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Monday, August 31, 2015

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Puerto Rico News Digest For August 31, 2015


RESERVOIR LEVELS GO UP AGAIN
















Rains produced by Tropical Storm Erika and a low pressure  system that
passed over the island yesterday have helped  boost water levels at the
Carraízo and La Plata reservoirs. La Plata, the reservoir most affected by
the drought, was  up seven centimeters this morning. Carraízo increased
by 4 centimeters, with a total gain over the last several days of 2.67 me-
ters. Due to the increase, the water rationing plan for users served by Ca-
rraízo has been changed to two days without service and one day with wa-
ter from the recent three-days-off/one-day-on plan. The rationing plan for
users served by La Plata remains unchanged.


ERIKA LEAVES $20M IN AGRICULTURE LOSSES


From Caribbean Business:

After estimating preliminary losses at about $6 million in damaged agricul-
tural crops after Tropical Storm Erika’s passage through the island, these
estimates have soared to as much as $20 million, according to Puerto Rico
Agriculture Secretary Myrna Comas. Among the most damaged crops, par-
ticularly due to Erika’s winds, are plantains and bananas, while losses have
also been reported in coffee and orange plantations. Affected municipalities
include Yabucoa, Maunabo, Salinas, Adjuntas, Lares, Maricao and other
towns in the island’s mountainous region. Erika also ruined hydroponic
greenhouses and other shade-house projects.


CUOMO TO LEAD PR ECONOMIC DELEGATION


From NY Daily News:

In the midst of the economic crisis in Puerto Rico, Gov. Cuomo is set to ann-
ounce he’ll soon be leading a delegation to the troubled island,  sources tell the
Daily News. The “solidarity” trip is expected to take place in early September
and involve a group of “financial experts” and elected leaders, including City
Council Speaker and Puerto Rico native Melissa Mark-Viverito, said one sour-
ce familiar with the developing plans. “New York is home to more Puerto Ri-
cans than any other state in the country, and the governor believes we have a
responsibility to support our  friends in times of need,” the source said.


PUERTO RICO DELAYS FISCAL PLAN


From Reuters:






Friday, August 28, 2015

Tropical Storm Erika Aftermath




















Erika skirted Puerto Rico's southern coast overnight, leaving behind
less damage, and less rain, than anticipated. Across most of the island,
between 1 and 3 inches of rain have been registered, which raised the
level of the Carraizo reservoir by 45 centimeters and La Plata's level
by 22 centimeters. A bit more rain is expected, and the morning is
still relatively windy. But for the most part, the weather event is ess-
entially over. It will be over for good around noon today.

As of this morning, about 246,000 households are without electrical
power, and around 250 people sought refuge in shelters across the
island. There are some downed trees and other moderate wind damage
across Puerto Rico, especially in the south. Damage was minimal
around the San Juan area, where there is little traffic this morning.
Road PR-167 through Comerio is still shut down. It was closed yes-
terday as a preventive measure. Many flights out of San Juan's main
airport remain cancelled, but the airport is open. The 'Dry Law' and
price controls will expire at 10:00 AM today.

Tropical Storm Erika is now affecting the Dominican Republic
and is expected to head towards Florida next.


Thursday, August 27, 2015

Tropical Storm Erika Coverage


Good morning, Puerto Rico. Keep checking this post throughout the
day and night today for information on Tropical Storm Erika, inclu-
ding closings, power outages, flooding, etc. If you have any infor-
mation you would like us to post, please leave it in the comments
section below or email us at embillpublishing@gmail.com. We al-
so encourage you to check our Twitter feed.

____________________________________________________________


9:25 PM: It seems like southern PR is still poised to take the
worst of Erika, after earlier forecasts had placed it closer to the
island's northeast, including Vieques and Culebra. Now it seems
like Ponce will take a direct hit from the storm's center (such
as it is). However, tropical storm force winds will be felt all 
across Puerto Rico until about noon tomorrow, and the rain will
then hang around for a little while after that. It is recommended
everyone stay inside until at least tomorrow evening and avoid
any unnecessary travel.

Strong winds have been felt already in the US Virgin Islands, and
the rain and wind are picking up in Vieques. The streets of the San
Juan metro area are eerily quiet as people hunker down in anticipa-
tion of worse weather.






















Ferries between Fajardo & Vieques/Culebra will still be suspen-
ded tomorrow.


5:58 PM: We are now taking a break. We'll be back with updates
at around 9:00 PM ADT or sooner.

5:55 PM: Erika now expected to enter PR between Santa Isabel
and Ponce overnight, at abut 1 AM. San Juan will be very windy
around 11 PM. Storm will leave the local area at around 2 PM
tomorrow. 4-8 inches of rain forecast. Aír Europa, Jet Blue, Sea-
borne &  US Airways cancel flights. PR Government employees
will not be working tomorrow. No classes at public schools and 
courts will be closed. 

