The Weekly Journal June 3-9, 2020

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

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Wednesday, June 3-9, 2020 — // no. 058

Guayacán Focused on Opportunities P6 FOMB Victorious With SCOTUS P7 Tourism: Golf Courses Reopen P8

Puerto Rico’s Youth Faces

New Challenges, Opportunities The job market in the coronavirus age

F

>Courtesy

Giovanna Garofalo

The Reality of ‘COVID-15’ P14

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

aced with the realities of a global crisis due to COVID-19, natural disasters and a 14-year economic recession, Puerto Rico’s young adults now have drastically different concerns, priorities and opportunities than their predecessors.

Glorielie Santiago obtained her Bachelor’s degree just last week from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Ponce campus in Psychology with an emphasis on rehabilitation. Santiago’s vocation in life is

to work with people with mental health problems and different disabilities to help them join the workforce. But her own path toward work stability could be laden with obstacles.

Santiago just learned that she was admitted to the UPR’s Graduate School of Rehabilitation Counseling at the Río Piedras campus in San Juan.

Under ordinary circumstances, she would have already started planning to move on campus or nearby, finding a part-time job to pay off her needs, or just celebrating the good news with her GO TO PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, June 3, 2020 > 2

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a week in review

FOMB Certifies Puerto Rico Govt’s 2020 Fiscal Plan

>Courtesy

>Josian E. Bruno Gómez

>Archive

The Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) approved the Puerto Rico government’s 2020 Fiscal Plan, which was revised due to the coronavirus crisis. The plan provides a one-year delay in most categories of government “right sizing,” such as cuts to the University of Puerto Rico and municipalities.

HHS: $11B Available for Health Providers in Puerto Rico June 3 is the new deadline for medical providers to apply for the second tranche of CARES Act funding, which still has $11 billion available for eligible providers in Puerto Rico, according to the Health and Human Services Department.

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

Puerto Rico’s Restaurant Industry in Peril The Puerto Rico Restaurants Association urged the government and the Oversight Board to extend the curfew until 10 p.m. and temporarily stop collecting the sales tax on prepared food to help increase traffic in their establishments. The entity warned that inaction would result in the closure of 1,000 restaurants and 16,000 layoffs.

President Salvador Hasbún shasbun@elvocero.com

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

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

Comptroller Félix A. Rosa frosa@elvocero.com

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

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

Production Director Eligio Dekony edekony@elvocero.com

Editorial Director Juan Miguel Muñiz Guzmán jmuniz@elvocero.com

Assistant Editor/ Reporter Rosario Fajardo rfajardo@wjournal.com

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

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 friends and family. Far from providing a sense of control over her future, the current circumstances engulfing Puerto Rico and the rest of the world have raised a plethora of anxieties that all boil down to the devastating state of uncertainty.

“I think my main concern in itself is not knowing what will happen. The fact that everyone is on standby waiting for something to happen or that they say ‘everything is fine,’ but not knowing when that will happen or how our lifestyles will change — that is my main concern; and not only to me but to everyone because I am sure that most of them feel that way right now,” she told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. Having lived in Ponce when the region was impacted by seismic activities earlier this year, the coronavirus threat, economic stagnancy and the new hurricane season are layers upon layers to her already shattered work and education expectations. Sometime after resuming classes in Ponce’s UPR — while some people are still living in shelters — and as she was still doing her practice, the governor issued an islandwide lockdown. As a result, she could not continue with her student’s practice, though she said that what little training she had gave her deeper insight into her field.

While Santiago aspires to put that knowledge and passion to use in Puerto Rico, she lamented

If I don’t eventually find something that favors me psychologically, mentally and financially here on the island, then I will seek other alternatives.

-Nelson Ortiz, computer engineering student

that she would resort to emigrating if she doesn’t find a job that provides a livable income — and she’s not the only one.

Nelson Ortiz, a computer engineering student from Ana G. Méndez University’s Gurabo campus, observed that there are jobs available — especially in his high-demand field — but said that they were not well remunerated. He attributed this to a lack of competitiveness, stating that some entities have monolithic control over his particular discipline.

“I would love to stay in Puerto Rico, but if I don’t eventually find something that favors me psychologically, mentally and financially here on

the island, then I will seek other alternatives… with a heavy heart,” he bemoaned. “I would go wherever the future takes me… As long as I have a good life, and I don’t want to be a millionaire either; I just want to live well, live with dignity, and keep going forward.”

Neither Ortiz nor Santiago want to leave the island, but the economic circumstances — fused with sociopolitical affairs, infrastructural damages and community vulnerability — have forced them to entertain the notion of moving to the U.S. mainland, which is currently undergoing hardships of its own in the shape of drooping unemployment numbers and ongoing protests after the death of George Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis at the hands of a white police officer.

Fewer People, Job Losses

Inteligencia Económica, a local firm, estimated last week that roughly 300,000 people will leave the island within the next two years, while 417,000 jobs will have been impacted directly by the coronavirus emergency. So far, COVID-19 “has caused unemployment for 350,000 private workers, nearly 50 percent of the private sector,” the company explained.

“In 2019, employment in Puerto Rico rose to 870,000, of which 650,000 were private, and 220,000 were generated by the government.

The current crisis places 343,000 jobs from five

University students lamented that if, after graduating, they do not find a job that meets their expectations, they would move out of Puerto Rico.

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EDP University President Gladys Nieves and economist Heriberto Martínez stressed the importance of seeking niche markets.

important industries at risk. If 25 percent of those jobs were lost, 85,000 jobs would be lost permanently. That is 13 percent of total private employment,” the firm warned.

