Abinader: “My goal right now is the security of the Dominican Republic”

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has announced that the Dominican Government’s objective in implementing the measures announced is to safeguard national security, particularly in response to the sociopolitical crisis in Haiti and the construction of a canal in the Masacre River, which violates bilateral agreements between the two nations.

The President emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of the Dominican Republic in both the short and long term. He expressed hope that a peacekeeping force in Haiti could help improve the situation. Abinader acknowledged that the canal construction is not a project of the Haitian Government and does not have its authorization, considering it an informal construction without the involvement of reputable construction companies.

He stressed that the Dominican Republic cannot allow uncontrollable individuals in a neighboring country to act without restraint and that if they cannot be controlled on their side, measures must be taken on the Dominican side to ensure security. Abinader assured that the Dominican border is fully safeguarded and will be further reinforced.

Regarding the international community, the President mentioned that he plans to raise the issue with international organizations but noted that this is not the primary reason for his attendance at the United Nations Congress in New York.

Abinader also announced his intention to meet with the President of Kenya to discuss plans related to military support in Haiti. Kenya has proposed different plans involving the use of military force to protect important buildings in Haiti.

Senate approves tax exemptions for luxury vessels in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- In a second reading, the Senate has granted approval to a contentious bill that offers tax exemptions to a specific category of luxury vessels, encompassing yachts and sailboats.

The approved project, which was passed during an extraordinary Senate session, stipulates that yachts, competitive yachts, motorboats, personal watercraft like jet skis, sailing boats, and other similar vessels will be exempt from taxes for a period of ten years, commencing from the date of the law’s promulgation.

This initiative, introduced by Senators Alexis Victoria Yeb and Ginette Bournigal, also outlines that investments made in infrastructure developments intended to promote recreational nautical tourism will enjoy tax benefits. Article 48 of the project further exempts real estate taxes on land and improvements utilized in nautical activities.

Paragraph two of article 48 specifically states, “Complete exemption from import duties, contributions, or liens applicable to the importation of materials, equipment, furniture, and accessories used in the construction, renovation, and commercial outfitting of the service activity or products associated with recreational nautical tourism.”

Supporters of the project argued that the Dominican Republic possesses significant potential to harness recreational nautical tourism, citing the country’s unique geographical advantage, with 75% of its border adjacent to the sea.

The bill’s objectives underscore promoting nautical tourism by establishing regulations governing navigation and nautical equipment for recreational, private, and commercial purposes.

The legislation excludes maritime vessels engaged in commerce, scientific research vessels, artisanal fishing vessels, and auxiliary port vessels from its provisions.

The proposal will now move forward for consideration in the Chamber of Deputies.

FEDA Director says Dominican Republic is attractive for investment

Santo Domingo.- The director of the Special Fund for Agricultural Development (FEDA), Hecmilio Galván, highlighted the Dominican Republic’s attractiveness as an investment destination during the International Dominican Chocolate Fair held in Belgium. Galván spoke about investment opportunities in Dominican agriculture and emphasized the country’s strategic location in the heart of the Caribbean.

He pointed out that the Dominican Republic has established a legal and regulatory framework that protects property rights and offers enticing tax incentives to encourage foreign investment.

At the fair, organized by FEDA and the Dominican Consulate in Antwerp, Belgium, Galván also praised the quality of artisanal chocolate produced by small businesses, particularly those led by women, as well as the chocolate manufactured by larger companies in the country.

Several Dominican chocolate manufacturers, including Chocolatera la Norteña, Chocolala, Conacado Agroindustrial, Choco Cibao, and others, participated in the exhibition.

Galván noted that the Dominican Republic is the world leader in organic cocoa exports, primarily to European countries.

He highlighted that agribusiness in the Dominican Republic is a vital sector with the potential for significant returns on investment. Besides cocoa, the country has a diverse range of agricultural products, including coffee, bananas, tobacco, and vegetables, which offer opportunities for expansion and export.

Lee gains power again as a major cyclone and Margot could be a hurricane this Monday

Santo Domingo.- Hurricane Lee has regained major category status with maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour (195 kilometers), while Tropical Storm Margot may become a cyclone on Monday. Currently, neither of them poses a land threat, according to the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami. However, Lee may bring hazardous conditions to the western Atlantic beaches this week.

