The Weekly Journal - October 16, 2019

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Wednesday, October 16-22, 2019 - // no. 025

www.theweeklyjournal.com

2019

2018

U.S. Supreme Court Suggests Support for Puerto Rico Oversight Board P16 Ready for Public Comments Regulation for Disposal of Gov’t Owned Properties P8

The High Cost of

Ponce Port able to Receive Goods in an Emergency P18

Erosion Beach replenishment may be necessary to protect coastal areas now, but it is not sustainable in the long run because sea level rise is accelerating all the dots” related to rising sea levels and how

I

Rosario Fajardo

MECA: International Art Fair in San Juan P20

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

n the face of climate change and the resulting rise in sea levels around the world, coastal communities need to be proactive, not only to do their part in mitigating the environmental damage to planet Earth, but to also prepare for the “inevitable.” That is the message behind Salty Urbanism, a multifaceted urban-design framework that “connects

coastal communities should adapt to this new reality. “It’s a holistic framework encompassing ecologists, ocean engineers, architects, urban planners… including green-building issues,” said Jeffrey Huber, an architect with Brooks+Scarpa in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “Coastal communities need to adapt and, since we are in South Florida, our initial focus has been on Fort Lauderdale.” During an interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, Huber, who is also a professor at Florida Go to PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, October 16, 2019 > 2

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/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019

a week in review Liberty to Buy AT&T Operations in Puerto Rico, USVI

>Archive

>Courtesy La Fortaleza

>Archive

AT&T announced that it plans to sell its wireless and wireline operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) to Liberty Latin America. The transaction includes network assets, encompassing spectrum; real estate and leases; customers, including 1.1 million wireless subscribers; and contracts. Roughly 1,300 current AT&T employees will move over to Liberty Latin America. Following the acquisition, customers will continue to benefit from free roaming services between Puerto Rico,USVI and the mainland United States, Mexico and Canada. AT&T will also continue providing enterprise services for AT&T’s business customers and support its FirstNet program for first responders in Puerto Rico and the USVI.

Medtronic Invests $50 million in Puerto Rico Expansion

Uber Makes San Juan Airport Pick-Up Service Available

Passengers arriving at the Luis Munoz Marín Int’l Airport in San Juan may now call Uber for pick-up. The service had been limited to drop-off only at the airport since Uber started its services in Puerto Rico in 2016.

Powered BY El Vocero de Puerto Rico, 1064 Ave Ponce de León 2nd floor San Juan, PR Postal Address: PO Box 15074, San Juan, PR 00902

Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vázquez and Economic Development Secretary Manuel Laboy celebrated the expansion of the Medtronic facilities in Juncos and Villalba. With this project, which represents an investment of $50 million, some 500 to 600 jobs will be created in the next few years. Medtronic provides more than 45 percent of the industrial jobs in Puerto Rico’s biosciences sector, which represents about 34 percent of the island’s gross domestic product, according to a press release issued by La Fortaleza.

President Salvador Hasbún shasbun@elvocero.com

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/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

2018

2019 Concerns are growing in many sectors due to beach erosion in Ocean Park.

Atlantic University, explained the vision behind Salty Urbanism. The new framework accepts the inevitability of climate change and sea level rise and provides a new urban framework that includes various features: new archipelago communities comprised of little islands, canal-like streets similar to those in Venice, and deliberately marshy waterfronts, supported by new infrastructure that could allow cities to thrive even under conditions of extreme flooding, while mitigating the effects of future severe weather events. During this year’s convention by the Puerto Rico Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, to be held Oct. 18-19 in San Juan, Huber will be a featured speaker on the theme of “RE/IMAGINE our built environment,” when he will present his vision of Salty Urbanism. Other topics to be discussed include the problem of coastal erosion in Puerto Rico and how architects, urban planners and other related professions can best respond to this new reality. In the case of coastal erosion in Ocean Park, Huber noted that he has not examined the area specifically, but speculated that the problem could be due to several issues. He mentioned the possibility of weaker coral reefs that provide a

natural barrier, as well as the confluence of fresh water and seawater. Storm water may be affecting Ocean Park, as extreme flushing events during storms may be eroding certain areas, creating deeper underwater channels and/or causing sedimentation. “You can’t point to one specific issue. It’s likely a multitude of issues,” he said. Huber said beach replenishment in areas like Ocean Park is important, but cautioned that it must be done carefully. Before Hurricane Irma hit Fort Lauderdale in 2012, he noted, the city had invested $40 million in various beach replenishment efforts. But most of that came to naught when Irma’s strong winds and storm surges literally dumped all that sand on nearby highways. “The city had to remove all that sand. They couldn’t put it back [on the beach] because it was contaminated with tire particles. That costs more money,” he said. Beach replenishment may be necessary to protect coastal areas now, but it is not sustainable in the long run because sea level rise is accelerating, he said. However, in coastal communities that are highly dependent on tourism, such as Puerto Rico, it is important to protect the beaches as important assets. “The price tag is high, but the numbers are sure to increase

Salty Urbanism design of what Fort Lauderdale could look like in the future. >Courtesy Brooks+Scarpa

later. The costs will go up,” he said. “Economies still need to be maintained and people have to be realistic. Beach replenishment may be Band-Aid measures but every community has to consider what are the best options for them,” he noted. He recalled a famous example from the Space Race, in which Americans spent about $1 million to develop a pen that writes in space, while the Russians just brought a pencil.

South Florida’s Particularities

For South Florida, geology is an issue, as the area is comprised of porous limestone and the land is only about three feet above sea level. “Miami-Dade is about four feet above sea level, so we are very vulnerable,” Huber said. The porous limestone is a particular challenge for the region because unlike any other coastal areas in the mainland U.S., where levees, walls and pumps are used to improve resilience, such is not the case in South Florida because water seeps through limestone. The area regularly floods in four ways: storm surges, groundwater fluctuation in wet and dry seasons, extreme rainfall events and sea level rise. Huber also noted that South Florida is highly populated, hence the urban focus of Salty Urbanism. “We have to fight climate change but we also have to work with it. Nature will do what it will – despite our best efforts, and we can’t just move away from coastal areas,” he said, as this also brings a host of other issues such as increasing pollution and contaminants. As part of Salty Urbanism, flood-adaptive buildings of the future could include structures that are on raised stilts, such as those one finds in Southeast Asia; amphibious structures that can float when water levels go up; and floating structures that are built on moorings or anchoring devices. In this new reality, the importance of landscape goes beyond decoration, as plants are very important to enhance resiliency. For example, native plants such as sea grapes and grasses are key to making beaches and dunes more resistant to coastal erosion. Maintaining mangroves and coral reefs are also important, as are reclaiming land from the sea and adapting buildings to flooding events. “This is a wake-up call. I’m an optimist I believe we will find ways to do this. The bigger

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/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019 issue is how to recalibrate our lifestyles, to live on or over the water because the status quo may not be the future. We have to adapt ourselves to the new conditions—and sooner rather than later. “We don’t know what the future will look like, but we have to adapt, find solutions and use technology in best-management ways. That is Salty Urbanism. The ‘what if’ scenario needs to be considered and put on the table,” he said. According to the nonprofit American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, many East Coast coastal communities have been investing millions of dollars in “beach nourishment” initiatives for many years. While New Jersey and New York have replenished their beaches in recent years, due to Super Storm Sandy in 2012, their efforts date back to the 1920s. In terms of New Jersey, Atlantic City has spent at least $85 million between 1936 and 2018 to replenish its beaches, while for Ocean City the figure is $162 million from 1952 to 2017, based on available data.

We have to fight climate change but we also have to work with it. Nature will do what it will – despite our best efforts, and we can’t just move away from coastal areas.

Salty Urbanism design comparing how most city streets look today and an illustration of a future street in Fort Lauderdale, which includes a “rain garden” turned into a park for residents. >Courtesy Brooks+Scarpa

Architect Jeffrey Huber

In New York, the cost of beach replenishment varies from $145 million for Rockaway Beach between 1927 and 2016, to $115 million for Jones Beach from the 1940s to 2014.

UN: Importance of Worldwide Action Now

While Huber’s position may seem dire to some, the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report highlights the urgency of prioritizing ambitious and coordinated action among countries to address unprecedented environmental changes. According to the Sept. 2019 report by the IPCC, a United Nations body, the ocean and the cryosphere – the frozen parts of the planet – play a critical role for life on Earth. A total of 670 million people in high mountain regions and 680 million people in low-lying coastal zones depend directly on these systems. Four million people live permanently in the Arctic region, and small island developing states are home to 65 million people. Global warming has already reached 1° C above the pre-industrial level, due to past and current greenhouse gas emissions. There is overwhelming evidence that this is resulting in profound consequences for ecosystems and people. The ocean is warmer, more acidic and less productive. Melting glaciers and ice sheets are causing sea level rise, and coastal extreme events are becoming more severe. “The open sea, the Arctic, the Antarctic and

the high mountains may seem far away to many people,” said Hoesung Lee, IPCC chairman. “But we depend on them and are influenced by them directly and indirectly in many ways – for weather and climate, for food and water, for energy, trade, transport, recreation and tourism, for health and wellbeing, for culture and identity.” “If we reduce emissions sharply, consequences for people and their livelihoods will still be challenging, but potentially more manageable for those who are most vulnerable,” Lee said. “We increase our ability to build resilience and there will be more benefits for sustainable development.” The rapid changes to the ocean and the frozen parts of our planet are already forcing people from coastal cities to remote Arctic communities to fundamentally alter their ways of life, the IPCC said.” By understanding the causes of these changes and the resulting impacts, and by evaluations that are available, we can strengthen our ability to adapt.”

