The Weekly Journal - Wednesday, April 21-27, 2021

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

>Courtesy of the PRTC

Wednesday, April 21-27, 2021 - // no. 104

Bullish on Tourism in Vieques P6

Lights, Camera, Action

Reliable Construction on the Upswing P7 Great News for Chocolate Lovers P8

for Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican film industry to generate $155.6 million in a one-year period

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>Courtesy of Airbnb

Brenda Vázquez and Giovanna Garofalo, The Weekly Journal

Easy and Timeless Home Upgrades P14

lthough the COVID-19 pandemic has affected movie theater attendance worldwide —among many other economic industries— filming for the big screen remains solid in Puerto Rico with 39 cinematic projects scheduled from June 2020 to June 2021.

According to the Film Industry Development Program (PDIC by its Spanish acronym), these projects are estimated to inject $155.6 million into the local

economy, with a multiplier effect of an estimated $269 million.

PDIC Director Rosi Acosta explained that the coronavirus epidemic has affected businesses worldwide and the film industry is no exception.

“It has been one [of the industries] that received the hardest hit because people could not go to movie theaters, and such was the impact that some production houses in the United States shut down. However, this situation advanced content opportunities in digital platforms with a 33 percent increase,” she stated.

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The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, April 21, 2021 > 2

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a week in review Aloft Ponce Makes its Debut in the Pearl of the South

>Brandon Cruz González

>Courtesy

Aloft Hotels is welcoming a new and unique addition to Ponce this month. The new Aloft Ponce hotel, with an estimated investment of $15 million, features 152 guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and 55-inch flatscreen TVs. Dining options include the hotel’s signature restaurant, Nook; Orale Orale Mexican Restaurant; and the largest Hard Rock Café in the Caribbean.

FOMB Reaches Agreement in Principle on Clawback Claims

Chamber of Commerce Wins Case Against NTSP

The Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) reached an agreement in principle with Assured Guaranty Corp., Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp., and National Public Finance Guarantee Corp. to settle claims against the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico over monies historically conditionally appropriated to certain government instrumentalities (clawback claims), including the Highways and Transportation Authority (HTA) and the Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority (CCDA), and to restructure the debt of HTA and CCDA.

The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce won its case in the Court of Appeals to stop the enforcement of the new rates recently approved by the Bureau of Transportation and Other Public Services (NTSP by its Spanish initials). The court declared the new rates to be invalid. The Puerto Rico Chamber of Food Marketing, Industry & Distribution has also filed a lawsuit in federal court against the NTSP “to protect the existing contractual agreements for the transport of food and avoid an increase in food costs that would impact consumers.

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The development of the Puerto Rico Film District has been put on hold due to the pandemic. >Facebook/Puerto Rico Film District

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tool that creates jobs. We used to have a $50 million cap for the incentive —which is not [just] Despite the so-called “new normal” that for Americans, it’s for whoever requests it and restricts travel and imposes measures to prevent complies with the requirements—which is why the spread of COVID-19 in all industries’ work many local producers have also benefited. That activities, different destinations in Puerto Rico are amount dropped and it is not enough,” the official hosting a variety of film and television projects, noted. such as movies, commercials, TV series, video Acosta detailed that, according to the law, the games and music videos. aid cap under the PDIC can be “From June 2020 to June 2021, increased by an additional $50 and in spite of the COVID-19 million. This was made during pandemic, film productions will the 2018-2019 fiscal year for a create 4,555 direct jobs with an total of $100 million. estimated 2,747 days of filming “Manuel Laboy, the former and 13,811 hotel room nights secretary of the Department Projections for June with the nearly 40 projects we of Economic Development and 2020 to June 2021: have,” Acosta added.

Commerce increased that and $155.6 million for in the end, $88.4 million in the local economy.

More Funding for Incentives decrees were spent, but in April Multiplier effect of 2020, the cap was lowered to Required $269 million 4,555 $38 million for that fiscal year.

Movie producers come to direct jobs and This was made without any type the island through the PDIC, 13,811 hotel room of economic study and nobody which is regulated by Act 60 nights. considered the impact on an —better known as the Puerto industry that had been growing Rico Incentives Code—a law steadily. That amount is not that provides benefits to film enough to compete with the rest producers by means of a tax of the world at a time when offer and demand are credit through a government-issued decree.

These incentives are granted after the investment growing,” she asserted.

Acosta opined that there could be new is issued and officially signed off by a certified opportunities in the industry if the government public accountant through an audit. raises funding for the program, which would “The program seeks to promote Puerto Rico bring new capital and jobs to the island through as a filming destination, in addition to promoting new decrees. and exporting local products. It is an investment

In fact,

Competitor Boosts its Industry

While the director of the PDIC lamented reduced funding for the program, the Dominican Republic has reported success in attracting filming in the country during the pandemic.

As previously reported by THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, the fellow Caribbean destination has become a popular filming spot for Hollywood productions. In fact, the Dominican government estimated that recent film productions have brought in $152 million to its coffers since the coronavirus pandemic began in the Western Hemisphere over a year ago.

In Oct. 2020, Dominican President Luis Abinader visited Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios to pledge his administration’s full support of the country’s growing film industry. “The government will provide the necessary support so that international production companies can take advantage of the Dominican Film Law’s incentives,” the president said during his visit.

