Franklin Center
Past Headlines
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Ambassador George Jones Discusses U.S. Elections
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Former Ambassador George Jones visited the Dominican Republic in September to address audiences about the American electoral system. Amb. Jones spoke at a large gathering sponsored by the Electoral Commission, to students at the Military Institute of Superior Studies, at FUNGLODE and to a standing room audience hosted by the Dominican Bar Association at Sala Manuel del Cabral of the Pedro Mir Libray from the national university, La UASD. Interlocutors were fascinated about the two presidential candidates and were curious to learn about the American Electoral College. Amb. Jones also met privately with officials of civic entity Participacion Ciudadana and with other representatives of the government and non-government communities. Ambassador Jones had the opportunity to talk to various media outlets, held an encounter with international editors, and taught a seminar for journalists and communication students. |
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USAID Response to Dominican Republic Tropical Storms
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 The US Agency for International Development is providing $50,000 in humanitarian assistance to populations affected by tropical storms Fay, Gustav, and Hannah and hurricane Ike in the Dominican Republic. USAID is funding local procurement and distribution of emergency relief supplies, including clean water storage containers, personal hygiene kits, and bedding items through Catholic Relief Service and the Instituto Dominicano de Desarrollo Integral (IDDI), whose representatives are shown in this September 9 photo. |
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Words of Ambassador Robert P. Fannin
during the Funeral of Specialist Luis Feliz Nieves
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I wish to thank the family of Jorge Luis Feliz Nieves for the opportunity to share a few words to honor the life of their loved one. I assure you that the Government of the United States of America and the Embassy of the United States in the Dominican Republic have been profoundly saddened by the loss of soldier Jorge Luis Feliz Nieves.
(full
text of ambassador's words) |
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Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2009
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Pursuant to
section 706(1) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year
2003 (Public Law 107-228) (FRAA), I hereby identify the following
countries as major drug transit or major illicit drug producing
countries: Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Colombia,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Laos,
Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. A country's presence on the Majors List is not necessarily an adverse
reflection of its government's counternarcotics efforts or level of
cooperation with the United States. Consistent with the statutory
definition of a major drug transit or drug producing country set forth
in section 481(e)(2) and (5) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as
amended (FAA), one of the reasons that major drug transit or illicit
drug producing countries are placed on the list is the combination of
geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs to transit
or be produced despite the concerned government's most assiduous
enforcement measures.
(full
text of memorandum) |
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Embassy, First Lady Sponsor Human Trafficking Seminar
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 The Office of the
Dominican First Lady, in collaboration with the US Embassy, hosted a human
trafficking seminar July 11 at the Universidad Católica de Santo Domingo. The
seminar, titled “Protection of People Affected by Human Trafficking,” featured a
presentation by Maria Jose Fletcher, supervising attorney at the Florida
Immigration Advocacy Center in Miami and expert in human trafficking. US
Ambassador Robert Fannin and Dominican First Lady Margarita Cedeño Fernández
also spoke at the event, which was well attended by representatives from NGOs,
governmental institutions, and members of the community at large. |
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Centro Franklin meets
teenagers
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Universal de
Seguros, a respected insurance company in DR, invited the Academic Section and
the IRC to talk about exchanges opportunities and the Virtual Library resources
to a group of 21 participants of their internship program called “Mis primeros
pasos” (My first steps). The participants are the children of the company
employees that are chosen to work for the summer in several sections of the
organization. To participate in the program they need to meet certain criteria,
such as: 12-17 years of age, have good grades and leadership skills.
The group of
teenagers where enthusiastic and asked many questions about the exchange
programs that in a future they could apply, and were interested in learning
about all of the resources they can access through the IRC’s Virtual Library.
7/31/2008 |
IRC Greeted English Students
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The IRC greeted 22 advanced English language students from
the Ministry of Higher Education ESL program. The presentation was addressed in
English; the participants had the opportunity to learn about the IRC's on-line
resources and library. The Academic Section briefed the audience about the
exchange program opportunities available and Patricia Mathy, DOS intern, shared
with the audience her experience as an undergraduate student in an American
university. Participants where very enthusiastic and practiced their English
with Centro Franklin staff. 7/23/2008 |
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The U.S. Embassy Celebrates 232nd Independence Day on July 4
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The U.S. Embassy Celebrated its 232nd Independence Day on July 4 at the residence of Ambassador P. Robert Fannin. After the Marine Guards flag ceremony of the Embassy, the singer Igor Glenn, leader of the musical group Igor's Jazz Cowboys, sang the U.S. national anthem. The tenor Modesto Acosta, of the National Lyrical Company and the National Choir, sang the Dominican national anthem. The celebration ended with a beautiful display of fireworks.