Lee, a Category 3 hurricane out of 5, is positioned around 285 miles (455 kilometers) north of the Leeward Islands (Lesser Antilles) and is moving west-northwest at 8 miles per hour (13 km/h). In recent days, Lee fluctuated between Category 5 and Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Hurricane-force winds extend up to 45 miles (75 km) from Lee’s center, with tropical storm-force winds reaching up to 175 miles (280 km) from the center. Forecasts suggest Lee will pass well north of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico over the next two days. Additional strengthening is expected, with possible intensity fluctuations on Monday and Tuesday. The NHC warns of dangerous waves and currents affecting various regions.

Tropical Storm Margot is also of concern, with maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour (100 km). It is likely to become a hurricane on Monday. Margot is positioned about 1,175 miles (1,895 km) west of the Cape Verde Islands, moving north at approximately 9 miles per hour (15 km/h). Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 80 miles (130 km) from its center.

Video: Abinader reiterates Pedernales will receive first cruise this December

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader announced that by December 18, 2023, the first cruise ship will arrive at the port of Cabo Rojo, Pedernales province, which will boost tourism and generate jobs and income for residents of the different communities in the area.

The Royal Caribbean company, the first cruise scheduled to reach the country’s South, will have about 3,000 cruise passengers plus the crew, who can enjoy this natural beauty and its different destinations.

“We are working so that cruise passengers can enjoy the best experience and at the same time the town of Pedernales is ready to meet their requirements and that it impacts socially and economically to Pedernales and the entire Enriquillo region,” said the president.

To achieve these goals, the tourism development plan of Pedernales contemplates the readaptation of public spaces for recreation, knowledge of culture, and gastronomic enjoyment of cruise passengers.

Ecological destinations include Laguna de Oviedo, Hoyo de Pelempito, Bahía de las Águilas, and Pozos de Romeo. The rehabilitation of the boardwalk, artisan squares, and artistic murals is added.

The head of state reiterated that the project will become the economic development engine in the southern region, specifically in the Enriquillo and Del Valle regions, because it will impact San Juan and Elías Piña in their agricultural production.

Collado: “We achieved a record summer and winter is already presold”

Punta Cana, DR.- Given the excellent results in the arrival of tourists to the Dominican Republic this year, the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, said, “We achieved a record summer, and winter is already present.”

Month by month, the country has broken records for the arrival of visitors. However, Collado acknowledged that the summer season was a bit uncertain due to the decrease in tourists from the European market.

Therefore, he indicated that “the time that was paying more attention was to the summer for long-haul flights from the European market where there is a great economic crisis due to war and inflation.”

He reiterated his concern: “We were afraid that we would fall the summer, and yet in July, we had the best month in history in tourism, and already over the summer, reservations, and hotels are with double-digit increase about 2022 and much more if we look at 2019. Which means winter is presold in flight and booking quantities.”

“We are very happy with what is happening in the tourism sector of the DR and if no international phenomenon happens, we will be among the 9.9, or 10 million tourists at the end of the year 2023,” he emphasized.

Collado indicated great expectations throughout the sector at the end of the year due to the large projections of meeting the goal. “Everywhere we see tourism is growing. The arrival of tourists is growing in all the country airports, especially the great rebound that the Cibao and Santo Domingo airports have had.”

U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic collaborates with airlines to detect illegal travel

Santo Domingo.- The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic reported collaborating with airline personnel to detect illicit travel to and from the United States.

Recently, in conjunction with the Dominican National Police, the embassy’s Office of Criminal Investigations of the Diplomatic Security Service trained employees of airlines offering services to the United States and for personnel at the Punta Cana Airport.

The embassy mentioned that the training covered facial recognition techniques, identification of impostors, security features of U.S. travelers’ documents, and current trends in organized crime related to trafficking and smuggling.

According to data from the Migration Policy Institute, immigrants from the Dominican Republic constitute the fourth largest group of Hispanic immigrants in the United States, after Mexicans, Salvadorans, and Cubans.

Dominican immigrants primarily enter the United States through family connections, with 99% arriving through family sponsorship, in contrast to 69% of all immigrants, according to the report.

Abinader: the first cruise passengers would arrive in Cabo Rojo in December

n December 18 of this year, the Dominican Republic is set to welcome its first cruise ship at the Port of Cabo Rojo, which is currently under construction as part of a public-private alliance strategy aimed at developing the southern region of the country.

