A call for renewed USAID programs

[NewsWhore]

One of the leading institutions in Santiago de los Caballeros, the Development Corporation, Inc. (APEDI), has issued a call for the resumption of programs by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID. APEDI's head, Felix Garcia said that USAID has been in the Dominican Republic for 45 years, and over that period it had contributed significantly to Santiago's development. One of its major accomplishments was the creation of the Higher Agriculture Institute (ISA), the nation's only university dedicated to agriculture and development issues. According to Garcia, "unfortunately, for reasons that are probably economic, the United States government has suspended these programs..." but he said he was confident that since USAID knows how effective and transparent its programs in Santiago have been, there would be a renewal of its efforts. In the past, USAID has contributed more than RD$16 million to different programs. While speaking to representatives from the development agency, Garcia pointed out that nearly all Santiago's leading institutions have in the past received assistance from USAID. He mentioned ISA, the PUCMM, Plan Sierra, and programs in the coffee regions of Puerto Plata province and housing in Navarrete.

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