The Weekly Journal - March 4 - 10, 2020

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

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Wednesday,March 4 -10, 2020 / no. 045

Evertec, Triple-S Report Strong Financial Numbers P6-7 Puerto Rico and the Economic Risks of Coronavirus P10 Microsoft, MIT Investing in Human Capital P14-16

Political Insight:

Democratic Presidential Candidates on Puerto Rico

Promesa, debt relief, reconstruction and status Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

>Archive

Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series analyzing presidential hopefuls’ plans for the island

Environment Watch: Sea Turtle Nesting Season P24

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s the calendar approaches Nov. 8, the Democratic presidential race has reached its peak, with multiple candidates dropping out from what has been a tumultuous contest over who will represent the party against Republican President Donald J. Trump

in the ballots.

Out of 29 contenders who met the criteria to become major candidates, only five remain: Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Tulsi Gabbard and Michael Bloomberg, the latest to join the race. At the time of this writing—with the Super Tuesday results still a mystery—Sanders currently leads the field with 60 delegates, with Biden falling shortly behind at 54, Warren with eight, and Gabbard and Bloomberg with zero delegates.

Former candidates Amy Klobuchar and Pete GO TO PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, March 4, 2020 >

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GRAN GALA DEL 20 ANIVERSARIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY GRAND GALA

MUSEO DE ARTE DE PUERTO RICO COMITÉ ORGANIZADOR ORGANIZING COMMITTEE Presidentes / Presidents Glendaliz Acevedo y Fahad Ghaffar Verónica Viso y Antoine de Marsily Viviana Mercado

Benefactores / Benefactors Bruni Lorenzo Claudia & James Lee Francine Arocho Guillermo Paz Josean Díaz Brugueras Lara Mercado y Armando Valdés Lilly y José Alcover Mónica Ponce y Ricardo de Varona Silvia Burt Rojas y Alejandro J. García Carballo Sylvette Brugueras y José A. Díaz Walter Otero Zulma Licha y René de la Cruz Vila Junta de Síndicos / Board of Trustees Arturo J. García-Solá Presidente/President Juan Antonio Larrea French Vicepresidente/Vice President

sábado, 28 de marzo de 2020 Saturday, March 28, 2020 8:00 pm Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino Información de auspicios y boletos Sponsorship and ticket information 787 977-4449, 787 376-4317 mperez@mapr.org de Puerto Rico

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AUSPICIADOR DIAMANTE

AUSPICIADOR PLATINO

Vocero elVocero el

de Puerto Rico

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AUSPICIADOR ORO de Puerto Rico www.elvocero.com

AUSPICIADOR BRONCE

AUSPICIADOR AMIGO Multi-Clean Services Inc.

José Domingo Pérez Tesorero/Treasurer Bertita J. Martínez César Reyes Eduardo R. Emanuelli Fernando L. Batlle Gilberto Marxuach Gloria Benítez Guillermo Paz Héctor Feliciano John T. Belk III Marcos Rodríguez-Ema Melba I. Acosta Febo Teruca Rullán Verónica Viso Directora Ejecutiva / Executive Director Marta Mabel Pérez

Vocero

el

Diego R. Figueroa Secretario/Secretary

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/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

a week in review Tourism Co. Certifies Three New Agritourism Businesses The Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC) added three companies to its Agritourism Business Certification program, increasing the number of green establishments in the agency’s project to 24, islandwide. The most recent businesses to be certified are San Juan Artisan Distillers in Vega Alta, HidrOrgánica farm in Río Grande, and Siempre Verde farm in Cayey. All three offer tours to visitors. >Archive

Car Sales in Puerto Rico Impacted

by January Earthquakes

Government Issues RFP Seeking Advisers to Gaming Commission

The United Group of Automobile Importers (GUIA by its Spanish acronym), an organization that represents the automotive industry in Puerto Rico, released numbers on new car sales for January, showing a significant drop. The month ended with a total of 6,664 units sold in Puerto Rico, in contrast to the same month last year when 8,172 cars were sold. This figure represents a decrease of 18.5 percent when compared to the previous year. >Archive

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

The Puerto Rico government issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a firm to provide consulting services to the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission. Services to be provided include assisting the commission in drafting regulations and providing consulting services in areas like sports betting, fantasy contests and eSports. >Archive

President Salvador Hasbún shasbun@elvocero.com

Human Resources Director Arlene Rolón, PHR arolon@elvocero.com

Multi-Platform Digital Director Stephanie Gómez Álvarez sgomez@elvocero.com

Comptroller Félix A. Rosa frosa@elvocero.com

Traffic Director Ilia M. Pérez Centeno iperez@elvocero.com

Multi-Platform Graphic Director Héctor L. Vázquez hvazquez@elvocero.com

Production Director Eligio Dekony edekony@elvocero.com

Editorial Director Juan Miguel Muñiz Guzmán jmuniz@elvocero.com

Assistant Editor/ Reporter Rosario Fajardo rfajardo@wjournal.com

Phone: 787-622-2300, 787-721-2300 Customer Service: 787-622-7480

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/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Democratic Debate on Feb. 25, 2020, in Charleston, S.C. Since then, Klobuchar, Buttigieg, and Steyer quit the primary race. >AP Photo

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Buttigieg stepped down from the competition mere days ago. As moderate Democrats themselves, both decided to endorse one of the most pragmatic candidates standing - Biden - in an attempt to sway Sanders’ momentum.

But as the U.S. mainland prioritizes discussions around universal healthcare, immigration laws, social democracy, student debt and the Trump administration, Puerto Rico residents are left with unresolved concerns.

Although Puerto Rico’s residents may participate in the presidential primary process for candidates of both major U.S. parties, they cannot cast votes for president. However, Puerto Ricans can participate in the presidential election if they reside on the mainland.

Because Puerto Ricans are the second-largest Hispanic group in the United States and they are U.S. citizens, candidates from both major parties have included policies that could impact the island in their platforms.

José Caraballo Cueto, a professor and researcher for the Investigations Institute, told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that the main topics candidates should emphasize with regard to the island are eliminating visa requirements for tourists, amending the Jones Act and eliminating the island’s territorial status.

Caraballo noted that both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have visa waivers, in which residents of allied countries can enter the commonwealths for a certain period without the need of obtaining a travel visa, which can be a lengthy and difficult process for some. By contrast, he said that Puerto Rico is missing out on greater tourism activity.

“That is why roughly 90 percent of the tourists who come to Puerto Rico come from the United States… we need to diversify the market. We cannot rely solely on American tourists,” he said, adding that a considerable portion of tourists from the mainland are Puerto Ricans who are visiting their families on the island. None of the remaining

contenders under the Democratic party have included this issue in their respective plans for Puerto Rico.

Moreover, he stated that the Jones Act noticeably hinders Puerto Rico’s exportation and business capabilities by restricting foreign-flagged vessels from transporting goods between local and U.S. ports. Although this provision in the law applies to all U.S. ports, with the exception of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Caraballo affirmed that the limitation places a heavy burden on Puerto Rico’s already struggling economy.

In Jan. 2019, Warren met with several Puerto Ricans in the diaspora to discuss issues concerning the island. “She said that she would find a way to reconcile labor rights of employees who work at the ports with the Jones Act,” Caraballo recalled. As with the visa waiver for specific tourists, however, this topic is not addressed in the remaining candidate’s platforms.

The severity of these issues notwithstanding, the five remaining Democratic contenders have based their plans for Puerto Rico around recovery funds, the island’s political status and debt relief.

Natural Disaster Relief a Priority

After Hurricane Maria made landfall on Sept.

20, 2017, Puerto Rico garnered international attention over the massive devastation. The commonwealth’s infrastructure, which had already been in decay, required billions in federal funds to repair. Although Congress approved roughly $48.8 billion, the latest data provided by the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3) indicates that only $22 billion have been obligated, of which $15.1 billion have been disbursed.

Following controversial accusations of inadequacy and corruption in the local government, President Trump blocked $8.2 billion in disaster aid, a months-long hold that ended in Jan. 2020. The temporary suspension flared tensions among U.S. lawmakers and Democratic presidential hopefuls who believe that rebuilding Puerto Rico should be a priority to the federal

government.

On his official website, Sanders has a section titled “Empower the People of Puerto Rico,” in which he addresses the need to rebuild the island.

“When we are in the White House, we will finally repair the damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria and rebuild Puerto Rico. It is unconscionable that in the wealthiest nation in the world we have allowed our fellow citizens to suffer for so long. The full resources of the United States must be brought to bear on this crisis, for as long as necessary,” the page reads. In the past years, Sanders has advocated for a speedier recovery process. Back in 2018, the Vermont senator said Puerto Rico was a victim of prejudice from the federal government due to its territorial status, stating “do you think this [recovery delay] would be happening in Westchester County, New York?”

Similarly, former Vice President Biden published an opinion piece in the Orlando Sentinel on Dec. 2019 in which he lambasted the Trump administration’s participation in Puerto Rico’s rebuilding efforts. In the article, titled “Puerto Rico deserves more respect than Donald Trump has given,” the former vice president accused the current federal government of “unleashing the evils of bigotry and callous inhumanity.”

“As president, I will create a federal working group for Puerto Rico to make sure the island has all the federal resources and technical support it needs. To ensure that supporting Puerto Rico is an administration-wide priority, the working group will consist of advisers designated by each federal agency and led by a point person who will report directly to me,” he wrote.

Warren has also expressed discontent with the snail-paced flow of disaster relief funds. In 2019, for example, she led a request to the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General for an investigation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) “faltering efforts” to rebuild the closed healthcare facility in Vieques, which has not have a single functional hospital more than two years after Maria. Last month, she joined other senators in expressing concerns

/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020 over funding delays from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Likewise, Bloomberg’s plan for the island involves an expedited disaster relief aid to be used for rebuilding with stronger infrastructure.

The plan would hasten “aid for reconstruction and engage the community in planning and implementing projects that build 21st century sustainable and resilient infrastructure, create good jobs and support local business development,” his campaign website reads.

Meanwhile, Gabbard voted in 2017 for House Resolution 3823, which provided tax relief to those affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, extended critical health care provisions, and modernized aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program.

