The Weekly Journal - Wednesday, March 17-23, 2021

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Wednesday, March 17-23, 2021 - // no. 099

www.theweeklyjournal.com

On the Road to Recovery P6 2021 Fiscal Plan Projections P7

>Courtesy of NOAA

Bella Group Teams Up With Athletes P10

The High Cost of Climate Change After COVID pause, emissions rising again

I

Rosario Fajardo

‘El Trompetista’ in Luquillo P15

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

t is no secret that Puerto Rico’s location in the Caribbean makes the island very vulnerable to the impact of climate change. The Caribbean has long suffered from hurricanes, but today, these severe weather events, along with rising temperatures, droughts and sea level rise are threatening the economic development of Puerto Rico, as well as other islands in the Caribbean.

Meteorologists worldwide have recognized and anticipate tropical storms and hurricanes will increase in strength

and number in the coming years, threatening the economies of the region.

The costs of climate change are high, as the island knows far too well after its experience with Hurricane Maria in Sept. 2017. Besides the extensive damages to homes and agricultural crops, the island’s electrical infrastructure was brought virtually to a standstill, with many areas in Puerto Rico without power for months at a time.

All told, Maria caused more than $90 billion in GO TO PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, March 17, 2021 > 2

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a week in review Puerto Rico to Receive Nearly $10 Billion From Federal Aid Package

>Josian E. Bruno Gómez

>Josian E. Bruno Gómez

With the new economic package of $1.9 trillion recently signed

by President Joe Biden, Puerto Rico will be receiving an additional $10 billion to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The package includes $1,400 stimulus checks to be disbursed to roughly 2.6 million local residents; the infusion is expected to boost the local economy.

Puerto Rico to Host the Miss World 2021 Final

Miss World Ltd. confirmed that Puerto Rico will host the Miss World 2021 final later this year. The pageant will take place on Dec. 16, 2021 at the Coca-Cola Music Hall, located at the Convention Center District in San Juan. With an expected audience of 2 billion people, the international pageant will generate $150 million worth of publicity for the island.

Pictured is Miss World 2016, Puerto Rico’s own Stephanie del Valle.

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

President Salvador Hasbún shasbun@elvocero.com Vp of Marketing and Business Operations Michelle Pérez Miperez@elvocero.com

Puerto Rico Treasury Service System Could Be a PPP The Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3) announced that among the projects in the evaluation stage is modernizing the services system of the Treasury Department (Hacienda). P3 Executive Director Fermín Fontanés Gómez said the purpose would be to modernize taxpayer services and optimize the collection process to increase revenues, with an emphasis on delinquent accounts. Also under evaluation is a possible PPP concession for Puerto Rico’s nine regional airports.

VP of Accounting Félix A. Rosa frosa@elvocero.com

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

VP of Editorial Content Juan Miguel Muñiz Guzmán jmuniz@elvocero.com

Assistant Editor/ Reporter Rosario Fajardo rfajardo@wjournal.com

VP of Production Eligio Dekony edekony@elvocero.com

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

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

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

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

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 damages to the island, according to government figures. And Puerto Rico is still recovering more than three years later.

Recently, Congress held a hearing on climate change on the Insular Areas of the United States, which include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.

The Insular Areas are at the front lines of the climate change crisis, according to a statement issued by U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who chairs the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, which oversees the U.S. territories.

“These areas face sea level rise, coastal erosion, temperature increases, and droughts, just as the rest of the United States, and struggle with unequal access to federal programs, an over-reliance on petroleum, and out-of-date infrastructure that often does not meet hazard mitigation codes,” he explained.

As such, Grijalva said it is important for Congress to analyze how the territories should plan, mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Grijalva has issued an Insular Area Climate Change Act of 2021 discussion draft, that would: • Create an Interagency Task Force to identify ways to provide greater access to climate changerelated federal programs to the U.S. territories; • Establish an Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs within the Department of Energy to centralize and expand federal energy programs in Insular Areas; and • Create multiple grant programs to invest in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure in Insular Areas.

Agricultural crops flooded and destroyed after Hurricane Maria in Sept. 2017. >Carlos Rivera Giusti

more than 2°F, by 2050 up to 4°F,and by 2100 up to 9°F. “Under these conditions, there will be direct and indirect effects on organisms, hydrological cycle, maximum temperature records, decrease in agricultural productivity, changes in habitats and wildlife distributions, risks to human health such as stroke and cardiovascular diseases, which are the primary causes of death most associated with elevated summer temperatures, especially in vulnerable populations, and the quality of life on Earth will significantly decrease. Life, as we know it Dire Warnings today, will not end but will be During the hearing, The significantly different,” Monzón meteorologist Ada Monzón, who International said. is a member of the Puerto Rico Energy Agency said Meanwhile, sea levels have Climate Change Committee, a resurgence in been rising. Since the middle of testified that the congressional economic activity the 20th century, relative sea focus is long overdue. “[O]ur coupled with a lack of levels have risen by about 0.08 islands are already victims of clean energy policies inches per year on average along climate change and are in a very mean many countries the coasts of Puerto Rico and the vulnerable position compared are now seeing USVI, she added. However, rates to other countries in the world. higher emissions have been slowly accelerating Changes due to climate change than before the since the early 2000s, according are already evident along our coronavirus to the Fourth National coasts due to sea-level rise pandemic.

Assessment for the Caribbean and coastal erosion, in the Region. Under extreme scenarios, temperature and rainfall records, relative sea levels are projected in the impact to our corals and to rise (compared to levels in marine ecosystems, in our health 2000) by: 2050: up to 2.8 feet respectively, by 2050; system and economic development, and in our response and recovery to catastrophic events,” she and up to 10.2 feet by 2100.