This announcement was made by the President of the Dominican Republic following a working group meeting held in the area of port construction. During this meeting, various authorities involved in tourism projects in the province of Pedernales participated.

The President shared that the inaugural cruise, operated by Royal Caribbean, is expected to bring approximately three thousand cruise passengers, along with the crew, to the southern coast of the Dominican Republic. These visitors will have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of this new tourist destination.

The President emphasized that all relevant institutions are working diligently to ensure that the town of Pedernales is fully prepared to receive cruise passengers and provide them with an exceptional experience. This includes ensuring a reliable supply of water, electricity, and road infrastructure by the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (Inapa), Edesur, and the Ministry of Public Works and Communications.

The President stated that this project will serve as a catalyst for economic development in the southern region, particularly in the Enriquillo region, and will also impact the Del Valle region, benefiting areas like San Juan and Elías Piña in terms of agricultural production. Furthermore, it is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and generate income for local communities.

The President also inaugurated several naval detachments in Barahona, reinforcing security in the coastal area, and launched construction work for the Barahona Air Base, aimed at enhancing security, reducing response time, combating crime and drug trafficking, and contributing to regional development.

Furthermore, he initiated the renovation and readjustment of the Jaime Sánchez Hospital in Barahona, with an investment of RD$310,759,340.54. This project aims to transform the southern region into three health areas focused on maternal and child care, oncology, and traumatology, thereby saving lives. Additionally, the rehabilitation of the Nadin J. Hazoury Baseball Stadium in Barahona was supervised by the President during this visit.

Luis Abinader calls on young people to be “guardians of change” to avoid regression from the past

Santo Domingo.- The presidential candidate of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), Luis Abinader, hailed the Dominican youth as “guardians of change” and urged them to prevent the return of elements from the past.

Following his official agenda on Wednesday evening, Abinader convened with hundreds of young individuals from various regions at the Basketball Pavilion in the Olympic Village.

During the pre-campaign event, Abinader called upon the youth to take on the historic mission of thwarting the return of individuals associated with darker periods in the country’s history, emphasizing that they should not return or gain power.

Additionally, Abinader expressed his gratitude, admiration, and commitment to the young people of Barahona who provided him with emotional support.

He listed several initiatives carried out by his government to support the youth and the population in the southwestern region. Abinader highlighted their support for the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) and the Technological Catholic University of Barahona (UCATEBA) and their efforts in education and youth development.

Abinader mentioned the plans for UASD extensions in Bahoruco, Azua, and Baní provinces, demonstrating the government’s commitment to education in the region.

He also discussed addressing the issue of “NiNi” youth, those who neither study nor work and the importance of their positive involvement in society.

Furthermore, Abinader shared that he initiated the construction of the first Jaime Sánchez maternity-child hospital in the southwestern region and plans for the first cancer center in Barahona.

The massive indoor gathering included young people who expressed their support for Luis Abinader’s re-nomination in the upcoming elections and endorsed his government’s efforts, as organized by the local leadership of the Modern Revolutionary Youth (PRM).

Hurricane Lee strengthens and could reach category 5

Santo Domingo.- Hurricane Lee is rapidly gaining intensity in the central Atlantic, and it is currently located near the northeast of the Lesser Antilles. Weather analyst Jean Suriel predicts that by Saturday, the hurricane could develop winds of up to 249 km/h, potentially reaching the verge of becoming a Category 4 or even Category 5 hurricane.

The slow movement of Hurricane Lee is allowing it to absorb more moisture and heat from the warm waters, which is contributing to its rapid intensification. The reduced translation speed means it will take a bit longer to approach the forecasted zone.

According to Suriel, by Monday afternoon, the hurricane is expected to be located north of Puerto Rico, and between Tuesday and Wednesday, it will pass north of the Dominican Republic. However, the current projections suggest that the eye of the hurricane will be about 600 kilometers north of Samaná and approximately 700 kilometers north of Punta Cana.

The meteorologist notes that the effects on the Dominican Republic are likely to be indirect. The most significant impact could be dangerous swells with heights ranging from 12 to 14 feet extending from Saona Island to Monte Cristi. While there is no direct threat to the country, the extensive cloud field of the hurricane may lead to occasional rainy periods and moderate gusts of wind in different areas.