In October that year, she also voted in favor of H.R. 2266, which provided more than $36 billion in emergency federal aid to address the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey in the Caribbean commonwealths and southern states in the mainland, as well as to quell wildfires spreading across the west coast.

“Millions of Americans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are enduring a humanitarian crisis where many still lack access to basic necessities they need to survive, like power, clean water, food, and medicine. Without these basics, it’s difficult to begin to think about what will be needed to rebuild their communities,” Gabbard stated.

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and development,” Bloomberg’s website states.

However, rather than amending or eliminating Promesa or the FOMB, the media mogul affirmed that he would appoint new members to the board who “will put party politics aside and work for the best interests of Puerto Ricans.” He also would demand a full audit of the debt while implementing a plan that slashes cuts to essential services and invests in the island’s growth.

By contrast, back in 2016, Sanders vehemently opposed Promesa, which he labeled as a “colonial” bill that emphasized stark differences between Puerto Rico and other U.S. jurisdictions. Both he and Warren voted against the bipartisan bill.

In his plan for the island, Sanders stated that the federal government needs to “restore self-rule in Puerto Rico by ending the reign of greedy Wall Street vulture funds that have a stranglehold on Puerto Rico’s future, return control of the island

to the people of Puerto Rico, and give the territory the debt relief it so desperately needs to rebuild with dignity.”

Gabbard, on the other hand, voted in favor of Promesa, while Biden urged a reframing or revisiting of Promesa, which could include a cancellation of the debt, although he did not mention any specifics.

With these and other pertinent issues to address, such as Medicare, Caraballo urged Puerto Ricans living stateside to vote as “an act of solidarity with Puerto Rico.

“I think that Puerto Ricans in the diaspora can have a significant political power to expedite these issues, but they need to mobilize and vote, and they need to continue organizing themselves, which they have done in the past, so they can continue consolidating that political strength,” he stated.

Joe Biden gained ground after his big victory in South Carolina. Several former candidates have announced their endorsement of the former VP. >AP Photo

At press time, Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vermont) had the lead in the Democratic presidential race with 60 delegates. >AP Photo

Statehood for Puerto Rico?

Caraballo noted that the issue of redefining Puerto Rico’s status is one of the most important issues in contemporary politics.

“We need presidents who are willing to seriously take on the issue of colonialism, whether it is in favor of statehood or independence. This is very important because we have been discussing this for more than 100 years,” he said.

Most democratic candidates support paving the way for statehood in Puerto Rico if residents selected it as their desired political status. In the aforementioned op-ed by Biden, he does not make mention of statehood for the island, however.

Regardless, Caraballo pointed out that none of these candidates has an actual plan beyond supporting a referendum.

“We need concrete proposals because simply saying ‘I support x or y’ is not enough. And saying they are against colonialism is not enough either; I think that is the easy route,” the researcher asserted. He explained that candidates who truly supported “decolonization” can submit a bill before Congress to annex the island or reach a treaty for sovereignty.

Promesa and Debt Relief

Another topic that has been discussed in Democratic circles has been the establishment or elimination of mechanisms that offer relief to Puerto Rico’s debt crisis and bankruptcy process.

Some have expressed concern regarding the efficiency or nebulous democracy of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (Promesa), signed by then-President Barack Obama in 2016, which created the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB), comprised of unelected members.

“The territory’s debt crisis and the austerity measures imposed by the federal oversight board continue to limit the island’s recovery

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) trails Sanders and Biden in many polls, but ahead of Bloomberg and Gabbard. >AP

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Evertec Finding Success Exporting Services Outside Puerto Rico

Focus is on the Latin America market

M Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

any companies in Puerto Rico have been eyeing markets and exporting services out of the island to shore up their bottom lines and Evertec, a technology and electronic transaction company, is no exception.

“We have had great success outside of Puerto Rico. Four years ago, our revenues outside Puerto Rico were $37 million; this year we exceeded $90 million. Four years ago, our profits outside Puerto Rico were $11 million; this year it’s $30 million,” said Morgan “Mac” Schuessler, president and CEO of Evertec during a recent conference on “Empowering Investment” sponsored by Birling Capital and the Chamber of Commerce.

“Exporting services and doing business outside Puerto Rico is not an option, it’s a mandate...

For our company, for our aspirations, Puerto Rico is too small… We need a company that is not targeted at 3 million consumers but 300 million consumers,” he said, as he noted that the population of Puerto Rico has been decreasing for a number of years.

Schuessler explained that the company has focused on Latin America for various reasons.

To begin with, the company does not have a competitive advantage in the U.S., so Latin America was a natural choice.

“The markets are opening there. It used to be dominated by monopolies and duopolies… so our timing is perfect. Latin America is, from a technological perspective, underserved,” he said.

“Large companies are not going after Colombia and Chile. We have a competitive advantage in Latin America and we believe we can grow the fastest there. We have been very deliberate about where we choose to export.”

For example, he mentioned that, last year, Evertec won the processing services contract for Banco

Morgan “Mac” Schuessler, president and CEO of Evertec >Courtesy

Exporting services and doing business outside Puerto Rico is not an option, it’s a mandate.

- Morgan “Mac” Schuessler, president and CEO of Evertec

Santander, the largest commercial bank in Chile.

Schuessler also said that the company is pleased with its performance in 2019. In terms of the calendar year, revenue grew by 7 percent to $487.4 million, while adjusted earnings per common share was $1.96, or a 7 percent increase Adjusted Ebitda, defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, also increased by 6 percent to $226.2 million.

“We are pleased with our financial results for the year and with the advancement of our key growth strategies. We enhanced our product offering for our customers and delivered significant new wins

in Latin America, including the recent completion of our PlacetoPay acquisition,” he said. Based in Colombia, PlacetoPay is a gateway and payment service provider that primarily serves Colombia and Ecuador.

“Looking to 2020, we expect to drive results in Puerto Rico through our focus on innovation and to deliver strong growth in Latin America through our execution on new contracts and further market expansion,” Schuessler added.

Fourth Quarter 2019 Highlights

Total revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2019 was $127.2 million, an increase of 8 percent compared with $118.2 million in the prior year.

Revenue increase in the quarter primarily reflects growth in Evertec’s Puerto Rico businesses, “driven by higher transaction volumes, value added solutions, new contracts and pricing actions,” the company said.

Adjusted Ebitda was $55.3 million, an increase of 5 percent compared to the prior year.

Adjusted Net Income was $34.9 million, an increase of 1 percent compared with $34.5 million in the prior year. Adjusted earnings per common share was $0.48, an increase of 4 percent compared with $0.46 in the prior year.

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>Brandon Cruz González

/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Triple-S Management: Healthcare Segment On Solid Ground, Growing

Insurance segment has paid $729 million in claims and expenses related to Hurricane Maria Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

Triple-S Management Corp., a managed care company in Puerto Rico, has reported strong numbers in its core healthcare segment for fourth quarter (Q4) 2019.

The company reported net income of $13.2 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, versus net loss of $10.9 million, or $0.48 per share, in the prioryear period. Operating revenues were at $831.2 million, a 14.9 percent increase from the prior-year period, primarily reflecting higher Managed Care net premiums earned.

For Q4, Managed Care premiums earned was $741.6 million, up 15.3 percent year over yearm according to Triple-S. “Our fourth quarter results concluded a strong 2019, exceeding our expectations with excellent growth in premiums earned at our core Managed Care segment,” said Roberto García-Rodríguez, company president and CEO. “We also had a solid open enrollment season in Medicare Advantage−

aided by an attractive product offering, a smart brand strategy and focused retention efforts− and continue to see gains in our fully insured commercial membership.”

During an earnings conference call, he pointed out that Triple-S has opened seven multidisciplinary ambulatory clinics in strategic locations around the island. Generally, these clinics offer primary care, selected specialty care, preventive services, radiology, laboratory and pharmacy services in one location.

The company is also operating four urgent care centers and four workplace clinics, and expect to open two more workplace clinics during the first quarter of 2020.

“Looking ahead into 2020, we aim to further strengthen our core Managed Care products and membership rolls, particularly in Medicare Advantage and commercial,” he said. “Beginning in March of 2020, we will open an eighth clinic, which will also be the fourth in the San Juan metro area, completing our initial build-out phase, focused on the aggregation of an islandwide ambulatory care network.”

Impact of Hurricane Maria and Recent Earthquakes on Insurance Segment

With regard to Triple-S Propiedad (TSP), the company’s property and casualty insurance

segment, a total $729 million has been paid in claims and expenses related to Hurricane Maria, as of Dec. 31, 2019. Estimated gross losses related to the devastating Sept. 2017 storm remain unchanged at $967 million.

TSP has received 20 new claims and closed 84 claims during the fourth quarter of 2019.

Meanwhile, 645 claims remain open. Of these 645 claims, the company has been served with process in 313 cases and identified an additional 94 lawsuits that have been filed against TSP but had not been served yet, as required by law.

“There were no major new developments in the fourth quarter and we believe this segment remains adequately reserved to handle all remaining claims to date,” García said.

With regard to the recent earthquakes, the Triple-S chief noted that the initial islandwide estimates for total earthquake-related losses were at $200 million. “Loss estimates vary and the Puerto Rico government is still calculating the extent of damages,” he said.

“The company has received 45 earthquakerelated claims and expects losses of approximately $5.5 million related to the reinsurance deductible and related expenses. We estimate that our total exposure to this event will be approximately $40 million less than 5 percent of our reinsurance program,” García explained.

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Perry Miele, president of Nestlé Professional-USA >Courtesy

Nestlé Partners With Wendy’s on Coffee Machine Upgrades in Puerto Rico Plans underway to buy more coffee from local farmers

A Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

lthough coffee consumption has dropped in Puerto Rico, due in large part to the island’s long-term population decrease, Nestlé is hoping to reverse that trend in the coming years.

By some estimates, coffee consumption on the island is down more than 25 percent since 2000.

That’s in stark contrast to the global growth of coffee and specialty coffee drinks.

“We understand today’s coffee consumer.

