The Weekly Journal - Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

>Carlos Rivera Giusti

Wednesday, June 2-8, 2021 - // no. 110

Luma Crosses the Rubicon P6 Agricultural Station on the Ropes P8

>Courtesy of WorldNet

‘Workcations’ Gaining Ground P9

Preparing for the 2021 Hurricane Season Contingency plans critical for businesses

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>Héctor Vázquez

Giovanna Garofalo

Enjoying a Surfer’s Paradise P14-15

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

ow that Puerto Rico is officially into the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, businesses large and small must brace for the possibility of interrupted telecommunication and electricity services due to a storm, considering that clients have been opting for digital transactions since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

Especially after experiencing the devastation wrought

by Hurricane Maria in 2017, businesses must be mindful of the importance of an uninterrupted internet connection. With the rising prevalence of online purchases, credit card use and internetbased customer service, companies need to incorporate a contingency plan to be able to continue operating their businesses and offering alternate payment methods in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

To cater to this demand, WorldNet —a Puerto Rican telecommunications company and GO TO PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, June 2, 2021 > 2

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a week in review Solid Hotel Occupation DURING Memorial Weekend

>Josian E. Bruno Gómez

>Carlos Rivera Giusti

The executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC), Carlos Mercado Santiago, reported that preliminary data collected by the entity projected a 96 percent hotel occupation for Memorial Day Weekend, between May 28 and 31. Current statistics indicate that due to health and safety measures, as well as marketing strategies by the PRTC and the private sector, the island’s tourism industry is making a steady recovery after the hardships wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

FOMB Certifies Fiscal Plans as Roadmaps for Economic Development The Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) certified the Fiscal plans for seven instrumentalities of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Highways and Transportation Authority, University of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Co., and Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. The Certified Fiscal Plans are the building blocks for Puerto Rico’s recovery, stability and growth, according to FOMB members.

Powered BY El Vocero de Puerto Rico, 1064 Ave Ponce de León 2nd floor San Juan, PR Postal Address: PO Box 15074, San Juan, PR 00902

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

Congar International Corp. to Expand its Puerto Rico Operations Cigar manufacturing company Congar International Corp., which has been established in Cayey for 60 years, is expanding on the island. A total $23 million investment is expected in purchasing new machinery and hiring additional personnel throughout the four years of its expansion process. The company is estimated to add 85 jobs to its current personnel of more than 300 employees.

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

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

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

VP of Production Eligio Dekony edekony@elvocero.com

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

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

Multi-Platform Digital Director María Arce marce@elvocero.com

Phone: 787-622-2300, 787-721-2300

Assistant Editor/ Reporter Rosario Fajardo rfajardo@wjournal.com

Customer Service: 787-622-7480

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Imagine spending three months with your business closed because there is no electricity, there are no communications, you cannot place orders, you cannot do anything. That is what this [telecom] solution represents: it is to solve this problem that has affected us for a long time.

-José Abril, director of Sales and Business Development at Expedition Communications

After Hurricane Maria, many residents and businesses turned to solar energy for their power needs.

them to continue their operations. In addition, subscribers of this connection are also able to do phone calls through the satellite. internet provider for businesses— partnered José Abril, director of Sales and Business with Expedition Communications to offer satellite Development at Expedition Communications, internet to its clients. The satellite complements told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that the existing fiber-optics service the satellite dish allows for 25 provided by WorldNet and megabytes (MB) for downloads ensures connection even if the and 3 MB to upload content, local networks are down. This although “the final customer service, called WorldNet Sky experience is that they will have Internet, was launched last week.

The threat much more speed than that.”

“We were here when Hurricane of natural The satellite dishes are installed Maria hit. It was bad,” said Jerry disasters, plus within three to five business days Creekbaum, CTO for Expedition power interruptions after ordering without affecting Communications. “FEMA (Federal expected during the the rooftop of the commercial Emergency Management Agency) electric system’s establishment, and are designed has reported that nearly 40 transition with Luma, to withstand hurricane-force percent of businesses won’t and the possibility winds of up to 125 miles per hour reopen once they’ve been closed of higher energy or a category 3 storm. by a disaster – we have a chance rates, have inspired “We are sure that it is a to change that. By partnering more clients to seek necessary complement for the with WorldNet and making it renewable energy Puerto Rico market, particularly easier to diversify service, we sources, according because after Hurricane help businesses be proactive in to Karla Zambrana, Maria, the average number their preparation. Ultimately, our general manager of of clients who were without goal is to give these businesses Sunnova Energy Corp. communications was 83 days. a chance to stay active in the Imagine spending three months face of disaster and have a much with your business closed better chance at full recovery because there is no electricity, should a disaster strike.” there are no communications, you cannot place Unlike traditional internet with fiber-optics, orders, you cannot do anything. That is what this satellite internet does not rely on ground solution represents: it is to solve this problem that telecommunications infrastructure, so customers has affected us for a long time. Actually, today would remain connected even if there was a there is no solution that is as complete as this,” collapse of the system, as experienced in 2017.

