The Weekly Journal - Wednesday, April 14-20, 2021

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

>Courtesy of LUMA

Wednesday, April 14-20, 2021 - // no. 103

CNE Calls for LUMA Contract Amendments P6 New Economic Forecast for Puerto Rico P7 PRASA Outlines Projects in the Pipeline P8

>Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

Americans Looking Forward TO CARIBBEAN VACATIONS

as Vaccines Continue Puerto Rico tourism officials focused on safety first

W Rosario Fajardo

Important COVID Questions Answered P13

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

ith the rise of vaccination forecasted to bring traveling back to normalcy, Americans are eager to take muchneeded vacations. According to a survey by finance website ValuePenguin, 57 percent of consumers have a trip planned for 2021, with 16 percent saying they booked the trip right after hearing that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout had begun.

Moreover, recent data from travel search site Kayak showed that Caribbean destinations are the most searched international destinations out of U.S. airports.

In response, several airlines, including American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit and United, have been increasing flights to San Juan and across the Caribbean.

We have all seen the good and the bad in terms of the new reality of tourism in recent weeks. The good news is that air traffic arrivals are up in San GO TO PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, April 14, 2021 > 2

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a week in review Pierluisi Delivers First State of the Government Address

>Brandon Cruz González

>Brandon Cruz González

>Brandon Cruz González

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi delivered his first State of the Government Address, in which he discussed the government’s continuing measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the contract with LUMA Energy and infrastructure projects, among other topics of interest. All residents 16 and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

An estimated 33 percent of the island’s 3.2 million residents have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine.

More Restrictions in New Executive Order Gov. Pedro Pierluisi issued a new Executive Order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19., effective April 9 until May 9. The new Executive Order broadens the nightly curfew, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. In addition, all commercial establishments and restaurants must now close at 9 p.m.

Occupancy of businesses and restaurants will continue at 50 percent capacity, as long as the six-foot spacing between tables is guaranteed.

MIDA Files Federal Lawsuit To Stop Transportation Rate Increase The Puerto Rico Chamber of Food Marketing, Industry & Distribution (MIDA by its Spanish acronym) filed a lawsuit in federal court to stop the enforcement of the new rates recently approved by the Bureau of Transportation and Other Public Services (NTSP by its Spanish initials) to “protect the existing contractual agreements for the transport of food and avoid an increase in food costs that would impact consumers.”

In a separate case, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce prevailed against the NTSP in the Court of Appeals.

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Puerto Rico is a prime example of the type of destination these travelers seek, and this relationship can be mutually beneficial. This audience is not only desirable from a financial standpoint, but also will help maintain the beauty and spirit of our island.

-Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer of Discover Puerto Rico Consensus Among Tourism Officials

All arriving passengers must complete a traveler’s COVID report form at Puerto Rico’s airports. >Josian E. Bruno Gómez

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Juan, with a 42.9 percent increase in March 2021 compared with March 2020. In terms of numbers, 751,974 passengers arrived at Luis Muñoz Marín (LMM) International Airport in March 2021, versus 526,181 in March 2020, a marked increase, according to Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR), the parent company of Aerostar, which manages Puerto Rico’s main airport.

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the Dominican Republic also have reported significant increases in tourist arrivals, with many of their visitors coming from the U.S. mainland. The Dominican Republic, for example, is reporting a 56 percent increase in visitors compared to last year, while the USVI is reporting a hotel occupancy rate of 90 percent.

However, the other side of the increase in tourism are the unfortunate instances of unruly visitors who sometimes refuse to wear masks or follow social distance rules that we have seen in places such as Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, San Juan and the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.

“We need to stay the course and continuously remind all individuals about our health and safety guidelines, especially as travel picks up. Since the airport is the first touch point of arrival for travelers, Discover Puerto Rico is partnering with Aerostar on ways to further emphasize expected traveler conduct to protect the health and safety of residents and themselves,” said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s destination marketing organization (DMO).

He told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, that the DMO remains focused on attracting “conscientious travelers” to the island, defined as those who are

“aware of one’s environment and is respectful of the Island’s current health and safety measures.

They are passionate about travel and excited to explore our Island, but also, they are self-aware and have an understanding that their actions impact their surroundings and behave responsibly given the current realities.”

Wearing masks and following social distance rules is required in all public places. >Carlos Rivera Giusti

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) concurred with this assessment.

“Our destinations warmly welcome conscientious individuals who respect the health and safety protocols in place in our destinations.

Whether or not these visitors acquire available vaccination before travel, they must adhere to the destination’s COVID-19 testing requirements as well as health and safety protocols that include cleaning their hands, engaging in physical distancing and wearing masks in public places.

These are some of the ways conscientious travelers demonstrate that they care about their health and safety as well as about others,” said Vanessa Ledesma, the CHTA’s acting director general and CEO She noted that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last march, the organization’s “approach has been to market the region as safety conscious, demonstrating that we take pandemic precautions seriously for visitors and residents.

The CHTA has and continues to provide health safety resources and guidelines to the industry,” Ledesma said. Their initiatives include establishing a tourism task force, which has promoted communication and training on the Caribbean’s strict safety and health protocols, which have contributed to the region having one of the lowest COVID-19 incident rates in the world.

“We must continue to communicate that the rules are for everybody’s sake, including their own.