This Caribbean hotspot has also been highly encouraging of its tourism industry, which complements its efforts to boost cinematography.

Like Puerto Rico, it also provides a variety of film incentives and attractive locations for sets.

Filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan (of “The Sixth Sense,” “Signs,” and “Split” fame) wrapped up the production of his upcoming movie, “Old,” in the Dominican Republic last November. “It was an incredible experience. Beyond grateful to the people of the Dominican Republic who were so caring & welcoming. It is one of the

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most beautiful countries filled with the sweetest those who are hired in Hollywood,” she stated. people. Thinking of you as I head back to Philly,” he shared on his Twitter account.

A Call for Greater Investment Like him, other major Hollywood producers In addition to qualified personnel and and celebrities have been spending time in the resources, Puerto Rico also offers diverse settings country this year developing their projects, such for filming, such as colonial architecture, beaches, as Jennifer López, Vin Diesel and Mark Wahlberg. cityscapes, remote areas, forests, airports, as Carla Cardona, well as emblematic a local consulting structures, such attorney on film tax as El Morro in Old credits, said that San Juan and the “producers choose Convention Center in places with attractive Miramar. Alas, Acosta production costs, they observed that there evaluate what they will is a need to foster a receive for each dollar healthy investment invested in hiring, environment.

- PDIC Director Rosi Acosta in addition to what “What does not they will generate by compensate for the selling the product.” incentives is the She added that it inefficiency of doing is important to acknowledge that Puerto Rico business in Puerto Rico, the negative image “needs to compete with other jurisdictions with reported in the foreign press, and the high cost financial aid and business tools. The incentive of living. The government has invested in the joins other factors to be a competitor before development of the film industry and those other countries.” efforts cannot be dropped, they cannot be lost.

Cardona underscored the quality of Puerto We must find a way to increase the supply to Rico’s human resources specialized in this take advantage of the demand for projects,” she entertainment sector, which she believes places opined. the island at a great advantage over other She was echoed by Nadie Barbarrosa, destinations. producer of the film “La última gira” (The Last “Our technicians are highly qualified; people Tour), who added that local filmmakers are from other places come to hire them. They at a disadvantage compared to American or speak English and Spanish, they are a benefit to international cinematographers, who generally producers, and they have the same quality as have greater production budgets. “It is difficult to

We must find a way to increase the supply to take advantage of the demand for [film] projects.

compete with people who come from the United States with a multimillion-dollar budget. It is ideal to put into perspective the cultural value here within cinematography because we believe in the same thing. It is a pleasure to work on Puerto Rican content for the enjoyment of all future generations,” she affirmed.

Likewise, Puerto Rican filmmaker Juan Linares —who recently produced “Warren?,” a short selected for the Chicago Latino Film Festival— affirmed that Puerto Rico has “highly qualified professionals” in the field, but noted that compared to Hollywood productions, local cinematographers don’t have access to the same financial resources as major American studios.

He called for greater interest and investment in Puerto Rican film projects, in order to develop local cinema in addition to attracting productions from other jurisdictions or countries.

Film District on Hold

This issue has gained prevalence in light of the cinematic studio known as the Puerto Rico Film District that is projected to debut at the Convention District in Miramar. This project has been on pause over the COVID-19 emergency.

The venue consists of a space of 580,000 square feet, which will host the first online recording studio in Puerto Rico and the largest in the Caribbean region. Originally, this project —which entailed an investment of $70 million— was slated to debut in summer 2021. Given the circumstances at hand, it was reported that there is no established opening date for the time being.

“La última gira” was selected to compete in the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival. >Courtesy

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Construction Begins of a New Eco-Friendly Inn in Vieques

Lejos Eco Retreat Bets on the ‘Isla Nena’ rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

ere is some good news for the island municipality of Vieques: the construction of a $1 million eco-friendly lodging has begun.

The new hotel, dubbed Lejos Eco Retreat, is scheduled to open its doors in the fall of 2021 and will generate 20 jobs during its construction phase plus an additional five during its operation. The Lejos Eco Retreat, located in Barrio La Llave, was planned following eco-sustainable guidelines and best practices.

“It is rewarding to see the accelerated rate at which our industry’s lodging sector is expanding.

We are proud to be able to say that the vision and commitment of Puerto Rican entrepreneurs will how we constantly talked about how cool it would result In the the development of new sustainable be to share our feelings about this place with our eco-lodges such as Lejos Eco Retreat,” said the future guests and with the world,” she added.

Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s (PRTC) Executive Tourism is the lifeblood of both Vieques and Director Carlos Mercado.

Culebra. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the two Lejos Eco Resort will offer its guests 13 modern island municipalities received tens of thousands of units with low environmental impact and will visitors every year. operate following eco-friendly, As part of the efforts geared sustainable and responsible towards ensuring that Puerto tourism best-practices, according Rico is a safe and secure travel to Patricia Diez Gradín and Phil destination, Mercado also Sandbo of Ottadabox LLC. The announced the certification property also includes an infinity of six Vieques properties Among the places pool, a gift shop, a gastro pub under the PRTC Health and of note in Vieques specializing in Puerto Rican and Security Seal Program. These are Sun Bay Beach; Spanish cuisine, and a camping six inns, Hix Island House, the Vieques Nationarea. Its facilities will also be Hacienda Tamarindo, Villa al Wildlife Refuge; available for private events such Corral Guesthouse, The Vieques La Esperanza Pier; as weddings and yoga retreats.

