Pan American Games on track, says Puello
José Joaquín Puello, president of the Pan Am Games Organizing Committee, has responded to criticism by Mario Vázquez Raña, president of the Pan American Sports Organization, by saying, “We will not fail in achieving the successful staging the Pan American Games.” Vázquez Raña had told journalists in Prague that there had been “problem after problem” in the run up to the Games, due to be held in Santo Domingo in August. He said that the country had built venues with Olympic Games level and size standards, but questioned the management. 



Readying Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo Mayor Roberto Salcedo promised a “safe, clean, well-signed and hospitable city” for the Games’ participants. Despite Salcedo’s assurances that Santo Domingo is a safe and peaceful place, CDN TV and Radio news channel is carrying a report this morning that the US government has advised its citizens visiting the city for the Pan Am Games to exercise caution due to the crime rate and instability in neighboring Haiti. A State Department memo advises US citizens to keep a low profile, and to avoid crowds and demonstrations on the streets of the capital. It also warns that the DR is a “center for people trafficking” and that it is “rife with corruption”. 



Buses arrive for transport
Listín Diario reported that 300 new buses with air-conditioning and reclining seats will provide transportation for athletes and delegates recently arrived. José Joaquin Puello, president of the Organizing Committee, said that in addition, some 1,000 minibuses would be used to service the game participants. Some 170 SUVs and luxury cars will be at the disposal of the delegates, on loan from government officials. By his estimate, there will be a total of 1,420 vehicles for official use at the games. 



No time to finish marginal road
José Joaquin Puello revealed that the marginal road under construction north of Las Americas, from the area where the Pan American Village is located and into Las Americas highway, will not be completed on time. Despite the imminence of the opening celebrations of the Games, the Public Works Ministry began its construction at the last minute.
To expedite Pan Am Games traffic, Puello said that the center lanes of the Las Americas expressway will be reserved for Pan Am Games traffic from the Villa into the city for the duration of the Games. 

Source: http://dr1.com

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