Puerto Rico News Digest For March 6, 2019

PUERTO RICO UNDER DROUGHT WATCH

Puerto Rico's water utility (AAA) has indicated that the municipalities of Adjuntas, Caguas, Coamo, Lares and Naranjito could be facing water rationing in the near future if the current dry pattern prevails over the area, according to AAA Vice-President of Operations Doriel Pagán. However, the agency has stated that this is not likely to happen in the immediate future, and that no date for water rationing has so far been set.

The US Drought monitor has placed 30% of Puerto Rico's territory in the moderate drought category, while 80% of the archipelago is said to face atypical drought conditions.

CULEBRA REELS FROM TRANSPORT INTERRUPTIONS

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Fortunato Vizcarrondo, a resident of Culebra, denounced on Tuesday that in the island municipalities they are currently living “as if in the hurricanes”, due to the problems with the Maritime Transport Authority (ATM) ferries, which have caused a shortage of products and goods, including gasoline."

LESS MONEY FOR PAN PARTICIPANTS

From El Nuevo Dia:

"1.35 million Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) participants in Puerto Rico are getting smaller checks, and in some cases that represents a third of what they usually received..."

BOARD OKAYS CONVERSION TO NATURAL GAS

From Caribbean Business:

"The Financial Oversight and Management Board and the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau have given the  green light to a contract with New Fortress Energy LLC for the supply of liquefied natural gas 
(LNG) and conversion of units 5 and 6 of the San Juan Combined Cycle Power Plant..."

TOURISM CO. LAUNCHES PLAN TO BOOST TRAVEL

From  News Is My Business:

"Looking to strengthen the island’s tourism industry, the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. has launched a educational campaign to inform the public about the benefits provided by agency-certified travel agencies certified when planning trips or vacations..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For October 26, 2015

WATER RATIONING OVER FOR LA PLATA

Puerto Rico's water utility, AAA, has announced the end of  water
rationing for users served by the La Plata reservoir, due to heavy and
consistent rains over the area over the last few weeks. Rationing offi-
cially ended yesterday (Sunday), as rains over the weekend brought
the reservoir close to the point of overflowing. The Carraízo reser-
voir, which serves parts of the San Juan metro area along with La
Plata, had to have some of its floodgates opened to let out excess
water.

OBAMA RESCUE PLAN COULD EXCEED $5B/YEAR

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"The prospects for the Obama Administration plan moving forward
appear to be slim. The U.S. Treasury on Wednesday released a list
of proposals it wants Congress to enact to help the U.S. territory,
such as healthcare funding measures, tax and bankruptcy legislati-
on, and the earned income tax credit for residents. But without bi-
partisan support in Congress, Treasury is limited in what it can ach-
ieve, and anything that smells like a bailout for the island, struggling
with a $70 billion debt, is unlikely to get support, according to
Reuters..."

SECRETARY OF STATE BERNIER RESIGNS

From Caribbean Business:

"Puerto Rico State Secretary David Bernier announced Sunday that
his resignation will be effective Oct. 30. Bernier said, "I intend to as-
pire to elective office and I want my judgment and not a date to de-
termine my decision...As far as I'm concerned, I now have the nece-
ssary space, uninvolved with government to determine how I can ser-
ve the country," he said, emphasizing that he will not face the gover-
nor in the primaries, while also ruling out challenging Héctor O'Neill,
the mayor of Guaynabo, where Bernier resides..."

POPULAR & ORIENTAL REDUCE GOV'T EXPOSURE

From News Is My Business:

"Puerto Rico’s two largest banks — Banco Popular and Oriental —
confirmed separately on Friday that they’re working to reduce their
exposure to risk associated with the island’s government, which they
have financed in different capacities over the years. During discussi-
ons with analysts about their quarterly results, the top executives at
each bank said they are watching over the government’s declining li-
quidity and threat of a shutdown or default on its upcoming bond pay-
ments..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For October 19, 2015

GOV'T OFFICIALS GO BEFORE GRAND JURY

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"La Fortaleza Public Aff airs Secretary Jesús Manuel Ortiz said he
and former La Fortaleza Chief of Staff Ingrid Vila were summoned
to appear before a federal grand jury, but he stressed that Gov. Ale-
jandro García Padilla has not been cited in relation to a probe into
alleged contracts given to a huge Popular Democratic Party (PDP)
donor. The STAR learned that House Speaker Jaime Perelló was al-
so summoned, but his office did not confirm the information. Also
cited was PDP Sen. Mari Tere González, who said federal officials
requested certain information from her that she declined to divulge.
Federal officials are allegedly investigating contracts awarded to
Anaudy Hernández Pérez, who testified in the corruption case aga-
inst former judge Manuel Acevedo..."

RESERVOIR LEVELS RISE OVER WEEKEND

Rains over the weekend boosted the water levels for several reser-
voirs across Puerto Rico. La Plata, the only reservoir which is still
under a water rationing plan, saw its level increase by 39 centime-
ters to 40.58 meters. La Plata, which serves much of the San Juan
metro area, would have to reach at least 43 meters for rationing to
be discontinued.