Hurricanes are another issue of concern. said.

According to the National Oceanic and Monzón noted that scientists around the Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hurricanes world have demonstrated that our global are becoming stronger, and climate change temperatures (air and sea surface) are rising in an is making these storms more intense and unprecedented manner. The average temperature destructive. “Warming has increased the likelihood of the Earth was 57°F between 1951-1980. Last of a hurricane developing into a Category 3 or year (2020) it was 58.76°F (1.76° F above average). higher by about 8 percent a decade, and the trend Models also project that if there are no actions line for this type of hurricane is up. As warming to stop the greenhouse gases, there will be an alarming rate of increase of temperatures: by 2030 continues, the likelihood of having more intense

In fact,

storms and moving slower can have an enormous impact on life and property. Now we are preparing for the next hurricane season in three months,” Monzón said.

A COVID Pause on Emissions

Although the coronavirus pandemic put a temporary stop on the world economy in 2020, as lockdowns meant people stayed home, factories were shuttered and airlines were grounded, carbon emissions are rising again. Global energyrelated carbon dioxide emissions rose slightly in December compared with the same month of 2019, indicating the sharp drop seen due to the pandemic was short-lived.

Figures released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) show emissions from the production and use of oil, gas and coal were 2 percent higher in December 2020 than a year earlier, according to The Associated Press. The Parisbased intergovernmental agency said a resurgence in economic activity coupled with a lack of clean energy policies mean many countries are now seeing higher emissions than before the coronavirus pandemic.

“The rebound in global carbon emissions toward the end of last year is a stark warning that not enough is being done to accelerate clean energy transitions worldwide,” said the agency’s executive director, Fatih Birol. “If governments don’t move quickly with the right energy policies, this could put at risk the world’s historic opportunity to make 2019 the definitive peak in global emissions.”

Scientists have previously calculated that emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, fell by 7 percent during the full year 2020 as people stayed at home because of the pandemic, AP reported.

The U.N. Environment Program has said such a decline would be needed every year for the next decade if the world is going to stay on track to meet the Paris climate accord’s goal of keeping average temperatures from rising by 2°C (3.6 °F)

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Changes due to climate change are already evident along our coasts due to sea-level rise and coastal erosion, in the temperature and rainfall records, in the impact to our corals and marine ecosystems, in our health system and economic development, and in our response and recovery to catastrophic events.

-Meteorologist Ada Monzón, who is a member of the Puerto Rico Climate Change Committee

— ideally no more than 1.5°C (2.7°F) — compared with pre-industrial times.

The IEA figures suggest that is unlikely to happen. “Our numbers show we are returning to carbon-intensive business-as-usual,” Birol said.

“These latest numbers are a sharp reminder of the immense challenge we face in rapidly transforming the global energy system.”

IEA figures show that China was the only major economy whose emissions grew in 2020, while those in the United States fell by 10 percent compared to 2019, according to AP. By December, U.S. energy emissions were close to the levels seen in the same month of 2019, the agency said, attributing this to economic recovery and greater coal use due to higher gas prices and colder weather.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made

Severe beach erosion in the Ocean Park area of San Juan during 2019. >Archive

a renewed push to end the use of coal, the most polluting fossil fuels. “Phasing out coal from the electricity sector is the single most important step to get in line with the 1.5-degree goal,” he said at the launch of a new online dashboard tracking the world’s 6,601 coal-fired plants.

Guterres called on governments and businesses to cancel all planned projects for coal mines and power plants, and for the richest countries to put forward a timeline before this year’s global climate conference for phasing out existing sites.

Red Alert from Environmentalists

Amnesty International Puerto Rico and Sierra Club Puerto Rico are preparing for the Global

Carraízo dam in Toa Alta, during periods of drought >Brandon Cruz González, archive

Climate Strike Day on March 19, to demand “immediate and concrete action” by governments in response to the climate crisis.

Among the issues they want to highlight, as part of the Climate Action Now campaign, is to take immediate action on three “urgent elements” on climate governance. According to the two organizations, these are: • Make sure public funds respond to the crisis. “We have a unique conjuncture [in Puerto Rico]: millions of dollars in mitigation funds for infrastructure, research, database creation, jobs and recovery. The use of these funds requires a common thread on the climate issue and social and racial justice.”

• That legislation be passed so that land use planning responds to sustainability in the face of climate change. “The current Joint Permit Regulation will worsen the crisis. It is vital to repeal them and begin a broad process for a new regulation [that is sustainable].”

• That legislation be passed that will protect Puerto Rico’s coastal areas. “We already see the impact of the increase in sea level on our coasts.

In other places they are preparing to protect the coasts while here construction continues in the maritime terrestrial zone. It is time to stop the destruction of our shores and beaches.

Our communities, properties and essential infrastructures are at risk.”

“What we need now are not false promises.

The climate crisis is here and the most affected people and communities have to deal with floods, displacement, deforestation, air pollution, food insecurity and loss of homes. Our lives depend on immediate action,” said Hernaliz Vázquez Torres, of Sierra Club Puerto Rico.

The two organizations said people who want to join the March 19 event can send an email to acciónclimaticapr@gmail.com.

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Business Leaders Welcome New Executive Order

Will have a positive effect on Puerto Rico’s economy

V Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

arious sectors in Puerto Rico received the new executive order in a positive light, affirming that its measures will be key to gradually recover from the economic crisis unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic. A key point is that many businesses will now be able to receive more clients on-site.