Abril stated.

Moreover, if the electric grid failed, businesses María Virella, president of WorldNet, also could use renewable energy sources or fuel-based underscored the need for hurricane preparedness. generators to power their establishments, which “It is increasingly important for companies to make —combined with satellite internet— would allow CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

In fact,

their contingency plans. And this is an opportunity that they have to acquire a service at a price that is accessible to any company. You have to think about what would cost you more: make this payment and acquire this service, or that at a given moment you run out of service, which costs you every day that you are without service. We saw it in Hurricane Maria and right now with COVID, how companies have been affected every time they are out of service,” she asserted.

Solar Energy a Viable Resource

Apart from commercial establishments, counting on reliable internet connection and energy has been pivotal for a large sum of the population who —due to the coronavirus pandemic— have been working remotely or rely on these services for online education. By late May alone, roughly 30,000 clients of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) were in the dark due to multiple system failures.

Karla Zambrana, general manager of Sunnova Energy Corp., explained that the company has more than 20,000 clients who have purchased their solar panels and that after the 2017 storms, Sunnova has been offering storage options for its residential clients. “After Hurricane Maria, we have had to reinvent ourselves in many ways and part of the reinventions that we have all gone through, and I include myself, is to seek this type of renewable, resilient and safe energy solutions that can prepare and protect us against any weather event,” she said.

She noted that the threat of natural disasters, plus power interruptions expected during the electric system’s transition and the possibility of higher energy rates, have inspired more clients to seek renewable energy sources.

“We at Sunnova will always promote the use of renewable and resilient energy. Perhaps not at the last minute when we are already under a hurricane warning, but rather prepare in advance, take the necessary measures, always ensuring the well-being of our family and those close to

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us,” Zambrana said. “I urge that everyone in Puerto Rico should have the facility of an energy system with storage, that would be my message to everyone; always looking after the well-being of their quality of life and their families.”

LUMA ‘Ready’ for Storms

Just as Puerto Rico entered hurricane season on June 1, LUMA Energy took the reins of the energy transmission and distribution from PREPA on Tuesday, as established in the public-private partnership (PPP) deal. With a debilitated electric energy infrastructure and lingering trauma from Maria, questions surfaced over whether the private company is ready to withstand hurricane season.

Furthermore, the PPP agreement includes a “force majeure” clause in which LUMA would be allowed to desist from complying with the contractual agreement if a natural disaster impacts the island and causes serious damage to the electrical system. This clause is a regular feature of many such agreements. As reported by THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, LUMA president & CEO Wayne Stensby denied that the company would cease its operations in the wake of a storm.

“Our parent company is one of the organizations that moves toward storms, we don’t run away from storms. In the 2020 season alone, we responded with more than 2 million hours across 20 named storms across more than 40 utilities in the U.S. So, we understand storms, we understand storm response, we understand the importance of emergency response and the infrastructure that it takes in order to facilitate that… We’re here for 15 years and we’re going to make [the infrastructure] better,” he said.

Mere days before LUMA’s takeover, Stensby also affirmed that the emergency plans the company submitted have been approved, so they have the necessary number of resources and the truck fleet to address a weather-related emergency.

LUMA Energy is now in charge of Puerto Rico’s energy transmission and distribution. >Carlos Rivera Giusti

He assured that the company is ready to act in the event of a disaster and pointed out that the contingencies adopted by LUMA consider a category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale as a “base scenario” to articulate the response.

Likewise, La Fortaleza Chief of Staff Noelia García acknowledged the “fragile” electricity infrastructure, but stated that “we are ready to address the worst scenario, tempering the different experiences that we have had previously, and our plan integrates not only the eventuality of hurricanes but certainly the experiences that we

With the passage of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the island’s energy and telecommunications infrastructures were devastated. >Brandon Cruz González

have had of pandemics and earthquakes.”

Busy Hurricane Season

The Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted another busy hurricane season in the Atlantic, which includes Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. According to the federal agency, forecasters predict a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 30 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a 10 percent chance of a below-normal season. Despite these numbers, forecasters do not anticipate the “historic level of storm activity” reported in 2020, which saw 31 tropical depressions, 30 of which became tropical storms, and 14 developed into hurricanes.

“For 2021, a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70 percent confidence. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 through November 30,” NOAA explained, adding that there is a possibility of the La Niña atmospheric phenomenon returning later this hurricane season.

“Although NOAA scientists don’t expect this season to be as busy as last year, it only takes one storm to devastate a community,” said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator. “The forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are well-prepared with significant upgrades to our computer models, emerging observation techniques, and the expertise to deliver the lifesaving forecasts that we all depend on during this, and every, hurricane season.”