Guest House, Malecón House Fortín Conde de “Everything happening on the and Sea Gate House have Mirasol Museum; island at the moment reinforced completed the required process the Bioluminescent my belief that there is no and are in compliance with the Bay; and Crab Island community more resilient than strict standards that the PRTC Rum Distillery. ours. We have seen evidence of program entails. this throughout our history, and “At present, there are 18 once again, we faced the fact certified lodging facilities in the that without responsibility there Municipality of Vieques and can be no sustainability,” said we have granted over 1,500 Diez. self-certifications throughout Puerto Rico. We “But even in the face of such uncertainty, we value and feel encouraged by the growth the felt inspired and full of energy. We wanted nothing local tourism industry is experiencing, even more more than to be on the island and do something so because the work being done to increase positive, something good that both ourselves and our destination’s capacity to offer a world-class the community could be proud of. I remember product that complies with the highest quality

In fact,

>Courtesy of the PRTC

H Rosario Fajardo

health standards is the result of collaborative efforts with all industry partners,” indicated Mercado. Among the places of note in Vieques are Sun Bay Beach; the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge; La Esperanza Pier; Fortín Conde de Mirasol Museum; the Bioluminescent Bay; and Crab Island Rum Distillery.

In recent months, many residents of Vieques and Culebra have protested against the unreliable ferry service between Puerto Rico and the two small islands. Three additional vessels have now been identified and will be added to the fleet serving these communities. Meanwhile, HMS Ferries Puerto Rico, which will take over operations from the Maritime Transportation Authority next February, said it is working to improve ferry service to Vieques and Culebra, and will ensure safe travels and a fully running fleet.

The Crab Island Rum Distillery >Courtesy of PRTC

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A home construction project by Reliable Construction. >Courtesy

Reliable Construction Group Opens New Division

Expansion creates 30 new jobs Rosario Fajardo

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rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

eliable Construction Group (RCG) is marking the celebration of its 10th anniversary with the inauguration of a new division specializing in roof sealing and painting to expand its services within the construction industry.

The new division has generated 30 new jobs and is focused mainly on painting and sealing services of roofs for condominiums, walkups and buildings using a variety of brands that have competitive warranties in the market.

“We are proud and satisfied to inaugurate this new division that complements the construction services that we currently offer to different markets across the island,” said Roberto López Del Cueto, president of the company. “Our goal is to continue providing top quality service to all our clients while allowing them to receive all the services they need in one place.”

Reliable Construction, which is based in Carolina, currently has a workforce of 107 employees, which includes the 30 new jobs created.

The executive told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that while the construction industry is facing a lack of a trained workforce, as other business people have indicted, the company has been able to find quality employees to meet the needs of every project and client. At the same time, he said company

seen an economic increase that also benefited the industry,” he said, referring indirectly to the billions in aid that Puerto Rico has received from the federal government for reconstruction works and to help fight the coronavirus epidemic.

Reliable Construction started in 2011 carrying out construction work on residences around the island.

Through the years, the company has expanded its services to different industries. They have achieved significant and sustained growth of 30 percent year-over-year, which has successfully diversified the industries they serve. “The construction industry worldwide is constantly evolving.

You have to adapt to trends in A condominium project by Reliable Construction. order to meet all customer needs,” >Courtesy López said.

Through its work, the company employees also take continuing Reliable generates hundreds of indirect education courses on a regular Construction, jobs annually by carrying basis to keep their skills sharp, which mainly has out numerous high-quality stay up to date on safety and projects in the San construction and remodeling security measures, and learn Juan metro area, projects throughout Puerto Rico. about the latest technologies in has benefited from Its team of experts have worked the industry. the increase in successfully on luxury projects Reliable Construction, which construction activity in well-known five-star hotels, mainly has projects in the San after the devastation car dealerships, pharmaceutical Juan metro area, has benefited of Hurricane Maria companies, oil refineries, from the increase in construction in 2017. department stores, restaurants activity after the devastation and luxury residences, the of Hurricane Maria in 2017, he company president indicated. noted.

“Each client has a specific need “Many people were obligated and our goal at Reliable Construction is to work to reconstruct, which directly affected our growth. closely with them from the start of the design [Beneficiaries] of Acts 20 and 22 have also and all the stages of construction, to the very final affected the growth of the construction industry stages of every project,” López added. in Puerto Rico. At the same time, the island has

In fact,

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>Courtesy

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Cocoa crops registered with the USDA are covered in case of losses under the Crop Protection Program. >Archive

Cocoa Academy Program Launches for Farmers in Northwest Puerto Rico Participants can learn about economic opportunities in farming cocoa

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The Weekly Journal Staff

ith the objective of preparing Puerto Rico farmers with theoretical and practical knowledge on the cocoa agroforestry model, “La Academia del Cacao” (The Cocoa Academy) was launched as the most recent program promoted by the Trust for Science, Technology and Research of Puerto Rico.

