JUNE 2010

Dominican Republic will participate in Tourism, Art and Culture Fair of Latin America and Europe

An event that will unite the tourist industries of Latin America and Europe

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Dominican Republic’s touristic offerings will be on display during the fifth edition of the Tourism, Art and Culture Fair of Latin America and Europe (EUROAL) that will be held from June 3rd to June 5th h in the city of Malaga, Spain, with the objective of bridging the gap of communication between the tourist industry on both sides of the Atlantic.

The tourism trade visitors and general public will be able to learn about touristic offers in destinations such as Argentina, Cuba, Peru, Brazil, Costa Rica, Belize… And, on the other side of the ocean, the Mediterranean and Central European countries including the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Egypt, among others.

This year 25 countries will be represented from the Latin American and European destinations that are in EUROAL, five more than last year, which confirms the gradual consolidation of the competition. The new members are Venezuela, Haiti, and the two regions of the Atacama Desert in Chile, Malta and Morocco.

Las Terrenas Live, 02.06.10

In addition to generating foreign exchange, tourism means demand for comestibles

In 2009 hotels spent RD $16.2 billion on food goods

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Tourism proved itself as an important contributor to the local economy in another area, besides its traditional role of generating foreign currency, which accounts for over US $3.5 billion annually.

Food demand from tourism strongly impacts production, acting as if it were an export without the freightage.

Last year hotels bought food goods, from farmers and agro-industrial producers, in the amount of RD $16.2 billion, about US $452.7 million, according to a study on consumption by the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD) and the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (Asonahores).

The calculated consumption represents a growth of 30 percent compared with 2008 and 88 percent since 2005, according to Haydee Rainieri and Arturo Villanueva, the president and executive vice president of Asonahores, respectively, who along with Vice President of JAD , Osmar Benitez, gave details of the survey, during a meeting with reporters yesterday.

The amount of the estimated demand confirms the importance of the impact of the hotel business activity on the economy and particularly on the agricultural and agroindutrial sector. The survey does not assess demand for agricultural goods in restaurants, explained Mr. Rainieri.

The Asonahores president pointed out that the high level of demand that hotels and other tourist related businesses make on the economy is exemplified by the commercial exposition that Asonahores celebrates annually (this year´s is scheduled for August 25^th through August 28^th in the Dominican Fiesta Hotel & Casino in the National District), which is attended by companies interested in pitching their products to the hotel and tourist industries.

The survey estimates the consumption of 366.8 million pounds of agricultural and agro-industrial foodstuffs with a value of RD $11.9 billion. These products include fruits, seafood, vegetables, meats, dairy products, canned goods, cold meats and spices.

Topping the list were meats (53.6 million pounds valued at RD $2.9 billion), dairy foods (27.5 million pounds with a value of RD $1.8 billion), seafood (20.6 million pounds with a value of RD $1.7 billion) and canned goods (115.8 million pounds).

Las Terrenas Live, 03.06.10

Samaná the most dynamic tourist destination country in terms of investment

15 projects to be completed in the coming months

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- According to information provided by the executive vice president of the National Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism (Asonahores), 15 projects currently under construction, will be completed in the coming months. These are predominantly real estate projects, in the form of residence hotels.

The executive explained that many of these residences are sold with the stipulation that the buyer agree to rent the property during the times of the year that the owner is not vacationing.

Dr. Thelma Milton Ray Guevara Martínez, Director of Marketing for Asonahores, recently stated that the Samaná province has unlimited potential, and added that in the next 25 years it could become the principle tourist destination in the Dominican Republic, surpassing the area of Punta Cana.

Among the beaches found in Samana are; Playa Bonita, Las Terrenas, Portillo, Morón, Limón, Ermitaño, Rincon, Las Galeras, Frontón, Chinquela, Anadel, and Puerto Escondido, in addition to Cayo Levantado, and the waterfall in El Limon, Samaná has an airport, new roads and projects in development that will launch this area to prominence in the immediate future. In my opinion, for Samaná the best is yet to come said the Dr. Martinez.