5:09 PM: A couple of items...Per US Coast Guard, all ports around
PR are closed. Also, there are no classes tomorrow at ANY of the
UPR campuses.

4:46 PM: 5 PM Nat'l Weather Svc advisory is out. Erika is finally
starting to take a turn towards the west/northwest, with a slight
slowing in forward speed to 15 mph. Max. sustained winds still
holding at 45 mph, barely tropical storm strength. Again, the real
danger with Erika will be the rain.

4:32 PM: Over 10,000 households reportedly without electrical
power already across the island.

4:28 PM: University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras has announced
that there will be no classes or administrative activities tomorrow.
It's probably safe to say this will apply to all UPR campuses, but
so far announcement only applies to Rio Piedras.

2:15 PM: Latest Erika satellite image:





















1:43 PM: Now four are reported dead in Dominica due to Erika. Se-
veral people missing as well.

1:18 PM: Several public schools around Puerto Rico are being opened
to serve as shelters. Ernesto Ramos Antonini in Ponce is one of them.
Trying to obtain a list of more, will post here if we can find one. You
can call 3-1-1 or 787-723- 7707 for shelter information.

12:52 PM: Governor Padilla holds press conference, urges preparedness.
'Dry law' in effect from noon today to noon tomorrow, hotels/resorts
are exempt. Up to 12" of rain now expected to fall on the island due to
revised track.

12:42 PM: Government employees left work for the day within the last
hour. Lots of traffic around SJ metro area and beyond.

11:40 AM: Puerto Rico's consumer affairs agency, DACO, froze prices
for essential goods effective last night. This includes gas. Don't get
ripped off!

11:10 AM: From 11 AM advisory:

LOCATION...16.4N 63.3W
ABOUT 125 MI...205 KM W OF GUADELOUPE
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 270 DEGREES AT 16 MPH...26 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1006 MB...29.71 INCHES

10:50 AM: These airlines have cancelled flights: Cape Air, Trade-
wind & Seaborne.

10:35 AM: Looking rainy in Vieques...

                 














10:30 AM: Three people dead in the Caribbean island of Dominica
in the wake of Erika's passing.

9:23 AM: 'Dry Law' will go into effect at noon today. If you want
to buy liquor, you'd better do it before then.

9:18 AM: American Airlines and US Airways expected to shut down
operations at Luis Muñoz Marín Int'l Airport at 6:00 PM today. Flights
to Florida over the weekend could be affected as well, since the storm
is expected to head in that direction.

9:10 AM: Govenor Padilla has activated the National Guard. Catholic
University of Ponce is suspending classes at noon today.

____________________________________________________________




Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Closings And Postponements Due To Erika


This page will be updated as new information comes in. Below are closings
and postponements happening tomorrow due to the expected passage of
Tropical Storm Erika.

** Dozens of flights out of San Juan's LMM Airport have been cancelled
     or delayed. Contact your airline before leaving for the airport. ** 

* Puerto Rico government offices and public schools in eastern part
   of Puerto Rico will be closed tomorrow and open until noon in 
   the rest of the island.

* Vieques/Culebra ferries from Fajardo: last ferry will leave Fajardo at 4:00
   AM Thursday. Last ferries from Vieques and Culebra will leave at 10:00
   AM.  After that, ferries will not operate again until further notice.

* Arecibo Observatory: Closed tomorrow and Friday.

* Amnesty International's screening of “Citizens of Nowhere” postponed until
   further notice.

* San Jose and Puerto Nuevo Diagnostic & Treatment Centers will remain
   open tomorrow for as long as weather conditions allow.

* San Juan non-emergency city employees are being advised to not come to
   work on Thursday. City offices will therefore be closed.

* El Yunque National Forest will be closed tomorrow. It may reopen Friday
   depending on conditions.

* The Bacardi Distillery in Cataño will be closed tomorrow Thursday.

* Instituto de Banca y Comercio: night classes cancelled tomorrow. Friday's
   schedule depends on conditions.

* National University College: No NIGHT classes Thursday. Friday's schedule
   depends on conditions.

* University of Puerto Rico, ALL Campuses: No classes or administrative activities
   on Thursday.

* Universidad Central de Bayamón: No classes Thursday.

* All Catholic schools in the Diocese of  Fajardo-Humacao: No class Thursday

* Colegio Bautista de Caguas: No class Thursday.

* San Juan YMCA: Closed tomorrow Thursday.

* Ana G. Méndez University System (All Schools) - Closing at 3:00 PM on
   Thursday. UPDATE: Classes will end at noon on Thursday now.

* Oriental Bank: Branches in Ceiba, Humacao, Las Piedras & Yabucoa open
   tomorrow 8:30 AM -10:30 AM. Other branches open until 3:00 PM.

* Sagrado Corazon University will end classes at noon Thursday.

* Universidad Interamericana will end classes at noon Thursday.


