The Weekly Journal - July, 10, 2019

Wednesday, July 10-16, 2019 - // no. 011

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

PUERTO RICO POPULATION DECLINING; FLORIDA ON THE UPSWING P8

WORLD VALUES SURVEY: “PUERTO RICANS ARE VERY HAPPY” P16

FOOD TRUCKS: FOR SOME, A ROAD TO SUCCESS 150 food trucks around the island are creating some 600 jobs and pouring $40 million a year into the economy

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>Archive

Cynthia López Cabán

MARISÉ ÁLVAREZ JOINS GAEL GARCÍA BERNAL IN A MINISERIES P18

clopez@wjournal.com

@cynthia_lope

er father squinted when he heard the news. “All that studying to end up at la parada” 15 (at bus stop 15),” Yareli Manning recalls her dad saying.

But that skepticism didn’t deter the entrepreneur. After leaving her wellpaying job as a business consultant in Austin, Texas, Manning returned home and in 2014 opened her first food truck, The Meatball Company, in Hato Rey, steps away from Puerto Rico’s financial district.

“I am a professional eater, a foodie. Opening a food truck seemed like the obvious choice, second nature. Plus, my sister Xyomar owns a food truck (the Yummy Dumplings),” Manning told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. “The overhead costs are minimal and you can start a business with an investment of $40,000 to $50,000.”

A year after venturing into the culinary world, she was ready for her next move. Inspired by the Austin street food scene she enjoyed while living in the Lone Star state, Manning set her eyes on a parking lot in the corner of “la parada 15 and Avenida Ponce de León in Santurce, a barrio still in

>Gabriel López Albarrán

PANAMA INVESTMENT GROUP BETS ON FAJARDO AND BAYAMÓN P15

The Weekly Journal > wednesday, July 10, 2019 >

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A WEEK IN REVIEW TRUMP CAN’T BLOCK CRITICS ON TWITTER, APPEALS COURT SAID

>Carlos Rivera Giusti

>AP

President Donald Trump can’t block critics from his Twitter account, a federal appeals court ruled, saying the First Amendment calls for more speech, rather than less, on matters of public concern.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld a lower court judge who said Trump violates the Constitution when he blocks critics. The U.S. Justice Department has not commented yet on the matter. The ruling came as a result of a suit brought by the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. It sued on behalf of seven individuals blocked by Trump after criticizing his policies.

Jameel Jaffer, the institute’s director, said in an email that public officials’ social media accounts are now among the most significant forums for discussion of government policy. The ruling “will ensure that people aren’t excluded from these forums simply because of their viewpoints,” he said. “It will help ensure the integrity and vitality of digital spaces, which are increasingly important to our democracy.”

The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico sued Gov. Ricardo Rosselló and the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority in federal court to prevent the island’s government from enforcing Act 29, which allows the government to finance municipalities’ pensions and healthcare responsabilites. The federal entity said that it had advised the government against passing Act 29 due to the potential fiscal impact.

Christian Sobrino, the governor’s representative before the board, said that the “actions of the Government of Puerto Rico during this administration have always sought to maintain fiscal responsibility while providing the resources needed to offer essential services to the citizens, which includes and requires overseeing the proper operation and finances of the municipalities.”

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

>Archive

PUERTO RICO OVERSIGHT BOARD SUES GOVERNOR

HOUSE AND SENATE PASS PUBLIC PROCUREMENT REFORM House Bill 2112, to create the new General Services Administration Act for the Centralization of Purchases of the Government of Puerto Rico was passed. Its objective is to reduce bureaucracy by eliminating hundreds of procurement regulations, said Ottmar Chávez, head of the General Services Administration (ASG by its Spanish acronym), to THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. Now the bill is before Gov. Ricardo Rosselló.

President Salvador Hasbún shasbun@elvocero.com

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

Managing Editor Yennifer Álvarez yalvarez@wjournalpr.com

Comptroller Félix A. Rosa frosa@elvocero.com

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

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

Production Director Eligio Dekony edekony@elvocero.com

Editorial Director Juan Miguel Muñiz Guzmán jmuniz@elvocero.com

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

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

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 transition where dilapidated buildings coexist with a booming art movement and signs of an economic comeback are evident.

On that dull and grungy intersection that her dad loathed, Manning envisioned a food truck park, a place to savor good food but also a spot to relax and have fun. “In Austin, I was a regular at food truck parks. I enjoyed the scene and culture.

These are gastronomical and social gatherings,” Manning explained. “I wanted to replicate that experience here.”

It wasn’t easy. She had to overcome several bureaucratic hurdles. But three years later -and with the praise of renowned Spanish chef José Andrés- the Miramar Food Truck Park officially opened. It immediately became a hot spot, giving neighborhood workers another lunch option and enticing night visitors with its varied menu of tasty plates and drinks. Eight months after Hurricane Maria pummeled the island, the Miramar Food Truck Park became the first permanent outdoor food court to obtain a license from the municipality of San Juan. Manning manages the park and two trucks: The Meatball Company, with its trademark handcrafted meatballs, and Pa’l Pita, a Greek food cart.

She is not alone. The island’s love affair with food trucks keeps growing. Food carts and informal clusters of local vendors are popping up all over the island. “I follow the industry and have noticed that after Maria we have been experiencing a boom in visitors and investors,” Manning pointed out.

Following that surge, she opened a second Pa’l Pita in Aguadilla, a town on Puerto Rico’s northwestern tip known for its sultry beaches.

“Food trucks and food carts have been around for decades. After the catastrophic events of 2017, they have proliferated throughout the island, generating jobs with considerable salaries. This is good news,” Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce President José Ledesma Fuentes stated.

While there are no official statistics about the industry, based on information provided by colleagues and her experience, Manning “conservatively estimates” that food trucks contribute $40 million a year to the local economy.

Puerto Rico has 150 food trucks which create some 600 jobs. But Manning, co-founder of the organization the Food Truck Republic, which groups food truck owners, expects these numbers to double in the next few years echoing the U.S. growth pattern.

According to the market research firm IBISWorld, from 2014 to 2019 industry revenue in the U. S. grew at an annual rate of 6.8 percent, with 23,872 food trucks scattered around the country.

But the hype has had other ripple effects. These restaurants on wheels move a $1.2 billion industry that goes beyond cooking food and that includes shows on the Food Network, Netflix and films like “The Chef.”

The Local Scene >Gabriel López Albarrán

Experts from the food industry interviewed concurred that the island’s food truck industry is flourishing despite the wrath of a hurricane, roadblocks, the recession and the uncertainty

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sponsored by

caused by the restructuring process of the $70 billion-plus public debt. How come?

Economist José Alameda said that the rise in this type of venture could be a reaction to the island’s labor shortage. He indicated that from 2005 to 2019, the private sector has lost 79,700 jobs while, at last count, the public sector had lost 61,900 up until 2015.

“People need to survive,” Alameda said.

And, self-employment is a survival mode.

Owning a food truck business can be a relatively fast and cheap way to get back into the workforce.

“People tend to resort to a business mechanism that allows for mobility, flexibility, low cost, and convenience -for both- the client and the owner,” he argued.

“When productive sectors collapse, small businesses kick-in to jump-start the economy,” Puerto Rico Association of Economists’ President Heriberto Martínez Otero added.

Two other factors increased the popularity of food trucks: a decrease in the purchasing power of the middle class and an increase in commercial rent prices in San Juan. Both factors had an effect on supply and the demand, insisted Martínez.

But it’s more than dollars and cents.

Food carts offer other benefits.

