Wednesday, February 23- March 1, 2022 - // no. 148
Puerto Rico and the Caribbean
www.theweeklyjournal.com
The Great Resignation
Limited opportunities for remote workers P7
Is there a real labor shortage?
or do we need to reconsider how we collect labor data?
Company pays associates with crypto currency P8 Federal Court looking into local bar exam P10
LGBTQ characters gain visibility on TV P12
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Juan A. Hernández, The Weekly Journal
n May 2021, Anthony Klotz, an organizational psychologist and professor at Texas A&M University, used for the first time the term “Great Resignation” to refer to the people resigning from their jobs as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Klotz, the pandemic had led many to reconsider why they work, how they work and where they work. “It’s not just about getting another job, or leaving the
workforce, it’s about taking control of your work and personal life, and making a big decision – resigning – to accomplish that,” he told CNBC in an interview earlier this year. “This is a moment of empowerment for workers, one that will continue well into the new year [2022].” But what should have been a temporary labor market trend has turned out to be a condition of the so-called “new normalcy” in a post-vaccine economy, like the “Great Depression” was in the 1930s, with which it intends to pun. GO TO PAGE 4
The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, February 23, 2022 > 2
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/ Wednesday, February 23, 2022
a week in review The Spring Collection that’s ‘Out of This World’ The synchronization that occurs between pets and their guardians is so special and unique that it is very easy to claim that it is “out of this world”. That is also the best description for the spring collection of the exclusive brand of pet products and accessories Toy Doggie, designed by Viviana Rivera. True to the quality that has defined the brand since its establishment in the local market in 2012, the new collection consists of nine modern pieces that will not only let dogs and cats stay trendy, but make them feel more comfortable, safe, and fresh in everyday life. All pieces were created with cotton fiber textiles which guarantee their durability, while bandanas or handkerchiefs are made of microfiber to regulate pets’ body temperature. The collection is available online and at Walmart.
The Best of Pink Prosecco Arrives
First Multi-Sport Complex to be Built in PR NBA star Jose Juan Barea and hotelier and businessman Ricky Newman have joined forces to build a cutting-edge multi-sport complex with lodging. The innovative sports development complex called JUMP Sports Development Center will be a multi-use facility, a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces situated on five acres of land. It will provide exceptionally high-caliber sports training. The top floor of the JUMP Center will become a hotel for athletes, so they can train and stay in the same place, reducing training interruptions and unnecessary travel. This is an opportunity to develop and grow youth and collegiate sports as well.
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
Mendez & Co brings a new pink edition of the exclusive Val D’oca brand to the Puerto Rico market. Its presentation on the island took place in the Italian space Il Nuovo Mercato, celebrating its native Italy. Recognized as part of the island’s exclusive portfolio of sparkling wines, this new rendition of Val D’Oca under the new denomination of origin, Prosecco Rosé D.O.C., has separate vinification for Glera and Pinot Noir grapes. It involves gentle pressing, static decanting, and fermentation at 64 degrees Fahrenheit, with selected yeasts for the Glera grape. The maceration of the Pinot Noir grape is done separately, then it is removed before the second fermentation is carried out under the Charmat method, a technique used to produce sparkling wines. Its flavor presents red berries, florals, and a pleasant freshness.
President Salvador Hasbún shasbun@elvocero.com
VP of Accounting Félix A. Rosa frosa@elvocero.com
Human Resources Director Arlene Rolón, PHR arolon@elvocero.com
Vp of Marketing and Business Operations Michelle Pérez Miperez@elvocero.com
VP of Production Eligio Dekony edekony@elvocero.com
VP of Editorial Content Juan Miguel Muñiz Guzmán jmuniz@elvocero.com
Multi-Platform Graphic and Technology Director Héctor L. Vázquez hvazquez@elvocero.com
Phone: 787-622-2300, 787-721-2300
Multi-Plataform Digital Director María Arce marce@elvocero.com
Customer Service: 787-622-7480
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
ending on Feb. 5; 26,000 less than the previous week. The U.S. unemployment rate inched to 4% from 3.9% due to the increasing number of people seeking employment, but not necessarily getting hired immediately.
But official government data does not seem to support the situation the Great Resignation is intended to explain. Reports from the U.S. Department of Labor, and its agencies, consistently inform that there are more people working today In Puerto Rico than last year. Puerto Rico is experiencing a According to the U.S. Bureau similar scenario, with an increase of Labor Statistics’ Feb. 4, 2022 in the number of people working, report, 467,000 jobs positions and a decrease in the number of were filled in January in what the unemployed, for December has been characterized as a long Less than 1.6 2021, when compared to streak of gains. Furthermore, million Americans November 2021. despite the increase in the were collecting According to the Puerto Rico number of applications for unemployment aid Labor Department (PRLD), the unemployment benefits, the during the week estimated total of people working absolute figures remain nearly ending on Feb. 5; in December 2021, seasonally historically low levels. 26,000 less than the adjusted, was 1,018,000. This was Jobless claims rose by 23,000 previous week. 15,000 more people working than to reach 248,000. Yet, the fourthe previous month, and 61,000 week average for claims, which more people when compared to compensates for weekly volatility, December 2020. fell by 10,500 to 243,250. In total, The number of unemployed less than 1.6 million Americans were collecting unemployment aid during the week people in the island last December, seasonally
In fact,
adjusted, was 83,000, or 2,000 less than in November 2021 (85,000). This is 14,000 less unemployed people, when compared to December 2020. The estimated unemployment rate was 7.5%, which represented a 0.3% decrease when compared to November 2021 (7.8%), and 1.7% less than December 2020 (9.2%). The PRLD report also estimated the size of the island’s workers group (people employed or actively seeking employment) at 1,100,000, for December 2021. That is 12,000 people stronger than in November 2021, and 46,000 more than in December 2020. But, if more people are working nowadays –with a significant part of the population having been inoculated with Covid-19 vaccines– than they were working in 2020 –when the pandemic was at its worse– how is it possible for both, the U.S. and Puerto Rico, to be experiencing a labor shortage? Where have the resigning workers gone?