Las Terrenas Live, 04.06.10

Tourism Fair of Latin America and Europe: first day, Business Round, comes to a close

Dominican Republic among the 26 participating countries

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The fifth edition of the Tourism Fair of Latin America and Europe, EUROAL 2010, closed the first of its two-day work-shop or " round of negotiations between tour operators from both continents with a total of 780 business contacts, which suggests the organizing committee will make good on its prediction with respect to this call.

EUROAL 2010 with the participation of 26 countries and a total of 56 booths, will extend its sessions through Saturday, with hours open to the public from 10:00 am to 7:30pm. The mayor of Torremolinos, Pedro Fernández Montes, accompanied by a broad representation of authorities, including Venezuela’s ambassador to Spain, Julián Isaías Rodríguez, and Haiti, Yollete Azor, cutthe ceremonial ribbon of EUROAL 2010 shortly before 12 noon, officially setting in motion the activity in the 5,500 square meters that make up the exposition area.

In his welcoming speech to the international tourist delegations, Fernández Montes emphasized « the sense and success" that has accompanied this show since its first edition in 2006, as it " responds to a market demand » which has been the focus since its inception.

The dignitary from Torremolinos alluded to the field of tourism opportunities, and in this regard stated that We think Torremolinos could be the meeting point where each of the Latin American countries could come and present their tourist offers, and in turn the tour operators and European travel agents could each year, in a single, short trip, see first-hand, the renewed tourist offers from Latin America.

Time and facts seem to be proving us right, he said. Spain, as the host country, participates in the fair, with the booth by Turismo Andaluz. European participation is represented by the presence of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, who combined to create the booth Heart of Europe , Malta (participating for the first time), while the Latin American delegations are composed of Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba , Aruba, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Brazil. In addition, Central America is being represented by Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, grouped under the Tourism Promotion Agency of Central America (CATA) .

The executive director of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international institution that is part of the organizing committee of EUROAL 2010, predicted that by 2010 the increase in tourism will be between 3 and 4% compared to 2009

Las Terrenas Live, 07.06.10

40 million Russians prefer the Dominican Republic as a tourist destination

According to the report, 2010 Summer Holiday Plans of Russian citizens

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Over 40 million Russians prefer the Dominican Republic as a tourist destination in the Caribbean, confirming the country as the leaders in the region, according to a study by the Russian Center for Public Opinion Research, entitled 2010 Summer holiday plans of Russian citizens.

According to the Centre, the majority of Russians want to vacation in the Caribbean, 30% of whom, about 40 million, dream of visiting this country.

The interest of Russian citizens in traveling to the Caribbean region increased 40% in 2009, which explains the reason for the increase of these tourists on Dominican soil.

According to studies, Russian vacationers prefer beach resorts, combined with historic-cultural excursions, making the country an attractive destination.

Traditionally the most visited tourist destination by Russians are Turkey and Egypt

Las Terrenas Live, 08.06.10

The market of the Paseo

A new economic and cultural challenge for the town

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Las Terrenas has beautiful beaches, a new city hall, and many tourist offerings, but it is in dire need of a typical outdoor market, which could be a great tourist attraction.

Many cities around, such as Marrakech, Bangkok, Paris, and even Santo Domingo, attract hordes of tourists every year thanks to their famous markets.

Even Samaná and Sanchez have their own markets. That is why Hervé Brousset is organizing a weekly market to be held every Saturday in Las Terrenas in the Commercial Plaza, el Paseo beginning July 17^th, 2010.

The idea is to have individuals set up their own tables and display their products, be they farmers, offering visitors fruits, vegetables, seafood, flowers, homemade jams or desserts, or artisans, exhibiting their artwork and creations and much more !

The future market traders can not sell goods that compete with the shops in el Paseo de la Costanera, so the market will be focused on food and local produce.

For more information and registration contact Hervé Brousset FORT KNOX, (809) 240 6719.

Las Terrenas Live, 09.06.10

Strike in Las Terrenas

Residents protest against Ministry of Environment

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- There was a strike on Thursday, June 10^th, in Las Terrenas, as a form of protest against the Ministry of Environment. Almost all businesses were shut down by this protest, including, gas stations, banks, schools, shops and restaurants.