They are busy. They are rushing from place to place. They are willing to make sacrifices. But not when it comes to their coffee. We are confident that by offering a delicious coffee experience and making it convenient and easily accessible, consumers will fall in love with coffee again,” said Johanne Corsino, business manager, Nestlé Professional-Puerto Rico.

Nestlé Professional has announced a $1.5 million partnership with Wendy’s restaurants in Puerto Rico that will place its newest Nescafé coffee equipment in 78 of the fast-food chain’s local establishments. The recent deal was inked

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with Empresas Colón-Gerena, which owns the home, this is likely not happening in Puerto Rico.

Wendy’s franchise on the island.

As pointed out by THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, the Under the campaign “Vamos al grano,” island’s population is aging and data from the the latest innovation in bean-to-cup coffee National Coffee Association shows that most dispensers will deliver the freshness and quality people ages 65 and older drink their coffee at of roast and ground coffee home. with the convenience that In response, Perry Miele, today’s consumers demand, president of Nestlé Professionalcompany officials said. “We are USA, highlighted the company’s broadening our portfolio in many coffee machines, starting Puerto Rico,” Corsino noted. with a small model that is Nestlé is The company’s strategy appropriate for home use. currently evaluating includes expanding the sales of “People want the coffee house Puerto Rican coffee its upgraded coffee machines to experience, even at home… They partners with a plan businesses, including eateries, want the freshness, flavor and to launch the locally the private sector and hospitals. consistency. We provide great grown beans in the The Nescafé Bean-to-Cup coffee at many price points. We second half of 2020, coffee machine involved in also want to retain the customers with the potential of the Wendy’s agreement is one we have, as well as attract new exporting to the U.S. such example. At the touch ones,” he said. of a button, the bean-to-cup Investing in the new brewer freshly grinds whole equipment is just the first phase beans then consistently brews in Nestlé Professional’s plans to and dispenses 12 varieties of grow coffee sales on the island. high-quality, fresh-tasting coffee and instant An essential part of the growth strategy is to hot beverages. From “café con leche” and source the beans for the machines directly from cappuccinos, to mochas and espressos – Puerto Rico. Nestlé is currently evaluating Puerto customers can enjoy a variety of coffeehouseRican coffee partners with a plan to launch the style drinks at their local Wendy’s restaurant. locally grown beans in the second half of 2020, While the trend in the mainland U.S. has been with the potential of exporting them to the U.S. for many consumers, particularly those of the The initiative would be very important to local millennial generation, born between 1980 and coffee farmers because in Sept. 2017, Hurricane 2000, to enjoy their first coffee of the day outside Maria devastated the island’s coffee farms,

In fact,

It's your moment to shine.

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destroying thousands of coffee plants and trees.

The Puerto Rico Agriculture Department estimated that 85 percent of the island’s coffee harvest that year was destroyed by the powerful storm.

“We are excited and proud to contribute to the expansion of the local coffee industry and culture, and to offer coffee lovers in Puerto Rico a quality product, this time through one of our main business partners, Wendy’s,” Miele said.

Officials said that under the Nescafé Plan, Nestlé has distributed around 220 million high-yield, disease-resistant coffee plantlets to farmers around the world. The project helps farmers rejuvenate their plantations, multiply the yield on existing land and increase farmers’ incomes. As part of the initiative, Nestlé agronomists provide advice on farming and postharvest practices to thousands of coffee farmers worldwide.

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Coronavirus

and its Possible Impact on Puerto Rico’s Economy Three economic risks identified by the central government

A Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

s coronavirus continues to spread and cases are reported in the Caribbean, global economies anticipate a downward trend by the first quarter of 2020, from the economic and health costs of the outbreak that has infected more than 90,000 people worldwide.

As in many other jurisdictions, the Puerto Rico government is concerned about the possible impact of coronavirus on the island’s already challenged economy. The government’s revised Fiscal Plan, submitted to the Financial Oversight and Management Board last week, states that coronavirus poses a “significant risk” to Puerto Rico’s economic outlook.

“While stimulus and Federal Reserve rate cuts are a possibility if the coronavirus outbreak morphs into a pandemic, the stock rout [last week] and pullback in other assets has tightened financial conditions, impacted consumer confidence, could lead to direct slowing of economic activity (due for example, to school closures, quarantines, tourist cancellations, supply disruptions) and is likely to impact consumer confidence and real U.S. GDP growth,” according to the 90 page document.

The revised Fiscal Plan mentions three specific risks for Puerto Rico. “Negatives for Puerto Rico include emerging risks to federal funding from competing priorities for what is possibly an emerging and immediate economic, political and public health emergency.

“Direct impact from slowing tourism globally is also a risk. A bias away from international

>Carlos Rivera Giusti

travel could benefit Puerto Rico - to the extent that American tourism to Europe and Asia is impacted, it is possible that a redistribution towards closer destinations such as the Caribbean and Puerto Rico specifically could be beneficial, but much depends on the direct level of impact the virus has in Puerto Rico and the United States.

“Finally, to the extent that Puerto Rico’s bio/ pharmaceutical products are responsive to the needs of a federal COVID-19 response, the island’s economy can capitalize on what is likely short-term surges in demand for these products,” states the document.

In the short term, Puerto Rico has seen a direct

impact on the markets, where five local companies are listed. Share prices for Banco Popular, FirstBank, Oriental, Triple-S and Evertec have also dropped in recent days. This plunge is in tune with the current emergency, according to economists and other experts.

Economist Gustavo Vélez said that the effect on Puerto Rico’s economy is still minor. However, he projects the island could face a shortage of food and supplies if the spread of the virus triggers a halt on trade with China, where a high percentage of the island’s imports come from.

Meanwhile, Manuel Reyes, vice president of the Chamber of Marketing, Industry and Food

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Distribution (MIDA by its Spanish acronym) said that the main market for Puerto Rico in the food segment is the U.S., not China. In this regard, he recognized that merchandise from the U.S. is arriving with some delay. “There is some delay, but the merchandise is arriving and there are sufficient supplies,” he added.

Daphne Barbeito, owner of Cruceros To Go, assured that, so far, the market behavior has remained unchanged. She added that COVID-19 has nothing to do with the slow start of the year in tourism and attributed this to the recent tremors and a lack of money to spend on traveling.

Barbeito stressed that cruise lines have implemented very strict protocols to minimize the risk of infection. “At the moment, we have not seen any ship cancellation. Apart from JetBlue —which granted two weeks without penalty for flight changes due to the coronavirus— all other airlines and cruises have kept their charges and cancellation penalties unchanged,” she added.

Dominican Republic, France Report Caribbean Virus Cases

According to The Associated Press (AP), on Sunday, health officials in the Dominican Republic and France reported the first confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the tourist-rich Caribbean, while British cruise ship passengers who had been trapped at sea due to virus fears were finally set to come home.

Dominican Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas said a 62-year-old Italian man had arrived in the country on Feb. 22 without showing symptoms. He was being treated in isolation at a military hospital and “has not shown serious complications.”

France, meanwhile, reported three cases on the

>Archive

In fact, The Puerto Rico government is attempting to allay the public’s fears about the novel coronavirus.

“We are prepared and taking measures in terms of prevention,’ said Puerto Rico Health Secretary Rafael Rodríguez at La Fortaleza.

A health task force has been established and late Tuesday, the Oversight Board assigned $5 million to fight the outbreak.

Charter flights from the Dominican Republic will only land at two airports: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Carolina and San Juan’s Isla Grande Airport. All passengers will be screened on site by health personnel.

Coronavirus cases have also been reported in Florida and New York, but the health chief did not mention if passengers from these destinations would also be screened when arriving in Puerto Rico.

Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe, the first in one of France’s overseas territories, AP said.

The announcements came shortly before the Braemar cruise ship, which had been denied entry to the Dominican Republic due to the virus fears, at last found a place to dock — the Dutch territory of St. Maarten.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said Sunday that two chartered airliners would carry passengers back to Britain. Other passengers, who had been scheduled to board the vessel on Friday in the Dominican Republic, were being flown to St. Maarten to embark there.

Dominican officials had barred the ship due to reports that a few of those aboard had a flu-like illness, but the cruise line said none had symptoms consistent with the new virus, according to AP. It was one of at least three cruise ships turned away from Caribbean ports over the past week due to concerns over possible viral infections, though no passengers on any of the ships has been confirmed to have the disease.

Worldwide Impact of the Novel Virus

Worldwide, London-based economic research consultancy Capital Economics estimates that COVID-19 will cost more than $280 billion in the first three months of 2020. This is due to China —the second global economy— being the country most affected by the spread of the deadly disease so far.

After reviewing earnings estimates, companies like Goldman Sachs estimate a 0 percent growth for this year. In a letter to its customers, the firm accepted that this negative financial projection is the result of the severe decline in Chinese economic activity in the first quarter of the year, the decline in demand from U.S. exporters, the disruption of the supply chain of many U.S. companies and uncertainty.

The firm also predicts that the profit growth of U.S. companies will drop in 2020 as a direct result of COVID-19. As examples, after last week’s tumultuous ride, the price of JP Morgan’s shares fell by 7.9 percent, Bank of America 11.72 percent, Morgan Stanley 15.25 percent, Wells Fargo 8.66 percent and Goldman Sacks 13.56 percent. The stock market stabilized on Monday, with an uptick in share prices.

Ileanexis Vera Rosado contributed to this story.

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Alltrista Plastics Inaugurates Plant in Puerto Rico The company, with facilities in the U.S. and United Kingdom, invested $40 million in a state-of-the-art facility in Carolina

L

Cynthia López Cabán

clopez@wjournalpr.com

@cynthia_lope

ast week, after six months of tests and validation processes, Alltrista Plastics LLC officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Carolina that will produce plastic containers, bottles and caps, currently employs 50 people

and has created 100 indirect jobs.

Located at the Julio Matos Industrial Park, the new factory is housed in a 45,000-square-foot building and uses compression blow forming and co-injection technology to manufacture bottles and lids using 20 percent less polymers or plastic, elaborating a more “sustainable” product, indicated Jorge Santiago, plant manager and vice president of operations, and Chuck Villa, president of Jadex, Alltrista’s parent company.