Irresponsible behavior during the pandemic has legal as well as other consequences for visitors and residents alike,” Ledesma said to THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. For Joaquín Bolívar, chairman of the board of the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association (PRHTA), it is imperative that safety campaign continues, but noted most of the reported problems have been with tourists staying in shortterm rentals rather than hotels. “The problems are with a very small subset, less than 10 percent of visitors… Our hotel staff have been very stringent with educating our guests. Hotels are not the focal point,” he said.

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Enjoy the island’s natural beauties, but remember: Safety first. >Josian E. Bruno Gómez

He agreed with the continuing Police presence in tourist zones to ensure visitors and residents alike are complying with all safety requirements, and Police are even fining people $100 for refusing to wear masks in public.

Besides continuing the educational and enforcement campaign, he said the COVID-19 vaccinations must continue everywhere to help protect the population.

‘The Great Recovery Playbook’ for Puerto Rico

As the travel and tourism industry around the world fights the devastating impacts of COVID-19, Discover Puerto Rico is following a strategy to bring travel and tourism safely back to the island, dubbed “The Great Recovery Plan.” The strategy will help guide the tourism sector’s rebirth while ensuring sensitivity to the health, culture and quality of life of Puerto Rico’s residents, according to the DMO. “Beyond simply restoring visitor spending to pre-pandemic levels, we need to go further, growing and evolving our visitor base. This growth must be inclusionary, and because Puerto Rico has suffered significant setbacks prior to the pandemic, we also need to recover quicker than our competitors,” expressed Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer of Discover Puerto Rico.

The goal of the DMO is to help stabilize the island’s economy through tourism and drive visitor-powered employment and revenue to new records – this includes surpassing 2019 visitation numbers, increasing Average Daily Rate on occupied rooms, and attracting a more

advisers to the island to amplify the “readiness” “conscientious traveler.” message.

The Plan includes the following: • Activate destination promotions in both leisure • Continue building on the “responsible traveler” and group segments. target, adapting and evolving to grow the island’s • Implement meetings media plan as budget audience base of those visitors most likely to allows, to deliver promotions to appropriate follow health and safety guidelines as well as targets. demonstrate respectable behavior.

The complexity of the current environment • Continue monitoring and adjusting target markets based on selection formula that prioritizes demands a completely new approach for the island’s recovery playbook, the DMO said. The seat capacity from airlines and declining COVID new approach is focused on key cases, among other factors. travel variables, visitor volume • Implement a robust media and overall business impact to and communications strategy, continue guiding the marketing already developed and scalable and sales strategy forward. By based on available funds. comparison, Discover Puerto • Inject additional funds, as In terms of Rico’s previous planning process available in marketing and sales, numbers, 751,974 was focused on calendar-based to make a significant impact and passengers arrived activity that included seasonal broadcast Puerto Rico’s readiness at Luis Muñoz Marín travel and events. for leisure and business visitors.

(LMM) International “Coming out of the pandemic, • Use earned media to position Airport in March travelers want – more than Puerto Rico as significantly 2021, versus 526,181 anything – to reconnect with advanced in terms of readiness in March 2020, a the world outside their home. compared to competitive set, marked increase.

Consumers are looking for based on strict containment more meaningful travel, not just measures. relaxation and luxury, but cultural • Implement much earlier than encounters that broaden their horizons and create other destinations. unique, unforgettable experiences.

• Amplify Puerto Rico’s “readiness” in relation to past examples of resiliency and strong comebacks “Puerto Rico is a prime example of the type despite past challenges. of destination these travelers seek, and this • Activate a creative campaign that builds on relationship can be mutually beneficial. This consumers’ pent-up demand for travel. audience is not only desirable from a financial • Implement robust familiarization trips to bring standpoint, but also will help maintain the beauty top-tier journalists, meeting planners and travel and spirit of our island,” Chandler said.

In fact,

>Courtesy of LUMA

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The CNE’s Sergio Marxuach >Courtesy

CNE: Despite PREPA Failures, LUMA Contract Should be Amended

LUMA forging ahead despite choppy waters

T Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

he Center for a New Economy (CNE), Puerto Rico’s think tank of record, has concluded that even though the bankrupt Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) has failed in many respects, the public-private partnership (PPP) contract with LUMA Energy to operate the utility’s transmission and distribution system should be amended.

“It should be obvious to any objective observer of the Puerto Rican economy that PREPA cannot continue to operate as presently constituted. The economic, environmental, financial and social costs are unsustainable, given Puerto Rico’s current situation. Thus, the transformation of PREPA is imperative for the future development of the island’s economy,” said Sergio Marxuach, policy director at the CNE, who testified via Zoom before a Puerto Rico House Commission hearing on the matter.

“The [Operation and Maintenance] O&M Agreement is a first step in this transformation, but it is far from perfect… [T]he most prudent course of action at this time is to renegotiate the O&M Agreement with LUMA to better allocate and balance risks between the parties. If it is concluded that the deficiencies of the O&M Agreement cannot be corrected, then its cancellation should be considered and a new process to improve and transform Puerto Rico’s electrical transmission and distribution system shall begin,” he said.