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi has announced that Executive Order 2020-019 is more flexible than its predecessor, and contains the fewest restrictions since the first government mandate issued to address the coronavirus outbreak in mid-March last year. According to the document, restaurants Likewise, Mayra Ramírez, marketing director and movie theaters are allowed to fill their of Caribbean Cinemas, asserted that this gradual establishments at up to 50 percent capacity, an reactivation proves that “we’ve been doing uptick from the former restriction of 30 percent. things right and that cinemas have never really Increasing client capacity in posed a contagious danger to restaurants is welcomed by the anyone as far as our protocols industry, which has struggled are concerned.” However, she throughout the pandemic. noted that Caribbean Cinemas’ As reported by THE WEEKLY movie theaters will increase JOURNAL, a Jan. 2021 study Caribbean their occupancy rate case by commissioned by the Puerto Cinemas’ movie case, ensuring compliance with Rico Restaurant Association theaters will increase the six-feet social distancing (Asore by its Spanish acronym) their occupancy requirement. revealed that 38 percent of rate case by case, Moreover, Ramírez said she felt participants in the survey saw ensuring compliance “very happy and very thankful” for their revenues drop by more than with the six-feet this expansion, especially as big 50 percent since the beginning of social distancing Hollywood productions that had the lockdown last year, while 27 requirement. been delayed are scheduled to hit percent said theirs had decreased the big screen soon. As for this between 30 percent and 50 measure’s economic impact, she percent. stated that “what’s good for one José Vázquez Barquet, president of Asore, [business] begins to be reflected in other people or affirmed that the industry is ready to welcome sectors as well, so it definitely helps the economy.” more customers while reiterating their Meanwhile, theater venues will be allowed to commitment to safeguarding the health of reopen at 30 percent occupancy, as the governor restaurant workers and clientele. “The new underscored the need to resume cultural activities.

Executive Order is a step forward for the economic On this issue, the executive director of the Institute reactivation of the island. As one of the industries of Puerto Rican Culture, Carlos Ruiz, said that the that contribute the most to strengthening the entity has opened its rooms for free since last economy, we are committed to being an ally in the summer, producing more than 150 recordings so process of reopening the business ecosystem. We far. want to contribute to the standardization process “Now with the new Executive Order, we will be in a safe, effective and fair way,” Vázquez said. able to do shows with the public, which provides

In fact,

Restaurants and movie theaters are now allowed to open at 50 percent occupancy.

greater alternatives to the performing arts industry and that little by little they can recover economically from the impact received by the closures during the pandemic. We have been preparing for this moment and we will be rigorous with prevention protocols,” Ruiz said.

Pierluisi explained that the curfew remains in place from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. “We are demanding the use of masks everywhere, we are also requiring that social distancing be followed,” the governor said, adding that businesses shall continue to operate between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. Executive Order 2020-019 came into effect on Monday, March 15, and will remain in force until Sunday, April 11.

Optimistic Health Outlook

The executive order states that there has been a decrease in infections and coronavirus-related hospitalizations, “which is why it is possible to continue making certain areas more flexible to allow recovery for the economic sector affected since the beginning of the pandemic and, at the same time, reduce stress and anxiety in people, always keeping the health of our citizens a priority.”

According to government data, at least 626,181 vaccine doses have been administered in Puerto Rico so far. Of these, 390,804 individuals have received the first dose, and 235,777 have been vaccinated twice. This data is collected by the Puerto Rico Electronic Immunization System and posted on the local Health Department’s COVID-19 online tracker.

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Gov. Pedro Pierluisi >Carlos Rivera Giusti

Optimistic About Puerto Rico’s Economic Projections

Vaccine rollout key to recovery

T Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

he Puerto Rico government’s draft of the 2021 Fiscal Plan projects that the island’s economy declined by 1.4 percent in real terms in fiscal year (FY) 2020 and is expected to continue to decline an additional 3.6 percent in FY 2021, due in large part to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the projection for FY 2020 is an improvement from the forecast of a 4.0 percent decline in FY 2020, which is in the May 27, 2020 Certified Fiscal Plan, due in large part to the billiondollar influx of pandemic relief funds awarded to Puerto Rico residents and businesses by the federal government.

Despite the upward revisions, economic growth was partially offset by the slower reopening of the Puerto Rican economy from the COVID-19 lockdown. “The re-opening of Puerto Rico’s economy, expected to occur in early June 2020, did not materialize as envisioned at the time of the last Fiscal Plan submission. Instead, lockdown measures have remained in place well beyond this date.

Partial lock-down policies continued, reflecting the persistent and resurgent outbreaks amid a policy shift that utilized lockdowns to prevent outbreaks and viral spread as opposed to ensuring medical treatment capacity.

“Executive Orders to fight the COVID-19 pandemic utilized lockdowns, curfews, and other measures to

reverse economic openings as the original ten-week timeline proved ineffective at stopping the virus.

Partial re-openings were quickly reversed, taking a steep toll on growth in the period March through June and key sectors such as tourism were severely impacted, reflecting the persistence and intensity of outbreaks continuing into the fall of 2020,” according to the Revised Fiscal Plan 2021-2022 document.

At the same time, the pace, timing and effectiveness of vaccine distribution on the island and subsequent measures to fully reopen the economy remain uncertain.

Business Reforms Also Important

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi presented the 2021 Revised Fiscal Plan last week, which includes a five-year plan with economic projections until 2046, outlining Puerto Rico’s capacity to maintain a balanced budget.

The Revised Fiscal Plan includes macroeconomic projections from the Congressional Budget Office that are more optimistic than those used during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, welcomes the federal administration’s commitment to greater availability of Medicaid funds, and also contains key initiatives to spur economic activity. These initiatives include reforms to streamline business processes (e.g., paying taxes, registering property and obtaining permits) to improve the ease of doing business and enable job creation; and proposals to enable reliable power and stable infrastructure for businesses and households.