PR BOXER IN CRITICAL CONDITION IN VIRGINIA

From Caribbean Business:

"Boxer Prichard Colón was in critical condition Sunday after suffe-
ring a brain bleed from an injury during a bout in northern Virginia,
an official said. Colón underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his
brain after his bout Saturday afternoon against Terrel Williams in the
Washington, D.C., suburb of Fairfax, Virginia, said Lou DiBella, pre-
sident of DiBella Entertainment. Within moments of showing symp-
toms in his dressing room after the fight, Colón was under the care
of emergency medical technicians and rushed to Inova Fairfax hos-
pital, DiBella said. "He suffered a brain bleed as a result of an inju-
ry during the bout and underwent immediate surgery to relieve pre-
ssure on his brain," DiBella said in a statement. "His condition re-
mains critical..."

HYATT HOUSE BEATS 1ST YEAR EXPECTATIONS

From News Is My Business:

"With prolonged and recurrent stays, the guests of Hyatt House San
Juan, located at the Convention Center District in Miramar, have pro-
pel the propert to surpass its first-year expectations, Francisco Maria-
ni, manager of Hyatt Puerto Rico said. The opening of the Hyatt Hou-
se San Juan in October 2014, introduced the tourist market to the first
and only hotel, with a select style, that offers deals in extended-stay
in Puerto Rico..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For October 14, 2015

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS MAKES SEVERAL ARRESTS

From Caribbean Business:

"Since dawn Wednesday, Special Investigations Bureau (NIE by its
Spanish acronym) agents have been processing the arrests of 38 peo-
ple employed  at the Transportation and Public Works Department
and other agencies for fraud in the issuance of driver's licenses and
other administrative violations..."

CRIM & GDB CLOSE TO SETTLING DISPUTE

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"The Municipal Revenue Collections Center (CRIM by its Spanish
acronym) and the Government Development Bank (GDB) are about
to reach an agreement to alleviate the controversy surrounding the
municipal funds deposited in the government bank, Cayey Mayor
Rolando Ortiz said..."

PUERTO RICO SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN ORLANDO

From Reuters:

"Puerto Rican and U.S. leaders will meet in Florida on Wednesday
to discuss ways to promote Puerto Rico's interests in Washington as
the island weathers a major debt crisis. Civic leaders in the U.S. with
ties to Puerto Rico..."

CONTROL BOARD BILL TO BE FILED THIS WEEK

From Reuters:

"Legislation to create a financial control board for heavily indebted
Puerto Rico will be filed on Thursday or Friday, the U.S. territory's
government affairs secretary Jesus Manuel Ortiz said on Tuesday. The
financial control board..."

WATER RESERVOIR LEVELS FOR TODAY

Carraizo and La Plata, both of which serve the San Juan metro area,
are to the left. Information is from 5:00 AM today. Click image to
enlarge.

Puerto Rico News Digest For October 7, 2015

TOURIST HELD ON SEX TRAFFICKING CHARGE

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"A male tourist from Wisconsin was arrested by federal authorities for
sex trafficking after U.S. Magistrate Judge Marcos López authorized a
criminal complaint charging him with one count of Attempted Sex Tra-
fficking of Children, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico Rosa
Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez announced Monday..."

SEARCH FOR ANSWERS IN EL FARO SINKING

From Caribbean Business:

"The 41-year-old El Faro was scheduled to be retired from Caribbean
duty and retrofitted in the coming months for service between the West Co-
ast and Alaska, said Phil Greene, another Tote executive. The El Faro and
its equally aged sister vessel were being replaced on the Jacksonville-to-Pu-
erto Rico run by two brand-new ships capable of carrying much more cargo
and emitting less pollution..."

PR BANKRUPTCY BILL ADDS CO-SPONSORS

From Reuters:

"A bill to allow Puerto Rico's distressed public agencies to access
Chapter 9 bankruptcy laws has drawn several Democratic co-sponsors but
is not a partisan move, the U.S. commonwealth's representative in Congress
said on Tuesday. Puerto Rico, with $72 billion debt..."

PUERTO RICO ENDURES RECORD HEAT

From Yahoo! News:

"Puerto Rico is facing a record-breaking heat wave this month amid an
ongoing drought. The National Weather Service said the first five days
of October are the  warmest in the history of the U.S. territory for the
month since record-keeping began..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For October 5, 2015

TRACES FOUND OF MISSING SHIP

From Fox News Latino:

Aircraft and ships searching off the Bahamas islands for a U.S. cargo ship
that lost contact during Hurricane Joaquin have found more debris and clues
but no definitive word yet on the fate of the vessel or the 33 people on board.
The owner of the 790-foot El Faro said a container that appears to have come
from the ship was found, while the Coast Guard said it had located a debris
field that included what appeared to be pieces of container. Searchers have
also spotted an oil sheen and found a life ring from the El Faro. Chief Petty
Officer Bobby Nash said it was too early to come to any conclusion. Two
Coast Guard cutters, the Northland and Resolute, were expected to continue
searching overnight Sunday as the aircraft returned to their bases.

