SANTO DOMINGO.- A United States Agency for Development International (USAID) senior official yesterday said Dominicans accept many forms of corruption and are seen as part of their day to day, for which they still have much work to do to identify and recognize most of its forms.
Stephen Brager, speaking in the inaugural of the seminar "Strategies of co-participation for local economic development," supported by USAID, said there must be a true fight against corruption in the country, because of its negative impact on the country socio-economic and political development.
He said tools must be given to the population, the companies, the politicians and the government officials to control and punish corruption.
Brager, although criticizing that the rendering of accounts doesn’t exist in the country, said there are several ways to limit corruption, including the planned Municipalities Law, which allows the population’s participation in budget-planning.
The U.S. official said the law includes the removal of mayors and other elected officials, if they don’t perform correctly. He said the population must know how the taxpayers’ money is used.
In the seminar, coordinated with the program Citizen Action and Transparency, also spoke, among others, National State Reform Council (CONARE) director Marcos Villamán, who said that while experts are needed, it’s important that people participate in the strategies for local economic development.
SOURCE HOY.COM.DO
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
corruption in the Dominican Republic?.......I am shocked ,shocked
Written by: juanb, 10 Apr 2008 9:16 AM
From: Dominican Republic
This is the single greatest threat to our country. Corruption permeates all parties, all governmental institutions, everything. There must be some accountability if we are to grow to be the great nation that we can be. While I believe Lionel to be above the fray (he is not taking anything for himself), I do not believe that as yet he has done anything to stop the pervasive corrupt practices of those beneath him. I fervently hope that in his second term that the elimination of ALL corruption becomes a priority.
From: Dominican Republic, Cabarete
Please refer to comments made yesterday on the article regarding the Korean program to update the customs department. Thank you.
Written by: josean, 10 Apr 2008 12:06 PM
From: United States
This is an extraordinary statement:
"While I believe Lionel to be above the fray (he is not taking anything for himself)"
That statement will haunt you for eternity!
Lie-onel is the “smartest president” in the history of the republic the only person out of 9,000,000 Dominicans who God has ordained with the brilliancy to lead us. Yet he has been impotent against corruption, what utter nonsense.
He has had two terms in office and the corruption is worse. He brought back the same thieves from the 1996-2000 term and he expects change.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
Cassandra
From: United States
Unfortunately a president is only as good as its congress and its people. Who was a better president? Balaguer, Bosh, Trujillo, Jorge Blanco, Antonio Guzman?..All except possibly Guzman had the best intentions until he was assassinated. Corruption has infested all sectors of society. Therefore, no Dominican, born, bread, educated in DR could be an effective president free of corruption. In order to position oneself to become an effective candidate you must make agreements, concessions and compromises that will eventually elevate you to some social status or recognition. It is these compromises that are the essence of all corruption in the DR. Its starts with. “ayudame y yo te ayudo cuando seas presidente”. In order to eliminate corruption you would need a scapegoat president and a behind the scenes wealthy individual capable of making things happen. Fight corruption with the same corruptive tools the corrupt use. The country needs RADICAL EXTREME CHANGE.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
political favor and outright thiefing are two different things...you would have us believe that every give and take solution is corruption ...it is not......what we do not want is bare faced stealing with impunity...now I know how you got your name
From: United States
Political favors and thiefing might be two different things, but the bottom line is that they both have a politician's interests in mind, not the country's. Ladronazo has very valid points - we need change. Obama?? :-)
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
compromising to reach ones political goals is not stealing money from the public fund
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
sunshine laws and transparency is all we can ask for .....at a minimum
From: United States
¡ What conformity !
From: United States
gouletcolonial, 10 Apr 2008 4:08 PM
""" compromising to reach ones political goals is not stealing money from the public fund """
You are absolutely correct. But it depends on what is compromised. And usually it isn't compromised without some pecuniary benefit to someone at the cost and suffering of another. Because of the pervasiveness of the corruption in DR., Dominicans do enter Politics because of their inherent burning desire to become a public servant and their wish to make a change for the better. Or because they awaken by one calm gentle whispering breeze echoing John F. Kennedy's famous quote.