A Possible Explanation
For sociologist and statistician Eduardo Burgos, the explanation is a lot more complex than a mere statistic.
It’s not just about getting another job, or leaving the workforce, it’s about taking control of your work and personal life, and making a big decision – resigning – to accomplish that. Anthony Klotz Organizational psychologist and professor, Texas A&M University
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all know the pandemic has been the backdrop for “There are multiple variables acting upon the a transformative process, both individually and market that current labor surveys do not attend socially. So, we need to know how people have to,” said Burgos, Chief of Operations at Abexus been transformed. “ Analytics and University of Puerto Rico professor. Burgos considers of the utmost While Burgos coincides with importance the development the reasons explaining the Great of new metrics to measure Resignation –an almost existential variables that were not previously questioning of how and why considered or were simply people work– he pointed out unknown. that different social groups act The “We need to develop new differently. Puerto Rico Labor metrics to measure the activity “Millennials do not act like Department of remote workers, which are Baby boomers… and to the age estimated the size of not merely people working from difference we must add cultural the island’s workers home, but people that could be and social characteristics,” he group at 1.1 million exporting their services to other said. “Labor surveys must now for December 2021. jurisdictions. Questions dealing be demographically segmented That is 12,000 people with such characteristics must to better understand how stronger than in be included in a labor survey,” populations behave.” November 2021, and Burgos argued. For the sociologist, the solution 46,000 more than in A clear example of such to the crisis in the labor market is December 2020. not just a matter of offering more a remote worker could be a journalist or a consultant, who money or increasing benefits. works from his or her home in “You could offer $15 an hour Puerto Rico for a media outlet or and still, it won’t be incentive business firm in the U.S., or any enough. We need to understand other country. what the expectations of these people are to “There is a need to study the social and cultural understand how they behave,” Burgos said. “We
In fact,
We need to develop new metrics to measure the activity of remote workers, which are not merely people working from home, but people that could be exporting their services to other jurisdictions. Eduardo Burgos Chief of Operations, Abexus Analytics
transformation that has been taking place. The challenge is measuring subjective elements… to learn how to analyze beyond the quantitative,” Burgos said. “We need to figure out what kind of relation people want to have with their work to understand how they work.”
How the U.S. unemployment rate is calculated The Weekly Journal Staff
The unemployment rate in the United States is calculated by dividing the number of unemployed persons by the number of persons in the labor force (employed or unemployed) and multiplying that figure by 100. The national unemployment rate is computed solely from a nationwide survey of about 60,000 households conducted by the Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Residents of selected households are asked, among other questions, about their employment status. From their responses, the Bureau of Labor Statistics then estimates the size of the labor force – all people employed and unemployed – and the number of jobless people. In the standard unemployment rate, referred to as U-3, a person is counted as unemployed if he or she does not have a full-time, parttime, or temporary job, is actively seeking employment, and is currently available to be hired. The category of unemployed persons also includes those who have been temporarily laid off. Furthermore, a person is understood to be actively looking for a job if he or she has tried to obtain one (e.g., by filling out an employment application, sending a résumé, or having a job interview) within the preceding four weeks. For example, suppose that during a given month, the BLS gathers information on a total
of 100,000 people from the survey households. A total of 25,000 of those people claim they do not have a job and are not actively looking for one. These people are classified as not in the labor force. They are not counted toward the unemployment rate. The remaining 75,000 people claim to be active members of the labor force, either because they have a job or they are actively looking for one. Of those respondents, 70,000 are gainfully employed, while the other 5,000 are unemployed but seeking employment. Therefore, 93.3% of respondents in the labor force are employed; the remaining 6.7% are considered unemployed. The official unemployment rate for that month is 6.7%.
Survey Controversy
Though there are an additional 25,000 unemployed people in the survey because they are considered out of the labor force, they do not count as jobless as far as the official unemployment rate is concerned.