Punta Cana International Airport receives an award for the seventh consecutive year

Punta Cana.- The Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) has been awarded the “Best Airport by Size and Region” in the category of 5 to 15 million passengers per year in the Caribbean and Latin America at the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) awards ceremony by the Airports Council International (ACI). This marks the seventh consecutive year that the airport has received this prestigious recognition.

In addition to this award, the Punta Cana International Airport also received the new Customer Experience accreditation, which guides airports toward excellence in customer experience management across various domains.

The airport’s director of Landside Operations, Alberto Smith, accepted the award on behalf of the airport during a ceremony held in the Republic of Korea. He expressed gratitude to the more than 8,000 people working at the airport for their dedication and commitment to achieving this recognition.

The Punta Cana International Airport continuously evaluates passenger satisfaction metrics to implement improvements and create the best possible travel experience for passengers. This commitment to excellence has established the airport as one of the top 10 airports in Latin America and the most important in the insular Caribbean.

The airport recently expanded Terminal B, initially catering to airlines from North America with plans to extend connectivity routes to Latin America and Europe. It serves as a vital hub connecting 64 cities in 26 countries and transports eight million passengers annually.

The Airport Service Quality Awards program, organized by ACI, assesses passenger satisfaction and recognizes airports worldwide that offer outstanding customer experiences. The Punta Cana International Airport’s consistent excellence in this area highlights its importance in the Dominican Republic’s growing tourism industry.

Cap Cana will host the Ironman 70.3 held for the first time in the Dominican Republic

Punta Cana, DR- Cap Cana and the Colombian company SBR Sports signed an agreement to hold for the first time the Ironman 70.3 in the Dominican Republic, a competition that is projected to be held in 2024 with the format: 1.2 miles (1.9 km) swimming, 59 miles (90 km) cycling and 13.1 miles (21 km) running.

Wilber Anderson, CEO of SBR Sports, said, “We are proud, satisfied and happy about this collaboration between SBR Sports and Cap Cana to work together to make Ironman 70.3 a reality in the Dominican Republic.

In addition, it is very important to present an international destination like this, which lends itself to athletes from all over the world to enjoy this privileged and strategic location just 10 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), which connects quickly with the most important cities in the world, from North and South America, as well as Europe, the number one destination in Latin America and the Caribbean”.

“Our athletes will be able to compete and enjoy the richness that Cap Cana has, definitely a perfect destination for a race like this one,” he added.

Jorge Subero Medina, executive president of Cap Cana, expressed that the destination city is honored to receive this vital triathlon that will make its first stop in the Dominican Republic. He said the participating athletes will enjoy competing in this paradise thanks to all the characteristics that make Cap Cana a unique place.

“Their family and friends will be surprised and I am sure they will love everything we will offer. In our destination there is something for everyone, from relaxing on the beach, adventures accompanied by nature with authentic cenotes, to enjoying beautiful views, all-inclusive hotels and exquisite cuisine,” he concluded.

Dominican Today wins Pasaporte Abierto 2023 award for article by journalist Adrian Morales

Chiriqui, Panama.- Dominican-Cuban journalist Adrian Rafael Morales González won the seventh edition of the Pasaporte Abierto 2023 international tourism journalism award, in the Investigative Journalism category, for his article “Specialized tourism for the rich variety of the Dominican Republic’s flora,” published by online newspaper Dominican Today.

Pasaporte Abierto, which rewards the most outstanding in specialized tourism communication and tourism in general, is sponsored by the World Tourism Journalism Organization (WTJO); this year the award ceremony was held in Chiriqui, Panama.

Mexico won five statuettes and one of the top awards; Brazil was also awarded five times; the Dominican Republic was the winner in four categories (five if we count the Dominican Today award); and Argentina and Chile received two awards each.

Panama stood out as well, receiving one of the two Pasaporte Abierto Grand Prizes, while Colombia, Honduras, Spain, Peru and Cuba received one award each.

During the Gala, WTJO’s general secretary and founder Miguel Ledhesma announced that the XXIII International Congress of Tourism Journalists and Professionals will be held in March in Campos do Jordão, Brazil, and the 8th edition of Pasaporte Abierto will be held during the first week of September in Cali, Colombia, the country that will be in charge of the general direction of the organization in 2024.