A study by the Urban Vitality Group and the City of Portland in Oregon revealed that food truck parks enhance a community’s quality of life. The report “Food Cartology: Rethinking Urban Spaces as People Spaces” concluded that food carts improve the neighborhood’s mood by fostering social interactions, promoting walking and by providing uses for vacant parcels.

The Miramar Food Truck Park, for example, occupied an idle space in the

heart of Santurce, becoming an integral part of the revitalization process of the neighborhood.

The Regulations

Ledesma, whose organization has been a vocal supporter of the industry when it has come under fire, expressed satisfaction with the food truck boom and the Chamber of Commerce services to the new crop of food entrepreneurs. “The food industry is a highly regulated one in Puerto Rico... in the Chamber of Commerce we have two commissions that could gladly guide and serve as mentors,” he said.

While the presence of food carts is getting more attention lately, they are not new to the island’s culinary landscape. Food trucks have been around for a long time. Decades ago, their menu was limited to the traditional rice and beans, fried

treats, hamburgers, hot dogs, and tripletas (a skirt steak, ham, and pork sandwich).

However, ten years ago the concept morphed when a new breed of colorful food trucks like the now defunct El Ñaqui (a modern take of Puerto Rican food) and Yummy Dumplings (Asian cuisine) surfaced with their fresh offerings. Word spread around and like El Churry, a food truck featured on the late Anthony Bourdain’s show ‘No Reservations’, the new kids on the block gathered a following. Their success inspired others.

Another threshold was crossed when Lote 23, a hipster culinary experience with 14 food kiosks and two trailers, opened in Santurce at the end of 2016.

But it hasn’t been always peaches and cream. Five years ago some 75 food truck owners organized under the Food Truck Republic to react to different regulations that had been debated and approved at local and municipal levels.

The regulations vary. Manning mentioned she got her permit in Aguadilla in half an hour.

Other municipalities like Dorado and Carolina have tried to enforce stricter restrictions for various reasons. Some requirements seek more revenue for the municipality. Other permits curtail the industry to avoid competition and the displacement of brick and mortar restaurants, on whose revenues some towns depend.

Yet, the evidence doesn’t sustain this argument.

According The Economist, that cites the Bureau of Labor Statistics, counties that have experienced increased growth in mobile-food services have also had quicker growth in the restaurant and catering business. The magazine also noted that in Austin the restaurant count jumped 18 percent even as food trucks increased more than six fold.

“With food trucks, you make money to live, but it isn’t the type of business that will make you rich.

It took me two years to make a profit,” Manning said. “My vision is to expand and continue to grow the movement.”

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‘Cultural Factories’ Aim to Boost Entrepreneurship Among Local Artists

The program teaches business skills to endorse sustainability and growth

T Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournal.com

@giopgarofalo

he Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (ICP by its Spanish acronym) has graduated more than 50 local artists from its ‘Cultural Factories,’ a program which aims to address the financial struggles of this sector

of the population.

These ‘Cultural Factories’ are designed to teach participants how to improve their financial management and marketing skills so that they may boost sales and be able to rely on their art as their main, if not only, source of income.

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL interviewed Jessabet Vivas, from the ICP’s Cultural Promotion Program of Popular Arts and Creative Industries, who welcomed the opportunity to share more details about this project.

Vivas affirmed that these classes seek to fill the gap missing in educational art institutions.

“The artistic community does not usually receive this type of training in their educational institutions. These schools do not offer artists and

ICP Executive Director Carlos R. Ruiz and Jessabet Vivas explained the Cultural Factories are designed to teach participants how to improve their marketing skills and financial management. >Carlos Rivera Giusti

musicians the opportunity to enroll in courses of this nature,” she commented.

The end result is that artists, regardless of whether they receive formal academic training or not, generally have underdeveloped managerial skills.

Vivas warned that this issue “results in many problems because artists often end up creating projects that are not as successful as they could be, or they simply do not earn the money they should.”

“The ‘Cultural Factories’ emerged from an identified need to strengthen skills in areas pertaining to project management, workgroups, financial administration, how to market their product, how to identify the segment of clients to which their cultural offer is the most attractive and how to establish the mechanisms to reach those clients,” Vivas explained.

This program is the result of a collaboration between the ICP and the Puerto Rico Trade & Export Co. It also entails an alliance with Grupo Guayacán, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship on the island; and Parallel18, a startup assistance program established under the P.R. Science, Technology & Research Trust.

In addition, the program is supported by different members of the local entrepreneurship ecosystem. Vivas stated that this helps participants take advantage of pre-existing initiatives they may have been hesitant to partake in, but that are “highly beneficial.”

‘Cultural Factories’ are financed through federal funding, with each edition requiring roughly $25,000.

In order for artists to be able to participate in the ‘Cultural Factories’ , they must submit samples of their work to ICP. Once submitted, a committee composed of five people evaluates the work utilizing five key criteria, which are: the artists’ trajectory, group work, diversity and innovation, potential market and business model.

“We accept roughly 22 artists, up to a maximum of 25, although we can occasionally extend it to 27 people. No more than that, because the idea is for them to work in small groups so that the exchange of knowledge is more fructiferous,” Vivas explained.

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Having recently graduated its musical program, the selection second group, the ‘Cultural Factories’ committee consisted of program addresses the needs and two professors from the tailors its offerings to a different Puerto Rico Conservatory set of artists in every edition. For of Music, the director example, the first edition was of the ICP’s Program of focused on the scenic arts and Musical-Scenic Arts, an gathered actors, playwrights, independent musician, and essayists, circus performers a professor of the Sacred and puppeteers. The selection Heart University (USC by committee for this program of its Spanish initials). This scenic arts and design program was open to was comprised of an composers, musicians, art professor from the singers, music School of Plastic Arts teachers, and others and Design of Puerto in the industry.

Rico and another For his part, ICP from the USC, an Executive Director independent cultural Carlos R. Ruiz manager, the director congratulated every of the ICP’s Program artist who participated of Plastic Arts, and a in the first two designer who is also editions of the a college professor. institution’s ‘Cultural The arts that fall under Factories’, praising this sector are interior them for contributing design, fashion design, to the development - Jessabet Vivas painting and graphic of the cultural and arts, among others. creative industries. “‘Cultural Factories’ “This project is are divided into segments, but they contain a large part of the programmatic commitment of the variety of artists within that segment,” Vivas said. governor, Ricardo Rosselló, to promote cultural In its second edition they offered different entrepreneurship, capitalize on the potential of our lessons to the musical community. For the culture, and promote the sustainable economic

The Cultural Factories emerged from an identified need to strengthen skills in areas pertaining to project management, workgroups, financial administration and how to market their product.

development of the country,” Ruiz declared via press release.

Moreover, Vivas emphasized that creative industries have been gaining momentum both locally and internationally.

“In terms of their economic contribution, the numbers are sometimes even higher than industries like construction and automobiles,” she stated.

Vivas noted that, although artists’ contributions to the economy can be quantified, “what cannot be quantified is the aesthetic value of the content of all types of art.”

“The artists through their work strengthen the social fabric of a country. It is what helps us develop an identity unit... We manage to speak a common language thanks to culture and art,” Vivas exalted.

Lessons are offered in weekday evening shifts one to two times a week. These are offered freeof-charge, but participants are required to attend at least 75 percent of lessons, or else they may be subject to a fee. By the end of the program, participants must present a business model, a list of resources and financing strategies.

The last two editions were held in the Trade & Export Co.’s Centros de Emprendimiento (Entrepreneurship Centers) in Hato Rey, San Juan.

The upcoming edition of these Cultural Factories will be held in August. A specific date has not been disclosed, but the ICP will make the disclose the information through its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as well as on www.icp.pr.gov.