Melting Ice, Rising Seas

Glaciers and ice sheets in polar and mountain regions are losing mass, contributing to an increasing rate of sea level rise, together with expansion of the warmer ocean, according to the IPCC report. While sea level has risen globally by around 15 cm during the 20th century, it is currently rising more than twice as fast – 3.6 mm per year – and accelerating. Sea level will continue to rise for centuries, scientists say, and it could reach around 30-60 cm by 2100 even if greenhouse gas emissions are sharply reduced and global warming is limited to well below 2°C, but around 60-110 cm if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase strongly. “In recent decades the rate of sea level rise has accelerated, due to growing water inputs from ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, in addition to the contribution of meltwater from glaciers and the expansion of warmer sea waters,” the IPCC noted.

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Citizens Object the New Land-Use Zoning Map

>Archive

/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019

To address the concerns, Gov. Wanda Vázquez issued an executive order that creates an advisory council meant to guide her through the decision process

I

Cynthia López Cabán

clopez@wjournal.com

@cynthia_lope

n an attempt to appease criticism over the proposed new land-use zoning map, Gov. Wanda Vázquez created a multisectoral advisory committee meant to provide her with the technical support and recommendations needed to decide whether or not to approve the polemic survey crafted by the Planning Board. The advisory council will have nine members, among them a representative from the Puerto Rico Planning Society. Despite having representation on the advisory committee created by executive order, David Carrasquillo, vice president of the Planning Society’s Board of Directors, sees the composition of the group with mistrust. “While we still have to see who’s appointed, we have problems with the wording of the executive

order, which states that the governor will designate someone from the Planning Society. This is an arbitrary disposition since it doesn’t apply to other organizations like the P.R. Builders Association,” Carrasquillo told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. The executive order stipulates that Vázquez will appoint an architect, an engineer, an environmentalist, a planner, and a representative of the Planning Society. The Builders Association, the Planning Board and the Federation and Association of Majors get to pick their own representative to the advisory committee. “This is an issue of land-use planning to promote more desirable social and environmental outcomes, as well as efficient use of resources. But you are bringing to the table the stakeholders, the construction sector that benefits directly from a loosening of the rules and a public policy that favors excessive development,” Carrasquillo pointed out. The planner is not alone in raising concerns and

rejecting the new soil survey. Alarm bells rang from the moment the Planning Board rolled out the new map for public comment on July 15, amid the civil unrest that toppled former Gov. Ricardo Rosselló. A long list of citizens, organizations, academics, politicians and environmentalists denounced that the map could potentially speed up development and radically transform the current allowable land use outlined in the comprehensive land-use plan. Opponents to the map also demanded more participation and time to discuss the impact of the changes. When confronted with the criticism, the Planning Board’s president, María del Carmen Gordillo, insisted that the new maps don’t alter or substitute the comprehensive land-use plan, aside from the consolidation of zoning districts, from 50 to 22, in order to standardize the categories in land uses. Gordillo stated that the maps do not replace the comprehensive land-use plan (PUT, by its Spanish acronym), that natural resources will

/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019 remain as conservation areas, and that what is being done is establishing equivalences between the existing classification districts in order to standardize the land uses. Gordillo has also said that natural resources will remain as conservation areas and that the agency she leads follows a mandate of law that requires an evaluation of the zoning classifications after the Joint Regulation for Construction and Land Use Permits came into effect on June 7. Far from waning down, the pressure continued to build up. The land-use zoning map took center stage in a series of peoples’ assemblies that sprang up around the island in the aftermath of Rosselló’s resignation. Opposers marched to La Fortaleza to express their opposition to the plan and handed in a petition with over 20,000 signatures asking Gov. Vázquez to scrap the map. Due to this public outcry, the Planning Board extended the original two-week period for public comments twice, finally ending on Sept. 24; while senators and representatives from all three parties have presented resolutions to investigate the process, extend the period of public hearings and reject the map altogether. On Oct. 4, the same day the governor signed the executive order, the Puerto Rico Funders Network sent an open letter to the Legislature arguing the proposed map allowed for unrestrained coastal development, promotes the construction of golf courses in sensitive areas, includes projects that would eliminate land of agricultural value and allows the development of housing in high-risk areas.

At the same time, in a public hearing to discuss a resolution rejecting the land-use zoning map, Pedro Saadé Llorens, a well-known environmental lawyer, pleaded for a moratorium and a period of 90 days for citizens to evaluate and asses the changes incorporated to the new zoning map and then start another round of public discussion of the document.

These maps reflect zoning changes in all of the plots. Puerto Rico has 1,507,988 plots across the 78 municipalities. -David Carrasquillo, vice president of the Planning Society’s Board of Directors

The Planning Society expressed the same concerns when Carrasquillo deposed before the Planning Board. “These maps reflect zoning changes in all of the plots. Puerto Rico has 1,507,988 plots across the 78 municipalities. Assuming that

7 a group of people dedicated themselves exclusively to the task of evaluating these maps 24/7, without rest, starting from the moment of public hearings were announced until they ended on July 24, 2019, they would have had to analyze 81 cases per minute or one case every 1.35 seconds,” insisted Carrasquillo to dramatize the daunting job task of analyzing the proposed plan. In 2015, the government adopted a comprehensive land-use plan that builds on the Autonomous Municipalities Act of 1991. This plan gave the country’s 78 municipalities green light to create a soil survey based on their needs but following the guidelines of the master plan. According to Carrasquillo, and the analysis of the Planning Society, the proposed zoning map overrides those municipal land use plans. “You are allowing not only more uses but more aggressive, intensive uses in terms of density and parameters of construction,” noted Carrasquillo. “For example, in a parcel where you can build one or two houses, with the new classifications you could build a housing development.” Amidst all these objections, the groups opposing the new land-use zoning map are reiterating their call for its annulment. “We think that the governor doesn’t have clear criteria with which to evaluate this precisely because there is a lot of misinformation. We can provide guidance or serve as a supervisory authority,” Carrasquillo concluded.

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Government Presents Unique Rule

to Dispose of Government Properties The public has 30 days to submit comments and recommendations

T Cynthia López Cabán

clopez@wjournal.com

@cynthia_lope

he inventory of governmentowned properties and the single regulation for the disposal of those assets should be completed before the end of the year, according to Omar J. Marrero, chairman of the Committee for the Evaluation and Disposition of Real Estate (Cedbi, by its Spanish Acronym). Last week, the entity created by the Compliance with the Fiscal Plan Act (2017) published the draft for the “Unique Regulation for the Evaluation and Disposition of Real Property of the Executive Branch”, allowing the public a 30-day period to submit comments and suggestions. Marrero, who is also the executive director of the Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (Aafaf, for its Spanish acronym), explained that the single regulation will expedite and streamline the different processes of disposition and transfer of government real estate, including unused school sites. In general terms, the proposed regulation standardizes the requirements for leases, donations, sales and transfers of government property and land, including the channeling of the proposals. “This unique regulation will strengthen and guide the disposition of public assets, bringing additional resources to the government’s coffer,” Marrero said in an interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. “It will also promote economic and community development.” From its inception two years ago, the Cedbi -that by law is chaired by the head of Aafaf- has created three regulations. But since he took over the agency two months ago, Marrero set out to eliminate “unnecessary” red tape. The process has two phases. The first stage addresses the standardization of rules and procedures. The second stage entails an update of the current inventory of the governmentowned properties. With the release of the regulation draft, the Cedbi is focusing on the revision of the inventory of public property compiled by the Real State Board of the Office of Management and Budget. This inventory has

The single regulation will expedite and streamline the different processes of disposition and transfer of government real estate, said Omar J. Marrero, chairman of the Committee for the Evaluation and Disposition of Real Estate. >Courtesy AAFAF

not been revised since 2017. “By law, all government agencies have a duty to inform the board of any changes in their available assets. Unfortunately, they have not complied,” Marrero indicated. “Once we complete the update, we’re going to publish the inventory of properties on Aafaf’s website and integrate it into the government’s Map of Assets.” The Map of Assets is an ongoing initiative of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce that set out to compile an inventory of all public installations and lands available for rent or sale on the island. Besides the location, the map offers flood, zoning and classification information, among other details. It is still in its initial phase. As part of its mission, the Cedbi will also create a map of land and property leases that will incorporate abandoned schools. “The idea is to facilitate. Not only know what properties are available and their use but to also provide information for leasing opportunities,” Marrero said. While he is working hard to meet the December

This unique regulation will strengthen and guide the disposition of public assets, bringing additional resources to the government’s coffer. Omar J. Marrero, executive director of Aafaf

deadline, Marrero didn’t say when the appraisal of the properties the government intends to sell or rent will be ready. The Cedbi does not have an upto-date appraisal of the government’s assets. Right now, each property sold is appraised individually, within the sales process, according to Marrero. The draft of the Unique Regulation -only in Spanish- is available for review by the general public on Aafaf’s website: http://www.aafaf.pr.gov.

