Fidel Castro’s son to attend Santo Domingo Book Fair

The son of Cuba’s former leader Fidel Castro, Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart, will attend the XV Santo Domingo International Book Fair, which will open next week in the Dominican capital.
Other big names are poet Eduardo Milan, Abilio Estevez, Daniel Chavarria, Juan David Morgan, Mayra Montero, Daniel Mordzinsky, Alejandro Carpio, Sealtiel Alatriste and Carlos Oriel Wynter Melo.
This year the diaspora delegation includes Eugenio García Cuevas, Pedro Urena Rib, Vielka Solano, Radhames de Leon, Yudelka Guerra, Cesar Sanchez Beras, Marianela Medrano, Jose Acosta, Esteban Torres, Diogenes Abreu and Carlos Sanchez.
The event, to be held from April 18 to May 6, will be attended by 64 writers from 17 countries. The list is headed by the famous Nicaraguan novelist Sergio Ramirez and Argentine Jorge Bucay, named the world’s best-selling Hispanic author, with over 5 million copies sold.

Source:dominicantoday

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Second subway line ready before August 16

The Government’s Transport Reform Office announced on Sunday, the opening of Santo Domingo Metro’s 2nd line, before August 16th. They added that normal operations could be in place within four months.
Assistant director Leonel Carrasco, said service will be free for people who want to visit the International Book Fair 2012, on Maximo Gomez Av., on the first six cars, which arrived Saturday from Barcelona.
Carrasco said 2nd Line riders to the Fair can take the train at the Maria Montez station, on the Luperón, and transfer at the Juan Pablo Duarte station, in the Olympic center, and from there, the First Line to the Plaza de la Cultura.
He said once the first stage of 45 cars is completed, worth 120,000 euros each, they will ply the route from the avenues Luperon in the west side of the city, to Padre Castellanos in the west.

Source:dominicantoday.com

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Installing a Swimming Pool can Give your Family the feel of a Year Round Vacation

There are many home improvements you can make on your Amber Coast Home, however perhaps no home improvement is quite as welcomed by the kids than a swimming pool. Installing a swimming pool in your back yard can be an excellent way to give your family and friends the feeling of a vacation all year round. There are many different types of pools so the first decision is which will suite you, your family and yard/garden best.

There isn’t any one best pool to meet everybody’s needs or requirements, everybody requires something different. But with so many options how does one choose? The most important question that you will need to answer is whether you wish to add an in ground or above ground pool. There are benefits and disadvantages to each. With an in ground pool, it’s a permanent structure in your yard and can add significant worth to your property. There also are plenty more shapes, sizes, and options available with an in ground pool. It is more elegant and may be employed as an ornamental or landscaping piece in your yard.

However an in ground pool is much more permanent so once its built, its there to stay. An above ground pool is only semi-permanent, costs less, and needs less time to build. The key flaw to an above ground pool for many folks is that it is above the ground. This makes it less aesthetic due to it being such a massive structure in your yard. You must be certain that the type of pool you choose is the correct one, as there are very few things worse than having something you loathe sitting in your yard.

If you opt for an above ground pool, there are 2 main shapes, the circle and the oval. The next thing to do is to establish how big you need your pool. Only you can decide this because everybody has got different size yards – this is the time to break out the tape measure! There are several things that you can do which will affect the amount of space you will need for your pool. These options will also add character to your pool. A deck can be built around the pool or alternatively just for the entrance. You could build the pool so that it is partially in the ground, this is a popular choice as it decreases the identifiable peak of the pool making it seem like an in ground pool. Next, you must decide whether or not you are going to have a flat bottom pool or if you’re going to have a deep end. After you decide precisely what you are going to do with your pool you can begin selecting what model and liner you would like.

Selecting options for an in ground pool can be much more intense than it is for an above ground pool. Again, step one will be deciding how big you need the pool but there are several shapes available that permit you to get a bigger size pool in a rather more compact area. It is likely that you will need more space for an in ground pool because you’ll want a solid deck round the pool. There are other options you are able to add to an in ground pool like a spill over spa or a swim out.

When you’ve selected your pool and all of your options it is time to take the final step and get everything started!

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Reforestation Day in Bayahibe

The La Romana-Bayahibe Hotels Association hosted a reforestation day in Padre Nuestro Eco-Tourist Route, in Parque Nacional del Este, planting more than 300 seedlings of native trees.
The event was also organized by the association, and was sponsored by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and La Romana-Bayahibe Tourist Cluster, in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry.
Almost 80 volunteers, including hotel guests, participated, along with executives and employees from the hotels Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, Viva Wyndham Dominicus, Catalonia Gran Dominicus, Be Live Canoa, and Dreams La Romana.
The Parque Nacional del Este is the most visited National Park by tourists, drawn there by its great attractions and being located central to all the major resorts.
The Parque is located in the southeast of the Dominican Republic, on a peninsula, and has a total area of 310 km ².
Bayahibe, is well known for its coral formations and as a great place for diving. The southernmost tip is Calderas Bay where there are saltwater lagoons and mangrove swamps.

