Santo Domingo.- British ambassador Steven Fisher on Wednesday said the country lacks security for foreign investment, and cited a company he said recently shut its doors after being extorted.
However the diplomat affirmed the United Kingdom is aware of the excellent work by Dominican Republic’s legal institutions, president Leonel Fernandez’s leadership, the roles of the World Bank, European Union, the Church’s moral influence as well as civil society and the journalists whose focus is corruption, which in his view are positive signals.
Fisher said corruption complaints also come from many Dominicans as well as local and foreign investors.
He said an important British company, which he didn’t identify, recently left the country and others have told him they’ve been victims of solicited bribes, and that it’s a negative aspect also known in England.
Fisher spoke in an anti-corruption conference in the Justice Ministry, accompanied by the minister Radhamés Jiménez, Supreme Court president Subero, monsignor Agripino Núñez, Anticorruption Department director Otoniel Bonilla, among others.
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera
Note the second paragraph as the need for a diplomat to be "diplomatic" What he was really saying is "you are all a bunch of corrupt, thieving bastards and for that reason you are losing investment, employment, work and prosperity for your people"!
Written by: Atabey, 23 Nov 2011 2:05 PM
From: United States, NYC
It's good that this Ambassador rings up the DR for these threats to national prosperity. But I think that companies doing business in DR should make a clear and unmistakable point of Publishing in the major newspapers the solicitations and the people making them. The mere threat to do so will stop many to seriously question if it's really worth it to them to be so publically humiliated. The major newspaper should by law keep a section dedicated for such reporting. It will help sell newspapers, too. "So who was it this time around?" will be heard around the corner and shops.
Perhaps this Public airing will bring better results than trying to convince people to respect the law.
From: United States
"excellent work by Dominican Republic’s legal institutions"
What? They are the biggest do nothing crooks.
From: United States
Atabey, NOTHING embarrasses a Dominican.
It is their inbred entitlement with a strong dose of Groundhogs day mentality.
From: United States, FREEPORT, Long Island.... (Look, beyond the words)
My exact same thoughts Adrian, my exact same thoughts........
He should have given it to DR, the way dominican officials rob the public with no remorse.
Written by: RoyStone, 23 Nov 2011 3:13 PM
From: Australia
How embarrassing!
Turned up to Leo's Fancy-Dress Party wearing the same outfit!
Still his joke about the Church’s moral influence must have had them in fits of laughter!
Written by: walnut, 23 Nov 2011 3:17 PM
From: Bouvet Island, Cayuga lakeside
As Led Zepellin once sang, "The Song Remains The Same".
Do you think anyone of the commission went home feeling upset at this point blank accusation of corruption? Does anyone have a burning desire to find out the facts on this specific issue?.
Hardly.....
For them it is, will we be eating filet or lobster tonight? Dom or Cristal? Use the Waterford or the Baccarat?
Written by: RonEvane, 23 Nov 2011 5:37 PM
From: United States, Gaithersburg, Maryland
"He said an important British company, which he didn’t identify, recently left the country and others have told him they’ve been victims of solicited bribes, and that it’s a negative aspect also known in England."
If, it is also, "known in England", I bet it's dealt with, swiftly and effectively!
The justice system in DR is toothless and too scared of bigwigs, to prosecute.
From: Dominican Republic
I'm not sure if shaming them would work,, just look at the power thief,,you know... whats his name?... the one owing millions... all over the TV, news paper and radio... and had the gaul to try saying they owed him money... Never had his power cut or made one payment....
Some countries people who screw up go on hands and knees to the people and begging for forgiveness after they have resigned. Not to many year ago they would of killed them self for the same they brought to their families... can't see neither happening here.....although the latter would be better for some.....
More ambassadors need to speak up and say it like it is, he made a good start but then back down.....ahahahahha Coward !!!
Written by: danny00, 23 Nov 2011 5:57 PM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
shaming and embarrassment? cant do this to one idiot and fool who has no education. how can u?
where the f...... is the lawmaker that was in this papaer about one week ago?
u know the one with the 14yold girlfriend {which he was with her since she was 12y old}. does he have the shame or embarrassent?
no he does not in fact hes proud of his involvement with a baby girl instead of a real women. be was bragging to his friends about her.
give him a medal the low-life deserves on does he not?
Written by: danny00, 23 Nov 2011 5:59 PM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
British ambassador Steven Fisher on Wednesday said the country lacks security for foreign investment, and cited a company he said recently shut its doors after being extorted.
WHERE IS MR. RICKY WHO CALLS FOR ALL GRINGOS TO BRING THEIR DOLLARS OVER HERE IN THE DR. NO RISK HE SAID THEIR INVESTMENT IS SAFE IN THE PAPADISE.