- The Associated Press and reporter Yaritza Rivera Clemente contributed to this story.

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No Turning Back on PREPA’s Transformation

LUMA takes over amid power outages and protests

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UMA Energy took over the transmission and distribution operations of Puerto Rico’s power authority on Tuesday, which has struggled with blackouts and bankruptcy, corruption and mismanagement.

An estimated 2,200 LUMA workers officially began working on Tuesday, including 350 linemen.

Luma also has staff and resources on hand from its parent company, as part of the service commencement.

In recent weeks, there have been a number of power outages across the island, affecting as many as 40,000 customers. On Tuesday morning, around 19,000 customers were without power.

Meanwhile, protests continued against the LUMA contract, with manifestations being held in San Juan, Ponce and Caguas. Some union leaders have vowed to continue the fight throughout the summer.

While Puerto Rico’s electrical system has been “fragile” for years, it is unclear what is causing the periodic outages. There has also been speculation that some of the outages could be caused by disgruntled electricity workers who are against the LUMA deal. LUMA officials said if evidence is found of sabotage or trespassing, then charges would be filed against those allegedly involved.

The takeover by LUMA Energy under a 15year contract coincided with the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, with many across Puerto Rico worried about the transition and whether the new company can handle a severe storm. The U.S. territory is still struggling to recover from Hurricane Maria, which destroyed most of the power grid in September 2017.

“It is extraordinarily fragile and in very poor condition,” warned Wayne Stensby, CEO of LUMA, a consortium made up of Calgary, Alberta-based Atco and Quanta Services Inc. of Houston.

However, Stensby said the company, which will serve all of the island’s roughly 1.5 million clients, has enough resources to handle a Category 2 hurricane and can bring in more equipment and workers if a stronger storm hits.

The agreement approved by the territory’s

>Carlos Rivera Giusti

The Weekly Journal Staff and Associated Press

government and a federal control board calls for LUMA to spend billions of dollars in upgrading the battered system — with most of that money coming from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency — while receiving hundreds of millions of dollars for managing the system.

Officials are betting the private operator can do better than the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), which has struggled to restore the storm-battered electrical grid and keep power flowing while trying to cope with $9 billion in debt — more than that of any other government agency in Puerto Rico.

Even with privatization, most analysts expect the government and control board will be forced to agree to an eventual power rate increase to meet the demands of bondholders.

Unresolved Blackouts a Priority

LUMA has inherited the unresolved blackouts, which is its immediate priority, along with strengthening the transmission system, improving the worst performing feeder lines, and installing street lights in many areas that remain in the dark.

“We don’t wish to go into June 1 with a large backlog of outages, but it’s going to be what it’s going to be,” Stensby said.

Puerto Rico chose LUMA in June 2020 to operate and modernize the island’s transmission and distribution system.

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi said the company has pledged to reduce power interruptions by 30 percent, the length of outages by 40 percent and cut workplace accidents by 50 percent. “We’ve had a bankrupt... [and] incompetent public utility

for too long,” he said. “The transformation that is underway will make a difference.”

But critics have called on the government to cancel the deal. A Texas-based nonprofit, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, complained that LUMA would not be penalized for failing to save money or meet renewable energy goals.

It said the control board “is turning a blind eye to some of the same fiscal practices that led the commonwealth into bankruptcy,” wrote Tom Sanzillo, the nonprofit’s director of financial analysis. “These include politically driven contracting processes, poorly documented cash transfers between commonwealth entities, lack of clarity and accountability for budgetary savings initiatives, failure to prioritize renewable energy and costly and shortsighted labor management.”

The Puerto Rico-based Center for a New Economy, a nonpartisan think tank, also criticized the deal, saying, “There are no guarantees that the process to modernize and transform [the electric authority] will be successful.”

But the federal board said the effort must go forward. If the Electric Power Authority is not transformed, the economy will shrink, said David Skeel, the board’s chairman. “Some people are not happy with it, but it is the way forward,” he said of the contract. “It is absolutely essential, in my view.”

Puerto Rico’s power generation units average 45 years old, twice those of the U.S. mainland, and a fiscal plan approved by the federal board foresees LUMA spending some $3.85 billion through fiscal year 2024 to revamp the transmission and distribution system.

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One of the proposals to revamp tourism in the northern region is more security measures at the recently reopened Camuy River Cave Park. >Archive

Unleashing Tourism’s Potential in the Northern Region Foundation for Puerto Rico develops strategies in its ‘Bottom Up’ initiative

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Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

oundation for Puerto Rico, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the island’s economic development and resilience, has presented a series of initiatives to revamp the island’s northern region based on a novel program designed in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017.

