The Dominican Republic is once again without the top US Diplomat representation required since 2 months ago when Hans Hertell departed.  Even Mr. GW Bush himself announced his replacement 6 months ago.  In 1996 and coinciding with President Leonel Fernandez’s first term, the post was also left vacant, in that occasion for over 2 years.

Bush tapped the Arizona lawyer Mr. Robert Fannin earlier on this year in January 5th through the U.S Congress has yet to ratify his designation.

Mr. Hertell who had previously held the post since August 2001 was often a subject of immense controversy for his self confessed friendship with ex Dominican President Hipolito Mejia, and held court with other unpopular figures in the country.  Before his departure in May, the Puerto Rican based Hertell is credited with advancing important agreements with his country, as well as securing vital assistance in various fields.

The intense trade between the U.S and the DR underscores the great importance of their diplomatic relations.

The potential delegate to fill the post Mr. Fannin has worked in the private sector, has an Economy degree from Stanford University and 1957, and a University of Arizona Law Degree from 1963.

He has also served in the Air Force for 3 years and has held long service in the community work.  He and his wife Lisa have three children.

Great news for trade between the Dominican Republic and Cuba as goods and services offered by 36 Cuban Companies are already generating a lot of interest in the forth coming commercial trade fair being held next week in the Dominican Republic.  The exchange is hoping to boost trade and economic growth between the two Caribbean nations.

The Dominican Trade and Economy Advisor at the Cuban Embassy Mr. Carlos de la Nuez has said 30 companies from the country have already asked for interviews with Cuban delegates.

De la Nuez noted that these requests show the Dominican Republic’s interest in initiating conversations on a prospective trade agreement, of which a preliminary draft was delivered to Dominican authorities at the fourth Joint Bilateral Collaboration Commission.

Five Cuban healthcare centers and three research institutes will be also represented at next week’s trade fair, pointed out Mirtha Rippes, an official with Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce.

The Cuban Chamber of Commerce is organizing the meetings with their own embassy assistance in Santo Domingo and they will commence July 9th at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel in the Capital too.

Between 2004-2006, bilateral trade exchange increased by 15% and, in the first quarter of 2007, it has increased by approximately 32%.

Following a reassessment of the Dominican Republic’s civil aviation authority earlier on this year in April, the country now complies with international safety standards which are set by the International Civil Aviation Organization or the ICAO.

The US FAA has said that the Dominican Republic’s safety rating was raised from Category 2 to Category 1.  This means that a Category 1 civil aviation authority rating now complies with the ICAO standards.

A Category 2 rating means a country either lacks laws or regulations which are deemed necessary to over see air carriers in accordance with minimum worldwide international standards, or that its civil aviation authority is deficient in one or more areas, this could be technical expertise, trained personnel, record keeping or inspection procedures.

Mega Star Shakira has announced her forthcoming wedding will take place in the Dominican Republic.  The super singing star from Columbia has been engaged to Antonio de la Rua for over seven years.

Shakira owns a luxury mansion in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and although a definite date has not yet been released she has hinted at a September wedding.

Shakira is working hard on her “Oral Fixation” Tour and has so far given over 119 concerts world wide attracting over two million fans.