Puerto Rico Grinds To a Halt

GENERAL STRIKE DEMANDS ROSSELLO RESIGNATION

Photo by Twitter user @jorge32389

Thousands of Puerto Ricans are pouring into the streets today to demand the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló after the revelation of screen captures of chats with his advisors and cabinet members on the Telegram app. Rosselló has resigned as president of his party, the PNP, and has said that he will not run for reelection in 2020, but he refuses to step down as Governor.

Protests have rocked the archipelago for the better part of the last two weeks. But today's demonstrations are expected to be the largest yet, possibly the largest in Puerto Rico's history. As of the time of this writing, Las Americas Expressway was already shut down due to the crowds, and thousands are gathering at Hiram Bithorn Stadium for a march later today to Jesús Pinero Avenue.

Other marches and protests will be taking place across Puerto Rico, and protests are expected in front of the Governor's mansion -- La Fortaleza -- in Old San Juan.

Keep up with the latest by checking out the Puerto Rico Monitor's Twitter feed. Live video
of today's events  from WAPA TV will be available below all day today.

PUERTO RICO GOVERNMENT IN CRISIS

GOV. ROSSELLO IN HOT WATER OVER LEAKED CHATS

The government of Puerto Rico was thrown into turmoil starting on July 8th, when screenshots of chat sessions involving Governor Ricardo Rosselló on the Telegram application where made public. A few more pages where released the next day, and on July 13th, 889 pages of the chat screenshots were released by the Center for Investigative Journalism. The chats in question happened during December 2018 and January 2019.

The chat screens included several troubling statements, slurs, jokes and threats made by several of the chat participants: the Governor, Secretary of State Luis Rivera Marín, Public Affairs Secretary Ramón Rosario, legal counsel Alfonso Orona, CFO Christian Sobrino and lobbyist Elías Sanchez, among others. 

The chat scandal comes just days after the arrest of former PR Education Secretary Julia Keleher and other Rosselló administration officials on corruption charges

Some of the highlights from the chats:

• Participants joked about killing San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz.
• Homophobic slurs and other insults where used against member of the press, political opponents and celebrities like Ricky Martin.
• Insults against the federal Financial Control Board that oversees the island's finances.
• Mockery of the Governor's neighbors in Cayey -- where Rosselló has a vacation home --  and their poverty.
• Jokes about the backlog of dead bodies in Puerto Rico's forensic science center.
• Coordination of actions by online trolls on behalf of the Governor, rigging of online polls and    collusion with journalists in order to receive favorable coverage.
• Jokes about the weight of a Rosselló campaign volunteer.
• Directive by Rosselló to "sic" the police on or jeopardize the employment of political rivals.
• The Governor expressed a desire to "take care of" Arnaldo Claudio, the federal monitor assigned to oversee Puerto Rico's troubled police force.

The full text of the chats (in Spanish) is available as a pdf at this link. 

Some of the most controversial remarks, translated to English, can be found here.

Numerous politicians, celebrities and private citizens have called for the Governor's resignation. So far, he refuses to step down, although some cabinet officials involved in the chats have announced their resignations. Widespread anti-Rosselló  protests have rocked the city of San Juan, starting the weekend of the chat revelations and continuing into this week.

For ongoing updates on the political crisis and the protests happening  in response to the chat scandal, keep an eye on our Twitter feed. The latest headlines and updates can also be seen on the ticker at the top of this page.

Puerto Rico News Digest For December 10, 2018

ARREST WARRANT SOUGHT FOR PEDOPHILE TEACHER

The federal probations office has asked the Department of Justice to issue an arrest warrant for former teacher Yaira Cotto Flores, who earlier this year was found guilty of having sexual relations with a 14-year-old student in 2016. She began communicating online with the student in 2015, and early the following year took him to a motel, where they had intercourse.

Cotto Flores was due to turn herself in to the federal Bureau of Prisons today so that she could start serving her 10-year prison sentence in Alabama, which would be followed by 8 years of probation. The teacher has failed to turn herself in on more than one occasion, and according to her husband, she has been seeking mental health treatment.

ROSSELLO NOT SAYING HOW HE'S PAYING FOR BONUS

From El Nuevo Dia:

"Governor Ricardo Rosselló Nevares said that the Christmas bonus to public employees will not threaten the government payroll spend during the last months of the fiscal year. However, the  governor offered little or no information regarding the "savings" that his administration reached to offset this $ 85.3 million disbursement..."

NO PROBABLE CAUSE AGAINST WANDA VAZQUEZ

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"In an unprecedented process, First Instance Court Judge Yazdel Ramos late Friday dismissed all three charges presented by the Independent Special Prosecutor Panel (PFEI, its Spanish acronym) against Secretary of Justice Wanda Vázquez, indicating the evidence presented did not show probable cause for arrest..."