This is a controversial issue, as many feel the unemployment rate excludes a large number of people who are out of the labor force, not because they do not want a job, but because they have simply given up looking. Therefore, some people argue the unemployment rate paints a brighter picture than what the reality is. There are actually six different unemployment rates that measure various levels of employment. These can be used to give a clearer assessment of the labor market from different perspectives. Sources: Connecticut Dept. of Labor, Encyclopedia Britannica, www.investopia.com
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U.S. Fed governor opens door to half-point rate hike in March Is looking to raise rates as inflation surged to 7.5% in January
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Christopher Rugaber The Associated Press
ederal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman said Monday that she was open to lifting interest rates by more than the traditional quarterpoint at the central bank’s next meeting in March. Bowman’s comments came after several officials pushed back against the idea of a half-point increase in the Fed’s benchmark shortterm interest rate. The Fed is looking to raise rates as inflation surged to 7.5% in January compared with a year earlier, the biggest increase in four decades. The debate over how quickly to raise interest rates is being closely watched by financial markets and also could have an impact on the broader economy. Many economists have said the Fed has moved too slowly in response to an unexpectedly persistent surge in prices, raising the risk that inflation could remain high. But if it raises rates too quickly, the Fed risks choking off growth and hiring. The bank is almost certain to start lifting interest rates at its March 15-16 meeting, with most officials who have expressed views backing a quarter-point increase. However, James Bullard, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, has expressed support for a half-point hike sometime at the Fed’s next three meetings. Any increase next month would be the first since 2018.
I will be watching the data closely to judge the appropriate size of an increase at the March meeting. Michelle Bowman Federal Reserve Governor
borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, slowing the economy’s growth. Average mortgage rates have already risen to nearly 4%, the highest since 2019, as markets Several Increases In The have moved ahead of the Fed’s Disrupted Horizon increases. supply chains Bowman said in prepared Before joining the Fed’s board have slowed the remarks to an American Bankers in 2018, Bowman was the top production of goods Association Conference in Palm bank regulator in Kansas and like cars, furniture, Desert, California, that she has not been a leading voice on appliances and supported lifting rates next the Fed’s interest rate policies. electronics, even as month and that “if the economy Still, as a Fed governor, she has a demand for those evolves as I expect, additional permanent vote on interest rates, items has soared, a rate increases will be appropriate and three of the seven governor key reason for higher in the coming months.” seats are now vacant. inflation. “I will be watching the data Bowman also said “inflation is closely to judge the appropriate much too high” and “is a heavy size of an increase at the March burden for all Americans, but meeting,” she added, suggesting especially for those with limited she is open to a half-point hike. means who are forced to pay more for everyday The Fed’s rate increases typically push up items, delay purchases, or put off saving for the
In fact,
future.” She said higher prices will likely continue for the first half of the year, potentially declining in the second half, “but there is a substantial risk that high inflation could persist.” Disrupted supply chains have slowed the production of goods like cars, furniture, appliances and electronics, even as demand for those items has soared, a key reason for higher inflation. Bowman acknowledged the Fed can’t do anything about supply problems but said it could address strong demand by ending its ultra-low interest rate policies that are “no longer needed.” John Williams, president of the New York Fed, said earlier that he did not “see any compelling argument to take a big step at the beginning” of rate hikes, indicating he supports a quarter-point boost next month. Most economists expect six or seven rate hikes this year, which would be a quicker pace than the last time the Fed tightened credit, from 2015 to 2018. Investors have priced in a 70% chance of at least six increases this year, according to CME’s Fedwatch. Fed Governor Lael Brainard said last Friday that she expected the Fed to initiate a “series of rate increases” at its meeting in March. She also said the financial markets’ expectations are “aligned with” the Fed’s plans, suggesting she supports investors’ view that there will be six rate increases this year. The Fed also has said it will start reducing its $9 trillion in bond holdings later this year, which would likely have the effect of pushing up interest rates. Brainard and Williams are considered part of a “troika” of close advisers to Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
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In fact, The zoom-ceiling prevents remote workers from getting the same benefits as those working onsite even if they are performing just as well.
The “Zoom Ceiling” Prevents Remote Workers from Career Advancement
How managers and employees can maintain a connected workplace from anywhere
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By Zoe Landi Fontana, The Weekly Journal
o matter how you feel about it, remote work is here to stay. It’s worth mentioning, however, that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, companies were already hiring and managing employees remotely—a natural occurrence for a global economy. Yet few could have predicted the scale to which the pandemic sped up this transition. This transition has already highlighted an inequity—the “zoom ceiling”. Employees that work from home may unintentionally be foregoing advancements and recognition that their in-office colleagues will be more likely to receive. So, what exactly is the “zoom ceiling” and how can it be mitigated? In an interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, Natasha Bowman, a business consultant with the nickname “The Workplace Doctor”, explained that this phenomenon is akin to the “glass ceiling”—the social barrier that “prevents traditionally marginalized groups from upward mobility”. The “zoom ceiling” is a professional limit that those who have been working remotely for a while, face. Bowman’s firm, Performance ReNEW, is a pioneer in creating workplace equality and has over 20 years of specialization in diagnosing and providing proven solutions for workplace issues. Over the past two years, her firm has seen the “zoom ceiling” emerge as a post-pandemic issue. Through an organizational culture assessment, Bowman saw that remote employees received far fewer promotions and advancements than in-office employees. These organizational culture assessments previously looked at data to see who
was getting promoted or receiving raises, which was then broken up by race, gender, age, and now, remote versus in-office Bowman says that remote employees are “… finding it hard to stay connected to their workplaces and may be less favored to colleagues their managers have ‘face-time’ with”. Like the ‘glass-ceiling’ that prevents marginalized groups from advancing past a certain point despite similar performance to colleagues, the zoom-ceiling prevents remote workers from getting the same benefits as those working on-site even if they are performing just as well.