The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture has graduated more than 50 local artists from its ‘Cultural Factories. >Courtesy ICP

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Census 2020 Preview:

Puerto Rico Population Still Declining; Florida on the Upswing Hispanic population on the rise nationwide Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournal.com

A

@RosarioWJournal

s the Trump administration continues to grapple with including a citizenship question in next year’s census, the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) has released its preview of results from the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census, providing a glimpse of key population trends that will shape the country in the future.

The U.S. population is increasing and could reach a third of a billion people by 2020.

Nationwide, though, more than half of U.S. counties have experienced net population loss since 2010, with more than 550 counties losing at least 5 percent of their residents, which could mean fewer federal dollars to support local

infrastructure and public programs.

“The post-2010 demographic situation is especially bleak in Puerto Rico, which has lost more than half a million residents, or 14 percent of its 2010 population. Florida, with an estimated 21.3 million residents, has surpassed New York as the nation’s third-largest state behind California and Texas. Utah, Texas, Florida, Colorado and North Dakota were the fastest-growing states overall,” the PRB said.

Among the key findings are that Puerto Rico’s metro areas are among the fastest-declining nationwide. In fact, all metro areas within Puerto Rico decreased between 2017 and 2018, including Ponce (-4.6 percent); Mayagüez (-4.3 percent); Aguadilla-Isabela (-4.0 percent); San Juan-CarolinaCaguas (-3.9 percent); and Guayama (-3.8 percent).

Nationwide, the three fastest-decreasing metro areas (excluding those within Puerto Rico) were Charleston, W.Va. (-1.6 percent); Pine Bluff, Ark. (-1.5 percent); and Farmington, N.M. (-1.5 percent).

The population decreases were primarily due to negative net domestic migration.

Two of the 10 fastest-growing metro areas in

Self responding to the Census Questionnaire >Courtesy, U.S. Census Bureau

2018 are in Texas: Midland (first), with a growth of 4.3 percent (7,383) and Odessa (fifth), Orange County, with a growth Florida, which of 3.2 percent includes the Orlando (4,951). The Census and Kissimmee area— said positive where many Puerto domestic migration Ricans have migrated contributed to the in recent years—is the growth in both seventh fastest-growareas, while Florida ing county across the nation. Its population and Utah also each has grown from 1.145 contains two of the million in 2010 to an fastest-growing estimated 1.380 million metro areas in in 2019, representing 2018. an increase of 20.5 Orange County, percent.

Florida, which includes the Orlando and Kissimmee area— where many Puerto Ricans have migrated in recent years—is the seventh fastest-growing county across the nation. Its population has grown from 1.145 million in 2010 to an estimated 1.380 million in 2019, representing an increase of 20.5 percent.

The population estimates also show an increasingly aging population, with the median age increasing to 38.2 years in 2018, up from 37.2 years in 2010. The percentage of U.S. residents ages 65 and older is increasing at the fastest pace in U.S. history, with significant implications for public spending on programs for older adults.

“The increasing costs of providing for an older population may reduce public spending for other groups, including young families with children,” the PRB said. “The population is on track to grow at the slowest rate since the 1930s, with wide-ranging impacts on the labor supply and the demand for goods and services—including new homes—over the coming years.”

The Hispanic population in the United States grew by 2.0 percent (1,164,289) between 2017 and 2018. The Hispanic population was the largest in Los Angeles County, Calif., with a population of 4.9 million in 2018. The largest numeric growth between 2017 and 2018 was in Maricopa County, Ariz., increasing by 34,395 (2.6 percent) people.

In fact,

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< The Weekly Journal > wednesday, July 10, 2019

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Former U.S. Naval Base to Become Business Hotspot

Gov’t announces two projects to revitalize Roosevelt Roads

G Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournal.com

@giopgarofalo

consumers and improve the environment by promoting clean energy, so as to improve the community’s well-being.”

The first phase of the microgrid project consists of 5,000 kilowatts (kVa) of thermal generation within approximately nine months of the contract’s execution. The second phase will incorporate photovoltaic panels for clean energy generation.

Laboy explained that the selection process for this project began in May 2018, during which the government received eight proposals. Of these, two companies were selected and subsequently interviewed, but after a “lengthy evaluation process,” IBD Energy was chosen to sign an agreement in early 2019 and are underway to sign the official contract.

Rosselló explained that the installation of these microgrids is expected to create 650 direct and indirect jobs.

The governor also indicated that one of their main goals for Roosevelt Roads is the construction

of projects that promote tourism.

The first phase to remodel 25 units of the Ocean Club complex, which is meant to be used for shortterm rental housing, has been completed. The governor also announced that, after 18 months of negotiations, an agreement was reached for the development of an “important” hotel project.

At a later time, THE WEEKLY JOURNAL had the opportunity to ask for more specific details about this tourism project and Laboy explained the project is still in its initial stages and that more details will be revealed as it continues to take shape.

Rosselló also announced the Ensenada Senior Concierge Community project which will provide housing assistance to the region’s elderly population. The first phase of this project, the remodeling of the former Navy Lodge, requires an $11 million investment and is estimated to create 55 direct jobs and 150 indirect jobs.

The director of the Authority for the

ov. Ricardo Rosselló announced one new project geared toward providing energy stability and another to attract tourism to the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba.

The secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its Spanish acronym), Manuel A. Laboy, informed at a press conference that these two initiatives will entail a combined investment of $25 million and will create roughly 800 direct jobs.

IBD Energy, as opposed to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, was selected to create a microgrid and provide energy to Roosevelt Roads in the municipality of Ceiba.

“The development of that zone is extremely important for the eastern region’s economy.

With that in mind and considering the importance of offering optimal energy service, we announce the selection of IBD Energy as operator of the micro-grid that will be in charge of creating a resilient and cost-effective electric grid, which is vital so that these lands to continue to develop, promote investment and create jobs,” the governor said.

Rosselló added, “this project is in accordance with our public policy, which seeks to reduce Gov. Rosselló announced the Ensenada Senior Concierge Community project which will provide housing assistance to the region’s elderly population. > Courtesy La Fortaleza energy costs for

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Redevelopment of Roosevelt Roads, Ian Carlo Serna, stated, “we continue working on new projects to diversify the entertainment and commercial offerings for our visitors and residents of the east. We already see our actions yielding positive results and soon we will give more details of projects that involve millions of dollars in investments and that will generate great opportunities in these areas.”

“The time to rebuild is now and together we will bring great change to Puerto Rico,” the governor affirmed.

Moreover, Senate President Carlos “Johnny” Méndez, a resident of Fajardo—adjacent to Ceiba— stated, “[Roosevelt Roads] is the cornerstone of economic development for Puerto Rico and for the entire northeastern region.”

Roosevelt Roads was created by the U.S.

government in 1943, at the height of World War II, as decreed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Originally an aircraft base, in 1957 it got upgraded to a Naval Station and it operated intermittently until 2003. When Hurricane Maria made landfall on the island in 2017, the base temporarily resumed military activity in order to assist vulnerable communities that were impacted by the historic category 4 storm.

The first phase to remodel 25 units of the Ocean Club complex, which is meant to be used for short-term rental housing, has been completed. > Archive

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>Archive

Oriental Ready to Claim its New Place in the Banking Industry

The institution announced that it is acquiring Scotiabank’s Puerto Rico operation, a merger that some industry insiders say sends a negative message Cynthia López Cabán

O

clopez@wjournal.com

@cynthia_lope

riental Bank made it to middle age in good shape. At 55, this local institution is set to become the second largest bank on the island after it completes the acquisition of Scotiabank’s Puerto Rico operation.

At a price tag of $550 million, Oriental announced two weeks ago that it is purchasing the assets of the Canadian bank on the island and paying another $10 million for its stake in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a move that marks its debut in the neighboring territory.