When prompted with this data, Ortiz opined that the pandemic and its subsequent shrinkage effect on the population will open a window toward revolutionizing the current work culture, which could result in job creations.

“It would open a more modern market in Puerto Rico because people here are working the same way that they did some 20, 30 or even 40 years ago. This is opening the door for us to go digital, which would create more work for me too, as a computer engineering student. In my individual character, I would say that it favors me in the sense that it would create more employment in what I am studying,” the student and Evertec employee said.

A Glimmer of Hope

Heriberto Martínez, a board member of the Puerto Rico Association of Economists, explained that virtually every traditional professional field in Puerto Rico is overly saturated. Moreover, contrary to popular belief — which dictates that Master’s degrees are the new Bachelor’s — the economist affirmed that neither undergraduate or graduate levels of education would ensure employment.

“What we have to be very clear about is that this idea that the university degree represented a natural transition toward a labor market where you were going to be successful has been shown

game development company. “Right now, [my not to be the case when analyzing economic friends and I] are developing the plans — because trends,” he said.

I’m not an artist either. You have to look for the Despite a generally grim scenario for Puerto artists and you have to wait to have some kind of Rico’s new and upcoming generations of workers, budget,” he indicated.

Martínez affirmed that these young adults have Martínez recommends new opportunities, thanks to students and new graduates to growing consumer interest (and learn about cooperatives and how demand) in niche markets, such these financial entities can assist as craft beers, artisan breads them in their entrepreneurial and startups. According to ventures. the economist, students upon The co-op “[Co-ops] are hiring many graduating will have to face the movement has fact that they will either have to young people interested in become an start their own businesses or collaborating and forming alternative business market themselves as one. cooperatives. Why? They don’t organization for His statements were echoed by have previous capital, they don’t all those who have Gladys Nieves, president of EDP have access to credit; therefore, the knowledge and University, who explained that risk must be shared and the entrepreneurship her institution focuses on niche most effective way within the spirit, which could markets and entrepreneurship. legal system in Puerto Rico to be applied in a “We are a niche university, create a joint venture is with market with limited where we notice a need in the cooperativism,” he stated. job offers. market or society and we address He stressed that the co-op it… We are focused on providing movement has become an our students with the tools to alternative business organization for all those who have knowledge lead and find a way to earn a living,” Nieves said. “We are highly aware that there that could be applied in a market with limited job offers. really has to be that need… and that if there is no job market per se, there is still a possibility of “I believe that if we promote these two areas undertaking that career.”

— niche markets and companies in collaboration Ortiz himself said that he would like to take a with cooperatives — we will have space for young dabble at entrepreneurship, and specifically in people to start their own material life project and video games and eSports through his own indie build their vision of the country,” Martínez said.

In fact,

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Guayacán Opens Doors to the Future

The program focuses its horizon on the expansion and export of local businesses

D

Brenda A. Vázquez Colón

espite current vicissitudes, the Guayacán Venture Accelerator (GVA) program continues with its mission to help businesses develop themselves and boost their growth capacity in times of great economic challenges.

The initiative consists of the selection of 14 companies prepared to take the next step to expand and open a field in Puerto Rico or abroad, marketing their products or services. Participants — selected through a competitive process — must have at least three years of operations One of GVA’s first online sessions to train entrepreneurs >Courtesy and demonstrate that they have the capacity and commitment to develop and implement an aggressive growth plan. recognized in the business world both in Puerto “The program is designed for growth Rico and internationally. opportunities. We provide workshops with Each company is offered the help of a mentor resources in different areas of need. They are to develop its expansion plans and they benefit helped with management and contacts that can from coaching sessions to present their growth help them, depending on each industry and its plans before a panel of business experts and local challenges. The program has and international investors at the proved to be an agent of change GVA Company Showcase.

-Shayra Norat, owner of Viktor Pollo that has enabled hundreds of Shayra Norat, administrator entrepreneurs to expand their of Viktor Pollo — a chain of companies’ vision to successfully restaurants specialized in selling take them to the next level,” BBQ chicken with seven locations of Contemporary Art, P.E.C.E.S. and PR Deli Since 2010, the explained Natalia Arias, program in Puerto Rico and one in Florida Provisions.

GVA has impacted manager at Grupo Guayacán.

— explained the benefit of Launched in 2010, the GVA is the only business over 79 graduating “For this year’s participants, the workshops, since she was acceleration program in Puerto Rico designed to companies the knowledge and tools that we chosen as one of the participants enhance the growth of established companies representing more provide during the workshops in the 2020 group. with a demonstrated commitment and capacity than 6,000 jobs and come at a propitious moment “I have only taken a three-day to design and implement aggressive growth over 251 executives. so that they can sustain workshop and I have benefited a strategies. Participating companies are guided themselves and evolve within the lot because I am already seeing to critically evaluate their business model, scenario that we face due to the how I am going to start the incorporate strategies for rapid growth, and pandemic,” she added. expansion. The tools they give determine the type of resources needed to The Advanced Executive Education curriculum you can be used immediately to plan the growth execute these new strategies. provides participants with the knowledge and of your business. We are very positive about The program concludes with a company tools to develop their growth plans. This may expanding our wagons in Puerto Rico and the showcase where the participating companies include expanding its local presence, developing United States,” Norat said about her company, will present their growth plans to the business new lines of products or services, or exporting which has 165 employees. and investment community. Since 2010, the GVA to new markets. The program is made up of Selected companies include Alten Group, has impacted over 79 graduating companies 14 virtual educational workshops offered by a Arcon, Better Blinds, Chocolate Cortés, representing more than 6,000 jobs and over 251 group of academics, executives and investors Hacienda San Pedro, the Puerto Rico Museum executives.