“We are producing four of the 12 bottles that we will be offering by the end of the year. We will be ramping it up over the next 12 months,” explained Mike Zaagman, president of Alltrista Plastics during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“About 70 percent of the products we make in Puerto Rico get filled up in Puerto Rico, at Guayama and Vega Baja,” added Zaagman, who hopes the inception of the plant can help “bring

The new state-of-the-art plant is located at the Julio Matos Industrial Park in Carolina. >Courtesy

the pharmaceutical [industry] back” to the island.

The class 8 cleanroom facility, which means it complies with U.S. and international standards, utilizes cutting- edge technology for the prescription drug and over-the-counter bottles it produces for GSK, Pall Medical, Ethicon, Pfizer and CooperVision.

“What we are doing here in Puerto Rico, in this facility, is not being done at this scale in any other place in the world. These machines are used for other types of work, not for this industry, very little is being done with them in the pharmaceutical industry. Our company owns the majority of this equipment,” Santiago pointed out.

For instance, the co-injection technology allows an operator to use two different molds and different materials at the same time to produce child-resistant lids and suture trays.

Aside from the modern equipment, the plant’s

13

/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020 white and blue beams showcase motivational quotes such as “Count on Me” or “Play to Win,” while a mural of baseball legend Roberto Clemente painted by artist Pedro Spear adorns the conference room on the second floor. “Those are the qualities we want to emulate,” Santiago stated.

The Zaagman biosciences sector in and Santiago Puerto Rico generates also noted over 45 percent of the company industrial jobs and was creating contributes to 34 new business percent of the island’s opportunities gross domestic on the island product, according and planed to the local Economic to expand its Development production in Department. the future.

“We are not taking business away from competitors with the majority of the products we are producing; we are creating goods that weren’t being supplied,” indicated the plant manager.

For his part, Economic Development Secretary Manuel Laboy celebrated the opening and thanked Alltrista Plastics for its decision to bet on the island.

“Our policy is very simple. We just want to be your best partner and facilitator so you can grow in Puerto Rico,” he said.

In his remarks, Laboy highlighted the qualities that make the island an ideal investment destination, especially mentioning its workforce, and the major role of the manufacturing sector in the economy.“The talent of our workforce is

In fact,

Some of the attendees at the ribbon cutting ceremony were: (from left to right) José Aponte, Carolina mayor; Economic Development Secretary Manuel Laboy; Jorge Santiago, plant manager; Miguel Gómez (center); Chuck Villa, president of Jadex; and Mike Zaagman, president of Alltrista Plastics. >Courtesy

known worldwide. It’s that talent that makes the difference,” Laboy stated with pride. “The arrival of this company in Carolina represents an important investment in the island and new opportunities for workers in the metropolitan area... the pharmaceutical sector maintains its stability and continuous expansion. The biosciences sector in Puerto Rico generates over 45 percent of industrial

We are not taking business away from competitors with the majority of the products we are producing; we are creating goods that weren’t being supplied.

Jorge Santiago, plant manager

A mural of baseball legend Roberto Clemente by artist Pedro Spear adorns the plant’s conference room on the second floor. >Courtesy

jobs and contributes to 34 percent of the [island’s] gross domestic product.”

“Not only does it represents half of the economy, but the manufacturing sector also promotes the creation of high-paying job opportunities,” Laboy insisted.

Santiago indicated that the company was creating a variety of jobs, from technical operators and engineers, to administrative positions. “These are well paid and with good benefits that range from $30,000 to $200,000 [a year],” he said.

Alltrista invested over $40 million in the plant and received a $339,000 subsidy tied to the creation of jobs. It also applied for a manufacturing tax incentive. A subsidiary of Jadex, Inc., Alltrista has facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The official opening of the plant culminated with a benefit gala for SER of Puerto Rico at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan. SER is an organization that offers educational and medical services to people with autism and special needs.

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/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Participants used Microsoft Surface Pro tablets to polish their skills. >iStock

Microsoft Impacts Local Community With

Tech Workshops

Residents of the Nemesio R. Canales public housing complex learn career-oriented computer skills Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

M

icrosoft Puerto Rico has completed the first round of its introductory computer literacy program.

Eleven residents of Residencial Nemesio R. Canales in Hato Rey received a four-session weekly course at the Microsoft Store in San Juan’s Plaza Las Américas, the largest shopping center in the Caribbean.

At the workshops, participants used Microsoft’s Surface tablets to learn basic computer concepts like internet browsing, email management and résumé building, as well as how to use Outlook, PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office programs.

Carla López Narváez, director of education at Microsoft, explained that the goal of this project was to enhance participants’ competency by introducing them to essential tools that are often used in professional settings. The initiative was

/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

15

developed in partnership with programs, the sessions taught Committed To Puerto Rico Mutual Development Service him about recent updates and Microsoft’s local director of education asserted Corp., a local company dedicated how to optimize available tools. that the company, whose subsidiary in Puerto to creating affordable housing for “I really liked [the experience]…

Rico saved Microsoft millions of dollars through families and the elderly, and the In my case, children are purely tax benefits, has a sense of commitment with the The group of P.R. Department of Education. visual; they have a tendency island. participants “Technology is ever more to absorb knowledge visually “We feel a sense of responsibility. We are included both men present in our daily routine and and this is a tool that makes committed to continue impacting [Puerto Rico] and women of in the workplace, as well. What the learning process far more by training all these people. In fact, we are not only different ages, from we want is to be able to train all concise, and you have the working with low-income communities, we are also Gen Zers to baby these people so they can up-toopportunity for children to learn continuously collaborating with the Department of boomers, reflecting date on the digital transformation more,” he said.

Education and the University of Puerto Rico,” she Microsoft’s vision of that we are seeing, both Meanwhile, López said said. fostering diversity personally and professionally, that Microsoft will consider Other programs include Showcase Tool, which and inclusion. so that they can find jobs. A lot hosting a second round of this seeks to increase productivity among students of the opportunities available project, which would expand and educators, Digi Girlz and the Girls STEAM involve technology,” López on using search engines, Challenge, both of which are aimed at encouraging Narváez told THE WEEKLY discussing online payment risks girls to delve into male-dominated industries.

JOURNAL. and the best practices to protect personal data. “[The feedback] has been really positive and we During these courses, offered by Microsoft Microsoft also has an education department that see it in the results… We have been doing the Digi store employee Kenneth Laureano, participants provides monthly workshops to people from any Girlz event, for example, for five or six years, and we created an Outlook account and learned how to background. People may also visit the store and have other initiatives that we will definitely launch use OneDrive, Microsoft’s personal cloud storage. ask employees to teach them how to use the to continue with our mission,” López added.

Afterward, they created their own résumés and company’s devices and products. learned how to use LinkedIn, a digital platform that connects workers worldwide and introduces users to job offers based on their skills and experience.

Employees at the store also provided participants with the opportunity to have professional photos for their LinkedIn accounts taken.

The group of participants included both men and women of different ages, from Gen Zers to baby boomers. López Narváez noted that the group reflected Microsoft’s vision of fostering diversity and inclusion.

“The idea is that, because the topics that were going to cover could be used at any age, we were not looking for a specific segment. Rather, these are tools or training that could help any of them… That is why we decided to not to use age parameters, because we understood that anyone, of any age, could benefit from these pieces of training,” she said. “These are concepts that everyone should be able to handle and understand for their own benefit.”

Moreover, Microsoft selected residents from a public housing complex because they wanted to target individuals from low-income backgrounds that may not have access to resources and knowledge that could open the door to career opportunities.

Carlos Alicea Bruno, 54, confided to THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that, as a resident of the Nemesio Canales community, he was asked to consider participating in this project so he could enhance his education. Alicea, who is currently studying at the Ana G. Méndez University, hopes to become a schoolteacher and wanted to learn about different technology tools that could boost his education. “[PowerPoint] is a resource that I believe I will be constantly studying. I want to be a tech-savvy teacher. That is, I will apply technology in the classroom, so I would like to learn everything techrelated and [study] technological initiatives so I can bring that knowledge to the classroom,” he stated.

Alicea said that he was highly satisfied with the workshops, noting that while he is proficient at The project consisted of four weekly sessions at the Microsoft Store in Plaza Las Américas. >Courtesy web browsing and using varied computer

In fact,

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>Archive

/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

MIT, SACRED HEART to Teach LOCAL Students About Neuroscience

New summer internships will provide training and mentorship to 15 high school students

A Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

group of Puerto Rican high school students will be able to learn about different aspects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as the university admission process, at a new summer internship organized by Puerto Rican scientists Héctor De Jesús and Edmarie Guzmán Vélez.

Fifteen students from public and private schools will be selected among hundreds of applicants to take on a four-week internship at the Sacred Heart University (Sagrado Corazón) in San Juan and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The initiative, called the Sagrado-MIT Neuroscience Pre-College Program, aims to expose the island’s youth to the vast opportunities and resources available to the scientists of tomorrow.

In June, the group of students will spend the first two weeks of the program at Sacred Heart’s facilities learning about the diverse career options in STEM, with emphasis on neuroscience. They will then spend the remaining two weeks at MIT’s dorms, where they will meet scientists and professors from various distinguished

universities—such as Harvard and Boston universities—and attend university panels and other seminars on how to apply for admission and financial aid.

“Many students don’t request [admission] because they think that they can’t afford it, and sometimes there are plenty of resources available for those students,” said De Jesús, a postdoctoral fellow at MIT. Guzmán Vélez, an instructor at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital, added that each participant will be paired with a mentor who will continue to guide the student through the whole process of finding the right undergraduate program and university.

“Our goal is for that person to enter the university of their choosing so that they can have a successful career in science. We know from personal experience how important and crucial mentors are,” Guzmán Vélez told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. Moreover, the program will be completely gratuitous for participants. Through a collaboration with the P.R. Department of Education and donations, the internship will cover expenses for lodging, travel and food. The students will be accompanied by a minimum of three chaperones, De Jesús, Guzmán Vélez and the Science director from the local Education Department.

“Because our goal from the beginning was to make science accessible to every student, regardless of their background or financial situation, we strived to obtain funding to make this program free for students who do not have the financial resources to pay for it,” Guzmán Vélez explained.