__________________________________________________________________



Puerto Rico News Digest For August 26, 2015


ERIKA TO AFFECT PR TOMORROW























The effects of Tropical Storm Erika are expected to be felt starting to-
morrow at around noon, and the system should be passing about 10 mi-
les north of Fajardo tomorrow evening. The National Weather Service
has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Puerto Rico, Vieques, Cule-
bra and the US Virgin Islands. As of 8:00 AM, the storm was located
at 16.2N 56.8W, about 335 miles east of Antigua, and had maximum
sustained winds of 45 mph. Erika is moving west at about 17 mph, and
registered a barometric pressure of 1005 mb. Some strengthening is still
expected to happen over the next several hours. The tropical storm is ex-
pected to produce 2-4 inches of rain over Puerto Rico.

2 PM UPDATE: Erika now not expected to strengthen significantly
over next couple of days. Winds not a concern for land, but rather po-
tential flooding. Per the latest advisory, winds are still 45 mph with
higher gusts, and the storm is still moving west at 17 mph. Latest
coordinates are 16.3N 58.2W. Hurricane Hunter aircraft is on its way
to investigate further.

Keep checking The Puerto Rico Monitor for updates on Erika.


CARRAIZO LEVEL UP, LA PLATA DOWN


The rains produced by the remnants of Tropical Storm Danny helped ra-
ise the level of  the Carraízo water reservoir by 30 centimeters this mor-
ning, with its level currently at  34.04 meters. According to Alberto Lá-
zaro, President of AAA, the island's water utility, Carraízo's level would
have to increase by 2 to 2 1/2 meters in order for the water rationing plan
to be reduced to two days without running water from the current three
day plan. Despite Carraízo's gains, the La Plata reservoir's level has dro-
pped to 34.67 meters, 3.67 meters away from being out of service.


GOV'T CONSIDERS PRIVATE ELECTRICITY


From The San Juan Daily Star:

The government plans to open up power generation to the private sector,
virtually ending the monopoly of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authori-
ty under the five-year fiscal adjustment plan. An outline of the plan, obtai-
ned by the STAR, states that the government will complete PREPA’s res-
tructuring of its $9 billion debt. The outline also says that PREPA will
“open up power generation to private competition to reduce electricity ra-
tes over time.” The private advisers to the change will be Alix Partners,
Millstein and Co., and Cleary and Gottlieb.


PREPA DROPS PETROBRAS AS FUEL SUPPLIER


From Caribbean Business:

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (Prepa) announced Tuesday it
has entered into new supply contracts for fuel oil and natural gas used in
its powerplants, tapping Freeport Commodities and Natural Gas Aprovisi-
onamientos, which are scheduled to begin deliveries Oct. 1.The power uti-
lity will buy fuel oil No. 6 from Freeport Commodities, while natural gas
used at its Costa Sur powerplant will be supplied by Natural Gas Aprovi-
sionamientos, saving Prepa about $55 million from its previous contracts,
and replacing Petrobas, its previous provider.


ORLANDO NO. 1 SPOT FOR PUERTO RICANS


From The Orlando Sentinel:

Central Florida was the top destination of Puerto Ricans moving to the
mainland two years ago, according to new U.S. Census Bureau figures
released Tuesday. More than 7,500 Puerto Ricans moved to the Orlando
area in 2013, and most of them -- about 6,200 -- came from San Juan, the
island's capital, according to the Census Bureau. The New York metro area
was the next most popular destination, and it was the more popular choice
for residents of  Puerto Rico's smaller cities.




Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Tropical Storm Erika Forms In Atlantic























5:45 PM UPDATE: Last location for Erika: 15.6N 52.8W, about 605
miles east of Antigua. Maximum sustained winds 40 mph. Erika is
moving west at 20 mph. Tropical storm watches/warnings remain
unchanged. Some slight strengthening is expected over the next
couple of days.

---

Tropical Storm Erika has formed in the Atlantic and is moving west at 
a brisk 20 mph. The storm's coordinates as of 8:00 AM AST today were 
14.8N 50.2W, with the storm's center located about 750 miles east of the 
Leeward Islands. Barometric pressure is at 1003 mb, with maximum sus-
tained winds of 45 mph, just above the treshold for tropical storm status. 
Most models place Erika passing just north of Puerto Rico between Thurs-
day night and Friday morning. Some strenghtening is expected over the 
next couple of days, with tropical storm winds extending about 80 miles 
from the center of the system at this moment. A slight decrease in forward 
speed is expected during the next two days.

Tropical Storm Watches are currently  in effect for Montserrat, Antigua, 
Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. 
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible 
within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.


Monday, August 24, 2015

Police Officer Arrested For Child Porn



Press Release
Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Puerto Rico


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 21, 2015


SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Yesterday, a federal grand jury indicted Puerto 
Rico Police Officer Claudé Luis Merced-Aponte, 49, for possession and 
receipt of child pornography, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, 
United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.  Today, agents 
from Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Inves-
tigations (ICE-HSI) arrested him without incident.