How To Break Through The ‘Zoom Ceiling’
Remote Employees:
* Don’t be too humble. Share your successes and what you achieved this week/month so that your accomplishments are at the top of managers’ minds. * If you feel unseen, undervalued, or disconnected, let it be known. Discuss the situation with management. Create that equity and lessen the disparity. * When possible, have your camera on. Every moment counts where you can share your personality and humanity. * Invest in your development. Don’t wait for your job to do it for you. Scour the internet for development courses, and tell your manager what you did; it says to them, “I am remote, but I am still engaged”. * Every once in a while, if you’re in the area, show up and have a little face-time, say hello, and show support. Companies can keep their culture strong, no matter the format of their workplace, if their leaders are proactive and intentional in their communication strategies. The small interactions that happen naturally and form the base of work relationships disappear with remote work, and must be replicated. Remote workers can still advance their careers and be active participants in their organization, but it will take active and consistent effort on behalf of the employee and the manager.
[Remote employees are]… finding it hard to stay connected to their workplaces and may be less favored to colleagues their managers have ‘face-time’ with.
To create equity, managers must be very mindful of their “proximity bias”, which is based on superficial performance. Because they don’t see the work Natasha Bowman being done in person, Business consultant they subconsciously assume that remote employees work less, or not as well. Bowman presents a two-prong approach to mitigating the ‘zoom-ceiling’. Having remote workers allows for the recruitment of talent around the globe without geographic restrictions, resulting in different forms of diversity and strengthening the company’s resiliency.
Managers:
do so to be able to understand the challenges and dynamics that their employees face. * Do a culture check; run surveys, collect data, and make sure that there are no disparities in promotions and raises. * Have 1-on-1 discussions, and carve out time in your agenda to connect with remote employees
* Get trained on recognizing and addressing “proximity bias”. *Create objective measures of success to assess both remote and office workers. * Lead by example. If other employees work in hybrid or remote models, then managers should also
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Locally Based Start-Up Begins Paying Associates in Crypto
The company will also offer employees a Bitcoin 401K
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Zoe Landi Fontana, The Weekly Journal
he Díaz Fontánez group, a Puerto Rico-based international company, is offering its associates payment in Tether, a cryptocurrency hosted on the Ethereum and Bitcoin blockchain. The Puerto Rico company was founded by Ariel Díaz Ríos and his wife Andria Fontánez, with associates in Colombia, Spain, the US, and Puerto Rico. Payment in cryptocurrencies would benefit those who need to convert from dollars into their local currency. In addition to staying relevant and up-to-date
The purpose of paying in stablecoin is to bring stability to the payments… Receiving stablecoins, a contractor can convert (the payment) into any other cryptocurrency that they want to. Ariel Díaz Ríos Co-founder, Díaz Fontánez Group
with trends in the labor market, Díaz says that he have the option to opt-into a Bitcoin 401K using wants to minimize the costs that are generated the platform Bit-Wave. “Compared to even the by every transaction that requires converting riskiest 401K bucket, a typical 401K wouldn’t have currencies. the yields that bitcoin has had,” Díaz said of the In response to the instability of cryptocurrencies possible rewards of investing in Bitcoin. in general, the group will pay in stable coins. “We want to stay ahead of the game and would Transactions will be logged in like to be attractive as an the blockchain, a system that employer brand. We’re still allows for secure transactions a start-up, so right now we to occur between people can’t provide things like tuition anywhere in the world without reimbursement, but with the the need for intermediaries. agility that we do have, we The company’s “The purpose of paying in want to stay ahead in terms of employees are stablecoin is to bring stability tech-oriented initiatives,” Díaz not able to receive to the payments. Right now, explained. payment in the crypto world is pretty cryptocurrency, but volatile. Receiving stablecoins, Other Benefits they will soon have a contractor can convert So, what benefits do this the option to opt(the payment) into any other brings his business? The Díaz into a Bitcoin 401K cryptocurrency that they Fontánez Group isn’t a recipient using the platform want to,” explained Díaz in of the Law 60 tax exemptions, so Bit-Wave. conversation with THE WEEKLY their investments and holdings JOURNAL. in crypto are still taxed as “It’s also easier for them applicable. “It adds to our value to convert from crypto to the proposition as a company—we local currency. Using the system Binance, which can attract more talent, especially among Latin is recognized in most Latin American countries, American freelancers,” Díaz said. And for those who they would receive the money in crypto with very would traditionally need to convert from dollars into low transaction fees. It allows them to have more their local currency, payment in crypto means they money in their hands at the end of the day.” end up with a less diluted paycheck. Associates’ reactions have been mainly positive. The Díaz Fontánez group isn’t forcing crypto The company offered seminars to inform them technology on any of their employees, but by of the benefits of crypto, but the choice remains providing the option to receive payments or invest their own. According to Díaz, each week, more retirement savings using cryptocurrencies, they associates become interested. make sure that interested employees can continue to grow with the rapidly changing business and financial environment—if they want to be on the A Bitcoin 401K cutting edge of it all, the Díaz Fontánez group will The company’s employees can not receive get them there. payment in cryptocurrency, but they will soon
In fact,
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Foundation for Puerto Rico strives to change the future
Transformation requires moving away from a traditional manufacturingbased economy
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Juan A. Hernández, The Weekly Journal
t is a norm among most, if not all, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that their stated missions must be inspirational in nature, but accessible in practice. Foundation for Puerto Rico (FPR) is no exception. In the general sense of its statement, FPR’s mission is “to transform Puerto Rico”, using new tools and strategies. Hence, its motto: “there is no future in rebuilding the past.” “Everybody knows about Puerto Rico’s economic crisis now, but when we were starting out 10 years ago, our first assessment was that we had to move from the more traditional manufacturing-based economy and maybe get involved in innovationdriven exports –and that included everything from technology to digital content, to expertise of different sources… there is a wide spectrum of alternatives,” said Jon Borshow, founder and CEO of Foundation for Puerto Rico. According to Borshow, the first step was to build up an entrepreneurial ecosystem by promoting other instances that would in turn contribute in the development of the desired ecosystem. So, in the beginning FPR helped in the “re-incubation” of Grupo Guayacán (a nonprofit organization committed to the education and development of
Aerial view of Guajataca, Puerto Rico.