PR HOUSE TO REQUEST JONES ACT EXEMPTION

From Caribbean Business:

"Puerto Rico Rep. José Aponte Hernández will ask the new U.S. Congress to study a request made this weekend by the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), that Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Alaska be permanently exempted from the cabotage law known as the Jones Act..."

Puerto Rico News Digest for July 5, 2018

TROPICAL STORM BERYL FORMS

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Depression Two has now become Tropical Storm Beryl, the second tropical storm of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season. According to the NHC's 2:30 PM AST update, the system reached maximum sustained winds of 40 mph early this afternoon, putting it in tropical storm status. As of this morning, the storm was expected to dissipate east of the Lesser Antilles sometime early next week. Keep checking this website and our Twitter feed  for any changes in the storm's status or forecast track. No watches or warnings have been issued so far. The latest stats on Beryl as of 3:45 PM AST are: 

LOCATION...10.3N 42.3W
ABOUT 1330 MI...2140 KM ESE OF THE LESSER ANTILLES
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 275 DEGREES AT 16 MPH...26 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1007 MB...29.74 INCHES

SENATE REJECTS REPEALING LAW 80

From El Nuevo Dia:

"Not even 24 hours after Rosselló called for an extraordinary session, the Senate rejected, for the third time, the bill that would repeal the compensation for unjustified dismissal act (Law 80-1976), and that would have allowed the  Government to comply with the agreement reached with the Oversight Board..."

PR GOVT TO CHALLENGE BOARD'S BUDGET IN COURT

From Caribbean Business:

"In a statement issued by his office, La Fortaleza, Puerto Rican Gov. Ricardo Rosselló announced Thursday that “the Government of Puerto Rico” was asking the court to “defend” the budget approved by the island’s legislature, which he signed, and decide whether it or the budget certified by the island’s fiscal oversight board should be implemented..."

PARTS OF EL YUNQUE FOREST TO REOPEN FOR SUMMER

From San Juan Daily Star:

"[Forest Service Interim Chief Vicki Christiansen]...announced that another area in the forest, Yokahu Tower, was to reopen to the public on July 4. In addition to Yokahu Tower, La Coca Falls along PR-191 and the Puente Roto and Angelito trails on road PR-988 are the few forest attractions available for visitors at this time..."

MAN SHOT TO DEATH IN CIDRA HOUSE

A still unidentified male was shot to death shortly after 2:00 AM today in the mountain town of Cidra. Local police were alerted to the shooting by a phone call, and upon arriving at the residence on Girasol Street, in the Campo Bello sector, found the bullet-riddled body of the victim inside his house. Caguas homicide detectives are investigating.

Puerto Rico News Digest for June 28, 2018

PUERTO RICAN SOCIALIST HEADED TO CONGRESS?

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Tuesday night victory over congressman Joe Crowley in the Democratic Party primary election for New York's 14th House District puts the young victor of Puerto Rican descent within striking distance of becoming the youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Ocasio-Cortez, who was outspent by Crowley during the campaign by a ratio of 10 to 1, has espoused democratic socialist ideas and was able to garner strong grassroots support in the 14th district, which includes parts of The Bronx and Queens. As her congressional district is solidly Democratic, Ocasio-Cortez is the favorite to win the seat in November's general election.

MAN SHOT TO DEATH FOUND IN OROCOVIS

As reported by El Vocero, a murder was reported shortly before 10 PM last night on road PR-156, in the Las Marianas sector of the mountain town of Orocovis. A 911 call alerted police to the shooting, and upon arriving, they found the body of 35 year old Edwin López Rosario, who was a local resident. The victim had been shot several times in different parts of his body.

NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT WORKERS DROPS BY OVER 12K

From El Nuevo Dia:

"In one year, the number of public servants in Puerto Rico was reduced by 12,033 workers, according to the most recent Registry of Occupied Positions prepared by the Office of the Comptroller. This figure  represents a 6 percent decrease in the government's workforce..."

LAW 80 FIGHT CONTINUES BETWEEN GOVERNOR, LEGISLATURE

From Caribbean Business:

"Gov. Ricardo Rosselló said Thursday that dialogue over the repeal of Act 80 of 1976–on compensation for dismissals without just cause–remains open. “I want to reach a resolution that benefits the people of Puerto Rico. And I will use all the mechanisms that are available: Call for an extraordinary session,  dialogue or whatever to be able to find a solution that can comply with the agreement [with the island’s fiscal oversight board]. I hope all colleagues are willing to have that conversation,” the governor told the media..."