“My initiatives continue to be clear and are necessary to achieve a better government that is efficient and works as it should. I reiterate my commitment to no more cuts to [government]

pensioners and the University of Puerto Rico, as well as a uniform remuneration to public servants that provides them with salary justice. In the same way, municipalities have suffered great attacks in recent years, which represents a burden for the essential functions that they carry out. This Fiscal Plan proposes an exemption for municipalities from having to contribute to Puerto Rico’s state Medicaid program. I insist that we have to invest in the government; this will lay the foundations for recovery and innovation in Puerto Rico,” the governor said.

The 2021 Revised Fiscal Plan states that the stimulus on the island was greater than anticipated and was executed at a faster rate than expected.

It is estimated that the total stimulus from the CARES Act along with the aid packages from the government of Puerto Rico have exceeded $14 billion. This figure represented roughly 20 percent of the island’s gross national product and included significant direct aid to households, the most immediate form of economic stimulus, such as the expansion of unemployment benefits, the program to protect wages and direct payments to citizens.

In terms of disaster relief funds, the estimated total in the 2021 fiscal plan is $86 billion, spanning from fiscal year 2018 through fiscal year 2032.

“We will continue working with the Oversight Board to advance an adjustment plan before the Title III Court, always keeping the defense of our pensioners clear. This Fiscal Plan is a draft that will now go through an iterative process in which we will share our projections with the Board’s economic teams, to ensure that they reflect a sustainable fiscal reality. We are committed to having a government of excellence, to have fiscal responsibility and to offer a better quality of life for all,” Pierluisi said.

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As Puerto Rico introduces more Distributed Energy Resources, the island could be at the forefront of the battle against climate change. >Archive

Puerto Rico Could Energize All Homes Through Renewable Resources by 2035 Study: Proposal costs $5 billion less than PREPA’s Integrated Resource Plan

C Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

ambio PR Inc., a nongovernmental organization committed to promoting sustainability in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, revealed the findings of a study on the potential to achieve renewable energy on the island in the near future and provide sustainable solutions to Puerto Rico’s electricity infrastructure.

The Puerto Rico Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Integration Study, commissioned by Cambio to the Institute of Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), concluded that 100 percent of homes could be supplied with solar energy by 2035 with 2.7 kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar and 12.6 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery systems, as well as systems on businesses, while 75 percent of the island’s electricity could hail from “clean and reliable” resources by that same year.

To achieve this, the entities suggest that the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) should use the $9.65 billion available from federal funding to install solar panels islandwide. This, the study shows, would reduce system costs to less than 15 cents/kWh by 2035 compared to 21 cents/kWh in 2019.

Moreover, Cathy Kunkel, energy finance analyst at the IEEFA, explained that this strategy costs $5 billion less than PREPA’s Integrated Resource Plan and $500 million less than the cost of the current system. In addition, it would reduce fossil fuel expenditures to $430 million, compared to more

The transformation to energy self-sufficiency would allow for stable, lower prices with less investment in transmission and distribution than PREPA has proposed. Renewable energy investments would stabilize rates by reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel prices.

Cathy Kunkel, energy finance analyst at the IEEFA

than $1.4 billion spent in 2019 and 2020.

“The transformation to energy self-sufficiency would allow for stable, lower prices with less investment in transmission and distribution than PREPA has proposed. Renewable energy investments would stabilize rates by reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel prices,” Kunkel said. “The federal government allows for funds to be invested in the rebuilding of a clean and renewable grid, as proposed by this modeling.”

The study provided other alternatives to the 75 percent DER plan - 25 percent and 50 percent - but noted that by introducing more DERs, PREPA could save up to $703 million annually, not accounting for the capital cost of new resources. Per its findings, this equates to an avoided energy cost of up to $96/ megawatt hour of additional solar energy.

“PREPA has never modeled the electric distribution system for the entire island in this

way,” stated Agustin Irizarry, project advisor. “This project recreated 89 percent of the distribution system, including Vieques and Culebra, which permitted modeling the operation of a system that generates the majority of electricity from rooftop solar on homes and businesses.”

Aid Against Climate Change

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico has the capacity to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 70 percent, over 6 million tons, through the 75 percent DER proposal. This plan also provides the mechanisms to reduce oil and gas consumption by 50 percent.

Likewise, the AES coal plant could be retired by 2024 through investment in renewable resources and energy efficiency through the 25 percent DER scenario. The 50 percent DER scenario allows for the additional retirement of the Aguirre steam units 1 & 2, and the 75 percent DER proposal allows for the retirement of the Aguirre combined cycle plant, for a total of 2,306 megawatt of conventional generation retired.

If these strategies, the island would not only be at the forefront of the battle against climate change but would also be in compliance with at least three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations. “This modeled route ensures that no one is left behind and that lower-income communities can also reap the benefits of renewable energy,” the study reads.

“The results of this study are significant and clearly illustrate that Puerto Rico can radically shift its power system to one that is based on local, renewable, and resilient distributed energy resources. This can be done in a way that improves system reliability, grid stability, and resiliency for Puerto Rico’s ratepayers.

This transition will yield environmental benefits with reduced CO2 emissions and other environmental pollutants and will considerably decrease fossil fuel consumption in Puerto Rico,” the study affirms.

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Tourism Ramping Up in Puerto Rico Airlines increasing additional flights to the island, rest of the Caribbean rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

fter a challenging year in tourism, due to the coronavirus pandemic, tourism in Puerto Rico is beginning to ramp up, thanks to more and more people getting the COVID-19 vaccines.

Spirit Airlines has announced new flights to San Juan out of New York City’s La Guardia Airport.