 

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Luxurious villa for sale in Cofresi

This three bedroom villa is located within a world class contemporary and luxurious private villa resort on the North coast of the Dominican Republic. Each of these modern villas boasts its own private swimming pool and idyllic tropical gardens and are built for those for those who appreciate the finer things in life. In the world of luxury villas, size really does matter!

 

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Ten Tips For Buying a Second Home

May people look into the possibility of owning a second home these days. The idea of another home that you can spend some time in, away from the “main” house is an exciting prospect and where better to purchase your second home than in the beautiful Amber Coast Here are ten steps to assist you in your quest to find your very own piece of paradise.

1.Look at your finances. Do you have enough to afford what will essentially be a double mortgage payment? If the answer is no how much can you afford? It is a good idea to have this information before you begin your search.

2. What will be the purpose of your second home? Do you want a place by the beach? A mountain retreat? Do you plan to rent it out during the year? Will it be a permanent rental property? Is it going to be a business property? All these different options have different tax implications, so be prepared for that. The amount that you calculated in item one is vital for this.
3. Where do you want your second home to be situated? Will it be in a high end community? A gated community?
4. What kind of house? One story, two? Villa, Condo? What level of maintenance will be required? Is the property ready to move into, or are there things that need to be done? Getting an inspection will answer these questions!
5. What sort of financing will be needed to complete the purchase? This is a point to consider carefully, will the property be empty for a large part of the year? Or will it create an income?
6. Look into the property tax situation. Visit the schools, especially if you have children of school age or if you will be renting to those that do.
7. Insurance, tax, other considerations. These are all significant. If you’re going to be living there, the interest is, tax-deductable. If youplan to let it out, the cost for that is deductible. Insurance is always vital.
8. Get a local realtor! This is the person that will know the area, the people, values of houses, and will be able to guide you to making the right decisions. They will have a list of helpful hints and tips for you to utilize when you are purchasing your second home.
9. Avoid impulsive buying!
10. Ensure that this 2nd home you are purchasing is close to all the comforts that you’re going to need in the future. You may decide to retire here!

Second home buying is becoming very popular whether for vacations homes, rental purposes or businesses. Many people are considering purchasing their second home with a view of retiring there in years to come. Ensure you have all the information and ask your real estate agent any questions you may have during the process so that you make the best decisions for you and your family.

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Dominican Republic increases forestry coverage

The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, announced that the Dominican Republic increased the amount of trees by 8% since 2003, with 39.7% of the country now covered in woodland. The data was released during a ceremony commemorating World Forest Day, and was supported by the Foundation for Global Democracy and Development. The event was attended by various people linked to the environmental field, including academics, government officials, international specialists and directors and deputy ministers from the Environment Ministry, including Manuel Serrano, the Deputy Minister of Forestry Resources.
Serrano said that that the increase in tree cover from 32% in 2003 to 39.7% in 2011 was a great success for the country, when most other countries were showing a decline. The increase was attributed to the decrease in forest fires, thanks to the implementation of a policy to control them in vulnerable areas.
Another contributing factor, is the reforestation program that the government implemented through the National Plan for a Green Quisqueya, and public awareness.

 

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Santiago heroes remembered

This year is the 168th anniversary of the Battle of Santiago.

The Battle of 30 March was won by Dominican troops under General Jose Maria Imbert, against the larger contingent of better-equipped Haitian troops, under General Jean Louis Pierrot to confirm national independence from Haiti in 1844.
President Leonel Fernandez issued a statement, describing the event as one which displayed the character of a determined, fighting and visionary nation. He also said that the country should remember the heroes of that day, and their sacrifice, bravery and dignity that had contributed to the progress of the Dominican Republic today, in a climate of stability and harmony.
He went on to say that Santiago remembers with deep gratitude its unsung heroes Jose Maria Imbert, Francisco Antonio Salcedo, Fernando Valerio, Ramon Matias Mella and other officers and citizens who showed bravery and determination to defend freedom and rights. The battle took place 31 days after the proclamation of independence by Duarte and the Trinitario movement, at what is today Independence Park in Santo Domingo.

 

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Beachfront hotel for sale in Cabarete

This is your chance to own a hotel/bed and breakfast whilst living in paradise. This small hotel offers six individual rooms that cater for those that are searching for something more than just a standard hotel.

 

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Villas for sale in Cabrera

These villas are located in a quiet area and is a real oasis of tranquility on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic in the hills behind the coastal town of Cabrera.

 

 

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