The purpose of this program, called the Bottom Up Destination Recovery Initiative (Bottom Up), is to reactivate economic activity in various regions outside the San Juan metropolitan area, based on sustainable solutions, focused on supporting communities so they may be more resilient and proactive in the development of their essential social, natural and cultural assets for the area’s tourism development. Since its beginning, Bottom Up - funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration - has promoted immersement in the corresponding communities and has been carried out in 14 municipalities: Aguadilla, Arecibo, Barceloneta, Cabo Rojo, Camuy, Ceiba, Fajardo, Humacao, Isabela, Luquillo, Manatí, Naguabo, Orocovis and San Germán.

“Our program seeks to strengthen communities to stimulate their recovery and assist with the infrastructure necessary for their development.

Through collaboration with a diverse group within the same community, we work on developing

destination plans. These plans establish a guide to projects and proposals to develop the assets of the region, and thus attract more visitors, both local and international. All recommendations within these plans seek to have a positive effect on the economic development of the communities,” said Annie Mayol, president and Chief Operating Officer for Foundation for Puerto Rico.

During the two-day virtual event, the nonprofit discussed the development plans for two groups composed of two northern municipalities each; Group 1 included Arecibo and Camuy, while Group 2 focused on Barceloneta and Manatí. Specifically, following two six-month phases on evaluating the needs and assets of these towns, Foundation for Puerto Rico outlined strategies to optimize their tourism potential.

The region-specific recommendations for Arecibo and Camuy underscore a set of investments that reflect the region’s strategic position as an easily accessible, day-trip destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, with the entity highlighting that they are both rich in history, architecture, Puerto Rican culture, and with scenic oceanfront dining experiences.

Focusing on Nature’s Wonders

As such, the development plan for these includes the following recommendations: investing in the public environment of the urban center of Arecibo to create a more welcoming and active experience; more security measures at the recently reopened Camuy River Cave Park; improving the property adjacent to Camuy’s Cueva del Indio (a cave popular with locals and visitors); and expanding Hatillo’s Finca Pajuil to Arecibo to offer more lodging opportunities.

For Barceloneta and Manatí, the nonprofit

also highlighted their oceanfront restaurants and beaches, as well as their opportunities in agrotourism and “voluntourism” (volunteering and tourism). The recommendations for this group are: establishing Manatí’s Fruits of the Guacabo as the agriculture center of the northern region; revitalizing Playa de los Tubos in Manatí to build a conglomerate of activities; improving the visitor experience at Manatí’s Playa Mar Chiquita by adding sanitation spaces; revitalizing Manatí’s urban center, including a redesign of the Recreation Plaza and the former José de Diego School; and connecting coastal assets and beachfront restaurant clusters through a shared multi-use trail that allows residents and visitors to explore the region by bike, other micromobility options, or on foot.

“Through Bottom Up, we have supported over 500 nonprofit organizations and more than 600 businesses, and distributed more than 2,000 products to promote resilience such as solar lights and water tanks. Also, we have conducted more than 95 workshops with over 3,800 participants. We recently donated around $588,000 worth of solar panels and batteries to 21 nonprofit organizations that provide essential services during emergencies to communities. We are confident that the future implementation of the destination plans by the communities and other collaborators will have a multiplier effect, and will contribute significantly to the economic development of the municipalities,” said Michelle Torres, manager of Bottom Up. She emphasized that Foundation for Puerto Rico receives input from the towns’ entrepreneurs, municipal offices, community leaders, nonprofits and other residents to create community-driven results.

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The function of the Agricultural Station is to contribute to the development of agro-industries through education and research. >Archive

UPR’s Agricultural Experiment Station Faces 50 Percent Budget Cut University responds; budget not finalized

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The Weekly Journal Staff

he Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) will suffer a 50 percent cut in its budget for the next fiscal year 2021-2022, beginning on July 1 this year, which is equivalent to a virtual closure, as reported by the chair of the House Agriculture Committee, Jorge A. Rivera Segarra.

The Agricultural Experiment Station currently has 240 employees distributed in six substations around Puerto Rico (Lajas, Isabela, Adjuntas, Juana Díaz, Corozal and Gurabo) and two research centers (established in Río Piedras and Mayagüez).

“It is highly contradictory to drastically reduce the budget of the institution that works on options to increase the efficiency of local production, maintains collections of fruit trees, collaborates in the teaching of boys and girls, young university students, farmers and other people who are interested in knowing about our agriculture,” Rivera said.

Specifically, the Popular Democratic Party lawmaker informed that according to the Station, its annual $12 million a year budget will be slashed to $6 million. “That would condemn our agriculture to lose the institution that offers services to farmers such as the sale of seeds, soil analysis and options to counteract pests,” the

[former Gov.] Ricardo Rosselló.” legislator explained, adding that he will begin an investigation to learn the motives behind the big budget slash.