There is no doubt about PREPA’s failures, which were highlighted in the months after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, when the entire island was left without power. “We are at a difficult juncture regarding the future of Puerto Rico’s electrical system. On the one hand, we have PREPA, a bankrupt public corporation with serious administration and execution problems. Its operational failures after Hurricane Maria probably cost hundreds of Puerto Ricans their lives. It would not be an exaggeration to conclude that there is a consensus on the need to radically transform PREPA’s operations,” Marxuach said.

“However, the solution that the government of Puerto Rico has proposed, in the form of an operation and maintenance agreement with LUMA Energy, has severe deficiencies… Puerto Rico, then, is trapped between the immovable object of PREPA and the apparent unstoppable force of LUMA Energy. “[T]he inescapable conclusion is that PREPA simply cannot continue operating the way it has up until now. We concur with the government of Puerto Rico, as well as several other organizations, that the time has come to take drastic action with respect to PREPA, as it has proven incapable of reforming itself and been immune to the efforts of several administrations to modernize and improve its operations,” he noted.

In general terms, CNE is concerned that “Puerto Rico’s government may lack the required capacity to successfully manage this complex multilayered process, with several dimensions that intersect and reinforce each other.

“Furthermore, it is apparent from our analysis of the O&M Agreement that it does not equitably allocate risks between the parties. In our opinion, the government of Puerto Rico needs to develop a greater capacity to clearly establish the public

policy objectives to be achieved and to successfully negotiate this type of agreement, if it wants to continue implementing public-private partnerships in the future,” Marxuach said.

Other concerns include the projected savings from the contract. “The [Public-Private Partnership Authority] Committee Report states that the present value of the Fixed Fee and the Incentive Fee over the 15-year term of the O&M Agreement is approximately $1.35 billion. This means that entering into the O&M Agreement would be rational, from a purely financial perspective, if, and only if, the present value of the future savings to be generated by the Operator exceeds $1.35 billion,” he said.

New LUMA Training Facility

Despite criticism from some sectors on its PPP contract, LUMA is forging ahead and recently broke ground on a $10 million training facility in Canóvanas. As reported by THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, the LUMA College campus is being built on a 24acre plot in the San Isidro Industrial Park in the municipality of Canóvanas. During the construction phase, approximately 50 jobs will be created.

The campus will include an outdoor training yard, a learning lab and classrooms, administrative offices and equipment and parking lots. LUMA College will offer customized education and practical training for LUMA employees and the next generation of skilled electric workers in Puerto Rico, company officials said.

“Here, our employees will develop the skills, knowledge and behaviors to rebuild Puerto Rico’s electric infrastructure, pursue meaningful and rewarding careers in the industry and, what’s more important, return safely home to their families every day,” said Wayne Stensby, president and CEO of LUMA.

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Puerto Rico’s GNP Expected to Contract by -0.9 Percent in 2021 Slight growth projected during 2022

W Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

hich way does the wind blow?

The next three years are poised to induce little growth in Puerto Rico’s economy, according to a report by economist José J. Villamil and the Division of Analysis and Public Economy at Estudios Técnicos Inc. The baseline scenario provided by Estudios Técnicos, a consulting firm, indicates that in 2021, the island’s Gross National Product (GNP) will contract by -0.9 percent in 2021, but will experience some modest growth of 1.5 percent in 2022 and 2 percent in 2023, following a contraction of -4.4 percent in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. By contrast, the U.S. mainland projects an economic recovery of more than 4 percent in 2021.

Among the concerning issues that will have an impact on the economy, they pointed to a consensus that nearly 100,000 jobs will be lost permanently on the island, while “many” small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) will close permanently as well, due to government-mandated business restrictions enacted to curb the spread of COVID-19. Since the virus was first detected on the island in mid-March 2020, many segments of the economy have been operating with reduced schedules and client occupancy rates, and some have been forced to remain closed altogether, such as bars and nightclubs.

The Caveats

Even as more than 1 million Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered for a population of roughly 3.2 million, and just as all residents ages 16 or older were deemed eligible to be inoculated, Villamil warned that the pandemic “will take time to be controlled and that will have an impact in 2021.”

Meanwhile, the island’s population is expected to progressively decline and reach some 3.0 million residents in 2025, representing another drop of about 200,000.

Some aspects that could change the outcome of the GNP forecasts for the better, per the firm, are streamlining the disbursements of federal funds allocated under the Community Development

Block Grant Disaster Relief Program (CDBG-DR), as part of his administration’s intent to reshore enhancing air transshipment activity and/or U.S. U.S. pharmaceuticals in China to the island, thus President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 relief packages. eliminating the nation’s reliance on its competitor On the other hand, a worse predicament would and boosting Puerto Rico’s economy. However, if be expected if the COVID-19 is not controlled at the White House were to give more importance to the projected timeline, if Puerto near-shoring, Puerto Rico would Rico’s debt massive restructuring be competing not only against is not resolved early in 2021, if the other U.S. jurisdictions, but the conflict between the Legislature mainland’s neighboring countries, and the Executive becomes an such as Mexico, Costa Rica and Among the obstacle, and/or if more events Panama. concerning issues arise that would tarnish Puerto “What is most needed is to that will have an Rico’s financial credibility, the have a clear vision of where we impact on the local report said. “Among the events want to be in five, 10 and 20 economy is the that will impact the estimates years as a society, and establish consensus that nearly in one direction or another is strategies and concrete actions, 100,000 jobs will be the change in the composition starting with some very short lost permanently on of the Oversight Board and term, to achieve that vision. the island due to the what attitude the new Board Without a sense of direction pandemic. will take regarding economic that would give us that vision of development.” what we want as a society and Moreover, Villamil underscored as an economy, our future will the need to prioritize reshoring be one to which we will arrive pharmaceuticals rather than ‘near-shoring’ these accidentally, the sum of decisions made on specific manufacturing facilities. Then-President Donald matters, sometimes by us and sometimes by Trump reiterated “fire China, hire Puerto Rico” others,” Villamil stated.