This entity has a multitude of real estate and tourist work stoppages in the area, and refuses to grant permits for the start of construction, without elaborating on the reasons for the denials.
The protests, that began peacefully early in the morning, turned violent as people burned tires, started fires and threw bottles and rocks at the police forces.

Shots were heard and tear gas filled the air, causing most residents to remain in their homes until the early evening when some businesses re-opened and life returned, somewhat, to normal.

The discontent of the construction sector is due to the lack of jobs and the halt on development imposed by the Ministry of Environment. After more than 10 meetings with representatives of this institution, held in Las Terrenas and Santo Domingo, the situation, which has lasted several months, has not changed.

Las Terrenas Live, 10.06.10

Ideas Show Live Rap, Rock + Models, Zingaro Café & Hotel Aligio

Friday and Saturday, June 11^th and 12^th, 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- This Friday and Saturday, June 11^th and 12^th, The Ideas Show will be presenting a live show featuring some of the most beautiful young women of Las Terrenas modeling the latest Rock n Roll fashions.

In addition, there will be live music performances by Los Rokeros, Ghetto Black El Desakato, La Rubia, Erika La Social and the Ghetto Fabulous Crew, and Lucille and the Family Germon featuring a solo by 11 year old drum prodigy, Howlin´ Loup, the wolf of the drums.

There will also be a dance performance by 9 year old Titou Jackson, and his group of mini Michael Jackson impersonators. Closing the show will be the teen Rock n Roll sensation, Beyond, featuring Joanny Crozier on vocals and guitar.

The show on Friday, June 11^th will be at Zingaro Café in Plaza Colonial, and on Saturday, June 12^th, in the theater at Hotel Aligio.

Both shows start at 8:00 _p.m. and are free to enter.

Don´t Miss It ! ! !

Las Terrenas Live, 11.06.10

Ministry of Tourism performs roadwork on the hill from Las Terrenas to Sánchez

Repairing and widening of the road

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The work being done by the Ministry of Tourism on the road that unites Las Terrenas and Sánchez continues to move at a good pace.

These repairs begun several months ago . The first stage, which consists of repairs to the drainage systems and curbs, is almost complete.

The workers are now beginning the second stage, which involves the conditioning and broadening of the most critical sections of the road, such as the curves .After this is completed, the asphalting can begin.

The project will make this highway safer and more comfortable for the thousands of people, both residents and tourists, who traverse it every year, it will also contribute to the development of the municipality of Las Terrenas.

See the complete page of works on the Sánchez - Las Terrenas road

Las Terrenas Live, 14.06.10

Tourist arrivals to the Caribbean grew by 4.5% in the first quarter

2% growth for the Dominican Republic

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The arrival of foreign visitors to the Dominican Republic grew by two percent in the first quarter of 2010, according to John Maginley, chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO, for its acronym in English).

While the Caribbean region grew 4.5% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to same period of 2009, according to Maginley.

He explained that the calculation is based on data submitted by 23 of the 33 nations affiliated with the CTO. He added that the rebound of American tourism, which is up 6.5%, was a crucial factor to these results.

In contrast to U.S., the Canadian market dropped by 1%, while European markets have performed poorly because they continue to be influenced by the currency crisis of the global recession, aggravated by the Icelandic volcano ash cloud, and job stress in the aviation sector in countries like the UK, said the director of tourism. Cuba showed similar figures to those of 2009 due to the slowdown in Canada and Europe, the Dominican Republic grew by approximately 2%, Puerto Rico 8.8% and the U.S. Virgin Islands 11.5%, stated Maginley.

In the eastern Caribbean, St. Lucia maintained the lead in the first four months of 2010, Barbados and Jamaica had the best results among the largest countries in the area, and St. Maarten and Aruba were prominent among the Netherlands Antilles, according to Travel Weekly and the minister of Tourism of Antigua and Barbuda.