TRANSPORTATION DEPT TO OFFER SERVICES THROUGH APP

From News Is My Business:

"The Puerto Rico Department of Transportation has launched the CESCO Digital Mobile application to enable users to conduct transactions that until Monday could only be done in person at Driver Services Centers (CESCO,) the Treasury Department or via complicated websites. The tool was developed by students from the University of Puerto Rico in Bayamón, Gov. Ricardo Rosselló confirmed upon unveiling the new mobile technology..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For May 29, 2018

THE VIOLENCE CONTINUES: MAN SHOT TO DEATH IN CAROLINA

As reported by El Vocero, a man was found shot to death early Tuesday morning on 73rd Street in the Villa Carolina neighborhood of the municipality of Carolina. The victim -- who remains unidentified -- was described as being dark-skinned, about 5 feet, nine inches tall and weighing approximately 140 pounds. He was dressed in a black shirt, red and white pants and black athletic shoes. An anonymous 911 call alerted police to the sound of gunshots in the area shortly after midnight. Police are investigating.

ROSSELLO AND BOARD DEFEND LABOR CHANGES

From El Nuevo Dia:

"Governor Ricardo Rosselló Nevares rejected yesterday that the repeal of the Unjust Dismissal Act (Law 80-1976) would leave the island´s working class in a vulnerable position, especially women and senior employees, because there are other labor laws to protect them..."

PREPA BUDGET FACES FIVE YEARS OF SHORTFALLS

From Caribbean Business:

"The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) said Friday that the approved fiscal-recovery plan for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (Prepa) faces billions in financial risks that will hinder the transformation of the grid..."

PUERTO RICO RETAIL SALES GROW 6.7% FOR JANUARY

From News Is My Business:

"Puerto Rico’s retail sales for the month of January 2018 totaled $2.8 billion, representing a 6.7 percent growth when compared to the same period in 2017, when total sales were $2.6 billion..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For February 11, 2018

BREAKING:

POWER OUT ACROSS NORTHERN PR

FIRE AT MONACILLOS STATION LEAVES THOUSANDS IN THE DARK

Photo: John Mudd, via Twitter.

Many parts of northern Puerto Rico, including large swaths of the San Juan metro area, were plunged into darkness on Sunday night, seemingly due to a fire at the Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica's Monacillos substation in Río Piedras. The failure at Monacillos may have created a domino effect which knocked other substations out of service. Per AEE, the San Juan and Palo Seco power plants are currently offline. 

According to both El Nuevo Día and power utility customers on social media, sectors of the following municipalities have been affected: San Juan, Carolina, Trujillo Alto, Guaynabo, Caguas, Camuy, Hatillo, Manatí, Arecibo,  Río Grande, Barceloneta and Luquillo. At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown. AEE sources have stated that it could take as long as 16 hours for power to return to most of the affected areas. Follow our Twitter feed for the latest.

ROSSELLO AND GONZALEZ ANNOUNCE RECOVERY FUNDS

From Caribbean Business: 

"Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló, along with Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González announced an allocation of $16 billion in federal funds for the island’s recovery after Hurricane Maria. This appropriation is part of budget legislation approved by Congress and signed Friday by President Donald Trump..."

MALL OF SAN JUAN TO MAKE $10M FOR 2018

From News Is My Business:

"Taubman Centers Inc., owners and operators of The Mall of San Juan, anticipated Friday that they will generate $10 million of net operating income (NOI) from that asset in 2018, some of which may come from sources other than sales activities..."

PR SENDS ATHLETE TO WINTER OLYMPICS

From Time: 

"Carrying Puerto Rico’s flag at the 2018 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in PyeongChang, South Korea, Flaherty beamed as the first representative for Puerto Rico at the Games since 1998, when it sent another alpine skier and two-man and four-man bobsled teams to Nagano, Japan."

Puerto Rico News Digest for December 21, 2017

WHITE HOUSE SAYS TAX BILL WON'T HURT PR

From Caribbean Business:

"Sweeping tax code changes aimed at keeping U.S. companies from shifting profits offshore to avoid taxes will not affect the battered economy of Puerto Rico, a senior White House official said on Wednesday. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló has said the provisions in a new tax bill passed by Congress could prompt drug and medical device manufacturers to leave the island territory, which is considered a foreign jurisdiction for tax purposes..."

GOVERNOR RETURNS TO CONGRESS FOR TALKS

From El Nuevo Dia:

"Governor Ricardo Rosselló will begin negotiations in Washington today in a second attempt seeking to insert Puerto Rico into the recently approved tax reform..."

FEMA: MORE THAN $870 MILLION GIVEN TO STORM SURVIVORS

From News Is My Business:

"More than $870 million in federal funds has been provided to Puerto Rico survivors of Hurricanes Irma and María, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said. This includes money paid out in FEMA grants, U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans and National  Flood Insurance Policy claims..."

