The Weekly Journal - June 17-23, 2020

Wednesday, June 17-23, 2020 — // no. 060

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

Rebooting Tourism Starts at Home New Cruise Guidelines P6

Staycations, internal tourism best chance for recovery in the short term

COVID Fee Controversy P7 Father’s Day Outlook P9

R Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

ecognizing that the tourism industry will likely not see big improvements until later this year, as air travel slowly recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) is betting on jumpstarting the sector through staycations

Revamping Our Homes P14-15

this summer.

“While we have to promote the destination abroad, [stateside residents] are taking much longer in their

decision: 120 days can pass from planning to traveling. The demand that is being stimulated now will have results in the coming months, but our industry cannot wait any longer,” said Carla Campos, the executive director of the PRTC. Given the situation, the PRTC is hoping to entice around 410,000 local residents to participate in staycations this summer through its new “Check In For Your Island” campaign, with which they are seeking to promote the sale of 500,600 lodging nights from June to September. This GO TO PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, June 17, 2020 >

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Presentan:

Mi padre…

Mi Maestro Un homenaje a nuestros padres en el cual mostraremos orgullosos todo lo que hemos aprendido de ellos.

Muy fácil para participar: Envíanos la foto tuya y de tu papá con lo que aprendiste a hacer con él al inbox del Facebook de El VocEro. Incluye el nombre y número de teléfono para contactarte en caso de que tu padre sea el ganador.

Se seleccionaran las (3) fotos más emotivas que cumplan con los requisitos del concurso. En la foto debe aparecer padre e hijo/a y debe mostrar lo que tu papá te ha enseñado.

Tienen hasta el viernes 19 de junio 5PM para participar.

Nuestro Jurado evaluará las recibidos seleccionará los 3 padres más ejemplares, quienes recibirán los siguientes premios:

Una tarjeta de regalo $150 de Econo Un BBQ y utensilios para la parrilla de Insular Una tarjeta de regalo valorada en $50 de Amazon cortesía de Sea Alaska Un certificado de regalo de $50 para New York Grill cortesía de First Medical Más información y reglas en elvocero.com/mipapamimaestro

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/ Wednesday, June 17, 2020

a week in review Puerto Rico Reopens Most Economic Sectors

>Archive

>Brandon Cruz González

>Courtesy

Gov. Wanda Vázquez announced that most businesses are now allowed to reopen, effective June 16, as part of easing lockdown rules due to COVID-19. The businesses that are allowed to reopen include professional services offices, museums, gyms and movie theaters. The curfew has also been extended from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Labor Secretary Resigns Amid Fallout From Poor Performance Amid questions about her performance managing the unemployment benefits program during the COVID-19 pandemic, Labor Secretary Briseida Torres resigned, effective June 15. Carlos Rivera Santiago, who was serving as La Fortaleza Labor issues adviser, was quickly nominated to take her place.

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

P.R. Treasury Disburses Over $115M to Small Businesses The most recent numbers show that the Treasury Department (Hacienda) has disbursed more than $115 million in economic stimulus payments to at least 22,803 small and mid-size businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis. The distribution will continue until December.

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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/ Wednesday, June 17, 2020

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 could translate to $63.5 million in revenues and $5.8 million in room taxes, she indicated during a recent videoconference.

Staycations are vacations that people take at home or near their homes, and include daytrips to local attractions. For Puerto Ricans, it means staying on the island, either on overnight or day trips, such as visiting local beaches, Old San Juan and the like.

For many it also includes popular “chinchorreos,” which are road trips to various local restaurants and food kiosks around the island to enjoy such Puerto Rican favorites as “pinchos,” (chicken or pork skewers) “alcapurrias,” (stuffed fritters) “mofongo” (fried mash plantains) and “bacalaitos” (codfish fritters).

With so few off-island visitors coming to Puerto Rico these days, many local businesses are relying on staycations to survive until the long hoped-for busy winter months arrive. Whether it’s a local restaurant, food kiosk, hotel, “parador” (small inn) or a bed-and breakfast — all these establishments are

evaluating it,” Campos pointed out. depending on local consumers to generate sales.

Of those who are interested “The immediate opportunity to in vacationing this summer, generate economic stimulus for 75 percent said they were the sector in the coming weeks looking into staycations on the rests on domestic tourism. After island. Meanwhile, 14.3 percent the impact of COVID-19, we know mentioned going to the mainland that 62.2 percent of our residents Staycations U.S.; another 5.7 percent are looking for strict hygiene are vacations that mentioned the nearby Dominican and sanitation measures when people take at home Republic; 3.6 percent mentioned vacationing. With the launch or near their homes, cruises and 1.4 percent said of the PRTC’s Health & Safety and include daytrips “other.”

Program last month, we made to local attractions.

