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 9, 2015

MURDERS IN SAN JUAN AND CAGUAS

As reported today by El Nuevo Dia, two murders have been  registered
this Friday morning, one each in San Juan and Caguas. In San Juan, a
man in his early 20s was shot to death in a business on Jose De Diego
Avenue in the Puerto Nuevo area at around 6:25 AM. Meanwhile, three
individuals reached  a bakery on Degetau Avenue in Caguas around 6:27
AM.  One man came in with a bullet wound, a woman was unhurt and
a dead man sat in their car. The injured man had gone into the bakery to
call for help. Police closed Degetau, Turabo Avenue and road PR-156 in
order to investigate the incident. No motives are yet known for either
killing.

WATER RESERVOIRS SEE MODEST INCREASE 

Recent rains brought to Puerto Rico by a tropical wave helped raise
water levels at most of the island's reservoirs. The Carraízo reservoir,
which serves part of the San Juan metro area, rose by nine centime-
ters, leaving the level at 38.47 meters this morning. However, the La
Plata reservoir, which also serves the San Juan area, did not see a le-
vel increase overnight. Users served by La Plata are still under a 24-
hour water rationing plan.

PR RESTRUCTURES EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

From Caribbean Business:

"More than 600 employees from the Puerto Rico Education Department
will be transferred to other divisions and agencies in a push to reorganize
the government. Public Affairs Secretary Jesús Manuel Ortiz said Thurs-
day that more than 400 workers will be placed in administrative positions
at public schools. The remainder will have administrative jobs at the police
department to free some 1,200 officers from desk duties and allow them to
return to the street..."

PIERLUISI FILES BILL FOR LOAN GUARANTEES

From News Is My Business:

"Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi introduced a bill Thursday that
would authorize the U.S. Treasury Department to guarantee repayment
of principal and interest on bonds to be issued in the future by the island’s
bond-issuing public entities, but only if the agency certifies that the co-
mmonwealth has “demonstrated meaningful improvement in managing
its public finances.” The “Puerto Rico Financial Improvement and Bond
Guarantee Act of 2015” would require any Puerto Rico bonds guaranteed
by Treasury to be used solely to meet urgent short-term financing needs
like Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes, to make capital expenditures t
that promote long-term economic growth (as opposed to operating expen-
ditures), or to refinance its existing bond debt at a lower interest rate..."

BOND DENIED TO ACCUSED HUSBAND-KILLER

From 680 News:

"A federal judge on Thursday denied bond to a Puerto Rican woman accu-
sed of offering a hit man $3 million to kill her wealthy Canadian husband.
Aurea Vazquez Rijos pleaded not guilty and was ordered to remain in jail
until her trial, which is scheduled to start Oct. 27. Vazquez arrived in Puer-
to Rico in late September after a court in Spain ordered her extradition. Att-
ending Thursday’s hearing was Vazquez’s mother, who was given custody
of her daughter’s baby, who was born in Spain..."

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.

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 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 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 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:

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.

Puerto Rico News Digest for August 13, 2015

CARRAIZO ALMOST OUT OF SERVICE

As a long drought continues to punish Puerto Rico, the Carraízo water
reservoir -- which serves much of the San Juan metro area -- has dropped
26 centimeters today, leaving it  3.34 meters away from being rendered as
inoperable. The La Plata reservoir went down 11 centimeters since yester-
day. Carraízo water customers are currently being subjected to three-day
water rationing due to the low levels. Levels for all major reservoirs are
shown in the above graph. Carraízo is on the far left.

GOV'T LAWYERS CONSIDER JANUARY SCENARIOS

From The San Juan Daily Star:

Government lawyers are analyzing all the possible scenarios to determine
which debt can be left unpaid and which can not. The recent default on a
$58 million debt of the Public Finance Corporation on Aug. 1 was actually
a calculated move because the government knows that bondholders had li-
ttle legal recourse because it is a moral obligation that depends upon a leg-
islative appropriation, sources said. Regarding other types of debt, bond-
holders can expect a recovery rate between 35 to 65% on a series of diffe-
rent bonds traded by Puerto Rico in the event of a default, according to in-
formation compiled by Bloomberg. The publication reported on data conta-
ining the most recent trading prices of bonds that aren’t insured against
default.

