0%, reaching 841,184.7 million pesos, equivalent to 15.6% of the estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the year and representing 101.3% of the revised budget. The Ministry's report, "Fiscal Outlook December 2021," also indicates that tax revenues totaled 773,966.1 million pesos, registering a year-on-year increase of 40.6% compared to the same period in 2020, and representing 101.3% of the budgeted amount.
Vivienda Feliz maintains agreed prices despite increases and material shortages
Nearly 7,000 families who have been assessed and pre-qualified are expected to receive social housing this year, stated Camel Curi, Vice Minister of Investment Projects at the Ministry of the Presidency. He added that efforts are underway to meet the delivery target set in the National Happy Family Housing Plan. However, he revealed two major challenges: the constant price increases of key construction materials and the scarcity of certain materials, such as ceramic tiles, which are not produced in the country and are unavailable in Europe (Spain), China, or South America.
Government delivers renovated historic San Dionisio parish in Higüey
"Thank you, Mr. President, for advancing the history of this Christian culture, and for the cultural, economic, and human development of the region. You have played an important role in this region of La Altagracia," expressed Bishop Jesús Castro Marte of the Diocese of Our Lady of La Altagracia yesterday during the inauguration of the San Dionisio Parish in Higüey. He also stated that President Luis Abinader's visits to this province contribute to the development and integrity of the region.
Prisoners at Bella Colina jail report paying up to 25,000 pesos to authorities
Prisoners at Bella Colina prison, located in the Manoguayabo sector of Santo Domingo Oeste, are allegedly being charged between 200 and 25,000 pesos. This was confirmed to Diario Libre by one of the inmates who was crammed into the basement of the prison , who described it as "the most bitter experience of his life." The inmate, whose name is being withheld for his safety, was released a few days ago after being held there for several months. He says that in addition to enduring the stench and overcrowding, they have to find ways to survive while suffering humiliation at the hands of the prison authorities.
crudeopens down 2.3%, to $109.75
The price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil opened this Friday with a 2.3% drop, settling at $109.75 per barrel, although it appears poised to end the week with a gain of around 4% due to market pressure stemming from the war in Ukraine and economic sanctions against Russia. At 9:05 a.m. local time in New York (1:05 p.m. GMT), WTI for May delivery were down $2.59 compared to the previous day's close.
They claim war will accelerate the use of cryptocurrencies
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has the potential to accelerate the adoption of digital currencies, according to BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink. In his annual letter to shareholders of the world's largest asset manager, Fink asserted that the war will lead countries to reconsider their reliance on traditional cash and payment systems.
Biden "disappointed" at not being able to cross into Ukraine to see the situation
US President Joe Bidensaid Friday he was "disappointed" at not being able to cross the border from Poland into Ukraine to assess the impact of the war in that country for himself, saying he was "not allowed" to do so for security reasons.
Russia and Ukraine: Moscow declares the first phase of the invasion of Ukraine over and "lowers" its military objectives
Russia has declared the first phase of its invasion of Ukraine complete, in what is widely interpreted as an admission that it has failed to achieve the objectives it set at the start of the military operations. Sergey Rudskoy, head of the main operational department of the Russian General Staff, stated on Friday that, a month after the start of the invasion, they will focus their efforts on the "complete liberation" of the Donbas region in eastern Russia.
Sources: Hoy, ElDía, El Caribe, Diario Libre, Listín Diario