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Opportunity Zones Priority Projects Committee Holds Summit With Mayors CFO provides updates on OZ developments and additional benefits for investors ggarofalo@elvocero.com

@giopgarofalo

he Opportunity Zones Priority Projects Committee and Gov. Wanda Vázquez convened with mayors and legislative leadership in an Opportunity Zones Summit to update the island’s municipal leaders on opportunity zone (OZ) developments in Puerto Rico, so that they can provide their input concerning the eligible activities that they wish to develop in their respective towns. Back in August, the committee published a list of commercial activities eligible for benefits under the OZ legislation in a bid to increase investment in distressed communities. Back then, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its Spanish acronym) Manuel A. Laboy, confirmed that the Committee would release “a more specific list” that would include more detailed information on these eligible activities by region, as well as specific eligible businesses. The Summit was held last week with the intention of educating mayors on OZ’s and how municipalities can use that tool to achieve greater economic development so that they can assess which activities they want to endorse in their respective jurisdictions in order for the committee to create the second anticipated list. Puerto Rico’s chief financial officer and executive director of the Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (Afaaf by its Spanish acronym), Omar Marrero—who also chairs the committee— informed THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that, in the meeting, mayors learned that in addition to the tax incentives offered through the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the local OZ Development Act established earlier this year, they can implement additional benefits through municipal ordinances. Marrero explained that in addition to federally established incentives and the investment tax credits (ITCs) offered by the Puerto Rican government, which range from five to 25 percent, municipalities can increase ITCs up to 75 percent. “However, it corresponds to municipalities to determine if they want to promote those activities… In general terms, we wanted to give [mayors] the opportunity to identify what are the eligible activities that they want to promote within their municipalities,” the official stated. For example, he said, some municipalities might be more inclined to develop tourism activities, whereas others might determine that housing

We wanted to give [mayors] the opportunity to identify the eligible activities that they want to promote in their municipalities. -CFO Omar Marrero

>Archive AP

T Giovanna Garofalo

or industrial projects would be more suitable to the needs of their respective towns’ residents. “At the end of the day, it will depend on each mayor’s public policy, based on their citizens’ needs to determine which will be the economic activity and the quid pro quo that they are willing to offer those eligible activities,” he reiterated. Although he couldn’t offer a precise date, Marrero estimated that the committee will have compiled all of the mayors’ input by the end of the month or early November. Meanwhile, the CFO noted that the DDEC has reported “many approaches” from investors who are interested in establishing OZ projects. “I can confirm that… Javier Bayón, director of the [DDEC] Business Incentives Office, was presenting not only on how many jurisdictions are trying to capture investors’ interest, but how Puerto Rico has benefited and how investor interest in Puerto Rico has grown,” he said. Out of roughly 9,000 designated OZ across the United States, Marrero affirmed that Puerto Rico is one of the most eye-catching for investors for multiple the reasons; the first being that more than 95 percent of the island qualifies as an OZ, unlike states in the mainland that only have certain regions. In addition, Puerto Rico has the capacity to increase the investment tax credit by means of an eligible activity in a specific geographic point of reference—the reason the summit was held. Lastly, the local government is working with the U.S. Department of Treasury to create a revolving loan program with funding provided by the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant. “Basically, we are taking $400 million from CDBG funds to create a revolving loan program to offer a loan that will not have an interest rate greater than two percent to be able to finance up to 20 percent of an OZ investment… We have the opportunity to see economic financing that once paid goes back into the fund, and continues to serve as a revolving fund for loans,” Marrero explained. According to the Aafaf executive director, this is a “novel” measure that, if applied correctly, could result in copycat implementations in the mainland U.S. Essentially, Puerto Rico is being used as a testing ground for this initiative in order to later apply it in distressed communities stateside. “The idea of this is [to provide] outside the box solutions and to use disaster [relief] funds to achieve greater economic development in jurisdictions that have been economically depressed for some time now. That is basically the OZ menu; there is no other U.S. jurisdiction that has that asset,” Marrero affirmed.

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From left, PRTC Promotions and Marketing Director Imaris Arocho and PRTC Executive Director Carla Campos discuss the results of the public corporation’s marketing strategy aimed at boosting domestic tourism. >Courtesy

Tourism Co. Marketing Strategy Boosts Hotel Registrations Among Residents $52 million in hotel revenues and $4.8 million in room tax revenue

T Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@elvocero.com

@giopgarofalo

he Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC) announced the results of the “Postales” marketing campaign, which surpassed the public corporation’s projections concerning hotel registrations among residents. PRTC Executive Director Carla Campos, and other tourism officials, held a roundtable at the agency’s headquarters in Old San Juan’s Paseo de la Princesa, in which she delved into this marketing and publicity strategy conceived earlier this year under the Voy Turisteando brand. “Between April and June, 305,480 residents stayed in Puerto Rico’s hotels... The goal we had established for that same period was 241,337, which so that total represents 27 percent more than the established goal for that particular period. We can also see that we generated $52 million directly in hotel revenue through those stays. This is without measuring those persons’ additional expenses outside the hotel; only $52 million in hotel revenues,” Campos said. According to the agency’s executive director, this

contributed $4.8 million in room tax revenue, 22.8 percent more than last year’s room tax revenue for the same period, well above the $700,000 investment for the Postales campaign. Campos also observed that Puerto Ricans also extended their stays in this hotel. The average hotel stay among residents for the same timeframe last year was 1.3 nights, whereas this year’s average was two nights. This, despite an average 5.7 percent rise in hotel rates. According to Campos, this reflects that Puerto Ricans “are willing to pay a little bit more in their stay. Why? Because we have a renewed hotel offer and the local market is also willing to pay a little bit more for that higher quality product.” “This speaks highly well of the impact that a wellchanneled investment can have in motivating more Puerto Ricans to do domestic tourism and stay here. We are very pleased with the results,” Campos said. Postales was a multimedia approach that consisted primarily of distributing postcards all across Puerto Rico, including the municipal islands of Vieques and Culebra, in which each municipality had a postcard that featured the picture of a popular tourist destination on one side with the name of the town and a list of things to do on the back. This was complemented by 30- and 15-second ads on television, radio and 25 movie theaters, along with ads on newspapers and billboards, combined with a strong social media presence with the hashtag #VoyTuristeando and multiple events, festivals and press trips. As informed, Voy Turisteando has more than 19,000 followers on Instagram, 3.6 million

engagements and more than 110,000 followers on Facebook with 32 million engagements. These numbers do not include posts and engagements from social media influencers and users who use the hashtag and promote “The campaign aimed to represent and highlight the 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico. The campaign began in April [2019] and we were working on it until August 2019. We managed to design, produce and distribute 78 postcards islandwide. We distributed them in tourist attractions, lodgings and companies endorsed by us, as well as some restaurants recommended by municipal tourism directors,” PRTC Promotion and Marketing Director Imaris Arocho explained. While Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s destination marketing organization (DMO) attracts foreign tourists, the PRTC’s mission is to foment local tourism. Campos informed that Postales was designed with aims of boosting hotel registrations among locals by 15 percent between April and August in comparison to the same period last year. The PRTC has not yet compiled data from August, but the officials informed that the Postales campaign managed to increase hotel registrations by 43.3 percent between April to July, which represents 92,341 more registrations than in the same period in 2018. Annually, locals account for 30 percent of the total hotel registrations.

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Dominican Republic Continues to Woo Russian Tourists

Total visitor numbers stable since 2018

L Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournal.com

@RosarioWJournal

A ROMANA—The change was noticeable. As soon as your correspondent stepped off the plane at Punta Cana airport in the Dominican Republic, during a recent weekend getaway, there were signs in Russian and other travelers speaking Russian and a smattering of Polish. At Casa de Campo Resort, some of those attending an Oktoberfest event at the famous Mediterranean-style village were Russian families. It is no surprise that as Russians have become wealthier, many are traveling around the world, as is the case with many Chinese. But it is unusual to see so many Russians and other Eastern Europeans in Caribbean destinations. According to the United Kingdombased Caribbean Council, Russia represents the new growth market for tourism and the Dominican Republic has taken advantage of this phenomenon. Recently, Anex Tour, a Turkish-Russian company, and Azur Air, a Russian airline, announced that starting this month, they would add two new direct flights from the Russian cities of Kazan and Yekaterinburg to the Dominican Republic, via the Punta Cana airport, located in the eastern region of the country. As part of the regular service, Azur Air will use of the world’s largest capacity aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER, with a total seating capacity of 531 passengers. Currently, Anex Tour and Azur Air operate flights and travel packages from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kiev to the Dominican Republic. According to the two companies, they were the first Russian tour operator to carry out a daily schedule of charter flights to the Dominican Republic, beginning in the summer of 2015. “Anex Tour currently handles more than 2.5 million passengers from Russia to more than 50 countries, with a volume exceeding 150,000 passengers to the Dominican Republic from several cities in Russia and Ukraine, maintaining a leading position in the [region] with 65% of the market since 2016, “ the company said in a statement. The direct flights from Yekaterinburg, a city east of the Ural Mountains, to Punta Cana are 12 hours long, which are the longest that this small airport receives. A plus for Russian tourists visiting the Dominican