In fact,

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PRASA Outlines Rehabilitation Projects in Obligation Workplan

To apply federal funding under the FEMA Accelerated Award Strategy

T Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

he Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) has unveiled its Post-Fixed Cost Estimate Obligation Workplan, as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Central Office for PRASA’s work plan includes 136 near-term, mediRecovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3). um-term and long-term projects. >Courtesy The work plan outlines PRASA’s proposed investments in Puerto Rico’s water systems over hurricanes at numerous facilities. With 65 of these the next 10 years as part of the FEMA Accelerated projects in total, the estimated cost is $1.7 billion.

Award Strategy (FAASt). In addition, the public The mid-term priority category is comprised entity is required to update and resubmit this of projects that have either already begun 30 work plan to COR3 and FEMA on a quarterly basis percent design or are expected to do so between after the initial submission. The 2024 and 2027. Like the nearplan was presented after FEMA term initiatives, these projects awarded PRASA $3.7 billion in are focused on rehabilitating January to rebuild the island’s PRASA facilities following the water and wastewater treatment 2017 hurricanes, as well as plants, dams, pumping stations, improving all these assets Among the and reservoirs. following industry standards projects in the Among the projects in the without regard to prepipeline include pipeline include dredging disaster conditions, to restore dredging the Carraízo the Carraízo Reservoir and components not damaged by Reservoir and improvements to the Enrique the natural disasters, and when improvements to Ortega Filtration Plant of the La necessary to restore the facility the Enrique Ortega Plata Reservoir. function. There are 56 projects Filtration Plant of the “The reconstruction projects in total estimated at over $2 La Plata Reservoir. will benefit [all] 78 municipalities. billion.

It is time to start executing and Meanwhile, the long-term optimizing PRASA’s infrastructure. priority category comprises Likewise, I thank the FEMA staff of projects that have already and COR3,” said PRASA Executive President Doriel begun 30 percent design or will begin in 2028 or Pagán Crespo. The plan outlines the near-term, later. A total of 15 long-term reconstruction and medium-term and long-term projects to make use rehabilitation projects were submitted for an of these funds. estimated cost of $140.7 million.

Near-term projects mainly consist of the To support the agency in managing this plan rehabilitation of damages incurred during the 2017 and achieve a cost-effective way to carry it

In fact,

out, PRASA has created a Project Management Consortium, which will be in charge of ensuring the efficient and timely execution of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). All the projects included in this plan were added to PRASA’s CIP. “Recognizing that PRASA does not yet have all the necessary details to develop detailed plans for its infrastructure projects and have precision on timing, COR3 and FEMA have identified this plan as a living document, one that requires an update and resubmission every 90 days after initial submittal,” the entity explained in its plan.

Moreover, the timing of these projects may be impacted by a variety of factors, such as regulatory requirements and stakeholder input, improved clarity on project requirements and approach, project review and permitting processes, the availability of both labor and material resources to execute on project design and construction tasks, and potential future disaster events impacting the island.

For his part, Nadrés García Martinó —Alternate Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico— praised the nearly $3.7 billion award as “one of the most significant” allocations by the federal agency. It is an unprecedented opportunity to rebuild the island’s aqueduct and sewer systems in a more resilient and modern way. FEMA remains firm in its commitment to recovery in close collaboration with the Government of Puerto Rico, its agencies and municipalities,” he affirmed.

2021 is the ‘Year to Work’

Likewise, COR3 Executive Director Manuel A. Laboy Rivera underscored that up until 2020, the government’s focus was to obligate the funds, but now “this is the year to work” and streamline the reconstruction and rehabilitation processes to provide better service to the entity’s 1.2 million clients.

“We are committed to being facilitators in the reconstruction works of the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority,” he asserted. “There are currently nine projects to be developed around the island, under the [FAASt] of Section 428 of the federal Robert T. Stafford Act, which will result in better service for the Puerto Rican people.”

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To date, more than 5 million people in Latin America have taken the professional enhancement courses on LinkedIn. >Courtesy of Microsoft

Online LinkedIn Workshops Helping Struggling Professionals Puerto Rico users leaning toward in-demand courses

L Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

inkedIn, Microsoft and GitHub have extended their online workshops for users to hone their professional skills and boost their hireability.

In June 2020, the three companies launched the “Global Skills Initiative” on LinkedIn Learning, featuring thousands of pre-recorded videos by professionals and experts in a variety of fields, such as entrepreneurship, financial management and digital marketing, among others.

Jorge Cella, director of Philanthropy at Microsoft Latin America, said that users who sit through all courses in one workshop gain a badge of completion that they may display on their LinkedIn accounts. So, in addition to gaining knowledge, they have better odds at being noticed by employers and getting more job search matches based on the acquired skills.