The tools they give you can be used immediately to plan the growth of your business.

In fact,

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In fact, In his opinion for the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Stephen Breyer wrote that the board’s makeup is not controlled by the Constitution’s provision on appointments, but by the Appointments Clause.

The FOMB was established by the federal government under Promesa in 2016 to oversee Puerto Rico’s debt restructuring. >Carlos Rivera Giusti

Mixed Reactions to Supreme Court’s Ruling on Oversight Board Financial entity welcomes the decision, local politicians denounce colonialism

T Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

he Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (FOMB) has welcomed the Supreme Court of the United States’ (SCOTUS) unanimous decision that will allow the federal government- appointed entity to continue its mandate of lifting the island out of its fiscal crisis.

Others, though, saw the decision by SCOTUS as a clear sign of the island’s colonial status.

The FOMB was created in 2016 under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (Promesa), a federal law to oversee the restructuring process of the island’s public debt and other obligations, which is roughly $129 billion.

“The Supreme Court confirmed that Promesa established the Oversight Board as an entity within the Government of Puerto Rico and that the congressionally mandated process for selecting members of the Oversight Board does not violate the Constitution’s Appointments Clause,” the board said in a missive. The Appointments Clause is a provision that gives Congress significant control

over U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico.

“Promesa’s appointment process has established a bipartisan Oversight Board, ensuring balanced decisions to help Puerto Rico recover and prosper.

The Members of the Oversight Board have an important mandate: to help Puerto Rico recover from an unsustainable debt burden and decades of fiscal mismanagement. The Oversight Board has been renegotiating Puerto Rico’s debt and has been steadily working toward instituting long term fiscal planning and balanced budgeting,” the board added.

Meanwhile, Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González — Puerto Rico’s nonvoting representative in Congress — rejected the Supreme Court’s decision, denouncing that it reaffirms the island’s territorial status. González, a member of the prostatehood New Progressive Party (NPP), affirmed that the ruling reiterates that Puerto Rico is “a colony with no political or economic power.”

“The powers of the Board are powers that Congress cannot impose on a state. This decision shows once again that if Puerto Rico wants to have control of local affairs, it must become a state,” she said.

Her statements were echoed by fellow NPP member and gubernatorial hopeful Pedro Pierluisi, who also seized the opportunity to push the pro-statehood agenda ahead of another political status referendum. However, back in 2016 — when he served as resident commissioner — Pierluisi tweeted, “Promesa is the best opportunity that we have to solve the immediate fiscal crisis in PR and get it on track for a better future.”

On the opposite end of the political spectrum, Sen. Juan Dalmau of the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) — and gubernatorial candidate — also voiced his opposition, opining that the decision validates the assertion that Puerto Rico is a colony, thus lacking autonomy.

The controversial case stemmed from a constitutional challenge to the oversight board’s composition led by hedge funds that invested in Puerto Rican bonds. A lower court ruled in 2019 that the board’s members were appointed in violation of the Constitution because they were not confirmed by the Senate.

The president selects the board’s seven voting members. They and one other nonvoting member chosen by Puerto Rico’s governor approve budgets and fiscal plans drawn up by the island’s government.

The board also handles bankruptcy-like cases that allow the island to restructure its debts.

In his opinion for the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Stephen Breyer wrote that the board’s makeup is not controlled by the Constitution’s provision on appointments, but by the Appointments Clause.

“The Board’s statutory responsibilities consist of primarily local duties, namely, representing Puerto Rico in bankruptcy proceedings and supervising aspects of Puerto Rico’s fiscal and budgetary policies. We therefore find that the Board members are not ‘Officers of the United States.’ For that reason, the Appointments Clause does not dictate how the Board’s members must be selected,” Breyer wrote.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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The Links Course at Royal Isabela has reopened, as have many other Puerto Rico businesses, including golf courses, resorts and other hospitality venues. >Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico

No Change in Hotel Occupancy for Puerto Rico; U.S. Mainland Sees Improvements

Several Puerto Rico Golf Courses Reopen

H Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

otel occupancy rates in Puerto Rico remain low, at -92 percent for the week of May 10, according to the latest report from Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s destination marketing organization (DMO).

Since the week of March 29, hotel occupancy rates on the island have hovered between -92 percent and -95 percent, according to the DMO. “Puerto Rico’s losses continue to be more than 90 percent off the previous year, far more severe than average,” said Discover Puerto Rico in its May 28 report.

By contrast, “hotel occupancy has begun to improve across the rest of the U.S. The average decline in occupancy across the U.S. is near where it was at the beginning of community shutdowns in mid-March.”

The uptick in hotel occupancy rates for the U.S. mainland has been attributed to more states easing lockdown rules. As a result, destinations, especially those on beaches, are seeing hotel occupancy of upward of 80 percent on weekend nights, reported the DMO. “For the rest of the U.S., ‘the trend of ‘less bad’ data continued with occupancy and ADR [average

daily rate] on a slow climb driven by a fifth consecutive week-to-week increase in demand,” said Jan Freitag, STR’s Senior VP of Lodging Insights. The U.S. company provides market data on the hotel industry worldwide.

“Last week’s data showed demand of more than 10 million room nights sold for the first time since the end of March, and this past week, the industry inched close to 11 million. All 50 states have at least partially reopened, so slow weekly demand growth should continue with more leisure activity around the country. Weekend occupancies continue to increase at a healthy clip, especially in drive-to destinations with beach access like Florida,” Freitag said.