Republic, besides the plethora of all-inclusive offerings and favorable exchange rates, are that they do not need a visa to enter the country, Anex Tour said. In related news, the Dominican Republic’s Central Bank has reported that from Jan. to Sept. 2019, an estimated 4.99 million visitors came to the country, which is virtually the same amount registered during the same time period in 2018, when the number was 5.01 million. In that sense, the country’s tourism sector has remained flat after the negative press the Dominican Republic received when a number of U.S. tourists died there under mysterious circumstances. Still, there was a noticeable decrease in visitors from the U.S., which saw a drop of 33,148 visitors between Jan. and Sept. 2019, compared with the same time period a year ago. There was also a decrease in Canadian visitors, with a drop of 18,538 year-over-year. Overall, there was a 1.7

percent decrease in North American tourists. Of the nearly 5 million tourists who have visited the Dominican Republic so far this year, 60.6 percent came from North America; 22.3 percent from Europe; 12.6 percent from South America; 4.2 percent from Central America and the Caribbean; and the remaining 0.3 percent from Asia and the rest of the world, reported the country’s Central Bank. “It is important to note, with regard to the decrease presented in the influx of foreign travelers to the Dominican Republic, that cancellations on air reservations scheduled by Americans continue to have an impact. These are associated with the media campaign on the unfortunate events that occurred to tourists from the U.S. in some hotels in the country during the first half of 2019,” the Central Bank said in a statement. “The economic conditions and low growth of some countries have also affected [the arrival of] tourists from Europe and South America.”

This fountain may remind you of the Fountain of Trevi in Rome, but no, it’s at Casa de Campo Resort in La Romana, the Dominican Republic. >Rosario Fajardo

13 < The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, October 16, 2019

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/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The Landmark has meeting rooms, activity and conference rooms and private desks for the entrepreneur looking for an inspiring place to work.

The Landmark offers advanced privacy features due to the several phone booths and sound proof walls that have been installed throughout the structure. >Courtesy The Landmark

The Landmark

a New Co-Working Space in Miramar

Enjoy a collaborative business hub in a historic building that has been beautifully refurnished to inspire the everyday entrepreneur

B

Claudia Guerrero Negrón

newsroom@wjournal.com

@cguerreronegron

eautifully redecorated and fully refurnished to immaculate detail, The Landmark is the new highend co-working space that has opened its doors in the historic neighborhood of Miramar. Once a convent, the 149-yearold structure is emblematic of the resurgence of the French Renaissance, being one of only two structures with this style of architecture; the other being the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. Olga Muñoz, CEO and Founder of The Landmark, used her 30 years of experience in architecture as co-owner of Soltero and Muñoz Architects, to create the space. Soltero and Muñoz Architects were the experts who were in charge of designing also The Mall of San Juan. The Landmark was created with a completely new approach to co-working design, implementing more private and intimate spaces while also offering a wide variety of options for entrepreneurs who are always on the go. “The purpose is for people to come in and feel inspired to get to work. The person who comes here is the person who appreciates art, the person who appreciates beauty. It is for people who want to work in an environment that is inspiring in all aspects,” said Muñoz. Everything from the antique marble floors to the chandeliers to the mosaic-filled bathrooms to the ergonomic furniture that fills the space, every little detail was thought out by Muñoz. Across the walls are paintings of Puerto Rico’s most important landmarks to go with the aura of the structure. With help from her daughter, color artist Maria Fernanda Soltero, the interiors of The Landmark look like they came straight out of an interior design magazine. Eclectic color patterns are

matched with geometric shapes all around, giving a modern but not overwhelming feel due to the natural light that shines through the windows that are installed in each single workroom. Designed for each possible entrepreneur, whether you’re from out of town or as Boricua as they come, or whether you are flying solo or you have your team with you; whether you’re in town for a short time or plan to stay for a while, there is something for everyone. A fully stocked kitchen with amenities welcomes everyone who decides to use the collaborative spaces. You can choose between a $50-day pass where you can enjoy any of the lounges, open desks and terraces. Or you could enjoy a dedicated desk for $450 a month which would include two hours of complimentary meeting room usage per month. They also have private suites and studios designed for bigger teams from two to up to fourteen members which include more features like a 40 percent discount on additional meeting room hourly rates. There’s also meeting room packages with video conference facilities and TV’s

The Landmark has a guest reception area as well as terraces available for networking and collaboration among professionals. >Courtesy The Landmark

The purpose is for people to come in and feel inspired to get to work. The person who comes here is the person who appreciates art, the person who appreciates beauty. It is for people who want to work in an environment that is inspiring in all aspects. Olga Muñoz, CEO and Founder

to project presentations. Of course, there are various flexible membership package options that include access to mail and package handling and access to the online member community where events are posted. Very soon, the activity room will be open for small cocktails or networking events for the entrepreneur who would like to host their event. For the business man or woman who likes to hit the gym, access to showers are also provided right there on the facilities. At The Landmark, professionals can enjoy fully equipped print stations, a guest reception area, secured, private Cisco Meraki networks per professional or company, high-speed, fiber optic dedicated internet, 24/7 unlimited access for members and much more. In case of emergencies, a water tank and power generator are there for business continuity.

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/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Parallel18 Ventures Adds Four Startups to its Portfolio 16 companies have benefited from initiative in past three years rfajardo@wjournal.com

@RosarioWJournal

he Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust has invested $225,000 in four startups through the follow-up fund Parallel18 Ventures, created to speed up the growth of promising young companies that complete Parallel18’s acceleration program and raise additional capital. The fund carries the name of accelerator Parallel18 (P18), which is a program of the trust. On this round, the funds were awarded to four companies from Puerto Rico, Colombia and Canada, that were part of Generation 5, which completed the program in Dec. 2018. The fifth round of parallel18 Ventures includes Go Panza and Molcajete Foods (Puerto Rico), Vozy (Colombia), and Adventure Bucket List (Canada). The Trust has also received a $609,135 grant from the Economic Development Agency that will be channeled through Parallel18 Ventures to launch the Investor Bridge Project. The goals of the project are to expand the local and international investor network, launch an investor education curriculum and implement a formal investment fund with a target size of at least $10 million to acquire capital to invest in startups and other companies from the Puerto Rico tech ecosystem. Over two years, the Investor Bridge Project anticipates facilitating investments in at least 10 companies and supporting the creation of over 50 jobs. “Parallel18 Ventures and the new Investor Bridge Project are important elements to continue strengthening Puerto Rico’s innovation ecosystem. With these initiatives, we are working to solve one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs on the island, the lack of alternative funding for high-tech companies, which is key to their full development and future contribution to the island’s economy,” said Lucy Crespo, CEO of the trust. Parallel18 Ventures is a follow-up fund designed to co-invest in promising startups that complete the acceleration curriculum. With the program, the trust matches private capital raised by the entrepreneurs in exchange for stocks or convertible notes. As a condition to receive the funds, each startup is required to keep operations in Puerto Rico and hire at least three full-time employees. In the past three years, Parallel18 Ventures has invested $1.115 million in 16

In fact... In 2016, there

In the past three years, Parallel18 Ventures has invested $1.115 million in 16 companies that have raised an additional $15 million from local and foreign investors to scale their businesses.

Yamille Morales, founder of Go Panza, which provides technology to brick-and-mortar grocers >Courtesy

>Courtesy

T Rosario Fajardo

companies that have raised an additional $15 million from local and foreign investors to scale their businesses. Go Panza provides technology to brick-andmortar grocers to help them transform into e-commerce businesses and enable grocery delivery and pickup. They are currently supporting seven Econo supermarkets in Puerto Rico (Altamira, Levittown, Humacao, Caguas, Campo Rico, Saint Just and Plaza Carolina), and expect to expand their presence to a total of 15 stores by the end of 2019. Molcajete Foods manufactures and sells authentic and high-quality Mexican food

products using organic corn and original recipes under the Doña Lola brand. Their products are available in 100 stores islandwide such as Econo, SuperMax, Walmart, Amigo, Selectos, Mr Special and Ralph’s, as well as online platforms EconoToGo and Supermax Online. Molcajete Foods expects to double their points of sale in Puerto Rico to 200 stores by the end of 2020. Vozy provides voice technology and artificial intelligence to help businesses from diverse industries in Latin America automate communication with customers, engage in productive conversations and create personalized customer experiences at scale. They have over 200 small business customers in 15 countries and corporate clients, such as MAPFRE and Infopáginas in Puerto Rico. Adventure Bucket List provides online booking and reservation software to help tourism and activity operator businesses save money and increase sales. They have 246 total clients from nine countries spread around North, Central and South America, Europe and Southeast Asia, with 55 tour-operator clients in Puerto Rico including Spotin, 21 climb and tours, Pine Groves Surf School, MBTION Tours, Inland Express Tours and Caribbean H20 Rentals.