After a free one-month trial period, the cost of the online workshops is $29.99 a month.

The original goal was to reach 25 million unemployed job-seekers worldwide. “Several months later, we announced that we reached more than 30 million people around the world.

In Latin America, we reached 5 million people and we are very excited about the great success of this initiative, especially in a region that is not so used to taking online courses; and especially

quite a few technological positions, and there because of the content, the skills that we are are also positions in sectors that are growing proposing to learn are linked to the current world, rapidly in relation to sales, customer service, how it has changed, the digital transformation support, experts in digital marketing, which also of all organizations and above all, the skills that experienced quite strong growth,” he added. provide more opportunities and employability to Moreover, the executives noted that in Puerto people who today live in vulnerability,” he told THE Rico, the most popular courses WEEKLY JOURNAL. are related to customer service Given the success of the and software development, affordable online workshops, the followed by data analytics, which initiative has been extended until indicates that Puerto Ricans are Dec. 31, 2021. looking to improve their prowess Regarding the Puerto Rico Given the in some of the most promising market, Cella disclosed that success of the career areas in terms of job roughly 13,000 LinkedIn users affordable online availability. The rest of Latin on the island have taken these workshops, the America also shares the same topcourses. “Puerto Rico has always initiative has been two interests as Puerto Rico users, been a very important Microsoft extended until Dec. with the third spot fluctuating partner; it is a key and strategic 31, 2021. between data analytics and digital place. We hope to advance much marketing, among others. more. We are happy with the They added that the numbers, but we can come up companies are collaborating with much more,” he stated. with government agencies, private entities and Meanwhile, Ramiro Luz —head of Talent Solutions at LinkedIn Latin America— explained non-governmental organizations worldwide to that the LinkedIn Learning platform also breaks reach the most vulnerable communities, given down the most unsaturated professions, allows that their main goal is to help lift those affected by users to search and apply for jobs, and also helps the coronavirus outbreak. “Through the economic them prepare for interviews. This tool also allows crisis produced by the pandemic, many people LinkedIn to “understand where are the most were left without jobs, but at the same time many, interesting [job] opportunities,” he said. many new jobs have been created. What we need Asked about which skills are employers most is that people acquire the skills that these new interested in, Luz said that they are looking for jobs require so that they can retain their jobs a “mix of abilities” in technology, such as data and they can at least have more employment analytics and software development, which he opportunities,” Cella affirmed. said is the fastest-growing and most soughtFor more information, log on to Opportunity. offer dexterity. “On the one hand, there are LinkedIn.com.

In fact,

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Local Production Takes Off More people buying local goods

I

Melissa M. Cruz

mcruz@elvocero.com

@mmcruzrios

n times of great economic challenges, Puerto Ricans have shown resourcefulness and resilience to adapt and get ahead, mainly through selfmanagement and manufacturing.

This is confirmed by Aysha Issa, president of the Hecho in Puerto Rico Association (AHPR by its Spanish initials), an entity that between the one year period of February 2020 and February 2021, registered a growth of 20 percent in products and partners.

“Our projection after the lockdown caused by the [coronavirus] pandemic, economic sustainability, among other issues that impacted us, was that we were going to have product and business losses. Fortunately, we exceeded expectations. Well, thinking that we would end with negative numbers, we ended with a positive balance,” Issa told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. She attributed this growth to the fact that Puerto Ricans treasure items that are produced locally after facing critical moments such as the onslaught of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the earthquakes in early 2020, and the pandemic that Products and businesses under the Hecho in Puerto Rico brand have increased by 20 percent. >Courtesy is still in force.

“There is more and more commitment and current challenges,” Issa added. caused a growth of followers in social networks, awareness of the importance of the ‘Made in Another factor that she believes contributed something that undoubtedly strengthens the Puerto Rico’ brand seal. About 95 to the increase in products and brand, but its main objective is to benefit the percent of consumers look for services made on the island is partners and the people who use the seal,” she the seal to buy a local product or the guidance and advisory effort explained. service, while 94 percent of Puerto provided by the organization she Ricans recognize it as a highpresides. “We have supported Renovations Underway at Local Store quality brand, feel pride in it, and existing partners with education The AHPR’s expectations for the current year Hecho en see it as a contribution to the local and advice so that they can are to complete the renovation of its brick-andPuerto Rico is economy,” said the executive, who evolve and move in the market mortar store located in Plaza Las Américas, which a registered described last year as “successful” with current challenges. Many of will launch additional services and an interactive trademark. To for the organization, which has them have reinvented themselves concept that promises to change the way in which become a member, approximately 400 members, and launched new products or Puerto Ricans know about the products that are 35 percent of 50 percent of them from the additional services. They have produced locally, and announce an alliance with the product manufacturing industry. even moved to digital platforms in the private sector that will help sell the products (raw material, Food production was one of a more aggressive way,” she said. with the seal on digital platforms. manufacturing, the areas that presented the Issa added that in seeking to “During this month of April —when Puerto labor, packaging greatest evolution in this period, contribute to said growth, the Rican Industry Month is celebrated— we will be and distribution) which Issa understands is related AHPR made a more inclusive and launching training and support initiatives. And by must be done to “the challenges we have as a representative image change to the end of the month —the 30th, the official day locally. country to produce what we need the 18 economic sectors covered of Made in Puerto Rico— we will have our general to consume.” by the association. assembly and award of products of excellence and Likewise, manufacturing aimed “We created the digital quality,” Issa affirmed. at chemicals or pharmaceuticals campaign ‘Behind the Label’ Hecho en Puerto Rico is a registered trademark. also reflected an increase in the development of and made recordings in some of our partners’ To become a member, 35 percent of the product new products amid the COVID-19 pandemic. businesses to invite people to look for the label (raw material, manufacturing, labor, packaging “With regard to services, everything related to and find out what is behind it, and in that way and distribution) must be done locally. Being an technology, advisory and consulting platforms create awareness of everything that is done in island, the bulk of the raw material for many of the have also had a significant increase in the face of Puerto Rico, which we often do not know. This products is not produced in Puerto Rico.