A nationwide poll by Destination Analytics, showed mixed results on people’s travel plans.

“More than a quarter expect to be traveling within the first three months of travel restrictions being lifted. But more than one in five are at the opposite end of the spectrum and don’t anticipate traveling for more than a year,” the DMO said. However, younger audiences continue to be more interested in traveling in the short-term than average. The poll was conducted between May 22- 24, 2020, among 1,223 respondents.

Good News for Golfers

Golf enthusiasts will be happy to know that many of Puerto Rico’s 18 golf courses have now reopened, as the lockdown rules on the coronavirus crisis have continued to ease on the island.

Puerto Rico is joining the rest of the United

States as pertains to the game; golf courses have reopened in all 50 states. According to the National Golf Foundation, around 98 percent of the nation’s golf courses are now open.

With social distancing now the norm, the issue is not a top concern among golfers, as there are plenty of distances in a golf course, including the greens. At the same time, people are craving time to be outside and golf is a safe way to exercise.

Some island courses are open to everyone, including Royal Isabela, Club Deportivo del Oeste, and more. Other island courses are currently open to members only — TPC Dorado Beach, Palmas Athletic Club and Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, for example — with the public expected to be welcomed back soon.

Courses have installed safeguards to enhance safe recreation, including staff using personal protective gear, as well as sanitizing golf carts and the Pro Shop common areas throughout the day.

The National Golf Foundation is optimistic about the future outlook for the sport. “The financial outlook for golfers is, on average, a bit more optimistic than the average American — in part because of a general skew in affluence (household income for core golf consumers is more than 50 percent higher than the average U.S. household), but also because of a skew in age and career stage (roughly a quarter are retired — 33 percent higher than nongolfers),” according to the Foundation.

Golfers are attributing the majority of their belttightening behaviors to, simply, the inability to go out and spend like they ordinarily would.

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Malls Reopen; Retail Therapy May Never Be The Same

Reactivating the economy in the new normal

N Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

ow that the Puerto Rico government has eased lockdown restrictions on businesses, a number of malls on the island began welcoming thousands of customers earlier this week.

On the positive side, malls have reopened. On the questionable side, the future of retail therapy may never be the same.

Growing up in Oregon, malls were the place to hang out, watch a movie, grab a bite to eat and even go ice skating. Malls, including those in Puerto Rico, have become an important social and entertainment venue for many people. Before the coronavirus crisis, many seniors would go to local malls to walk, socialize and exercise. Stores, restaurants and movie theaters were still the norm, but in recent years, malls have also become venues for musical performances, car shows and art exhibits.

All that has changed with the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is unclear if malls can return to the pre-coronavirus age “normal.”

Still, the good news for many is that malls have reopened and the economy is moving again, after the strict lockdown rules imposed by the Puerto Rico government in mid-March.

This week, a number of malls have reopened, such as Plaza Las Américas, the Mall of San Juan, San Patricio Plaza, the Outlet 66 Mall in Canóvanas, Plaza Del Caribe in Ponce, and Mayagüez Mall in the west.

Pursuant to an Executive Order by the governor, all shopping centers must ensure that the maximum number of customers for the entire mall does not exceed 25 percent of the capacity established in the 2018 Puerto Rico Building Code.

In the case of San Patricio Plaza, it will allow a maximum occupancy of 4,117 customers and, unlike other malls — such as San Juan’s Plaza Las Américas and Ponce’s Plaza del Caribe — it will not require reservations.

Safety Measures in Place

Customers must wear face masks at all malls and their temperatures are scanned before entering. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4

Plaza Las Américas in San Juan was among the shopping centers that recently reopened in Puerto Rico. >Brandon Cruz González

degrees Fahrenheit or higher is not permitted in the premises. Social distancing rules will be followed inside the shopping centers. The Mall of San Juan said that it will use labels to ensure social distancing precautions, as well as designated sanitation stops.

In some malls, the use of water fountains are banned, while many seating areas have been removed. The Mall of San Juan said the children’s play area is also closed.

“At the entrance we will add the people who are entering through a digital system to keep track, as well as a vehicle count in the parking lot. The host who charges parking and provides information has acrylic panels and a face shield. On the terrace, there is a capacity of 525 people and we have already reduced the chairs to 180 chairs, but now we will lower them to 25 percent of the capacity,” said Miguel González, vice president of Operations at San Patricio Plaza.

“We hope that a little more than 35 percent of customers will arrive, which is the percentage that the United States has had at the beginning of its opening in shopping centers. Big chains like T.J. Maxx and Bed Bath & Beyond that have

an entrance outside the mall still don’t have an opening date,” he said, regarding San Patricio Plaza’s limitations.

While estimates vary per mall, anywhere from 40 percent to 60 percent of retailers and eating establishments planned to open at each facility. As per the Executive Order, movie theaters, gaming areas and valet parking services remain closed at all malls.

Some major retail stores are still closed, such as Macy’s and JCPenney, which recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. For its part, Macy’s has reported that it expects a first quarter 2020 loss of up to $1.1 billion, reflecting the heavy toll that the coronavirus crisis has taken on the retail industry.

“We have worked hard to establish effective safety and hygiene plans. We are redoubling cleaning efforts within the mall, using antibacterial and antiviral detergents. Our aim is to help the economy move in a responsible and safe way,” said Eduardo Villamil, vice president of Empresas Villamil, which owns the Mayagüez Mall.