To date, 520 students had applied to the internship program, with the request period having ended on March 2 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants will be considered if they have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.00 scale and if they are enrolled in 9th, 10th or 11th grade. Students were required to submit a one-page essay explaining why they are interested in the program, what situation has challenged them and their career ambitions.

Applicants also had to submit two recommendation letters. The 15 winners will be revealed next week.

“I have been meeting with the admissions groups here at MIT and a program like this can change a student’s life because it exposes them to opportunities they are not usually exposed to,” De Jesús stated. He added that he hopes this initiative will inspire similar programs and more collaborations between local and stateside universities.

De Jesús and Guzmán Vélez said that they expect to transform the internship into an annual event and as such, they are accepting donations so they may take in more students and continue the program. For donations, visit https:// sagradoglobal.lpages.co/sagrado-mit/.

“Apart from learning about specific things such as which activities they must do to enter the institution they choose, the program will impact these students in a way that goes beyond that.

For example, the students will meet many Puerto Rican students and researchers—undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professors—and I think there is something very powerful in knowing a person one identifies with because they will think ‘if that person did it, then so can I,’” Guzmán Vélez said.

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US Official: Disaster Recovery Pace In Puerto Rico Sped Up FEMA says it is approving 160 projects a month in disaster recovery work

T

Danica Coto

The Associated Press

he newly appointed U.S. official charged with overseeing disaster recovery in Puerto Rico said that while the pace of federally funded projects to help hurricane and earthquake victims has quickened, he’s worried about long term efforts.

The comments by Peter Brown, White House special representative for Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery, came after he met for the first time with officials in the U.S. territory amid criticism that the local and federal government response has been slow.

“The reputation seems to lag the reality. The reality is improving,” he said, adding that he will report to U.S. President Donald Trump upon his return to the U.S. mainland. “I think he will be convinced that federal money and federal efforts is being spent wisely here.”

Ever since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm in Sept. 2017, Trump has been accused of delaying and denying aid to the U.S. territory amid concerns of corruption and government inefficiency on the island. The U.S. Congress has approved nearly $50 billion to help Puerto Rico, but federal officials have only disbursed roughly $15 billion.

Brown, who previously served as commander of the Miami-based U.S. Coast Guard’s Seventh District, said that while he’s aware many were dissatisfied with the pace of recovery, it has changed dramatically in part because of the relationship with Puerto Rico’s new governor.

Alex Amparo, Puerto Rico’s coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said the agency was tentatively approving 10-15 projects a month six months ago. Now, it’s up to 160 projects per month.

“We’re seeing results,” he said. “Expect that to continue.”

In addition to helping hurricane victims, FEMA is also providing federal funds for those affected by a 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Jan. 7, followed by strong aftershocks that damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes along the island’s

Peter Brown, White House special representative for Puerto Rico’s disaster recovery >Carlos Rivera Giusti

south coast. Amparo said FEMA has received nearly 30,000 requests for assistance and issued some $19 million as a result, including $5 million for rental housing.

However, Brown warned it will take years for Puerto Rico to recover from the hurricane and earthquakes.

“My main concern is sustainability,” he said.

“This is not a one-time injection of money into the economy or infrastructure of Puerto Rico...

Continuity is vital.”

The meeting with Brown came just days after Gov. Wanda Vázquez wrote to the U.S. Senate.

Her letter urged it to approve a bill that would

allocate nearly $5 billion in emergency supplement funding after Trump approved a major disaster declaration for more than two dozen Puerto Rican municipalities following the earthquake.

She noted that more than 100 public schools remain closed and nearly 900 people are still in shelters after the earthquake, all while Puerto Rico is mired in a 13-year recession.

“The U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico have faced drastic challenges in recent years from the debt crisis to the severe storm damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” she wrote. “It is my hope Congress acts quickly to respond to the island in this time of great need.”

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In fact,

New Initiative To “Transform Puerto Rico” Is Born Promoting investments and job creation in the private sector

T Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

he newly created “Transforming Puerto Rico Initiative,” a nonprofit organization established by Birling Capital, hopes to lead the way to implementing, promoting and preserving changes to the island’s current economic situation through dialogue, by using what the organization calls Puerto Rico’s “First Goals.”

The nonprofit was created in response to many local residents’ concerns about the island’s long-term economic growth. The organization’s long-term goals and objectives, which include attracting investments and promoting job creation, were presented during the recent Puerto Rico Conference 2020, sponsored by Birling Capital and

the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce.

The inclusive multi-sectorial nonprofit involves the University of Puerto Rico and the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. With Birling Capital’s financial advice, and involving local agencies, the main objective is to achieve economic prosperity to launch the island into a new era.

According to Francisco Rodriguez-Castro, president & CEO of Birling Capital, a boutique corporate advisory and consulting firm, Puerto Rico’s First Goals are defined as: • Transforming Puerto Rico through robust economic development and sustained growth of 4 percent over the next four years.

• Initiate an economic industrial structure with a GNP (gross national product) of 25 percent and above within the next 10 years.

• Create 300,000 new jobs in the private sector within the next six years.

• Increase the labor-force participation rate from around 41 percent to 55 percent within the next six years.

• Reduce the unemployment rate from around 8 percent to 5 percent within the next six years.

• Reduce the government apparatus by transferring to the private sector any corporation, operation or service that the private sector can perform more efficiently.

• Increase median household income by 30 percent, from the current $20,873 a year.

• Transform the educational system, from primary to university level, into one focused on entrepreneurship, trades and transformation.

“The island has all the tools necessary to realize its potential, grow its economy and, at the same time, break with the fiscal recklessness that has hindered an economic evolution. Our vision must be achieved regardless of which party or ideology has control of Puerto Rico. The goals of the people should be protected and preserved to endure the test of time.” said Rodríguez Castro.

With the implementation of Puerto Rico’s First Goals, the Transforming Puerto Rico Initiative hopes to generate more than $15.5 billion in new economic activity, promote job growth and prioritize education.

For more information about the Transforming Puerto Rico Initiative, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page.

>Archive

A primary goal of the new nonprofit is to create 300,000 new jobs in the private sector within the next six years.

mood to reflect over the challenges into the threshold of the second faced during the past year and the decade of the 21st century, we resolutions or promises to be better must think hard and deep about the human beings during the year to resolutions we are about to make. / Wednesday, March 4, 2020 come.

Almost every dream we have as

By:Manuel Cidre By Manuel Cidre Founder of Los Cidrines

Entrepreneur & Founder of Los Cidrines

T E

transparent governance from our leaders. It is vital to evaluate each candidate, responsibly, based on their record, their honesty and their achievements. With primaries in

takes advantage of) to develop our economy. Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González recently announced Puerto Rico would get a twoyear waiver of the aviation cabotage laws.

Aviation cargo represents just 2.7 percent of all freight coming in and going out of the island, which means the short-term economic impact of this change in cabotage laws will probably be limited.

Still, Puerto Rico now faces the challenge of developing strategies, tactics and metrics to maximize this opportunity.

If we do this right and prove this change is beneficial to our economy, we can strive to receive a permanent waiver like the one Alaska has.

We only have a two-year window of opportunity to come up with a plan and put it into action. Therefore, it’s vital we start making progress on this issue right away. In Alaska’s case, the government and the private sector were able to use this opportunity to grow their shipping volume by 17 percent, which created thousands of direct and

inindirect the island. jobs Instead, and gaveour a muchpoliticians referto tothe them as foreign, needed boost economy. when they areto USa companies, According study and continuously attack them, conducted by economist José threatening to raise their taxes one Caraballo Cueto, if a model way or another whenever there is a similar to the one used in budget shortfall or some governor Alaska, were adopted in the wants to spend more money.

Aguadilla airport for surprising a period Therefore, it is not of 12 years, the economy that a large portion of our in the area would an population does experience not understand uptick of close to $220 million the importance of the per year and over newdevice pharmaceutical and6,000 medical jobs would be created. industries to our economy and The as question weOur need to society a whole. politicians’ answer rhetoric is who should lead led populist has actually many believe that efforts, these are evil, theseto development corporations that or take, and the government thetake private take while giving nothing back sector?

Personally, I would be to their communities and the concerned if the government island. were to be in charge. Just a

couple of decades ago, the government mismanaged a similar situation. They were given 10 years to transition Puerto Rico out of the 936 tax benefits and because of politics failed to do it. This blunder costs us tens of thousands of jobs and sent us into the economic recession we still live today.

The window of opportunity to develop an industry with the aviation cabotage waiver is a lot shorter than the 936 phaseout timeframe.

Therefore, the private sector should lead the way with a multi-industry collaboration model like the one used

by Enterprise Florida. This group needs to set up a plan, execute on it in a short period, and raise funds to lobby Congress to make this waiver permanent so that the economic development can be maintained.

It literally would be the definition of insanity (hoping for change, while doing the same things) to think the local or federal government will maximize this opportunity on their own.

19

By: Edgardo Vicenty

Therefore, I think it’s time for As we see in the first paragraph, pharma’s industry leaders to take this is simply not true. You might Financial Analyst controland of the narrative and force think these companies should Entrepreneur our government into action by contribute even more, but ignoring making the phaseout of Act 154 an that they already are one of the election issue. most important contributors to The people need to clearly our economy and society in terms understand what will happen of job creation and paid taxes, is if the deductions provided by completely absurd.

Act 154 are phased out by the I write this op-ed because this federal government. We need to industry, which we’ve already understand what options are on established plays a vital role in our the table to help pharma grow economy, is coming under attack, in Puerto Rico and maintain for the second time in 20 years. It the Isector’s to the I will worries me to see a lack of action anolo, withcontribution the cool sneakers, from our government and pharma have economy.

Whether no still be 5’5” it’s tall;changing shoes are not the industry’s tax structure so playing in leaders. I fully expected that by doubt my limiting factor for now, industry and government guiltyIntax doesRico’s not case, the that Trump’s the NBA. Puerto apply, extending currentcosts decrees, leaders would have come out waiver transportation are not allowing the plants to build outto power to announce a joint workgroup of the limiting factor economic generation without interference dedicated solely to solving the aviation development. from the AEE, or some other issues generated by the phaseout cabotage law is a positive We could look at Alaska thing that only industry insiders of Act 154. development for Puerto Rico, as an example of what know.