STRANDED ANIMALS RESCUED FROM PUERTO RICO

From Patch.com

"It was a happy day in Westhampton Sunday as 130 animals landed safely after being rescued from Puerto Rico. The rescue mission was conducted by the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons. "This is our biggest rescue to date," ARF representatives said..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 20, 2017

CAUGHT IN THE ACT AND NEARLY KILLED

THUGS TRY TO ROB GAS STATION, GET SHOT BY COPS

A police officer who happened to stop at a Total gas station in the Corujo sector of Bayamón inadvertently walked in on two individuals who were in the process of robbing the establishment at around 10:00 AM today.  Sergeant Pedro Colón Burgos was soon followed by a municipal police officer and a member of the state police's canine unit. A gunfight quickly broke out between the two parties, and one of the criminals was injured by gunfire in several parts of his body. The man's uninjured accomplice ran off, but was soon arrested by the roadside as he tried to flag down a car to steal. Both men are now in custody, and a stolen vehicle was impounded at the scene. The police officers were not hurt.

ROSSELLO: PR WILL BE STATE IN 5 YEARS

From Caribbean Business:

"In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the New Progressive Party (NPP), Gov. Ricardo Rosselló Nevares stressed that change is a constant in that party and predicted that in five years Puerto Rico will become the 51st state of the United States..."

CORRECTIONS OFFICER DIES DURING RIOT TRAINING

From Officer.com:

"A Puerto Rico corrections officer died after suffering a medical emergency while participating in riot control training this week. Corrections Officer David Torres-Chaparro began complaining of a strong pain in his chest during a training exercise

CHARBONIER PUSHES TO UPDATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAW

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"New Progressive Party (NPP) Rep. María Milagros Charbonier said Thursday that she is still pressing for several amendments to Law 54 of 1989, also known as the Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Law, designed to prevent violence against women..."

PR BEATS BAHAMAS IN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

From Tribune 242:

"The Bahamas couldn’t stop the up-tempo game from host Puerto Rica and ended up getting blown out  by 64 points. The only thing that the undefeated Puerto Ricans didn’t do in their near flawless feature  game on day three of the championships on Thursday night was reach the 100 century mark in pulling oftheir 99-35 massacre over the Bahamas..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For August 8, 2017

FAMILY KILLED IN DORADO NIGHTMARE

Fall victim to shooting between crooks; Feds may take over

A young married couple, Zuleika Rivera Negrón, age 27 and her partner Angel Pérez Polanco, age 30 were killed along with three of their children last Friday in the town Dorado as the result of a shooting on the same road, with only the couple's 12-year-old daughter surviving. Jaime Joel Ferrer Rivera, a 38-year-old man with an extensive criminal record, was shot at by unidentified assailants as he drove his Land Rover, causing him to lose control of his vehicle, which then crashed into the family's 1992 Toyota Tercel. The family's vehicle then violently smashed against a tree, killing the five victims. Ferrer Rivera died at the scene due to the shooting, after which the perpetrators escaped. Due to Ferrer Rivera being a federal convict, having been sentenced to 30 months in prison in 2004 for stealing shipments of air conditioners, US Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico Rosa Emilia Rodríguez stated that her office may take over the investigation.

PUERTO RICO SUED OVER CONTOL BOARD'S POWERS

From Caribbean Business:

"Puerto Rico was hit with two lawsuits Monday that for the first time challenge the constitutionality of a federal control board overseeing the island’s finances and its power to start a bankruptcy-like court process for some of  the U.S. territory’s more than $70 billion public debt..."

FEMA OK'S FUNDS FOR SALINAS AQUIFER PROJECT

From News Is My Business:

"The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a $2.8 million hazard mitigation project for the island’s  southern coastal area, which considers its adaptive capacity, and uses surface and ground water to reduce the need for future water rationing in the town of Salinas..."

PPD PROPOSES UNITED FRONT TO FIGHT FURLOUGHS

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Popular Democratic Party (PDP) President Héctor Ferrer announced on Friday that he is willing to join efforts and accompany Gov. Ricardo Rosselló Nevares to the courts if he decides to sue the federal Financial Oversight and Management Board if the reduction of public workers is implemented..."