POLICE SEIZE $5.4 MILLION DRUG SHIPMENT

From Caribbean Business:

"Authorities are searching for three suspects who allegedly attempted to
smuggle $5.4 million worth of drugs into Puerto Rico from the Dominican
Republic. Police said they arrested Teófilo Tineo González, a 36-year-old
Dominican man, after seizing about 518 pounds (235 kilograms) of cocai-
ne and heroin and a 22-foot (6.7-meter) boat on the coast west  of San Juan,
but three other suspects got away. Police Superintendent José Caldero said
authorities were hunting for three others they believe were aboard the boat
that left the Dominican Republic for Puerto Rico on Wednesday night..."

RESERVOIR LEVELS GO UP OVER THE WEEKEND

Rains over this past weekend have raised the water level at the Carraízo and
La Plata reservoirs, both of which serve the bulk of the San Juan metro area.
La Plata went up by 47 centimeters from Sunday morning to Monday morn-
ing, for a level of 40.50 meters. La Plata's users, however, are  still a ways
away from being taken off the current 24-hour water rationing plan they are
currently under. The reservoir would have to reach at least 43 meters for ra-
tioning to be discontinued. The Carraízo reservoir saw its water level rise over
the weekend to 38.47 meters, staving off for now a return to a rationing plan
for its 160,000 users. Its level rose by 26 centimeters from Sunday to Monday.

EPA FINALIZES PLAN FOR CONTAMINATED WELL

From The San Juan Daily Star:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a plan to use
natural processes along with the continued use of a system that the federal
agency had already installed to treat contaminated groundwater at the Coro-
zal Well Superfund Site in Corozal, officials announced Thursday. Previou-
sly, the EPA installed a system that uses carbon to address pollutants as an
initial step to address the risks posed by people drinking contaminated gro-
undwater. Data collected since EPA installed the system confirms that there
are no levels of concern at the well. The system will remain in place as a sa-
feguard.

Puerto Rico News Digest For October 2, 2015

CARRAIZO LEVEL CONTINUES TO DROP

The Carraízo water reservoir's level dropped dramatically overnight once
again, leaving it less than a meter away from the reestablishment of water
rationing for households served by the lake. Carraízo dropped 11 centime-
ters, to settle at 37.93 meters at 5:00 AM today, according to AAA, Puerto
Rico's water utility. Once it reaches 37 meters, a 24-hour water rationing
program would have to be started again for Carolina and Trujillo Alto, as
well as parts of San Juan, Canóvanas and Gurabo. Copious rains a few
weeks ago had raised the water level enough that rationing could be called
off, but the last couple of weeks have seen little rain over the area, taking
the situation back to square one.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS PERVASIVE CORRUPTION 

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Corruption has become so widespread and commonplace that there are
thousands of people in Puerto Rico engaged in corrupt acts, according
to a Civil Rights Commission report. Corruption is closely related to
civil rights because it is anchored to a number of activities that affect
government coffers and services to the people, according to the report
titled “Human Rights and Corruption” that was entrusted to attorney
Víctor Rivera Hernández, former representative Víctor García San Ino-
cencio and the late former Police Superintendent Pedro Toledo, who died
several years ago. Since the study began in 2009, Puerto Rico has been
shaken by acts of corruption including the case of former Sen. Jorge de
Castro Font and revelations about schemes involving the private sector,
federal arrests of offi cials who use the U.S. mail to facilitate the entry
of weapons and drugs, the arrests of some 100 police offi cers for protec-
ting drug traffickers, the arrests of more than 500 residents in Lares for
committing insurance fraud, as well as allegations of corruption against
mayors, public officials and government contractors..."

SUMMIT IN ORLANDO TO ADDRESS PR CRISIS

From Caribbean Business:

"The Summit on Puerto Rican Affairs will hold its annual meeting in Or-
lando this year. The summit, which is slated for Oct. 14, is expected to
host guests from Florida, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., Georgia, Cali-
fornia and Illinois at its workshops, as it has in past years. Bond Buyer re-
ported Thursday that retired Detroit bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes and
three U.S. House members will participate in the two-day meeting in Flo-
rida “to come up with some solutions to address Puerto Rico’s fiscal and
health care crises...”

ENERGY COMMISSION REJECTS RATE HIKE

From News Is My Business:

"The Puerto Rico Energy Commission issued a resolution Thursday deny-
ing a petition by the National Public Finance Guarantee Corp., which in-
sures $1.4 billion in Puerto Rico Electric Authority bonds, for a rate review
and establishment of a temporary rate increase of at least 4.2¢ per kilowatt
-hour. National, the successor in interest to MBIA Insurance Corporation,
filed the request on Sept. 17, asking for the PREC to also order PREPA to
respond to the petition within 14 days of service, and to complete the con-
solidated rate review proceeding within four months of the filing of Natio-
nal’s petition..."