Count one of the Indictment alleges that on or about April 7, 2015, Mer-
ced-Aponte did knowingly possess material which contained images of 
child pornography, that is, images of minors and prepubescent minors 
engaging in sexually explicit conduct.   Count two alleges that in or about 
the year 2012 the defendant received, via the Internet, similar images of 
minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Claudé Luis Merced-Aponte is also facing a Forfeiture Allegation which 
includes various computers, cellular phones, external hard drives and me-
mory sticks. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five 
years and a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison if he is
found guilty.

“No one is above the law, no matter what rank or badge a person might 
hold,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa 
Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Exploitation by those entrusted to enforce the 
law strikes at the heart of our criminal justice system, and it will not be
 tolerated.  This case lays bare a disgraceful attempt by a veteran police 
officer to mistakenly believe that he could commit heinous crimes against 
children and hide in the shadows. The Justice Department will fight cri-
minals wherever we find them, even within the ranks of law enforcement.”

“These allegations are particularly troubling and disturbing because of Mr. 
Merced-Aponte’s position of trust as a law enforcement officer,” said An-
gel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI San Juan. “Identifying 
people who violate their positions of public trust by contributing to the ex-
ploitation of children is a top priority for HSI as our statistics show. This 
year, we have seen an alarming increase of 47 percent in these cases as 
compared to fiscal year 2014.  We cannot, and will not, tolerate that. HSI 
will continue identifying, arresting and prosecuting those who attempt 
against the safety and security of our children regardless of who they are.”

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cristina Caraballo, from the Crimes Against 
Children and Human Trafficking Unit, is in charge of the prosecution of the 
case. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defen-
dants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide ini-
tiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, 
launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ 
offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local 
resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit 
children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more 
information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechild
hood.gov.

This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an inter-
national initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch 
of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 12,000 individuals 
for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online
 child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking 
of children. In fiscal year 2014, more than 2,300 individuals were arrested by 
HSI special agents under this initiative and more than 1,000 victims identified 
or rescued.


Puerto Rico News Digest For August 24, 2015


SIX MURDERS OVER THE WEEKEND

















The murder total for 2015 went up to 357 this weekend, as six killings
were reported across the island, which is 88 murders less than at this
time last year. The first murder happened in Hato Rey's Manuel A. Pe-
rez housing project, where Edwin Giovanni Vázquez Feliciano, 26, was
shot to death in front of a store on Friday night. On Saturday, 34-year-
old business owner Nolis Mercedes de la Paula was chased and shot to
death on road  PR-988 in Luquillo by presumed robbers. Juan José Nú-
ñez Cotto, 35, was killed around 2:00 AM on Saturday behind a Gulf
gas station in Santurce. Nearly $600 in cash and a bag with white pow-
der residue where found in his car.

Another murder occured near the flea market in Salinas, where 68-year-
old Wilfredo García Feliciano was apparently shot, and six shell casings
were recovered at the scene. The weekend's fifth murder occured at 12:30
AM on Sunday, as Luis Rafael Cruz Mejías was killed by intruders in his
 house. The most recent murder was registered Sunday afternoon in the
Las Monjas neighborhood of San Juan, but the victim has not yet been
identified.


DANNY FIZZLES OUT, NOW A DEPRESSION


Tropical Storm Danny weakened into a tropical depression overnight, with
maximum sustained winds decreasing to 35 mph. The system ismoving to
the west at 12 mph, and as of 8:00 AM was located at 15.9N 61.5W, about
20 miles south of the island of Guadeloupe. Saba and St. Eustatius are still
under a Tropical Storm Warning, but all other tropical storm watches and
warnings have been discontinued. Danny is expected to pass over 60 miles
south of Ponce, Puerto Rico tomorrow morning, and may dump 2-4 inches
of rain over parts of the island. Danny will likely weaken even further by
then, and break up over the western Caribbean.


VARIOUS SECTORS DEMAND CABOTAGE REPEAL


From Caribbean Business:

Forty organizations representing various Puerto Rico sectors joined the
Junta de Voluntades group Saturday to ask the U.S. government to repeal
the cabotage laws. "We have formed an organization to continue to work
on this claim, which we will present to the federal government and the
entire world," said Mark Anthony Bimbela, president of the Bar Associa-
tion, where the meeting took place. Bimbela acknowledged that the group
comprises people who have different ideologies but who are in agreement
on the issue of cabotage laws. The petition by political, business, academic,
religious, civil and worker unions, as well as industry organizations, forma-
lly requests the federal government to repeal the application  of Section 27
of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly referred to as the Jones
Act, on Puerto Rico.


UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FALLS TO 11.9%



Puerto Rico's unemployment rate fell to 11.9 percent in July, down 0.70 
percent from the previous month, the Labor Department said. The unem-
ployment rate has fallen by 1.8 percent since July 2014, the department 
said in a statement. The island's labor force participation rate was at 39.5 
percent last month, down 0.20 percent from June and 0.10 percent relati-
ve to July 2014.