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U.S. Supreme Court Justices Seem Likely to Uphold Puerto Rico Oversight Board

T Melisa T. Díaz

newsroom@wjournal.com

wjournal

he Supreme Court heard arguments about the constitutionality of the Federal Oversight and Management Board (FOMB). Shall the FOMB be declared unconstitutional, the actions taken by the board over the last three years would need to be further evaluated, as required by the Appointments Clause of the U.S. constitution, because the members were never approved by the U.S. Congress. This would include the Plan of Adjustment and a myriad of other negotiations that have been entered to with creditors. On the other hand, if the FOMB is declared constitutional, the members of the board would not need Congressional confirmation. Thomas Verrilli, attorney for the FOMB, stated that Congress authorized the board to take action in order to restructure the debt and restore fiscal discipline amidst the human and financial crisis facing Puerto Rico. Justice Sonia Sotomayor proceeded to question how the board members could be considered

both independent officials and yet agents of the commonwealth, and compared them to federal district attorneys. Verrilli responded that the comparison was not valid because federal district attorneys are tasked with enforcing federal law on the island whilst board members are only tasked with handling Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis and debt restructure. Verrilli went on to state that board members only have territorial authority. Principal Deputy Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall also argued in favor of the constitutionality of the FOMB. “The board works in a territory for a specific statute within that territory,” he said. Wall went on to say that the U.S. Congress could have placed the FOMB under the jurisdiction the U.S. Department of the Treasury. He added that the board’s authority was granted by a federal law. Jessica Méndez Colberg, attorney for Utier, brought up the dispositions set for in the Insular Cases, which concede a number of limited constitutional rights. She claimed that her client had suffered damages and had yet to receive restitution. Méndez went on to claim that the board had too much authority and that they had addressed unions and contracts that were outside

>J. Scott Applewhite / AP

/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019

of their scope. To this, Justice John Glover Roberts replied that the Insular Cases did not apply to the issue. Former U.S. Solicitor General Theodore Olson, now attorney for Aurelius/Assure Guaranty, said that Promesa was established by President Obama in response to a massive fiscal crisis. When asked by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg whether the board acted in name of Puerto Rico or the U.S., Olson replied that the FOMB was not an internal entity of government, but rather an oversight board. Olson went on to say that the issue was a federal one that required a federal solution. He also stated that the FOMB had the authority to handle financial dealings. When Judge Samuel Alito responded by asking if it would be “excessively cynical” to question whether he was defending the constitution or if this was all about money, Olson said that his client had engaged in a deal. During the 80-minute-long hearing, eight of the nine Supreme Court justices were able to listen to arguments in favor and against the FOMB. Only Justice Clarence Thomas abstained from questioning. A decision is expected relatively quickly because the court agreed to review and decide the case much faster than usual.

/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019

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Department of Justice’s Lobbyist Registry Available, but With Technical Issues PRITS and DOJ working on validating lobbyists’ data before uploading to the registry

T Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@elvocero.com

@giopgarofalo

he Puerto Rico Department of Justice (DOJ) informed that it released the lobbyist registry on its website, as dictated by Executive Order 2019-031 to establish a “code of total transparency” for all agency heads in the executive branch. THE WEEKLY JOURNAL reported on Sept. 18 that the lobbyist registry was estimated to be released sometime that week in mid-September after Secretary of Justice Dennise Longo held various meetings to give shape to the executive order, signed last July by then-Governor Ricardo Rosselló. Sources close to this paper had affirmed that they are interested in registering formally, particularly to tackle issues concerning the

Although the portal is linked to the Department of Justice’s official website, lobbyists might have difficulty registering. >File photo

Opportunity Zones program, but they have been unable to proceed because they do not know how to access the portal. Per this paper’s request, Longo informed that the portal was launched last week and is available to the general public. Unlike other registries in the DOJ’s official website, www.justicia.pr.gov—such as property and sex offenders—the lobbyist registry is not included in a separate widget. Rather, it is part of an automatic slideshow on the main page, right above the welcome message. Set against a backdrop with a notepad and keyboard are two links, one to conduct a search in the registry and another for lobbyists to register. Both redirect to a new webpage, registrodecabilderos.pr.gov, with the difference that the former takes users to a page that outlines the portal’s terms of use. After agreeing, cybernauts are then redirected to the official registry. The registry is essentially a table that will list lobbyists under their name, number of registration, clients who they represent and authorized staff. When visitors access the page, however, they’ll realize that it doesn’t feature a single lobbyist. When asked about this issue, Longo responded in a written statement that “the information that is being integrated into the registry is pending completion of the validation processes.”

“The technical staff from the [Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Service (PRITS)] and the Department of Justice are working to publish this content as soon as possible,” the secretary added. When users click on the link that allows them to register as lobbyists, they’ll notice that the page features the necessary documents that set forth the guidelines for registration, as well as the circular letter and the sworn oath, both in .PDF format, to register, renew or amend information in the registry. The page also requires login information to access. As a test, THE WEEKLY JOURNAL created a profile and subsequently received an email that provided a link to activate the account. Alas, the link redirects to a page with the message “This site can’t be read,” both in desktop and mobile devices and with different internet connections. Moreover, when attempting to access the page, despite being unable to activate the account, the screen displays a message that reads “the information submitted is incorrect.” There is the option to renew one’s password, but even after resorting to this measure, the page could not be accessed because the email was not sent. Regarding the website’s updates and tech fixes, the PRITS is expected to upload the required fields and sort out these errors.

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Ponce Port

Ready to Receive Products in Case of an Emergency

It will avoid backlogs in San Juan’s port

I

Claudia Guerrero Negrón

newsroom@wjournal.com

@cguerreronegron

n hopes of continuing the efforts set forth last month to improve emergency response and establish a more effective disaster relief protocol, Puerto Rican Professional Association (Profesa) members met with the Puerto Rico Ports Authority Executive Director Anthony Maceira to discuss the next steps in achieving collaboration. Present at the meeting was Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce of the South representative Luis Vázquez, joining efforts with Profesa to ensure business continuity if another natural disaster were to hit the island of Puerto Rico.

The first step was accepting that we needed better tools, and that is what we are here for. Maybe tomorrow there will be a better entity to do the job but, with our efforts, at least we motivated agencies, corporations and citizens to see that there are people who remember this and are preparing for the next one. Rafael González - Profesa president

Among the many things discussed, Profesa members were notified that the port in Ponce will now be open to receive product in case of an emergency, which will avoid product getting clogged in San Juan’s port as it happened in Maria. The smaller airports in Mayagüez and Aguadilla will also be part of emergency response protocol. “The first step was accepting that we needed better tools and that is what we are here for. Maybe tomorrow there will be a better entity to do the job, but at least we motivated with our efforts agencies, corporations and citizens to see that there are people who remember this, and they are preparing for the next one. We hope none of this will be needed, but if it is, we will be present,” González added. “Profesa and CCS have joined forces to maintain

Profesa members met with the Puerto Rico Ports Authority Executive Director Anthony Maceira to ensure business continuity if another natural disaster were to hit the island of Puerto Rico. >Courtesy Cámara de Comercio del Sur

an active economy after the impact of natural disasters. During the meeting with the Ports Authority, Profesa and CCS presented ideas to ensure the arrival of products to the island in the moment of a crisis,” said Edwin Betancourt, Profesa vice president. An important outcome of the meeting was the connection achieved among key figures on the island who will be the contacts responding to the protocol established by Profesa, like Carlos Acevedo, P.R. emergency management bureau director (Nmead by its acronym in Spanish), and Eduardo Pagán, TOTE Maritime P.R. president. Profesa members quickly learned that maritime companies have an active role in operating Puerto Rico’s ports, while the government acts as a landlord, leading Maceira to link maritime company leaders, like TOTE and Crowley, with Profesa members so that a cohesive and organized emergency response protocol can be achieved. “After the experience we lived with Hurricane Maria, it is essential to coordinate efforts so that the help arrives to the island in the fastest and most organized manner possible, especially when it comes to many non-profit organizations sending supplies at the same time. This meeting with Profesa without a doubt will facilitate help efforts from the diaspora in Florida to the island,” said Maceira. According to Profesa leaders, the arrival of much of the help that was sent from Florida to

the island was never confirmed, which led leaders like Thomas Agrait, Profesa vice president of government affairs and Rafael González, president of Profesa, to act diligently in creating a new plan to make sure that all products sent are rightfully distributed to their destinations. To ensure the efficiency of all recovery operations during the event of an atmospheric disaster, the idea of seminars was introduced in the meeting Profesa members had with the Jacksonville Port Authority last month. In the meeting with Maceira, the director found it to be an excellent idea. The way this would work is that for each sector or each system that plays a key role in disaster recovery, like maritime companies, seminars will be offered on how to carry out effective procedures. For example, a seminar could be offered by Crowley professionals on how to properly fill out shipping equipment to ensure the arrival of product. “Who will be providing the resources will be the very institutions that are in charge of each one of the protocols. Profesa will be the facilitator in calling the community or anyone who is interested to assist and take these curses, which will instruct them and let the community know what is their status, what are the processes so that the knowledge isn’t concentrated in just one source, instead, it is distributed. Everyone is informed, and it isn’t a science for anyone involved,” said González.