GDB GOES TO COURT OVER LOCAL TAXES

From The New York Times:

"A new front opened in Puerto Rico’s debt battle as the island’s powerful
Government Development Bank went to court, seeking $400 million in
local property tax revenue it said was being illegally held by a local collec-
tion agency. The development bank said the money was crucial to its abi-
lity to make coming payments to bondholders. The agency that collects pro-
perty taxes on the island, the Municipal Revenue Collections Center, or
CRIM, appears to have the $400 million in hand. But its board decided late
in June not to release the money to the bank. The development bank, which
handles Puerto Rico’s borrowing and cash flows, said the move was illegal
and asked the Superior Court in San Juan to require the agency to turn over
the money. The legal documents were filed Wednesday night..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 28, 2015

NEVERMIND: CARRAIZO RATIONING COULD RETURN

Users served by the Carraízo water reservoir could see  a return to 24-
hour water rationing in about 20 days, if its water levels continue to
drop at the same pace that has been seen over the last week, about nine
centimeters a day. Carraízo's level stands at 38.32 meters, about a meter
and a half away from entering Phase I rationing. Recent rains have bene-
fited the La Plata reservoir, while largely bypassing Carraízo. Water ra-
tioning for the area was only lifted about a week ago. The Carraízo reser-
voir serves about 160,000 users in the towns of Trujillo Alto and Caroli-
na, as well as parts of San Juan, Canóvanas and Gurabo. The other reser-
voir that serves the bulk of the San Juan metro area, La Plata, saw its le-
vel decrease by three centimeters overnight. La Plata users are still under
a rationing plan.

COUPLE CHARGED WITH PROSTITUTION, INCEST

From Yahoo! News:

A Puerto Rico couple has been charged with prostitution, incest and human
trafficking in a case authorities say involved their four young children. Police
said Friday that the 30-year-old suspects are accused of prostituting their 11-
year-old daughter in front of the other children who range in age from 6 to 9
years old. The couple was identified as Kenneth Martinez and Tanya Figueroa...

BAR ASSOCIATION SUES TREASURY OVER TAX

From The San Juan Daily Star:

The Puerto Rico Bar Association announced earlier this week that it has
sued the commonwealth Treasury Department to stop the imposition of a
4 percent tax on legal services tax that goes into force on Oct 1. The asso-
ciation says the new tax goes against current laws that protect the access
to Justice. La Fortaleza Chief of Staff Víctor Suárez said there is a bill
pending approval at the Legislature that would amend Law 72 (Tax Re-
form) pending approval but such changes were technical ones to avoid
double taxation...

NASAA HOLDS CONFERENCE IN SAN JUAN

From Caribbean Business:

Experts in finance and investment, securities regulation and public policy
came together for the North American Securities Administrators Associa-
tion’s (NASAA) 98th Annual Conference, themed “Regulation for the A-
ges,” Sept. 27-29 in San Juan’s Caribe Hilton Hotel. The three-day confe-
rence is co-chaired by Damaris Mendoza, director of the Securities Regu-
lation and Registration Division within the Puerto Rico Financial Instituti-
ons Commissioner’s Office (OCIF by its Spanish acronym), and Joseph
Borg, director of the Alabama Securities Commission. Featured speakers
include Arthur Levitt, the longest-serving chair of the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC), and Chris Farrell, financial commentator
and author...

La Plata Water Rationing Cut To 24 Hours

Starting tomorrow, the 180,000  water users served by the La Plata reservoir
will see their water rationing plan cut from 48 hours without running water at
a time down to 24 hour cut-offs. This is due to La Plata's water level having
risen by 1.11 meters due to heavy rains yesterday. Between one and four in-
ches of rain fell across the island on Wednesday. With the reservoir's level
sitting as of today at 39.94 meters, it is about 11 meters away from its opti-
mal level. La Plata serves the towns of Bayamón, Guaynabo, Cataño, Toa
Baja and  Toa Alta as well as parts of San Juan, Corozal, Naranjito and Do-
rado.

Meanwhile, the Carraízo reservoir has seen significant drops in its water lev-
els since rationing was lifted for customers served by that body of water. It is
currently at 38.65 meters. Some scattered showers are expected over Puerto
Rico over the next couple of days.

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 23, 2015

LA PLATA LEVELS LOOKING BETTER

Water levels at the La Plata reservoir, which serves several towns including
parts of the San Juan metro area, increased by 74 centimeters overnight due
to yesterday's rains. Puerto Rico's water utility, AAA, expects that once the
reservoir rises another 1.28 meters, the water rationing plan that La Plata
users are currently subject to will go from two days without water to only
twenty four hours of interruption at a time. More rains are expected for the
area this afternoon. According to AAA's President, Alberto Lázaro, ration-
ing for the La Plata zones can come to an end entirely once the reservoir rea-
ches 40 meters. La Plata serves Bayamón, Guaynabo, Toa Baja, Toa Alta
and Cataño, as well as parts of San Juan, Corozal, Naranjito and Dorado.

NPP CANDIDATES VOW TO PUSH STATEHOOD

From The San Juan Daily Star:

A group of New Progressive Party (NPP) aspirants to legislative seats made a
commitment Monday to file legislation in the upper or lower chamber to enable
an admission process for Puerto Rico as the 51st state, as proposed by NPP Pre-
sident Pedro Pierluisi. The aspirants also closed ranks in support of Pierluisi’s
run for the NPP’s gubernatorial candidacy. Among the candidates for seats in
the House of Representatives who support Pierluisi’s aspirations and legislative
agenda are Jackeline Rodríguez (District 25), Carlos Flores (District 20), Hiram
Torres (District 4), Roberto Soto (District 17), Mari Carmen Mas (District 19),
Samuel Pagán (District 35), and Ramón Ramos (District 21).