Friday, August 21, 2015

Activities For This Weekend Across Puerto Rico


Courtesy of Discovering Puerto Rico:


Click picture to enlarge.




Puerto Rico News Digest For August 21, 2015


HURRICANE DANNY GETS TO PR TUESDAY



Hurricane Danny, now with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, is ex-
pected to reach the southern coast of Puerto Rico sometime early on Tues-
day. As of today's 5 AM advisory from the National Weather Service, Da-
nny is located at 13.7N 47.4W, about 985 miles east of the Leeward Islan-
ds. It is moving to the west/northwest at about 10 mph, and has a minim-
um central pressure of 987 mb. Danny is a small hurricane, with hurrica-
ne force winds extending outwards only about 10 miles from its center.
Some strengthening is expected today, but the storm will likely weaken
during Saturday. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect at
this time. Keep checking this blog and our Twitter feed for more on Hu-
rricane Danny.

11:00 AM UPDATE: Danny strengthens to 105 mph maximum sustai-
ned winds, becoming a Category 2 hurricane. It is still moving WNW at
10 mph, with more of a westerly turn expected on Saturday. Pressure has
dropped to 976 mb. Coordinates are 14.0N 48.2W, about 930 miles east
of the Leeward Islands. The next advisory will be issued by the National
Weather Service at 5:00 PM.

2:00 PM UPDATE: Hurricane Hunter aircraft are reporting that Danny's
maximum sustained winds have increased to 115 mph, making this a
category 3 hurricane. The National Weather Service states: "No additio-
nal intensification is expected, as Danny is moving into an area of unfavo-
rable upper-level winds, and a weakening trend is expected to begin later
today.  Consequently, no adjustment to the forecast intensities from the
previous advisory is required". Current coordinates: 14.3N 48.6W, about
900 miles east of the Leeward Islands.


MORE TOWNS DROUGHT DISASTER AREAS


From NBC News:

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack declared
an additional six municipalities in Puerto Rico as natural disaster areas
due to worsening drought conditions. The municipalities affected include
Corozal, Morovis, Naranjito, Orocovis, Toa Alta, and Vega Alta. The ann-
ouncement comes in the wake of several other drought disaster declarati-
ons by Secretary Vilsack, bringing the total to 36 affected  municipali-
ties on the island.


TRIBUTE PAID TO FORMER SPEAKER JARABO



The House of Representatives paid tribute Thursday to José Ronaldo 
"Rony" Jarabo Álvarez for his work and political, cultural and social 
contribution to Puerto Rico. In celebrating the occasion of his 30th 
anniversary since presiding the chamber, an act was held in the Capi-
tol. It was attended by Gov. Alejandro García Padilla, former Gov. 
Rafael Hernández Colón, Senate President Eduardo Bhatia Gautier, 
Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi and House Speaker Jaime Pe-
relló Borrás. The governor spoke of the body of work developed by 
the politician, who chaired the House from 1985 to 1992. The gover-
nor said the vision and optimism that characterizes the former House 
speaker is the same that inspires him "to seek unity, alliances and con-
vergence to meet the challenges the country faces today."


TODAY'S WATER RESERVOIR LEVELS


Click picture to enlarge.















Carraízo is at 33.90 meters, while La Plata stands at 34.69 meters.
Both reservoirs serve the San Juan metro area. Hurricane Danny is
expected to bring considerable rain with it early next week, which
may help boost reservoir levels. Users served by both Carraízo and
La Plata are currently under water rationing plans.






Thursday, August 20, 2015

Individual Found Guilty Of Drug Trafficking



Press Release
Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Puerto Rico


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 19, 2015

SAN JUAN, P.R. – After a four day jury trial, Delfín Robles-Álvarez was
found guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine for the purpose of unlawful
importation, conspiracy to import cocaine, and conspiracy to commit money
laundering, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
United States District Court Judge Pérez-Giménez presided over the trial. Ei-
ght other co-conspirators had already pled guilty and are awaiting sentence
and one other defendant is awaiting extradition.

According to the indictment, throughout the year of 2005 and continuing up
to 2014, the defendant, along with others, intentionally combined, conspired,
and agreed to possess with intent to import and distribute more than five kilo-
grams of cocaine from Saint Martin, Netherlands Antilles into Puerto Rico.

During trial, the government presented video, audio, and telephone recordings
of a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into a drug trafficking or-
ganization responsible for transporting over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from
Saint Martin, Netherlands Antilles, to Puerto Rico for distribution and sale as
well as the laundering of funds in excess of 12 million U.S. dollars. The com-
plex conspiracy involved numerous players with various roles, the smuggling
of money and drugs both by sea and by air, and various methods to launder the
proceeds from these illegal activities, one of which was the Puerto Rico lottery
system. A jury heard lay and expert testimony at trial that proved Delfin Robles-
Alvarez’ willful participation and knowing involvement in the conspiracy.