entrepreneurs), and helped in the early stages of the Puerto Rico Science Trust. Other instances promoted by FPR were Parallel18, Piloto 151, and Colmena66. “The entrepreneurial system of today has already resulted in the creation of thousands of very high-paying jobs… and these are not manufacturing jobs. They are knowledge-based jobs in hundreds of export-driven entrepreneurial companies that did not exist at the time we [FPR] began,” Borshow argued. But early on, FPR creator realized that these kinds of start-ups would take a long time to offset the shrinking of Puerto Rico’s local economy. “The question was; what to do for the short to medium term to create jobs and opportunities for ordinary people who do not have a high level technological education?” he mused.
From Innovation To Visitors Economy
Back in 2013, Borshow recalled googling the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) to find out the number of travelers around the world. “According to WTTC statistics, 1.2 billion people traveled across international borders every year –that was 10 years ago. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico received less than 3 million visitors per year. So, I asked myself: why we are not receiving more tourists?” the FPR executive questioned. The answer to the question came in the form of a realization: Puerto Rico was offering the same thing every other destination in the region was offering… sun and beaches. “We were undifferentiated. So, we then concluded that if we started differentiating ourselves in terms of our natural and cultural assets, which other destinations in the Caribbean
The entrepreneurial system of today has already resulted in the creation of thousands of very high paying jobs… and these are not manufacturing jobs. Jon Borshow Founder and CEO, Foundation for Puerto Rico
do not have in the same proportion, tourism would increase,” Borshow said. Realizing that Puerto Rico’s tourism public policy changes every so often with each change of administration, led FPR to propose empowering a non-governmental organization to be in charge of marketing Puerto Rico professionally and provide continuity to its strategy. Enter Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s own Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). According to Borshow, the proposed strategy to transform Puerto Rico into a world-class destination is the development of the “Visitors Economy.” “This is bigger than traditional tourism… starting by engaging the different communities around the island to exploit the assets in their own areas to promote economic and community development,” explained Borshow. FPR’s strategy is to decentralize tourism by moving visitors to the lesser known areas of the island that have a treasure trove of natural, architectural and cultural assets available and are “super Instagramable,” according to Alma Fronteras, vice president of operations at FPR. One of these areas is the “Túnel de Guajataca” (Guajataca Tunnel), a segment of Puerto Rico’s old railroad that crosses under a hill on the coast of Quebradillas. “The area had been abandoned for some time, and we engaged the community to restore it. Now there are 16 to 19 new, small businesses operating in the area, and there are some 300 municipal permits pending approval for the second phase of the project,” said Fronteras. FPR has inventoried more than 11,000 natural, architectural, lodging and cultural assets throughout the island’s 78 municipalities, and expects to replicate this model of community co-management to promote economic development.
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Manuel Quilichini,
X
Lawyer
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A shot across the bow
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ecently, the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico made a shot across the bow of the Puerto Rico Supreme Court. It did not make headlines, but it should have. Any person who wishes to practice law on our island must pass the Bar examination, also known as “la reválida,” in Spanish. This is not much different from many other professions, since doctors, certified public accountants, and others must pass an exam to demonstrate they are knowledgeable and fit to practice the profession they have chosen. What sets the law bar examination apart is its consistency: for the past 40 years, less than 40% of applicants pass the bar exam. To add insult to injury, if you fail the bar exam 6 times, you cannot take it again. Ever. Last year, one of those who failed to pass the exam filed suit in the Federal District Court, challenging the constitutionality of the 6-time limit and of the bar exam itself, alleging that the procedure used to select and grade the questions is arbitrary and capricious. Most attorneys in Puerto Rico would agree that the bar exam is flawed, and they are in very good company because all three law schools on the island have leveled similar charges against the bar examination procedure. The Board of Bar Examiners (the Board), charged with preparing the bar exam, provides a yearly orientation to future attorneys on how the exam is prepared and graded. Many technical terms are used, and convoluted processes are explained briefly, supporting the conclusion that the bar exam is fair. However, the fact remains that of the 419 applicants who sat for the bar exam in 2019, only 132 passed. Applicants did not fare better in 2020 or 2021. The failure rate affects students of all 3 law schools, which face losing their accreditation if
they cannot show that 75% of their students pass the bar exam within 2 years of their graduation. Where does the problem lie, and what can be done to fix it? The law schools point fingers at the Board, who points fingers back at the law schools. Nothing comes out of the finger-pointing except hundreds of persons failing the bar exam after having endured 3 to 5 years of formal education and assuming tens of thousands of dollars in tuition debt. Puerto Rico has been and remains the jurisdiction with the lowest bar passing rate in all the United States for the past decade, if not longer. Some of us hoped that the lawsuit would bring about much-needed change, but it was dismissed because it was not timely filed. U.S. District Judge Francisco Besosa, the presiding judge in the case, had no choice but to reluctantly reject the plaintiff’s claim, but in doing so, he took the Board to task.
