Governor's New Covid Executive Order Lifts Restrictions

From The Weekly Journal:

"Gov. Pedro Pierluisi announced the new executive order to continue addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico, containing fewer restrictions than any of its predecessors as the island's tourism gets back on track and various sectors are ready to reactivate the economy..."[Continue reading]

Pierluisi Announces $34 Million in Federal Funds for Six Puerto Rico Universities

Press Release

Sept. 27, 2016

Funds will be provided over next five years and will be used to help 

students in fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics

Washington, DC—Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi announced today 

that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a total of $34 million in 

federal funding, to be provided annually over the next five years, to assist stu-

dents at six universities in Puerto Rico.  The funding is being provided pursu-

ant to the Hispanic Serving Institutions Science, Technology, Engineering and 

Mathematics (HSI STEM) program, which aims to increase the number of His-

panic and low-income students who attain a four-year or two-year degree in 

STEM fields. 

Specifically, the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Baya-

món; Universidad del Este; Universidad Central de Bayamón; and Universidad 

Politécnica de Puerto Rico-San Juan will each receive approximately $1.2 milli-

on annually, or $6 million over five years; Humacao Community College will 

receive approximately $1.1 million annually, or $5.5 million over five years; 

and Dewey University-Carolina will receive nearly $1 million annually, or ab-

out $5 million over five years.

“Improving access to STEM programs for university students in Puerto Rico is 

of paramount importance.  It is critical that our nation’s most valuable asset, na-

mely our talented young men and women, continue to earn degrees in these com-

petitive fields, which are more relevant than ever before.  This significant fede-

ral funding will help our students to compete successfully in the global job mar-

ket,” said Pierluisi. 

Puerto Rico News Digest For September 6, 2016

HIGH WINDS KILL MAN IN GUAYANILLA

From Caribbean Business:

"Authorities say heavy winds associated with a tropical wave moving through the
Caribbean region have killed a man in the island’s southwest region. Police said
Monday that winds ripped off a tree branch that hit 31-year-old Alvin Torres as
he cleaned a property in the coastal town of Guayanilla. Forecasters said the tro-
pical wave south of Puerto Rico was generating winds of up to 40 miles per hour
(mph)...The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Monday that shower and thu-
nderstorm activity associated with the wave had been decreasing. However, “stro-
ng winds, possibly to tropical storm force, could still be occurring in association
with this system” over Puerto Rico and Hispaniola Monday and Tuesday..."

NATL GUARD LANGUAGE CENTER OPEN THROUGH 2017

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi announced last week that the effort he
has led since 2014 to prevent the closure of the English Language Center opera-
ted by the Puerto Rico National Guard (PRNG) at Ft. Allen in Juana Díaz "appe-
ars to be on a successful path.” The English Language Center was scheduled to
be closed starting in fiscal year (FY) 2016, which ended June 30, but Pierluisi’s
efforts resulted in the Language Center continuing to operate..."

PR DEMANDS EPA CLEAN UP TOXIC LANDFILLS

From Washington Examiner:

"Puerto Ricans, disgusted with the Environmental Protection Agency's "willful
dereliction" of its oversight of the island's toxic landfills, are demanding that the
head of the agency close them, saying they have lost faith in an EPA deputy in
charge of the territory. The citizens' advocacy group Puerto Rico Limpio, which
means Puerto Rico Clean, is clamoring in a letter for EPA Administrator Gina Mc
Carthy to enforce federal laws by closing the "toxic landfills." Their Sept. 1 letter
spells out a "shocking pattern of willful dereliction of federal responsibility" by E-
PA Regional 2 Administrator Judith Enck, who in newly released documents was
dismissive of the group's concerns, saying the agency took care of the problem
over the last decade..."

PR BANKRUPTICES UP 8.14% IN AUGUST

From News Is My Business:

"The number of bankruptcy cases filed in Puerto Rico was up 8.14 percent year-
over-year in August, when 929 cases were filed. So far this year, 7,038 petitions
have been filed at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, representing a 4.25 percent jump
when compared to the same period last year, information provided by research
firm Boletín de Puerto Rico showed..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 20, 2016

MAN CONVICTED FOR CARJACKINGS AND MURDER

From US Attorney's Office:

Today, Carmelo Velázquez-Aponte a.k.a. “Boty,” was found guilty of four
carjackings, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
(carjacking), and possession of a stolen firearm...According to the testimony
on June 18, 2011, the defendant stole the licensed firearm belonging to Rich-
ardson Mieses-Pimental and his vehicle, and then executed him. After that
event, Velázquez-Aponte committed other carjackings. During his attempt to
escape his arrest on June 20, 2011, he also stole a police officer’s gun and shot
a Police officer. The defendant also stole a police cruiser and engaged in two
other shootouts with police officers, until he was arrested. The defendant fired
the stolen weapons at the police officers..."