“The acquisition provides the combined companies with greater prospects for growth, profitability and employee engagement,” Oriental Bank’s president, José Rafael Fernández, said in a press release. “We are combining two excellent banks to create a strongly capitalized, market leading institution focused on the needs of consumers and businesses in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Upon closing the deal, the bank will have a diversified loan portfolio totaling $7.2 billion, lowcost deposits of $7.9 billion and approximately 500,000 customers. Oriental also expects the transaction to expand its mortgage servicing book five-fold to approximately $5 billion.

While Oriental, which opened its first branch in

Humacao in 1964, celebrated the merger, others in the banking sector warned about a trend in the industry, where big international players are bowing out and leaving the field mainly to local institutions.

Over the past decade, the number of consumer banks in Puerto Rico shrank from 14 to six. With Scotiabank’s upcoming departure, only five retail banks are left: Banco Popular, FirstBank, Oriental Bank, Banco Santander, and Banesco. Citibank only offers institutional banking services.

This means that Santander, which reduced operations on the island last year, remains as the sole international player.

Former Financial Institutions Commissioner Rafael Blanco Latorre told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that Scotia’s adieu -after opening its first branch in San Juan in 1910- sends a negative message to the financial community because the presence of big international banks is a symptom of good economic conditions.

“These banks make strategic decisions based

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on economic activity. They establish in places where there is an expectation of growth. The fact that they are leaving is an indicator for the foreign investor that Puerto Rico is no longer attractive and that they don’t see a potential for growth that justifies their presence here,” Blanco stated. “When tracing their map of opportunities, these institutions settle in countries where they forecast promising conditions and attractive returns.”

According to Blanco, it’s a reality that Puerto Ricans have to grapple with due to the island’s decade-long economic slump, the government’s inability to pay off its $70 billion-plus debt load and the uncertainty caused by the debtrestructuring process.

“In that sense, there is no other option than the forced consolidation of institutions that don’t see opportunities in this market,” Blanco indicated.

Despite the uncertain economic climate, Oriental is betting on the island’s future.

“The banking market in Puerto Rico through consolidation is not necessarily shrinking, on the contrary with capital put to work to grow, it actually expands the market,” Fernández said.

“In spite of the uncertainty and the current fiscal challenges that Puerto Rico faces, economists project economic growth for Puerto Rico.”

Oriental Bank’s President José Rafael Fernández. >Archive

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Civic Innovation Program Seeks to Transform Public Processes Measure allows private sector to assist goverment Giovanna Garofalo

G

ggarofalo@wjournal.com

@giopgarofalo

ov. Ricardo Rosselló signed Executive Order 2019-032 to create the Civic Innovation Program of the government of Puerto Rico in search of highimpact solutions to transform public processes through technology and innovation.

The governor signed the executive order at the Puerto Rico Innovation & Technology Service (PRITS) headquarters in Hato Rey, San Juan, accompanied

by Chief Innovation and Information Officer Glorimar Ripoll and the secretary of the Department of Economic Development & Commerce (DDEC by its Spanish acronym), Manuel A. Laboy, as well as spokespeople of several private institutions that are already involved in the first phase of the program.

Rosselló began his speech by asserting that the government is facing multiple procedural problems, particularly in the areas of innovation and process engineering. He went on to state that “the vast majority” of professionals in these fields work in the private sector, “so we don’t have access to that knowledge.”

As such, the Civic Innovation Program was designed to address this issue by laying the groundwork so that these professionals and private entities can provide their services to the government.

“This is an initiative where we can take those two worlds that we had apart from one another and see how we could combine them so that the government can benefit from that talent’s knowledge.” Rosselló explained.

Ripoll added, “the Civic Innovation Program offers us a mechanism to establish an organized collaboration with the government and other sectors, where specialists can be active participants in innovation processes.”

The Civic Innovation Program will be tasked with identifying entities or professionals from various specialty fields that may be able to provide knowledge when needed.

The program will initially focus on soliciting services from processing engineers, project managers, product managers, data scientists, user interface specialists, user experience specialists,

app developers, business analysts, and quality specialists.

These services will be offered ad honorem—that is, free-of-charge—for a temporary period, as required.

The governor affirmed that these companies’ free contributions of human talent and expertise will represent - Gov. Ricardo Rosselló “multimillion-dollar savings to the government; and more importantly, it will enable us to have more transparent processes.”

Rosselló explained that future innovative processes could revolutionize the Departments of Health, Treasury and Education.

“It is my hope that over the next two years this initiative becomes one of the main ones bringing knowledge and expertise [to the government] and that implementing the concept of innovation translates into tangible results for all the citizens of

Puerto Rico,” the governor declared.

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL asked if this program will require government funding for the recruitment and designation processes or for equipment, to which Ripoll affirmed that PRITS will be providing all necessary resources without further government allocations.

Some of the companies that are already collaborating with the government and whose spokespersons were present at the press conference were Islandwide Supply Chain Solutions—Puerto Rico’s largest logistics provider—Truenorth Corporation and Puerto Rico Information Technology Cluster, among others.

The program represents multi million-dollar savings to the government.

The Civic Innovation Program will be tasked with identifying entities or professionals from various specialty fields that may be able to provide their knowledge when needed. >Courtesy La Fortaleza

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Bacalia Group Bullish on Puerto Rico

“I believe that nautical tourism is underdeveloped in Puerto Rico. We are betting a lot on the marinas and the role they play in tourism.”

For example, he pointed out that Puerto Rico’s marine tourism is very small compared to that of Rosario Fajardo rfajardo@wjournal.com @RosarioWJournal the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. “And yet there are about 100,000 boats in Puerto Rico. This is a great business opportunity and I believe Puerto t’s clear from talking with Giuseppe Chico, near El Conquistador, can become an Cicatelli, principal at investment firm important tourist attraction in the east. There are Bacalia Group, that the Italian investor is many American tourists in the area,” he said. an optimist at heart. He is among those “We can go beyond kayaking and day trips on who see the glass as half full, rather than sailboats and catamarans. The Virgin Islands have half empty. a lot yacht tourism. Boaters can go island hopping His enthusiasm about Puerto Rico to Vieques, Culebra and the USVI, so that can be is catching. “We have been investing in Puerto developed here too,” he said.

Rico since 2014 and we have a couple hundred In terms of the future, Cicatelli said Sea Lovers employees in Puerto Rico now,” he said during an Marina is about to open a new restaurant by interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. Chef Myrta Perez Toledo of Pasión por el Fogón “I was attracted by the opportunities on the restaurant in Fajardo. island: a U.S. territory, rule of law, dollarized, “[The former] Roosevelt Roads [base] in Ceiba quality workforce and many bilingual residents. It is a very attractive site... We are looking at it,” he was a good time to come in,” he added. said. There are currently about 15 tenants on the Bacalia Group’s diverse $50 million investment premises, including the relocated ferry service portfolio on the island includes three marinas in between Ceiba and the the Fajardo area for island municipalities of 1,250 boats; Da House Vieques and Culebra, Hotel in Old San Juan as well as several with 45 rooms; Metro tourism-related Medical Center in businesses.