USDA: 13 CITIES DECLARED DISASTER AREAS

From Caribbean Business:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 13 municipali-
tiesin Puerto Rico as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and lo-
sses caused by a recent drought. Those municipalities are Arroyo, Fajardo,
Patillas, Canovanas, Las Piedras, Río Grande, Carolina, Luquillo, Trujillo
Alto, Cayey, Maunabo, Yabucoa and Cidra. Farmers and ranchers in the fo-
llowing municipalities in Puerto Rico also qualify for natural disaster assis-
tance because their municipalities are contiguous. Those municipalities are
Aguas Buenas, Comerio, Loiza, Aibonito, Guayama, Naguabo, Barranquitas,
Gurabo, Salinas, Caguas, Humacao, San Juan, Ceiba, Juncos and San Loren-
zo.

PR PREPARES FOR MASS GAY WEDDING

From US News & World Report:

More than 60 gay couples are preparing to exchange vows at a mass wedding
in Puerto Rico, celebrating a U.S. Supreme Court ruling affecting the socia-
lly conservative U.S. territory, organizers said Wednesday.Most of the cou-
ples are Puerto Ricans, but others from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba
and Venezuela also are participating in the event scheduled for Sunday in
San Juan's colonial district. "This is a historic event for all of Puerto Rico,"
said organizer Ada Conde, an attorney who had filed a federal lawsuit seek-
ing to have her gay marriage recognized in the U.S. territory prior to the Su-
preme Court decision. "This is not a show. This is not a parade. This is a so-
lemn event to celebrate the fruit of our sacrifice." Conde said she anticipated
protests and noted that police officers would be posted at the ceremony.

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 5, 2015

2-DAY RATIONING COMES TO LA PLATA

As announced several days ago by the island's water utility, AAA,  cus-
tomers served by the La Plata reservoir will start to see 48-hour water
rationing starting today. This means that running water will be on for
one day, off for two days, then back on. The affected towns are: Baya-
món, Cataño, Dorado, Toa Alta, Toa Baja and Vega Alta. La Plata's
water levels have been steadily decreasing all summer, as the worst
drought the Caribbean area has seen in decades continues to prevent
significant rainfall over the eastern two thirds of Puerto Rico. The Na-
tional Weather Service has declared this past July to be the fourth driest
month in the island's history. La Plata's level stands this morning at 35.
74 meters, falling 13 centimeters from yesterday.

EARTHQUAKES FELT ON NORTH COAST

Two earthquakes were felt on Puerto Rico's north coast early this mor-
ning. The first one was registered at 3:29 AM, and had a magnitude of
4.5. The quake was centered at latitude 19.5208 degrees north and lon-
gitude 66.3658 and had a depth of 72 kilometeres. The tremor was felt
in several municipalities, according to El Vocero. The second quake
happened at 5:23 AM, and had a magnitude of 3.4, with the epicenter
76 miles north of the city of Dorado. No tsunami warning or watches
have been issued as a result of the quakes.

PIERLUISI CONDEMNS GOVERNOR OVER DEFAULT

From The San Juan Daily Star:

New Progressive Party (NPP) President Pedro Pierluisi on Monday lambas-
ted the administration of Gov. Alejandro García Padilla for causing the first
non-payment of the government’s financial obligations in the island’s his-
tory after missing a $58 million payment on Public Finance Corp. (PFC)
debt, due this past weekend. “Today is a grim day in the history of  Puerto
Rico. For the fi rst time in its history the government of Puerto Rico failed
to pay its obligations. The consequences of this irresponsible act will be
hard on all Puerto Ricans,” Pierluisi said.

LUXURY HOTEL BEING BUILT IN TORO VERDE

From Caribbean Business:

Jorge Jorge, the CEO of Toro Verde, a nature adventure tour company, laid
the first stone in the construction of a new luxury hotel, Nayara Toro Ver-
de, in Orocovis, which is projected to inject some $6 million into the lo-
cal economy. "Thanks to all of your support, and to always thinking about
being innovative, pioneering and at the forefront of ecotourism, we have
joined forces with Nayara Hotel, which is a five-star hotel of internatio-
nal recognition that is highly experienced in giving guests unforgettable
experiences, to build a hotel in the mountains of Toro Verde, which will
bring another perspective on luxury tourism and ecotourism to Puerto Rico,"
the businessman said.