The project opened its call for participants on April 15, 2021, supported by its sister programs on STEM Education and Agricultural Recovery, and in conjunction with the Semilla and Finca Explora (Explore Seed and Farm) agricultural projects. The Cocoa Academy also counts on the collaboration of nonprofit entities Peter Alfond Foundation and Boston Foundation, and focuses on helping farmers in the northwestern region of the island.

“We are going to create two school farms where each of the participants maximizes their knowledge in cocoa agroforestry. The objective of the academy is to certify local Puerto Rican farmers in the northwest, interested in integrating agroforestry systems to existing farms, thus maximizing their economic potential through the cultivation of fine and ‘aroma cacao,’” said Jorge Valentine, manager of the STEM Education Program. “The project

Who doesn’t love chocolate? >Archive

consists of 40 hours of training in the development of fine and aroma cacao agroforestry, as well as practice and development of crops related to the agroforestry model.”

Puerto Rico has the potential to produce highquality fine and aroma cocoa, the most important cocoa in the world’s fine chocolate industry. Fine aroma cocoa represents only 5 percent of world production. That of Puerto Rico was recognized as one of the best in the world in the 2019 International Cocoa Awards. Meanwhile, cocoa enjoys certain federal government benefits; for example, cocoa crops registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture are covered in case of losses under the Crop Protection Program.

The Cocoa Academy’s program is free for participants and upon completion, provides resources, inputs and other elements for the implementation of a cocoa-based agroforestry system. Participants will study the economic and financial viability of the business model for fine and aroma cocoa in an agroforestry system. They will also address business models that optimize

return on investment. As expected, they will learn the principles and components of agroforestry and cocoa in the field. They will discuss the purposes and benefits of cover plants, as well as the various existing varieties.

The program will offer participants tools to eliminate the gap that exists in the financial aspect of agriculture, educating them about the costs of developing a farm. They will discuss which pricing systems to use for a favorable return on investment, as well as profit projections based on the participant’s investment. In addition, participants will learn about pesticides and other control options to substitute agrochemicals.

They will attend a workshop on the benefits of becoming a Bona-Fide Farmer and the exemptions, incentives and other opportunities that the government offers to this industry. They will also explore agritourism as an option for an alternative income diversification model.

“We are firm believers that innovation is key to boost any type of economic growth. That is why we invest and bet on this unique opportunity to advance the capacities of local farmers, exposing them to new techniques and innovating in their crops with a focus on sustainability,” said Trust CEO Lucy Crespo.

Registration is open with limited spaces. The Trust called for all northwestern farmers interested in integrating agroforestry systems in their own farms to submit their applications to participate in the Cocoa Academy, both to learn more about agroforestry systems and the economic potential of farming cocoa. To learn more about the Cocoa Academy, visit https://prsciencetrust. org/academia-del-cacao/ or send an email to jvalentine@prsciencetrust.org.

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Puerto Rico Prosthetics Revolutionizing the Field

New tech allows faster, more precise manufacturing

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Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

n commemoration of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, Puerto Rico Prosthetics—the first prosthetics manufacturer on the island— together with the Amputee Coalition, held a presentation to highlight success stories and updates about innovative technologies in this medical field.

At the event, broadcast through the Puerto Rico Prosthetics Facebook account, three patients presented their personal achievements after receiving their prostheses, as well as their adaptation process. Among them was Paralympic athlete Yamillie Díaz Colón, who was awarded the silver medal in the 100-meter sprint and the 200-meter race at the 2021 Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai, held in February.

According to the Society for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases of the Island, in Puerto Rico, there are some 2,500 amputations a year.

“We understand that this community should hear from people who have lost limbs on how they were able to achieve success, how they achieved their dreams. Because even though this is a traumatic event... we can focus and move forward,” said Melissa Maldonado, president of Puerto Rico Prosthetics.

She told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that “sometimes we think that with these prostheses, people have to go to make arrangements in the United States or perhaps they believe that here in Puerto Rico their medical insurance may not cover it. This month we celebrate these success stories, but we also give information to patients who are facing loss of limbs so that they are aware of the alternatives that exist.

In addition to these experiences, the company presented the manufacture of a prosthesis using VICTOR, the first robot in Puerto Rico used for the production of prostheses. It was developed in Europe and allows scanning using a specialized device, in which all the anatomical dimensions of the patient are captured. Based on this, the device is designed and VICTOR manufactures it.

“What do we want to guarantee with this? A process that could take weeks, now the patient

has a manufacturing laboratory located in Manatí and a second location in San Juan for repairs and customer service. In its beginnings, the local company served as a provider of physiotherapy, and since 1995 as a provider of prostheses, orthotics and pedorthics.

“Puerto Rico Prosthetics does all the processes, from the evaluation, coordinating the therapy, manufacturing the preparatory prosthesis... then the permanent prosthesis, and then the socket replacements, which are changes that have to be done because the human body is changing — sometimes we are more swollen, sometimes we are skinnier— and so on. It is a life process, which unites us with that patient for life to keep them fully functional,” Hernández said.

The company manufactures different types of prostheses, from devices for everyday use to high performance, as in the case of Díaz Colón. In addition, patients have the option to customize their appearance with laminated designs of their choice, such as photos, flags, references to their hobbies and even “tattoos.” This, the doctor said, is particularly essential for pediatric patients.