Judge Besosa stated that “… the abysmal failure rates associated with the PR bar examination suggests that reform is warranted,” recognizing that the problem is getting “progressively worse.” He also recognized the sacrifices of those who graduate from law school just to “falter at the precipice of success.” The judge then came to an astonishing, but not entirely surprising, conclusion: the Board has not been forthcoming with information needed to identify the root problem or to shed light on possible solutions. For years, law schools have requested the Board to provide them with information that will help identify if the current curriculum needs to be reformed or the teaching methodology changed. The law schools have clamored for reform on how the bar exam is prepared and graded, just to be ignored by the Board. In 2021, pressured by the potential loss of accreditation,
The law schools have clamored for reform on how the bar exam is prepared and graded, just to be ignored by the Board. the Supreme Court convened a commission to evaluate the bar examination, but its focus was on what the law schools were teaching and how. A priori, the Supreme Court was already laying blame on the schools and took no steps to review its internal processes. Again, the finger-pointing game continues to the detriment of thousands of law students in Puerto Rico. In calling for true transparency and cooperation between the Supreme Court and the law schools, Judge Besosa stated that the “failure to reform a defective examination is a disservice to current and prospective members of the bar, and to the legal profession itself.” I dare add that it is a disservice to society because it is depriving it of new blood in a profession that is essential to maintain an orderly society. More attorneys are leaving the profession than those coming into it. In a few years, there will not be enough attorneys to protect our citizens’ civil rights, to prosecute nor defend criminals, to counsel individuals and businesses in what is right. It is time that all the stakeholders, starting with the Supreme Court, adopt a policy of transparency which has been lacking in our third branch of government. Only through cooperation will the impeding debacle of our legal system can be avoided.
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LGBTQ characters rise in
number with streaming
Broadcast networks and cable channels are also part of a study
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Lynn Elber The Associated Press
GBTQ representation on scripted TV series has grown along with the footprint of streaming services, according to an annual study by the advocacy group GLAAD. “TV is leading entertainment in telling LGBTQ stories,” Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, said in the “Where We Are on TV” report on the 2021-22 season. In recognition of the increased number and profile of streaming services, the study added five relative newcomers to the trio — Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix — included in previous GLAAD diversity tallies. Broadcast networks and cable channels are part of the study, which also looks at broadcast representation of women, people of color and those with disabilities. Netflix, which has consistently topped its streaming competitors in LGBTQ inclusivity, according to GLAAD, ranked first again, with 155 regularly seen or recurring characters on its original comedy and drama series. By comparison, prime-time series on the ABC, CBS, CW, Fox and NBC networks include a combined 141 LGBTQ characters this season, according to the study. But GLAAD offered thinly veiled criticism of Netflix over its handling of Dave Chappelle’s 2021 special “The Closer,” which was faulted by people inside and outside the company for what they deemed anti-transgender humor. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos later said he erred in addressing employee concerns, but the special remained on the streaming service. “It would be disingenuous to shine a light on Netflix’s inclusive programming without also being clear on the harm Netflix did to the LGBTQ community this past fall by doubling down on giving anti-LGBTQ content the reach and legitimacy of their platform and brand,” the report said. Netflix declined to comment. The following are among the report’s findings, by platform:
Streaming
There were 358 regularly seen and recurring LGBTQ characters in series offered by the eight streaming services included in the study — an increase of 217 from last year’s total found on
“Never Have I Ever” helped Netflix retain its lead in LGBTQ depictions. >Netflix via AP
TV is leading entertainment in telling LGBTQ stories. Sarah Kate Ellis President and CEO, GLAAD
on networks in prime time, 92 (11.9%) were LGBTQ. The previous record high, in the 201920 report, was 10.2%. Combining recurring and regular roles, LGBTQ characters totaled 141, a “significant increase” over last year’s tally of 101, the report said. In a first-time finding, lesbians represent the majority of LGBTQ characters on broadcast, with new characters introduced in series including “NCIS: Hawai’i” and “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” The study called it a welcome and “noteworthy change” from TV’s criticized portrayal of queer women as tragic figures.