Of those interested, 61 sure that tourism companies For Puerto Ricans, percent said they had a budget are ready to receive visitors, “ it means staying on of between $300 and $1,500 for Campos added. the island, either their summer vacations. At the “We [recently] conducted a on overnight or day other end of the spectrum, 12.2 survey among 500 residents trips, such as visiting to find out their interests; 69 percent said they had a budget local beaches, Old percent of consumers said they of less than $300; while 14.4 San Juan and the like. are interested or are considering percent said they had a budget of vacationing this summer. Of between $1,501 and $2,000; and these, 28 percent flatly said yes, the most well off, 11.5 percent of that they are crazy about leaving respondents, said they had more their homes, and another 41 percent are still than $2,000 for their summer vacations.

In fact,

Little Change in Americans’ Travel Plans

The latest data from Destination Analysts shows little change with U.S. residents’ travel plans as 59.8 percent indicated in a nationwide survey that they did not really have “developed” plans to travel for the rest of 2020, compared with 36.7 percent who said they have “very well developed” travel plans.

However, there has been clear improvements on Americans’ willingness to fly. For example, in early April, an estimated 52 percent of those surveyed said they were willing to fly with “sanitary measures” in place. By the end of May, this figure had jumped to 72 percent, showing a greater willingness for air travel.

Since mid-March, hotel occupancy rates in Puerto Rico have remained below 10 percent; the latest figures show that during the end of May, this figure was at 7 percent. By comparison, U.S. hotel occupancy rates have increase from 23 percent in mid-March to 37 percent by the end of May.

Can’t Wait To Travel

“Chinchorreos” are road trips to various local restaurants and food kiosks around the island to enjoy such Puerto Rican favorites as “pinchos” (pictured), “alcapurrias,” “mofongo” and the like. >Courtesy

Indeed, several San Juan residents told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that they are planning staycations as well as regular vacations stateside this summer. Locally, among the areas mentioned including staying at hotels and “paradores” in La Parguera and Rincón. Several Condado residents mentioned they were also planning to visit family members stateside, while one person is going to New York on business in August.

“We are so anxious to get out and go on vacation,” said a woman. “Our trips right now are just for family in the U.S. We canceled a trip to Europe. It’s going to be strictly domestic travel for the next year,” she added.

Emphasizing the importance of local residents in the tourism industry, Campos said that during the summer months of 2019, some 653,000 residents took part in staycations by spending at least one night in local lodgings, which represented an economic impact of $135 million for businesses

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>Courtesy of PRTC

/ Wednesday, June 17, 2020

and included $12.5 million in room taxes and $14.2 million in sales taxes. These residents accounted for some 40 percent of total lodging registrations during these months.

According to the PRTC, an estimated 72 percent of all local residents take part in domestic tourism by staying at least one night in a hotel, parador or similar venue. An estimated 53 percent stay two to three nights at these local lodgings.

The campaign “Check In For Your Island” features multimedia attractions that direct local residents to the website “Voy Turisteando,” the PRTC’s official internal tourism brand, where they can find more than 35 exclusive offers for the 2020 summer season.

Among the participating locales include Dorado Beach, A Ritz Carlton Reserve; the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort; Combate Beach Resort; Copamarina Beach Resort; and the Caribe Hilton. Meanwhile, “all inclusives” and “family specials” are being offered by Guánica 1929; Parador MaunaCaribe, Hotel Lucía Beach and Parador Palmas de Lucía.

Luxury Offerings Abound

There is plenty to entice the discerning consumer interested in staycations this summer.

The iconic Vanderbilt Hotel in Condado is currently offering a 15 percent discount in a double room, two welcome drinks, a daily American breakfast for two, $100 credit for food and beverage consumption in the hotel, and parking.

“This year, many Puerto Ricans are craving a getaway — more than ever — to pamper ourselves, to recalibrate our bodies and spirit.

The Condado Vanderbilt makes that dream come

true in the world’s best tradition of exceptional hospitality, on our own shores, “said Ben Tutt, general manager.

Another luxury locale, the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Isla Verde is also touting itself as a great place to escape. The hotel is currently offering a 35 percent room discount for a minimum stay of two nights, a waived 18 percent “resort experience” fee and a one-time $50 credit.

The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Resort in Río Grande also has a special package for local residents that includes a 10 percent discount on all food and beverages purchased; free self-parking for one vehicle; free round of golf per adult; and a 50 percent discount on room upgrades.

All these resort hotels are emphasizing that they are following the most rigorous health and safety protocols.

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/ Wednesday, June 17, 2020

CDC Issues New Cruiseship Guidelines

Choppy waters still lie ahead

W Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

ith the cruise industry still in waiting mode until later this summer, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has rolled out a new color-coded system for cruise ships, rating them for recent COVID-19 incidents.

In a nutshell, the cruise ships will be graded on a color-coded system: “green” for no confirmed cases of COVID-19 or coronavirus-like illness for 28 days; “yellow” for one or more coronaviruslike illness cases pending confirmation; and “red” for one or more cases of confirmed COVID-19 or coronavirus-like illness within the past 28 days.