But this hasn’t happened; both mainly because having open I genuinely wouldbelieve be possible if we had groups appear to have taken that through markets, with no arbitrary established farming, proactive communication andfishing, or an “ignore and pray nothing protectionist restrictions, tends manufacturing industries.

In education, we can change the happens” mentality and that to be positive for economic Alaska’s case, they had fishing. current narrative of locals versus is not acceptable. Hoping our agree foreigners With the the and getexemption everyone from to governmentdevelopment. takes the leadI also in these that the private sector should aviation cabotage laws, they understand that what is good for conversations is futile, we are in take lead in identifying, wereisable tofor increase their the industry good the people the middle of anthe election cycle, and and developing the routesRicans, and reduce and vice number versa. AsofPuerto it is evidentpromoting that our governor and we can’t transportation allow for a repeat of the her opponents are worried created businessmore opportunities costs, which to happen; the islandincrease about campaigning than actually by this waiver.

Meanwhile, 936 debacle resulted in a substantial might not it. preventing an crisis.role should theeconomic government’s in survive fish exports.

But the key here

FindingOut! Common Ground: Watch Don’t Threat A Boomer on theofAir the Workhorse Cabotage Laws Puerto Rico’s Economy

he dgardo, today pharmaceutical we start a industry is with project undoubtedly the goal the workhorse of finding of Puerto Rico’s common economy. It pays ground $3 billion in annual taxes, which between the views is over 33 percent of our of budget, millennials and baby boomers employs 78,000 direct workers about how to solve Puerto who earn on average $62,000 and Rico’s pressing economic spends $500most million annually in and social issues.

To our capital expenditures in its plants. just look at our To putaudience, this into perspective, pictures, and will quickly pharma represents you 30 percent of outGDP, who’swhile the boomer Puertofind Rico’s tourism and is just 7 who’s percent. the millennial.

However, some inexplicable Our for discussion starts reason, ouran government has that with announcement spent presents decades without coherent a uniquea opportunity strategy to keep them investing (which I hope Puerto Rico

make, because it is impossible to forget the lessons learned during the summer of 2019, when the country took over the streets to defend its values and dignity.

Finding Common Ground: A Millennial on the Air Cabotage Laws

M

be limited to facilitating the process.

The problem is, because of the media attention surrounding this issue, I believe the government won’t allow the private sector to operate freely and will instead attempt to be the protagonist. This worries me because, even though aviation cabotage sounds like a huge opportunity, the truth is, its economic impact will be limited.

Let me explain myself. Puerto Rico can currently export goods to the largest consumer market in the world. Still, aside from pharmaceutical products, which have incredibly high margins, we barely do it. The reasons are simple, producing and storing goods in Puerto Rico is too expensive. This, coupled with our government’s general unfriendliness towards business, makes exporting products from the island generally uncompetitive.

Reducing transportation costs and hoping it will result in a surge in economic development is like giving me a new pair of state-of-the-art sneakers and believing that they will allow me to play in the NBA. Even

is that Alaska already fished and exported millions of pounds of fish a year. They didn’t start fishing because transportation got a bit better; they used their newfound efficiencies to expand an existing industry.

My question is, what will that industry be in Puerto Rico’s case, and how much will it grow?

An obvious answer would be tourism, but will a couple of new flight routes really move the economic development needle?

Anyways, I believe this waiver can be a hit if appropriately handled by the private sector, but the government is hyping it as a potential grand slam and will thus want to manage it themselves. Long term, the most significant benefit that we will see from eliminating the cabotage laws is that politicians will have one less excuse to hide behind. Puerto Rico’s economic problems were caused by corruption and mismanagement, not by the political status or the cost of transporting goods in and out of the island.

Manolo, I await your response in the podcast: Millennials vs.

Boomers.

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/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Adriana Vélez caused a buzz in social media last week after being admitted to Yale. >Brandon Cruz González

From Puerto Rico Public Schools to THE Ivy League: Two Students’ Academic Journey Scientific researchers Adriana Vélez and Yanilka Soto stress the need for inclusivity in academia

W Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

hen Adriana Vélez and Yanilka Soto got admitted to the University of Puerto Rico’s (UPR) College of Natural Sciences, they never would have

foreseen that they would someday pursue their graduate studies at some of the world’s most coveted academic institutions. Now, they are well on their way to achieving their goals while inspiring a new generation of Puerto Rican scientists.

Adriana and Yanilka, both 21 years old, are currently completing their bachelor degrees in molecular neuroscience at the UPR’s Río Piedras campus, Puerto Rico’s oldest public university campus. Natives of Isabela, they have been acquainted with one another since they were both eight year olds, back when they attended a girl’s church group dedicated to promoting leadership and community work. Due to their outstanding academic performance in their public high school and in state tests, they were allowed to skip senior year to study biology at the UPR’s campus in Aguadilla.

“It was really shocking, but we always had each other and we were going through the same process together,” Adriana told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. She noted that despite having known each other for almost a decade prior to attending the same high school, it wasn’t until they went to college that they forged an enduring friendship.

After conducting their first research work, they decided to transfer to the UPR Río Piedras, which they realized offered more opportunities to develop themselves as professional scientific researchers. While the peculiarities of their northwestern hometown contrasted sharply with the hectic buzz of the metropolitan area, they soon found themselves invested in multiple extracurricular activities, programs and organizations.

Yanilka, for instance, is a member of

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/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

the NeuroID fellowship of the “Enhancing Neuroscience Diversity through Undergraduate Research Education Experiences” of the National Institutes of Health. She is also the outreach coordinator of the National Neuroscience Student Association. Likewise, Adriana is a member of the Maximizing Access to Research Careers undergraduate training program, which provides funding so students can lead their own research and present an undergraduate thesis that may even be published.

Adriana caused a buzz in social media last week after a post on her Facebook page went viral. In the post, Adriana shared a video of her reaction to being admitted to Yale University, an Ivy League institution, along with a heartfelt caption detailing the road she paved for herself with support from loved ones and fellow scholars. She has also been accepted to Cornell and Columbia universities and is waiting for other responses, but she is leaning toward a unique opportunity at Yale.

“What makes Yale special is that they have a program with the UPR’s Medical Science Campus in which I can obtain my medical degree here and my doctorate degree there… I am waiting for Medical Sciences to respond because the [institutions] respond separately. Yale accepted me, so now Medical Sciences has to accept me,” she said.

Meanwhile, Yanilka has already received acceptance letters from the University of California in San Francisco and San Diego, but she is still attending interviews at other graduate schools or waiting responses, from Johns Hopkins, New York and Princeton universities.

“This has been a lengthy process. I have been traveling every weekend to the United States since January 16… I don’t want to make my choice until I’ve finished this round of interviews and I can finally decide what is really going to happen,” Yanilka stated.

Dismantling Biases in Academic Spaces

The young researchers asserted that although they are grateful for the internship and transfer opportunities obtained throughout their undergraduate career, they faced unfortunate experiences in these academic spaces due to certain instances of cultural or gender-based prejudices from their peers.

Multiple analyses have concluded that science, technological, engineering and medical (STEM) fields are gaining more women professionals, but men still dominate these circles. The disparity is even more apparent for Latin American women such as Adriana and Yanilka, who have had to counter biases on the premise of both their gender and their nationality.

Yanilka recalled her six-month internship at the Autonomous University of Madrid in Spain, where she was the only Latina in the program.

“There were two classes where I had the highest grades. Then I talked with the other students and we had that conversation where they were surprised and how my presence impacted them positively—to see that a Latina could be in those spaces and have the intellectual capability to be successful in those spaces. That was very harsh for me,” Yanilka said, adding that these perceptions were rooted in ignorance rather than disdain or

Knowing that I have in my hands the ability to help millions of people improve their quality of life simply fills me with satisfaction.

-Yanilka Soto

xenophobia.

Moreover, one of Adriana’s professors told her she would be accepted to any graduate school of her choice because of her “pretty face.” Adriana, a top student, felt like all her notable efforts and personal sacrifices had been reduced to her physical appearance. She pointed out that women have often been overlooked or underrepresented in STEM. As such, she and a group of students at her university created “Mujeres en la Ciencia - UPR Río Piedras,” which seeks to highlight women’s contributions to science, particularly Puerto Rican scientists on the island and the U.S. mainland.

“Creating spaces, alliances and groups like that which highlight the work that women students are doing, is extremely important to take a step forward and prove that we are also doing important things.

We need to stress that,” Adriana said.

For Yanilka, the need to foster more inclusive environments in science also extends to people with a variety of health conditions or functional capabilities. She was diagnosed with Chron’s disease when she was only 15, an aspect of her life that made it “very difficult” to adapt to academic spaces.

“Talking about the functional diversity that can exist in those spaces has been challenging too.

Just because I have to go to the bathroom 15 times

doesn’t mean I can’t solve the same problem as you efficiently… Having to explain every day what I go through to adapt within these spaces has also been very difficult,” Yanilka said.

Her ailment nonetheless encourages her to pursue her dream of developing medicines.

“I know the importance of research to create medications. Knowing that I have in my hands the ability to help millions of people improve their quality of life simply fills me with satisfaction,” she affirmed.

Inspiring the Scientists of Tomorrow

Having hailed from public schools themselves, Adriana and Yanilka founded NeuroBoricuas, an association that guides youth from the public education system.

“We didn’t really hear about research until we entered college. In public school, saying that you can go to places like Yale sounds unreal. These aren’t things that happen frequently, contrary to some private schools in the metro area… We have decided to create platforms to provide these students an example and a guide on what to do to get to those chances,” Adriana said. She stressed the importance of primary and undergraduate programs that offer funding and exposure to students who otherwise would not have that opportunity.

Both women declared that their objective is to return to Puerto Rico after completing their studies stateside and continue providing knowledge tools to public students, in addition to their professional research. Adriana said that one of her longterm goals is to establish a school specialized in scientific research for children and youth from lowincome backgrounds.

“My goal has always been to return. I want to gain as much knowledge as I can and bring it here to Puerto Rico. In research, we really need people with new ideas; we need young, motivated people,” Adriana added.