PR FACES LITIGIATION OVER DEBT

From Reuters:

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 3, 2015

PR PUBLIC FINANCE CORP DEFAULTS 

From Bloomberg:

A Puerto Rico agency is poised to default Monday, initiating a clash with cre-
ditors as the struggling commonwealth seeks to renegotiate its $72 billion debt
load. The government doesn’t have the money for the $58 million of principal
and interest that was due Aug. 1 on Public Finance Corp. bonds, Victor Suarez,
the chief of staff for Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla, said during a press con-
ference July 31 in San Juan. The financing corporation’s obligation is part of $
597 million of debt-service payments that the common-wealth and its agencies
owe this month. It would mark the first payment default by a Puerto Rico entity.

O'MALLEY SPEAKS ON PR CRISIS

From Caribbean Business:

Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democratic presidential candidate,
arrived Friday night in Puerto Rico, making it his fourth time on the island in the
past two years[...]In Puerto Rico, he intends to reiterate his position regarding the
island’s exclusion from the federal bankruptcy code’s chapter 9 protections and
local Medicare payment rates. The presidential candidate reportedly supports a-
llowing Puerto Rico to declare bankruptcy and backs the island’s call for federal
healthcare reimbursement-rate parity with the U.S. mainland. O'Malley told the
Associated Press that Puerto Rico should receive the same benefits as the U.S.
He said that Wall Street, forces on the mainland and a Republican Congress were
treating the island unfairly.

TOWNS IN EXTREME DROUGHT TRIPLE

From The San Juan Daily Star:

Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Carmen Guerrero Pé-
rez said Thursday the United States Drought Monitor increased the number of
island municipalities under the extreme drought classification to 20 as 2.5 mi-
llion people in 74 towns are living under diff erent drought categories...The 20
Puerto Rico municipalities under extreme drought are now Arroyo, Caguas, Ca-
nóvanas, Carolina, Cayey, Cidra, Fajardo, Guayama, Guarabo, Juncos, Las Pie-
dras, Luquillo, Maunabo, Naguabo, Patillas, San Lorenzo, Río Grande, Salinas,
Trujillo Alto and  Yabucoa.

WATER RESERVOIR LEVELS FOR TODAY

From AAA. Click graph to enlarge.

UPDATE: 48-hour rationing will start for customers of the La Plata reservoir
starting this coming Wednesday, August 5th.

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 31, 2015

GURABO ON FIRE, 1,000 ACRES BURNT

Largest Reported Forest Fire In PR History

A large forest fire broke out in an area of Gurabo on Wednesday, and is still
producing large amounts of smoke, as firefighters and the Puerto Rico Natio-
nal Guard continue their efforts to extinguish it, drawing water from the Gu-
rabo River to do so. PR Firefighters spokesman Angel Crespo told El Nuevo
Día that the fire is under control, but there are still isolated spots where it might
still be burning, and that the possibility exists for the main fire to reignite. Near-
ly 1,000 acres have been scorched on lands extending from the Police Academy
in Gurabo to the Caguas Expressway Motors dealership in nearby Caguas. Mo-
torists driving along highways PR-30 and PR-52 (Luis A. Ferré Expressway)
are being advised to drive carefully through the area today, as the haze and smo-
ke have reduced visibility. Slight rain registered over some of the island last ni-
ght did not reach the fire area. According to the authorities, the Gurabo fire is
the largest forest fire ever reported in Puerto Rico.

GOV'T CASH CRUNCH THREATENS PAYMENTS

From Caribbean Business:

"As the first month of the fiscal year comes to an end, the Puerto Rico govern-
ment continues to face significant fiscal challenges, facing several debt-servi-
ce payments that are due in August, as it maneuvers to avoid defaulting on
them amid a severe cash crunch. In all, the debt-service tab for the next mon-
th totals about $667 million..."

LA PLATA CUSTOMERS TO GO TO 2-DAY RATIONING

From The San Juan Daily Star:

As the days pass and no rain falls on the island, the drought that has hit Puerto
Rico continues to worsen and water levels at the reservoirs continue to drop.
For this reason, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) has
no other choice than to extend the water rationing plan by mid-August..."

ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPANDS TO PR

From Music Times:

Ultra Music Festival continues its outward expansion with a new announce-
ment that it will host a new one-day this fall in Puerto Rico. This will be the
first festival for the global electronic music festival brand in the Caribbean.
The move to Puerto Rico will take place on October 2..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 29, 2015

DOOR OPEN FOR EXTENDED WATER RATIONING 

From The San Juan Daily Star:

The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) has already outli-
ned long term plans based on a future scenario in which the island will remain
under drought conditions through the beginning of 2016, which could make
water rationing plans even stricter and extended to more towns. PRASA Sou-
thern Region Director Juan Rodríguez said Monday that the public corpora-
tion has not ruled out a wider water rationing plan than the one currently in
 place for consumers that receive their water supply from the Carraízo and
La Plata reservoirs, and the southern towns of Coamo, Santa Isabel and Sali-
nas. Guaynabo is also on water rationing, going one day with water and one
day without.

MAN MURDERED IN CANOVANAS

An unidentified male was murdered early this morning in the Parcelas Campo
Rico area of Canóvanas, according to Puerto Rico Police and El Nuevo Dia. At
around 6:36 AM, gunshots were  heard in the neighborhood. When police offi-
cers arrived, they found the bullet-riddled body on the grounds of a  residence.
This is the 313th murder to be reported in Puerto Rico so far this year.

SHERATON OLD SAN JUAN CASINO TO CLOSE

From Caribbean Business:

The casino at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel & Casino, in the historic sector 

of Puerto Rico's capital, is slated to close its doors sometime in September, in-

dustry sources told Caribbean Business. An official announcement on  the matter  

is expected later today.

LATINO LEADERS URGE FEDS TO HELP PR

From News Is My Business:

The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, a coalition of 39 of the U.S. main-

land’s largest Latino advocacy organizations, held a press conference Tuesday 

with Congressional, Puerto Rican, and labor leaders today calling on President 

Obama and Congress to take action “to save Puerto Rico from economic disaster.”

As Puerto Rico continues to endure a growing economic crisis that includes a $72 

billion debt, major unemployment, and population drain, Puerto Ricans and Lati-

nos on the mainland are “growing impatient with Washington as leaders have fai-

led to step up to assist millions of American citizens living on the island,” group 

representatives said.

Maps For All Water Rationing Zones

Carraízo


These zones are under 48-hour rationing (running water is on for one day, off for
two days). Zone A is shaded in green. Zone  B is shaded in blue. PF Canóvanas
is in purple.



Rationing calendar



La Plata


These zones are under 24-hour rationing (water off every other day). North Zone is
in orange, South Zone is in yellow.



Rationing calendar



Guaynabo


These zones are under 24-hour rationing. North Zone is in purple, South Zone
is in pink.





Corozal / Naranjito


These zones are under 24-hour rationing. North Zone is in purple, South Zone is
in pink.





Eastern Puerto Rico

These zones are under 24-hour rationing. Caguas North Zone 1 is in blue, Zone
2 is green. Caguas South Zone 1 is yellow, Zone 2 is pink. Juncos Zone 1 is in
orange and Zone 2 in burgundy.




Río Grande, Loíza and Luquillo; high areas are in yellow.






Coamo, Salinas and Santa Isabel

These zones are under 12-hour rationing. Zone A is in green and Zone B is
in blue.




All information is from Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados.

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 15, 2015

WATER RATE HIKES BEING CONSIDERED

From Caribbean Business:

The executive president of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority (Prasa), 
Alberto Lázaro Castro, reinterpreted a statement made Monday by Jim Millstein, 
of Millstein & Co., during the Puerto Rico government’s meeting with its credi-
tors, where he alluded to a possible increase of the water bill. Although water ra-
tes are expected to rise beginning in 2018 as part of the utility’s long-term opera-
tional plan, a sooner-than-expected hike could be seen if Prasa fails to finalize a 
bond deal for much-needed liquidity to fund its capital improvement program, 
among other needs. According to Lázaro, what Millstein said at the Government 
Development Bank (GDB) meeting with investors had to do with Prasa's "finan-
cial model, which in agreement with its bondholders and its own organic law, in-
cludes possible rate adjustments." He added that "this is done in all offer docu-
ments to show what would happen if projections are not met."