PREPA CUTS POWER AT HOUSING PROJECTS

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"In keeping with the eff ort to collect unpaid bills, the Public Housing
Administration (AVP by its Spanish acronym) announced Monday that
during the past week electrical service has been suspended to clients in
public housing projects in the regions of Mayagüez, Arecibo, Caguas
and Ponce. The AVP also announced that more than 30,000 public hou-
sing residents are late in paying their electricity bills. The heavily indeb-
ted Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) said nearly 170 cus-
tomers were affected by Monday’s action..."

UPR PROFESSOR SKEPTICAL OF NALED SPRAYING

From Caribbean Business:


"The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has exaggerated the risk levels
associated with the Zika virus to justify the aerial spraying of the insecti-
cide Naled over Puerto Rico, a University of Puerto Rico (UPR) profes-
sor said Tuesday. Cruz María Nazario, a professor in the Department of
Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Puerto Rico Medical
Sciences campus, accused the CDC of a lack of scientific rigorousness,
following CDC statements that allegedly overstate the risk for pregnant
women with the Zika virus of having babies with microcephaly. “The le-
vel of risk that has been employed to put fear in communities is wrong,”
said the UPR professor during a press conference in which other academ-
ics and politicians discussed the dangers of Naled, a substance that has
been banned for several years in the European Union..."

PIERLUISI: TASK FORCE CHAIR TO BE NAMED

From News Is My Business:

"Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner in Washington, Pedro Pierluisi, said
Tuesday that U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan could name the lawmaker who
will steer the work of the Puerto Rico Congressional Task Force this week.
With that person in place, the Task Force created by the Puerto Rico Oversi-
ght,  Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) will begin wor-
king in a more formal manner, he said. The eight Congressional lawmakers
who will sit on the Task Force — Pierluisi, Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ),
Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI), Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Sen. Marco Rubio
(R-FL), Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Sen. Bob Menéndez (D-NJ), and Sen.
Bill Nelson (D-FL) — were announced last week, and have been communi-
cating informally since, Pierluisi added..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 15, 2016

STILL NO DECISION ON MOSQUITO SPRAYING

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Local health officials are in discussions with federal officials over the advisa-
bility of spraying the insecticide Naled on the island to combat the mosquito-
borne Zika virus, La Fortaleza Chief of Staff Grace Santana said Wednesday.
“After the fumigation with Naled was recommended by the Centers for Dise-
ase Control and Prevention … as the most effective measure to control the A-
edes aegypti mosquito, we have kept up conversations with state and federal
experts on the matter,” Santana said. “It being a public health emergency, we
are responsibly studying the concerns of all the sectors of the country, aiming
to consider all the interests in conflict...”

PIERLUISI APPOINTED TO ECONOMY TASK FORCE

From Caribbean Business:

"Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi announced today that he has been
appointed by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to the “Congressional
Task Force on Economic Growth in Puerto Rico,” which was established by
Section 409 of Public Law 114-187, the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management,
and Economic Stability Act (Promesa). The Task Force consists of eight mem-
bers of Congress—two Senate Republicans appointed by Senate Majority Lea-
der Mitch McConnell, two Senate Democrats appointed by Senate Democratic
Leader Harry Reid, two House Republicans appointed by House Speaker Paul
Ryan, and two House Democrats appointed by Leader Pelosi. Speaker Ryan will
designate one of the eight members to serve as the chair of the Task Force..."

PR RETAIL SALES DOWN 2%

From News Is My Business:

"Puerto Rico’s retail sales reflected a reduction of $71.5 million, equivalent to
a 2.25 drop when compared to March 2015, Puerto Rico Trade and Export reve-
aled Thursday. Total retail sales in March 2016 totaled $3.10 billion, while in
2015 this figure was $3.17 billion, agency Executive Director Francisco Chév-
ere confirmed..."