Yanilka Soto does not let her battle with Chron’s disease derail her from accomplishing her dreams. >Brandon Cruz González

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Wellness Through Pilates and Yoga Studios and private instructors are springing up all over the metro area

I

Marimar Rosario

correccion@wjournalpr.com

In fact, Benefits of Pilates: * Increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks * Improved posture and stabilization of the spine * Balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body

Benefits of Yoga: * Increased flexibility * Improved respiration, energy and vitality * Increased muscle strength and tone

@Mmar1212

t is very common to confuse yoga and Pilates. However, these two disciplines, although similar in that they are low intensity and low impact, have one very specific difference: yoga is about flexibility and stability, whilst Pilates is about flexibility and strength.

Pilates

Dating back to 1912, Pilates is a discipline that emerged out of a need to rehabilitate bedridden soldiers during World War I. It’s inventor, Joseph Pilates, would rig springs to the men’s beds so that they could exercise against resistance. Fast forward over a century, and reformer Pilates studios are popping up all over Puerto Rico, as locals finally join the craze.

Aside from being a great physical rehabilitation tool, Pilates also helps gain mindfulness, connect to the inner workings of the body and increase lung capacity, among other benefits.

“The fundamentals of Pilates take place on a mat. From the mat, we can move on to any of the machines. For me, what the reformer does is help those who do not have enough strength in their core, lack coordination or have back problems. The machine helps them stay in control of their bodies so that they can eventually develop it,” said Viviana Pastor, a certified Pilates reformer instructor in San Juan.

“Originally, Pilates was actually named Contrology because it was about a person’s capacity to control the body and all its parts, as well as learning to isolate the muscles, which is what Pilates does most, it helps one control muscles. Pilates is fundamentally focused on the core and the flexibility of one’s back. Joseph Pilates used to say that a person is as young or as old as their spine flexibility,” continued Pastor, who teaches over 80 people a week.

Mat Pilates, the precursor to Pilates reformer, includes over 500 exercises that can be modified to any age or fitness level. As with the reformer, mat

Yoga is about flexibility and stability. > Courtesy Megan Haligowski

Haligowski practices AcroYoga. >Courtesy Megan Haligowski

Pilates is a mind and body practice.

Bernice Lafitte, a certified Polestar Mat Pilates and Power Pilates instructor, stumbled upon the practice in 2006 after battling thyroid cancer.

“I was very weak, had no energy and a compromised immune system. After visiting many doctors, I still felt unwell so I decided to start Pilates as a rehab method, “ said Lafitte, who is currently working on her Lolita’s Legacy certification.

“My body needed stretching, but I had no idea I could also strengthen it without impact. Not only that, but the breathing helped me calm my mind and focus on me, my present and my healing,” she continued.

Lafitte, who trains private clients and also teaches group classes, believes firmly in the restorative power of Pilates and its overall fitness and wellness benefits.

“Pilates is a body conditioning method that entails the integration and compromise of the whole body, not only the musculoskeletal. Mind, body and spirit need to work in unison through conscious breathing and coordination in order to perform the exercises,” continued Lafitte.

In her years as an instructor, Lafitte has seen firsthand how Pilates has positively affected the lives of her clients and relishes in bearing witness to their improvements.

“I have seen how people who couldn’t even play with their grandchild or pick something up from the floor have managed to do it; how people have minimized neck and back pain through Pilates.

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The Pilates criss cross is a great way to work the obliques. > Marimar Rosario

I love to share with my clients the knowledge I have gained and to be able to see them meet their goals,” she said.

A great number of Pilates studios may be found in the San Juan metro area. Pastor may be found at Pil@teros, which has outposts at Suchville in Guaynabo and on Ashford Avenue in Condado.

For more information on classes, follow them on Instagram @pilaterospr or @vivianapastorarguello.

Bernice Lafitte offers private sessions and teaches at Liv Fitness Clubs in Guaynabo and Condado. She may be reached at 787 994 7394 or over Instagram @bernicelafitte_trainer.

Yoga

Pilates is about flexibility and strength. Above, Pastor demonstrates a ballet stretch. > Marimar Rosario

Lafitte demonstrates the Pilates single straight leg stretch, also known as scissors. > Marimar Rosario

Yoga is a practice that involves movement, breath and meditation to bring together the mind, body and spirit. The word yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj” means “to join,” as in the union between one’s body and mind, individual consciousness with universal consciousness.

Dating as far back as 2700 BC, the practice has evolved to include a wide array of types meant to suit every person’s need. From Ashtanga yoga, which involves physically demanding postures, to AcroYoga, which combines fitness with the play of acrobatics, the healing and movement of therapeutics and the balance and connection

of traditional yoga, according to AcroYoga International.

In Puerto Rico, one can easily contact private instructors, take a class at the beach or visit a local studio, as is the case with Ashtanga Yoga in Ocean Park, which opened in 2005.

David Kyle, a certified instructor and the proprietor of Ashtanga Yoga, grew up as an avid athlete, dancer and acrobat before an injury thrust him into the world of yoga.

“Yoga gave me the experience and the opportunity to manifest this experience within myself and by myself. It is a very physically and mentally challenging practice that creates deep heat unlike any other practice,” said Kyle, who’s been practicing yoga for 20 years and teaches traditional and non-traditional Ashtanga yoga.

“Yoga is the glue that binds and unites all wellness practices: body, mind and spirit,” he continued.

If one’s idea of a workout involves a more collaborative environment, AcroYoga may be the perfect fit to assist on a path to holistic well-being.

“I love fun and interactive class formats.

Bootcamp and fitness should include laughter, sweat, smiles and grunts. My yoga classes are a blend of different lineages modified for the western mind and body and adapted for the individuals who show up that particular day. Yoga is a way to move the body to release the mind. Regardless of class format or preference, the goal is for you to feel better leaving than when you arrived,” said Megan Haligowski, a certified wellness coach, personal trainer and yoga instructor who believes in a personalized approach to wellness.

“Each person is unique, with specific needs, wants, injuries, health history, likes and dislikes.

It is important to think on your toes and to be flexible in a program designed to keep it fun and effective,” said Haligowski, who has been teaching yoga since 2003 and is trained in AcroYoga, Sivananda Hatha Yoga and Rocket Vinyasa.

Haligowski may be found on Instagram as @megandurga and online at http://www. sutrafitadventures.com. For more information on David Kyle and his studio, Ashtanga Yoga, located at 1950 McLeary Ave. in San Juan, log on to http:// www.ashtangayogapr.com.

Pastor assists a client with the swan pose on a Pilates reformer. > Marimar Rosario

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>Courtesy of the DRNA

/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

The Turtle Nesting Season Has Arrived

Calls to continue protecting nesting sites and hatchlings

T

he official leatherback sea turtle nesting season does not officially start until early April, but the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA by its Spanish initials) is already set for the 2020 season.

The leatherback is the largest sea turtle in the world. Every year from April to July, they migrate from distant waters near Canada, Europe and Africa to nest along our Caribbean coasts.

Some solitary nests are always reported before the start of the season in April. The first leatherback nest of the season was first reported by the conservation group Tortuguero del Oeste (Vida Marina) in Isabela. In response, turtle organizations, in coordination with the DRNA, are

>Courtesy of the DRNA

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL Staff

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/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

- National Geographic’s website

working on the collection of statistical data and the protection of nests.

Although many threats have been controlled or reduced in recent years, mainly due to human

Did You Know?

“Leatherbacks are the largest turtles on Earth, growing up to seven feet long and exceeding 2,000 pounds. These reptilian relics are the only remaining representatives of a family of turtles that traces its evolutionary roots back more than 100 million years. Once prevalent in every ocean except the Arctic and Antarctic, the leatherback population is rapidly declining in many parts of the world.”

Source: National Geographic

riding on the beach.

4. Do not cut vegetation, destroy dunes or loot sand.

5. Help protect the environment by collecting trash generated on the beach.

6. Do not use motor vehicles on the beach.

7. Respect the island’s maritime zone.

8. Report any nest or hatchlings to the DRNA and keep a safe distance from any sea turtle on the beach. The DRNA’s main telephone number is (787) 999-2200.

>Courtesy of the DRNA

Leatherbacks undertake the longest migrations between breeding and feeding areas of any sea turtle, averaging 3,700 miles each way. After mating at sea, females come ashore during the breeding season to nest. The nighttime ritual involves excavating a hole in the sand, depositing around 80 eggs, filling the nest, leaving a large, disturbed area of sand that makes detection by predators difficult, and finally returning to the sea.

activity - such as stealing eggs or the animals getting caught in fishing lines and nets - sea turtle populations have yet to recover from the threats of past seasons. Thus, implementing measures of environmental laws that protect these species and their habitat must continue, the government agency said.

“Leatherbacks are the largest turtles on Earth, growing up to seven feet long and exceeding 2,000 pounds. These reptilian relics are the only remaining representatives of a family of turtles that traces its evolutionary roots back more than 100 million years. Once prevalent in every ocean except the Arctic and Antarctic, the leatherback population is rapidly declining in many parts of the world,” states National Geographic’s website.

“Leatherbacks undertake the longest migrations between breeding and feeding areas of any sea turtle, averaging 3,700 miles each way. After mating at sea, females come ashore during the breeding season to nest. The nighttime ritual involves excavating a hole in the sand, depositing around 80 eggs, filling the nest, leaving a large, disturbed area of sand that makes detection by predators difficult, and finally returning to the sea,” according to National Geographic.

Keep the sea turtles and their precious eggs safe during nesting season by following these guidelines established by the DRNA: 1. Keep beaches dark: bright light can disorient sea turtles. This is especially true of new hatchlings that may head towards the light rather than the sea.

2. Respect areas designated as nests.

3. Do not set up camp fires or go horseback

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/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

The Emblematic Wines of

La Rioja

vineyards for many years. This enabled him to select the perfect farms in the region at which to develop his project. In 2010, José Ramón Urtasun joined the project initiated by Fernando, thus beginning a new phase for Bodegas Remírez de THE WEEKLY JOURNAL Staff Ganuza.