For Red Ships, the embarkation of passengers is strictly prohibited for all ships during the period of the No Sail Order and may result in suspension and revocation of this limited permission to operate in U.S. waters.

The CDC said that the “guidance and the commercial transportation attestation are only applicable to cruise ship operators with a complete and accurate No Sail Order response plan for crew management and for their ships that have met CDC’s criteria for a Green Ship.” The new guidelines will help determine whether the remaining crew onboard Green Ships will be allowed to go home via air travel.

With some cruise lines hoping to restart voyages in a matter of weeks, the new guidelines

should alleviate some of the health concerns that have furloughed thousands of staff and obtained many tourists may have regarding the safety of billions in bank loans to stay afloat. Major cruise cruise ships amid the new normal. The issue is companies weren’t eligible for U.S. government of particular importance to Puerto Rico, since loans because they are incorporated overseas.

San Juan is a major cruise ship Norwegian warned of a destination, as is the sister possible bankruptcy in early territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

May, but then raised $2.2 billion Some cruise lines are hoping through a sale of stock and debt. to set sail later this summer, It now says it can withstand but with images of coronavirusa shutdown for as long as 18 The CDC has ravaged ships still fresh in many months. Smaller operators could prohibited cruises minds, the industry could face have more trouble, experts in U.S. waters years of choppy water ahead. say. Virgin Voyages, a new through July 24. cruise line owned by Richard Most big cruise Branson’s Virgin Group, has twice Major drop in cruise lines are using this postponed its first sailing. Virgin revenues time to refine their Australia — an airline in which The global cruise industry plans, upgrade Branson holds a stake — filed for expected to carry 32 million their ships and bankruptcy protection in April. passengers and take in $71 billion figure out how to The CDC has prohibited cruises in revenue this year. That will fall resume safely. in U.S. waters through July 24. by at least 50 percent this year, Most big cruise lines are using says Euromonitor International, this time to refine their plans, a consulting firm. It took the upgrade their ships and figure out industry three years to recover how to resume safely. from the 2009 recession; this time, it will take Norwegian says it is installing medical-grade longer, Euromonitor analyst Alex Jarman said. air filters on its ships and adding medical staff, for “Unlike the previous downturn, the pandemic has example.

Carnival is raising the temperature in put the safety of cruises into question,” he said. its washers and dryers to make sure napkins and Cruise lines stopped sailing in mid-March after sheets are fully sanitized. Windstar Cruises plans to several high-profile outbreaks at sea. More than stagger boarding times to keep passengers apart; 600 people fell ill aboard Carnival’s Diamond expand dining times and space diners out; serve Princess while it was quarantined off the coast of passengers instead of offering buffets; and require Japan, for example. Fourteen passengers died. crew to wear masks and train them to recognize Since they stopped sailing, Carnival, Royal COVID-19 symptoms.

Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise

In fact,

Line — which control 75 percent of the market —

— The Associated Press contributed to this story.

/ Wednesday, June 17, 2020

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Puerto Rico Dentists Defend “COVID Fee”

Argue that insurers should pay for the increased costs rather than patients

T Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

he Puerto Rico Dental Surgeons Association (CDCPR by its Spanish initials) defended the need to include a “COVID fee” for their services — as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) — but insisted that insurance companies should cover the additional costs rather than consumers, whose budgets have already been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

CDCPR President David Kerr explained that the ADA and the local Health Services Administration David Kerr, CDCPR President, justifies the COVID fee, stating that dentists have had to invest thousands of dol(ASES by its Spanish acronym) detailed in the lars to reopen with the appropriate health equipment to fight the coronavirus.

D1999 code hat these health professionals should add a fee of up to $45 to cover for the “thousands struggles generated by the coronavirus crisis and “Under this scenario, we estimate that in of dollars” invested to reopen dental practices denounced that health insurance companies need two years, we will have a contraction of dental while mitigating the risk of contagion with the virus to “assume their responsibility” in these times of professionals that we had anticipated [would for staff and patients. need. happen] in 10 years: fewer than 600 dentists for a Dentists say they need to “Puerto Rico demands greater population of 3.2 million residents. This will create purchase additional personal responsibility from that sector. a problem in accessing oral health in Puerto Rico,” protection equipment, sanitizing The Legislative Assembly has in Kerr said. sprays and air purifiers to its hands [the ability] to make After listening to the CDCPR’s arguments, decrease the risk of contagion. these companies assume their Rep. Yashira Lebrón — president of the House Nationwide, Nationwide, the cost of the responsibility. We also urge Committee on Consumer Affairs, Banking & the cost of the soso-called COVID fee varies widely, patients to call their insurers Insurance — decided to remove the language from called COVID fee usually from $10 to $20 for each and question why they’re not the bill that directly impacts medical offices. The varies widely, usually dental visit, according to several honoring the D1999 billing code legislative piece, authored by Rep. Joel Franqui from $10 to $20 for stateside reports. to protect their patients and bring Atiles, is still pending approval. Before the hearing, each dental visit, Because other businesses providers to justice,” Kerr said. both Franqui Atiles and Gov. Wanda Vázquez according to several islandwide have already Moreover, he warned that the expressed their firm opposition to a COVID fee on stateside reports. implemented a similar tax, rising cost of providing dental any type of business. unbeknown to many customers, services, along with the risk of A couple of local residents told THE WEEKLY the Puerto Rico Legislature infection, would prompt a mass JOURNAL that they understood why dentists may introduced House Bill 2537, which exodus and early retirement bill patients for a COVID fee, but reaction was seeks to ban this fee on all types among an already limited offer of mixed in terms of their willingness to pay for that of businesses. dentists on the island. additional expense.