PR GIVES AWAY $519M TO SEED CORPORATIONS

From Investigative Reporting Workshop:

"Millionaire enterprises, including Monsanto, Pioneer Hi Bred and nine other
multinational producers of transgenic and hybrid seeds, benefited from over
$519.7 million in Puerto Rican public funds throughout the last 10 fiscal years.
They took advantage of corporate welfare while the country headed toward a
$69 billion debt that cannot be paid to its bondholders, which prompted the en-
forcement of the Fiscal Oversight Board by the U.S. Congress..."

Puerto Rico 2016 Primary Results

All results provided by the State Electoral Commission.


Democratic Primary

Updated 6/8/16

President

Hillary Clinton                51,862 votes       59.66%

Bernie Sanders              32,946 votes       37.90%

Rocky De La Fuente          300 votes         0.35%

96.42% of units reporting



Popular Democratic Party

Resident Commissioner

Hector Ferrer               88,487 votes      57.70%
Angel Rosa                  64,881 votes 42.30%


New Progressive Party

Governor

Ricardo Rosello               230,034 votes 51.08%
Pedro Pierluisi                 220,279 votes      48.92%


Resident Commissioner

Jenniffer Gonzalez               315,120 votes       70.56%
Carlos Pesquera                  131,469 votes       29.44%

Puerto Rico News Digest For May 5, 2016

DEMOCRATS PUSH FOR PR DEBT MEASURE

From Bloomberg:

"House Democrats are stepping up pressure on Republicans to advance legis-
lation addressing Puerto Rico’s worsening debt crisis by issuing a report ar-
guing that austerity cuts can’t be sustained and have made the island more
vulnerable to the mosquito-borne Zika virus. Health-care cuts in response to
the $70 billion debt crisis have created a potentially “disastrous” outcome for
residents and show how further sharp reductions in government spending can’t
be a part of a legislative solution, according to the report released Wednesday
by Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee..."

TAXI DRIVERS PROTEST UBER IN SAN JUAN

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"The streets of San Juan were clogged with traffic Tuesday during a protest
carried out by taxi drivers against the possible arrival on the island of the com-
panies Uber and Lyft. The demonstration, organized by the Puerto Rico Fede-
ration of Taxis, began Tuesday morning at Luis Muñoz Marín International Air-
port in Isla Verde and proceeded to the Capitol in San Juan. Juan de León, pre-
sident of the federation, said the protest took place because the government so-
ught to “leave behind a sector that has been growing with the development of
our country and has contributed to the treasury to allow the entrance of com-
panies that take out money and don’t contribute anything...”

FEDS WANT PIERLUISI TO RETURN MONEY

From Caribbean Business:

"The Federal Election Commission (FEC) wants Puerto Rico’s Resident Co-
mmissioner in Washington, Pedro Pierluisi, to return more than $91,000 in ge-
neral election donations to his reelection campaign for resident commissioner,
Politico magazine reported Wednesday. The FEC contends that, since Pierluisi
is retiring from his nonvoting position in Congress to run for Puerto Rico gover-
nor, there is no need for him to retain those funds. The Office of Electoral Comp-
troller in San Juan, which oversees campaign fundraising, has also begun an in-
vestigation into Pierluisi’s gubernatorial campaign, specifically whether he rai-
sed money from Wall Street executives and lobbyists without reporting it, Poli-
tico said..."

PR IRKED BY BASEBALL SERIES UNCERTAINTY

From The Tribune-Review:

"Puerto Rico officials on Wednesday expressed indignation over the potential
cancellation of a Pittsburgh versus Miami baseball series scheduled on the is-
land, saying concerns about the Zika virus are overblown. Calling off the ga-
mes would be disrespectful to the family of the late Pirates star Roberto Cle-
mente and, more importantly, could cost the cash-strapped U.S. territory mi-
llions of dollars in lost revenue, lawmakers and tourism officials said. “It's an
outrageous situation,” Rep. Angel Matos, head of the tourism commission for
Puerto Rico's House of Representatives, told the Tribune-Review..."