“This conviction marks yet another victory in our fight against narcotics in Pu-
erto Rico. Our team of prosecutors and case agents set an excellent example of
teamwork during the investigation which led to the conviction of this defendant
at trial,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of
Puerto Rico.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mariana Bauza
and Special Assistant United States Attorney Glenn Goetchius. Delfín Robles-
Álvarez faces a maximum penalty of up to life imprisonment. The now convic-
ted defendant also faces a possible fine and a money judgment to be determined
later by the Judge.




Tropical Storm Danny Taking Its Time






















Tropical Storm Danny continues to slowly move west/northwestward
at about 10 mph, as of today's 5 AM advisory. Maximum sustained winds
are holding steady at 50 mph, with a barometric pressure of 1000 mb. The
storm was located at 12.2N 43.7W, about 1200 miles east of the Antilles.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm's structure has
improved over the last several hours, and is forecast to strengthen over
the next two to three days, after which it may see some weakening as it
encounters dry air in the eastern Caribbean. The center of Danny is expec-
ted to pass just south of Puerto Rico early on Tuesday, although no wat-
ches or warnings have been issued at this time. Keep checking the Puer-
to Rico Monitor (as well as our Twitter feed) for the latest on Tropical
Storm Danny.

The next advisory from the National Weather Service will be issued by
11:00 AM AST today.


11:00 AM UPDATE: Danny is now officially a hurricane. Maximum
sustained winds are now at 75 mph, pressure at 992 mb. Location is 12.5N
44.8W,  moving West/Northwest at a slightly faster 12 mph. Danny is now
about 1090 miles east of the Windward Islands. Hurricane-force winds on-
ly extend outward up to 10 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force
winds  extend outward up to 60 miles.






















Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 19, 2015



DANNY HEADS FOR THE CARIBBEAN


The map above will update automatically throughout the day.






















Tropical Depression 4 became Tropical Storm Danny overnight, and re-
gistered maximum sustained winds of 50 mph as of 5:00 AM today. The 
storm is headed straight for the Caribbean, moving west at 14 mph, and 
was located this morning at 11.3N 40.2W. Minimum central pressure was 
estimated at 1000 mb, or 29.53 inches. Danny, which is forecast to stren-
gthen over the warm Atlantic waters, is expected to be approaching Puer-
to Rico between Tuesday and Wednesday. By that time, Danny could have
become a hurricane. No watches or warnings have been issued as of yet.
Keep checking this page and our Twitter feed for the latest information
on Tropical Storm Danny.

11:00 AM AST UPDATE: Tropical Storm Danny located at 11.2N 41.1
W, 1385 miles east of the Antilles, sustained winds are still at 50 mph and
pressure at 1000 mb. The storm is moving to the west at 12 mph. Next
full advisory from the National Weather Service will be at 5PM AST.

5:00 PM AST UPDATE: Danny is now at 11.5N 42.0W, about 1325
miles east of the Antilles, and moving a little more slowly at 10mph,
still moving on a westward track. Maximum sustained winds are hold-
ing at 50 mph, pressure at 1000 mb. Danny could still become a hurri-
cane by Friday.

ROSELLO DECLARES 2016 CANDIDACY






















Dr. Ricardo Rosselló, the 36-year-old youngest son of former Gover-
nor Pedro Rosselló, offered statements yesterday that indicate that
he will be seeking the nomination of the pro-statehood New Progre-
ssive Party for the governorship of Puerto Rico in 2016. The formal
announcement of his campaign will happen tomorrow at Roberto 
Clemente Colisseum. Rosselló has for months criticized the island's 
current leadership and their handling of the economic crisis. "We 
find ourselves before unprecedented challenges. We awaken to see 
that the current decisions are only aggravating the situation. We can 
follow the same path or we can look for a transformative and auda-
tious alternative. The actual political leadership thinks that that alter-
native is default, bankruptcy and taxes. I differ from that direction", 
said Rosselló. 


DOJ FUNDING LETTER CAUSES BACKLASH



A letter to Gov. Alejandro García Padilla, where the U.S. Department 
of Justice (DOJ) makes known that since Tuesday, Puerto Rico and 
agencies that administer federal funds received from DOJ programs 
have been classified as high-risk grantees has already generated public 
outcries. "The letter, sent Monday to La Fortaleza, notifies the gover-
nor that after an audit, the DOJ discovered numerous findings indica-
ting questionable costs and significant weaknesses in the management 
capabilities and internal controls in the administration of federal funds," 
said Miguel Hernández Vivoni, New Progressive Party candidate for 
resident commissioner.


GOV'T FISCAL PLAN TO BE IN THREE STAGES



La Fortaleza Chief of Staff Víctor Suárez said Monday that the island 
government’s five-year fiscal plan, which is slated to be ready by Aug. 
30, will be divided into three stages. The plan is the basis for a negotia-
tion with Puerto Rico’s bondholders. The STAR learned that it will en-
tail proposals for economic development, labor reform and negotiating 
a moratorium of the debt. The first stage will take two years and con-
sists of the plan’s implementation. The second stage will entail measu-
ring the plan’s performance and changing it, and the third stage will in-
volve maintaining it. 


