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Friday, September 19, 2014

Puerto Rico News Digest for September 19, 2014


Doral Bank Scores Small Victory During Court Case


El Nuevo Dia reports that Doral Bank was able to keep the Puerto Rico
Justice Department from cross-examining its main witness, the bank's
former Chief Financial Officer, during day two of the trial over Doral's 
claim that the island's internal revenue department owes it $229 million
in tax refunds. The dispute, which has been going on since May, centers
on an agreement reached with the PR government in 2012 under which
the bank would've received a large tax refund. 


Legislature Will Not Move To Cover Retirement Shortfall


Noticel reports that legislature committee leaders in the House and
Senate will not push any project to cover a $700 million deficit in the
government's Retirement System, as they are under the belief that a system
collapse is not imminent. Contributions to the Retirement System have
fallen due to late payments from state employers as well as the retirement
of a large number of employees after the 2013 reform.

Use of Power Company Helicopter for Medical Emergency Examined


El Vocero reports that New Progressive Party Senator Angel ´Chayanne´ 
Martínez sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration asking for
an investigation into the use of a helicopter owned by the AEE (Autoridad
de Energia Electrica, the island's electricity provider) to transport an 
emergency patient. The government's usual medical helicopter provider,
AeroMed, recently ceased operations due to lack of payment by the
island's government over the last 18 months. Critics of using AEE 
helicopters state that the vessels are not properly equipped to be used
for medical purposes. The Health Department and AeroMed will meet
again this Tuesday in hopes of reaching an agreement.

Woman Found Dead In Guánica Home


El Vocero reports that a 34-year-old mother of two was found dead in 
her bed yesterday morning with marks around her neck. Police are not
classifying the death as a murder until an autopsy is conducted on the 
body. Her husband, who had been accused of domestic violence in the
past, is due to be interviewed. The woman was found lying naked and 
motionless in bed early in the morning by her daughters, who thought
she was asleep and covered her up. The children's grandmother realized
that Brenda Torres Quiñones was dead and notified police.

Rain To Let Up This Morning, More To Come in Afternoon


The National Weather Service has advised that more rain can be expected
this afternoon after a brief respite during the morning hours. Police has
reported flooded roads in the municipalities of Naguabo and Rio Grande.






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