JOINT VENTURE TO MANUFACTURE POT PRODUCTS IN PR

From Area Development:

"Tropizen, a grower and manufacturer of medical marijuana in Puerto Rico, will partner with WonderLeaf, a Colorado company that makes raw cannabis concentrates and oils, to establish a cannabis manufacturing plant  in Puerto Rico..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 24, 2017

JARDINES DE COUNTRY KILL

Carolina neighborhood reports murder for 2nd weekend in a row

A man believed to be in his early 20s, who is so far unidentified, was shot to death at around 4:30 on Sunday morning in the Jardines de Country Club neighborhood of Carolina. The victim parked his car on 30th Street, between a basketball court and baseball field in the suburban neighborhood, and was apparently shot at several times as he sat in the vehicle. It is unknown whether he was pursued there before being killed. After shooting, the perpetrators presumably drove away in their own vehicle, while the victim left his bullet-riddled car and stumbled for a few feet before falling to the ground, where he died. A 911 call alerted police to the sound of gunfire, and they found the lifeless body soon afterward. This is the second murder reported in Jardines de Country Club inside of a week, and was one of eight violent deaths registered over the weekend across Puerto Rico.

TREASURY NET INCOME UP 1.7% FOR LAST FISCAL YEAR

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Puerto Rico Treasury Secretary Raúl Maldonado Gautier reported that the net income to the General Fund from the newly concluded fiscal year 2016-17 (July-June) amounted to $9.334 billion, which represents $159.6 million, or 1.7 percent  more than the previous fiscal year 2015-16..."

ROSSELLO SIGNS PATIENTS' RIGHTS LAW 

From Caribbean Business:

"...Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló on Sunday enacted Senate Bill 27, giving patients more say before health insurers and providing greater power to the Patients Advocate Office (OPP by its Spanish initials) when defending those who are  not covered by the government’s medical plan, Mi Salud..."

MORE PR DOCTORS GOING BANKRUPT 

From News Is My Business:

"During the first six months of the year, 17 medical doctors filed for bankruptcy protection, reporting more than $23.5 million in combined debt to the court, a report by research firm Boletín de Puerto Rico confirmed..."

ROSSELLO TRIES TO PUT PR IN CONGRESSIONAL AGENDA

From The Washington Examiner:

"Puerto Rico is throwing a wrench into the mainland's politics. The Caribbean island's government held a referendum on June 11 to gauge public support in what was the territory's fifth-ever plebiscite on statehood, and the vast majority  of voters said yes..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For July 12, 2017

FAKE COPS ROB VILLALBA RESIDENTS

In two separate incidents at around 3:00 AM on Tuesday, three people were robbed in their homes by four criminals, two of  which were dressed as police officers. The individuals first came to a man's house in the town of Villalba, and after entering the house, informed the victim that they had a search warrant. They them threatened him with a gun and tied him up with an electrical cord before robbing him. The criminals then made their way to the house next door, were they threatened a couple. After a search, the men found $3,000 inside a vehicle, which they took along with a phone before fleeing the scene.

MAN FOUND SHOT TO DEATH IN CAROLINA

The body of 27-year-old Darwin Méndez Mize was found around noon yesterday on the side of Road 860 in the Martín González sector of Carolina. The man, who was shot in the head five times, was a resident of the Loma Alta neighborhood of the same city and had a criminal record. Police are investigating and no suspects have been identified as of yet.

PR TO OKAY POT FOR THE NON-TERMINALLY ILL

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"A law to allow terminally ill patients to use marijuana is now in effect in Puerto Rico, but Gov. Ricardo Rosselló Nevares promises it will soon be amended to include less serious conditions. The governor signed a law Sunday to regulate the use of medicinal cannabis..."

PR AMENDS PR TAX INCENTIVE LAWS

From Caribbean Business:

"Puerto Rico’s governor has signed several amendments to laws meant to lure more investors and attract new companies amid a deep economic crisis. One of the amendments signed by Gov. Ricardo Rossello requires $5,000 a  year in donations to nonprofits to qualify for a break..."

MENNONITE HEALTH BUYS SAN LUCAS HOSPITAL

From News Is My Business:

"Following a period of much analysis and evaluation, the Mennonite Health System reached an agreement with the Episcopal San Lucas Health System to purchase the assets and operation of the Episcopal San Lucas Hospital in  Guayama..."

GOVERNOR CREATES LGBT AFFAIRS COUNCIL

From Pasquines:

"While Governor Ricardo Rosselló’s party is usually considered socially conservative, he took a big step forward  last week in the interest of LGBT people in Puerto Rico. On July 5 Governor Rosselló signed an executive order on Facebook live Broadcast which created an LGBT Affairs Advisory Council..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For June 29, 2017

DRUG DEALER KILLED IN BROAD DAYLIGHT

Police have identified a man gunned down yesterday morning in a Loíza alley as 39-year-old Jose R "Tatín" Quiñones Ayala, who was allegedly responsible for drug distribution in the local area. Ayala was walking down Melilla alley near 10:40 AM when two males approached him in a small gray car, stepped out of the vehicle and opened fire, leaving him for dead.

FIRST PR BANKRUPTCY MEDIATION DATE SET

From Caribbean Business:

"During the first half of Wednesday’s omnibus hearing over Puerto Rico’s bankruptcy cases, a July 12 date was announced for the first mediation session between creditors and the commonwealth..."