OFFICIAL: GDB LIQUIDITY AT $1 BILLION


From CNBC:

Liquidity at Puerto Rico's Government Development Bank (GDB) has 
risen to around $1 billion, the commonwealth's chief of staff said on 
Monday, after dwindling to $778 million as of the end of May.That 
was partly boosted by a deal to raise $400 million in Tax & Revenue 
Anticipation Notes (TRANs), a strict disbursement policy and depo-
sits made by public entities, the governor's chief of staff Victor Suarez 
told reporters.



Tuesday, August 18, 2015

“This Town is Dead”: the Long Decline of Arecibo, Puerto Rico


by MARIO MERCADO DIAZ

Counterpunch


















“I’m at the end of my wits,” “Everybody is in a tight spot,” “I’m running
out of hope”: these are the words of the small business owners in the small
city of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. As a child, I grew up with stories of Arecibo’s
great industries and entrepreneurial spirit. Since 1995, business owners, mer-
chants and residents have seen the drastic decay of the local economy. The
lasting effects of the Great Recession and the recent implementation of the
IVU agrandado (11.5% sales and use tax) has dissipated any hopes of an in-
crease in commercial activities in the near future. Arecibo and many other
municipalities across the island are veritable ghost towns, stuck in a dishe-
artening state of social, economic and political stagnation. Now more than
ever, people are migrating in greater numbers to the San Juan metropolitan
area and the US mainland expecting to set up shop and start a new life.

Governor Alejandro García Padilla’s declarations on Puerto Rico’s inability
to pay its debt have sparked an outburst of investigative reports and articles
on the Puerto Rican crisis and its impacts, mainly, on the population of San
Juan. However, these scathing reviews and articles fail to discuss Puerto Ri-
co’s socioeconomic crisis at a smaller scale, focusing on municipalities out-
side of San Juan...[CONTINUE READING]



List of Water Oases For The Carraízo Rationing Zones


Oases are locations where the island's water provider, AAA, will distribute
potable water from tanker trucks from 9:00 AM  to 8:00 PM daily. Bring con-
tainers for water. The listing can be found in Spanish here. Water rationing 
for areas served by the Carraízo reservoir is currently on a 24-hours-with-
water-on / 72-hours-water-off cycle. The Carraízo rationing area is divided
into two zones, A and B. A map of the zones can be found below. Zone A 
is shaded green, while Zone B is in blue.




Zone A

San Juan

Ave. San Claudio in front of Chalets de Cupey
Barrio Buen Consejo/Venezuela
PR 176 Int 199, in front of Academia Barbara Ann Roessler

Trujillo Alto

PR 181, in front of Urb. Lomas
PR 843, KM 4.1, in front of Urb. Villas de Carraízo
PR 846, in front of Urb. Interamericana

Carolina

Ave. Campo Rico in front of José M. Lázaro School
Ave. Fragoso service road east of Plaza Carolina mall
Ave. Monserrate, corner of Roberto Clemente
Ave. Pontezuela, corner of Calle 1, Jardines de Country Club, in front 
of Mormon church.
Calle 516, Villa Carolina, in front of Municipal HQ.
Laguna Gardens Shopping Center

Urb. Villa Carolina, calle 23in front of Lulo González Voleyball Court


Zone B

San Juan

Ave. Eduardo Conde, corner of Ave. San Jorge
Ave. Gándara, corner of Ponce De León
Ave. Monte Carlo, in front of Portal de la Reina Condominium
Calle Julio Andino, corner of Ana Otero, Villa Prades
65th Infantry Shopping Center, in front of Mickey Mouse court
Residencial Kennedy, Las Casas and Eduardo Conde Final

Carolina

PR 3, in front of Los Colobos Shopping Center
PR 853, Int 852, Barrio Barrazas in front of Emergency Management
PR 860, in front of Metrópolis Shoping Center

Canóvanas

Urb. River Gardens/River Plantation





Monday, August 17, 2015

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 17, 2015


WEEKEND RAINS RAISE RESERVOIR LEVELS
















The rains that soaked much of Puerto Rico over this past weekend helped
raise the levels of several of the island's water reservoirs, including emba-
ttled Carraízo, which saw a rise of 31 centimeters. users of the Carraízo
reservoir, which serves much of the San Juan metro area, are still under
a water rationing plan which only gives them running water two days a
week, and which is expected to continue, according to the President of
AAA, Alberto Lázaro. The reservoir that made the biggest gains over the
weekend was Guajataca, which increased by 74 centimeters. However, La
Plata reservoir did not see any level rises during the period of rain. La Plata's
users are currently under a 48-hour water rationing plan, which may soon be
extended.