Kerr, accompanied by fellow dentist Pedro “Dentists are the profession with the highest The Insurance Companies Association (Acodese Rodríguez Solá, testified before the Legislature last risk of COVID-19 infection and, as a consequence, by its Spanish acronym), which represents the week during a hearing on the measure, in which many dentists over the age of 60 will most likely local insurance industry, could not be reached for he enumerated the myriad different products advance their retirement, others will decide not comment. that dentists have had to purchase to be able to to open and go to work in the continental United resume operations, but affirmed that these costs States, and there will be young people who will should not fall on clients. In his statement, Kerr migrate to the U.S. with this push as soon as they acknowledged both dentists and patients’ financial can.

In fact,

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/ Wednesday, June 17, 2020

P.R. House to Evaluate Proposed FY 2021 Budget on Friday

Congress holds hearing on COVID-19 and its impact on Promesa

P Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

uerto Rico Rep. Antonio “Tony” Soto Torres, who presides over the House Treasury, Budget and the Supervision, Administration and Economic Stability of Puerto Rico Committee, announced that the lower chamber will hold hearings to evaluate the proposed $10 billion commonwealth budget for fiscal year (FY) 2021, starting this Friday, July 19.

He said that after an “extensive dialogue with the economic component of the executive branch,” and aware of how tight the timetable has been for the central government to develop the FY 2021 budget resolutions, the decision was made to postpone the start of public hearings from the original date of June 15.

“Certainly, the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the certification of the Fiscal Plan at the end of May, caused a delay in the preparation of the budget by the Executive, and for this reason we have made the decision to postpone the start of the public hearings for Friday (July 19),” announced Soto Torres.

Interestingly, he made no mention of the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB), which had submitted its proposed $10 billion budget to the Legislature. The Oversight Board, the executive branch and the Legislature have fought on numerous occasions over which entity has the final say on the commonwealth budget and other related matters.

The budget hearings will begin, as announced, with presentations by the Treasury Department, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (Aafaf by its Spanish acronym).

Meanwhile, Congress held a videoconference hearing on the impact of COVID-19 on the implementation of the Puerto Rico Oversight,

>Archive

Management and Economic Stability Act (Promesa). The hearing occurred last Thursday, on the same day that the FOMB submitted its $10 billion budget proposal to the Puerto Rico Legislature.

The proposed central government budget is slightly bigger than last year’s and largely suspends government cuts for one year to help the island impose reforms sought by the Oversight Board, including increasing Puerto Rico’s labor participation rate, making it easier to do business on the island and providing cheaper and more reliable electricity.

Issue of control

Local government officials agree with some of the proposed changes but argue the FOMB sometimes oversteps its boundaries as it continues to restructure a portion of Puerto Rico’s more than $120 billion public-debt load and unfunded liabilities amid an economic crisis.

“Over the last several years, the board has attempted to take advantage of this unclear separation of powers to gain control over day-today operations of the government,” said Omar Marrero, Aafaf executive director.

Marrero spoke during an online hearing held by the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee,

which oversees affairs in U.S. territories. The committee’s chairman, U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), recently submitted amendments to a federal law that created the Oversight Board as part of a financial package for Puerto Rico. He and several other Democrats have said the board is not doing enough to protect Puerto Ricans and improve the island’s situation since its creation in 2016.

The changes they are seeking include allowing the island to shed certain debt, which FOMB Executive Director Natalie Jareskso said would erode the confidence of creditors and lead bondholders to seek a more expensive and restrictive type of debt.

“The board has serious concerns that several of these provisions, while well-intended, will substantially hamper its ability to effectively negotiate settlement of claims at this very critical juncture,” Jaresko said during the hearing.

The ongoing debate comes as the FOMB and Puerto Rico’s government remain at odds over the proposed budget for FY 2021, which was submitted hours before the hearing. The Oversight Board had rejected a different proposed budget that the commonwealth government submitted, which included $170 million that in part would be used to align salaries across agencies and fund WIPR, the local public broadcasting station.