Export Goals

On average, the company sees between 500 and 600 new and recurring patients annually.

Asked about future plans, Hernández stated that the company currently sells its products on the island, but that with the development of VICTOR, they hope to have the capacity to export their devices and services to other markets.

“During this year, part of the things we want is to solidify everything in the production Dr. José Hernández explained that line with the integration of the VICTOR robot is revolutionizing VICTOR, possibly adding new prostheses manufacturing. >Courtesy design possibilities. There are of Puerto Rico Prosthetics The company many studies that are being currently sells its carried out at a scientific level arrives at the office at 8 in the products on the and this technology will allow us morning and at 10 leaves with island, but with the to carry out trials and carry out their prosthesis on,” explained development of different projects, always looking Dr. José A. Hernández, founder VICTOR, they hope for greater innovation, greater of Puerto Rico Prosthetics, to have the capacity independence and greater who added that VICTOR allows to export their durability for the patient,” he designing these artificial body devices and services said. We also want to work on the parts at greater volume in less to other markets. entire physical therapy part, give time without displacing the a very holistic approach to all this workforce. so that the patient’s condition is optimal; we are working on Multiple Services protocols for this direction.”

Founded in 1994, Puerto Rico Prosthetics today

In fact,

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Pet-Friendly Businesses Gaining Popularity

Helps to increase customer traffic in restaurants and hotels

bvazquez@elvocero.com

uring the pandemic, many restaurants and lodgings have developed the concept of pet-friendly spaces, and the acceptance of pets has brought them more visitors and friendlier atmospheres.

Sylvia Bedrosian, president and founder of Pet Friendly Puerto Rico, said this “business model is being effective and positive because it increases customer traffic. Restaurants and hotels are welcoming pets.”

According to Bedrosian, more than 700 businesses that accept their customers’ pets are registered on her website—dedicated to promoting a culture that integrates pets into public and private entertainment venues, and 50 percent of this total are food establishments such as restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and food trucks.

The concept is to allocate spaces so that pets can accompany customers who arrive at restaurants–on terraces or outdoor places–while enjoying their food and without interfering with diners who prefer not to interact with animals.

“You have to educate both the customer and the restaurant. We always tell them to be sensible and not to take their dog if he’s not ready to go out to these places, so they don’t ruin other people’s experience. Businesses always have the right of admission if a puppy is not behaving or anxious.

These spaces are usually separate and have a pet capacity limit,” Bedrosian said. “The places that accept pets are booming and we want to help the restaurant industry with this business model because it was the first to support us and it has suffered a severe blow with the pandemic.”

Lodgings and Pets

Some “paradores,” or small inns, of the island also welcomed pets in their spaces. Jesús Ramos, president of the Association of Parador Owners, highlighted that at Villas de Sotomayor in Adjuntas, many families arrive with their dogs or cats. “About 30 percent of our booked rooms are guests with their animals. That kind of client has gone up a lot,

>Archive

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Brenda A. Vázquez Colón

Puerto Rican actress Roselyn Sánchez is clearly an animal lover. >Josian E. Bruno Gómez

also because we have a camping area. We even have cages that customers who come with their horses can use. We are thinking of doing the same for puppies, having a specific area to host them.”

Other small inns such as El Faro in Aguadilla, Mauna Caribe in Maunabo and Combate Beach Resort receive service dogs, while the Buen Café in Hatillo and Boquemar in Cabo Rojo have rooms assigned for guests who book with their pets.

A lodging that has been distinguished in the metropolitan area by its pet-friendly program is the Verdanza Hotel, which includes accepting animals, grooming services—provided by a nearby

establishment—and a dog park.

“We are renewing the program for our dog customers, because people are doing internal tourism with their pets. These customers have increased quite a bit. We have a Paws Park… so you can drop dogs into a playground with obstacles. They are allowed in the common areas and on the terrace,” said Adamabel Rivera, Sales director at Verdanza Hotel.

Guests who arrive with pets are given rooms near the pool area. “We put them in that area because those rooms do not have carpets, but if these rooms are full, they can be accommodated in the main tower. There is an additional cost per stay, and we receive dogs up to 55 pounds. That we are pet friendly brings us customers. People already know that we accept them and the first thing many foreign tourists ask is if we accept their pets,” Rivera said.

In the case of Condado Ocean Club Hotel, reservations for people with pets is a regular occurrence. “We haven’t seen an increase in pandemic-related travelers, but we have guests traveling with their pets, almost always leisure travelers and mostly from outside Puerto Rico.

We offer beds, dishes and toys for the pet-guest.

We like to keep the maximum of four pets hosted at once. There are recreational areas near the hotel that lend themselves to guests walking their pets, and they are allowed in the outdoor areas,” said Betsy Mujica, the hotel’s director of Sales and Marketing.

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Eduardo Herencia

CPA - Partner, Audit and Advisory at Kevane Grant Thornton

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Catching Up with the Puerto Rico Government’s Financial Statements

fter four years of PROMESA, the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (hereon Oversight Board) recently presented to White House officials a blueprint of the progress towards achieving the expected goals, especially in savings and restructuring among the various types of Puerto Rico’s debt.