"My fellow Dominican, as not what my country can do for me, But what I can do for my country".
From: United States
No! I don't thinks so. They enter Politics because of the many pecuniary opportunities that arise from holding a political position. This I know and I dare anyone to prove me wrong. Mind you there are a few exceptions, but not enough to make a significant difference.
Now don't misunderstand me. I must give credit where credit is due. I must admit that Fernandez has made many positive and noteworthy changes. Anyone who had visited the country prior to his initial presidency would agree. Example of this, just compare the arrival customs and immigration process in DR. Prior to his arrival it was a "major hassle. A nightmare". Santo Domingo Airport was littered with beggars asking for money. Many of them children. In the countryside the police would establish roadblocks every 15-20 miles to stop traffic and extort money from drivers and passengers....
From: United States
...In addition, there was no real government public transit system (bus systems). Rights of women were improved (e.g strict penalties for domestic violence). It was during his first tenure that McDonalds, Dominoes Pizza Hut, Baskin Robins, Miami Sub, Taco Bell, Burger King arrived. Yes Fernandez presidency has made many positive contributions, but I think he has lost focus of the BIG picture.
And finally, don't take offense or umbrage. My purpose is not to offend. But also don't misunderstand my username. Because you really can't conceptualize it. Yet.
From: United States
After All, I was right, on All my previous statements & opinion of f this Island and their people. I'm very sad about it, I though that after an American Invasion things could have been much different today ????
Written by: Lautaro, 11 Apr 2008 9:05 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
Haven't you thought, perception, that the american invasions to the island have precisely AGGRAVATED corruption, instead of dispelling it? Have you forgotten the support that your gov. afforded to Trujillo, Duvalier (Father and son), Balaguer and all the other goons and deposed Bosch and anyone who wished to make a stand against corruption? All in the interest of "stopping communism" (a sorrier and pathetic excuse for their compliance if there ever was one). Please spare us the hipocrisy and condescencion, because we, the people of this island, are already weary of your double-crossing attitude!!
From: United States
Now the enemy finally its aloud to play a role on "Governing" and they ended doing what they "Critisize" in the past. This is what it was all about !!!!
LOL
Written by: Lautaro, 11 Apr 2008 9:28 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
They aren't allowed to govern, you twit. Because, if you haven't "perceived" it, the PLD suffered the same rightist transformation that your people did on the PRD before being allowed to govern on 1978. Seriously, you need to consider a name change, because your "perception" is close to zero on the realities of geopolitics, specially respecting your country's imperial one respecting Latin America. If you haven't "perceived" it yet, the PLD had to renounce Bosch ideals before being allowed to govern by the imperialist running dogs, as Belial would put it.
Written by: Escott, 11 Apr 2008 9:28 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a few days a month
This country is unable to govern itself. The govenment should be abolished and a Administrator appointed. Rudolf Juliani would be the best choice. He should also be made judge and jury because of all the corruption there along with being the chief of police with a private army. The entire army should be fired also. Heck the only thing they do is try to keep the Haitians out and anyone with two eyes can see that that doesn't work either.
9 million population and 8,999,999 Dominicans will be in Jail because there has to be one guy worthwhile in the entire country and guess what it isn't LEONEL!
Written by: Lautaro, 11 Apr 2008 9:59 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
I wonder the why of their sudden interest in the corruption pervading our country, considering that they have turned a blind eye to it for so long that you'll think that they actually encouraged it (which I suspect have been the case).
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
you got that right lautaro......Moreno and these guys have got to keep up the pressure on this issue or we will never get out of the last century....corruption must be rooted out....".string em up "
From: Dominican Republic, Cabarete
I like the thoughts of Senor Scott though it might be more officious to have the newest ex-governor of NY put in place. He seems to have a penchant for the politics of corruption and certainly an interest in one of the main industries of this Country.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
funny but also sad commentary on the DR
From: United States
So, Leonel its a puppet. ?
LOL
Written by: Lautaro, 11 Apr 2008 12:13 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
Read ladronazo's posts, there you'll find your answer (that is, if you ever know how to read at all.)