three streaming services. (Last year, only Amazon, Cable Channels Hulu, and Netflix were tracked.) Two years ago, GLAAD said that it asked all TV Helping Netflix retain its lead in LGBTQ platforms to commit to people of color making up depictions are foreign-language dramas with queer at least half of LGBTQ characters, and broadcast stories, the report said, including “Young Royals” and cable met the challenge. from Sweden, “Rebelde” from “Unfortunately, this year cable Mexico and “Elite” from Spain. moved backward,” the report They join the inclusive Netflix said, dropping from 52% to 45%. comedies “Never Have I Ever,” A sharp jump in the number “Q-Force” and “Sex Education.” of recurring LGBTQ characters Netflix ranked HBO Max, which launched in on cable series, along with an first again, with 155 spring 2020, landed in second uptick among regular characters, regularly seen or place in its first GLAAD tally. The brought the combined total to recurring characters service “quickly built a reputation 138 on prime-time scripted cable on its original for standout LGBTQ-inclusive originals. That’s up from last comedy and drama comedy series,” the report said, season’s 118 but a significant series. with the majority of its 71 LGBTQ drop from the 215 characters of characters found on comedies, two years ago. including the Emmy-winning With a total of 35 LGBTQ “Hacks,” “The Sex Lives of College characters — including 16 on Girls” and “Sort Of.” “The L Word: Generation Q” and
In fact,
Broadcast Networks
Of the 775 regularly appearing series characters
four on newcomer “Yellowjackets” — Showtime was found to be the most LGBTQ-inclusive cable network after ranking third last season.
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/ Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Grilled chicken and pimientos from “Leña Eh” food truck.
“Entre Panas” offers breadfruit bread and other gluten free products.
World Central Kitchen returns to “Mercado de Alimentos” in Santurce Farmers have the opportunity to market their products directly to the public
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Juan A. Hernández, The Weekly Journal
After a disaster, food is the fastest way to rebuild our sense of community. We can put people back to work preparing it, and we can put lives back together by fighting hunger.
orld Central Kitchen (WCK), a nongovernmentalorganization dedicated to providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, José Andrés and community crises, Founder, World Central Kitchen will return this Saturday, Feb. 26 to the Mercado de Alimentos (Food Market) in Santurce, along with members of its Network of Food Producers to by building the capacity of local communities to promote support for local farmers. produce their own food. The Food Market is a space “We don’t just deliver raw where local farmers have the ingredients and expect people to fend opportunity to market and sell for themselves. And we don’t just their products directly to the public, dump free food into a disaster zone: and at the same time, support we source and hire locally wherever The Food Market smallholder farmers, fishers, and we can, to jump-start economic in Santurce is one small food-related businesses with recovery through food,” said José of the few farmers’ climate change mitigation and Andrés, founder of WCK. “After a market in the San adaptation programs. disaster, food is the fastest way to Juan Metropolitan In post-disaster communities, rebuild our sense of community. Area where people WCK’s immediate goal is to We can put people back to work can buy fresh meat help its partners revitalize their preparing it, and we can put lives directly from the operations and begin to regrow back together by fighting hunger.” producers. their long-term capacity for food The Food Market in Santurce is production, distribution, and sales. one of the few farmers’ market in the The long-term goal is to contribute San Juan Metropolitan Area where to system-wide improvements people can buy fresh meat directly from producers. in food and nutrition security and sustainability This week, those visiting the market will have the
In fact,
opportunity to buy fresh lamb from Rosa Martínez’s Katahdor farm in Hatillo. Martínez started her business in 2017 and received a grant from WCK last year to improve the farm’s animal feed warehouse. She used part of the grant to buy better quality animal food to improve the quality of the end product. As part of WCK’s farmers’ market event, the people from “Leña Eh” food truck will be demonstrating different grilling techniques. Other producers participating in the market event are Puerto Rico Agrotech (season fruits and vegetables), “Entre Panas” (breads and other gluten-free products), “Nueva Cosecha” (hot sauces, marmalades and season fruits), and Levain Artisan Breads (artisan breads and pastries). The Food Market in Santurce takes place every second and fourth Saturday of the month, from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Miramar Food Truck Park, on Ponce de León Avenue.
The Food Market in Santurce offers fresh fruits and vegetables directly from producers.
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/ Wednesday, February 23, 2022
The Para Cristo Puppet Slam Gives People a Creative Outlet for Pandemic Stress Founder Brenda Morales, a professional theater teacher, talks about her inspiration
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By Zoe Landi Fontana, The Weekly Journal
off some experience that I’m living, or something people engaged in the community. Despite the that I want to share with another person,” group’s name (“Para Cristo” means “For Christ”), participation depends solely on your interest in said Morales, “When I performed in this third performance, I was learning something looking for bible verses new and meeting new that inspire love, faith, people, and not on religion. Instead of an and forgiveness. If escape from reality, you come to see my Morales provides show, you won’t feel like I’m judging you or a different way to that you must become experience it. Her goal Christian—it’s always, is to “spread the love, always focused on even if I have a different respect and love for belief than you do”. each other”. Following a few The aesthetic of her months of Zoom puppets comes from workshops, the group’s Brenda Plumey Morales elderly people. “Most of first production was Founder, Para Cristo Puppet Slam my puppets are based broadcasted online. on elderly people that The participants, who I see and am I taking previously had close to care of. I’m inspired by their faces. Almost all of zero experience in puppeteering, theater, filming my puppets came from their faces. I love wrinkles and editing videos, managed to create an entire and their stories, so I also select bible verses about online show. Since then, they taking care of people and how much they (elderly) have hosted another online give us,” Morales recounted. event and the performance in Vega Baja.