As set forth in PROMESA’s Section 209, the Oversight Board will terminate its functions in Puerto Rico when it certifies that: “(1) the territorial government has adequate access to short- and long- term credit markets at reasonable rates to meet its borrowing needs; and (2) for at least four consecutive years, the government has developed its budgets using modified accrual accounting standards and has reached balanced budgets.” (with the restructured debt servicing requirements included) After these first four years, clear signs of moving with a definitive path on the debt adjustments front are seen based on the following consummated actions and others in progress: • COFINA debt restructured under Title III. • GDB debt restructured under Title VI. • PRASA debt restructured out of court (and was even able to go to the market recently).

• The Central Government’s debt adjustment plan (PDA by its Spanish acronym) to be presented to Judge Laura Taylor Swain in about a month or so.

• In the case of the PDA, the negotiations include those public corporations’ bonds that were subject to the “clawback provisions” (including their clawback insurance creditors), such as those of the Convention Center District Authority, Infrastructure Financing Authority and Metropolitan Bus Authority; the Pension Obligation Bonds; the

pension debt to the government’s retirees; as well as other more traditional debt like those with the government’s contractors and suppliers.

• For the Highways and Transportation Authority (HTA), a plan of adjustment is intended to be filed by Jan. 31, 2022.

• Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), awaiting its turn.

The “four consecutive years of balanced budget” is certainly a target goal where one can see all eyes on with tremendous priority and focus, as the fiscal plans are constantly monitored, reviewed, revised, reshaped and updated with the advent of new unanticipated events like hurricanes, earthquakes and most recently, the pandemic.

In the coming weeks, the Oversight Board will pass judgment on the most recent fiscal plan submitted by the new administration under Hon. Gov. Pedro Pierluisi. Backand-forth discussions, revisions and questionings between the government and the Oversight Board are certainly expected. This constant monitoring over the fiscal plans shows the importance, focus and priority this ultimate goal of PROMESA is being given by all stakeholders.

On the other hand, with respect to the timely issuance of the audited financial statements of the government (a key action that would facilitate attaining access to the market), there seems to be a constant race towards just catching up. Despite legitimate efforts placed by those involved in the process, hurricanes Irma and Maria, and now the pandemic, have had unquestionable impact on the readiness of the financial statements.

But such extraordinary events are not the sole culprit.

As of the date of this article, the June 30, 2018 government financial statements are still pending, but apparently in its final stretch of the 2018 race. When

such financial statements are finally issued and left behind, the brief sense of achievement will be replaced soon enough with another race towards the 2019 and 2020 financial statements; thereon a new countdown for the 2021 financial statements will begin next July 1, 2021. In that race, one hopes that 2021 can stay still for a while, just to allow the government and its auditors, at the central level and down to its subdivisions and components, to finally catch up on the race. But unfortunately, time goes on, and all the variants and players involved in getting the financial statements of the government up to date and its audits done, must continue its pursuit and find ways to pick up the pace at speed that exceeds the normal passage of time.

When Treasury Secretary Francisco Parés was appointed CFO of the Commonwealth by Gov. Pierluisi, both immediately stressed the urgency of completing the government’s overdue audited financial statements; which is one of the responsibilities of the CFO. Observers and stakeholders of the government, especially the bond market, look ahead to see that the secretary successfully fulfills this assignment.

For the past decade and under different administrations, efforts and resources have been invested in the establishment of a new comprehensive unified financial system, also known as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project, to manage the government’s finances in all its ramifications. One of the various other objectives in the implementation of such system is to consolidate the communication of the financial accounting and reporting systems within the government agencies to achieve agility and efficiency towards the prompt closing of the accounting records by the end of fiscal years.

This would be a great progress

in turning things around, but it is only one piece of the complex and overwhelming process that goes into the preparation of the financial statements of the government, let alone the fact that it would take time; but in the meantime, the financial statement preparation and audit process must go on. There are multiple other pieces of the puzzle equally important that require attention and maybe higher priority and focus.

The questions to be addressed are: What are those pieces still needing attention? Has the government taken a step back to identify what are exactly the reasons, situations or conditions that are causing the delays in the confection and eventual issuance of the audited financial statements of the government?

Have these reasons been identified? If so, have they been addressed and/or resolved? If not, why not?

The responses to most of these queries are probably already known; but maybe the ways to execute the solutions and the response time to those solutions might prove a little trickier. To make things more challenging, the road ahead in terms of government accounting guidance and rules will not be getting any easier or simpler. By the mid-2000s, the official standard setter of the accounting rules for governments, the Government Accounting Standard Board (GASB), totally reformed the financial reporting model for governments with the approval of GASB No. 34, which became an overwhelming task to implement at that time.

Matters can get complicated when a new reporting model, expected to become effective by July 1, 2024, and not less complex projects, like the new Lease Accounting Model for governments, will need to be implemented. Additionally, other accounting guidance like recent ones adopted for private businesses, such as Revenue Recognition, are coming up within the next couple of years in its government version; therefore, time is of the essence to begin preparing for those future pronouncements right away.

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/ Wednesday, April 21, 2021

“Warren?” A Puerto Rican’s Journey Short film showcases the struggles of a white Latino in the U.S. mainland

W Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

hen filmmaker Juan Linares, a native of San Juan, moved to Chicago in 2015, he soon realized that he would be engulfed by dichotomic cultural

barriers.