PR WARNS CREDITORS AGAINST LITIGATION

From The San Juan Daily Star:

Puerto Rico government officials told creditors Monday that a lengthy litigation
process against the commonwealth will have a negative effect on the economy
that will hurt tax collections, which are the source of debt payments. “We are
trying to pre-empt that with an open transparent process with you all,” one of
the government advisers told creditors during a question-answer portion of Mon-
day’s meeting with creditors as part of the process to convince them to renego-
tiate new debt repayment terms for the $72 billion debt.The event was live-strea-
med from a Government Development Bank (GDB) link. GDB President Melba
Acosta, former World Bank chief economist and former International Monetary
Fund (IMF) deputy director Anne Krueger, as well as economist and American
University Prof. Andrew Wolfe briefed members of the investment community
on Krueger and Wolfe’s recently published report on Puerto Rico’s fiscal condi-
tion.

JOURNALISTS SUE OVER HEDGE FUNDS

From News Is My Business:

The Center for Investigative Journalism filed a civil suit Monday against the go-
vernment over its refusal to provide the names of the hedge funds that are getting
ready to renegotiate or demand complete payment of Puerto Rico’s public debt. The
lawsuit filed in San Juan Superior Court names Gov. Alejandro García-Padilla and
Government Development Bank President Melba Acosta as defendants and asks the
court to order them to turn over documents and information about the hedge funds,
the amount of bonds they hold, the names of the investors who make up the so-ca-
lled Ad Hoc group negotiating with the government, as well as certain other docu-
ments. In the nine-page document, the CPI, as the nonprofit is known by its initials
in Spanish, details how it has spent the last four months unsuccessfully requesting
information from the government, including lawmakers, about the identity of the
groups behind Puerto Rico’s $73 billion debt.

SCORES OF DEAD SARDINES AT LA PLATA

From Fox News Latino:

Almost 7,000 sardines have died over the last two days in a reservoir in northern
Puerto Rico due to the drought that has been shrinking the water supply for two
months, making this the third massive dying off of this fish species in less than
two weeks. The secretary of the Natural and Environmental Resources Department,
Carmen Guerrero Perez, reported the situation Tuesday in a statement that said the
fish perished in the Wildlife Refuge of La Plata Reservoir in Toa Alta. "We ask ci-
tizens not to consume or come in contact with these dead fish, since they decompose
rapidly and can put their health at risk," Guerrero said.

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 7, 2015

COURT: PR BANKRUPTCY UNCONSTITUTIONAL

From Caribbean Business:

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has ruled the Puerto Rico Public
Corporation Debt Compliance & Recovery Act of 2014 unconstitutional. A panel
comprising Judges Sandra Lynch, Juan Torruella and Jeffrey Howard was in char-
ge of the appeal at the Boston court. The Recovery Act intended to provide a bank-
ruptcy-like process for the commonwealth’s troubled public corporations, inclu-
ding the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (Prepa), which would allow them
to restructure their debt, giving the commonwealth much more flexibility to nego-
tiate repayment terms and even the ability to default on public corporations’ bonds.

[The ruling can be read here in.pdf format]

LA PLATA RESERVOIR DOWN 12 CENTIMETERS

Despite Guaynabo being added to the water rationing plan being enacted by the
island's water utility, AAA, the La Plata reservoir's level was down 12 centime-
ters over the last 24 hours as of this morning. The Carraízo reservoir was down
10 centimeters over the same period. The latest reservoir levels are above, with
Carraízo on the far left and La Plata immediately to its right (click on picture to
enlarge).

CLINTON SUPPORTS PUERTO RICO BANKRUPTCY

From Reuters:

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said Tuesday that Puerto
Rico's public entities should be able to use U.S. bankruptcy laws to restructure
some $72 billion in debt. "Congress and the Obama administration need to partner
with Puerto Rico by providing real support and tools so that Puerto Rico can do
the hard work it will take to get on a path toward stability and prosperity," Clinton
said in a statement provided to Reuters.