The winery is made up of a collection ines are faithful to the of buildings that are used during the different grapes used for their steps of the wine making process: the barrel area, delicate elaboration the wine racks, the cold room or the selection —that is the hallmark area. The grapes that are chosen go through a and quality guarantee meticulous inspection process. offered by the wines “The Denominación de Origen Calificada from Bodegas Remírez Rioja is located in the north of Spain, on both de Ganuza; a promise witnessed by a group of sides of the River Ebro. It is divided into three wine enthusiasts during a recently held tasting at large zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Bodega de Méndez in Guaynabo.

Oriental. With more than The description and 65,000 hectares of vineyards, explanation of each wine that each town and territory has was featured was presented by its own personality, making Fernando Goy, export manager of Rioja a unique land,” according Bodegas Remírez de Ganuza, who to http://www.riojawine.com, White, rosé visited Puerto Rico as a special the Denominación de Origen and red wines are guest for the occasion.

Calificada Rioja website, the produced in the Remírez de Ganuza is Spanish regulatory council that “Denominación de considered by wine connoisseurs qualifies Rioja wines.

Origen Calificada and enthusiasts alike to be one The wines featured at the Rioja.” of the most emblematic wineries tasting were: in La Rioja, a Spanish province Remírez de Ganuza — This recognized worldwide for the wine reflects the essence of the quality of its wines. prestigious winery. It is crafted Founded in 1989, Bodegas Remírez de Ganuza from the most exquisite grapes, born in 60-yearwas Fernando Remírez de Ganuza’s personal old vineyards. endeavor. Since the beginning, his mission was Fincas de Ganuza — Crafted from bunches to carefully select the grapes so as to intervene of vine stock varying in age between 25 and 40 as little as possible in the wine making process. years. It is aged in new French and American oak The aim is to be as faithful as possible to the barrels. vintage and the vineyard. After three decades, this Trasnocho — The product of an innovative commitment remains intact. extraction system, perfected over a period of 20 Prior to establishing the winery, Remírez de years. This procedure allows for extraction of the best Ganuza dedicated himself to the sale of old wine and avoids unwanted odors and flavors.

The iconic Spanish wine is always a crowd pleaser

W

>Courtesy

In fact,

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>Courtesy

Transforming Urban Art

In Southwestern Puerto Rico

Only two works were damaged by the January earthquakes

W Jorge Rodriguez

jrodriguez@elvocero.com

ith more than 52 murals spread across the public spaces of Yauco, a modern “urban museum” called “Yaucromatic” has flooded streets and neighborhoods to the delight of thousands of visitors.

While the popularity of the appealing panorama was growing, the recent tremors that have shaken the municipality, located in the southwest region of the island, have resulted in a drop in visitors which, in turn, has affected the economic activity that is urgently needed in the region.

“We want to refocus and invite people to visit us, to resume the economic growth of Yauco’s urban center,” said Jonathan Hernández León, of the nonprofit organization Arte para Unir (Art to Unite). “What we want is to strengthen the town,

so that people can come see the art and support the local shops,” he added.

The January tremors damaged some 3,500 residences in Yauco, and hundreds of residents have migrated since the emergency began.

However, Hernández León said only two of the murals were damaged.

Last year, the urban museum received close to 300,000 visitors. It also served as the stage for Ozuna, Lunay, Rauw Alejandro and Lyanno’s music video, “Luz apagá” which has had an estimated 117 million views on YouTube.

“We have received visitors from Nicaragua, Venezuela, El Salvador, Spain, Austria and even from Germany. Everyone visits the place to take pictures and walk the alleys of “El Cerro”,” said Hernández León.

The initiative began in 2008, when plastic artist Pablo Marcano developed a similar idea in Gurabo and proposed then-Yauco mayor Abel Nazario to paint the houses of the El Cerro community in multiple colors. Hernández León was assigned to be the director of the project and organize the neighbors. It took them nine months to paint 936 homes with 48 striking colors.

“I came across a social media blog from Brazil

that published a picture of “El Cerro” in Yauco, while they painted some favelas. I realized they also painted common areas, which I proposed to the mayor’s office, to encourage people to visit them. There was no money, but the idea of painting common areas resurfaced in 2017 and I was granted permission by the new administration,” he explained.

That same year, Hernández León visited the muralist events “Santurce es Ley” and “Ponce es Ley”, and called on some of the artists of these projects to replicate the movement in Yauco. The original idea began with a plan to complete four projects, but it soon skyrocketed to 16, which made up the first edition.

The second edition, Yaucromatic2, consists of another 13 murals in the Cantera community, one of which is a breathtaking “macromural” painted across 19 houses.

“We launched 12 other murals in the downtown area in July 2018, and received thousands of visitors. We managed to transform this community with a work of art,” Hernández León said. “When everything is back to normal and our visitors return, we will continue to transform the spirit of our people,” he said.

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What To Do When A Loved One Passes Away 2

M

Hallee Patterson

Editor’s note: This is the second article in a series. ister Rogers: “To die is human and anything human is mentionable.

Anything mentionable is manageable.”

Hopefully, you are prepared with the documents I wrote about in the first part of this series on how to prepare for a loved one’s death.

As part of this process, it would be advisable to have enough cash on hand to cover upcoming living, legal and funeral expenses. Funds may no longer be available because of probate laws.

Organizing the funeral:

1

If your loved one dies at the hospital, the hospital will assist you with the transport.The body can be picked up by a mortuary (by law, a mortuary must provide price information over the phone).

If your loved one dies at home and is under hospice care, call the hospice. They can certify the death and help transport the body.

If your loved one dies at home without hospice care, call 911. If there isn’t a DNR, paramedics will try to start emergency procedures. Be aware that if your loved one dies at home there could be an investigation that may require an autopsy.

You will need a legal death pronouncement from a doctor or coroner.

With the death certificate explaining the cause of death, you can collect a final paycheck or claim life insurance. However, the coroner’s offices seem to be behind in their paperwork, which means it can take a while to obtain these certificates. Get various copies of the original death certificate because you will need them for everything. The coroner’s office typically offers 10 copies - ask for more.

Know where the person planned on being buried or cremated. If the person was in the military or belonged to a fraternal or religious

3

4 5

>Carlos Rivera Giusti

/ Wednesday, March 4, 2020

group, contact that organization. They may have burial benefits.

Consider whether you need or want additional financial assistance for the funeral and burial. Help might be available from a number of sources, including a church, union or fraternal organization that the deceased belonged to.

Write the obituary and place it in the newspaper. Remember to include whether people should send cards, flowers or donations. Do not include details such as the exact date of birth or home address because this can be used for identity theft or could turn the person’s home into a target for thieves.

Organize a post-funeral gathering. Have friends and family spread the word about the service. Don’t forget to contact the person’s employer, if he or she was working. Request information about benefits. Ask whether there was a life insurance policy through the company.

These are just guidelines that I have learned from my friends whose loved ones have passed away.

Please be sure to always seek legal advice.

6 7 8

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GOLF TOURNAMENT VIERNES 20 DE MARZO

< The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, March 4, 2020

ROUND 2

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The Beatles — Symphonic Tribute The acclaimed tribute to The Beatles returns, with the Royal Symphony Orchestra and renowned band, The Jukebox – Beatles Tribute. Delight in a repertoire of more than 27 hits, including Let It Be, Yesterday and Hey Jude. For more information, log on to http://www. tcpr.com.

When: Saturday, March 7 at 8:30 p.m.

Where: Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center, Santurce The Beatles >Courtesy of Pixabay

>Facebook

Yoga & Beats Recharge your energy with a Yoga class to the rhythm of POW beats and guided meditation in this event organized by Fitcotek and Fitverz. Tickets start at $22.85. For more information, log on to http:// www.eventbrite.com.

When: Sunday, March 8 at 4 p.m.

Where: Verdanza Hotel, Isla Verde

Wine & Paint

Beer and Jazz Jam Sessions

Havana Night >Facebook

Beer garden La Esquinita presents a night of live jazz by San Juan Collective, hosted by Norberto Tiko Ortiz. For more information, call (787) 903-5715.

When: Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m.

Where: La Esquinita, Bayamón

>Facebook

>Facebook

Discover the artist in you with this fun and unique experience.

Price is $60 per person; the event includes a light dinner and wine. For more information, contact (787) 277-5880.

When: Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: La Bodega de Méndez, Guaynabo

The unmatched energy of Juan José and San Juan Habana will take you on a journey that will make you fall in love with Cuba. Tickets are $10 per person. For more information, call (787) 791-2743.

When: Saturday, March 7 at 7 p.m.

Where: Casa Cuba, Isla Verde

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Meditation at El Morro

>Courtesy of Pixabay

>Facebook

Give yourself an hour to pause and breathe consciously. Bring a mat or towel, water and your desire to connect with yourself. The event, organized by Pausa Consciente, is free of charge.

When: Sunday, March 8 at 9 a.m.

Where: Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Old San Juan

National Salsa Day

National Salsa Day 2019 >Josian E. Bruno Gómez

Tropicalia Saturdays >Facebook

A Napa Valley Premier Tasting Enjoy a lineup of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, all with scores of 90 points and above, in a special tasting from the Cade and Round Pond wineries in Napa Valley. The event costs $60 per person. For more information, contact (787) 783-7060.

When: Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m.

Where: Almacén del Vino, Guaynabo

The Máre St. Clair Hotel invites you to enjoy a weekend of artisans, live salsa music and dancing at Cielo Bar. For more information, call (787) 791-5151.

When: March 6 and 7 at 5 p.m.

Where: Máre St. Clair Hotel, Isla Verde

>Facebook

Salsa performers like Eddie Palmieri, Oscar De León, India, Tony Vega, Lalo Rodríguez, Sonora Ponceña and Ismael Miranda will delight at this lively event. Tickets start at $20 per person. For more information, log on to http:// www.tcpr.com.

When: Sunday, March 8 at 10 a.m.

Where: Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan

Salsa Weekend

Puerto Rico’s top rumba musicians, the dazzling energy of the San Juan Hotel’s resident band Tropicalia and more.

Valet parking costs $13. For table reservations and more information, please email esjrsvp@fairmont.com.

When: Saturday, March 7 at 8 p.m.

Where: El San Juan Hotel, Isla Verde