LISTEN TO ME
THEY WILL TAKE YOUR F......... EYE BALLS FROM YOUR HEAD.
Written by: danny00, 23 Nov 2011 6:03 PM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
More ambassadors need to speak up and say it like it is, he made a good start but then back down.....ahahahahha Coward !!!
WHAT THE AMBASSADORS NEED TO SAY IS DONT PUT ONE POUND INTO THIS COUNTRY.
THATS WHAT THEY NEED TO SAY.
WHO THE F...... NEEDS THIS COUNTRY IN THIS WORLD?
THE DR BETTER WAKE UP THE BOYS IN THE GOVERNMENT ARE RUNNING WILD AND THEY WILL LEAVE THE GOOD FOLKS IN THE DR AS THEY ALWAYS DO
HIGH AND DRY WITH OUT NOTHING.
From: United States
We all know corruption is our number one problem and is so rampant it is just disgusting. Anyone who invests here only does so to launder their money. As they find safer places the money dries up because there is no safety in owning property here.
Our mentality of another sucker is around the corner will eventually run out. We need to stop the corruption and teach good business practices or our country will never move forward.
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
I would like to get the speech from this youg wet behind the ears Ambassador ,,there are so many countries in the world where doing business is not as straighforward as in the UK ..companies have to grease many palms to operate in a reasonable environment ,,,Most of the middle east countries, Indonesia, Philipines, China, India ,Russia.the Balkans and a swag of Latin Countries..
That is not to say that the DR should follow the same corrupt ways ..but this country is not much different than many others .
I should also mention that trying to start a business in Thailand is very hazardous without a Thai partner ..
Written by: Atabey, 23 Nov 2011 7:03 PM
From: United States, NYC
Rich,
Don't like my idea to publically expose the ones trying to promote this noxious practice in DR?
From: United States
well, RonEvane, here is a perfect opening for you to blast this guy, calling him on the carpet for being anti Dominican.
Written by: RonEvane, 23 Nov 2011 8:19 PM
From: United States, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Huh?
From: United States
well, whenever i criticise anything Dominican, you go off on a rant, calling me anti Dominican. well, this seems like criticism, at least from where i view it. so, have at this guy.
From: Canada
ricardolito, looking at countries that are known for their rather high degree of corruption is not an excuse to think that "it must be ok to do so". There seems to be a certain tendency to think that if one could get away with it, then, it's fine. Not sure such a mentality will impress that many serious business people. DR would be better off establishing a strong, honest, clear, business ethic code. An independant, away from politics (is this possible in DR) ombudsman? DR needs credibility.
Written by: RonEvane, 24 Nov 2011 4:22 AM
From: United States, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Note the second paragraph as the need for a diplomat to be "diplomatic" What he was really saying is "you are all a bunch of corrupt, thieving bastards and for that reason you are losing investment, employment, work and prosperity for your people"!
This is one of those times when, IMHO, diplomats should not be as diplomatic. The need to be "politically correct" can sometimes work to the detriment of both parties. It's no secret that we're as corrupt as can be without fear of punishment. China executes for crimes of less magnitude.
The mind-set that I can "extort with impunity" is, to a large extent, responsible for the diversion of huge capital investments somewhere else.
The prevailing political wind makes for economic stagnation. This is one of those situations when capital punishment makes a hell of a lot of sense.
Written by: zooma, 24 Nov 2011 9:10 AM
From: United States
The corrupt do not give a "sh**" about investment. They could care less of foreign agents and/or local voices badmouthing the country's lack of security as long as they, the corrupt, have license to continue to consume the milk of the mother's breast.
No investment, no change in corrupt behavior, so the middle class will disappear to join the ranks of the poor. They will eat mudcakes as the haitians do to surpress hunger pains; the corrupt will then feast from a new menu of aid and aid givers. The cycle will continue as long as the corrupt remain and no hope of a messiah.
From: United States, words of wisdom from the nutcracker
british officials when soft on the dominican government , they should of call them for what they are , thieving corrupted uneducated rats with no moral fiber.
Written by: josean, 24 Nov 2011 11:52 AM
From: United States, Show your Love for DR Vote AGAINST the PLD!
Here is another view from a former american ambassador:
Wikileaks: The US believes Leonel abdicated "leadership" in problem of electricity
"Leonel said it would continue with the privatization of electricity companies, but after the 2008 elections"
Wikileaks
“After the 2008 elections
The document of the U.S. Embassy narrates that the President of the Smith-Enron told a US official that a meeting President Fernandez said that the program of capitalization which was started in his first term was definitely waiting (year 2006) for the presidential elections of 2008 to pass.