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Mixed Economic Perspectives for Puerto Rico

T

By V2A, Strategic Management Consultants

he Puerto Rico economy rebounded from the effects of Hurricane Maria quite quickly. Several factors contributed to that: the immediate recovery efforts and emergency funds deployed, a better financial position of local firms and individuals after a very long period of belt-tightening and deleveraging, a solid performance of the U.S. economy and an environment of still-low interest rates. That short-term jump was soon accompanied by a flow of insurance funds, a welcomed optimism driven by the promise of $82 billion in disaster relief funding, and a consequent renewed appetite to spend by local families (in part driven by the need to replace goods damaged by Hurricane Maria). This is clearly reflected by the Economic Activity Index (EAI), which reached 121.7 in July 2018 and remained in line with prehurricane levels in the second half of 2018 (see Figure 1). In 2019, the local economy seems to be losing some steam but is still showing solid performance in some areas. As can be observed in Figure 2, the construction sector still shows greater activity compared with 2017, with cement sales rising by 14.7 percent in the January to August 2019 period compared with the same period in 2017. However, growth rates have reduced in recent months (13.4 percent for the June to August period and 9.4 percent for August), and the drop against 2018 increases every month. Similarly, the Purchasing Managers’ Index, which tracks manufacturing activity, has shown continued deterioration against 2018 and 2017. Families continue to spend at a much faster pace than in 2017, with 8 percent growth in retail sales for the January to July period, 8.2 percent for the May to July period, and 11.8 percent for July. Something similar can be observed regarding new car sales trends. Both retail and car sales indicators are down against 2018 levels, but that was expected considering the “artificial” jump in spending after Hurricane Maria, which was driven by a need to replace goods and insurance claim payments. The tourism sector continues to show very solid performance despite the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Maria on the lodging sector, which are still felt today. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport arrivals are above 2017 pre-hurricane levels and significantly above 2018. The tourism sector’s dynamism has been driven by two main factors: growing cruise ship activity, cruise ship passenger numbers in the first seven months of 2019 were 18.7 percent above 2017 levels, and an expansion of the short-term rental activity with the total number of room nights booked jumping from 17,000 in 2015 to 149,000 in 2018. Finally, we need to mention the dramatic increase in General Fund revenues reported by the Puerto Rico Treasury Department, 25 percent above 2018 and 33 percent above 2017 in the first seven months of the year. The increase is driven by income tax receipts from individuals but, especially, by income tax receipts from corporations. Aside from successful collection and tax evasion efforts by the local authorities and some large business transactions, this increase also shows an important dynamism of the business sector. That dynamism is backed by the private

employment figures, which show a steady increase since Hurricane Maria, reaching approximately 671,000 employees in Aug. 2019 (see Figure 3, excludes self-employed). That private sector increase has coincided with a significant reduction in public sector employment, driven by the implemented austerity measures. When we look at the approximately 10,200 more private sector employees between Aug. 2018 and Aug. 2019, we see how the increase has been shared across several economic sectors (see Figure

3). The education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and professional services sectors have shown the largest employment increases with 3,700, 2,400 and 2,100 more employees, respectively. In summary, the available economic indicators show mixed signs for the short and medium terms.

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It’s

Art Time

Since its debut in 2017, MECA has been growing at a steady pace, flourishing from 15 to 26 galleries. >Courtesy MECA

MECA is Back

This year the international art fair is enlisting 26 galleries in its mission to spotlight the Caribbean art scene and establish Puerto Rico as an art destination

A Cynthia López Cabán

clopez@wjournal.com

@cynthia_lope

dense cloud of silence veiled over the Arsenal de la Marina Española (former Spanish naval station) in Old San Juan on this Tuesday morning. Only the droplet sounds of the fountain in the main patio disrupted the silence and stillness of the old building. The colonial fortress -overseeing the stunning San Juan Bay- reawakens in six weeks to allow the imagination to soar. How? With the opening of the MECA International Art Fair, an expo of 26 exhibitors from countries as diverse as Japan, México, Perú, Guatemala, Puerto Rico and the United States. The contemporary art fair runs from Nov. 21 through 24. For four days next month, the former naval station will be transfigured into an open art community, a space with no physical walls dividing the exhibitors and no frontiers for the exchange

Tony Rodríguez is the artistic director and co-founder of MECA Art Fair. >Gabriel López Albarrán

/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019

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“MECA intends to create a marketplace, non-existent right now, both in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean region. The fair provides a platform where artists can sell their work, and a space where artists, gallerists and collectors can network and mingle.” Tony Rodríguez, co-founder and artistic director of MECA.

have space or a gallery at which to showcase their work,” indicated Rodríguez, an artist and art gallery owner. Like in previous years, the galleries will display a diverse collection of sculptures, installations, photography, paintings, mixed-media works and performances, with offerings ranging from conceptualism and realism to cutting-edge and avant-garde works. The project space named Mecanismos returns with an exhibition that gathers the work of 11 emerging artists curated by Lizania Cruz and Luis Graham Castillo, both from the Dominican Republic. For this third edition, MECA also presents three special projects: El Lobi + Taller Malaquita, Larrie and Beverly’s. Visitors will also be able to enjoy workshops organized through a partnership with the

Museum of Art and Design in Miramar and the Puerto Rico Museum of Art, and visit galleries that will join in the four-day art fest. Tickets for the entire run of the show cost $30, a single day visit is $12 (pre-sale) and, if bought at the entrance, $15. Students with ID and seniors pay $10. “For the casual visitor, perhaps not a buyer or art collector, the fair works as a great exhibition. They can come and spend a day experiencing and enjoying art,” Rodríguez indicated of the fair’s ample range. As part of the artistic journey, visitors will enjoy good food and music. MECA is also petfriendly. The Tourism Company and the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture are also sponsoring this edition of the fair. For more information visit www.mecartfair.com.

Courtesy MECA

of ideas and the pursuit of dreams. The initiative was born three years ago. After reading an article in The New York Times, Tony Rodríguez began dreaming about a venue to spotlight and celebrate contemporary local and Caribbean artists. Soon after, he crossed paths with Danny Báez at an exhibition. The duo talked about the art scene on the island and, shortly after the brainstorming session, the dream became a reality. “MECA intends to create a marketplace, nonexistent right now, both in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean region. The fair provides a platform where artists can sell their work, and a space where artists, gallerists and collectors can network and mingle,” explained Rodríguez, cofounder and artistic director of MECA. “The idea is to connect visitors, tourists, curators, people from other realms of the art world so they can discover new talent from this region,” he added. But MECA (short for Mercado Caribeño) is more more than just a selling point, it is also about building community, nurturing the region’s cultural scene and paving the way for the island to become an art destination. “I hope people learn more about art, become engaged and follow what we’re doing here,” Rodríguez said. And it seems to be working. Three years ago, Rodríguez and Báez started laying the foundations of this artistic gathering at the Music Conservatory in Santurce. The following year, MECA moved to the historic quarter of Old San Juan. Since its debut in 2017, MECA has been growing at a steady pace, flourishing from 15 to 26 galleries. “This year we have nine additional galleries like Misako & Rosen from Japan, Proyectos Ultravioleta from Guatemala, Mendes Wood DM from Brazil and Revólver from Lima and Buenos Aires,” Rodríguez pointed out. Aside from the new exhibitors, this year the fair dabbles into the illustration world with the MECA Illustration Art Show. Held at :Pública in Santurce, the exhibit will showcase the work of 35 illustrators; among them, Omar Banuchi, Guanina Cotto, Esteban Ruiz, Natasha Laracuente, Elizabeth Barreto and Krisia Ayala. “This is another attempt to create a platform for illustrators that -in a lot of instances- don’t

Tony Rodríguez is the artistic director and co-founder of MECA Art Fair. >Gabriel López Albarrán

Kaleo

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/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Takes Brunch to a New Level With a European and Tropical Fusion The San Juan-based bistro offers brunch items all day, every day of the week

I

Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@elvocero.com

@giopgarofalo

n recent years, Puerto Rico has experienced a boom in brunch offers, but outside of Condado, Santurce and Old San Juan, most restaurants seem to stick to serving either breakfast or lunch and supper items. However, one restaurant in an unlikely location is breaking the mold and taking this popular concept out the confinements of the capital’s most popular sectors. Kaleo Tropical Bistro is located in the area of Cupey in San Juan, neighboring the municipalities of Caguas and Trujillo Alto. Formerly a Subway restaurant, the two-story locale has been transformed into a classic European-style café with Caribbean and Pacific elements. Most walls are either covered with a green and white leafy wallpaper or painted in rich navy color. The floor is paneled with a light-colored wood reminiscent of sand, which, along with the décor, transports guests to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches while simultaneously evoking a trip to a classic European bistro. An open-view cafeteria welcome you on the first level, featuring baskets full of bread and several bottles of wine. Meanwhile, the second level features a bar, more tables and a wall covered in faux greenery, which is mostly used for selfies and group photos. THE WEEKLY JOURNAL visited this enticing culinary destination, which was originally based in Cabo Rojo but relocated just a few months ago. The restaurant’s manager, Amarys Rivera, and the owner, Norman Sierra, gleefully opened Kaleo’s

The Aymat Eggs Benedict is a fan favorite, served with local donuts, thick bacon, and sauteéd potatoes with vegetables. >Gabriel López Albarrán

doors and explained its concept and menu, while serving several appetizing dishes. Before delving into the menu, Sierra provided some background and context regarding the restaurant as everyone sipped on a delicious cappuccino made with 100 percent Arabica beans, courtesy of Gustos Café, a local business. “The name stems from ‘Tropicaleo,’ a business that I bought some three years ago… I bought the business, never did anything with the name and I decided to use it for this concept… it’s catchy. It was a project that began in Boquerón (Cabo Rojo)

because a friend of mine purchased a hotel there and asked me to open a restaurant with breakfast items,” Sierra said. Regarding Kaleo’s extensive brunch offer, he stated that he “had already intended to create this type of concept, of a bistro, because I love eating breakfast later in the day. Seeing how brunch has risen in popularity lately, I decided to venture in this market and create a European bistro with a tropical vibe.” However, the restaurant also offers soups, desserts and other concoctions beyond brunch.

