E-mails Reveal Doral Bank VP Knew of Hacienda Transaction
El Nuevo Dia has revealed that a series of e-mails has shown that Doral Bank Vice-President and former secretary of Puerto Rico's Internal Revenue Department ('Departamento de Hacienda') Jesus F. Mendez, was aware of the 2012 negotiations that led to Doral Bank receiving a disputed $229 million tax refund while he was in charge of Hacienda. It has also come to light that former Governor Fortuno's aide, lawyer Hector Ramos, helped negotiate the controversial deal. Hacienda declared the deal null and void earlier this year,a decision which Doral Bank is currently fighting.
Reggeaton Singer Don Omar Arrested for Domestic Violence
William Omar Landron, better known as reggaeton singer Don Omar, was arrested at 1:00 AM this morning in the town of Vega Alta on charges of threatening his live-in girlfriend. Police are investigating the incident as part of a "pattern of behavior" from Landron. In 2012, his now former wife filed domestic abuse charges against the singer, and also requested a restraining order. As of the time of this writing, Landron is still being
held at police headquarters in Bayamon.
Utility Costs Hampering Puerto Rican Businesses
El Vocero published today an interview with Carlos Morell, president of the
Puerto Rico Restaurant Association, in which he complained of the high cost of water and electrical power on the island, and how this is making it very difficult for food and beverage related businesses to remain in operation. According to Morell, thanks to a regulation introduced last year known as the CCAR ('Cargo por Cumplimiento Ambiental y Regulatorio' or 'Charge for Environmental and Regulatory Compliance'), the cost of water for many enterprises has increased by as much as 150%. Dionisio Trigo Suárez, president of Restaurants Operators Inc, questioned the viability of CCAR and what the funds generated by it go to.
He gave as an example a chain of 20 restaurants which pays $1 million a year for water, a 50% increase compared to the pre-CCAR days.
Ricky Rossello Calls For Pro-Statehood Assembly
Pro- statehood leader Ricardo ‘Ricky’ Rosselló Nevares called today for an"Assembly of the Pro-Statehood People" for October 5th of this year. The
gathering is to be held at the Pedro Rosselló Convention Center. Ricky
Rosselló has denied that the assembly is aimed at challenging current
New Progressive Party president and current Resident Commissioner Pedro
Pierluisi, against whom Rosselló will likely run for the party's 2016 gubernatorial nomination.
Puerto Rico Power Co. To Pay Over $9 Million To Consultant
From Fox News Latino:
The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, or PREPA, said it signed $9.7 million contract with a U.S.-based consultant to restructure its operations.The state-owned company, which is on the brink of bankruptcy, generates and distributes electricity on the island.
Under the terms of the contract, which runs until April 15, 2015, consulting firm AlixPartners' 10-member team of restructuring experts will get up to $8.99 million "as long as they demonstrate they have worked full-time for the duration of the contract," PREPA said in a statement. AlixPartners will be able to claim an additional 8 percent to cover expenses.
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