Winners:

Mexico

1. Sentir para ver. San Luis Capital. México. (GRAN PREMIO PASAPORTE ABIERTO).

2. Impuesto sobre hospedaje, entre la sospecha y la desconfianza. Istar Meza. México. (Investigación Periodística).

3. Suplemento Turismo Diario El Sol de San Luis. San Luis Potosí. México. (Medio Especializado en Turismo).

4. San Luis en Bici. San Luis Capital. México. (Mejor propuesta Turística).

5. Asociación de Hoteles de Cancún, Puerto Morelos e Isla Mujeres. México. (Organismo Colaborador).

Brazil

1. Programa de TV Viaje Por Aí. Brasil. (Medio Especializado en Turismo).

2. Rota da Cachaça, Areia, Paraíba. Brasil. (Mejor propuesta Turística).

3. Felipe Augusto. Prefeito Sao Sebastiao, Brasil. (Emprendedor Turístico Comprometido).

4. Luciana Balbino. Areia, Paraíba, Brasil. (Emprendedor Turístico Comprometido).

5. Chef Eudes Assis, dono do restaurante Taioba. Brasil. (A la Trayectoria).

Dominican Republic 

1. Cocina Solidaria: la acción que ha salvado de la hambruna a millones de personas en el mundo. Juan de Dios Valentín. República Dominicana. (Originalidad).

2. Date 2023. República Dominicana. (Evento del Año).

3. Cap Cana, República Dominicana. (Destino Turístico Responsable).

4. Consorcio Energético Punta Cana – Macao, S.A (CEPM). República Dominicana. (Trabajo en Equipo).

Argentina

1. Las más bellas capillas cordobesas, sus secretos y leyendas. Mariana Otero y Patricia Molaioli. Argentina. (Investigación Periodística).

2. María Ulivi. Argentina. (A la Trayectoria).

Chile

1. www.saborysaber.cl. Chile. (Medio Especializado en Turismo).

2. Paola Andrea Fernández Chamaca. Chile. (A la Trayectoria).

Panama
Mirtha Rodríguez Mendieta (GRAN PREMIO PASAPORTE ABIERTO).

Colombia
Turismo sin límites. Colombia. (Medio Especializado en Turismo).

Honduras
Honduras: Tela, la ciudad con las mejores playas de Centroamérica. Leonel Armando Espinosa Flores. Honduras. (Originalidad).

Spain
Cómo el afrobeats nigeriano ha conquistado a las ‘tiktokers’ iraníes y al resto del mundo. Lucía Foraster Garriga. España. (Relevancia Social).

Peru
Una experiencia inclusiva en San Luis Potosí. Eric Barrantes. Perú. (Reconocimiento de los otros).

Cuba
Specialized tourism for the rich variety of the Dominican Republic’s flora. Adrian R. Morales González. Cuba/Dominican Republic. (Investigación Periodística).

For further information:
https://www.periodismoturistico.org/

Visa and Duty Free Americas will provide benefits to travelers from Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- Visa and Duty-Free Americas (DFA), a leading operator of duty-free stores in the Western Hemisphere, have entered into an agreement to offer exclusive benefits to Visa cardholders when they make purchases at DFA stores in select airport terminals.

The partnership encompasses the terminals of several airports, including Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic, Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, El Salvador International Airport in San Salvador, and Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, Colombia.

This strategic alliance aims to provide Visa cardholders with convenience, security and streamlined digital payment experiences. The specific benefits offered will vary by location and will be updated periodically.

Dov Falic, Vice President of Duty-Free Americas, expressed the company’s pleasure in establishing this partnership with Visa, emphasizing its commitment to innovation and rewarding shoppers.

Santiago Rega, Senior Director of Cross-Border Business Development for the Caribbean and Central America at Visa, highlighted the significance of duty-free shops at airports for international travelers and emphasized Visa’s collaboration with Duty-Free Americas to offer exclusive benefits to Visa cardholders in these stores.

Duty-Free Americas offers an extensive range of over 2,000 high-quality products, including cosmetics, fragrances, fashion, jewelry, wines, spirits, food, exclusive gifts, and more.

Travelers using Visa credit, debit, or prepaid cards issued worldwide will have the opportunity to redeem benefits for purchases at Duty-Free Americas duty-free stores, as well as at participating restaurants and bars.