UPR President Responds Rivera’s comments came as Puerto Rico is trying Meanwhile, the UPR’s administration denied to promote agriculture as a local industry and that a drastic cut is contemplated for the in particular, agro-tourism, which has become Agricultural Experiment Station. “For the next popular in recent years. fiscal year, the budget allocation to the Agricultural Moreover, he lambasted the Financial Oversight Experiment Station will remain similar to the and Management Board (FOMB) current one. The UPR Fiscal Plan for allocating $750 million for has not been certified; therefore, the public-private partnership there is still no final budget,” said contract between LUMA Energy UPR President Jorge Haddock. and the Puerto Rico Electric He added that the academic Power Authority, while slashing institution’s administration has The University of dollars from the program been working “ardently and Puerto Rico, the designed to “support the future of responsibly” to retain its services island’s main Puerto Rico’s agriculture. offered through the Station, institution of “The Agriculture Committee despite budget slashes that have higher learning, has that I preside presented a positive impacted the public university established a new report on the 10th House bill to system. The Station “plays an master’s degree create the Food Safety Advisory extremely important role for program in Farming Council, attached to the Office of the University, especially at this Economy, the only the Governor of Puerto Rico. It time when the need to promote one of its kind in aims to provide advice, analysis sustainable agriculture to Puerto Rico and the and development of proposals for promote economic development Caribbean, according the design of a public policy that and food security on the island to the UPR president. addresses food security in Puerto has been demonstrated,” he Rico,” Rivera stated. affirmed.

The measure was approved Haddock added that the despite opposition from island’s main institution of higher representatives from the New learning has established a new Progressive Party, whom Rivera claimed “have not master’s degree program in Farming Economy, explained to date why they oppose Puerto Rico the only one of its kind in Puerto Rico and the to work effectively and scientifically on its food Caribbean. “We continue to position the University security, given that a measure for those same globally and create innovative programs that purposes that was signed during the Alejandro contribute to the development of Puerto Rico,” he García Padilla administration was repealed by asserted.

In fact,

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Blurring the Line Between Work and Vacation

Condado Beach Club, Base Co-Work announce collaboration

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The Weekly Journal Staff

or many people, it’s not unheard of to work during their vacations.

Harmonizing work with vacation is now easier, thanks to the new collaborative alliance between the Condado Ocean Club Hotel and the shared workspace, Base Co-Work, located in Santurce.

“For those people who want to transport their work from home to paradise, at Condado Ocean Club we have created a special offer that will allow them to enjoy the best of a stay in Puerto Rico, and complete their work tasks in a co-working urban and technological space, as is Base Co-Work.

Among their affinities, both Condado Ocean Club and Base Co-Work are characterized by offering membership-based personalized services that allow each person to customize their experience, so they only have to select their preferences and we will make sure they have a spectacular few days,” said Albert Charbonneau, general manager of Condado Ocean Club.

As part of the new normal caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are not only working from home or following a hybrid schedule, but they are also remote working from paradise.

Puerto Rico is part of the push to attract these remote workers by promoting the Caribbean island as the perfect destination to vacation and work at the same time. The island is targeting many Americans to come and work remotely; since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, no passports, work visas or insurance are required for U.S. citizens.

Just 10 minutes away from Condado, Base CoWork offers an incredible shared workspace that includes common areas, individual workspaces, state-of-the-art technology, ergonomic furniture, high-quality printing services, and constant cleaning of areas, among others services.

The minimalist and spacious setting of Base CoWork provides a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for working and its location, in the heart of Santurce, is steps away from a variety of restaurants and coffee shops to provide a complete experience.

“At Base Co-Work, we are super excited to collaborate with the Condado Ocean Club Hotel,

Base Co-Work is just minutes away from Condado and is surrounded by local restaurants and cafés. >Facebook/Base Co-Work

as it allows us to expose our co-working space to The general public can enjoy the Work-Based travelers from all over the world who will be able Vacay offer! by selecting a day pass, weekly pass to see what it is like to work and vacation in the or work on demand using the code: WORK | tropics. The best thing is that Base adapts to the BASE CODE: OCEAN10 at the time of making their needs of each person because it reservations. This offer, which is open 24/7, is located very close starts at $279.00 per room per to Condado, and has different night, is available from May 1 to spaces such as phone booths, September 30, 2021, and does hot desks, private offices and not include taxes or hotel fees.

Puerto Rico conference rooms so that they For reservations, you can call 787is part of the push can work in comfort,” said Luis 625-6000 or visit https://www. to attract remote Báeck-Black, president and CEO condadooceanclub.com/offers. workers by promoting of Base Co-Work.

