Carlos’s Opinion / March 6th

Greetings Readers! Good news for the Venezuelan community in South Florida (among the bad) as regard to the routine paperwork processed in the ill-fated Venezuelan Consulate. I say ill-fated because it does not make any sense that a consulate office that invoiced about US$ 2 million annually was closed due to an irrational retaliation against the US Government. That is typical of the current Venezuelan government because those who suffer the closing consequences are the Venezuelans who live here. The “good” news is that, in the last couple of weeks, the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington is processing that paperwork by mail; otherwise make a trip there to deal with the relevant proceedings. If you need these services, now you are aware that they are available in Washington. However, as Venezuelans always manage to solve their problems, I know there are “new born” middlemen who handle these proceedings without a need to go to Washington, make your own decision. Nonetheless, it is “good” news.

“Donald Trump mete su chequera en Doral” (Donald Trump opens his checkbook in Doral) was the title of an article published in the issue of November 8th, 2011, referring to the country’s most famous property investor who offered US$ 170 million for the most emblematic club of the city, Doral Golf Resort & Spa. The Resort & Spa has about 642 acres and at that time had an outstanding mortgage for US$ 1 billion and a debt of US$ 525 million. Well, Trump recently announced that his company has just paid $ 150 million for a bankruptcy, a high-profile negotiation that will certainly be the talk of the town during the upcoming Cadillac World Championship Tournament. Among other details, Trump has said he will spend US$ 150 million more to refurbish this Doral icon. I think that by the way the wind will blow in this Club our City will highly benefit both nationally and internationally. Trump opened his checkbook in Doral.

The municipal government is getting ready for the Relay For Life on April 13-14. This event is already a tradition in Doral. It serves not only to honor cancer survivors and remember the people who have died from this terrible disease, but also to raise funds to help save lives. In recent years, hundreds of people have participated in this walk for life at the JC Bermudez Park and, at the same time have made significant contributions to the fight against this disease. Remember that this event is on April 13th in the same Park, from 6:00 p.m.

The Little League of Doral baseball season is about to start and the city is inviting to the opening ceremony on Friday, March 2nd at the Doral Meadow Park. This community activity gathers over 400 people between parents and young athletes who open the season with divisions of young players organized by ages between 5 and 15 years, for a total of 23 teams in the Doral Little League. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at Meadow Park.

The Editorial Department is quite active in the preparation of the anniversary edition that will be circulating on March 26th. Analyses, interviews, articles, opinion surveys, and more in a Deluxe Edition worthy of collecting that surely will be used for consultation in the near future. I can assure you that the theme will be exciting and consistent with the year.

“Before damages can be recovered in a lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant is responsible for the damages.” The Court requires that the plaintiff demonstrates the defendant’s guilt. In short, the plaintiff must prove that the charges against the accused are probably more so truth than false. “The plaintiffs are not subject to the same rules as the district attorneys, and it is not necessary to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, but it is necessary to submit evidence to present the case.” We are amidst lawsuits. On the one hand, former City’s detective, Anthony (Tony) Rodriguez, recently sued his former employer, the City of Doral and Mayor Bermudez, for damages. Rodriguez claims that his dismissal occurred after he began supporting the at-the-time Councilwoman Sandra Ruiz, political enemy of the Mayor. This happened some years ago, but he sues now. On the other hand, Sergio Ascunce, former City Administrator (for few years), sued the City and its Manager, Yvonne Soler, for damages. Ascunce alleges that his dismissal was totally unjustified; hence, he sues. According to my sources, which are hardly ever wrong, the Mayor is going to counterclaim on what is incumbent on him. All this led a dear friend to say the following: “Doral honeymoon is over.” Campaigns for mayoral seats start in July. We hope the good friend is wrong, because otherwise we will we become another Hialeah during the election campaign and this, my dear readers, cannot be tolerated. This is my opinion.

Carlos Herradez

carlos@doralnewsonline.com