— Reporter Brenda A. Vázquez Colón contributed to this story.

human beings during the year to come.

resolutions we are about to mak Almost every dream we have as

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By Manuel Cidre

Entrepreneur & Founder of Los Cidrines

Edgardo Vicenty

Entrepreneur and Financial Analyst

M

anolo, it seems that with municipal reform, we finally found a subject in which our views are totally different.

You propose we should regionalize municipalities and create eight districts with a more efficient cost structure. Meanwhile, my proposal is to make each of the 78 municipalities more important in our government system, which means giving them additional responsibilities and a larger budget.

Don’t get me wrong. In their current state, municipalities are a total waste of resources, whose only real purpose is to operate as the main political parties’ workhorses.

But that can change. If reformed correctly, municipalities could become the backbone of Puerto Rico’s government.

Efficient countries tend to have either a large centralized government that controls everything from the top or multiple smaller decentralized governments that operate semi-autonomously. The problem in Puerto Rico is that for decades, we have operated with both government systems at the same time.

On the one hand, we have a central government that requires some of the highest corporate, sales and income taxes in the world to sustain its hundreds of thousands of employees. While on the other hand, we have 78 municipalities, with annual budgets that easily surpass a billion dollars in order to maintain their unnecessary infrastructure spending. Meanwhile, the island’s education system is broken, our healthcare system is scarily

Watch Out! Don’t Threa the Workhorse of Puerto Rico’s Economy

Manuel Cidre

Founder of Los Cidrines

TE

A Real Municipal Reform

in the island. Instead, our he politicians refer to them as fore pharmaceutical when they are US companies, industry is dgardo, while tax and reducing municipal underfunded and crime statistics are andthey continuously attack them, undoubtedly participating expenses, are now seeking through the roof. the workhorse threatening to raise as a panelist to partially reform the propertytheir taxes This dual system is simply not the newsRico’s tax in way orderor to another replace thewhenever lost there ofinPuerto sustainable any longer. The first show, “Jugando revenue.

But even this property step for reforming our government budget shortfall or some govern economy. It pays Pelota Dura” tax reform is broken. There are is deciding if we want a large $3 billion in annuala taxes, which wants to spend more money. few months thousands of property owners centralized government or a Therefore, it is not is overago, 33I percent our budget, across the discussedof with legislators island that don’t pay surprising decentralized one. that a large portion of our 78,000 direct workers Pichy Torres Zamora (New taxes because the properties In theory, centralized governmentsemploys Progressive Party) and registered in the system are more efficient, as they eliminate who earn does not understand on average $62,000 andaren’t population Tatito Hernández (Popular and thousands more that have the necessity of having multiple the importance of the spends $500 million annually in Democratic Party), Puerto Rico’s outstanding debts that total human resources, finance and IT pharmaceutical and medical dev capitalinventory expenditures inhas its been plants. over $2.5 tax, which billion. Instead of offices. But even though they are industries to our To put this into perspective, proven to be so dangerous, fixing these broken parts ofeconomy and less efficient in terms of spending, especially in hurricane season. of the system, their is toOur politicia decentralized governments tend society assolution a whole. pharma represents 30 percent When I asked them how they raise taxes on those of us to provide better services because Puerto populist rhetoricwho has actually led Rico’s GDP, while tourism is planned to eliminate this already pay our fair share. they are closer to the people and just 7 tax, percent. many to believe that these are e they both gave the same Instead of implementing understand their needs better. corporations that take, take and However, for some inexplicablethis “reform” answer almost simultaneously. and adding taxes The problem with both systems while giving nothing back reason, our government has They said it’s going to get to the take telecommunications is that they depend on having and we are currently they should be good leadership. Under the wrong spentsolved to their communities and the decades without a coherentindustry, analyzing other sources of analyzing how to create leadership, a centralized system strategy to keep them investing island. can be full of waste and excess, while a decentralized system can be completely disconnected from the people’s needs.

Our recent history lets us know that in Puerto Rico’s case, we can expect our leaders, on average, to be sub-par. Therefore, in my view, we should choose a decentralized system as it spreads the power of government officials and thus prevents the whole country from being affected by just one leader.

The math is pretty simple; currently, all of Puerto Rico is experiencing the pain of having a bankrupt central government.

But according to the organization Abre Puerto Rico, there are 17 municipalities on the island that have a good financial position. If our municipalities were our main source of government, Puerto Ricans would have 17 well-run places to live, where they wouldn’t have to worry about taxes continuously going up and services getting worse.

income that can be tapped to replace the lost revenue form eliminating this tax.

Following their answer, I couldn’t help myself and had to ask them if there is something in the seats they hold that prevents them and all the other legislators from eliminating taxes and simply reducing expenses to cover the lost income, instead of creating new forms of taxation.

We all know the answer to my question. Our deranged legislators are once again forcing the people to pay for the government’s inability to manage its resources. The new municipal reform is a 1,200page document that fixes nothing; it simply changes the bedsheets on the dying patient, but the treatment stays the same.

For example, instead of eliminating the inventory

efficiencies by making eight municipal regions that eliminate the need for 78 municipal assemblies, human resource departments and so many other unnecessary offices.

This reform is designed to help the president of the Senate and his senators maintain their current positions, not to help the country. It would be great to see the mayors make the right choice and demand a real municipal reform.

The governor also has an opportunity to take a stand and demand real change.

But Edgardo, it’s easier to stand back and wait for federal funds than it is to take action and make the necessary changes. As long as we have our current type of leaders, it will be very hard, if not impossible to get Puerto Rico going in the right direction.

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El sector de turismo representa más de 80 mil empleos directos, indirectos e inducidos, produce actividad económica de más de $6,000 millones y genera anualmente unos $640 millones en impuestos para el gobierno. Nuestra industria es la cara de Puerto Rico ante el mundo.