Another thing, this issue is in no way a LAUGHING MATTER.
From: United States
Perception: The US is one of the biggest hypocrites on the globe. Let me give you some examples.
The Shaw of Iran: We supported a rogue regime which led to the Iranain cultural revolution
Cuba: We helped put Castro in power and when the U.S didn’t like their cut of the pie, they shunt him.
China: Communist regime with a blatan terrible human rights record, yet we have open trade agreements. Why not with Cuba???
Vietnam: We went to war with them: they have not renounced communism, and we have opened trade agreements.
Saudi Arabia: Another country with deplorable human rights record and we bow to the royal Saudi Govt.
Iraq: Should I explain about Iraq?
Look a little farther into the Banana Wars, Panama which belonged to Columbia. A deal U.S helped broker. Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic early 1900 invasions and the later one........
From: United States
...........Please don’t tell me you are so blindly naive like many Midwesterner to think this country is and has been a saint. And lets clarify, I am proud of my heritage both American and Dominican or Dominican and American, but I am not ignorant nor delusional about the truth. Seek the truth and the truth will set you free.
From: United States
gouletcolonial I agree with you.
................string them up.
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
your truth is twisted to suit the far left knee jerkers.....the whiners and complainers...this is the kind of drivel comrade belial comes up with ...youve done to many drugs...clean up your act
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
"string em up and high " " give em a fair trial an then well hang em " judge roy bean
From: Cuba, it is a secret the censors are looking for me
on second thought give me some of those drugs
From: United States
Who Said Life Was Fair !!!!!
Loooooooooosers !!!!
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"While I believe Lionel to be above the fray (he is not taking anything for himself)"
That statement will haunt you for eternity!
Lie-onel is the “smartest president” in the history of the republic the only person out of 9,000,000 Dominicans who God has ordained with the brilliancy to lead us. Yet he has been impotent against corruption, what utter nonsense.
He has had two terms in office and the corruption is worse. He brought back the same thieves from the 1996-2000 term and he expects change.
""" compromising to reach ones political goals is not stealing money from the public fund """
You are absolutely correct. But it depends on what is compromised. And usually it isn't compromised without some pecuniary benefit to someone at the cost and suffering of another. Because of the pervasiveness of the corruption in DR., Dominicans do enter Politics because of their inherent burning desire to become a public servant and their wish to make a change for the better. Or because they awaken by one calm gentle whispering breeze echoing John F. Kennedy's famous quote.
"My fellow Dominican, as not what my country can do for me, But what I can do for my country".
Now don't misunderstand me. I must give credit where credit is due. I must admit that Fernandez has made many positive and noteworthy changes. Anyone who had visited the country prior to his initial presidency would agree. Example of this, just compare the arrival customs and immigration process in DR. Prior to his arrival it was a "major hassle. A nightmare". Santo Domingo Airport was littered with beggars asking for money. Many of them children. In the countryside the police would establish roadblocks every 15-20 miles to stop traffic and extort money from drivers and passengers....
And finally, don't take offense or umbrage. My purpose is not to offend. But also don't misunderstand my username. Because you really can't conceptualize it. Yet.
LOL
9 million population and 8,999,999 Dominicans will be in Jail because there has to be one guy worthwhile in the entire country and guess what it isn't LEONEL!
LOL
Another thing, this issue is in no way a LAUGHING MATTER.
The Shaw of Iran: We supported a rogue regime which led to the Iranain cultural revolution
Cuba: We helped put Castro in power and when the U.S didn’t like their cut of the pie, they shunt him.
China: Communist regime with a blatan terrible human rights record, yet we have open trade agreements. Why not with Cuba???
Vietnam: We went to war with them: they have not renounced communism, and we have opened trade agreements.
Saudi Arabia: Another country with deplorable human rights record and we bow to the royal Saudi Govt.
Iraq: Should I explain about Iraq?
Look a little farther into the Banana Wars, Panama which belonged to Columbia. A deal U.S helped broker. Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic early 1900 invasions and the later one........
................string them up.
Loooooooooosers !!!!