US SENATE TO HOLD HEARINGS ON PR

From Caribbean Business:

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee is reportedly expected to hold a hearing on
Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis. According to Bond Buyer, committee Chairman Orrin
Hatch (R.-Utah) said Tuesday a public hearing will take place Sept. 29 to discuss
the “dire financial situation” in Puerto Rico. On July 17, Hatch asked U.S. Trea-
sury Secretary Jacob Lew for the Obama administration’s take on various Puerto
Rico-related issues, such as the island’s fiscal and economic woes.

PREPA RESTRUCTURES $700M IN DEBT

From News Is My Business:

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority announced Tuesday it has reached
an agreement in principle regarding the economic terms of a restructuring of
approximately $700 million in matured debt with all of its fuel line lenders.
Under the deal, the fuel line lenders will have the following two options: Con-
vert existing credit agreements into term loans, with a fixed interest rate of 5.
75 percent per annum, to be repaid over six years in accordance with an agr-
eed upon schedule; or Exchange all or part of principal due under existing cre-
dit agreements for new securitization bonds to be issued on the same terms as
PREPA’s agreement with the Ad Hoc Bondholder Group announced on Sept.
1, 2015 (including a 15 percent principal reduction and five-year principal ho-
liday.)

GROUPON SHUTS DOWN IN PUERTO RICO

From Int'l Business Times:

Groupon, the daily deals and e-commerce site, is all set to shut down its
operations in six countries as well as Puerto Rico. Headquartered in Chica-
go, Illinois, and co-founded by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Lefko-
fsky, Groupon will reportedly lay off 1,100 jobs mainly from the sales and
customer service operations of the company. Groupon Chief Operating Offi-
cer (COO) Rich Williams revealed this restructuring in a blog post stating,
“We believe that in order for our geographic footprint to be an even bigger
advantage, we need to focus our energy and dollars on fewer countries. So,
we decided to exit a number of countries where the required investment and
market potential don’t align.”

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 21, 2015

CARRAIZO WATER RATIONING ENDS

Alberto Lázaro, the President of Puerto Rico's water utility (AAA), has
announced that due to increases in the water level at the Carraízo reser-
voir, water rationing for users served by Carraízo is ending today, Mon-
day. Residents of Trujillo Alto, Carolina and parts of San Juan, Gurabo
and Canóvanas will no longer have to deal with water cut-offs, although
water pressure will be controlled as a precautionary measure. Starting at
9:00 AM today, service is being reestablished in full for all areas served
by Carraízo. La Plata, the other reservoir that serves the San Juan metro
area, is still under a rationing plan, despite some recent gains in the water
levels. In the Carraízo zones, fines for water misuse are still in effect, and
Lázaro discouraged users from watering lawns or washing cars. He also
indicated that the reservoir has enough water to avoid more rationing for
about three months.

TREASURY: MONEY TO RUN OUT IN 6 WEEKS

From The San Juan Daily Star:

Describing the government as “an old car that doesn’t get good mileage
and is running with barely any gasoline,”Treasury Secretary Juan Zara-
goza said Thursday that in all likelihood, in about one month and a half
government coffers will run out of cash. The situation is such that the
Treasury chief said in a radio interview  that “this a chronicle of a death
foretold.” Zaragoza made his co- mments after the government’s liquidity
problems came into sharper  focus in an analysis drafted by Conway Mac
Kenzie (CM), which sets out that the government will have an overdraft
of $765 million by November.

NSF AWARDS $3.8M TO UPR MEDICAL SCIENCES

From Caribbean Business:

The Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) has
received a $3.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF)
for an international collaboration studying the neural mechanism of deci-
sion-making. The NSF funds are from its Partnerships for International Re-
search and Education (PIRE) program, which supports international activi-
ties across various disciplines. The program's primary goal is to support
projects in which advances in research and education could not occur with-
out international collaboration. PIRE focuses on investment in Science, En-
gineering and Education for Sustainability (SEES) to approach the challenges
of adapting to environmental, social and cultural changes associated with gro-
wth and development of human populations, and attaining a sustainable ener-
gy future, according to the NSF.

KIVA ZIP OFFERS 0% LOANS TO PR BUSINESSES

From News Is My Business:

Entrepreneurs looking to finance their ventures have the opportunity to
borrow from Kiva Zip, a technological platform that connects individuals
and businesses to provide loans at 0 percent interest. “The Foundation
for Puerto Rico, a local organization that works with Kiva.org and promo-
tes the visitor economy as a way to position Puerto Rico as a global des-
tination, has created a seed fund of $ 10,000 to match each dollar loaned
to a local entrepreneur through Kiva Zip,” said Denisse Rodríguez, pro-
gram manager of the Foundation for Puerto Rico. Kiva Zip, program of the
nonprofit Kiva.org, has the purpose of connecting individuals and organi-
zations through the Internet, to grant microloans directly to entreprene-
urs to facilitate and expand their opportunities through the financing of
their business, reduce capital costs and make a positive impact in society.