El receso de actividad económica por el COVID-19 ha llevado a más del 80% de nuestra plantilla ha estar cesanteada y existe gran peligro de perder empresas que son elementos esenciales de nuestro ofrecimiento como destino. La recuperación de nuestra industria, si permanecemos inertes, podría hacerse imposible.

Pedimos al Gobierno de Puerto Rico que se nos permita volver a brindar nuestros servicios de manera segura y eficiente. Estamos más que preparados, hemos sido proactivos y hemos adoptado los estrictos protocolos de higiene y salud dictaminados por organizaciones como OSHA y el CDC, y más aún, nuestros grandes hoteles ya han incorporado los protocolos dictados bajo las regulaciones más rigurosas de empresas como Hilton, Hyatt y Marriott, entre otros.

Si bien es cierto que algunas de nuestras hospederías se han mantenido operando, también lo es que, sin amenidades para el disfrute de los visitantes, no recibiremos turistas. Necesitamos se nos permita reabrir casinos, playas, parques y atracciones históricas, naturales y de aventuras. Además, es necesario extender el horario de operaciones de comercios y restaurantes en las zonas turísticas hasta las 11:00 p.m.

El turismo local es importante, pero no es suficiente para sustentar la industria turística. Puerto Rico necesita recibir visitantes del exterior. Somos un destino doméstico para Estados Unidos, mercado que esta ávido por venir de inmediato a nuestra isla.

El Aeropuerto Luis Muñoz Marín es el único aeropuerto en los Estados Unidos que cuenta con protocolos para el cernimiento de visitantes que incluye verificación de temperatura, recopilación de información y administración de pruebas. No obstante, esta barrera biológica tiene que seguir evolucionando a una más efectiva y eficiente, para minimizar los contagios en la isla, por el bienestar de nuestros ciudadanos y visitantes.

Es vital invertir en la promoción del destino para crear la demanda de visitantes. Es imperativo que, al menos, se dupliquen los fondos invertidos en promover nuestro destino. Como comparable, Hawaii invierte $93 millones al año ($66 por residente) y logrando una imagen de alta calidad. Hoy día, Puerto Rico invierte solo $8 por residente, una reducción de 50% de la inversión que hacía solo un par de años atrás.

Nos hemos unido todos los sectores de esta industria, grandes y pequeños empresarios, para hacer este reclamo de que se le brinde al turismo el sitial prioritario que amerita. ¡Turismo ahora!

#NecesitoTrabajarYa #SinPromociónNoHayTurismo Anecdote Productions, Inc. • Bertrán Photography • Calico Jack Pirate Ship • Caribbean Trading Company Caribe Golf • Castillo Sightseeing Tours & Travel Inc, DMC • Castillo Watersports Inc. • Charter Coach Inc. / Gray Line Puerto Rico • Chef Marisoll • Destination Puerto Rico I Travel Services, Inc. • Get Shopped PR, Inc. • Ingrid Rivera Rocafort • Innovation DMC Jorge Orama y Asociados • Kayaking Puerto Rico • Martineau Belle Playa Vieques • Nancy Matos • Nelly Cruz & Associates • Parguera Plaza Inc. • Ron del Barrilito • Roots & Flavors Inc. / Fine Catering Cuisine • SAK Entertainment Inc. • SPOON

< The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, June 3, 2020

CARTA ABIERTA AL PUEBLO DE PUERTO RICO

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Arriving passengers in San Juan get their temperatures checked at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. >Carlos Rivera Giusti

Traveling Again? Here’s What to Expect With Air Travel

The new normal in the age of coronavirus

T

Hallee Patterson

he impact of the Sept. 11 attacks changed air travel with regard to security checks. Now, with COVID-19, we are seeing increased attention to sanitation and cleanliness. It seems only catastrophic events can cause

such changes.

I asked my friends who returned to Puerto Rico from the U.S. mainland what their experiences were at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. “Well, I am grateful that I was able to travel, because now I don’t want to go anywhere!” was one friend’s response.

None are planning to fly back stateside any time soon. They all live here and are planning on waiting the quarantine out in the Island of Enchantment.

Despite the safety measures taken, they all expressed a sense of unease with the people surrounding them. Another frequent flyer responded, “I felt nervous the entire flight. I kept wondering about my risk value.”

In reality, it will be impossible to social distance on a plane. Today, airlines are filling planes to 70 percent capacity or less, and they are scrambling to accommodate the changes that are required to make our experience safer.

1. Masks are mandatory! However, my friends had different experiences. Two told me that they had to wear the masks the entire time. The other

>Josian E. Bruno Gómez

told me that on the plane, many people took off their masks and the flight attendants couldn’t make them wear them.

2. You will need to upload an app on your mobile phone to be able to scan your ticket. Kiosks at the airport are being used for touchless printing of boarding passes and baggage tags.

3. At the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, your temperature will be taken. In the future, you may need to take a coronavirus test to determine if you can fly.

4. All items must be placed in your carry-on luggage before scanning. Twelve ounces of hand gel or rubbing alcohol are allowed on flights.

5. Cleaning staff are sanitizing the seating areas at the gate.

6. Airplanes undergoing a deep cleaning after every flight, lengthening turnaround times.

7. To promote social distancing in the jet bridges, fewer people are allowed to board at a

time. There are often marks on the floor to provide guidance.

8. Passengers seated at the back of the plane are now boarding first. Be aware that air circulation is not as good at the back of the plane.

