The Dominican Customs Agency (DGA) has published an extensive list of items that are tax exempt as a result of the Dominican Republic's signing of the Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Central America (DR-CAFTA).

Among vehicles that will no longer pay import tax are ATV's under 1500cc, ambulances, garbage trucks, fire trucks, vehicles used for the handicapped, refrigerated trucks and well diggers.

Also on the list are electrical appliances, telelvisions, microwaves, all types of fans and air conditioners, cell phones, radios, videophones, cameras, musical equipment and more.

Clothing to be exempt includes pretty much everything including protective footwear and industrial apparel and many paper products including toilet paper, disposable diapers and tampons are now duty free.

Sports equipment that was listed included oxygen tanks, golf clubs, water skis, surf boards, fishing and hunting gear and, we know you've all been waiting for this one, toboggans!!

The family food budget may get a little help with the exemption fo meat, fish, seafood, turkey, chicken, rabbit, preserves, fruits and vegetables, spices, nuts, coffee, cereals and juice.

Delta Airlines only began operations in the Dominican Republic two and a half years ago but already the country has become it's fourth largest destination outside the United States. The country places behind Mexico, Canada and Germany in number of flights and destinations. Delta has seven daily flights into the Dominican Republic - three to Santo Domingo, two to Punta Cana, one to Puerto Plata and one to Santiago. It has announced a new direct flight from Fort Lauderdale to Santo Domingo effective June 7.

The company has invested more in the Dominican Republic than another Caribbean destination, a decision made based on the country's political and economic stability, focus on tourism development and improvement in airport facilities. They have achieved an average occupancy rate of 70% on their flights to the Dominican Republic bringing approximately 700 to 800 passengers into the country daily.

The winner of the Eduardo Leon Jimenes Prize was announced last night at the 10th National Book Fair. Writer Jeannette Miller won the RD$400,000 prize for her work "Importance of the Historical Context in the Development of Dominican Art: Chronology of Dominican Art: 1844-2005. She accepted the award "thankfully and humbly".

The winning book is deeply thought out, yet simply written and supported by numerous illustrations and data. It beat out 33 other nominated works.

The event was held at the National Theatre and presided over by Culture Minister Jose Rafael Lantigua, Leon Jimenes Group president Jose Leon Asensio and Book Fair Director Alexander Arvelo.

Thanking the Dominican people and government for the solidarity and support he received while U.S. Ambassador to the country, Hans Hertell, along with his wife, said their final goodbyes to a country he says received him like a son.

He was seen off by government representative Francisco Nadal of the Foreign Relations Minstry as well as over 10 U.S. embassy officials.

Before boarding his flight Hertell said, "I feel moved and a little sad because today I must leave this land that received me like its son, with so much affection and love. I want to say to you, the Dominicans, that I leave this beautiful land deeply satisfied and thankful for the hospitality that was given me in this country."

He will be replaced by Robert Fannin.