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Secretary Rice Releases Human Trafficking Report
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 Secretary Rice released the 2008 Presenting the report, she said "Today, because
of our efforts, the efforts of our allies, and reports like the one we are
releasing today, there is much greater global awareness about the brutality of
human trafficking. Globally, human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat: It
deprives people of their human rights and dignity. It increases global health
risks. It bankrolls the growth of organized crime, and it undermines the rule of
law."
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Visit from Jarabacoa
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Information Resource
Center (IRC) greeted 30 undergraduate students in Centro Franklin from
Universidad Agroforestal Fernando Arturo de Meriño (UAFAM) in Jarabacoa.
As a result from Centro Franklin’s
staff visit in April, UAFAM included Centro Franklin in their orientation
program to new students. Centro Franklin staff was able to share all IRC on-line
resources and scholarship opportunities with audience.
UAFAM is one of the newer
universities in the Dominican Republic; this university gives the opportunity
and access to higher education to a population of 85,000. Its academic
curriculum is highly focused in green technologies and organic planting. UAFAM
is a great example of joint work between faculty, the community and the business
sector.
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President Bush Proclaims May 21 A Day of Solidarity With the Cuban People |
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President Bush said on May 20"...On this Day of Solidarity with
the Cuban People, we focus our attention on the men and women working to secure
freedom, democracy, and human rights for the citizens of Cuba."
(Full
Text)
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Free Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Surgery
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From April 20-May 02, a group of surgeons from Walter Reed Army
Medical Center in Washington, DC performed cleft lip and cleft palate surgery
at no cost to patients during a Military Readiness Training exercise (MEDRETE).
Surgeries took place at the Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas. |
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U.S. Military All-Stars Baseball Team Visits Dominican Republic, Gives Clinics for Kids |
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The U.S. Military All-Stars baseball team visited the Dominican Republic from
April 22 to 27 on a friendship tour, conducting exchanges with Dominican
counterparts and baseball clinics for Dominican youth. The visit was sponsored
by the U.S. Military Assistance and Advisory Group (MAAG), Dominican Circulo
Deportivo, the Dominican Armed Forces and National Police, and the Dominican
Baseball Federation (FEDOBE). The All-Stars played two exhibition games against
FEDOBE teams; the first in San Pedro de Macoris at Tetelo Vargas Stadium and the
second in Santiago at Cibao Stadium. The All-Stars also conducted clinics for
Dominican youth at baseball fields in Ensanche Luperon and at the Olympic Center
in Santo Domingo. The clinics included representatives from the New York
Yankees. The All-Stars team was formed in 1990 and has developed more than 30
programs around the world. They will hold additional events in Panama from April
28 to May 1 and in Nicaragua from May 2 to May 6. |
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Remarks presented by Dr. Lisa Fannin in Honor of International
Women’s Day
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On Friday, March 14, Ambassador P. Robert Fannin and Dr. Lisa Fannin hosted a
reception in honor of International Women’s Day. During the reception, Dr.
Fannin honored Belgica Mirabal Reyes – Dedé Mirabal - for her contributions to
the process of peace and reconciliation in the country.
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Recital at Ambassador’s Residence
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Ambassador P. Robert Fannin and his wife,
Lisa Fannin, hosted a recital with musicians
from the Manhattan School of Music. The event
was coordinated by the Embassy’s cultural section. |
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Rice Remarks on Release 2007 Report on Human
Rights Practices |
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SECRETARY RICE: Good afternoon. I am pleased today to join Acting Assistant
Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor – Jonathan Farrar – in
announcing the publication of the Country Report on Human Rights Practices for
2007. In every region of the world, men and women are working peacefully,
and often at great risk to themselves and their families, to secure human rights
and fundamental freedoms, to follow their consciences and speak their minds
without fear, to choose those who would govern them and to hold their leaders
accountable and to achieve equal justice under the law.