The Condado Ocean Club the Caribbean For those who may not be Hotel brings the concept of an island as the perfect aware of the new lingo, “hot oceanfront lifestyle in San Juan destination to desks,” or hot desking refers to a to the public. It is located at 1045 vacation and work at workspace system in which desks Ashford Ave. in San Juan. The the same time. are used by different people at venue offers 96 contemporary different times. rooms, featuring huge floor-toBase Co-Work is located at ceiling windows that provide 1666 Ponce de León Ave. in spectacular views of the Atlantic Santurce. To learn more details Ocean and the adjacent Condado about the space or to take a virtual tour, visit its Lagoon. For more information, call 787-625-6000 website at https://basecw.com/. or visit https://www.condadooceanclub.com.

In fact,

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Students Develop Eco-Friendly Spaces in

Minecraft Education Challenge

Winners proposed recreational areas with COVID-19 protocols

T Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

More than 100 students submitted their community development projects for the competition. >Courtesy of Microsoft

@giopgarofalo

wo students from Puerto Rico’s public school system were recognized for developing sustainable and coronavirusmindful community blueprints in an educational initiative that merged problem-solving skills with video games.

The Microsoft Minecraft Challenge was developed by the tech giant’s local division and the Puerto Rico Department of Education so that students from grades 5 to 12 could propose re-envisioned spaces or solutions for their communities, schools or municipalities, which allowed for social activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. To design these projects, students used Microsoft’s Minecraft Education, which integrates the popular sandbox game to foster creativity and ingenious design concepts.

“The main goal of the Challenge was for students to put into practice critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving through a learningbased video game platform, which is our Minecraft Education platform,” said Carla López Narváez, director of Education at Microsoft Puerto Rico.

The Microsoft Minecraft Education was divided into two categories: one for students between grades 5 and 8, and another for high schoolers (grades 9 to 12). According to López, there are over 30,000 students and teachers in Puerto Rico using Minecraft Education free of charge, and for this challenge, more than 300 students registered and over 100 projects were presented and evaluated by a committee of tech and education experts.

“We saw impressive worlds that even took into account the geographic and architectural structures of their communities, neighborhoods,

schools and municipalities. They integrated math, and many even contemplated renewable energy sources… We learned a lot from them in the process, listening to all their suggestions and models, and after that segment (of semifinalists), we chose the winners,” López said.

She added that due to the pandemic, “we wanted students to be able to present their solutions and ideas based on the situation.

Hence the opportunity to combine the theme of innovation for students to have the experience of sharing their ideas... and to be able to propose these types of solutions.”

The winner of the fifth to eighth-grade category was Millie Seise, a sixth-grader. Her project, “Keep distance and have fun in Millie’s Nature Park,” incorporates COVID-19 health protocols such as social distancing and disinfection. Seise explained that her model included eight huts “for people to spend time with family,” plus multiple hand washing and disinfecting stations, spaces for children, green areas, spots to bring animals and feed them, “and a tree in the middle to provide oxygen.” Her natural park is based on an existing location in Añasco.

Meanwhile, ninth-grader Naydin Ruiz won the second category, thanks to her “Innovative Project,” which consisted of a suburban complex with green areas and other elements for people to exercise and socialize among a natural landscape, while being mindful of social distancing and other health protocols. “Generally, the suburbs that I see, some have few trees and green areas and I wanted to increase that because nature is important to our

world. I wanted to put trees, an agricultural area, and it also has a small fountain with a few fish in order to also feel the connection with nature and the exterior,” Ruiz said.

Thanks to this experience, she is motivated to pursue a university degree in architecture or civil engineering to develop real-life community projects that “protect nature and design spaces that don’t have a negative environmental impact.”

A New Education Model

To present their projects before the committee, the students had to create their own PowerPoint presentations and discuss their initiatives at length, integrating multiple skills in addition to math, social sciences, health and environmental sciences.

Lydia Báez, the executive director of Teaching for Academic Affairs under the Education Department, affirmed that the success of the Minecraft Education Challenge has prompted her to rethink the current education model, noting that “what we are doing is not producing results.”

“With this video game initiative, right now work plans are being made to mitigate the academic lag, focused on the use of different technological tools, and one of them is Minecraft. I love to see young people engaged because with this initiative; they have developed oratory skills, reading comprehension, and we forge young leaders.

These students are given a productive experience to improve education in Puerto Rico because we have the tools, it’s a matter of how we integrate them,” she told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL.

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Víctor Rodríguez

Public Affairs Specialist (Puerto Rico and the USVI) Social Security Administration

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Replacing or Correcting Social Security Cards During the Pandemic

ocial Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations, depending upon local office conditions. However, you can continue to apply for a replacement Social Security card online and by mail.

Before requesting a replacement card, please remember that you might not need the physical card.

Most of the time, simply knowing your Social Security number is enough.

If you have a critical situation that requires you to have a physical card and you cannot apply by mail or online, you should call your local Social Security office. Please visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates page for more information at www. ssa.gov/coronavirus.