The FOMB’s proposed budget includes cuts to varies departments including health, housing and agriculture, as officials warn that general fund revenues could fall by 12 percent as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Oversight Board members noted that more than 70 percent of their proposed budget goes to education, public safety, health, economic development and pension payments, with pensions and education receiving the biggest slice at 20 percent each. In addition, the newly proposed budget includes $675 million in investments for things such as improving broadband access and increasing speed in certain areas, upgrading public hospitals, and creating scholarships to attract medical students to rural areas.

The central government budget has to be approved by June 30, as the new fiscal year begins on July 1.

-The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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/ Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Father’s Day Promises to Bring Families Together Amid the Pandemic

Long cooped up, Puerto Rico residents are eager to spend time with their families this Father’s Day, but the coronavirus threat urges precautions.

With fewer restrictions, residents are buying gifts and planning social encounters

O Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

ften overlooked compared to other holidays, this year, Father’s Day in Puerto Rico has take on more relevance for resident families, particularly when compared to the conditions that surrounded Mother’s Day last month, which prevented or limited most family gatherings.

The current Executive Order, which came into effect on June 16, eliminated the previously imposed lockdown, allowed most businesses to resume operations, increased the customer limit for previously exempt establishments, and shortened the curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Now that residents are allowed to go shopping, dine at restaurants and rendezvous with their families for an extended period, the general expectation is that this Father’s Day promises to be more prosperous and socially meaningful than both last Mother’s Day and previous celebrations for this holiday.

However, because the threat of the coronavirus remains a constant, residents must find a way to harmonize the need for social interactions with safety protocols to prevent the

risk of infection.

Myrna Martínez, a resident of Río Grande, and her husband and son would typically spend this day visiting her in-laws in the morning in San Juan, and then her own parents in the evening in Caguas. This year, she wants to bring all families together in her own home for a barbecue and a trip to the beach — with beaches now being open to the general public. Apart from its natural appeal, Martínez said that the beach has the added bonus of being an open-space area where they can remain close but within social distancing parameters.

“We are trying to keep the group at no more than 15 people and be able to fraternize here and take a trip to the beach, which they want to see because we have all been locked up, so instead of being cooped up in houses I said, ‘let’s go there because it’s more open,’” Martínez said.

She added that because both her parents and in-laws are senior citizens and thus at greater risk of getting infected with COVID-19, she will likely require attendees to wear masks.

Prior to loosened restrictions, Martínez would have avoided interactions and spend the holiday as with the previous Mother’s Day — on a FaceTime call with her and her spouse’s respective families. Now, she even looks forward to the gathering, hopeful that this will become a tradition for years to come.

Still, COVID-19 remains complicated for many.

Héctor Piñero, a Bayamón resident, lives with his wife and two youngest daughters, with his older son and daughter living with their own families in the U.S. mainland. Normally, he would spend this holiday at his parents’ home, but his father his currently hospitalized over non-coronavirus

reasons and health facilities are forbidding most visits.

Unlike Mother’s Day, however, which was strictly celebrated via phone with his eldest child, his grandchildren and his parents, he will try to spend some time this Father’s Day with his father, despite the limitations.

“If the hospital allows it, I will spend time with him,” Piñero said, adding that the coronavirus hinders what would have been an easier visiting process. “Meanwhile, here in my home, we will have a nice family dinner with my wife and daughters.”

Since shopping malls have been receiving visitors even before the current Executive Order, Piñero said his wife visited some of these establishments and already purchased gifts for the upcoming celebrations. By contrast, Martínez wants to avoid that environment, so she decided to purchase wine bottles from a take out delivery service at a wine shop in San Juan, owned by a family friend.

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL asked Heriberto Martínez, president of the Puerto Rico Association of Economists, if Father’s Day sales and commercial activities this year are expected to surpass those for Mother’s Day. “Of course. We will see a slight uptick in employee hiring, and there is likely to be a significant improvement in sales due to the restricted hours and job losses in April and May,” the economist responded.

This would represent a first because, culturally, Mother’s Day is more highly regarded and constitutes one of the two busiest spending seasons, but with an island under lockdown during that holiday, retail sales underperformed.

human beings during the year to come.

resolutions we are about to make.

Almost every dream we have as

their record, their honesty and their achievements. With primaries in

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country took over th defend its values and

/ Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Therefore, I think it’s As we see in the first paragraph, pharma’s industry le this is simply not true. You might control of the narrat think these companies should Entrepreneur & Founder of Los Cidrines our government into contribute even more, but ignoring making the phaseou that they already are one of the Manuel Cidre Nick Pastrana most important contributors to Groupelection issue.

Founder of Los Cidrines President of San Juan Realty The people need t our economy and society in terms understand what wil of job creation and paid taxes, is if the deductions pro completely absurd.

Act 154 are phased o I write this op-ed because this federal government. industry, which we’ve already understand what op established plays a vital role in our the table to help pha economy, is coming under attack, in Puerto Rico and m for the second time in 20 years. It in the island. Instead, our he the sector’s contribu worries me to see a lack of action politicians refer them pharmaceutical federal tax we did not have before: the ick, I don’t want to we have anolo, the war is not going to beto able to as foreign, economy.