Pierluisi Trounces Rossello In 2016 Primaries Pasquines Poll

by William-Jose Velez

Pasquines

Pedro Pierluisi managed to turn out more supporters for the 2016 Elections
Puerto Rico March-April Poll, easily defeating opponent Ricardo Rossello.
That said turnout from New Progressive Party affiliates was comparatively
low, in comparison to Popular Democratic Party supporters, which indicates
the results are likely not as accurate as we would have hoped for. Only NPP
affiliates were asked the question of which gubernatorial NPP candidate they
would choose in the primary, and 166...[CONTINUE READING]

Puerto Rico News Digest For April 18, 2016

COPS SUSPENDED OVER WHEELCHAIR INCIDENT

From The Daily Mail:

"Authorities in Puerto Rico have suspended two police officers after one was
caught on video throwing a man in a wheelchair to the ground while the other
looked on without intervening. Police say Victor Muniz Martinez and Juan Ri-
vera Zayas were notified Saturday of their immediate suspension with intention
to expel them from the force. Police Superintendent Jose Caldero says the offi-
cers could also face criminal charges once the internal investigation has conclu-
ded..."

CAROLINA MAYOR BACKS FISCAL BOARD

From Caribbean Business:

"Carolina Mayor José Carlos Aponte justified the implementation of a
federal fiscal control board on Puerto Rico amid what he called the ine-
fficiency of the commonwealth government in providing solutions to
the island’s problems or in channeling efforts toward economic growth.
“I think controls are needed; I believe the debt must always be paid,” the
mayor said as an aside during the the celebration of Children’s Day in Ca-
rolina. While agreeing with the establishment by the U.S. Congress of “a
regulating entity that intervenes in with the composition, approval and im-
plementation of the budget of Puerto Rico,” the municipality’s leader stre-
ssed that “the central government has failed to solve the island’s fiscal cri-
sis..."

CLARO FINED $155K FOR CRAMMING

From News Is My Business:

"The Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board has issued a fine
against carrier Claro de Puerto Rico of more than $155,000 for apparent “cra-
mming” practices in its wireless and bundled Internet services. By definition
“cramming” is the practice of adding unauthorized charges to a customer’s
phone invoice, a practice that is prohibited by both the Federal Communica-
tions Commission’s “Truth-in-Billing” rules and the Puerto Rico Telecommu-
nications Act of 1996..."

PIERLUISI SAYS NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi said a New York Times report about
the income earned by the company owned by his wife María Elena Carrión
since he arrived in Congress will not affect his candidacy for governor of Puer-
to Rico. He said the Times report, which appeared in the April 13 edition of the
STAR, will not affect him in the least because it does not contain complaints a-
gainst him and experts in congressional ethics have found no violation. Pierluisi
denied any conflict of interest between his work and that of his wife, who dedi-
cates herself to advising on financial matters..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For April 1, 2016

ZIKA KILLS HUNDREDS IN PUERTO RICO

The zika virus, until now thought to only be dangerous to pregnant women,
but mild or even symptomless for most people, has suddenly taken a turn for
the worse, as up to 500 people have seemingly died due to complications from
the virus over the last week. Large numbers of unusual deaths were reported
starting about eight days ago, all across Puerto Rico. The only common thread
among the  otherwise unexplained deaths was that all of the victims had recently
tested positive for the Zika virus, which indicates that the virus may have recent-
ly mutated. "This is definitely a game-changer", said PR Health Secretary Ana
Rius. "Experts from the CDC [Centers for Disease Control] are on their way to
the island right now to investigate. We encourage all residents not to panic, but
to please stay indoors 24 hours a day, without exception. We have also discove-
red that certain invididuals with Zika who rubbed their bellies while simultane-
ously drinking an Old Colony pineapple soda were able to avoid being killed
by the virus." After concluding her remarks, Rius promptly ran outside and
threw herself onto highway traffic, being struck by several cars. She was de-
clared dead at the scene.

GARCIA PADILLA ENDORSES TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT

In a surprise announcement this morning, Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro
Garcia Padilla endorsed controversial Republican Presidential candidate Do-
nald Trump. During a press conference at La Fortaleza, Garcia Padilla stated
to shocked members of the press that he believes a Donald Trump presidency
would be best for the United states, and therefore for Puerto Rico. "Este queee,
ay zink that Mister Tromp is best deelmaiker in da werld and he can help os ne-
gochiate da debt. Plos, he has lots of moni and can meybee help os out wif a
loan or somsink", declared the governor to the bewildered reporters. "Plos,
dose steaks of hiz are pritti delichous."