Bayamón, featuring During a recent doctors’ offices and investment forum on various office spaces; -Giuseppe Cicatelli, principal at Puerto Rico, sponsored and several car parks, investment firm Bacalia Group

by Bacalia Group, he totaling 4,000 spots in said that the island’s Hato Rey, Fajardo and economic indicators Bayamón. have been positive, Cicatelli emphasized that neither he or Bacalia “coming back to growth, pre-hurricane levels in just Group is an Act 20/22 grantee. two years. That’s pretty fast compared with places With Bacalia Group mainly based in Panama, the like New Orleans, which took about eight to 13 company’s investments there include Baru Fresh, years to recover” after Hurricane Katrina. a 250,000 square foot hydroponic farm, the largest “This shows the resiliency of Puerto Rico, even in Panama, and is developing Agrorismo Villages, without most of the federal funds being disbursed an ecofriendly retirement community on 151 acres yet. That will come and the economy will continue in the Highlands of Chiquiri. to grow,” Cicatelli said. “The issue now is confidence.

“We have kept a very low profile in Puerto Rico,” Puerto Rico is going through a crisis of confidence, Cicatelli said, adding that they wanted to focus on especially with the recent news regarding alleged their work rather than on marketing or publicity. corruption in the government. People want to “But now that the immediate crisis in the aftermath invest in Puerto Rico, but they are hesitant. We of Hurricane Maria is over, we want to participate can’t let this be a self-fulfilling prophecy, like what is in the public discussion on Puerto Rico’s economy, happening with demography. There are jobs here. current business climate and the way forward.”

There are opportunities,” he added.

He pointed out that tourism has picked up very nicely and is the main driver in Puerto Rico’s new economy. He noted that their three marinas in Fajardo—Puerto Chico, Sea Lovers and Sardinera, as well as Da House Hotel are all tourism related.

Next up: New restaurant at Sea Lovers Marina in Fajardo

I

I am betting on Puerto Rico and will continue to do so.

Giuseppe Cicatelli, principal at investment firm Bacalia Group >Courtesy Bacalia Group

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Puerto Rican population

is “very happy”

According to the World Values Survey, a comprehensive study of 65 countries Claudia Guerrero Negrón

I

newsroom@wjournal.com

n Puerto Rico, 91 percent of the population is “very happy” or “pretty happy”, according to the 2018 World Values Survey recently published by a joint effort between the University of the Sacred Heart and the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics.

A team of professors and students from the university were led by Javier Hernández, director of the Department of Business Administration, in carrying out the survey between May and November of 2019, which divulged that 52 percent of people have no interest in politics and would not vote for any political party, when in 2001 disinterest in politics was only at 28 percent. In addition, 65 percent of respondents think experts should be the ones making important decisions instead of the government.

The study asked 1,127 recipients about their values in all areas of life, from the economic to the social ones. One important detail unearthed is that in Puerto Rico only 18 percent of people said they can trust the majority of people, identifying a weakness in its society.

The study proved religion to still be an important aspect in Puerto Rico, with 86.8 percent of participants stating that religion is “very important” or “pretty important”, and 79 percent saying they still pray every single day. However, the study found that the importance of religion in general has gone down since 2001 and the importance of friends and free time has gone up.

In terms of importance, 94 percent of respondents mentioned family as being “very important”, followed by work, at 70 percent, time off, at 66%, and religion coming in last with 65 percent.

In regards to overall security, even though 85 percent of participants said they find their neighborhoods to be “pretty safe”, 71 percent of the population avoids carrying cash when leaving

>Archive

the house and 54 percent don’t leave their homes at night.

In addition, 66 percent consider themselves to be in “good” or “very good health”; 49 percent of the population said they had a “great deal” of confidence in the island’s universities and only 4 percent said they had a “great deal” of confidence in the government, with 49.7 percent saying they have none.

The World Values Survey is a comprehensive study of 65 countries that collects data on the development and values that sustain these democracies. The study represents an

opportunity to take a close look at the social, economic, political and cultural status of the island as to identify areas that need help and devise a plan that will further the development and growth of the island.

“This project presents an abundance of information that is vital to the culture of decisionmaking based on evidence. This is valuable information about our values, beliefs, and political culture, among others, necessary to guide decisions of public policy,” said Orville M. Disdier, interim executive director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics.

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By Anthony O. Maceira Zayas

By Rafael “Tatito” Hernández

Incentives Code: The missing Piece of the Puzzle

A Balanced Tax System for Job Creation and Generation of Local Capital

House of Representatives Minority Leader

Secretary of Public Affairs of the Government of Puerto Rico

T

he road for the social andeconomic transformation of Puerto Rico has been well underway since 2017. Don’t just take my word for it, instead, look at the latest Economic Activity Index and the recent economic indicators, which show that we are diminishing unemployment substantially, we have a more robust tourism industry, employment in the construction sector is rising and bankruptcies are declining.

However, a key piece of the puzzle was missing. Puerto Rico still lacked a uniform, transparent and effective set of laws that would incentivize rather than subsidize the different sectors that the island wanted to see grow. After months of work from my cabinet colleagues and legislative leadership, last week, Governor Rosselló signed into law the Incentive Code for Puerto Rico.

The Incentive Code is an economic development tool because it provides greater certainty to investors, clearer rules, more agile, efficient processes and consolidates the main laws of economic incentives. In addition, it works as a promotional tool to attract investment to Puerto Rico.

It establishes the foundations for the reestablishment of certainty and trust. The code is an integral part of the economic development plan proposed by this administration and will allow for the improvement of our competitiveness as a destination to do business.

Over 50 economic incentive laws that existed from the 1960s to the present were analyzed and evaluated. As the referred act states, the evaluation of incentives that was carried out for the preparation of this code was done under the guiding principle of a combination

between the fundamentals defined by the government and the industries that must be encouraged to ensure the growth of our economy. The Incentive Code will assist Puerto Rico in achieving favorable conditions to foster competitiveness, innovation and support emerging industries which will translate into sustainable economic development and the creation of jobs.

But what does this mean for someone that wants to invest in Puerto Rico? I’ll try to be as precise as possible in this limited space.

First, it significantly simplifies the processes for obtaining all the incentives through a digital portal. Locating all the incentive laws in a single law facilitates the process of discovery and analysis of the investment opportunities provided by Puerto Rico. Before this code, you probably needed a battery of attorneys and accountants just to identify which incentives you could potentially benefit from. Now it’s all in a single document: The Code.

Also, the Incentive Code for Puerto Rico created the Office of Business Incentives and a Portal for the Granting of Incentives, which uniforms, centralizes, standardizes and streamlines the processes related to the request and approval of decrees, cash grants, tax credits, subsidies, and other incentives.

Another key element of this code is that, with certain exceptions, tax rates are harmonized as much as possible across industries.

The Incentive Code is an additional tool for economic development that’s added to multiple measures already adopted, such as: (1) labor reform; (2) permit reform; (3) new tax model; (4) The Golden Standard P3 Act; and (5) the Privatization of the Electrical Grid in Puerto Rico.

I

n Puerto Rico, our tax system has been designed as a reaction to a more pressing need, which is to raise money to pay for what is the mantra of the governmentto provide essential public services to the people. The level of expenditures is determined by the government and then, and only then, are economic activities identified so as to levy taxes on them and bring in the resources that are needed to meet all obligations of the State. This philosophy of financing the government has been mainly responsible for the recent bankruptcy of the central government, its instrumentalities their collapse.

During the last decades, the government has been following this methodology and has been consistently falling short of collecting sufficient resources to cover expenses in the budget. The result has been that, unable to stop the spending machinery in midstream, the public entities resort to borrowing and selling assets with the expected consequences that we all have been exposed to these last few years.

But for purposes of this column, let us forget past practices and think differently. Let us say that we start by outlining a tax system we can reasonably agree on that will permit us to develop our economy and compete head on in the global markets. This will give us resources that we can extract from the economy without holding back its growth and it will show us the way to a new fair and just tax system. Having set this revenue goal, government then has to adjust the budget to this reality. This process will be a great improvement over the present tax system that is highly complex, with a reduced tax base, promoting tax evasion and imposing tax rates that are way too high in comparison to other jurisdictions.