Applying Online

If you do not need any changes to your Social Security Number record - such as a name or date of birth change - applying for a replacement card online is your most convenient option. You do not need to mail proof or visit an office.

You can use our online application only if you are an adult who has a state-issued drivers’ license or nondriver identification card issued by Washington, D.C., or one of the 45 participant states that electronically verifies state-issued documents for us. All you need to do is create a “my Social Security” account to access and complete the online application at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ replacement-card.html.

If you live in one of the five states that do not participate — Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and West Virginia — or the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the others, please know that we are working hard to bring this service to you as soon as possible.

Applying by Mail

We require proof of your identity with your replacement card application (www.ssa.gov/forms/ ss-5.pdf), usually an original stateissued drivers’ license, non-driver identification card or U.S. passport.

We call these documents “primary” identity proofs. We understand mailing original primary identity proofs with your replacement card application can be challenging. To help, we are temporarily expanding our policy to accept alternative identity documents—or what we call “secondary proofs”—when you cannot mail primary proof.

Acceptable secondary proofs include, but are not limited to: • Employee identification card • School identification card • Health insurance card (not a Medicare card) • U.S. military identification card.

These proofs must be current (not expired), show your name and identifying information (such as

your date of birth or age), and be an original or a certified copy.

If you need to correct or change your name and/or surname when you mail your replacement card application, you will need to submit proof of identity plus proof of the name change. The proof of identity can be primary or secondary proof. Proof of the name change can be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name, or a court order approving the name change.

You may be able to submit one document to serve as proof of your name change and identity. For example, you may submit a marriage certificate as proof of name change and identity if the certificate shows the marriage occurred within the prior two years and: • Includes your prior name • Includes your age, birth date or parents’ names • This information matches your Social Security Number record.

We require proof of your identity with your replacement card application (www.ssa. gov/forms/ss-5.pdf), usually an original state-issued drivers’ license, non-driver identification card or U.S. passport.

We will duly return any documents you send us.

Again, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not been able to receive visitors at our field office except for previously arranged appointments on special, limited critical situations. However, we continue providing our services by phone and internet.

If you have questions on Social Security benefits and services, please access www.socialsecurity.gov. You can also access our automated services at 1-800-772-1213 or call your local Social Security office Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. To locate the telephone number of your local field office, please input your residential zip code at www.ssa. gov/locator/.

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/ Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Walking is great for you, body and soul. >Carlos Rivera Giusti

Why Doing Something You Love Boosts Your Brain Health

Learn new things, have fun and smile

C

Active Aging

onstantly worrying about endless to-do lists and crowding your schedule to “get it all done” leaves little room in your life for doing things that bring you joy.

However, taking time to do things you love can lighten your mood, improve your mental and emotional well-being, and feed your soul. Here are some ways that doing what you love is good for your brain.

Having Fun Reduces Stress

Doing things you love is fun, right? The great news is that spending time doing what you enjoy reduces stress. Living with constant pressure can cause anxiety, memory and focus issues, migraines and more.

Whether you love gardening, curling up with a good book, painting, woodworking or hiking – making time to actively engage your brain in something you love is an essential part of self-care and brain health. There’s no time like the present to start having fun!

Being Creative and Learning New Things Engages Your Mind

Maybe you already sew, crotchet, build furniture, compose music or write short stories.

Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn a new skill or hobby. Either way, creating or learning

something new exercises your mind - writing music, for example, engages both your right and left brain!

Thankfully, you’re never too old to create or learn. Motivation may wane with age, but sparking your creative drive boosts your brainpower!

Research shows that even as we age, “art and creativity offer a path of opening up the windows to people’s emotional interiors.”

Furthermore, neurons fire and communicate with each other when you learn something new.

Whether you take a cooking class, learn a foreign language or discover how to use a digital camera – any time you acquire a new skill, your brain will benefit from it.

Smiling Makes Your Brain Happy

Doing something you love boosts your spirits and is sure to bring a smile. Interestingly, your brain knows when your frown is upside down - and likes it! Dr. Murray Grossan, an ENTotolaryngologist from Los Angeles, discussed the correlation in an NBC News interview. He said, “When you smile, the brain sees the muscle [activity] and assumes that humor is happening.”

The act of smiling also reduces stress, boosts your immune system and releases the brain’s feelgood chemicals dopamine and serotonin. To steer your mind away from things that make you worried, sad or upset, take some time to do something you enjoy – something that makes you smile.

Moving Boosts Mental Health

If you love hiking, bird-watching, metaldetecting, dancing or any activity that puts your body in motion, you’re helping your brain.

Exercising increases your heart rate, which helps combat cardiovascular disease and delivers more

oxygen to your brain.