Most of my puppets are based on elderly people that I see and am I taking care of. I’m inspired by their faces. Almost all of my puppets came from their faces. I love wrinkles and their stories…
uppetry is an ancient art form used to pass down centuries of oral storytelling, but did you know that there is a small, yet vibrant, community of puppeteers in Puerto Rico as well? The Para Cristo Puppet Slam (PCPS) was founded by Brenda Plumey Morales a year ago. “At the beginning of the pandemic, people were sad and looking for something new to do,” said Morales in an interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. So, Morales began giving free virtual workshops to interested individuals, showing them how to craft sophisticated puppets by recycling objects in their homes, simultaneously providing them with much-needed art therapy to get their minds off the fears and challenges of the ongoing Inspiration pandemic. Morales’s background is as Puppetry is an This past week, PCPS staged an actress, having received a ancient art form their first live production in the bachelor’s degree in Theater used to pass down Teatro América in Vega Baja. Six from the University of Puerto centuries of oral puppeteers performed, while Rico, in addition to a Master’s storytelling. another 35 assisted with the in teaching theater. She fell in on-stage production. Just a year love with puppeteering after ago, these six puppeteers barely meeting iconic artists in the knew the first thing about their field. As for inspiration, Morales craft. draws it from biblical verses and her care of the Morales, a multidisciplinary performer, elderly. educator, and expert puppeteer, wants to see “When I choose a bible verse, it’s mostly based
In fact,
Supporting the arts
These productions aren’t simple. There are pre-production, production, and post-production processes that need to happen to achieve the caliber of performance that Morales and the PCPS put on. They hope to hold their 4th puppet slam this summer and are looking for any community funding and support that can be offered for materials, a location for in-person workshops, as well as support from colleagues in the arts. “People are hungry to learn something new, how to use a milk jug to make a puppet, to communicate, and heal with art during the pandemic,” Morales reflected.
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/ Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Chelsea Clinton to launch children’s book series
She will also launch and provide introductions for a nonfiction chapter book series for kids
C
The Associated Press
My hope is that young readers and their families will enjoy and learn as much from the books in this series as I have. Chelsea Clinton
helsea Clinton has a lot of publishing plans –for her own other kids about what it means books, and for to have a baby in the family,” books by others. Clinton, the mother of three, said The Penguin in a statement. Young Readers “I couldn’t be more excited imprint Philomel Clinton’s book, about this book and the newest Books announced last week that “She Persisted in ‘Save The’ series. My hope is that Clinton has a new picture story, Science: Brilliant young readers and their families “Welcome to the Big Kids Club: Women Who Made will enjoy and learn as much from What Every Older Sibling Needs a Difference,” is the books in this series as I have, to Know!”, coming Sept. 13. The coming out in whether about whale sharks, book is illustrated by Tania de March. frogs or more animals that could Regil. disappear if we don’t all work At the same time, she will together to save them.” launch and provide introductions The “Save The” series will begin for a nonfiction chapter book in September with three books: series for kids ages 6-9, “Save The Sarah L. Thompson’s “Save the… Elephants,” …,” about animal conservation. Christine Taylor-Butler’s “Save the … Tigers” and “‘Welcome to the Big Kids Club’ is a reflection of Anita Sanchez’s “Save the… Whale Sharks.” conversations I’ve had with my kids and so many
In fact,
Cover image of Chelsea Clinton’s book, illustrated by Tania de Regil. > Philomel Books via AP
Outstanding Women
Clinton, the daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, has previously written such bestsellers as “She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World” and “She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History.” She has a picture book coming out March 1, “She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference,” with illustrations by Alexandra Bolger.
Big wave surfer Maya Gabeira’s adventure for children The Associated Press
One of the world’s greatest bigwave surfers, Brazil’s Maya Gabeira, has embarked on a kid-friendly adventure. The seven-time winner of the World Surf League Big Wave Award has a deal with Abrams Children’s Books for two picture stories and a young adult memoir. The first picture book, a fairy tale of “big waves and even bigger courage,” titled “Maya and the Beast” and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, comes out Aug. 2. “It’s been a dream of mine to share my story with children, in my own words, for a long time,” Gabeira
said in a statement Thursday. “‘Maya and the Beast’ is based on my own story: from a shy, asthmatic child to world record holder in the male-dominated sport of big wave surfing.” Gabeira’s memoir, currently untitled, is scheduled for 2023. According to Abrams, the book will feature “as-yet-untold stories of the friendships, relationships, and personal challenges she encountered on the road to becoming one of surfing’s elite athletes.” The 34-year-old Gabeira is credited by Guinness World Records for surfing the highest wave ever by a woman, more than 73 feet in Nazaré, Portugal in 2020.
‘Maya and the Beast’ is based on my own story: from a shy, asthmatic child to world record holder in the maledominated sport of big wave surfing. Cover page for the children’s book “Maya and the Beast,” by surfer Maya Gabeira. >Abrams Books via AP
Maya Gabeira
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