NORMANDIE HOTEL NEEDS $20 MILLION IN REPAIRS

From News Is My Business:

"The iconic Normandie Hotel, located at the entrance of the San Juan islet, needs an investment of some  $20 million to be brought back to its former glory, Tourism Co. Executive Director José Izquierdo said during confirmation hearings on Tuesday..."

LEGAL AID FOR LOW INCOME CITIZENS TO BECOME LAW

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Núñez recently has filed legislation to provide greater access to legal services for low income citizens, particularly in civil cases, by developing the Fund for Access to Justice and thereby creating greater access to financial resources..."

GOVERNOR: TRUMP WOULDN'T BLOCK STATEHOOD

From The Washington Examiner:

"Puerto Rican Gov. Ricardo Rossello says he disagrees with Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., who said President Trump would block the U.S. territory from becoming a state because of its Latino population..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For June 20, 2017

CANNABIS DISPENSARY OPENS IN OCEAN PARK

From News Is My Business:

"A new health and wellness alternative, the b.well Healing Center, opened its doors in the area of  Condado and Ocean Park becoming the first medical cannabis dispensary in San Juan. The facility,  which entailed a $300,000 investment, will offer medicinal cannabis treatments..."

GOVERNOR SEEKS TO CUT ELECTORAL FUND MONEY

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Gov. Ricardo Rosselló Nevares announced Monday that he sent a bill to the Legislative Assembly that eliminates the governmental contribution to the Electoral Fund, from which the political parties draw monies to pay administrative expenses..."

SENATE TO CONSIDER GENDER EQUALITY IN SCHOOLS

From Caribbean Business:

"Despite opposition from New Progressive Party (NPP) senators to the bill that proposes to implement  education with gender perspective in Puerto Rico’s public school system, the bill will be voted on  this week, Senate Majority Leader Carmelo Ríos said..."

PR DECLARES HOMESCHOOLING A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT

From HSLDA:

"Puerto Rico is now the first among U.S. states and territories to recognize homeschooling as a fundamental right, thanks to a law signed by Governor Ricardo Rossello Nevares on June 7..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For May 3, 2017

BANKRUPTCY!

GOVERNOR SAYS PR TO SEEK TITLE III PROTECTION

Governor Ricardo Rosselló announced at a press conference this morning that he has notified the Fiscal  Control Board of the intention of the Puerto Rican government to trigger Title III of the PROMESA federal law, a move similar to bankruptcy, in order to safeguard essential government services and payroll. The announcement comes in the wake of the expiration on May 1 of the island government's immunity to lawsuits related to its staggering debt load. Bondholder groups have already sued the government since the deadline passed. Governor Rosselló expressed his willingness to continue a dialogue with bondholders, and stated that the Title III decision was made because it would be "the way to defend the main interests of the people of Puerto Rico." He also declared that the Board had received the government's petition and would act on it "immediately".

PROTESTER ARRESTED FOR POPULAR CENTER VANDALISM

From US Attorney's Office:

"Today, United States Magistrate Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll authorized a criminal complaint against Nina Droz Franco, charging her for damaging or attempting to damage by means of fire a building engaged in  activity affecting interstate commerce[...]During the course of the protest [on Monday] on Ponce de Leon  Street, numerous individuals vandalized the Popular Center building...after several individuals broke windows of the building, two individuals approached one of the broken windows and attempted to light a  fire. Specifically, a female and a male approached one of the broken windows and lit a flame. All of these  events were captured on video[...]Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Alum is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the penalties Droz Franco is facing are a minimum term of imprisonment of five years, and a maximum term of 20 years, a supervised release term of not more than 3 years, and a fine not to exceed $250,000..."

GUAYNABO MAYOR CASE TO SPECIAL PROSECUTOR

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"The island Justice Department recommended on Monday the assignment of a special prosecutor to investigate  possible corruption related to a sexual harassment complaint involving Guaynabo Mayor Héctor O’Neill. After completing a preliminary investigation, Justice concluded that the longtime mayor could have committed  a total of 20 violations of the law..."

GOV'T PUBLISHES NEW OFFER FOR GO CREDITORS

From Caribbean Business:

"The government of Puerto Rico presented Monday a new debt restructuring offer, individually, to general obligations (GOs) creditors. The counteroffer reduces to 30% the suggested cut to principal, known as  haircut, to the debt guaranteed by the commonwealth’s constitution. The government offered about 50 cents on the dollar in its first proposal. However, the government has yet to reach an agreement with its creditors..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For May 1, 2017

MAY DAY! 