PALMAS DEL MAR GOES SOLAR

From News Is My Business:

The Palmas del Mar Homeowners Association recently inaugurated a $227,000 

photovoltaic project, the first at Palmas del Mar, which will supply the electrical 

needs of it’s main building, an 11,000 square-foot facility.The project consists of 

292 solar panels of 250 watts each, which will produce approximately 117,238 Kw. 

hour per year. The PHA estimates it will save some $25,000 per year, and will see 

a return on its investment is approximately 4.5 years. The PHA received a $90,800 

incentive from the government to build the project, said Antonio Maldonado, exe-

cutive director of PHA.

Puerto Rico News Digest For June 26, 2015

LA PLATA RATIONING ZONE EXPANDS

Puerto Rico's water utility, Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AAA),
announced yesterday that additional areas will be added to the La Plata Sur water
rationing zone effective immediately. In the town of Naranjito, the following areas
have been added: Achiote 1, 2 & 3, Barrio Nuevo, Bunker Hill, El Cerro, Guadia-
na, Jardines de Naranjito, Lomas del Viento, Lomas García, Los Cuadrados, Mu-
litas, Sector Los Hoyos, Valle Verde Villa Embroya and Zona Urbana. In Corozal:
Abras, Barrio Pueblo, María del Carmen, Mavilla and Monterrey. Hacienda de
Dorado in the town of Dorado has also been added, along with Marzán in Vega Alta.
Most areas in Toa Alta which were not under rationing before will now join the La
Plata Sur zone as well. To verify if your area is now under rationing, check the in-
teractive La Plata rationing zone map above.

GAY MARRIAGE LEGAL IN ALL US, INCLUDING PR

This morning, the Supreme Court of the United States reached a decision which

effectively legalizes same-sex marriage in all of the United States, including any

territories under its jurisdiction. This means that gay marriage is now also legal

in Puerto Rico. Religious leaders on the island have been quick to express their

disappointment at the court's decision, while many members of the gay commu-

nity are expressing their joy at this milestone ruling. Governor Padilla has ex-
pressed his support for the Court's decision, and is expected to sign an execu-
tive order soon to facilitate the ruling's enforcement on the island.

2:30 PM Update: Governor Padilla has just signed an executive order to faci-
litate the issuing of marriage licences without distinction in 15 days.

DATA POINTS TO DROPPING SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Puerto Rico Statistics Institute President Mario Marazzi on Wednesday made pu-
blic the Annual Statistics of the Puerto Rico Educational System 2012-2013 which
reveals, among other things, a reduction in the number of students enrolled in the
public school system. The statistics also highlight a rise in the enrollment of stu-
dents in the Special Education Program. “This annual report presents a statistical
profile of all educational levels (pre-primary, primary, secondary, post-secondary,
and university), both for the public sector and for the private sector and non-profits,”
Marazzi said. The data off ered by Marazzi indicates that in the public school sys-
tem the number of schools under the island Education Department during the sta-
tistical period increased from 1,451 to 1,466, while the number of students atten-
ding public schools went down from 452,740 to 434,609..."

GUN LAWS COULD CHANGE AFTER COURT CASE

From Ammoland:

"A surprising victory for gun rights in Puerto Rico has eliminated the firearms re-
gistry and licensing requirements to purchase and carry in the Commonwealth, the
Second Amendment Foundation has confirmed. As of now, according to Sandra
Barreras with Ladies of the Second Amendment (LSA), the group that brought the
lawsuit, “there is no regulation to purchase or carry (and) all purchases will be han-
dled in accordance with federal firearms regulations.” LSA is affiliated with SAF
through the International Association for the Protection of Civilian Arms Rights
(IAPCAR). The class-action lawsuit challenged various articles in Puerto Rico’s
gun law, which the court declared unconstitutional. Because of the ruling, Barre-
ras said, Puerto Ricans may now carry openly or concealed without a permit, and
they do not need to obtain a permit before purchasing a firearm..."

NEW SEA STAR CRANES ARRIVE IN PUERTO RICO

From Caribbean Business:

"Sea Star Line's newly acquired cranes arrived Thursday morning to the Port of San
Juan, as part of the shipping company's $400 million investment for the Puerto Rico
trade. Iván Burgos, chief operating officer for Sea Star, along with Ingrid Colberg
Rodríguez, executive director of the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, were at the port's
terminal to receive the equipment..."