In terms of sectors, cruise tourism in the region grew by 4.5% and hotel occupancy and rates rose by 7% in both cases. Meanwhile, the airlines experience considerable challenges in sustaining an acceptable level of profitability. Their offers need to be revised in order to achieve a balance in line with demand, Maginley considered.

Las Terrenas Live, 15.06.10

Ideas Show Live Rock + Models a smashing success

100_s come out to see Beautiful Girls and Live Rock n’ Roll and Hip Hop

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- This past Friday and Saturday, June 11^th and 12^th, the Ideas Show Live drew large, enthusiastic crowds to Zingaro café and Hotel Aligio to see their new show Rock + Models.

The show began with a group of 20 beautiful young ladies walking the runway as 100s of spectators cheered, many taking pictures and videos.During the 2 nights the girls modeled 4 times, each time in inventive fashions of their own creation.

Titou and the mini Michael Jackson impersonators ignited the night and demonstrated why they were the winners of this years Show de Estrellas . 14 year old Kathlyn Ramos, a.k.a. Brooklyn Rose, and her dancers the Rockers sent the show to the next level with their high energy performance.

One of the shows many highlights was provided by La Rubia and the Ghetto Fabulous Crew, who amazed the crowd with their choreography and aggressive sound.

Veteran musicians, los Rokeros, showed the kids how the pros do it, playing classic songs by the Beatles and AC-DC. Charismatic rapper Ghetto Black El Desakato gave the show a little hip hop flavor, performing solo and with the lovely model-rapper, Erika La Social, including their future hit, Comprame una Jordan

The Family Germon, led by 13 year old Lucille, rocked the house with a classic by Led Zeppelin, which featured a devastating drum solo by 11 year old drum prodigy ¨Howlin¨ Loup.

For the grand finale, teen rock n roll sensation, Beyond, were joined on stage by all the models, musicians, singers and dancers from the show.On the second night, Beyond´s singer-guitarist,

14 year old Johanny Crozier was seemingly possessed by the spirit of the great rockstars of the past, ripping off his shirt and writhing around on the floor, whipping the models on stage and the crowd into a frenzy.

Popular Las Terrenas English teacher, Oscar, who is the driving force behind the Ideas Show, said, our first show was in 2007 and there were maybe 30 or 40 people in attendance. I´m really thrilled and a little surprised that so many people came to see the show both nights. I´m also very proud of everyone involved, the kids practiced hard everyday for weeks to get everything right, but in the end it was worth it.

He added, one of the models, Deborah Ramon, wrote ´Ideas Show makes history´ on her Facebook and I think that’s true. Las Terrenas is a special place and there is a lot of talent here. I honestly believe that in the future people will be talking about some of these young artists and how they were there when they got their start.

Las Terrenas Live, 16.06.10

Las Terrenas - El Limón road is being asphalted

Atlantic Tourist Boulevard

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- This week, workers will put asphalt on the road connecting El Limón and Las Terrenas on the Samaná Peninsula.
This is the last stage of this piece of roadwork, which began one year ago.

This new highway connects the entrance of Las Terrenas, at the bottom of the hill coming from Sanchez, to the road in El Limón, after the airport in Portillo.

For the construction of this road, four bridges were built; in Arroyo Seco, the Río de Las Terrenas, La Ciénaga, and finally in front of Los Parques in Las Terrenas.

The detour aims to allow high-capacity trucks to bring goods to the town, without having to pass through it. The plan is to have the goods brought to special storage units, where they would then be distributed throughout the village by trucks of lesser capacity.

See our complete page about the works on Las Terrenas - El Limón

Las Terrenas Live, 17.06.10

LAS TERRENAS 10K race in Punta Popy

This Sunday June 20^th, 2010

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- This Sunday, June 20^th, a very anticipated sporting event will take place: the race 10k, between sea and sun.

The race will kick off at eight in the morning. Participants will run on the beach road from the Punta Popy towards Portillo.
Imagine: the first rays of sun caressing the skin, turquoise blue sea marking the rhythm of the runner´s steps, the coconut palms swaying in the light breeze…

This will be the setting of the first 10_km race in Las Terrenas.