PREPA AT ODDS WITH INSURERS OVER DEBT

From Bloomberg:

The debt-restructuring agreement Puerto Rico’s main electric utility unvei-
led with great fanfare at the start of the month is turning out to be far from
a done deal. The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, known as Prepa,
still needs to come to terms with about two-thirds of creditors, including
bond-insurance companies, or the agreement falls apart. An accord that
keeps the negotiations out of court expires late Friday. All forbearing cre-
ditors except insurer MBIA Inc. are part of that contract, called a forbear-
ance agreement. “They still have to do quite a bit of work,” said Mikhail
Foux, a municipal-debt strategist at Barclays Plc in New York. “They have
only about a third of the people on board. We’re talking about monolines
and bond funds that effectively bought at par.”

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 18, 2015

CARRAIZO RESERVOIR KEEPS RISING

The Carraízo water reservoir, which serves a large part of the  San Juan
metropolitan area, registered a level this morning of  38.52 meters, only
48 centimeters away from reaching "Observation Level". That level is
the goal that Puerto Rico's water utility, AAA, had set for ending  the
water rationing plan that thousands of users in the metro area have been
enduring for several months. Water rationing is currently on a 24 hour
alternating schedule. The other major reservoir in the  area, La Plata,
saw gains of 2 inches overnight, but it's levels are considerably lower
than Carraízo's and rationing for La Plata users is not expected to end
any time soon.

GOVERNMENT MAY HAVE TO SHUT DOWN

From The San Juan Daily Star:

The Puerto Rico government will have to decide in favor of a partial
government shutdown or go into default on its general obligations due
in January if the projections of a report by financial advisers materiali-
ze. “If Conway MacKenzie’s forecast materializes, then there is a sig-
nificant risk of at least a partial government shutdown before the end
of 2015,” Center for the New Economy (CNE) Public Policy Director
Sergio Marxuach said. The report of the advisory firm Conway Mac
Kenzie states that the government may have a bank cash deficit of
$29.8 million in November and a peak cash defi cit of $511.6 million
in June. However, it states the commonwealth Treasury single account
will have a deficit of $612 million or $1.788 billion, the last number in
the event of all risks occurring.

GOVERNOR MEETS WITH US TREASURY SECRETARY

From Caribbean Business:

Gov. Alejandro García Padilla held several meetings this week in Wa-
shington, D.C., with Obama administration officials and members of
Congress, with the discussions focusing on fiscal and economic deve-
lopment issues, including access to Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection,
Medicare funding, infrastructure projects and corporate tax treatment.
García Padilla met with Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew and National
Economic Council Director Jeffrey Zients Thursday. The group discu-
ssed the recently released Fiscal & Economic Growth Plan. According
to a statement released by Treasury, Lew and Zients "commended the
governor for producing a serious and comprehensive accounting of the
Commonwealth’s overall fiscal position and proposal for how the Co-
mmonwealth can achieve financial sustainability over the next five
years.”

MALL OF SAN JUAN OPENS 18 NEW STORES

From News Is My Business:

The Mall of San Juan announced Thursday that 18 new stores, including
Puerto Rico’s only Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn, along with luxury
brands Bulgari and Gustavo Arango and the 100th Oil & Vinegar store
will join its shopping and dining lineup this month — the majority of
which are exclusive to the market. “Our lineup of premium retailers and
restaurants will become even more distinctive this month,” said Marnie
Marquina, marketing and sponsorship director, The Mall of San Juan.
“From talented Puerto Rican designers to stores exclusive to the island,
we’re excited to offer our customers a truly unique shopping and dining
experience.”

64,000 PEOPLE LEFT PR LAST YEAR

From ABC News:

A record 64,000 Puerto Ricans left the island last year for the U.S. main-
land, the highest number in the past decade, officials said Thursday. The
exodus represents a 31 percent increase from 2013, when some 49,000
people left, according to the island's Institute of Statistics. The surge in
departures comes as the U.S. territory of 3.5 million people struggles with
a nearly decade-long economic slump. The island has a 12 percent unem-
ployment rate, higher than any U.S. state, and has a labor participation ra-
te of less than 40 percent, compared to 62 percent on the U.S. mainland.

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 14, 2015

CARRAIZO RATIONING CUT TO ONE DAY

Alberto Lázaro, President of AAA, Puerto Rico's water utility , announced
that users served by the Carraízo water reservoir in Trujillo Alto will go back
to Phase I water rationing starting tomorrow. This means that water service
will only be interrupted for 24hours at a time, rather than the current 48 hours.
Carraízo serves Trujillo Alto, Carolina and parts of San Juan, Gurabo and Ca-
nóvanas. Lázaro stated that rains produced by the remnants of Tropical Storm
Grace raised the reservoir's level by half a meter.

PROPERTY TAXES COULD GO UP

From The San Juan Daily Star:

Mayors Association President Rolando Ortiz Velázquez said Thursday that if
funds are taken away from municipalities as part of the fiscal adjustment plan,
residents will pay for it through increases in property taxes. The five-year fis-
cal adjustment plan proposes the repeal of subsidies to the University of Puer-
to Rico, to municipalities and to non-profit groups. Ortiz, who is the mayor of
Cayey, said they are waiting for legislation that implements the fiscal adjust-
ment plan but anticipated a fight against the measures that could trigger the
dismissal of municipal employees and curtail direct services to citizens.