Every tax system, in general, has three main sources of revenues: income taxes, consumption taxes and property taxes. These are some ideas that we can implement to be competitive.

1. No filing of tax returns if your

income is $50,000 or less. a. The government will account for the taxpayer’s income by using the forms filed by the employer in the case of an individual employed or by using the information in the system of the Treasury Department if the taxpayer files income for professional services or a proprietorship. b. The government will compute the tax and send the tax return electronically to the taxpayer. c. The taxpayer will only file a tax return if there is an error in the tax form sent by the government or if the taxpayer’s income exceeds $50,000.

2. The tax rates for individuals, or for those filing jointly or for businesses will be a maximum of 15 percent, set progressively, for those with income exceeding $50,000. a. Set the capital gains tax for local taxpayers, as well as for taxpayers from out of state, at 5 percent.

3. Integrate the sales and use tax, excise tax and personal property tax in one simple system where the end value of the goods or services is taxed.

4. Simplify the tax base for the real estate property tax setting one base quota per unit for the whole island based on the need for municipalities to provide essential services to the people and where the citizen can hold accountable the local government. a. For example, picking up, disposing of and recycling solid waste, maintenance and repairs of local streets, safety and job creation.

These changes will reduce the tax burden in a fair and just manner for all taxpayers, with the people retaining most of their hard earned income and not having the government take it away for unproductive purposes.

This model will bring more certainty in estimating revenues, it sizes the central government to what the local economy can afford, and increases revenue for the municipalities without the intervention of the central government.

No doubt that this proposal forces us to rethink the intervention of the government in the lives of its citizens.

We will continue in our next column.

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/ Wednesday, July 10, 2019

>Courtesy

Marisé

Álvarez

The Puerto Rican actress joined renowned Mexican actor Gael García Bernal in a miniseries called “Hombre”

P Seeks to Conquer Hollywood

Yomaris Rodríguez

yrodriguez@elvocero.com

@yomarisr

uerto Rican actress Marisé Álvarez is taking advantage of her “second chance at life” to pursue her dreams...and that includes moving to Los Angeles in August to continue her artistic voyage in Hollywood.

“I have to take advantage of this moment because I’m not 20 years old anymore, I have to open doors there. The accident made it all the more clear that life is short,” said the actress.

On January 2, 2019, while on a visit to Medellin in Colombia, a bus in which she was traveling with relatives crashed. As a result of the accident, Marisé suffered wounds on her forehead and to the right side of her face, up to her eye.

Being involved in an accident made her re-evaluate her choices and appreciate the opportunities that come her way. “I am alive and this new life that was granted to me has come

with two new opportunites. I still cannot believe series titled “Hombre”. The series, directed by everything that is happening... this second life Jonás Cuarón, centers on an undocumented I’ve been given is treating me well, I cannot Mexican man who will go to great lengths to get complain,” she summarized. his wife back after she is taken into custody by Álvarez refers to the Spanish miniseries “On ICE. the Corridor of Death”, If all goes smoothly, in which she plays and the pilot is a Tanya Quiñones success, ten more and stars alongside episodes of “Hombre” Miguel Ángel Silvestre will be aired on (Velvet), as Pablo Showtime. So far, Ibar. The miniseries three seasons of is scheduled to the show have been debut in September contemplated. on Movistar Plus, “Let’s see what hopefully followed by happens, I’m nervous a release on Netflix. because it would “The series is based be an incredible on a true story; Pablo experience. It is -Marisé Álvarez, Puerto Rican actress Ibar is still a prisoner important to me in Miami. The casting that Showtime director was looking demonstrates the for Puerto Rican actresses, because Tanya is reality of what is happening to immigrants. It is a Puerto Rican, and he found me on Imbd.com. He great responsibility and an honor to be playing a recommended me to director Carlos MarquesMexican immigrant,” she said.

Marcet after remembering he had met me ten When asked about the experience of acting years ago at the International Latin Film Festival with García Bernal and being directed by Cuarón, in Los Angeles,” the Puerto Rican actress pointed she added: “I feel it is a gift. It is a privilege not out. only to be able to collaborate with someone as Álvarez was also tapped to work with Gael wonderful as Gael, but also to be directed by Garcia Bernal on a pilot for a new Showtime Jonás, who are two incredible artists.

I feel it is a gift. It is a privilege not only to be able to collaborate with someone as wonderful as Gael, but also to be directed by Jonás, who are two incredible artists.

Marisé Álvarez starred in the Spanish miniseries “On the Corridor of Death” with Miguel Ángel Silvestre. >Courtesy

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Álvarez adds that during filming Cuarón gave her the freedom to put a spin to her character.

“Gael likes humor and I am a clown, so we added that to the characters. We felt they needed that because they are such strong personalities. In the beginning of the show you are able to see the family go about their daily life, with humor, up until the wife is taken by ICE. Jonás gave us that freedom to play with, but was always very aware of the details; it ended up being brilliant,” she explained.

After shooting the pilot, Álvarez signed with ICM Partners and decided to move to Los Angeles.

“We are sending out audition tapes for other projects and films. The move will be good for me because my brother, José Álvarez, has been living there for seven years working as an ESPN producer,” she said. Álvarez also dreams of buying a home in Los Angeles and strengthening ties with her compatriots in California.

>Courtesy

/ Wednesday, July 10, 2019

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Lick A Local Pet

Accessory Shop Jean Marcel Correa has employed Puerto Ricans to create his products and launch his site Jan Javier Figueroa

T

jfigueroa@elvocero.com

aking a chance and betting on Puerto Rico, Jean Marcel Correa decided to give up the opportunities offered to him on the mainland and launch Lick, a pet accessory line.

Correa was finishing up his studies in Finance and Entrepreneurship at American University in Washington, D.C., when he realized that he would not be happy working for a large corporation. “By March of 2018 I had already come to the realization that I would not enjoy working in an office setting.

My internships at Banco Popular, with Pierluisi in Congress and with Aflac, served for me to acknowledge that I would not have been a great fit there,” stated Correa.

His passion for dogs and animals in general, lead him to create Lick, a brand of dog accessories sold online at www.lickco.com.

Correa affirms that the right accessory can help bring out a pet’s personality. “Something as simple as a bandana can change the way we look at a pet,” he stated.

The inspiration behind Lick comes from the

passion he felt for his own dogs, Valentino and Scooby. “Spending time with them was the greatest thing on earth. I loved putting bandanas on them to highlight their different personalities; they were completely different.

A bandana is a simple accessory but one that can add to its personality and let other people know what kind of dog it is,” he added.

Correa has employed Puerto Ricans to create his products and launch his site. The

>Courtesy Lick

>Courtesy Lick

On-line

seamstresses and even the graphic designers are local. According to Correa, “the only thing that is not Puerto Rican is an ingredient that we get from Africa and use to make our ‘paw balm’, which protects a dog’s paws from high temperatures.”

Aside from bandanas, Lick also sells stickers, personalized dog art and leashes.

The company is committed to creating quality goods that are also comfortable for pets.

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< The Weekly Journal > wednesday, July 10, 2019

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Vianda

An evolving, farm-totable menu in Santurce

For owner and executive chef at Vianda, Francis Guzmán, developing a close relationship with local farmers was essential to the success of the widely-acclaimed restaurant

C

Claudia Guerrero Negrón

newsroom@wjournal.com

ool-toned, soft colors welcome you as you walk through the doors of the Ponce de Leon street’s newest addition to its arsenal of contemporary cuisine eateries. Light green decorative plants hang all around the space, creating an earthy atmosphere that helps you make the connection between the food on your plate and where it comes from: the very land you

step on. For owner and executive chef at Vianda, Francis Guzmán, developing a close relationship with local farmers was essential to the success of the widely-acclaimed restaurant.