DOZENS TIE THE KNOT AT MASS GAY WEDDING


From Caribbean Business:

More than 60 same-sex couples are marrying Sunday in Old San Juan,
the first time an event of this nature takes place on the island after the
recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to legalize same-sex marriage, fo-
llowed by Gov. Alejandro García Padilla’s executive order to change
local laws accordingly. “It’s a historic day for Puerto Rico, since we
show diversity,” lawyer Ada Conde, a long-time civil rights advocate,
told Inter News Service. Last June, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision
in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage throughout the na-
tion, including Puerto Rico, where Article 68 of the Civil Code defined
marriage as the union “between a man and a woman.”





TREASURY COLLECTS $626.5M IN JULY


From News Is My Business:

The Puerto Rico Treasury Department announced Friday that General Fund
net revenues totaled $626.5 million in July 2015 — the first month of Fiscal
2016 — representing a $2.3 million increase when compared to July 2014.
Collections were $21.1 million above estimates, Treasury Secretary Juan Za-
ragoza said. Sales and Use Tax (SUT) collections totaled $154.3 million in
July 2015, a $40.6 million, or 35.7 percent, year-over-year increase and the
highest amount of revenues for any month since the inception of the SUT.


TURTLE EGG DESTRUCTION INVESTIGATED


From Fox News Latino:

Environmental agencies in Puerto Rico are investigating the destruction of 99
eggs of the endangered leatherback turtle that were found in a nest on a beach
in San Juan, activist Deborah Feliciano told EFE Friday. Feliciano, a member
of the government-sponsored 7 Quillas group that is charged with keeping wa-
tch on the beaches of Condado and Ocean Park, found that the eggs were rotten,
the nest was inundated with water, and there was a distinct smell of excrement
in the air. She said the group reported the situation to Puerto Rico's Natural Re-
sources Department, or DRNA, and to the Board of Environmental Quality.




Friday, August 14, 2015

Activities For This Weekend Across Puerto Rico


Courtesy of Discovering Puerto Rico:


Puerto Rico News Digest For August 14, 2015


PIERLUISI SEEKS PR DROUGHT RELIEF


















From The San Juan Daily Star:

Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi on Wednesday wrote
a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter formally requesting that
the Department of Defense (DOD) review all authorities in federal law and
all available federal resources that may facilitate helping the Puerto Rico
Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) restore water service in munici-
palities aff ected by the drought. “The drought has had many adverse conse-
quences.… Households and businesses in the greater San Juan metropolitan
area must live without running water for three days for every day their taps
are turned on,” Pierluisi stated in his letter to Carter...The letter also menti-
ons multiple ideas that have been brought forward in recent days about the
kinds of assistance that the DOD might be able to provide. This includes
deploying Navy ships to Puerto Rico that have desalinization capabilities,
and activating the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to drill new water wells
or provide a supply of emergency drinking water that would supplement
PRASA resources.


GOVERNOR SIGNS PRO-TRANSGENDER LAWS


From HRC:

Governor Alejandro García Padilla signed two pro-LGBT executive orders
in Puerto Rico on Monday.The first would prohibit discrimination in hospi-
tals based on gender identity. The other would allow transgender people to
change their gender on their Puerto Rican driver’s license. “My administra-
tion is committed to the eradication of all forms of discrimination,” the go-
vernor said is a statement. “The lack of this type of regulation in these areas
limits the full development of citizens belonging to transsexual and transgen-
der communities, lacerating their dignity, their access to health and quality
of life. This type of discrimination directly affects aspects of everyday life
such as employment, family and safety; and that is no longer acceptable in
Puerto Rico."


COTTO VS CANELO SET FOR VEGAS


From LA Times:

Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto and Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez announ-
ced Thursday they will fight Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Ca-
sino in Las Vegas, renewing a rivalry expected to be a slugfest. “I feel very
happy that Cotto and I will write our own story and continue the legacy of
great fights between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans,” Alvarez (45-1-1, 32
knockouts) told The Times in Spanish during a telephone interview with
his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, translating. “I’m embracing this rivalry.”
HBO will televise the bout on pay-per-view, and the catch-weight limit
will be 155 pounds, five less than the middleweight limit.


MORE THAN 100 OFFICIALS LOBBY FOR PR


From News Is My Business:

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. on Thursday sent a letter, in
conjunction with more than 100 elected officials from across the nation,
demanding immediate action from Congress to enact legislation that will
allow Puerto Rico to enter bankruptcy. “The interests of the Puerto Rican
community, whether they are in Puerto Rico, New York, New Jersey, Ca-
lifornia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida or anywhere else are Ame-
rican interests,” the letter stated...In the letter, the officials asked Con-
gressmen Orrin Hatch, Charles Grassley and Bob Goodlatte — the law-
makers responsible for reviewing a pair of companion bills known as the
Puerto Rico Chapter 9 Uniformity Act of 2015 that seek to extend bank-
ruptcy protection to the island’s public instrumentalities — to “act imme-
diately and enact legislation.”