The event was organized by the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, and has the support of the Dominican Federation of Athletics, and the Sports League of Las Terrenas.

Participants can run or walk in the following categories:

• Youth (F / M): 15-19

• Free (F / M): 20-39

• Master (F / M): 40 and older.

There will be a 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd places for each category.

Awards:

1. Two free nights in a house on Clave Verde for the male and female winners and his or her family.

2. Trophies for top 3 finishers in each category.

3. Medals for first 150 runners to reach the finish line.

In addition to the race, there will be a recreational five kilometer walk, in which all can participate, and whose goal is to support the campaign Protect children from abuse.

Las Terrenas Live, 18.06.10

Tourist projects paralyzed in Samaná

24 projects on hold in Las Terrenas

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Dozens of tourist infrastructures, without environmental authorization, have been put on hold in the province of Samaná by order of the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources.

The majority of these works were started without completion of environmental procedures, for which they will also be fined. In some cases, the construction was begun without property titles to the lands.

The promoters blame the delays in the Environmental approval process, citing certain examples of solicitations that have been awaiting approval for up to three years.

The stoppage affects four municipalities; Samaná, Sánchez, Las Terrenas and Las Galeras. There are 24 paralyzed projects and others that have recently resumed, as is the case of the Balcones del Atlántico project, which was detained for 8 months and only resumed work a few days ago.

The projects in Las Terrenas include more than 500 new rooms, at an investment of more than US $121 million dollars.

According to Rafael Emilio Gómez, representative for the Department of the Environment in Samaná, there are companies that begin projects without titles or permission.As for the argument that there are delays in the granting of licenses, Gomez said, there are no obstacles. Those that apply for permits..and there are many who do, but others don´t and, sometimes begin work without documents of ownership over the land.

This stoppage has also affected hundreds of construction workers and their suppliers.

Ramón Rafael Frías, general secretary of the Construction Workers Union of Las Terrenas, described the situation as tragic, because of the loss of resources and tourist investment in the municipality.

He said that the workers have lost millions of pesos in salaries and the contractors have lost countless resources due to penalties and fines. He recognized that a percentage of the works were begun without permits, but advocated that they be granted authorization after paying the fines and completing the environmental permits.

Before the granting of a license or permit, the promoter of a project must submit a Declaration of Environmental Impact, which details the affects of the work on the environment and natural resources. This document is then evaluated by the department of the Environment, who will then grant permission.

According to Ramón Rafael Frías, the construction workers formed a commission a few months ago that met with the vice-minister of the Environmental Committee, who declared that many of the authorizations only lacked signatures, and that he would accelerate the process, but that this has not been the case.

Las Terrenas Live, 21.06.10

Las Terrenas in the middle of a social storm

Incidents multiply, police received reinforcements

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Las Terrenas, a resort community located on the north coast, is heavily militarized because its inhabitants have taken to the streets to demand that the Ministry of the Environment explain why it has closed several tourism projects and that the Dominican Agrarian Institute (IAD) hand over state land to farmers who claim these lands are in the hands of the Paiewonski family.

The last two weeks have seen large mobilizations in this resort community, protests against the Environmental Ministry and the invasion of the lands held by the Paiewonski family expressed one of the protesters, who have turned the streets of this peaceful community into actual battlegrounds. This has never been seen here, said one of the residents shocked by the fighting with gunshots, stones and bombs between military troops and demonstrators.

At least eighty soldiers from the National Police arrived on Saturday to strengthen the local command, which has been overwhelmed by the taking to the streets, burning rubber, the launch of garbage in the streets and the cessation of commercial activities in a community that survives off of tourism. Clashes between community and military contingents were staged before the astonished eyes of, mainly European, tourists.

The organizers of the protests, which have lasted more than a week, said they will continue the demonstrations in the streets due to the economic crisis being experienced by the lack of work resulting from the arbitrary closure of 25 tourism projects by the Minister of the Environment, Jaime David Fernan Mirabal.