ENRAGED PROTESTERS VENT THEIR ANGER

Photo by @Tatymailine

As part of the massive general strike which was called for May 1st, scores of citizens took to to the streets across Puerto Rico today -- mainly in the San Juan metro area -- to protest the brutal austerity measures sought by the Financial Control Board and the administration of Governor Rossello, as they deal with the island's debt crisis. Labor, academic, religious, feminist, student and other groups took part in the demonstrations, which took place at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras, La Fortaleza in Old San Juan, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and other locations. At the latter, protesters blocked the entrance to the airport early this morning. Several of the marches around San Juan converged around noon at Hato Rey's "Milla de Oro" financial district, where some protests turned violent. Many protesters converged in front of the Seaborne Building, where the Financial Control Board is based. Several buildings in the area were vandalized, with Banco Popular's building taking the brunt of it, as protesters threw rocks, broke glass and had confrontations with building security staff. Police dispersed protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Photo by @carlaamarie


Later in the afternoon, Plaza Las Americas closed the mall's parking facilities as a safety measure. On nearby Roosevelt Avenue, protesters blocked the road with large stones and other debris, while on Muñoz Rivera Avenue, someone started a small fire in a lane of traffic. Some individuals on Muñoz Rivera refused to vacate the roadway despite the Police's barrage of gas and rubber bullets. SWAT teams, along with regular Police, had been deployed all over the area throughout the day. Various businesses in Hato Rey, including a CVS pharmacy, shut down due to the situation. Some of them were vandalized with graffiti or had their windows broken. Rocks were also thrown through the windows of the old headquarters of the New Progressive Party. Close to 5 PM, Police were able to retake Muñoz Rivera Avenue, after several arrests were made. At around this time, Governor Rossello took part in a press conference at La Fortaleza, in which he condemned the "violent incidents".

Puerto Rico News Digest For April 1, 2017

REGGAETON TAX PROPOSED TO PAY DEBT

The head of Puerto Rico's internal revenue agency ("Hacienda"), Raúl Maldonado Gautier, proposed today the imposition of a tax on all reggaetón music purchases and public performances as a way to help the island's government boost its coffers in light of the billions of dollars in debt it faces. "Reggaetón is so prevalent in Puerto Rican society, and it generates so many millions of dollars, that I think taxing it as we do any other economic resource makes a lot of sense", said Gautier. "We estimate that we can cover at least a quarter of our approximately $70 billion in debt just by charging a small tax on every twerk performed in a typical reggaetón video." Fans of the genre, a combination of reggae, rap and latin rhythms, balked at the suggestion of the tax, and were considering staging a protest march in San Juan featuring souped-up Japanese cars, women dancing in thongs and a parade float featuring a giant blunt.

TRUMP PROPOSES BUILDING WALL AROUND PR

US President Donald Trump made a controversial proposal during a recent interview on Fox News: building a wall around Puerto Rico. "Puerto Rico has huge debt, and people keep leaving there and coming into America. We need to stop that. We'll build a huge wall, a magnificent wall, around that island. Then they'll have to stay there and figure out their problems", said the President. When asked how he would pay for the wall, Trump responded, "I'm thinking a tax on tacos. That's what they eat down there, right? Or cigars. A tax on cigars". Trump was then distracted by a fly that was buzzing around the studio and promptly forgot all about the idea.

GOVERNOR ROSSELLO REVEALED TO BE A ROBOT

During a recent press conference at La Fortaleza, Governor Ricardo Rosselló was revealed to really be a sophisticated robot after the metallic faceplate containing his face fell off while answering a reporter's question. The absence of the plate revealed  several circuits and electronic parts inside the Governor's head, and his speech became halting and repetitive, eventually stopping altogether, as smoke came out of the robot's ears. The robot uttered the word "plan" several times before seemingly shutting down. When questioned by the press as to whether he was aware that Rosselló had been a machine all along, Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz said, "I guess I had some suspicions. He's still better than the previous guy, though". When presented with the same question, Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez simply responded, "Yeah, I knew".

UNION WITH CHINA PROPOSED FOR REFERENDUM

A recently formed political organization proposed a new status formula for June's referendum on Puerto Rico's political status: union with the People's Republic of China. The leader of the group "Sino-Boricua Alliance", Juan Sanchez, spoke to the press on Friday, and offered several reasons as to why they believe Puerto Rico becoming part of China makes sense: "Chinese people have been present in Puerto Rico for centuries. Plus, both peoples have a love of eating rice, and uhh, well, China is an emerging superpower and they have a lot of cash". Sanchez, who wore a traditional changshan tunic and Fu Manchu-style moustache during his remarks, added, "We're willing to do whatever it takes to convince China to accept us if the U.S. kicks us out. We can learn karate, wear those pointy straw hats, eat with chopsticks...Puerto Ricans are an adaptable people." Sanchez closed the press conference by performing several botched martial arts moves before falling on the ground holding his leg in pain.