“Local products, global influences,” said Guzmán as he described the innovative and distinctly creative menu he prepares weekly. The chef opened the eclectically modern space in March of 2018, along with his wife, Amelia Dill, aside from managing the restaurant, was in charge of designing and decorating the interiors with a minimalistic, relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Bearing his influences from time spent in

San Francisco and New York, where he studied and worked before coming back to Puerto Rico, the small, rotating menu offers guests about 15 savory items and three desserts that are carefully constructed based on the inspiration Guzmán gets when he receives the local produce for the week.

Although international dishes and a Puerto Rican influence can be noticed in the offerings, Guzmán doesn’t want labels to be put on the ever-changing menu.

To name a few items and incite your palate: Eggplant ‘Tikka Masala’ with spicy curry sauce, cucumber raita and house-made naan bread, ‘Tom

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Kha’ Bacalao with coconut broth, mushrooms, the commitment with local products that chef chili oil and crispy rice and Pumpkin Raviolinis Guzmán envisioned for the restaurant, using fresh with roasted shiitake mushrooms topped with fruits like pineapple and passion fruit to later parmesan; which I had the absolute privilege of ferment and use in his lab of tropical, colorful and savoring. most importantly, absolutely delicious creations.

The exquisite dish had thin slices of roasted Also on the menu was a local King Mackerel shiitake mushrooms on top of mediumMarinade dish (Sierra en Escabeche) which sized, pumpkin-filled raviolis. Tiny was infused in white vinegar and olive pumpkin squares surrounded oil; onions, olives, confít peppers, the pasta and a light layer of capers, and stewed sweet potato parmesan cheese topped bites were tossed together the dish, adding an with round sweet potato chips overwhelmingly creamy and green leafy garnishes richness that brought to decorate the delicious everything harmoniously masterpiece. together. Every bite was When Guzmán and his a perfectly balanced wife relocated to San Juan explosion of sweet and in 2017, they were looking to savory. create something new and Paired with refreshing, something that the meal was wasn’t quite fine dining the restaurant’s but their take on it. They most popular decided that Santurce was drink: Romero the perfect place to do that Apasionado, given the culinary boom concocted by that has erupted over the experienced the last few years in this mixologist and hipster-filled, vintage-shopbartender, saturated, gastronomic Marcos Rivera, center. who Guzmán Vianda was well under handpicked and way when Hurricane María trusted enough hit on September of 2017. to hand over Luckily, the couple was -Owner and Executive complete creative only set back a couple of Chef Francis Guzmán control over the months, with a few cracks bar menu. This on the windows that face drink was no joke: the sidewalk being the only Hendrick’s gin, major damages incurred. passion fruit shrub, rosemary tincture, and lemon “At first, we thought Puerto Rico would not be juice with a small piece of lavender poked through the same, but it ended up being the opposite. a slice of dried lime on top as a beautiful garnish Restaurants ended up functioning as places to that Rivera burns with a blow torch for a smoky relax the mind from the hardships that people effect. were facing at the time,” said Guzmán.

Rivera created the bar menu keeping in mind Guzmán also attested to the claim that after

At first, we thought Puerto Rico would not be the same, but it ended up being the opposite. Restaurants ended up functioning as places to relax the mind from the hardships that people were facing at the time.

>Photos by Gabriel López Albarrán

María, the island saw a rebirth in the local agriculture, noting that it came back stronger than ever. For his plates Guzmán uses goat cheese from Juncos and things like tropical fruit, lettuce and herbs from places like Aibonito and Barranquitas.

For pork, which he includes in various dishes, he uses products from La Ceba in Corozal, a local hog farm dedicated to providing restaurants with highquality pork. When asked what products he likes to work with the most, he said: “Viandas.”

The word Vianda can mean many things. Its literal translation to English is lunch. Guzman chose this as the name for his first restaurant because of its meaning in Latin, translating to “vivanda”, which means a place of living. And that is what it is, a place to come, connect, be and live. Connect with the island by rediscovering it through the food that is cultivated and produced here, bringing locals back to their essence, and introducing tourists to the booming world of fresh, locally produced cuisine.

Vianda is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. They host happy hour every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

Starting in September they will be opening for lunch with a menu of sandwiches, salads and soups.

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/ Wednesday, July 10, 2019

El Hórreo de V. Suárez has two locations, one in Guaynabo and another in Ponce. >Courtesy

Puerto Rico’s Wine Market Reports Growth

Trends point to increased consumption among young adults

N Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournal.com

@giopgarofalo

early two years after Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico and impacted sales in the wine market, the sector is reporting revenue growth and increased interest from the general population.

An early 2019 report revealed that the local wine market earned $63 million in sales this past year, which signaled a growth of 12.8 percent compared to 2017, and represented 6 percent of the total sale of alcoholic beverages.

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL interviewed Sylvette Carrasquillo, senior brand marketing manager of specialty retail store El Hórreo de V. Suárez in Guaynabo, and her press manager, Margie Álvarez, to discuss trends in the wine market and the power of education as a means to increase consumerism in this sector.

“The wine market has grown exponentially in

the past years. After Hurricane Maria, there was collectors... The demands also vary, depending on a drop, but now the market has been regaining the type of consumer,” the senior brand marketing strength thanks to hotel re-openings, as well as a manager stated. boom of emerging restaurants that are offering According to Carrasquillo, this year V. Suárez new alternatives. And although we had a large conducted Puerto Rico’s first study concerning number of people who left the island after the hurricane, including many who consumed wine regularly, it is still a category that is well-alive and thriving,” Carrasquillo affirmed.

Moreover, Puerto Rico has a broad range of wine consumers.

“The wine consumer in Puerto Rico is not your typical consumer. You have a range of knowledge, from enthusiasts, people who are just beginning, people who drink it casually and are not interested in learning more about the subject, El Hórreo de V. Suárez is committed to educating wine beginners and enthusiasts more knowledgeable through regular lessons by sommeliers. >Courtesy drinkers, and wine

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wine sales in supermarkets, something she claims has never been done before. “It was an eye opener in terms of wine selections at supermarkets,” she said.

According to their findings, people have general knowledge and they are largely influenced by grape selection. However, they are not as knowledgeable about regions, while supermarkets segment wines by country.

Meanwhile, most people who purchase wine bottles are aged 35 or older, although Carrasquillo noted that younger adults are also buying wine, albeit different styles. In fact, some local experts have concurred that young adults are starting to consume wine as early as their college years. The difference is that, contrary to older generations— who generally share the belief that expertise is pivotal to enjoying wine, young adults tend to consume it without necessarily considering themselves wine connoisseurs.

Another trend she noted is increased interest in rosésand sparkling wines.

“There is also a growth in blends; that is, a blend of several grapes, not a monovarietal wine.

It is interesting to see the growth that blends are having, not only in Puerto Rico, but also in other countries,” Carrasquillo says.

Education Key to Boosting Growth

Both Carrasquillo and Álvarez stressed that gaining more specific knowledge about wine—such as grapes and variations through seasons and countries, among others—enhances the drinking experience.

“It isn’t just to sit down and drink; it’s to sample, to admire the tastes, to marinate food, and to have a full-blown experience, not just to drink,” Álvarez said.

Carrasquillo noted regardless that, compared to how the market stood some years ago, the contemporary consumer is more interested in learning. Wine, she stated, could come across as intimidating because of societal biases that stressed that the drink was reserved for seasoned palettes.

“Now, more people are letting go of that fear,” Carrasquillo said.