On the one hand, as a Puerto Rican living in the U.S. mainland, he is considered an ethnic minority. On another, being white entails he has a set of “social privileges” that exclude him from racism and marginalization, unlike Latin Americans with darker skin. Because he doesn’t fit the narrow mold of Latino physical attributes and is allowed to enjoy the social benefits that come with his physical appearance, his own identity as a Latin American is questioned or shunned by some of his peers.

Meanwhile, his Spanish name, Juan, is regularly anglicized by white Americans as “Warren,” much to his chagrin. His experiences as a white Latino in the United States inspired him to create a short film depicting his struggles.

“What happens most frequently is that white people don’t understand my name well, even though it is an extremely common name, and they assume my name is Warren—my theory is that it’s because my skin is white. I see it more as an inconvenience because it invalidates my identity as a Puerto Rican. On another hand, many Latinos, including Puerto Ricans, think I am of any other ethnicity except my own. They have called me Italian, Egyptian, Jewish, North American, Spaniard; all except Puerto Rican. I used that as an inspiration for the short and I gave it a twist closer to my sense of humor, which tends to be darker,” Linares told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. That is how “Warren?” was born, a 14-minute short film that was selected for the Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF). In his piece, the protagonist, named Juan, is a dissatisfied worker looking for better career opportunities. However, both in his professional and personal life, his name is repeatedly mistaken by Americans. Even when pronounced correctly, it is mocked and degraded,

“Warren?” was selected for the Chicago Latino Film Festival. >Courtesy of Juan Linares

reducing his own identity to a joke.

His identity is also put into question by other Hispanic Americans who have darker or olivetoned skin, who assume he is a white American, even when they hear him speak Spanish. The combination of these factors, paired with being distanced from his family, have clearly taken a toll on the main character, who is often seen with a squeezable toy that he uses for stress relief.

Despite the complex social issues portrayed —diverting concepts of Hispanicity, prejudice, racial bias, isolation, otherness and sense of self, among others—Linares delivers with his self-described dark humor, as well as ironic undertones. In less than 15 minutes, he perfectly encapsulates the cultural dilemma that affects many Puerto Ricans who emigrate stateside.

And with more Puerto Ricans living in the United States than the archipelago, this affair gains even more prevalence. Furthermore, any white Latin American can see their struggles reflected in “Warren?.”

As for the Anglicization of his name, that is an affair that affects many Latin Americans and immigrants from non-English-speaking countries.

For example, iconic Puerto Rican baseball player Roberto Clemente denounced attempts to strip his Hispanic identity by calling him “Bob” or

“Bobby” when he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates until his untimely passing. Like him, Linares hopes that Americans will learn names in foreign languages rather than expecting immigrants and people with different heritages to accommodate themselves and their own identities, for their benefit.

“I want them to laugh and empathize with the main character and his mood. But what I want most is for all those people who have had their names mispronounced, regardless of which part of the world they come, to learn that they are not alone; it’s something that happens constantly. Also, for people to place more effort in pronouncing other people’s names correctly. It is a show of respect, even more so if the person is from another country, it’s common courtesy,” Linares said when asked about how he seeks to inspire his audience.

As for being selected for the CLFF, he affirmed that “it fills me with happiness that I have been selected. It is a festival that has been going on for more than 30 years promoting Latino culture in America and I’m proud to be a part of it.” This year, the Festival took place between April 8 and 18.

“Warren?” is available on YouTube at http:// youtube.com/user/egomaniacfilms1.

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/ Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Six Ways to Upgrade Your Entertainment Spaces

A

The Holiday Entertainer

s we head into summer, you may be looking for ways to freshen up your entertainment spaces.

Whether you’ve become the family’s favorite Zoom host or you’re gearing up for gatherings with your “quaranteam” pod, adding a few updates to your space will reinvigorate your entertaining style and impress your guests. So grab that to-do list and get to it!

Daylight Bulbs

One of the biggest improvements you can make to the feel of your home, both online and in-person, is in the lighting. An outdated, orangetinted glow will make it hard for your friends to see you on Zoom and make your in-person family feel less energetic than usual. Switch your overhead lights to daylight-style bulbs, and you’ll immediately notice a difference. Your party will pop with this change in ambiance!

Fresh (or Faux!) Flowers

Don’t fresh flowers instantly brighten a room? Whether you’re on Zoom or hosting your quaranteam for a small gathering, having fresh flowers strategically placed is an inexpensive way to make the room feel vibrant and clean for a Zoom call, make sure to place the flowers in the background so that they don’t appear to be growing out of your head! Can’t afford fresh flowers or don’t want to deal with the mess they leave behind? The good news is that these days, faux versions look incredibly real, and despite their sometimes-higher initial cost, they’ll last you for years and years.

Fresh flowers always brighten up any home. >Courtesy of Airbnb

furniture and cabinetry is by updating the hardware.

New drawer pulls, knobs, and hinges can change the look of a piece without any paint or demolition.

Consider updating the hardware throughout your entire home at the same time to create a unified look; even with the kitchen, two baths, and various furniture pieces, you’ll still come in under a modest budget. If you have different styles or color schemes throughout your home, choose one trait to carry through everywhere for consistency. Your space will automatically look more refined and polished with this simple upgrade.