PEDRO PIERLUISI: 'FUCK STATEHOOD'

Puerto Rico's sole non-voting congressional representative, Resident Commi-
ssioner and NPP gubernatorial candidate Pedro Pierluisi, expressed disillusi-
onment towards his long-held ideal of Puerto Rican statehood today during
remarks to The Puerto Rico Monitor. "Look, let's just be honest here, okay?",
said the tired-looking Pierluisi, immediately before taking a long drag from
a cigarrette and then slowly exhaling the smoke upward, a bitter look on his
face. "This statehood shit's not going to happen. It's just not. It never will. I
work in Congress, remember? They're the ones who can make it happen. And
they don't give a shit. You think they care what I think? I can't vote. Most of
the time these people mistake me for the janitor, or the guy delivering lunch."
Pierluisi went on, looking as if he were on the verge of tears, "We're broke,
why would they make us a state now? You know what? Fuck statehood. Jesus.
I've wasted my goddamn life." Having said that, the Resident Commissioner
spat on the ground, turned around and walked away.

April Fool's!

Puerto Rico News Digest For January 11, 2016

LAST PR LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS

From Caribbean Business:

"The seventh and last ordinary session of the Puerto Rico Legislature for
the 2012 to 2016 term begins Monday at 1 p.m., with both the House of Re-
presentatives and the Senate having left several measures on the table.  Am-
ong these is the controversial legislation to restructure the Puerto Rico Elec-
tric Power Authority (Prepa), which had been expected to be addressed in an
extraordinary session that did not materialize. Senate President Eduardo Bha-
tia and Rep. Jesús Santa have both said the measure will  be considered this
month..."

PIERLUISI URGES STATEHOOD VOTE

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Resident Commissioner and New Progressive Party (NPP) gubernatorial can-
didate Pedro Pierluisi is calling on new Popular Democratic Party (PDP) Pre-
sident and gubernatorial candidate David Bernier to push for an up or down vo-
te on statehood. “I invite you to review the [friend of the court brief] presented
by the Department of Justice of the United States in the case People vs. Sánchez,
before the Supreme Court of  the United States,” Pierluisi said in a letter dated
Jan. 5. “In a crystal clear manner the federal Department of Justice exposes how
the Constitution of the Free Associated State is not a sovereign status, nor does
it change the territorial status of the island...”

LAW TO BOOST GOV'T BUYS FROM SMALL BIZ

From News Is My Business:

"A bill amending Law 62 of 2014 calling for an increase in government pur-
chases from local small and mid-sized businesses from 20 percent to 30 per-
cent starting this year has been signed into law, House Speaker Jaime Perelló
announced. The bill also included amendments to facilitate and streamline
permits processes for the sector..."

POWERBALL JACKPOT KEEPS GROWING

From NBC News:

"The ever-surging Powerball jackpot has grown to a record $1.3 billion after
Saturday night's drawing which had no bigger winner. But should you wind
up with the winning jackpot in Wednesday's record-breaking draw, odds are
good that you won't be able to hold on to your anonymity. With Powerball ti-
ckets sold in 44 states, as well as in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands
and Puerto Rico, all but six states require lottery winners to come forward
publicly..."

Pierluisi Statement on Developments in Congress Regarding Puerto Rico

Press Release

Del. Pedro Pierluisi


Washington, DC—Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi issued the
following statement on today’s developments in Congress regarding
Puerto Rico:

“This morning, I spoke on the House floor about the crisis in Puerto
Rico, and about the urgent need for Congress to enact legislation that
gives Puerto Rico the tools it needs to surmount this crisis.

“Subsequently, Congressman Sean Duffy, Republican from Wiscon-
sin, filed the Puerto Rico Financial Stability and Debt Restructuring
Choice Act.  The bill would provide Puerto Rico with the same abili-
ty to restructure debt as the states have, while establishing a tempora-
ry financial stability council to assist Puerto Rico in managing its fi-
nances.  The Puerto Rico government could opt not to use the restruc-
turing authority, in which case the council would not be established.
However, if Puerto Rico does elect to use the restructuring authority,
the council would take effect for a period of time.  The choice would
be Puerto Rico’s.  I commend Congressman Duffy for his leadership
in acknowledging that Puerto Rico requires a federal mechanism to
restructure debt.  I hope Congressman Duffy will work with me to re-
calibrate the oversight portion of his bill, which I believe has proble-
matic aspects.