In fact,

11 < The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Representación de actores

Innovando por nuestros pacientes Gracias a nuestra misión de salvar y mejorar vidas, hemos logrado liderar en el desarrollo de tratamientos innovadores para combatir el cáncer.

Seguiremos investigando para continuar redefiniendo la expectativa de vida de los pacientes con cáncer y construir un futuro más saludable.

Comprometidos con Puerto Rico por el más grande propósito: la vida.

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Ricardo Alvarez-Diaz

X

Licensed Architect and Entrepreneur www.advfirm.com

X

Earth Day: No Plastic Straws Please!

A

ccording to the National Park Service, approximately 500 million straws are used daily in the United States. Since plastic straws are too small and lightweight to be easily recycled, they end up in landfills and in

our oceans.

Unfortunately, the plastic from the straw is consumed by marine animals, putting their lives at risk. The harm of plastic straws in marine life was first infamously seen in 2015, after a viral video showed rescuers removing a straw from a sea turtle’s nose. Additionally, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection states that about 90 percent of seabirds and 30 percent of turtles have plastic in their stomachs. If something is not done to prevent this damage, experts estimate that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

Single-use plastic straws have been the focus of sustainability issues across the hospitality industry. In 2018 for example, Marriott announced that it was removing plastic straws and drink stirrers from all of their 6,500 worldwide hotels and resorts. They now have straws available only upon request and if guests do want straws, then a waxed paper straw is offered to them. Since then, Marriott has kept more than 1 billion plastic straws out of landfills. The plastic straws initiative is part of a larger Marriott campaign that aims to tackle sustainable issues at a global scale in the coming years by reducing water and food waste, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing green or renewable energy efforts. Marriott’s straw-less initiative proved that if the largest hotel company in the world can get rid of plastic straws, others can too!

Since single-use plastic straws are harmful, what can we use instead? Four excellent alternatives are those made from bamboo, glass, metal and paper.

Bamboo straws can be sustainably produced and are completely free of chemicals. This natural material is biodegradable, naturally antibacterial, and one of the most sustainable resources on Earth. When it is time to dispose of them, they compost in just a few months. Glass straws, even though they can break easily and are less portable than other types of straws, are sturdy, washable and reusable. The most popular alternative are metal straws, the most popular plastic straw alternative. Since they are made of stainless steel, aluminum and titanium, these straws are durable and reusable. Most metal straws now come in portable cases and with their own cleaning tool.

The best alternative is paper straws. They are compostable, biodegradable and made from renewable resources. They can last up to three hours in cold drinks and they breakdown easily.

For Earth Day, on April 22 we encourage all of you to join our firm’s ¡Sin Sorbeto Por Favor! (No plastic straw, please!) campaign. The educational campaign aims to inform both people and businesses about the great damage that plastic straws are causing our environment. We are carrying out this message by placing informational table tents at nearby restaurants. These table tents include a QR code that will direct them to all the information necessary about the issue and to learn more about our campaign initiative and its

importance to our planet’s wellbeing. The website will also include the list of businesses affiliated with this campaign and a map showing where they are located.

Our goal is to educate and inspire the public to understand the implications of their decisions and hopefully significantly reduce the use of plastic straws and prevent further damage to our environment.

If you want to join in making a positive impact, please contact us at info@advfirm.com or go to http://chng.it/gN8KR6t7rd and sign the petition in order to encourage your local businesses to stop the use of plastic straws and commit to taking this important step for the future of our ecosystem.

Please help protect sea turtles and other marine life by not using single-use plastic straws. >Archive

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Answering Your Important

COVID Questions

Guidance from the CDC and other medical experts

got the COVID-19 vaccine. What can I safely do?

You can enjoy small gatherings again, but should continue wearing a mask and social distancing in public.

In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says fully vaccinated people can gather maskless with other vaccinated people indoors. It also says you can meet with unvaccinated people from one household at a time, if those people are considered at low risk of severe COVID-19. In other countries, the guidance may vary.

In public, the CDC recommends that vaccinated people continue wearing masks, avoid large gatherings and stay apart from others.

A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last required dose of vaccine.

Guidance on other activities for vaccinated people remains cautious. The CDC still discourages unnecessary travel, for example, and hasn’t yet made a recommendation about going to restaurants or other places.

The CDC expects to update the guidance to allow more activities as infections decline and vaccinations increase.

One reason to keep your guard up after getting one dose of a two-dose vaccine: infection while having partial protection sets up the potential for the virus to mutate, said Dr. Joshua LaBaer, director of the Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute.