Whether i from our government and pharma GILTI Tax, an income tax introduced get into a debate against Section make a difference alone, as many when they are US companies, industry is the industry’sintax str leaders. I fully expected that by Trump’s latest tax reform. about whether 936 is over. assert. Today, these manufacturing and continuously attack them, undoubtedly that Trump’s guilty t now, industry and government The GILTI Tax does not apply to Section 936 The American operations are highly technological the workhorse threatening to raise their taxes one apply, extending cur leaders would have come outIn response, U.S. states.

Virgin Islands was the most tax system and automated. Large corporations way or another whenever there is a to announce of Puerto Rico’s are responsible Delegate Stacey Plaskett presented a to bu significant part today a is joint very workgroup for achieving allowing plants bill calling of this tax of the economic different in the countryor they budget shortfall some governor economy.

It paysproductivity generation without i dedicated solely to solving the for the removal from the territories.

This would give transformation of Puerto Rico today. from the old days, but there is still a select. $3 billion in annual taxes, which wants to spend more money. from the AEE, or som issues generated by the phaseout us equal treatment and parity with What I do consider extremely faction of the statehood leadership— Yes, Nick, to be able to establish Therefore, it is not surprising is over 33 percent of our budget, thing the that Act the states. In other words, billonly is indus critical is that the different sectors with a certainof type of 154. post-traumatic this manufacturing in Puerto Rico, that a large portion employs workers know. this hasn’t happened; both with the COMPATIBLE transition to in Puerto78,000 Rico dodirect not agree to at any plan that gives we must distinguish ourselves.of our stress—shootingBut population does[innot understand who earn on average $62,000 and Whichever capitalize on the opportunity tax advantages to pharmaceutical bill is favored I genuinely believ groups appear to havestatehood. taken On the other hand, if Puerto communic before us to attract pharma companies in Puerto Rico, without first Congress], it has to differentiate the importance of the spends $500 million annually in proactive an “ignore and pray nothing Rico were a state, the local Law 154 operations tied to U.S. national reviewing whether such measures are Puerto Rico so that it can convince pharmaceutical and medical device happens” mentality and that capital expenditures in its plants. education, tax would be inadmissible under we can ch security. It is a window that does compatible with statehood. these corporations — in their site industries to our economy and Tonot putopen thistwice intoinperspective, narrative of not acceptable. our Revenuecurrent the Internal Code. The life and you have In times of is increased economic Hoping selection exercise — that Puerto a whole. Our politicians’ pharma 30crucible percent of Rico issociety to look represents at it through the growth, Puerto Rico operated elimination of this tax is not only the idealas place. foreigners and get e government takes the lead in these of the Rico’s collective, creating wealth, under that combined low ensure the that wha to advance any formula populist rhetoric has actually leda modelconversations Puerto GDP, while tourism is In order is futile, an weimportant are in step tounderstand generating jobs and absolutely local contributions and few federal attraction of more pharmaceuticals of status, it is convenient for us to just 7 percent. many to believe that these are evil, the middle of an election cycle, and the industry is good necessary to facilitate the realization position Puerto Rico as a relevant contributions for manufacturers and and manufacture to the island, but it corporations that take, take and However, for some inexplicable and viceifversa. it isToday, evident that and of any ideal of status. pharmaceuticals. we do notour governor is also a NECESSARY measure Puerto As Pu player and as the correct partner of take States whileatgiving nothing back reason, our government has her opponents are worried wetocan’t allow for a r Every time this opportunity have any of the above.

Local taxes aremore Rico starts a transition statehood. the United this historical arises we hear phrases like: “They higher due toabout Law 154, and we have a than As for Puerto Rico’s taxdebacle advantages, juncture. to their communities and the spent decades without a coherent 936 to happ campaigning actually steal the capital, they repatriate the exception would be the federal strategy to keep them investing island. might not survive it. preventing an economic crisis.

By Manuel Cidre

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Watch Out! Don’t Threat the Workhorse of Puerto Rico’s Economy Statehood and Pharmaceuticals: War is Over!

multimillion sums of money from our national heritage.” National heritage is the ability and capacity of a country to generate well-paid jobs for its population and to have no unemployment. National heritage is a strong local company creating wealth, producing and exporting goods and services. National heritage is a strong service sector serving those multinationals, local businesses and providing services to other countries. National heritage is having created the ecosystem for the creation of many Puerto Rican multinationals.

Believe me, Nick, we had that opportunity on our first hit with Section 936 and we didn’t really capitalize on that opportunity. Let’s do better this second turn. In my opinion, this time it is not enough to “equate ourselves” with other states, jurisdictions or countries. We must understand that we must distinguish Puerto Rico.