The nonstop service between the island and the Big Apple, which is home to many New Yorkers of Puerto Rican descent, is now available every Saturday.

JetBlue, which has a codeshare agreement with American Airlines, will add new flights to the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, starting July 1. These include daily flights from Newark’s Liberty International Airport to Aguadilla’s Rafael Hernández Airport. The carrier will also feature regular flights to from Newark to Antigua; Port-auPrince, Haiti; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Lucia; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Our alliance with American opens the door for JetBlue to successfully enter into new markets, introducing more choices and our award-winning service and low fares to more customers,” said Scott Laurence, head of revenue and planning, JetBlue. “The alliance is also essential to getting our planes back in the air profitably and crewmembers working again.”

PRTC Expands Services at Information Centers

With the expected increase in tourists in the coming months, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) has also increased services at its 10 Information Centers throughout the island, including the main one at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

As reported by THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, the PRTC information centers will be restoring faceto-face services in full. In addition to offering general information about Puerto Rico, so-called Tourism Promotion Representatives will be giving

>Courtesy of Discovery Puerto Rico

A Rosario Fajardo

information on the government’s latest Executive Order, which includes details on the mandatory use of masks in public and closed places, the social distancing rules to follow, and the legal consequences of not complying with established protocols.

“The commitment of the Tourism Co. is to continue collaborating with all relevant government agencies and contribute to ensuring that all sectors of the tourism industry are in compliance with the Executive Orders and the Health and Safety Plan of the PRTC to safeguard health and safety. everyone’s safety,” said Carlos Mercado Santiago, the designated executive director of the PRTC. “With this initiative we seek to keep the public informed about the diversity of alternatives available for the enjoyment of vacations and positive experiences on the island, while complying with the required health standards,” he added.

The CEO of Aerostar, Jorge Hernández, said the initiative will help to “maximize” the visitor’s experience in Puerto Rico. “This new initiative… gives our passengers the opportunity to have a service to orient themselves about the spaces, attractions that we offer as a destination and the necessary security measures to enjoy safely. This becomes even more relevant in the context of the pandemic,” he said.

Renewed Focus on Golf Tourism

Meanwhile, Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s destination marketing organization (DMO)’, is taking advantage of the recent Puerto Rico Open

to renew efforts to promote the island as a golf destination.

The recent Puerto Rico Open on the PGA TOUR brought international attention to the island, highlighting its quality as a golf destination and its many natural attributes. During the two-year period of March 2019 to March 2021, Discover Puerto Rico’s promotional activity for the golf niche has generated an audience reach of more than 775 million with a value approaching $1 million, according to the DMO. “Travel and tourism can drive economic growth and change lives when done well,” said Brad Dean, CEO, of Discover Puerto Rico. “It takes in-depth information to make astute strategic decisions, then superior execution to achieve objectives successfully. We believe our golf niche work is planting seeds that will bear fruitful returns for years to come.”

“Not only does the island have what most discerning golf travelers seek – great courses, lodging options near water, travel ease, and wonderful food – golf is coming off a record year with demand rising dramatically,” Dean said.

“Golf is ideally suited as a recreational activity thanks to social distancing inherently being part of the game. And Puerto Rico is an incredible place to play golf given its beauty, biodiversity, 18 courses, 4,000+ restaurants, astounding ocean views, and being the air hub of the Caribbean. Many key variables are in place for the island to continue its ascent as a must-visit place to play golf while embracing our enchanting island, culture and people,” he added.

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The 60-second ad overlaps professional athletes with the average Puerto Rican, working as individuals in a collective. >Courtesy of Bella Group

Bella Group Aims to Move Puerto Rico Forward With New Ad Campaign

Highlights Puerto Ricans’ perseverance

B Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

ella Group, the only 100 percent Puerto Rican automotive distribution company on the island, has launched a new brand campaign aimed at highlighting Puerto Rico’s spirit and endorsing resilience and perseverance.

The campaign, titled ‘Los que movemos a Puerto Rico’ (The Ones Who Move Puerto Rico), is composed of two multimedia pieces that underscore the character and values of Puerto Ricans and those who use their talents for the benefit of society. The first execution, ‘Los que mueven’ (The Ones Who Move), presents several local athletes in their respective sports, simultaneously praising people who, day by day, like them, go out to give their all for Puerto Rico.

These pieces have the participation of several Puerto Rican athletes who are part of the Bella Group talent pool, accompanied by members of the company’s work team and family members, who also participated in the filming, making this production closely linked to Bella Group’s own composition.

Carlos López-Lay, president and CEO of Bella Group, affirmed that the campaign seeks to represent “what it means to be a Puerto Rican business, our values and our motivation to keep pushing forward beyond the day-to-day challenges. We show our DNA, our vision of

the island, and our desire for a future in which together we continue to Move Puerto Rico.”

The professional players involved in the project are Wesley Vázquez, a middle-distance runner; Havana Cabrero, a pro surfer; Bryan Ortiz, a car racer who has competed in NASCAR; Franklin Gómez, a Dominican-born freestyle wrestler who represents Puerto Rico; Marifé Torres, a golfer; Brian Afanador, an Olympic table tennis player; Tommy Ramos, a gymnast; Ryan Sánchez, another middle-distance runner, and Mónica Puig, a wellknown tennis player who won Puerto Rico’s first Olympic Gold medal in 2016.

“I represent those who fight for a great future.

I represent those who love this beautiful island.

I represent those who give it their all. I represent those who put in the effort. I represent those who persevere. I represent those who don’t quit.

I represent those who go out and defend what’s ours. We represent those who move this country,” the different athletes say throughout the oneminute ad.