Can I take painkillers before or after a COVID-19 vaccine?

Don’t take them before a shot to try to prevent symptoms, but if your doctor agrees, it’s OK to use them afterward if needed.

The concern about painkillers is that they might curb the very immune system response that a vaccine aims to spur. Vaccines work by tricking the body into thinking it has a virus and mounting a defense against it. That may cause temporary arm soreness, fever, muscle aches or other symptoms of inflammation — signs the vaccine is doing its job.

The CDC recently updated its guidance to recommend against painkillers before a COVID-19

>Brandon Cruz González

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The Associated Press

shot. It says they can be taken afterward for symptoms if you have no other medical conditions precluding their use, but to talk to your doctor.

If you’re already taking one of those medications for a health condition, you should not stop before you get the vaccine — at least not without asking your doctor, said Jonathan Watanabe, a pharmacist at the University of California, Irvine.

If you’re looking to relieve symptoms after your shot, he added, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is better because it works in a different way than some other painkillers.

“If you have a reaction afterwards and need something, take some acetaminophen,” Schaffner agreed. He added that the immune response generated by the vaccines is strong enough that any dampening effect by painkillers is likely slight and won’t undermine the shots.

The CDC offers other tips, such as holding a cool, wet washcloth over the area of the shot and exercising that arm. For fever, drink lots of fluids and dress lightly. Call your doctor if redness or tenderness in the arm increases after a day or if side effects don’t go away after a few days, the CDC says.

Can I still spread the coronavirus after I’m vaccinated?

It’s possible. Experts say the risk is low, but are still studying how well the shots blunt the spread of the virus.

The current vaccines are highly effective at

preventing people from getting seriously sick with COVID-19.

But even if vaccinated people don’t get sick, they might still get infected without showing any symptoms. Experts think the vaccine would also curb the chances of those people spreading the virus.

“A vaccinated person controls the virus better, so the chances of transmitting will be greatly reduced,” said Dr. Robert Gallo, a virus expert at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Among the evidence so far: Studies suggesting if people do get infected despite vaccination, they harbor less coronavirus in the nose than the unvaccinated. That makes it harder to spread.

Trying to settle the question, the U.S. is starting a study of college students willing to undergo daily nasal swab testing.

Given the uncertainty and the arrival of more contagious variants, experts say fully vaccinated people should continue to wear masks and social distance in public and when visiting with unvaccinated people at high risk for severe illness if infected.

“We still have to be cautious,” Gallo said. “The vaccine is essential. But it is not a cure-all that ends the epidemic tomorrow.”

Other factors can also affect the likelihood of a vaccinated person spreading the virus, including vaccination rates in the community and whether there’s an ongoing surge in cases locally.

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Vast Archives at JFK Library Help Bring ‘Hemingway’ to Life Nobel Prize-winning author lived in Key West and Havana

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The Associated Press

OSTON — A new documentary on Ernest Hemingway — powered by vast but little-known archives kept at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston — is shedding new light on the acclaimed

novelist.

“Hemingway,” by longtime collaborators Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, premiered on PBS on three consecutive nights starting April 5, takes a more nuanced look at the author and his longstanding reputation as an alcoholic, adventurer, outdoorsman and bullfight-loving misogynist who struggled with internal turmoil that eventually led to his death by suicide at age 61.

The Nobel Prize-winning author had a strong connection to the Caribbean. He lived in Key West, Florida during the 1930s and Havana, Cuba in the 1940s and 1950s.

The truth about the man many consider America’s greatest 20th-century novelist — whose concise writing style made him an outsized celebrity who became a symbol of unrepentant American masculinity — is much more complex, Novick said.

“We hope this film opens up opportunities to look at Hemingway in different ways,” said Novick, who has co-created several other documentaries with Burns including “The Vietnam War” and “Prohibition.” “There is a complexity beneath the surface.”

That complexity would have been nearly impossible to detail without the largest-in-theworld Hemingway collection that ended up at the JFK Library, thanks to Hemingway’s and Kennedy’s widows.

Although the two men never met, they admired each other and corresponded briefly. Hemingway was even invited to Kennedy’s inauguration but couldn’t make it because of illness, said Hilary Justice, the Hemingway scholar in residence at the library.

When Hemingway’s fourth wife, Mary Hemingway, was figuring out what to do with her late husband’s effects, she asked Jackie Kennedy if they could be housed at the JFK Library.

The archives contain Hemingway’s manuscripts — including “The Sun Also Rises” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls” — personal correspondence and about 11,000 photographs.

Much of the material used in the documentary

In this July 1934 photo provided by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation from the Ernest Hemingway Collection, Ernest Hemingway poses with a marlin at Havana Harbor, in Key West, Fla. >John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston via AP

has not been widely seen in public, if at all, Novick said.

Burns had been to the JFK Library on multiple occasions for several functions, but had no idea about the extent of the Hemingway archives until they started researching the film, which has been in the works for years.

“The Hemingway collection was central to the process,” Burns said. “It helped us understand just what a disciplined writer he was.”

Much of the documentary deals with Hemingway’s complicated relationship with the women in his life, from his mother and sisters to the nurse he fell love with while recovering from wounds suffered in World War I to his four wives.