In 2023 the Dominican Republic Fashion Week returns

Santo Domingo.- Fashion enthusiasts are marking their calendars for the Dominican Republic Fashion Week (RDFW), set to take place from October 4 to 8. The announcement was made during an event led by designer Melkis Díaz, CEO of RDFW, at Altri Tempi.

This fashion extravaganza will feature the work of both national and international designers, showcasing their collections at the Epic Center of the JW Marriott Hotel, located in the Blue Mall of Santo Domingo. Notable international designers participating in the event include Jorge Duque, Ángel Sánchez, Douglas Tapia, Nathalie Kriado, Alejandro Fajardo, Rodner Figueroa, Andrea Salazar, Kevin Rojas, Marianggy Giménez, Lázaro Morejon, Nolys Rodríguez, Christelle Dominique, Claudia Sassoli, and Camila Canabal. From the Dominican Republic, designers such as Giannina Azar, Leonel Lirio, Sissy Bermúdez, Elisa Morató, Keyther Estévez, Gabriela Álvarez Azar, Yesmin Serulle, Starlin de Holma, Susana Cespedes, Arcadio Díaz, Leydi Marine, Ricardo Ramírez, Tiffany Fermín, Paraca, and Carolina Almonte will participate.

The event received a warm welcome from Gabi Desangles, followed by Stefano Queirolo Palmas, the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy, expressing his gratitude and joy for the alliance between the Dominican Republic and Italy at RD Fashion Week 2023. He emphasized Italy’s recognition as a global leader in the fashion industry, known for its craftsmanship, innovative design, and exceptional quality.

Claudia Zulueta, the creative director of RD Fashion Week, emphasized responsibility, sustainability, and recycling as crucial components of progress in the fashion industry. She stated, “Fashion is the expression of changes that can occur in a society that seeks to support the work of creators, artisans, seamstresses, and a great team that makes up each designer.”

Díaz outlined the event’s vision and focus, highlighting this year’s priorities: inclusion, sustainability, and support for emerging designers with limited resources. He stressed the responsibility of the fashion industry to be environmentally conscious and promote sustainability, ethical production, and fair trade.

Díaz also underscored the importance of inclusion, aiming to represent and value individuals of different sizes, ages, ethnicities, and genders in the fashion industry. He expressed the desire to show that beauty has no single standard, emphasizing the importance of diversity.

Furthermore, the event aims to support emerging low-income designers in the Dominican Republic through scholarships and mentoring programs, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents on an international stage and build successful careers.

Díaz concluded by expressing gratitude for the attendees’ enthusiasm and their commitment to making a positive impact on the fashion industry through this international event.

IDAC: open skies agreement with the United States would bring more tourists to the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Association of Airlines (ADLA) has called for the approval of a bill that grants tax incentives to local airlines in the National Congress. This move comes ahead of the signing of the Open Skies Treaty with the United States and has garnered support from various sectors, including the tourism industry.

Héctor Porcella, the General Director of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), defended the Open Skies agreement with the United States, emphasizing the potential benefits it could bring to the Dominican Republic. He stated that the agreement would likely lead to increased tourism and improved connectivity between the country and the rest of the world.

Porcella highlighted that the bill, which was submitted by the Executive Power, aims to provide incentives to the civil aviation industry, particularly local Dominican airlines. These incentives are designed to help these airlines compete more effectively with foreign carriers.

Additionally, Porcella noted that the Open Skies agreement would simplify air travel between the Dominican Republic and the United States, reducing bureaucratic procedures and permitting easier access for Dominican airlines to operate in the U.S. market.

Local airlines in the Dominican Republic have expressed concerns about entering into an Open Skies agreement with a country like the United States, which has a highly protected and incentivized airline industry. They argue that such an agreement should only be considered after ensuring that the conditions for competitiveness are equalized for Dominican Airlines. Failing to do so could jeopardize the interests of national business owners and gradually diminish the local aviation sector.

Onamet maintains strict monitoring of the evolution and development of Tropical Storm Lee

Santo Domingo.- The National Meteorological Office (Onamet) is closely monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Lee, which is currently located about 2,040 km north of the Leeward Islands (Lesser Antilles) and has the potential to become a hurricane. Lee currently has maximum sustained winds of approximately 100 km/h and is moving west-northeast at a speed of about 22 km/h. It is expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous hurricane by the weekend.