Speaking behind the scenes, Puig said that “the Puerto Rican attribute that I take with me for my tournaments is that fire that we have, that passion.” Meanwhile, Gómez affirmed that “to me, being a Puerto Rican means hope. I think of development and plenty of undiscovered potential.”

The audiovisual ad is currently running on local television channels and it was also formatted for social media and outdoor media, such as billboards. A media spokesperson for the company detailed that the campaign will be in circulation for roughly two months.

In addition, Bella Group also developed a second piece, titled ‘Salimos’ (We Go Out),

which places athletes in everyday environments supported by those who go out to work with a single purpose: moving Puerto Rico forward. As of press time, a date for this second part of the campaign has not been scheduled yet.

The campaign seeks to represent what it means to be a Puerto Rican business, our values and our motivation to keep pushing forward beyond the day-to-day challenges.

- Carlos López-Lay, president and CEO of Bella Group

“I am very proud to present this campaign, which highlights the talent of our athletes, who with their dedication and effort work to represent us as a country and, at the same time, honor the people who take it to the streets to give the best of themselves to push forward for their families and their communities, for Puerto Rico,” said María Isabel Esteve, executive VP at Bella Group.

Several important locations across the island were also used for the scenes, such as the theater of the University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus, the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum of Puerto Rico, and Rio Bayamón Golf, among others.

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< The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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/ Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Jorge Kuilan

Cristina Villalon

Measuring the Real Impact of Acts 20 and 22

COVID 19 and Its Impact on the Design Industry

CPA & Manager, International Tax, The Strategic Group

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ct 20 was passed in 2012 to incentivize the export of services to markets outside of Puerto Rico. On the other hand, Act 22 was passed in 2012 to attract U.S. and foreign investors to the Island. Act 20 provides a preferential 4% tax rate on services provided by all Puerto Rican companies, whereas Act 22 provides a full tax exemption on certain items of passive income to those individuals who relocate to Puerto Rico and have not lived on the Island from 2006 to 2012. Both statutes were extended under Puerto Rico Act 60 of 2019.

Beyond their combined incremental economic impact, such Acts have recently been the object of criticism both locally and in the U.S., based on their preferential tax treatment to new resident investors, as well as their potential for abuse. The relevancy of Act 22 is also a current topic, as local lawmakers aim for an updated measurement of its cost-benefit relationship from a fiscal standpoint.

Such Acts, especially the Act 22, have been targeted from an ideological and social focus, although its economic impact is often questioned.

I have had a first-hand experience to see how these Acts have evolved, and how they have represented a competitive job opportunity for local professionals like myself, and in my case, as an in-house tax analyst of a private equity firm owned by a former U.S. resident who relocated to the Island in 2013. I started my career in 2011 as a tax advisor for a regional public accounting firm, where I was part of the team assisting such former U.S. residents with the transition to the Island.

Both Acts have helped to forge my general business acumen.

I have been able to constantly learn how to develop myself by shadowing the intangibles that come as part of working close to new resident entrepreneurs and

investors. Their unique points of view, approaches, techniques, emerging market awareness, and their wealth of knowledge are few of the unmeasurable elements inherent to the influx of seasoned investors under these Acts.

I have also had the opportunity to be part of a cross-functional and a multicultural team of co-workers and mentors, who are not only determined to achieve excellence in the workplace, but also contribute to the community. This same group of individuals, spearheaded by Acts 20 and 22 entrepreneurs and investors, also actively contribute to local nonprofits. From providing food, water and medical aid to families severely impacted by Hurricane Maria in towns like Morovis and Ciales, to privately flying sick family members out of the Island in the aftermath of the hurricane, and supporting housing reconstruction projects after the earthquakes that affected families in the South.

These are minimal examples of the unmeasured impact of new investors and entrepreneurs who go beyond the inherent economic aspects underlying the incentives.

There needs to be a sensible approach to evaluating the economic and social impact of investors and entrepreneurs who have relocated to Puerto Rico since 2012, as well as educating constituents about the design and scope of these Acts. Phasing out or significantly amending the incentives will affect their stability and economic impact, as well as deter further investment and jeopardize the many job opportunities that have been created.

According to a local study, at least 40,000 direct jobs have been created as of 2019. Such contributions to the local job market, as well as to the economic and nonprofit sectors, must not be overlooked at the time of determining the future of both statutes, which is currently being challenged by local and federal regulators and lawmakers.

Licensed Interior Designer and AD&V Co-Founder www.advfirm.com

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his month marks the one-year anniversary since the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Puerto Rico. It has been a year of challenges, of loss and reinvention for everyone around the world. As the anniversary ends, we are reflecting on how the pandemic has changed our firm, Architecture, and Interior Design, the construction industry overall, and the future of design.

On March 12, 2020, the government of Puerto Rico declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19. Those were times filled with great uncertainty and worry since very little was known about the virus as it continued to spread across the globe.

The architecture and interior design industry, like most other industries, was faced with a fight or flight situation. According to The Washington Post Magazine, “The shutdown hit the industry hard, with the Architectural Billings Index, experiencing its largest singlemonth decline since the American Institute of Architects developed the economic indicator 25 years ago. By April, more than 8 in 10 architectural firms surveyed by the AIA had applied for federal Paycheck Protection Program loans.”

The construction industry was forced to understand the designer’s focus towards health, wellbeing and sustainability. These concepts were not new to us as architects or interior designers. For years we have been advocating for holistic, sustainable design solutions. These sustainable measures include natural light maximization, energy conservation and waste reduction.

COVID-19, finally got the entire construction industry quickly on board.

After spending much of the year indoors, outdoor spaces in homes, schools, restaurants and businesses

have become increasingly important with a much lower risk of COVID infection compared to indoor spaces. It’s also been proven that getting fresh air and sunshine helps improve people’s mood and mental health. Similarly, large indoor spaces are being designed in commercial and institutional areas for people to be able to safely practice social distancing.