Framed Art

If your Zoom background is looking a bit dull lately, then one of the easiest ways to freshen it up is framed art. Similarly, adding framed art around your house in strategic locations can add character and interest to your home that your guests will immediately notice. If you’re on a budget, think small – instead of buying a large original piece for a wall, purchase a small print from a local artist and refurbish a garage sale frame. Then, add this artwork to the wall surrounded by other smaller objects (think a small wreath, hanging dried herbs, a small mirror, etc.). You can also create a vignette of these pieces on a mantel, table or bathroom wall!

Hardware Upgrades

One of the easiest ways to refresh outdated

Freshen up your spaces with framed art. >Archive

Welcome Mat

Everyone knows that curb appeal is important, but what if you can’t afford new landscaping or exterior paint? For an inexpensive but noticeable upgrade, consider updating your welcome mat.

While it may not get a lot of use these days, visitors will immediately notice a clean and inviting front mat (and the delivery drivers won’t mind a fresh space, either!).

Snack and Appetizer Trays

Nothing impresses your guests more than having specialized items for everyday activities – enter the snack tray! Instead of attending your Zoom family game night with the box of crackers balanced on your lap, take the extra time to organize your snacks and drinks on fun serving trays or plates. Wine appetizer plates are a sophisticated way to show off your elevated food game during a Zoom call or impress your in-person guests with their own easy spot for a drink and a nosh.

If you have an assortment of appetizers or treats for the event, use a three-tiered tray that collapses down for storage later; your food will be on beautiful display, and your guests will be impressed with (what they can only assume is) your extensive collection of hosting tools.

Whether you’re updating your Zoom room or freshening up your hall bath, these tips will let you affordably and easily impress your guests!

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/ Wednesday, April 21, 2021

In this Jan 11, 2020 file photo, Selena Gomez attends the premiere of “Dolittle” in Los Angeles. >Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File

In this Jan. 12, 2020 file photo, Jennifer Lopez arrives at the 25th annual Critics’ Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. >Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Selena Gomez and J.Lo Headline Vax Concert for Poor Nations As of mid-April, 60 nations had still not yet received any COVID-19 vaccines

N

The Associated Press

EW YORK (AP) — Backed by an international concert hosted by Selena Gomez and headlined by Jennifer Lopez, Global Citizen is unveiling an ambitious campaign to help medical workers in the world’s poorest countries quickly receive COVID-19 vaccines.

The anti-poverty organization is announcing the musical event — “VAX Live: The Concert to Reunite the World” — with the goal of enlisting corporations and philanthropists to raise $22 billion for global vaccinations. The concert, which airs May 8 on ABC, CBS and FOX as well as on iHeartMedia radio stations and YouTube, will also showcase the Foo Fighters, Eddie Vedder, J Balvin and H.E.R. The acts will be recorded at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Ahead of the event, Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen, highlighted the magnitude of the problem his organization aims to address.

“There are 27 million healthcare workers globally who don’t have access to the vaccine,”

Evans told The Associated Press. “I’m 38 years old, and it’s not ethical for me to have access to the vaccine before these heroic first responders and community health workers. So we need governments to start urgently donating those doses.”

The Global Citizen program is among of a growing web of nonprofits and activists that are seeking to achieve wider, more equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. As of this month, Evans said, 60 nations had still not yet received any COVID-19 vaccines.

“Low-income countries not only need this welcome fundraising effort; they need access to COVID-19 vaccine doses,” Tom Hart, the North American executive director of another nonprofit, The ONE Campaign, said last month about the overall drive for donations. “The United States has secured over 550 million excess doses that could be used to help end the global pandemic faster.”

Global Citizen, which normally focuses on fighting severe poverty, became involved with COVID-19 vaccines out of what it calls necessity.

“We can’t get back to ending extreme poverty while 150 million people have been pushed back into extreme poverty this year due to the pandemic,” Evans said. “Everything else is academic until we can get it under control.”

The advocacy organization last year developed what it calls “ A Recovery Plan for the World,” which it hopes will simultaneously address COVID-19, the climate crisis, hunger and education issues, as well as racial equity. Under that plan, Global

Citizen secured $1.5 billion in commitments from the Group of Seven industrialized democracies.

Eventually, though, it recognized that greater awareness and funding were needed.

“We decided we needed to bring the world together again with a global event that will unite world leaders, artists, philanthropists and CEOs,” Evans said.

As he described it, “VAX Live” will be the first globally televised effort to lobby world leaders to help achieve more equitable vaccine distribution.

The event is also intended to raise commitments for the billions of dollars that are needed to send 2 billion vaccine doses, in addition to COVID-19 tests, to the world’s poorest countries by year’s end. However, even if Global Citizen raises enough money, it will still need wealthier nations who continue to stockpile vaccines to let the drugs’ manufacturers prioritize poorer nations as customers.

“This is not ‘Mission Accomplished’,” Evans said.

“But there is light at the end of the tunnel if we can ensure that there is equitable distribution of the vaccine.”

Global Citizen wants the health care workers in every country in the world to receive a vaccine by the end of 2021, a year ahead of current plans.

“By June, the U.S. government will have 45 million doses in excess of their entire population being vaccinated just sitting there in cold storage and warehouses,” Evans said. “That seems absolutely insane for something that’s for the common good to be sitting in cold storage.”

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