“So much of what he did in life was about love: running to it, running from it and ruining it,” Burns said.

Ernest Hemingway’s bedroom in his home (now a museum) in Havana, Cuba >Rosario Fajardo

While considered the archetype of American manhood, the truth about Hemingway’s masculinity was more complex, the filmmakers found.

As a child, Hemingway’s mother treated him and one of his sisters as twins, often dressing them in identical outfits, sometimes as boys, sometimes as girls. He explored gender fluidity both in his books and in life, letting his hair grow as his wives cropped theirs short.

“We wanted to push back against this idea that Hemingway didn’t like women,” Novick said.

Novick’s favorite part of the collection were Hemingway’s manuscripts, many handwritten on store-bought notebooks. They show in great detail his thinking process as he wrote, rewrote, amended and edited his works through cross-outs, scribbles and notes in the margins.

Hemingway, for example, wrote dozens of endings to “A Farewell to Arms” — as many as 47, according to one count.

“You can trace how each work developed, from first draft to final manuscript,” she said.

For Burns, the most striking thing about the collection are the pieces of shrapnel dug from Hemingway’s body after he was almost killed as a teenager driving a Red Cross ambulance in World War I. Burns can’t help but think that such a profound near-death experience had a major impact on the rest of Hemingway’s life, and contributed to his death.

Whether you’re a Hemingway aficionado, or know virtually nothing about him, there is something in the series for you, Novick said.

“There’s a huge amount to be learned and new interpretations of his work and life in here,” she said.

Why Stretching Is Important As You Age

Maintaining flexibility is an important part of a healthy, active lifestyle

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Active Aging

aintaining flexibility is an important part of a healthy, active aging lifestyle. Bone density and muscle mass naturally decline over time, leading to taking shorter steps, hunching and fractures. Nagging hip, knee and back pain can also make simple tasks like bending or squatting to tie a shoe difficult.

The good news is, adding stretches to your regular exercise routine can help improve flexibility at any age! Here are some tips to help you get started.

Benefits of Staying Limber

Staying limber has lots of benefits – especially as you age. Moving smoothly enables you to do things like reach up to change a lightbulb or bend down to pull on your boots, easier. Being flexible also helps prevent injuries, improve balance and posture, increase range of motion, and so much more.

Moving More Makes a Difference

Sitting more and moving less can stiffen and tighten your joints. Increasing movement in any way helps combat these issues! Starting small is best – especially if you haven’t previously followed any exercise routine. To break up long periods of inactivity, stand up, walk, or move around every 30

minutes. Move your arms and legs for five minutes while sitting in a chair. Walk up and down the hall a few times or walk around the yard to get some fresh air.

Every person has different physical capabilities.

As you start to become more active, work within your unique boundaries. Remember, it’s essential to consult your doctor or physical therapist before starting or adjusting any exercise routines. It’s also important to be patient with yourself, stick with it, and be confident that moving around will help you become more limber and healthier.

Seek Advice, Start Small and Be Gentle

Starting a stretching routine shouldn’t be complicated or feel overwhelming. Your doctor or therapist can likely give you a list of stretches to try. In today’s digital age, a plethora of online advice is also right at your fingertips. Search for items like “best hamstring stretches” or “10 simple at-home stretches” to get going.

Keep stretch times short to start. Pick a few to do for just five to 10 minutes total. You should also be gentle - stretching too hard might be painful, so just ease into it! Instead of reaching for your toes, start by going for just below your knee while sitting or standing. Breathe slowly and hold each stretch for 30-60 seconds. Try to do at least five repetitions of each kind, and pay attention to your body – if something hurts, don’t push it!

If mobility issues prevent you from moving and stretching certain joints on your own, using stretch bands – aka resistance bands - is a wonderful option. Cleveland Clinic offers some easy leg and upper body stretch band instructions, so check out their website.

Static vs. Dynamic Stretching

There are two common types of stretching: 1. Static stretching is moving your joints - such as your hip - as far as you can and holding it there

>Carlos Rivera Giusti

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for 30 seconds to 90 seconds.

2. Dynamic stretching is actively moving your joints with specific motions and multiple repetitions. This type of stretching targets specific muscle groups.

Range of motion gradually increases during dynamic stretching, such as doing shoulder circles, and is an effective way to limber up before an exercise routine. Static stretching is often used to cool down after activity.

Yoga and Pilates

Yoga and Pilates are two different activities that involve stretching and enhance flexibility. In addition to its physical benefits, yoga also focuses on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Pilates incorporates low-impact exercise with light stretches to improve strength and flexibility. Both workouts are available in live class instruction, or you can follow along with online videos or classes from home.

Swim, Dance or Zumba

Why not have some fun while you stretch?

Swimming, dancing and Zumba combine stretching with physical exercise. Since you’re weightless in water, stretching is generally easier while swimming. Doing different strokes also lengthens multiple muscle groups with low joints impact.

Another fun way to improve your flexibility is dancing. You can take a class, watch a video, or put on your favorite music at home and dance your heart out! A bonus - remembering and performing a sequence of dance steps is good for your mind.

Finally, Zumba combines dance and fitness routines, and there are many types of live or athome classes to suit every age group.

These are just a few ideas to help you stay limber. Whatever activity you choose, doing regular routines to improve flexibility will lead to a healthier you!

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