Considering that technology has played a key factor in connecting people and businesses during the pandemic, spaces are being designed to integrate all types of technology. Charging stations, hotspot areas, cameras and portable technology areas are being implemented in homes and commercial areas alike so that it seamlessly adapts to users’ needs.

Spending so much time at home during lockdown made people realize the importance of their physical space and the impact it has on their wellbeing. More often architects and interior designers are being asked to design Zen areas that provide a space to relax and decompress. Zen areas are spaces either indoors or outdoors that are designed to bring comfort and joy to the user.

Architects and interior designers are designing to comply with CDC health guidelines to keep the community healthy and safe. You should expect to see more spaces designed for permanent sanitation areas, branded safety kits, no-touch infrared thermometers, and stations for people to recycle masks and gloves.

The pandemic has transformed our lives and the architecture and interior design industry forever.

Even though we are living through unprecedented and challenging times, architects and interior designers are more relevant than ever as they work arduously towards bringing solutions that provide a safe and healthy use of space for people and future generations to come.

Maintain Muscles With These Active Aging Tips

Easy ways to rebuild and strengthen muscles

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Active Aging

ur bodies have over 600 muscles that control a multitude of vital functions - from providing stability and posture, and helping us walk and run, to carrying groceries, brushing our teeth and smiling - our muscles do it all!

Involuntary muscles, like the heart, perform critical operations such as pumping blood throughout our bodies, pushing food through our digestive tracts, and helping us breathe when we sleep.

It’s common for muscle mass to decrease with age, affecting balance, flexibility, stability, and coordination - and lost muscle is often replaced with fat. That’s why having good muscle health is important as you reach 50 and beyond.

These tips will help you gain and maintain muscle strength in the months Our and years ahead!

Note: It’s important to consult your doctor to discuss any potential limitations, risks, or restrictions you have before you begin a new or updated exercise routine.

Weightlifting and Resistance Exercises

Weightlifting and resistance exercises are two of the easiest ways to improve and maintain muscle strength. Keep in mind that you don’t need to aim

for Incredible Hulk strength. Simply lifting small 2.5 lb. hand weights will work - or, you can use 3 lb. bags of sugar, small sacks of flour, or cans of soup!

Start with 10 to 15 reps, two or three times per week. Increase the weight and number of reps as your stamina improves and the last few reps begin to feel difficult.

Resistance bands are lightweight, portable, and easy to use in just about any setting. They can also strengthen multiple muscle groups including arms, legs, glutes, and abs. Plus, the bands come in various colors and different strengths, so they’re useful for people at all fitness levels! As with weights, start with a comfortable number of reps (usually 10 to 15) and slowly increase your routine.

Walking, Running, Squats and Planks

Aerobic exercises like walking and running improve cardiovascular function and build muscle strength and endurance. If you’re not able to go on a morning jog but want to get some muscle training in, try doing multiple reps of squats, planks, pushups, or leg presses - all of which can be done in your living room! To prevent burnout, be sure to mix up the exercises that target each muscle group or combine these exercises with a fun hobby like hiking, dancing, or yoga!

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts switch between high-level and low-level activities for short durations. Mayo Clinic researchers discovered many benefits of HIIT on a group of adults over 65. The study participants walked fast for three minutes, then slow for three minutes,

>Carlos Rivera Giusti

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alternating speed for 30 minutes, four times a week. Study results showed this particular training reversed some age-related muscle loss and even triggered new muscle growth! Tired of walking on the treadmill? Try this method out when you’re cycling!

Follow a Muscle-Building Diet

Following a healthy diet is essential for total body wellness. According to “Eat This, Not That!” some of the best muscle-building foods are spinach, salmon, quinoa, sweet potatoes, broccoli, berries, beans, almonds, and more! Ensuring that you get enough (and the right!) vitamins and supplements like calcium and Vitamin D is also important. Check with your physician to see what supplements you should be taking, and add them into your daily routine.

Get Personal or Online Help and Stick with a Plan

Remember that doing any physical activity is better than sitting or resting in place. Because physical challenges and limitations are different for everyone, working at your own pace with medical guidance is important. If you need detailed help with building a plan or doing different exercises, consider asking a physical therapist or local fitness trainer for recommendations. Depending on your budget, you can also join an online fitness class like Silver Sneakers, use a workout app, or follow along with your favorite YouTube workout video.

Overall, for better muscle health, keep your eye on the prize, commit to a regular exercise routine, and stick with it!

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The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort Features Series of Luxury Experiences ‘Elementia’ monthly events inspired by nature

ts privileged location and the elements of nature are the inspiration for the new series of luxury experiences, entitled “Elementia,” which is part of the offerings now available at The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort.

“Earth, fire, water and air are the elements that inspire each of the curated experiences that our guests will be able to enjoy during the coming months as part of the Elementia series. It will be possible to live the exuberance of paradise, in the natural enclave that is The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort, through our flagship rituals, spa services and exquisite cuisine, for a stay that will remain engraved in the memory of our guests.

Taking care of every detail, each month, families and couples, as well as individuals or groups, will find activities designed for their enjoyment,” said Julie Miller, director of sales and marketing at The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort.

At Elementia, the richness of each element is the starting point for the design of memorable moments featuring the exclusivity, opulence and luxury that distinguish The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort, the first five-star and five-diamond hotel in Puerto Rico. .

During February, the dynamism of the water connected each experience with the blue of the sea, the sumptuous swimming pool, and the fun of water sports, providing the opportunity to redefine and elevate the family vacation. Guests enjoyed poolside art installations and soirées, kayak adventures for couples, and water drumming.