The organizers claimed, we are organizing strikes, dialogues, vigils, demonstrations and other forms of protest, with massive participation by manufacturers, builders, investors, architects, engineers and others related to the world of real estate in order to demand the reopening of about twenty projects that have been detained by the Ministry of Environment.

According to Cesar Mieses, community leader, the lifeblood of the community have decided to provide support for the protests, some of which are unjustified, given that the authorities have abandoned this industrious community whose incomes depend on tourism. The construction sector alone accounts for some 100 million pesos a month.

Another demand of the protesters is to claim lands that are allegedly State owned and are being used by the Paiewonski family. The residents of Abra Grande have been invading these lands for the past 17 days, demanding that the IAD reclaim them redistribute them to the community. Colonel José Antigua, of Santa Bárbara de Samaná, commands the military contingent which has gone through the different neighborhoods in an attempt to maintain public order and tranquility for residents and tourists.

Las Terrenas Live, 21.06.10

Environmental department claims falsifying of environmental permits

In Las Terrenas there is a turbulent situation

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- In Las Terrenas, Samaná, promoters of tourism projects have been falsifying environmental permits, a crime for which there will be a submission before the local prosecutor, according to the deputy minister of Environmental Management of the Ministry of Environment, Ernesto Reyna.

Mr. Reyna claims that his signature and that of the minister, Jaime David Fernandez Mirabal, have been forged. Reyna said the project, named in the legal process, is a shopping center called Plaza Milano, located in the center of Las Terrenas and is in the finishing phase.
The official alleged that there are more cases of counterfeiting under investigation.

However, the promoters, nearly all of whom are foreigners, are afraid to reveal their identities, because they are allegedly receiving death threats by telephone by those who are behind these cases.

Another drawback in the municipality is that some promoters are not contacted by the technicians of the Environment Department who are sent to supervise the works they perform. Also, some projects do not provide clear specifications for the works to be done.

There is a turbulent situation in Las Terrenas, most projects start without permits and others have false permits , said Reyna.
Recently, in the municipality there have been protests to pressure the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to resume various projects that were sanctioned and paralyzed for being initiated without receiving permits due to the affects on certain natural resources such as wetlands and mangroves.

The proponents of the projects argue that the Environmental Department takes a long time to deliver the environmental licenses, which delays and hinders foreign investment and development in the area.

In response, the official gave a list of 20 projects in the area, recorded in the system of evaluation, of which ten have already been approved by the department and therefore have their permits.

This list includes: Villa Florenza II, Fairways Residence, Residence Villa Palma, Residencia Almeira, Italy Paradiso, Casa Nous, Villa Duchaussoy and two family dwellings.
Two other projects on the list were rejected, the first because its location was on a slope, in a landslide area, and the second for being environmentally unfeasible, as it would have been located in a wetland area.

These were Playa Escondida, a tourist accommodation, and Site 656, a service center. These projects, which had been initiated, were demolished and the owners fined.

The others are in process of evaluation prior to licensing.Several projects have been sanctioned, including some with permission, for their affect on natural resources and closed in areas of the beaches, Reyna explained.He stated that it is in the interest of the ministry of Tourism and Environment to bring order to this town, which has been developed in disarray and lawlessness.

Las Terrenas Live, 23.06.10

Environmental Ministry clarifies status of permits in Las Terrenas

Ricardo Contreras meets with Teófilo Taveras Hernández and José Alexis Martínez

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources claimed that the projects stalled for lack of environmental permits do not number 30 as claimed by officials and businessmen in Las Terrenas, but are only 17, four of which already have their licenses, four are awaiting the signature of the Minister, three are in the evaluation process, two were refused and the remaining four are waiting for the completion of the required documentation.

The information was released by Ricardo Contreras, Administrative Vice Minister of Environment, who met with the president of the Association of Construction Workers in Las Terrenas, Teofilo Hernandez Taveras, accompanied by the current mayor of the municipality José Alexis Martinez, who criticized the cessation of works.

The research confirms previous data released by the Ministry of Environment that approvals of environmental permits were up 281% from 2008 to 2009 and projected a rise of 498% for 2010.