9. Flight attendants are masked. Their uniforms may change to hazmat suits as needed.

10. In the future, overhead storage bins could be opened with hand gestures to prevent contagion.

11. No food or beverage service is often provided on flights. The serving carts could be a thing of the past. Ziploc bags with water, two snacks and hand wipes will be supplied only on trips over 2 hours and 20 minutes long. You are encouraged to bring your own food. There will no longer be airline magazines onboard.

12. To leave the airplane, flight attendants call passengers row by row — only two people may exit at a time.

13. In Puerto Rico, when you disembark, there is only one area open. You are greeted by a medical student who takes your temperature and asks if you want to be tested for COVID-19.

14. You proceed to another area where you are asked your name, where you will be staying and your phone number.

Frequent Flyer Miles are being modified. United, for example, changed the way status levels are achieved. Simply put, the airline now calculates how much money is spent on tickets instead of the miles you fly.

Another change we may encounter in the future is biometric boarding. The airlines would use a camera to capture a facial image of travelers listed on the manifest.

More and more, doesn’t it feel as if we are living

in a science fiction novel?

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USGS Scientists Find Seafloor Faults Near Puerto Rico Quakes’ Epicenters Discovering the Deep Sea Faults

Data helps to inform the public on earthquake hazards

M

The Weekly Journal Staff

ost residents of southern Puerto Rico were startled by the sequence of earthquakes that began Dec. 28, 2019 and included a magnitude 6.4 quake on Jan. 7, 2020. Aftershocks are expected to continue for years, including some relatively strong ones, like a May 2 magnitude 5.4 temblor.

Many islanders have lived through hurricanes, but the last major earthquake to be felt on Puerto Rico, a magnitude 7.2 that occurred northwest of the island in 1918, was beyond the living memory of most islanders.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seismologists were surprised too — not by the fact that the earthquakes occurred, but by where they occurred. Puerto Rico lies on an active boundary between the Caribbean and North American plates, with the northeast corner of the Caribbean plate moving eastward less than an inch per year along a strike-slip fault. There is geologic evidence of earthquakes that probably took place millennia ago, while history records earthquakes and tsunamis in Puerto Rico as far back as the 1500s. But most seismic activity has been on the north side of the island, not the south side, where previously unknown undersea faults may have triggered this latest earthquake series.

The USGS is working to identify and map faults in the region to estimate the location and magnitude of potential earthquakes. With more than 3 million U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the risk to lives and property from earthquakes and tsunamis is significant.

USGS seismic research can help inform better building codes, safer zoning and public education about earthquake hazards.

When he learned about the Puerto Rico quakes, USGS research geophysicist Uri ten Brink made plans to quickly launch a seismic research cruise off the island’s south coast. Ten Brink heads a

In early March, before USGS field scientists began practicing social distancing, team members work on a seismic research cruise off southwest Puerto Rico. >Courtesy of Uri ten Brink, USGS

marine geohazards project, based at the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, which focuses on documenting undersea tectonic processes and assessing the landslide, tsunami and earthquake hazards they pose.

“It seemed likely that a previously unknown fault system off the south coast was involved in the earthquake sequence, and there should be evidence of that on the sea floor,” ten Brink said.

“We thought that if that were true, the information would be potentially very valuable to science and to the people of southern Puerto Rico. They are still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Maria and now they are facing a completely different type of hazard, and they are hungry for information about it.”

With the help of scientists from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez, who provided logistical support including the use of the 43-foot R/V Sultana and its crew, ten Brink and his colleagues ran a series of one-day research cruises out of La Parguera, on the island’s south coast, from March 7 to 13.

Preliminary results bear out ten Brink’s suspicions: There is evidence of at least one undersea fault in Guayanilla Bay, which may be an extension of a fault previously mapped on land.

The team tentatively identified several more faults lying about four and nine miles offshore, in water up to 3,300 feet deep and within areas identified as the epicenters of some of the recent earthquakes, ten Brink said.

Working in deep waters roiled by spring storms, the USGS team collected 135 nautical miles of seismic reflection data, imaging the seabed and undersea structures at resolutions of just a few meters.

“This data will eventually help seismologists develop a clearer picture of tectonic activity in the area,” ten Brink said. “Ultimately, we hope the USGS’ work in this region will help give the public a clearer sense of the potential for future earthquakes. The USGS’ research findings are being used to improve building codes that will help Puerto Rico better withstand future earthquakes and to better prepare for tsunamis.”

Recent earthquake damage in Ponce >Archive

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WebMD Poll:

Many Report Weight Gain

During Shutdown

M

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL Staff

any of us have apparently gained weight during stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19, despite our intentions to eat healthy and exercise, according to two polls by WebMD. Among the 1,012 U.S. WebMD readers questioned, about 47 percent of women said they gained weight “due to COVID restrictions.” About 22 percent of men said they gained weight.

In a separate poll of 900 international WebMD readers, they also reported weight gain. But it was more common in men, with 55 percent reporting they had put on pounds compared to 34 percent of women.

Under many statewide restrictions in the U.S., people weren’t able to leave the house, and gyms were closed. Many outside recreation areas, such as parks, trails and greenspaces, were closed as well. Plus, parents took care of kids at home and workers spent hours on the computer while teleworking.

Similar shutdowns have taken place worldwide due to the pandemic.

The U.S. poll confirms national reports from the American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic. Remember our college days when the dreaded “Freshman 15” when we all gained 15 pounds during our first year of college? Today, people have posted jokes on social media about inevitable weight gain, saying they’ve stacked on the “Quarantine 15” during stay-athome guidelines.