With fire as an inspiration, March promises a warm and unexpected experience, and the possibility of enjoying barbecue in the pool area, bonfires in front of the sea accompanied by tapas and wines, fiery cocktails, romantic dinners by torchlight, fireworks and performances with fire as the protagonist.

In April, when we celebrate Earth Month, The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort highlights the earth and will take its guests on a journey of immersion in nature, full of adventures such as hiking in El Yunque, cycling routes, private dinners, yoga sessions in the forest, mixology evenings incorporating ingredients from nature and art sessions au plein air.

The revitalizing energy of the air will arrive with the month of May to reconnect through experiences of well-being and relaxation, designed to nourish the body and mind. Sessions of

>Photos courtesy of The St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

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The Weekly Journal Staff

meditation, aromatherapy and healthy eating, join the paddleboard yoga and skin care at the Iridium Spa, combining moments of activity with those of silence and tranquility.

Each experience can be combined with the exclusive seasonal offer for residents of Puerto Rico, with up to 20 percent off the regular rate.

It includes daily continental breakfast for two adults and parking, subject to availability. For reservations, call 787-809-8000 or visit www.

stregisbahiabeach.com.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is a small paradise of green landscapes, breathtaking ocean views, with two miles of sandy beach and two bird sanctuaries. It has 139 rooms and suites with private terraces and incredible views of the sea and the garden, designed by prominent Puerto Rican designer, Nono Maldonado, together with the famous team Hirsch Bedner Associates of San Francisco.

/ Wednesday, March 17, 2021

‘El Trompetista’

>Archive

Enjoying life in the Caribbean

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Charlie Sepúlveda:

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Damian LaPlaca

is trumpet sound is smooth yet powerful and he has not allowed his music to grow cold during this pandemic. Charlie Sepúlveda, “El Trompetista,” has found unique ways to bring his music to his fans. He recently gave a free early Sunday evening concerts on Playa Azul beach at his adopted hometown of Luquillo, where listeners could donate if they wished, and many did.

With a strong easterly breeze blowing tall palm fronds decidedly to the west, the sound of the lightly breaking surf, and dusk changing to dark, Charlie’s version of Latin Jazz turned the beach concert into an iconic island serenade. His pianist, Eduardo Zayas, accompanied him and Charlie’s wife Natalia Mercado offered sweet vocals. “For me it was magical,” Charlie said.

Luquillo is Charlie’s kind of place. A few years before and just yards away at La Pared Beach, Charlie wed Natalia in a sunny afternoon beach ceremony.

Charlie plays traditional Latin jazz with AfroCuban elements. “I play the traditional form of Latin jazz mixed with hard Latin bop and always with Puerto Rican styles like Bomba, Plena and Danza. I don’t want to lose touch with the early Latin Jazz that inspired me.”

Charlie’s last big gig, just before the pandemic, was a sold-out, three-night run at the famed Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center in New York during a cold February with his band The Turnaround, a sextet.

Said one reviewer, “The performance was historic for several reasons. It dispelled the misconception that Puerto Rico lacks a robust jazz scene. Also, the sold-out performances demonstrated there is a demand for Puerto Rican Jazz that is not being filled (club owners, take heed!).”

In fact, Charlie is planning to open a jazz club in Luquillo. “It’s going to be called the C-Note, and we are going to offer wine, bourbon and tapas. We need a jazz club in Puerto Rico. It’s going to be a fun place.”

Charlie wants to produce a fifth Luquillo Jazz

Fest, a yearly event he founded and produced Memorial Day weekend at the center square in Luquillo. Thousands came to hear his music and the jazz greats he attracted, including Puerto Rican conga player Giovanni Hidalgo, Cuban-born singer Jon Secada, trumpet player Luis Perico Ortiz, Brazilian singer Débora Brum, and Pedro Guzmán of Jibaro Jazz. Charlie always included a set with his student band from the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico in Miramar, where Charlie teaches jazz trumpet and has four jazz ensembles.

In Puerto Rico, Charlie has played the biggest social venues, for a while rocking the house Saturday evenings with his Big Band at the El San Juan Hotel, and with his quartet at the marblefilled lobby of the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. He’s had regular stints at the El Convento Hotel and La Concha Hotel. He can play with his Big Band, The Turnaround, his quartet or solo. In any ensemble, his energetic trumpet dominates, but he is not selfish, every bandmember plays a solo as is traditional in jazz groups.

It was at the Vanderbilt where Charlie first saw Natalia in the audience. He turned to his piano player and said, “I’m going to marry that girl.”

Surprisingly, few people know that he is a four-time Latin Grammy nominee and a one-time winner. In 2017, Jon Secada and Charlie and his

Luquillo’s famous beach >Archive

Big Band won a Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Album for their tribute album “To Beny Moré With Love.” Charlie and The Turnaround earned three Latin Grammy nominations for Best Latin Jazz Album for separate 2008, 2009 and 2017 albums, and a Billboard award nomination for Best Jazz Video.

New fans might hear him play a small venue and have no idea they are listening to a Grammy winning Latin Jazz musician who has played with greats Wynton Marsalis and piano player Eddie Palmieri, who is Charlie’s cousin and mentor.

Charlie has also played with legends Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría, Dizzy Gillespie and others.

His start in the music business foretold his future success. In the early 1990s, Charlie was the trumpeter for Hilton Ruiz, the Puerto Rican jazz pianist, in three albums, and he participated with Tito Puente in two albums. His trumpet can be heard on “Rei Momo”, David Byrne’s (Talking Heads) first solo album and exploration into Latin music, which also featured legends Willie Colon and Celia Cruz.

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