April Fool's!

Puerto Rico News Digest For March 9, 2017

BOARD TO GOV: PR IS NEARLY BROKE

From The Washington Post:

"A federal control board warned on Wednesday that Puerto Rico’s govern-
ment needs to take “major emergency actions” to avoid shutting down be-
cause its cash flow is critically low. The comments published in a letter to
Gov. Ricardo Rossello are the sharpest yet made by a board that recently
began overseeing the U.S. territory’s finances..."

WOMEN'S DAY PROTESTERS  BLOCK ROAD

From Caribbean Business:

"More than 100 women clad in purple T-shirts blocked [Las Américas Ex-
pressway] yesterday as they linked arms and marched through the capital
of San Juan at dawn. The group clutched large purple flags emblazoned
with the female symbol and used bull horns to decry chauvinism and de-
mand more reproductive rights...”

ACLU SLAMS FASTING & PRAYER DECREE 

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"The American Civil Liberties Union is challenging a decree passed by Pu-
erto Rico legislators that calls for 40 days of fasting and prayer. The organi-
zation said in a statement Tuesday that the decree violates the concept of se-
paration of church and state. The decree was approved in February after Pu-
erto Rico’s House of Representatives President Carlos “Johnny” Méndez
said the island needed divine intervention as it struggles through an econo-
mic recession..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For March 6, 2017

NINE PEOPLE MURDERED OVER WEEKEND

As reported by El Nuevo Dia, nine people were murdered across Puerto Rico this
past weekend, starting shortly after midnight on Friday in Maunabo, where Pedro
Alexis León Amaro, age 25, was killed by three individuals who attempted to steal
his car as he arrived at his home. Then, at 4:10 AM on Friday, police found the body
of  23-year old Javier E. Torres Torres in front of a building in the April Garden hou-
sing project of Las Piedras. The body had been riddled with bullets. Also on Friday,
shortly past noon, a 911 call alerted authorities to a burnt out vehicle on Road 155
in Vega Baja, which had two charred bodies in the trunk. The bodies have yet to be
identified.

Early on Saturday morning, a shootout in Isla Verde, Carolina, preceded the finding
of the bodies of two dead men, Rafael Albandoz Colón and José R. Sanjurjo Rivera.
Both were inside a 2008 Toyota Tundra. Several other people were injured in the
shootout. Early on Sunday morning, a citizen in the town of Florida reported to po-
lice a dead  body lying on the pavement of Road 140 in the Perol disctrict of town.
The unidentified victim was partially burnt and had his or her hands tied behind the
back. Later that morning, the body of an unidentified man who had apparently been
shot to death was found on Road PR-198 in Humacao. The victim may have been 20
to 25 years old. The weekend's carnage brings Puerto Rico's murder total for the year
so far to 119, one less than the 120 reported at this time in 2016.

GOVERNOR RAISES PUBLIC SECTOR MINIMUM WAGE

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Gov. Ricardo Rosselló Nevares signed an executive order Thursday to increase
the minimum wage in the public sector and in government construction contracts.
The mandate dictates that by July 1, the minimum wage of employees of central
government agencies will increase from $7.25 to $8.25 an hour. The order also es-
tablishes that any government contractor in the construction industry will have to
issue a certification that the minimum wage of its employees is equal with that of
employees of the Puerto Rico government. The minimum wage will also rise from
$7.25 to $8.25 in the government contractor sector..."

PR COMPANY BIDS TO BUILD TRUMP'S BORDER WALL

From Telesur:

"On Friday, Puerto Rico-based company, San Diego Project Management PCS, ap-
plied to build the wall in response to government calls for proposals. The company
– headquartered in Luquillo, east of San Juan, Puerto Rico – is competing with do-
zens of other construction and engineering firms to win the contract for the wall,
according to Puerto Rican media outlet Primera Hora. Patrick Balcazar, head and
founder of San Diego Project Management PCS, confirmed that his company did
indeed submit a proposal to compete for the contract for the wall, which has been
estimated to cost between  US$10 and $22 billion..."

PLANNING BOARD: PR GDP IS DOWN 1.1%

From News Is My Business:

"The Puerto Rico Planning Board revised the island’s macroeconomic data for the
end of fiscal 2016, reflecting a decrease in the Gross Domestic Product of 1.1 per-
cent. In addition, agency President María del C. Gordillo said the review of the GDP
at constant prices for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 fell 1.8 percent and 0.7 percent res-
pectively. “These data represent the behavior of the economy of Puerto Rico and give
 us a clear picture of where our economy is, which helps the government and private
sector in making its determinations,” she said..."