“Also today, on the Senate floor, Senator Chuck Schumer of New
York, Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of
New York, Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, Senator Robert Menen-
dez of New Jersey, and Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut
spoke at length about Puerto Rico.  Senator Schumer sought consent
from all senators to approve the Puerto Rico Chapter 9 Uniformity
Act.  All this bill would do is empower the U.S. territory of Puerto
Rico to restructure its debt in the exact same way that each U.S. sta-
te is empowered to restructure its debt.  The fact that we even have
to fight for equal treatment in this area proves the point I made in my
floor speech this morning, when I compared the relationship between
the federal government and Puerto Rico to ‘the relationship between
a master and his servant’ and called it a ‘national disgrace.’  Our poli-
tical status must be discarded for a new status, namely statehood, that
does not require us to beg Congress for fair and equitable treatment.

“Chairman Hatch announced this morning that he will introduce a bill
today called the Puerto Rico Assistance Act of 2015.  I have reviewed
a summary of the bill, but not the legislative text itself.  Based on that
summary, there are aspects of the bill that are positive—such as the
bill’s recognition that Puerto Rico is treated inequitably under federal
health programs, the allocation of up to $3 billion in federal funding to
assist the territory, and federal payroll tax relief for island workers for
five years—and aspects that I have concerns with, such as the absence
of a federal mechanism to enable Puerto Rico to restructure any of its
debt.  But, overall, I am grateful to Chairman Hatch for his attention to
this issue, and I know he is approaching this matter in good faith. I look
forward to continuing to work with him, Ranking Member Wyden and
others in an effort to enact a meaningful legislative package into law
before Congress recesses.  If Congress declines to take action by then,
it does so at its own peril.


“Viewed in their entirety, the individual developments today demons-
trate that congressional leaders fully understand the severity of the cri-
sis and are actively considering concrete steps to empower Puerto Rico.
Now is the time to work together on a bipartisan basis to enact a sensi-
ble package of legislative provisions into law.”        

Puerto Rico News Digest For November 30, 2015

AGP, PIERLUISI TO TESTIFY BEFORE US SENATE

From Caribbean Business:

"The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee will be holding a hearing at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 1, on Puerto Rico’s fiscal problems. With jurisdiction over
bankruptcy policy, the Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Chuck Grass-
ley (R., Iowa), is expected to discuss extensively the commonwealth’s eff-
orts to secure inclusion under Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection. The commi-
ttee has invited Gov. Alejandro García Padilla and Resident Commissioner
Pedro Pierluisi to testify as part of the hearing’s first panel. For the second
panel, the witnesses are: University of Puerto Rico finance Prof. Carlos A.
Colón De Armas; Alex J. Pollock, a resident fellow at American Enterprise
Institute in Washington, D.C.; Stephen Spencer, managing director at Houli-
han Lokey; Richard Carrión, executive chairman of Banco Popular; and Ri-
chard Ravitch, former lieutenant governor of New York..."

BOND PAYMENT, SCOTUS DECISION LOOM THIS WEEK

From News Is My Business:

"The government of Puerto Rico is facing a busy week with  the development
of three key events on- and off-island, headed by a decision to make a $354 mi-
llion bond payment by the Dec. 1 deadline. The Government Development Bank
has that payment obligation in Senior Notes looming, of which $273.3m is back-
ed by the Commonwealth’s General Obligation constitutional guarantee...Also
pending is a $120 million disbursement for Christmas bonuses for public emplo-
yees,  which the government has also yet to confirm it will make. Meanwhile,
sometime today, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide on the govern-
ment’s petition for review of the decisions by the U.S. District Court of San
Juan and the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston declaring uncons-
titutional a law passed on the island that would allow it to restructure its debts
through an orderly process..."

ASES CHIEF REPORTS PROGRESS ON DEBT

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Health Insurance Administration (ASES) Executive Director Ricardo Rivera
Cardona says ASES has made a sixth payment of $25.7 million to service pro-
viders under the Government Health Plan for debts accumulated under the old
tertiary provider administration model that ended on March 31. “We continue
to pay the debt little by little, according to the availability of funds every mon-
th,” Rivera Cardona said. “We authorized the payment [Monday]. We paid a li-
ttle over $202million, or 61 percent, on the accumulated debt of $333 million,
and liquidated the debt for pharmacy services...”