While the projected path of Lee suggests potential effects in the Dominican Republic, Onamet indicates that these effects are not currently considered dangerous.

In terms of weather conditions, Onamet reports that a combination of Saharan dust and a high-pressure system to the northeast in the Atlantic is causing stable weather over much of the country. This stable weather is characterized by mostly hazy skies, high temperatures, and limited chances of rainfall.

However, a trough at various levels of the troposphere will continue to impact some areas in the northwestern region, the Central Cordillera, and the border area. These areas may experience cloudy skies with local showers, occasional thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the afternoon.

For Thursday, similar weather conditions are expected to persist, with generally good weather conditions in most areas. However, some sectors in the north, northeast, southeast, and the Central Mountains may experience cloudy conditions with local showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the afternoon.

In Greater Santo Domingo, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 32°C and 35°C, while minimum temperatures will remain between 24°C and 26°C.

Olympic gold, the next goal for Marileidy Paulino; will run in the Pan American Games

Marileidy Paulino, the reigning world champion, arrived in the Dominican Republic on Monday with a clear ambition: to secure a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Expressing her aspirations, Paulino stated, “We hope, with God’s grace, to achieve the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris.” She shared her thoughts upon landing at Las Américas International Airport, Francisco Peña Gómez.

As part of her preparations, Paulino mentioned that she and her coach have made the decision not to participate in the 400-meter dash at the upcoming Central American Games in Santiago China 2023. Instead, they will focus on the 200-meter event, aiming to be in peak physical form leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Yessen Pérez, Paulino’s coach, highlighted that the current season has been quite extensive. He expressed, “With the 200 meters, we are contributing to our country’s cause.”

When asked about potential competition, specifically Shaunae Miller-Uibo, in the Olympic Games, Paulino confidently remarked, “We’re all competitors; I have no fear. I trust in my hard work and dedication.”

Hailing from Don Gregorio, Nizao, Paulino clinched the gold medal in the women’s 400-meter dash at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, achieving a remarkable time of 48.76 seconds. After breaking the 47-second barrier, she humbly attributed her success to divine intervention, stating, “It is in God’s hands.”

Environment and community protect turtle that nests successfully in Cabarete

Santo Domingo.- An exciting Saturday night witnessed an extraordinary event at Perla Marina beach in Cabarete, when a sea turtle came out to lay its eggs around 10:30 p.m.

Several lucky witnesses had the opportunity to witness this rare spectacle of nature.
“Quickly, the people present organized themselves and called us. The technical staff of the Ministry of the Environment went to the place and received instructions to delimit and protect the spawning area, ensuring that the eggs were safe from damage caused by the sun and natural predators,” explained Frank Calderón, Resources technician. Coastal and Marine Ministry of the Environment in Puerto Plata.

Calderón added that hours later, with the help of qualified personnel, a delicate nest change procedure was carried out. “The 136 eggs, which were originally on the beach, were moved to a higher and safer place, away from the coast and protected from high temperatures.”

Currently, the nest is in an inhabited area where some residents have agreed to take care and watch over its safety. The shared images captured both the original spawning site and the new nesting site.

Calderón concluded by explaining that “the future of these turtle eggs is in the hands of the community. The procedure indicates that the nest should continue to be protected and monitored until, approximately 45-60 days, the eggs hatch and the young emerge.”

The event generated a feeling of unity and conservation in the Cabarete community, which is committed to ensuring that these valuable baby turtles have the best chance to survive and contribute to the preservation of these animals.

Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic exhibition September 6 to 8, 2023 in Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- The XXXV Commercial Exhibition of the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES 2023) is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, September 6, to Thursday, September 8, at the facilities of Blue Mall Punta Cana. This event serves as a platform for supplier companies, both national and international, to showcase their products and services to industry professionals, including general managers, purchasing managers, and food and beverage managers in the hotel sector.

In the last edition of the exhibition, more than 190 companies participated, occupying 410 stands and offering a wide range of products and services that promote commercial exchange in the tourism sector. The trade show is recognized as the largest indoor fair of its kind in the Dominican Republic.

Aside from the exhibition area spanning 4,000 square kilometers across different halls, the event also features a program of talks and workshops, making it a comprehensive gathering for industry professionals and stakeholders.