POLL: PUERTO RICANS FEELING PESSIMISTIC

From Caribbean Business:

According to a poll conducted by consulting company Gallup, 6% of Puerto
Rico residents believe economic conditions on the island are getting better.
This figure ranks the island far below “the least optimistic state,” West Vir-
ginia, where 24% say economic conditions are getting better. Puerto Rico
also fares poorly compared with countries in Latin America and the Caribbe-
an, where it ranks last in economic optimism, along with Venezuela, Gallup
found. Poll results reveal Gov. Alejandro García Padilla’s approval on the is-
land to be low as well. “Fewer than one in five Puerto Ricans (19%) say they
approve of the way García Padilla is handling his job,” Gallup said in a relea-
se on its findings.

PIRATES, MARLINS MAY PLAY IN PR IN 2016

From Sporting News:

Major League Baseball is headed back to Puerto Rico next season. The Pira-
tes and Marlins will play "all or part" of a scheduled four-game series on the
island in 2016, the Los Angeles Times reports. The teams are scheduled to
play in Miami from May 30-June 2, according to schedules released last week.
The games would be moved to San Juan to celebrate Pirates legend Roberto
Clemente, the island's favorite son.

CRUISE SHIP WORKER ARRESTED FOR RAPE

From Yahoo! News:

A Carnival cruise ship worker was detained Saturday in Puerto Rico on accu-
sations he raped a woman onboard, according to authorities. Police said the
alleged rape occurred in one of the cabins of the Carnival Liberty ship that is
docked in San Juan. The unidentified man has not been charged.

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 10, 2015

PUERTO RICO BRACES FOR BUDGET CUTS

From AP / WINK News:

Puerto Rico is bracing for widespread spending cuts after the government
released a long-awaited fiscal reform plan on Wednesday that would redu-
ce much of the island’s $72 billion public debt and calls for restructuring
the remainder at the expense of bondholders. The five-year plan proposes
that the government cut subsidies to municipalities and the University of
Puerto Rico, offer early retirement and reorganize or merge state agencies.
It also calls on the government to extend until 2021 legislation that would
freeze new hires, salary increases and collective bargaining agreements.
Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla acknowledged in a televised address that
Puerto Ricans already have had to endure new taxes, an increase in utility
bills and layoffs during a nearly decade-long economic stagnation.

FINANCIAL CONTROL BOARD TO BE ESTABLISHED

From Caribbean Business:

A five-member, independent financial control board will be tasked with
ensuring that the recently released Fiscal & Economic Growth Plan (FE
GP), once approved, is followed, and would have the necessary powers
to ensure compliance, particularly if subsequent administrations decide
to do away with the final plan. It would be in place for the five-year pe-
riod of the plan, after which further extending its term would be conside-
red. Moreover, the board would have the authority to approve the plan,
as well as the power to force budgetary cuts, among other corrective ac-
tions, which will be part of draft legislation to be submitted to the Legis-
lature for its establishment. It has yet to be revealed when the Economic
Recovery Working Group will deliver its proposed legislation to Puerto
Rico lawmakers for their necessary approval.

WATER RESERVOIR LEVELS FOR TODAY

Carraizo is on the far left, while La Plata is immediately to its right.
Users served by both reservoirs are currently subject to water ratio-
ning. Some rain has fallen over the area this morning, with more ex-
pected over the next two days, as two low pressure systems pass over
the area.

SCHOOLS MAY RETURN TO NORMAL SCHEDULE

From The San Juan Daily Star:

If the water levels at the Carraízo and La Plata reservoirs continue in-
creasing, the Education Department may change the policy implemen-
ted at the beginning of the school year and return to normal school days
and hours -- offering classes Monday to Friday or extending school hours
 at those public schools where class periods have been reduced due to wa-
ter rationing. In a radio interview Tuesday, Education Secretary Rafael
Román said the rationing plan has cost the agency close to $1 million in
the purchase of water cisterns and water storage containers for the sch-
ool’s cafeterias, among other facilities, in order to supply water at the
affected schools. Román said that toward the end of the week he will be
discussing the state of the reservoirs and the changes made in the ratio-
ning plans.

CRUISE SHIP PASSENGES FLOWN TO PR

From Yahoo! News:

Officials say Carnival Cruise Lines is flying 770 passengers to Puerto
Rico after their ship caught in fire in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The
president of the company that manages the dock where the ship is ber-
thed says six chartered flights were headed Wednesday to Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 4, 2015

GANGS TURN AVENUE INTO WARZONE

65th Infantry Avenue Closed For Three Hours

As reported by El Nuevo Dia, Police had to close off a stretch of 65th

Infantry Avenue in Rio Piedras as gang members from  Monte Hatillo

public housing project and the Berwind apartment buildings across the

road traded gunfire on Wednesday night. No deaths or injuries have
been reported as a result of the gunfire. A local school had to be eva-

cuated yesterday due to threats of further violence in the area. Police

believe that the latest outburst of violence came about due to the recent

murder of Héctor Nussa Román, who was the stepbrother of the alleged

head of drug sales in Monte Hatillo. Shootings in the area are sporadic,

but have been happening for years.