The great human resources that

M

Columnists discuss taxes, Section 936, the island’s territorial status and rebuilding Puerto Rico’s economy.

income tax of corporations. If Puerto Rico were a state, pharmaceutical companies would pay this federal tax, but such blow would be greatly cushioned if the Law 154 tax and the GILTI Tax are eliminated beforehand, FACILITATING the transition to statehood.

In terms of economy, by becoming a force in manufacturing, Puerto Rico would become more relevant to the United States, thousands of jobs would be created, dependence on federal funds for the sustenance of families would be reduced, and per capita income would rise; therefore, the local income tax could be lowered to individuals in percentage terms. All this is INDISPENSABLE for statehood.

For these reasons, it is not surprising that statisticians of the caliber of Teresita Fuentes support these measures. Now it is up to ALL statesmen to recognize that the war on Section 936 is over and that it has to cease fire on those who come to the battlefield, to take them home.

< The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, June 17, 2020

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Puerto Rican’s Art Exhibit ‘Predicted’ COVID-19

Artist incorporates health messages that were conceptualized over a year ago

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Jorge Rodriguez

jrodriguez@elvocero.com

he horizon is beginning to clear up amid the coronavirus pandemic and the Municipality of Bayamón has finalized protocols for helping museums reopen, including Espacio Emergente, a gallery focusing on contemporary art.

Hubert Cano’s exhibit “Prescripciones” (Prescriptions), with 13 works, is now installed and open to the public at Espacio Emergente in Bayamón.

“My work is currently in this magnificent room because of COVID-19. Today I see many colleagues working on medicine-related issues, but in my case, I have been developing the topic since 2018.

I never gave importance to this virus; I did hear about it, but I never [thought] it would reach us this way. Coronavirus is in my sample [of work] without knowing it. But I reaffirm that I believe more in art and the great relationship it has with science, and even the omen that it offers us with its messages,” Cano said.

Before the pandemic reached the island, he was already working on mixed-medium works with masks, vaccines, doctors and pills. He never imagined that the public would have to follow social distancing and health protocols, as well as other orders established by the government of Puerto Rico to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Now it is mandatory to use masks for protection but I had already painted a piece with that topic by the end of 2018, the central icon of the exhibit,” the artist revealed in an interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. “The work, titled, ‘Prescripción,’ rests hanging on some male ceramic figures in the painting, which are the ones that identified the deceased with a number, putting them on the big toes… I didn’t paint my sample during the pandemic, nor did I take advantage of the illness. I worked on it, again, for an entire year; and going through the present situation, I have learned much more from this health situation, from art and life,” Cano stated.

Entre milagros… y sanación (Between Miracles... and Healing), mixed medium/object.

“Prescripción,” a mixed medium work, uses the element of the mask, now mandatory for all of us.

The art was like a premonition, and I did compose these images before the virus hit.

— Hubert Cano

He started the work using found objects and by painting. It made way for different health-related topics, such as medicine and its accessibility, doctors and capsules for daily use. Between each of those topics, he also pondered loneliness and its relationship with other psychological factors.

“Throughout my 50s, I’ve learned everything, from being thankful, to even seeing ghosts.

Giving and being hurt, especially the firmness to believe in my word and in my art, which always

speaks the truth to me. That is how I began painting about medical topics and spreading the message of the need to have a better quality of life. We are all victims of this economic control from pharmaceutical companies and, of course, remembering that in this pandemic… the deceased are one more number. Every man in the piece is numbered with plates and the main character with a blue mask, where there are drawings of many ordinary situations as a symbol of withdrawal or protection of the same character,” Cano explained.

“Prescription,” the piece with the mask, was his first inspiration to which he integrated four hospital bed wheels and medicine bottles marking a red sky in the middle of a dark, labyrinth-like atmosphere.

He submitted his proposal for the exhibit almost at midnight on the due date. The museum offered him the opportunity to open his exhibit in October 2019, but he couldn’t because he had a scheduled trip to the New York Triennial. They then assigned a new opening date of April 3, 2020, and — although the date seemed too far away — the result was rewarding.

“The art was like a premonition, and I did compose these images before the virus hit… I encourage people to reflect on what we are living, see its danger, and take care of each other,” Cano affirmed.

According to the municipality’s website. Espacio Emergente is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Puerto Rico’s own bonsai master, Héctor Pacheco.

The Joys of Bonsai

M

Hallee Patterson

y first introduction to the art of bonsai came from watching the movie, “The Karate Kid,” when Mr. Miyagi, a Japanese karate master showed young Daniel his bonsai and told

him, “Think; tree.”

I recently visited a friend in Condado who showed me his personal collection of tropical bonsai. I learned there was a local bonsai master living and working in Puerto Rico, Héctor Pacheco, the owner of the Raices Bonsai nursery in Dorado.

“The art of bonsai originally began in China around 700 AD,” I learned. Héctor told me with a knowing smile, “there, it was called Pun-Sai. When the art was brought to Japan, the name changed to bonsai. Broken down the word means: bon — plant and sai — tray.