Studies show that physical activity also stabilizes your mood, improves learning, engages your memory muscle, and more. If you’re feeling down, exercising can help put you in a more positive mindset. So, if you need a mental pick-me-up, try dancing, swimming or going for a walk. Being physically active will lift your spirits and help boost your mental health.

Being Optimistic Boosts Confidence and Feeds Your Soul

Lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem prevent many people from pursuing their passions.

Harnessing the power to silence those negative inner thoughts can be life-changing and freeing!

If you’ve always wanted to write a novel, write it. Take a creative writing class to sharpen your skills. Do you want to open a bakery? Or launch a fundraiser to help your favorite charity?

With hard work and perseverance, dreams can and do come true at any age. Screenwriter David Seidler was 73 years old when he won his first-ever Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2010 for penning “The King’s Speech.” Seidler grew up in London and stuttered like King George VI, about whom he wrote the film script.

In his inspirational acceptance speech, Seidler said, “My father always said to me I would be a late bloomer. I believe I am the oldest person to win this particular award. I hope that record is broken quickly and often.”

The big takeaway is: Do what you love with passion and determination. Staying optimistic and believing in yourself boosts confidence and feeds your soul. So, dig in, work hard and never give up! Success is out there waiting for you to go and find it.

14

/ Wednesday, June 2, 2021 Puerto Rico is heralded by many professional surfers as “the Hawaii of the Caribbean.” >All photos by Héctor Vázquez

Surfing Paradise in the Caribbean

Puerto Rico a top destination for surfers

P Héctor L. Vázquez

hvazquez@elvocero.com

In fact, And, although in Puerto Rico there are waves all yearround, at the end of January, the famous three to four days arrive that wake up the Sleeping Beauties, as these huge waves are known.

@Hectorvazquez-

uerto Rico is known to many people as a natural paradise for its beautiful beaches that can be enjoyed year-round, thanks to the warm tropical climate of the Caribbean. However, beyond the island’s obvious beauty, a select group of surfers recognizes that every year the socalled Caribbean winter occurs, around the same dates of the calendar.

This is common knowledge among locals and those who visit the island during the “cold” season, who enjoy Puerto Rico as an important surfing destination. When the tide changes, the cold fronts arrive and the south winds appear, which officially marks the beginning of the best surfing season.

Every year, a group of Puerto Rican and international surfers go out in search of the thrills that Mother Nature offers in the northern and western coasts of the island. The secret spots are activated with perfect swells, which can be

compared to the best waves in the world. These local places have nothing to envy of the wellknown surfing capitals of the world, such as Hawaii and California, for example. These local coasts

also have reefs, which have the capacity to withstand a wave that exceeds 30 feet in height.

And, although in Puerto Rico there are waves all year round, at the end of January, the famous three to four days arrive that wake up the Sleeping Beauties, as these huge waves are known.

On this epic date, Tres Palmas, Gas Chamber and Manglitos beaches are, among

15

/ Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Puerto Rico is an epic place to practice surfing and when we have swells of this magnitude, obviously we are all happy.

- Puerto Rican surfer Otto Flores

obviously we are all happy. Obviously, it must be observed that safety in the water is important, but apart from that, the adrenaline and everything we want becomes a reality,” said the legendary Otto Flores, one of the several internationally recognized Puerto Rican surfers, who has been on several covers of the famous Surfing Magazine.

For Flores, the sport has allowed him to travel the world and compare our native waves against the best in the world.

“Fortunately, God put me in a place that has world-caliber waves. I have gone around the world. All places have their merit, but there is nothing like catching worldclass waves at home, sleeping in your bed and being with family. Having perfect waves at home is essential,” added Flores, who always visits the great swells of the island.

Moreover, Ernesto Zambrana, a so-called shaper, agreed that Puerto Rico is a worldwide surfing destination. “Anyone who has been in this sport for years knows the potential. In this cycle of swells and with the predictions that were expected, world-class surfers and the best in the field arrive just to ride these waves that last just under a week,” he explained.

“In my experience of more than four decades, both as an athlete and as a technician of this sport, all the surfers that I have met and spent time with have named our island as the Hawaii of the Caribbean. To mention just one of them, is the 11-time world champion, Kelly Slater, who learned a lot from the good waves on our coasts since childhood,” Zambrana added.

In less than a year, the Sleeping Beauties will reawaken and more and more fans will come to enjoy their natural strength.

others, where you can see the best backyard surfers in the water and also the most novice beachgoers on the shore appreciating the power of nature. The mythical wave takes place in the towns of Aguadilla and Rincón. These spots may sleep all year round until the swells arrive with great waves from the Atlantic Ocean. The geographical position of these towns and their reefs are the perfect combination to unite with this

natural force.

While all the news reports warn about the big waves and how dangerous it can be to be on the coast, sports lovers enjoy the best of the surfing season.

“Puerto Rico is an epic place to practice surfing and when we have swells of this magnitude,

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