"This program, strongly supported by the Technical Secretary of the Presidency, Themistocles Montás, was designed to privatize the rest of the State electricity companies (i.e., the distribution, but also the transmission companies and the hydroelectric centers).
“The President added that the current environment is not appropriate to start privatization of the sector.
continued:
Written by: josean, 24 Nov 2011 11:54 AM
From: United States, Show your Love for DR Vote AGAINST the PLD!
Written by: RoyStone, 24 Nov 2011 1:59 PM
From: Australia
zooma,
Many Dominicans are aware of the corruption and are against it, no so much out of moral indignation but envy.
From: United States
Roy, as i said, we are very similar in certain philosophical nuances. i always say that many Dominicans do not stand up against corruption, because they are awaiting the day when they get their chance at the trough, and they do not want anyone irritating them while they pig out.
Written by: RoyStone, 24 Nov 2011 2:24 PM
From: Australia
Yes, Dready,
It can be said that most Dominicans are corrupt in their own, cute little way, like stealing electricity, a place in the queue. or running a red light. However few get the opportunity to do it in the style and scale of politicians and judges.
Written by: Yucahu, 24 Nov 2011 3:59 PM
From: United States, Miami
Name them names, if you shine light on the roaches they will scurry away. Not true that Dominicans feel no shame. If a foreigner like the British ambassador tells it like it is, something will get done. Dominicans are weak when it comes to the words of foreigners. If I say something as a fact as a Dominican, my people will doubt me. However if a foreigner states something not true, the Dominican will take it as gospel.
From: Dominican Republic
dready and roy... absolutely correct ... shamed when people get caught but envy of those already at the pig trough and ready at any time to jump the queue to get there themselves...
As already see when a foreigner speaks out they jump all over them say... who was it? .. who left?.. it's all made up... and most time even on here but more on DR1, when foreigners speak like that they are told to shut up GRINGO and go home...
Written by: RoyStone, 24 Nov 2011 6:04 PM
From: Australia
Yucahu says that when foreigners say bullsh!t, Dominicans treat it as gospel.
That appropriate.
The gospels are the gold-standard for bullsh!t.
Don't believe me?
Then read them!
You will see that gospel-truth is a contradiction in terms.
It is interesting that most courts will not accept hearsay evidence, but insist on witnesses swearing on the book of hearsay by anonymous authors, the Xtian Buy-Bull!
From: United States
stillhere, as i watch people diligently working for the election of their political favorites, i ask myself ¨what are they intending to achieve?¨then, myself gives me the answer. they simply want their turn. they do not want to change the system, just the players. they are not working to change the philosophies, or non philosophies of the powers that be. they want to continue them, with themselves in the seats of power. so, when Leo leaves, and Hippo takes the reins, they will be the ones in the jeepetas.
Written by: RoyStone, 24 Nov 2011 8:21 PM
From: Australia
Dready, the only posters and billboards I see around here are for beer or politicians.
The political posters have a big portrait of the candidate, a smaller portrait of the leader of his party, the candidate's nick-name and the logo of the party. Not a single one lists policies, or even a slogan!
From: United States
there are no policies. there is no difference between the PLD and the PRD. they are just two ends of the same stick. whichever one you get hit with, it will leave a mark. there is a slogan ; Llego Papa. the entire exercise is intended to appeal to the lowest common denominator.
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Perhaps this Public airing will bring better results than trying to convince people to respect the law.
"excellent work by Dominican Republic’s legal institutions"
What? They are the biggest do nothing crooks.
Atabey, NOTHING embarrasses a Dominican.
It is their inbred entitlement with a strong dose of Groundhogs day mentality.
He should have given it to DR, the way dominican officials rob the public with no remorse.
Turned up to Leo's Fancy-Dress Party wearing the same outfit!
Still his joke about the Church’s moral influence must have had them in fits of laughter!
Do you think anyone of the commission went home feeling upset at this point blank accusation of corruption? Does anyone have a burning desire to find out the facts on this specific issue?.
Hardly.....
For them it is, will we be eating filet or lobster tonight? Dom or Cristal? Use the Waterford or the Baccarat?
"He said an important British company, which he didn’t identify, recently left the country and others have told him they’ve been victims of solicited bribes, and that it’s a negative aspect also known in England."
If, it is also, "known in England", I bet it's dealt with, swiftly and effectively!
The justice system in DR is toothless and too scared of bigwigs, to prosecute.
Some countries people who screw up go on hands and knees to the people and begging for forgiveness after they have resigned. Not to many year ago they would of killed them self for the same they brought to their families... can't see neither happening here.....although the latter would be better for some.....