According to both WebMD reader polls, people reported an average weight gain of about 8 pounds. Among U.S. readers who calculated the pounds: • 15 percent said they gained 1-3 pounds.

• 34 percent said they gained 4-6 pounds.

• 26 percent said they gained 7-9 pounds.

• 21 percent said they gained 10-20 pounds.

• 4 percent said they gained 21 pounds or more.

WebMD readers in the U.S. cited a number of reasons for the weight gain. About 72 percent

Obviously, obesity and overweight were already a significant issue and it appears, as a country, we may have recently gotten heavier — and unhealthier. — Dr. Michael Smith, WebMD’s chief medical director

>Courtesy

Forget the ‘Freshman 15’—it’s now the ‘COVID 15’

reported a lack of exercise. About 70 percent said they’ve been stress eating. An overwhelming 59 percent said both a lack of exercise and stress eating were a problem, and 21 percent attributed it to “extra alcohol consumption.” The U.S. reader poll was conducted May 17.

Among international readers, 73 cited lack of exercise, 35 percent stress eating, and 17 percent to drinking more alcohol. The international reader poll was conducted May 18.

“That’s a significant amount of weight gain in a relatively short period of time. Obviously, obesity and overweight were already a significant issue and it appears, as a country, we may have recently gotten heavier — and unhealthier,” said Dr. Michael Smith, WebMD’s chief medical director.

According to the U.S. poll, about 42 percent of those who gained weight said they had “fallen off their diet.”

On the international poll, readers in Italy and Brazil reported the most weight gain, at 66 percent and 60 percent respectively. Japan followed with 51 percent saying they had gained weight, followed by the United Kingdom and Canada, which tied at 46 percent each.

“We’re turning to comfort foods to help ourselves feel better, but in reality, not only does it not help ease the stress and anxiety, it likely worsens it as people just don’t feel as good when eating high-fat, high-carb foods like many of us are turning to,” Smith said.

The findings also point to the high stress and anxiety that people are facing about the uncertainty of the pandemic, economy, and job loss — and the effects that can have on healthy eating and exercise routines.

As states and countries begin to lift restrictions, and parks, trails and beaches begin to reopen, people may feel encouraged to exercise regularly outside, practicing safe social distancing.

A few pounds of weight loss can make a difference. Even a modest decrease can lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels and improve the negative consequences associated with diabetes and heart disease.

“Hopefully as the ‘new normal’ is settling in, people can now find the motivation to get back to a more regular schedule, reach for more healthy foods and look for opportunities to incorporate more activity throughout their day,” Smith said.

(See related story on page 15)

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>Courtesy

>Courtesy

/ Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Powerful Foods to Maintain a Healthy Balance Important for handling stressful times

W

Sandra Ortiz, Nutritionist and Dietician

e are all having difficult days in the midst of the quarantine and the coronavirus pandemic.

For many, there is a feeling of anxiety, but nature provides us with plenty of food that helps maintain balance and our immune systems.

Food should be seen as an important component of maintaining physical and emotional health. For this reason, I will share detailed information to understand the importance of educating the palate and learning to handle particular stressful situations by consuming certain foods and drinks rich in antioxidants, such as spinach and zucchini.

There are two substances that are directly related to stress because they control moods, motivation and fear. These are: • Adrenaline: Increases heart rate and blood pressure.

• Cortisol: Main stress hormone, increases the

level of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

Long-term activation of the stress response system and subsequent overexposure to these hormones can alter almost all processes in the body. This places you at greater risk of developing health problems, such as anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, heart disease, sleeping problems, weight gain, memory and concentration loss.

There are key foods to help manage stress because they reduce or prevent the sudden increase in cortisol levels. Take note and incorporate them into your daily diet. These are fish that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids — salmon, tuna, sardines, herring —; dark chocolate, berries, tea — green, black, chamomile —; garlic, olive oil, turmeric and vitamin C — present in fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, strawberries, peppers and tomatoes.

You can also consume products that help stabilize the level of glucose in the blood and promote the production of serotonin, a substance in the brain that helps relieve stress and anxiety, also known as the hormone of happiness. To achieve a feeling of well-being, try carbohydrates or complex carbohydrates with fiber and whole grains — such as oats, bread, pasta, cereals, foods rich in tryptophan — amino acid that converts to serotonin —, lean meats — chicken and turkey — pineapples, bananas, fish varieties, seeds and nuts.

Folic acid deficiency can also cause depression and anxiety. Nature has various food available to help, such as asparagus, oats, eggs, pork and citrus fruits, like oranges, grapefruits and lemons.

Meanwhile, having low magnesium levels can cause headaches and fatigue, exacerbating the effects of stress. This mineral is considered an antistress agent and can be found in grains, seeds, oats, spinach and deep green leafy vegetables.

Zinc is another important mineral to keep your mood in balance. In the face of difficult times, zinc is activated to bring peace and strengthen the immune system when our defenses suffer, so you should consume it daily. Here are some food options rich in zinc: almonds, peanuts and hazelnuts; clams and oysters; crab meat, white meat like chicken and turkey; oatmeal and pumpkin seeds.

Eating raw vegetables can also help you relieve stress in a purely mechanical way, with the release of the jaw when under tension. Some healthy options are celery sticks, carrots and various peppers.

Through good nutrition you can help your body keep the immune system strong, but you still need to exercise daily for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Remember, aerobic physical activity promotes the circulation of oxygen throughout your body and helps you feel good. In case exercising is not for you, dancing also offers health benefits. Remember: the key is to carry out some kind of exercise activity for 30 minutes, five times a week.

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