(full
text of remarks)
Report on the
Dominican Republic
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Ambassador Fannin Gives Speech Before the American Chamber of Commerce |
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The Ambassador of the United States of America,
P. Robert Fannin, gave his first speech before the American Chamber of Commerce
focusing on the four pillars in Dominican-US relations: the consolidation of
democracy, the promotion of prosperity, investing in people, and the protection
of the democratic state. |
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IRC Working with Ministry of Education |
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 Close to one hundred ESL (English as a Second Language) regional supervisors and
coordinators from the Ministry of Education participated in an IRC presentation
at the Ministry’s national ESL program meeting. Participants where able to learn
about the many resources available, especially on English teaching, online in
the Virtual Library and our library. Feb 19, 2008 |
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Ambassador Fannin Travels to Puerto Plata |
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Members of the U.S. Mission held a town hall event for American citizens at
the Sea Horse Ranch in Sosua on February 12. Highlights included introductory
remarks from Ambassador Robert Fannin, and a ceremony of tribute to former
Consular Agent Bill Kirkman who retired after 20 years of service. Mr. Kirkman
is succeeded in this role by new Consular Agent, Ted Foster, who also addressed
the gathering. Nearly 200 American citizens attended the town hall meeting at
which mission members discussed topics such as USAID projects, security issues,
visa matters, and citizen service issues such as voting. Given the high turnout
and request for more such outreach, planning for future town hall events is
underway - stay tuned. |
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Kelley Johnson Quartet Wows Santo Domingo Audiences
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The Kelley Johnson Quartet captivated three SRO performances in Santo
Domingo, Feb. 4-7, at the Casa de Teatro and the Cinemateca Dominicana. Bringing
her special warmth and intimacy to the music, Kelley created a bond with
audiences rarely seen here. The performances drew overwhelmingly young audiences
(under 30), including to two master classes. The vocal class attracted 40
would-be Dominican Idols. The musicians are in the midst of a five-week tour of
Central America and the Caribbean. The Centro Franklin of the US Embassy in Santo
Domingo sponsored the Kelley Johnson Quartet’s visit to the country. |
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US Embassy Sponsors Kelley Johnson Quartet Concerts
in Santo Domingo
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Santo Domingo - The Centro Franklin of the US Embassy in Santo Domingo
sponsors the Kelley Johnson Quartet’s visit to the country. This jazz group will
offer a concert on Wednesday, February 6 at Cinemateca Dominicana and on
Thursday, February 7 at Casa de Teatro. Both concerts are totally free.
(full text in Spanish)
Poster announcing master classes |
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U.S. and D.R. Governments Expand Fulbright Programs |
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Centro Franklin and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology signed an agreement of
collaboration that more than doubles the amount of Fulbright scholarships to be awarded on 2008.
Presided by President Leonel Fernández, the Minister of Higher Education, Ligia Amada Melo de Cardona,
and Ambassador P. Robert Fannin signed this agreement on Friday, January 18th 2008. |
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President Bush Delivers State of the Union Address
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THE PRESIDENT: Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress,
distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Seven years have passed since I first
stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in
ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and
war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our
citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it's fair to say
we've answered the call. Yet history will record that amid our differences, we
acted with purpose. And together, we showed the world the power and resilience
of American self-government.
(full text
of Address) |
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Ambassador Fannin Visits Santiago |
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U.S. Ambassador P. Robert Fannin, and his wife, Lisa Fannin, visited the
non-government organization “Accion Callejera”, a local institution that works
with street children in the city of Santiago. For the past three years “Accion
Callejera” has been sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
During his first visit to Santiago, on January 11-12, Ambassador and Mrs. Fannin
also met with executives from Santiago’s Chamber of Commerce and Production,
with academics from the city’s most important private Catholic University (Pontificia
Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra, PUCMM), and with the Council for the
Strategic Development of the City and Municipality of Santiago. They also
participated, this past January 11, in the opening ceremony of the baseball
exhibit “See You at the Ballgame”, sponsored by the “Centro Leon,” Santiago’s
most prestigious cultural museum. |
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U.S.-DR Partnership in Education |
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On
January 14, U.S. Department of Labor Deputy Undersecretary of International
Affairs Charlotte Ponticelli and Ambassador Fannin met the Minister of
Education, Alejandrina German to discuss the U.S.-DR partnership in education
programs. Ms. Ponticelli visited the Dominican Republic to launch the US$4
million project "Combating Child Labor through Education." In the photo are Ms.
Ponticelli, Ambassador Fannin, and the Dominican Education Minister Alejandrina
German. |
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Centro Franklin on the Road |
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 Staff from the Information Resource Center
and the Academic Section visited regional UASD campuses in Nagua and San
Francisco on December 5 - 6. Centro Franklin staff was able to share all
resources and scholarship opportunities with audience members. More that 35
faculty members participated in Nagua’s workshop. In San Francisco, Centro
Franklin team met with the UASD Academic Director and programmed a second visit
for January 2008. |
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UNAPEC Students Visit IRC |
Forty-two students from APEC University visited the IRC for a presentation
showcasing the wide range of information resources available at PAS Virtual
Library. They were especially interested in resources to learn English and
in becoming familiar with the use of databases as a research tool. |
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More PA Activities - 2007 |
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