More ambassadors need to speak up and say it like it is, he made a good start but then back down.....ahahahahha Coward !!!
where the f...... is the lawmaker that was in this papaer about one week ago?
u know the one with the 14yold girlfriend {which he was with her since she was 12y old}. does he have the shame or embarrassent?
no he does not in fact hes proud of his involvement with a baby girl instead of a real women. be was bragging to his friends about her.
give him a medal the low-life deserves on does he not?
WHERE IS MR. RICKY WHO CALLS FOR ALL GRINGOS TO BRING THEIR DOLLARS OVER HERE IN THE DR. NO RISK HE SAID THEIR INVESTMENT IS SAFE IN THE PAPADISE.
LISTEN TO ME
THEY WILL TAKE YOUR F......... EYE BALLS FROM YOUR HEAD.
WHAT THE AMBASSADORS NEED TO SAY IS DONT PUT ONE POUND INTO THIS COUNTRY.
THATS WHAT THEY NEED TO SAY.
WHO THE F...... NEEDS THIS COUNTRY IN THIS WORLD?
THE DR BETTER WAKE UP THE BOYS IN THE GOVERNMENT ARE RUNNING WILD AND THEY WILL LEAVE THE GOOD FOLKS IN THE DR AS THEY ALWAYS DO
HIGH AND DRY WITH OUT NOTHING.
Our mentality of another sucker is around the corner will eventually run out. We need to stop the corruption and teach good business practices or our country will never move forward.
That is not to say that the DR should follow the same corrupt ways ..but this country is not much different than many others .
I should also mention that trying to start a business in Thailand is very hazardous without a Thai partner ..
Don't like my idea to publically expose the ones trying to promote this noxious practice in DR?
Huh?
This is one of those times when, IMHO, diplomats should not be as diplomatic. The need to be "politically correct" can sometimes work to the detriment of both parties. It's no secret that we're as corrupt as can be without fear of punishment. China executes for crimes of less magnitude.
The mind-set that I can "extort with impunity" is, to a large extent, responsible for the diversion of huge capital investments somewhere else.
The prevailing political wind makes for economic stagnation. This is one of those situations when capital punishment makes a hell of a lot of sense.
The corrupt do not give a "sh**" about investment. They could care less of foreign agents and/or local voices badmouthing the country's lack of security as long as they, the corrupt, have license to continue to consume the milk of the mother's breast.
No investment, no change in corrupt behavior, so the middle class will disappear to join the ranks of the poor. They will eat mudcakes as the haitians do to surpress hunger pains; the corrupt will then feast from a new menu of aid and aid givers. The cycle will continue as long as the corrupt remain and no hope of a messiah.
Here is another view from a former american ambassador:
Wikileaks: The US believes Leonel abdicated "leadership" in problem of electricity
"Leonel said it would continue with the privatization of electricity companies, but after the 2008 elections"
Wikileaks
“After the 2008 elections
The document of the U.S. Embassy narrates that the President of the Smith-Enron told a US official that a meeting President Fernandez said that the program of capitalization which was started in his first term was definitely waiting (year 2006) for the presidential elections of 2008 to pass.
"This program, strongly supported by the Technical Secretary of the Presidency, Themistocles Montás, was designed to privatize the rest of the State electricity companies (i.e., the distribution, but also the transmission companies and the hydroelectric centers).
“The President added that the current environment is not appropriate to start privatization of the sector.
continued:
("Translation: it is too political and he wants to be re-elected", presents the report of the U.S. Embassy. (Read all Wikileaks on Dominican Republic)
http://www.acento.com.do/index.ph....-en-problema-de-electricidad.html
Lie-onel is being exposed for the criminal idiot he is!
Many Dominicans are aware of the corruption and are against it, no so much out of moral indignation but envy.
It can be said that most Dominicans are corrupt in their own, cute little way, like stealing electricity, a place in the queue. or running a red light. However few get the opportunity to do it in the style and scale of politicians and judges.
As already see when a foreigner speaks out they jump all over them say... who was it? .. who left?.. it's all made up... and most time even on here but more on DR1, when foreigners speak like that they are told to shut up GRINGO and go home...
That appropriate.
The gospels are the gold-standard for bullsh!t.
Don't believe me?
Then read them!
You will see that gospel-truth is a contradiction in terms.
It is interesting that most courts will not accept hearsay evidence, but insist on witnesses swearing on the book of hearsay by anonymous authors, the Xtian Buy-Bull!
The political posters have a big portrait of the candidate, a smaller portrait of the leader of his party, the candidate's nick-name and the logo of the party. Not a single one lists policies, or even a slogan!