COAST GUARD FINDS MISSING MAN'S BODY

From Fox News Latino:

"The U.S. Coast Guard has found a body floating off Puerto Rico's northwest
coast that officials believe to be a Chilean man reported missing from a cargo
vessel traveling through the region. The body was dressed in a uniform belon-
ging to the Chilean-flagged Berkay N and was found near where the vessel's
first engineer Luis Leyva Aliaga went missing. The 62-year-old was last seen
at about 11 p.m. Wednesday and was reported missing Thursday after he did
not show up for his assignment..."

Elizabeth Warren Rips the Obama Administration on Puerto Rico

After Obama finally rolled out a plan, Sen. Warren calls on the government 
to do more for the US colony.

Mother Jones


By AJ Vicens 


After months of facing indifference from Congress, the people of
Puerto Rico might finally be making progress on getting some help
with the island's massive debt crisis from both the Obama adminis-
tration and Congress.

Last Wednesday, the Obama administration outlined a proposal that
would allow the island's entities to restructure debts, provide "inde-
pendent financial oversight" to ensure Puerto Rico sticks to a finan-
cial recovery plan, reform the unequal treatment of Puerto Rico un-
der Medicaid, and allow Puerto Rico access to the Earned Income
Tax Credit.

The next day, Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro García Padilla, Rep. Pe-
dro Pierluisi, and representatives from the Treasury Department tes-
tified before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resour-
ces. García Padilla said steep cuts to public services had already
been made, but that if nothing were done, the island would run out
of money next month...[CONTINUE READING]

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 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.”

Pierluisi Announces Major Step Forward for Caño Martín Peña Project

Sep 12, 2015 

Press Release

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publishes draft feasibility report and envi-
ronmental impact statement

San Juan, Puerto Rico—Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi announced to-
day that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has published the draft feasibility
report and environmental impact statement for the Caño Martín Peña environ-
mental restoration project.  These documents, which are over 2,000 pages and
divided into three volumes, propose a plan for how the project will be imple-
mented.

The public now has 45 days in which to submit comments to ENLACE, the
non-federal sponsor for the project, regarding the proposed plan. The public
comment period ends on October 26, 2015.  Once all comments are conside-
red, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Jo-Ellen Darcy, will
be in a position to make a final decision on whether to approve the project and
adopt it a formal part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ civil works pro-
gram.

ENLACE will also host two public meetings on Wednesday, October 14th,
about the project.

“Today’s public notice of the draft feasibility report and environmental impact
statement represents a major step forward in the planning process for the Caño
Martín Peña project.  For the past several years, ENLACE and the Grupo de las
Ocho Comunidades Aledañas al Caño Martín Peña—known as the G-8 - have
worked closely with the Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resour-
ces and other stakeholders, to prepare an excellent and thorough plan. The plan
prioritizes the interests of the community and balances environmental considera-
tions,” said Pierluisi.

“I congratulate ENLACE and the G-8 on this progress, and I urge all those inte-
rested in the restoration of Caño Martín Peña to file their comments in support
of the project and the proposed plan by the deadline,” added the Resident Co-
mmissioner.

The published plan calls for the Corps of Engineers to dredge approximately
2.2 miles of the eastern half of the Caño to a width of 100 feet and a depth of
10 feet, with slight variations in channel width and depth at the several bridges
that cross the Caño.  The walls of the dredged Caño will be constructed with
concrete and steel.  The project, once constructed, will restore the natural tidal
connection between the San José Lagoon and the San Juan Bay, significantly
improving water quality and habitat in the Caño and the surrounding San Juan
Bay estuary.  Residents in the eight communities along the Caño would be able
to enjoy a healthy waterway, revitalized neighborhoods, and greater economic
opportunities.

“I continue to strongly support this project and will make every effort to secure
its incorporation into the President’s budget request to Congress as soon as the
planning process is completed and Assistant Secretary Darcy approves the pro-
ject,” said Pierluisi.

The Resident Commissioner has been working to build support for the Caño
Martín Peña project in Congress.  In June, Pierluisi led a congressional letter
signed by 15 Representatives and 5 Senators to Assistant Secretary Darcy and
Lieutenant General Thomas Bostick, the top civilian and military leaders of
the Corps of Engineers, urging them to expedite completion of the feasibility
review process for the Caño Martín Peña project.