These results are a product of change in the internal procedures, adopted with the purpose of responding to the needs of different sectors of the country which has increased the demand for applications 150% thanks to the actions that were implemented by the Ministry of the Environment to enforce the law.

The Environment Ministry is complying with the processes, and we must be aware that the most important thing that Las Terrenas has are its beaches and natural environment, if today we ignore the procedures and end up with a ruined environment, we will do damage to the whole country and therefore to the same investors who now demand that we circumvent the law, said Ricardo Contreras.

Las Terrenas Live, 24.06.10

Developers in Las Terrenas say they are being extorted by officials from the ministry of the Environment

Environment Minister calls on contractors to report abuse

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Jaime David Fernandez Mirabal, urged contractors and developers of projects that are extorted by staff members of the ministry to report them to justice.

This statement by Fernandez Mirabal was given in response to the complaints of project promoters in Las Terrenas that claim to be victims of abuses and extortion by provincial officials of the Environment.However, the official said there are businesses who have acted illegally and now are now trying to discredit those who have submitted.

He said that before, many promoters were engaged in building without permission, and in the case of Las Terrenas, were submitting falsified licenses and now they don´t want to say who falsified them.

It is right to bring them to justice, like us, (that) send to the Attorney General of the Republic, when someone does this (extortion)… if they have (identified) been blackmailed by someone in the Ministry of Environment , said the official. He said some now claim that the ministry takes a long time in granting permits, which he rejected because the department was created to speed things along.

Decentralization

Fernández Mirabal spoke on the topic by presenting an assessment of the decentralization process led by the Ministry, which was started last year with the creation of the provincial directorates. The activity was held at the Ruins of Emgombe.

According to the assessment made by the German agency GTZ, the image of the Environmental ministry is well positioned at the provincial level, especially among service users, who no longer have to go to the capital in order to solicit for a certain types of activities and that the institution doesn´t seem scattered.

However, it was established that there is a perception that the decentralization of the Ministry is not institutionalized, there is a lack of an operational manual to guide the process and avoid personal interpretations. It also found that communication between the levels of the Ministry is poor and lack internal organization

Other identified weaknesses were the administrative and logistics processes, and the need for increased training of staff in these areas and resistance from the central level.

The evaluation was presented in the presence of the principal officers and provincial directors, who urged Fernández to establish an environmental management to improve the quality of life of the people.

He noted that earlier in the provinces, only the prosecutor represented the environment, but now, with the emergence of provincial directors at some point there has been jealousy as a natural part of the process. You have to continue to assume the leadership, the commitment, the value of imposing the rule of law, he said.

Las Terrenas Live, 28.06.10

The growth and consolidation of Dominican tourism guarantees economic well-being

Tourism positively affects other aspects of the economy of the country

BREAKING NEWS: Las Terrenas.- Tourism directly affects the economic sectors of the Dominican Republic. This is evident because a decline in this sector tends to adversely affect the country’s economic activity, the generation of foreign exchange and the demand for domestic inputs and services.

The growth and consolidation of Dominican tourism is a guarantee of welfare for all areas that make up the local economy. The increase of the tourism industry creates job and increases foreign exchange earnings for the nation.

Tourist activity greatly affects agriculture and agro-tourism. In 2009 the hotels in the country demanded agricultural and agroindustrial products with a value of over RD $17 billion pesos, distributed as follows: Punta Cana - Bávaro 56.98%, the Northern coast 17.59%, Samaná 6.52%, La Romana - Bayahíbe 6.06%, Boca Chica Juan Dolio 4.98%, Santo Domingo 4.67%, Santiago - San Francisco de Macorís 1.80%, Jarabacoa - Constanza 0.71% y Baní - Barahona 0.70%. The tourist sector is also the largest client for the manufacturers of construction materials.

The Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier Garcia, has emphasized the quality of service provided by this sector in the Dominican Republic, which in his opinion was evident in the recognition awarded the prestigious publication AAA Five Diamond to the hotel at Tortuga Bay Punta Cana Resort and Club.

Las Terrenas Live, 29.06.10