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These popular waffles are drizzled with Nutella and powdered sugar and complemented with roasted marshmallows and fresh strawberries. Visitors have the option to order this dish with ice cream on top as a dessert.

When perusing the menu, visitors will notice the fusion Sierra referred to, though it also contains elements from Indian, African and American cuisines. The menu has helpful pointers that indicate fan favorites and vegetarian options. One of the items favored by visitors is the pulled pork Benedict, which consists of eggs Benedict and the classic Southern staple with Hollandaise sauce served over alcapurria—a Puerto Rican fritter made with green plantains and yucca (cassava) or yautia (tao root) and stuffed with meat. Although that particular dish is especially eyecatching, the first meal served was the Aymat Bacon Benedict—a delightful monstrosity of a meal. The chef uses two Aymat donuts, which are locally renowned, and tops each of them with bountiful servings of thick, crispy bacon and eggs Benedict. This is accompanied by potatoes sautéed with onions red, green, and yellow peppers for a mesmerizing, aromatic experience. While the combination sounds admittedly odd, the sweetness of the donuts and the savoriness of the eggs and bacon complement rather than clash. Likewise, the fluffiness of the fried pastry, the crispiness of the pork, and the yolks’ runny consistency provide a confusing yet appealing blending of textures.

Norman Sierra, the owner of Kaleo Tropical Bistro, explained that he came up with the concept for the restaurant because of his own tendency to eat breakfast items later in the day. Thus, Kaleo offers brunch all day. >Gabriel López Albarrán

The following meal was highly recommended by Rivera, who said it is one of the most frequently ordered dishes—the Nutella S’mores Waffles. These waffles, fluffy and delicious, could easily be ordered either as the main course or dessert. They are drizzled amply with the classic hazelnut chocolate spread and roasted marshmallows, reminiscent of summer camps or outdoorsy adventures. These are topped with fresh strawberries and, per the customer’s request, vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent experience. Already stuffed to the point of exhaustion due to the gargantuan servings, room was made to taste Sierra’s personal favorite, the Cuban Croque Monsieur. It takes the element of a Cuban sandwich— ham, pernil, pickles, Swiss cheese and mustard—but serves it as a multi-layered sandwich with brioche bread and a veil of Hollandaise sauce and pickles. Beautiful, savory and huge, this sandwich, as with the other dishes, could quell several appetites at a time, or one particularly hungry stomach. Rivera noted that in addition to providing large portions, Kaleo places value in the aesthetics of each dish, considering visitors’ tendency to upload pictures of their meals on social media platforms. “The clients who visit us are very demanding with that and they upload everything,” she said amid laughs. This, she said, is one of the reasons she loves working in the culinary industry. “I work in something that I am passionate about, because I really am passionate about food and serving the customer. Seeing the customer excited about a dish and taking pictures and everything, hearing their feedback… it’s an amazing feeling,” Rivera said. In addition to great food, some of the services that Kaleo offers are valet parking, food delivery, outdoor seating and a space for parties or events. The restaurant currently holds a ladies-only event every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. called ‘You Can’t Sip With Us,’ in which women can enjoy Vallformosa Cava for $5 and Piper-Hiedsieck Brut Champagne for $8; the offer will be available until November 27. Kaleo Tropical Bistro is located at 349 Felisa R. De Gautier Ave. in San Juan. The restaurant opens from Sunday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. To contact management, call (787) 474-0040.

The Cuban Croque Monsieur is a fun twist on the classic sandwich and owner Norman Sierra’s favorite. >Gabriel López Albarrán

Kaleo Tropical Bistro is located at the 349 Felisa R. De Gautier Ave. in San Juan. >Gabriel López Albarrán

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It doesn’t get any better than this. Coffee and Mallorcas at Café Don Ruiz in Old San Juan (Courtesy)

Coffee Shopsin San Juan C Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournal.com

@RosarioWJournal

offee may not be ambrosia, the “elixir of the gods,” but in my opinion, it comes pretty close. According to the well-known legend, the coffee bean’s magical powers were first discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. Kaldi noticed that something interesting happened to his goats that ate coffee beans. His observant eyes noticed that they started jumping around with more energy than normal and did not sleep at night. Kaldi reported his observations to the abbot of his local monastery, who then gathered some coffee beans and made a drink concoction. The abbot noticed that he was also able to stay awake at night, which helped him through the long hours of evening prayer. The findings were reported to his fellow and word about coffee’s energizing powers quickly spread throughout the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The rest is history, thanks to Kaldi. Puerto Rico’s love of coffee is well known and

You’ll get plenty of smiles and great coffee at Barista Squared. (Courtesy)

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Puerto Rico’s love of coffee is well known and is a point of pride among ‘boricuas’. For many, making great coffee is an art form and, despite Hurricane Maria’s devastation, the coffee culture on the island is alive and well. Coffee is much more than a drink—it’s a lifestyle.

is a point of pride among ‘boricuas’. For many, making great coffee is an art form and, despite Hurricane Maria’s devastation, the coffee culture on the island is alive and well. Coffee is much more than a drink—it’s a lifestyle. Here are some of my favorite coffee shops in the San Juan area, serving high-quality “elixirs” in a warm and friendly atmosphere, listed in alphabetical order:

Caldera Café, Santurce

This venue also serves artisanal coffee from their plantation in Maricao. Often overlooked because it is in Santurce, near Miramar, this place serves coffee with love. They even serve breakfast all day. Try the homemade empanadas: “Caldera” with eggplant, Swiss cheese and a mustard/ honey sauce. Located at 1047 Ponce de León Ave., San Juan

Barista Squared, Condado

A casual coffee shop in the heart of Condado, within walking distance of several hotels. Great café con leche and a nice place to hang out on weekends. They have an ample breakfast menu. Definitely try the guava pastry, a local specialty. Located at 1102 Magdalena Ave., San Juan

Café Con Cé, Loíza street

Highly recommended by a colleague, this small neighborhood coffee shop lived up to expectations. Staff are friendly and the prices are just right. They also have a nice porch area where you can sit with your dog and enjoy your cup o’ joe. Located at 1765 Loíza St., San Juan

Café Hacienda San Pedro, Santurce

I have been going to this coffee shop for years and it is a longtime favorite. They serve artisanal coffee from their own plantation in Jayuya. My favorite item here, besides the coffee, is the turkey and Swiss cheese on a croissant. My husband and I have also visited their plantation, up in the mountains, which houses a restaurant, coffee museum and gift store. Well worth a day trip from San Juan. Located at 318 José de Diego Ave., San Juan

Situated inside Cuartel de Ballajá, the former military barracks for Spanish troops, the venue itself oozes history. Yet another locale serving artisanal coffee from their own plantation, which houses a roastery and coffee museum, in Yauco. The owners boast that they are fourth-generation coffee growers. The iced coffee is great. Located on Norzagaray street, near El Morro, San Juan

>Courtesy

Café Don Ruiz, Old San Juan

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A Way To Explore Orocovis

H Melissa M. Cruz

mcruz@elvocero.com

@mmcruzrios

>Archive

oping to aid in the promotion of art and culture, a group of art teachers, artists and volunteers from Orocovis have created “Pinceladas en Oro”. This monthly, family-friendly event at which artisans and artists gather to show off their work with exhibitions and workshops is the brainchild of Jesús Adrián Colón, Belmar Alvarado, Luis Morales and Jorge Torres. “Pinceladas en Oro” has become one of the most popular events in Orocovis. Having launched in June 2018 under a tent and with the participation of only a handful of artists, the event will be celebrating its 13th edition on Nov. 3, 2019. Artists will be spread out through the town’s urban center, starting at Degetau street all the way down to the town square. There will also be food kiosks, live music and puppet shows. “We realized that there was the potential to turn

The group’s motto has been ‘si entras al centro, entras al pueblo’ (to get to the town’s center, you must head into the town). We have developed an array of initiatives to get people to learn more about the center and heart of Puerto Rico, to support its local economy and to get them to enjoy Orocovis -Jorge Torres this into something bigger so we turned it into a monthly event. We have been knocking on lots of doors in order to get the word out. We believe that this is a great project through which we can assist in the growth of the art scene and all its disciplines,” said Jorge Torres. Torres went on to say that they have been slowly adding vendors, artists and activities. Some of these are art workshops, Henna, children’s theater, improv workshops and even a presentation by the National Circus. According to Torres, this is also a great way to increase traffic to the town and aid in its development.

