International

25 provinces placed on rain alert in Dominican Republic

Photo: EFE

December 20 |

The Emergency Operations Center (COE) of the Dominican Republic placed 25 provinces on alert on Tuesday, including four in red, 13 in yellow and eight in green due to heavy rainfall caused by a cold front.

The system that has been affecting the country since the day before has already caused heavy rains, and up to 120 millimeters of water is expected to fall in Santo Domingo, warned the COE directors in a press conference.

The director of this organization, Juan Manuel Méndez, warned the population not to cross rivers, streams and creeks which have a larger than usual water course. He also reported that the Valdesia dam is almost at the point of overflowing.

Méndez reported that the provinces of San Cristóbal, Perabia, the National District and the province of Santo Domingo are on red alert. On yellow alert are María Trinidad Sánchez, Puerto Plata, Espaillat, Hermanas Mirabal, Monseñor Nouel, San Pedro de Macorís, Santiago, La Vega, Monte Plata, Azua, Duarte, Espaillat and Samaná. Only Sanchez Ramirez, La Altagracia, Hato Mayor, San Juan, Barahona, Independencia, Pedernales and El Seibo are on green alert.

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The COE confirmed that the rains will last between 24 and 36 hours more, and that they will be felt more strongly in the capital of the country during the night of today. The Ministry of Public Administration (MAP), in response to this announcement, has already suspended work in the public sector in the regions under red alert.

Likewise, the agency also alerted small and medium-sized boats to follow the weather conditions, since the frontal system is almost stationary over Haiti and is accompanied by a pre-frontal trough over the Dominican Republic.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.