Pierluisi has also personally met several times with Assistant Secretary Dar-
cy to discuss progress in the planning process for the project, and made visits
to ENLACE and the Caño, including a visit in February 2015 with Congress-
man Bill Shuster, the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over the Corps of Engineers.  Additiona-
lly, Pierluisi has secured language in the committee reports accompanying the
Fiscal Year 2016 appropriations bills for the Corps of Engineers and the EPA,
emphasizing the importance of the Caño Martín Peña project and urging the
two federal agencies to work together on solutions to fund the project.

The draft documents are available in both English and Spanish on the Army
Corps’ website at: http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/About/DivisionsOffices/
Planning/EnvironmentalBranch/EnvironmentalDocuments.aspx#CMP

The documents are also available on ENLACE’s website at: http://dragadomar
tinpena.org/.

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 14, 2015

PIERLUISI SEEKS PR DROUGHT RELIEF

From The San Juan Daily Star:

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

GOVERNOR SIGNS PRO-TRANSGENDER LAWS

From HRC:

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

COTTO VS CANELO SET FOR VEGAS

From LA Times:

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

MORE THAN 100 OFFICIALS LOBBY FOR PR

From News Is My Business:

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

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 July 22, 2015

WATER RATIONING COMES TO THE SOUTH

Puerto Rico's water utility, Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados  (AAA), 

has announced the implementation of a water rationing program for sectors of the 

municipalities of Coamo, Santa Isabel and Salinas, as the island's worst drought in 

decades threatens underground aquifers in the region. Twelve-hour rationing, where

water flow is cut off to users for 12 hours at a time, begins Thursday, July 23. The 

rationing area is divided into two zones, A and B (see the map above to find out

which neighborhoods are in which zones). Zone A will be the first to see the water

stop flowing at midnight tonight. Water will be reestablished at noon, and then Zone

B will have its water cut off for 12 hours. AAA will not run water oases in these towns,

as rationing will initially only be 12 hours. 

PREPA APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

From Caribbean Business:

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (Prepa) announced Tuesday the designa-

tion of Javier Quintana Méndez as the new executive director of the financially trou-

bled utility, effective Aug. 3. "The successful transformation of Prepa is crucial for 

Puerto Rico and its citizens. The Governing Board of Prepa selected Dr. Quintana as 

executive director at this important moment, because we believe that his experience 

and background in the energy field will help Prepa reach its goal of becoming a self-

sustaining corporation. Now is the time for the crucial decisions that require great lea-

dership," said Harry Rodríguez, chairman of the utility’s board. Quintana Méndez, 

who has been vice president of Prepa’s board for the past two years, is currently the 

dean of the engineering school at Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Baya-

món campus, and a member of the Interamerican Board of Energy Resources Direc-

tors. Moreover, he is a former executive director of the Solid Waste Authority (2005-

2008).

TWO MORE SENATORS BACK CHAPTER 9 BILL

From News Is My Business:

Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi announced Tuesday that Senator Patrick Leahy 

of Vermont, the Ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, will cosponsor S. 

1774, the identical companion bill in the Senate to HR 870, the Puerto Rico Chapter 9 

Uniformity Act, which Pierluisi introduced in the House of Representatives in February.

Senator Leahy’s office advised Pierluisi’s office and Leahy will be formally added as a 

cosponsor. In addition, Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, a moderate who sits on the 

Senate Banking Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, has also agreed to co-

sponsor S. 1774, which was introduced last week by Senator Richard Blumenthal of Co-

nnecticut, Senator Charles Schumer of New York, and 10 other U.S. Senators, including 

Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.

PR BASKETBALL TEAM LOSES PAN AM OPENER

From The Courier-Journal:

Rick Pitino's international coaching debut on Tuesday morning was an forgettable 

one. Pitino, coaching Puerto Rico's national team at the Pan Am Games here in Ca-

nada, saw his squad fall behind by 25 points in the first quarter, shoot 33 percent 

and lose 92-59 in a lopsided opener against Brazil at the Mattamy Athletic Centre 

on Ryerson University's campus. The 33-point loss matched a 2009 U of L loss at 

Notre Dame for the worst defeat by a Rick Pitino-coached team in at least the last 

15 years.