CARRAIZO GOES TO TWO-DAY RATIONING

Puerto Rico's water utility, AAA, has announced that water levels at the
Carraízo reservoir -- which serves Trujillo Alto, Carolina and parts of San
Juan -- is now high enough that water rationing for areas served by Carraí-
zo is being cut back to two days without water and one day with water. The
change begins today, after several weeks of water users being restricted to
two days of running water a week. About 160,000 AAA customers would
be affected by the change. Recent rains have swollen Carraízo's level to 37.
14 meters. Users of the La Plata reservoir are still also under "phase two"
water restrictions, with water off for two days at a time.

PREPA DEAL CAPS RATE HIKE AT 8¢

From The San Juan Daily Star:

The hike that Puerto Rico consumers will see in their electricity bill, which
must be approved by the Energy Commission, is not going to be higher than
the eight cents estimated in a five-year business plan prepared by the Puerto
Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) following an agreement reached with
the Ad Hoc Group of bondholders. PREPA Chief Restructuring Officer Lisa
Donahue said the final rate structure will be determined by the outcome of
talks with the other PREPA creditors -- banks and the utility’s insurance com-
panies. Those talks are expected to be completed by Sept. 18, which is when
the forbearance agreement between PREPA and its creditors is expected to
expire. TheAd Hoc Group represents 35 percent of the debt.

ARECIBO INCINERATORS GETS FINAL PERMIT

From News Is My Business:

Energy Answers confirmed Wednesday that the Puerto Rico Environmental
Quality Board has granted the final permit to build a facility for the processing
of non-hazardous solid waste at the Cambalache Sector in Arecibo. The review
process of this permit began in 2012 under the administration of Gov. Luis For-
tuño and included two separate public hearings and extended periods of time for
comment in writing, ensuring broad public participation in the permitting pro-
cess. “The periods for written comments exceeded by far the established regu-
latory requirements and what is usual and customary for a facility handling so-
lid waste as proposed,” the company said.

USDA DESIGNATES 17 TOWNS DISATER AREAS

From Caribbean Business:

Although Puerto Rico has received much-needed rain in the past week, primari-
ly due to Tropical Storm Erika and a tropical wave, the U.S. Department of Agri-
culture has declared an additional 17 municipalities in Puerto Rico as natural di-
saster areas due to the ongoing drought conditions. These additional municipali-
ties are: Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Bayamón, Cataño, Ceiba, Coamo, Comerío,
Dorado, Guaynabo, Loíza, Naguabo, Naranjito, San Juan, Santa Isabel, Toa Al-
ta, Toa Baja  and Vega Alta.

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 2, 2015

CARRAIZO RATIONING COULD END SOON

After several days of moderate to heavy rain, first from Tropical Storm
Erika, and then from a tropical wave which affected the island yesterday,
water levels at Carraízo and La Plata reservoirs have seen significant gains.
Carraízo has gone up by 20 centimeters overnight, with today's level stand-
ing at 37.17 meters. AAA/PRASA, Puerto Rico's water utility, has indicated
that if Carraízo's  level reaches 41 meters, water rationing for its area would
likely end. La Plata, however, would need to reach 51 meters to get to its op-
timal level; it currently sits at  36.65 meters. Yesterday's tropical wave left
up to 4 inches of rain on parts of Puerto Rico.

PRASA DEBT PAYMENT EXTENDED

From The San Juan Daily Star:

La Fortaleza Chief of Staff Víctor Suárez said Banco Popular agreed to ex-
tend to Sept. 15 a $90 million payment owed by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct
and Sewer Authority (PRASA) that was due Monday. However, he could
not say when PRASA will go to the market with a $750 million bond issue
it will use in part to pay the line of credit with Banco Popular. “When con-
ditions are ripe, we will go,” he said. STAR sources, however, say that Bank
of America Merrill Lynch will probably cancel the bond issue altogether.
Meanwhile, Suárez refused to reveal whether multinational companies will
assume a greater burden as part of the five-year fiscal adjustment plan, whose
presentation was pushed back to Sept. 8.

FL SENATOR MARCO RUBIO TO VISIT PR

From Caribbean Business:

Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Puerto Rico
this week, his staff said Tuesday. Spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas told The
Associated Press that the Florida senator will meet with supporters on Friday
in San Juan. Rubio's one-day visit will coincide with that of Democrat Hillary
Clinton.  He is scheduled to attend a fundraiser before the rally.

TRUMP GOLF COURSE TO BE AUCTIONED

From News Is My Business:

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Enrique S. Lamoutte-Inclan signed off Monday an 

order approving the auction of the Trump International Golf Course in Río 

Grande. Bidding will start at $2 million in November, with a final sale hear-

ing slated for December, court documents showed. The property, also known 

as Coco Beach Golf & Country Club, filed for Chapter bankruptcy protection 

in July, citing $78 million in liabilities and $9.2 million in assets.

COP ARRESTED FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING

From Fox News Latino:

An officer of the San Juan Municipal Police was arrested by U.S. federal
authorities on charges of human trafficking for her attempt to bring a Do-
minican citizen from the island of Antigua into Puerto Rican territory ille-
gally. The U.S. attorney in San Juan, Rosa Emilia Rodriguez, said Tues-
day in a statement that police officer Luz Zoraida Rojas was arrested on
Aug. 28 after paying $1,000 to an undercover cop - who pretended to be
an immigration official - for trying to introduce a Dominican male from
Antigua into Puerto Rico.

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

From Caribbean Business:

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.

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