“Bonsai is a practice that is used to train plants to look like dwarf or miniature trees; it’s an illusion,” he said. “When you work with a plant and manipulate it’s shape, you are promoting its life.

When you see a dwarf tree that is older than you are, placed in an interesting pot, doesn’t it make you smile and reflect on life?”

I soon realized it is easy to become fascinated with bonsai because it is a meditative experience. “ Yes,” Héctor explained, “it is a living art form. It

The object is not to make the tree look like a bonsai, but to make the bonsai look like a tree.

— John Naka, master bonsai cultivator and U.S. horticulturist

>Courtesy

The East Asian art form and the Puerto Rican master

teaches patience and caring. Some bonsai can live up to 800 years, depending on the species. I have a tropical Arboricola bonsai that is over 50 years old.”

Héctor’s interest in bonsai began when he was

just 12 years old. At 28, he realized he wanted to resume his study of bonsai. He joined the Hermandad Bonsai Metis Club in Vega Alta and has since exhibited at the National Exhibition in Puerto Rico and in the United States.

He opened his nursery called Raices Bonsai in May 2016, giving classes on the care of bonsai plants. He hopes to resume classes as soon as the quarantine is lifted and the economy continues to reopen. He also presents a free workshop on Facebook Live every Wednesday night at 7 p.m.

Inspired, I had wanted to purchase a substantial sized bonsai. But I soon became aware that the care of the bonsai was time consuming and if I didn’t know what I was doing, my investment could die.

Héctor took me to his garden and explained to me the best type of bonsai to purchase as a beginner. He advised me to purchase a Tropical Ficus. He picked out a small tree for me, and then explained how to care for it.

Bonsai need direct light. But unlike a cactus, it needs to be watered often. You can tell when it requires water by the color of the dirt. It also needs to be fertilized every 15 days.

When it is time to trim the leaves, it is best to have sharp scissors and cut the stem at an angle above the leaf.

Many bonsai need to have their roots pruned and soil replaced yearly. Therefore, it is good to keep a journal with pictures of your bonsai.

Bonsai is a way of life. It can help you find peace and an appreciation for nature. It is a lifestyle.

Perhaps now is a good time for us to return to nature and learn the art of bonsai.

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Interior Designers

Share Their Tips to Revamp Home Spaces COVID-19 turns us into homebodies

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Makeshift a Dedicated Work Space

The Weekly Journal Staff

or those itching to re-imagine athome space, they’re in good company. On Instagram, #lockdownDIY and #lockdownprojects have been used more than 7,200 times collectively, in just one week alone.

According to Pinterest, searches are on the rise for ‘work from home setup’ (+1,144 percent) and indoor activities with kids (+1,300 percent) compared to this time last year, and over the last two months alone in the United States, searches for backyard patio spaces increased by 85 percent.

Whether at-home dwellers are looking to upgrade a work space, play space or small space, designer hosts Bryan and Catherine from Columbus, Ohio are sharing easy tips and hacks that optimize comfort without sacrificing design inspired by Airbnbs all over the world.

“This can be one end of a dining room table, a desk or another surface that you won’t have to set up and clear off every day. Having a space that’s reserved for work helps keep home life + work life separate, and helps you stay organized.” Make the area warm and comfortable so that your work space at home is enjoyable.

Rome, Italy

Galway, Ireland >All photos courtesy of Airbnb

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Perth, Australia

La Quinta, CA

Make Playtime Portable

“Play spaces can be practically anywhere in a home, but keeping clutter at bay — especially when everyone is at home at once — can be a challenge.

Place a few storage baskets or bins in the rooms your kids play in for toy storage when they’re not being used (pro tip: have your kids help!). They’re flexible and can be easily tucked away behind furniture so you can reclaim your home when playtime is over.”

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Be Bold — With Wallpaper

“Don’t be afraid to go bold, add texture or mix patterns. If you’re a renter or don’t want to commit to a design for years to come, choose a brand with removable options that can peel right off without the hassle factor.” In other words, have fun with color and patterns.

Los Angeles, CA

Beautify Small Spaces

“Just because a space is small doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. Embrace it!

Incorporate artwork you love, repurpose wall and ceiling treatments that add visual interest, or hang some lights that will make your space feel extra cozy.”

Remember, small spaces don’t have to be boring.

Refresh Close-to-Home Outdoor Spaces

“Customize your outdoor space with high impact, low cost updates.

Stain or paint your old fence a fresh new color, add new planters filled with fragrant herbs and cheerful flowers, or bring the indoors out with a fun,

Bring the Outdoors, In

Beijing, China

“Greenery is one of the easiest ways to bring life and energy into a space.

Low-maintenance plants, like rubber plants and snake plants, are a few of our favorites. If you go faux, try placing your tree or plant in a natural setting, like in front of a window, and you might just forget it’s not real.” Gardening is all the rage these days, whether indoors or outside, so let’s rejoice Mother Nature.