“The group’s motto has been ‘si entras al centro, entras al pueblo’ (to get to the town’s center, you must head into the town). We have developed an array of initiatives to get people to learn more about the center and heart of Puerto Rico, to support its local economy and to get them to enjoy Orocovis,” he stated. Some of these initiatives have been tied to the Puerto Rican urban art scene due to the fact that many tourists enjoy taking pictures of themselves next to the murals and installations. Torres said that there are a dozen murals

running down Degetau street and the stairs that lead to Cerro La Guaira. Torres went on to stay that, much to his surprise, and thanks to the team’s efforts, the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (ICP) has requested to affiliate with Orocovis’ Cultural Center in an effort to continue developing cultural events once they are officially registered as a nonprofit entity. “This means a lot to us because even though education is essential, the workshops help us keep our traditions alive and prepare children for the future,” said Torres.

27 < The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, October 16, 2019

SOMOS LA AYUDA PARA LOS QUE AYUDAN. Sabemos que la labor de un cuidador es vital para el bienestar de una persona con Alzheimer, por eso brindamos ayuda económica a pacientes de escasos recursos de Puerto Rico.

Requisitos mínimos: • Tener diagnóstico médico de Alzheimer • Cualificar como pacientes de escasos recursos económicos • Ser residente de Puerto Rico

Documentos a presentar: • Evidencia de recibos de gastos relacionados con cuidado de pacientes (ejemplos: pañales, cuido, medicamentos, gastos médicos) • Evidencia de ingresos del paciente • Evidencia de diagnóstico médico

Cómo solicitar la ayuda:

• Completar la solicitud de ayuda disponible en www.defrentepr.com • Enviar la solicitud y los documentos de apoyo a la dirección:

De Frente al Alzheimer, Inc. 130 Ave. Winston Churchill, PMB 154 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926 • Enviar la solicitud y los documentos de apoyo a:

ayuda@defrentepr.com

Tienes hasta el 15 de noviembre

DE FRENTE AL ALZHEIMER

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Puerto Rico’s First

All-Female Softball High School Program The Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School has set in motion a novel program meant to aid in the development of women’s softball on the island

P Yamaira Muñiz

ymuniz@elvocero.com

YMuñiz

uerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School (Prbahs) in Gurabo has launched the first all-female softball program in Puerto Rico. “The program has rendered positive results. We wanted a place for them, a space where they could develop their softball skills because we know that female softball is big all over the world.... there wasn’t anywhere where they could progress like they can here, with us, at the academy,” said Gil Martínez, the program’s director. The program, which started this school year, has 12 participants from tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade. The Prbahs also has a 17-year-old male baseball program which has been churning out great players like Carlos Correa from Houston; Christian Vázquez from Boston; and Joe Jiménez from Detroit. The new, all-female program’s main objective is to develop and prepare these girls to compete

in the national sport selection and to assist the players in obtaining college scholarships. In very much the same way that the boys in the baseball program do, the girls also work with offenses and defenses, team strategy and fundamentals, and exercise, all the while keeping up with their academic careers.

The girls are under the direction of a team that includes Omar Rosado as field coordinator; Charlie León and Rotsann Santiago as coaches; Edwin Mercado as coordinator and director; and Edgardo Lebrón in charge of college placement. “This program provides the girls with a great opportunity to develop within softball. Here at the academy they have a chance to progress, we are not making anything up. We are addressing every aspect of their development, with academics at the forefront,” said Mercado. The 12 program participants are tenth graders Génesis Miranda and Wildalys Ramos; eleventh graders Vanelis Muñoz, Janelle Martínez, Kristina Ramírez, Akyndra Montalvo, Maritere Gonzalez; and twelfth graders Kiarelys Roldán, Nahraí Roman, María Fernanda Mercado, Yarelis Vega y Jeresmilyan Torres. Janelle, Kristina and Akyndra currently play for the national U-17 selection which will compete at the Pan American Championship, to be held in Barranquilla, Colombia from Oct.10-20, where five teams will vie for a spot to the U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup.

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/ Wednesday, October 16, 2019 Las muchachas trabajan en todos los aspectos del juego y el ejercicio físico, pero sin descuidar la parte académica. Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School (Prbahs)

“The national women’s softball team currently ranks fourth in the world. The girls like to say ‘softball is in’. As an academy, we are taking advantage of that, not only because the national women’s selection is large, but also because we understand that there is talent that can be a part of that team,” said Lebrón, who used to play in the male softball selection. “There is exceptional talent here.” Janelle and Kristina praised the Prbahs, the only academy endorsed by Major League Baseball (MLB), for their commitment to the sport “We have the best coaches and I have loved being here. I think it is one of the best experiences that may be lived,” said Janelle, who dreams of

This program provides the girls with a great opportunity to develop within softball. Here at the academy they have a chance to progress, we are not making anything up. We are addressing every aspect of their development, with academics at the forefront. -Edwin Mercado, coordinator and director of the program.

getting a scholarship to a university in Florida. “The truth is that this opportunity comes along once in a lifetime and, aside from helping us get exposure, it contributes to our development.”

CRADLE OF TALENT

Aside from being one of the ways through which the athletes can gain college scholarships, the Prbahs is also poised to become a great source of much-needed local talent. Case in point, the women’s adult selection only had two native Puerto Ricans at the Olympic

Qualifying Tournament. “Ultimately, that is what we are working for. We are trying to help them develop so that they be part of a selection or earn a college scholarship, be it in Puerto Rico or the United States,” stated Gil Martínez. Edgardo Lebón went on to say that, “We are betting on the success of this program. We think that there will be a softball ‘boom’. Right now, everything revolves around male baseball but softball is going to be a hit and we are going to be the pioneers in the field,” added Edgardo Lebrón, who is in charge of college placement. Edwin Mercado, the program’s coordinator and

school director, always dreamt of a program like this but never found the right time for it. He thinks the program is of great benefit to the local softball scene. “It’s here, it works, and we are going to be constantly working on its development. Programs like this gives us hope for the future, like what happened eight or 10 years ago with Karla Claudio and Yahelis Muñoz,” he said. “This is the seed that we are hoping germinates so that in the future we have apt players in Puerto Rico and we do not run into all of the problems we usually encounter when trying to get a national team together,” stated Mercado.

Los varones tienen un programa similar en béisbol; Gil Martinez, director deportivo: “Para eso es que estamos trabajando. Tratar de desarrollarlas y que al final del día ellas puedan participar en la selección o que tengan una beca en una buena universidad”.

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Sinfónica Pops 2: “City Lights” Charlie Chaplin This special performance of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra marks the first time the orchestra performs the soundtrack from the movie “City Lights” by Charlie Chaplin. The concert celebrates Chaplin’s 130 years. When: Oct. 19, 7 p.m. Where: 22 Ponce de León Ave., Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center, Santurce

Improv Jam Black Ariel at Session LUSCA Film Fest

An informal dance event where we explore movement. When: Oct. 2, 7 p.m. Where: Estudio 21, 1851 Fernández Juncos Ave., San Juan

XXI Encuentro de Talladores de Santos A fair dedicated to Puerto Rico’s wooden saint (santos) artisans. The fair will be held on the grounds of Museo Casa Blanca, making it an excellent opportunity to also tour what was once the house of Juan Ponce de León. When: Oct. 20, 7 p.m. Where: 1 San Sebastián St., Museo Casa Blanca, Old San Juan

Atención Atención 20th Anniversary The Atención Atención show uses music, movement, images and colors to educate children in a fun way. When: Oct. 20, 5 p.m. Where: Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, 500 Arterial B Ave., San Juan

Attend the LUSCA Film Fest at Plaza Guaynabo and view the award-winning short experimental film “Black Ariel”, coupled with a few other “bori shorts”. Filmed post-hurricane Maria in Loíza, Puerto Rico, “Black Ariel” is a symbolic tribute to the restoration of the island and its people. When: Oct. 17, 7 p.m. Where: Caribbean Cinemas, Plaza Guaynabo, Guaynabo

Parque del Indio Cleanup Join the cleanup and meet your neighbors. When: Oct. 19, 1 p.m. Where: Parque del Indio, Condado, San Juan

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Pro Arte Musical: Pablo Ferrández A can’t miss opportunity to enjoy Spanish cellist Pablo Ferrández’s first-time performance in Puerto Rico. Praised for his authenticity and hailed by the critics as “one of the top cellists” (Rémy Louis, Diapason Magazine), 26-year-old Pablo Ferrández has built a brilliant career through collaborations with internationally renowned artists and world-leading orchestras. When: Oct. 20, 7 p.m. Where: 22 Ponce de León Ave., Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center, Santurce

Kany García Concert Puerto Rican pop singer Kany García has won three Latin Grammy awards, one Grammy and two Billboard awards. When: Oct. 19, 8 p.m. Where: Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, 500 Arterial B Ave., San Juan

Let’s talk Manatees Scuba Dogs hosts a scientific conversation about manatees. Antonio Mignucci, founder and director of the Manatee Conservation Center of Puerto Rico (MCCPR), will be giving a presentation that will give insight into their importance for costal ecosystems and what can be done to prevent their extinction. When: Oct. 16, 6 p.m. Where: Scuba Dogs, D-13 Buen Samaritano St., Gardenville, Guaynabo

Claptone at Vivo Beach Club DJ and producer Claptone has become one of the biggest names in dance music despite being a private person.He plays more than 260 shows every year and has remixed tracks by artists like Depeche Mode, New Order to Disclosure and Gorillaz. When: Oct. 19, 8 p.m. Where: Vivo Beach Club, 7000 Carr. 187, Carolina