Furthermore, Carrasquillo stated that the key to boosting the local wine market is not to increase an already-sizeable offering, but to emphasize education on the subject so that more people consume the beverage, as well as trying new selections to expand their tastes.

“The more we educate, the more consumers delve into the wine category. Then, it wouldn’t be an issue of bringing more wines or more selections; but rather, expanding our customer base, and there is big potential there,” she commented.

El Hórreo de V. Suárez is committed to educating wine beginners and enthusiasts through regular lessons by sommeliers Marcos Mercado, who teaches beginners, and Rossana Miranda, who teaches “sommelier labs.”

All expert courses have been prepared from CAFA Puerto Rico and those who successfully graduate will be officially certified sommeliers by the prestigious CAFA École International Vins et Spiritueux.

Summer Wines to Cool Off Puerto Rico’s Heat

Although most Puerto Rican consumers prefer red wine, it is not necessarily ideal for the summer

P

Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournal.com

uerto Rico’s weather at the peak of summer generally ranges between the mid- to late eighties (or late 30s, if you’re using Celsius). Unlike other U.S. jurisdictions in the mainland with similar temperatures, the island’s tropical weather makes the environment much more humid, which makes it feel even warmer.

In order to cool off, Sylvette Carrasquillo, from wine specialty store El Hórreo de V. Suárez, recommended to THE WEEKLY JOURNAL a list of wines that gracefully merge taste with refreshment for a potent cure against the sweltering heat.

Carrasquillo explained that, although most Puerto Rican consumers prefer red wine, it is not necessarily ideal for the summer.

“In Puerto Rico, in spite of it being a tropical island, red wine is the top pick.

Incredibly so, when you consider our weather,” she said.

However, it doesn’t have to be omitted entirely. Carrasquillo recommends pairing red wine with a sizzling barbecue. Her top three red wines for outdoor grills are Barbed Wire, Joel Gott Cabernet and Batch.

The connoisseur affirmed that summer in Puerto Rico provides the perfect opportunity

@giopgarofalo

to experiment with other alternatives.

“People tend to think of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, but there are so many other alternatives—Albariño, Torrontés, Verdejo and also sparkling wines and rosés,” she said.

For beach or nautical activities, Carrasquillo points to white and sparkling wines, which she stressed must be served as cold as possible to optimize the refreshment factor.

For people who are just beginning to savor white wines, perhaps start off with a classic Sauvignon. Carrasquillo recommends the Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc. As for those whose palettes are more accustomed to this type of vino, Álvarez listed the Famille Hughes: Classic Gewurztraminer 2013, Dr. Burklin-wold: Burklin Estate Riesling 2015 (dry), Louis Jadot: chablis 2014, and Les Tuillieres: Sancerre 2016.

Moreover, her picks for sparkling wines are Brut Dargent, Champagne Taittinger and Zonin.

“Although red wines are an alternative that will always appease and will always be consumed, I believe that it is the right time to experiment, to get familiar with different grapes and to let go of that fear,” Carrasquillo affirmed.

Now is the time to experiment with different types of wine. >iStock

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/ Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Brunch Guide W

yalvarez@wjournal.com

Yennifer Álvarez Jaimes

henever I think of brunch, I think of a close photojournalist friend who says “brunch is an expensive breakfast.”

Nonetheless, brunch is popular in San Juan and all over the island.

@yalvarezjaimes

Every weekend, restaurants fill up with family and friends looking for a place to chat while enjoying good food and delicious mimosas, because, why not?

I am a brunch fan and could actually eat breakfast all day. With that in mind, I’ve put together a guide to some of the best places to brunch at that offer an experience far beyond just serving run of the mill eggs.

Mrs. Potts Bake Shop & Bistro 601 Lodi St., San Juan, 00924 787-667-1260 One of the best places to brunch in the metropolitan area. Mrs Pott’s offers a creative gourmet menu, homemade natural and organic breads and delicious coffee. They have also Monday brunch for those who work on the weekends. The Maple Bacon Beignet Sliders with French fries are very popular and the Beef Wellington is unique in its class.

Mrs. Potts Bake Shop & Bistro is open from Thursday to Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. Reservations are not required. >Courtesy Mrs. Potts

Bistro Café 29 Isla Verde Ave. and Jupiter St., Carolina, 00913 787-603-5757 Bistro Café offers 2 for 1 mimosas along with its signature sparkling coffee. The brunch menu includes avocado dishes such as “El Jibarito”, an avocado stuffed with cheese, eggs and vegetables.

Bistro Café opens every day from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

>Archive

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Comedor 801 Ponce De León Ave., San Juan, 00907 787-545-4008 Enjoy unlimited mimosas for $16 at this charming art deco restaurant every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Besides traditional brunch dishes like eggs Benedict and pancakes, Comedor serves options like the delicious Bori Ramen with pork belly and Chicken and Waffles.

>Courtesy Comedor

Cocina 5Diez Plaza Suchville, Road #2, Guaynabo (787) 946-0558 One of the best Eggs Benedicts in town. The idea of Cocina 5Diez was born when Carlos Mier and Sofia Camilo decided that it was time to start a family business, after a long career in which Mier had his own “food truck” and worked in restaurants as Pikayo and Varita, where he worked with thechef Wilo Benet;and Alive, in addition to having served as the “head chef” of La Fortaleza, during the administration of former Gov. Luis Fortuño.Some of the dishes they serve, such as Stephy’s Waffle, Juanqui’s Breakfast Croissant and Danny’s Burger, are creations of their three children.A curious fact is that the name Cocina 5Diez arises from the birthday of both owners.”We are married, we were born on the same day, the same month, the same year, in the same hospital, on May 10 ... that’s why Cocina 5Diez”, explained Camilo. >Courtesy Cocina 5Diez

Taller de Tapas 19 Parque de los Niños St., Guaynabo, 00969 25 Luis Muñoz Rivera Ave., Paseo Caribe, San Juan, 00907 787-391-8272 Owned by a Catalan with Puerto Rican heart, Taller de Tapas has two locations, one in Guaynabo and another in San Juan. The dishes to try are the Manchego Mac & Cheese, the Manchego Grilled Cheese or the Benedictos Mallorquines with smoked salmon, duck confit, vegetables or Ropa Vieja. If you have a sweet tooth, the Torrijas de Brioche filled with Mascarpone cheese, strawberries and turron ice cream are a perfect choice. Taller de Tapas serves brunch only Saturdays and Sundays.

>Courtesy Taller de Tapas

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/ Wednesday, July 10, 2019

BVI Celebrates Christmas in July

>Courtesy BVI Tourist Board

Beautiful sand, crystalline waters, cocktails and music all together in an annual traditional event

O Yennifer Álvarez Jaimes

yalvarez@wjournal.com

@yalvarezjaimes

ver 500 boats from Puerto Rico will gather at Virgin Gorda’s Pond Bay Beach on July 27 to celebrate Christmas in July.

The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in this little island that draws boats from all around the globe to its stunning beaches.

However, you don’t need your own boat to enjoy the celebration because Cape Air runs regular flights to Tortola and Virgin Gorda, and companies like The Moorings, Dream Yacht Charters and Marine Max offer ferries from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

“In Puerto Rico, it’s already a tradition to use the last days of July to take a small summer vacation and spend time with family and children before they go back to school. Having that in mind, we created a family event in Virgin Gorda to gather the nautical community, which usually arrives as a “fleet” to the BVI in those days, and regular tourists who use other means to get to the BVI to celebrate Christmas in July with us,”

explained Wally Castro, owner of Wally Castro Marine and the event’s organizer.

Castro organized the annual event along with Marcos Rivera and the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board in Puerto Rico.

“This is something that has helped increase the amount of boats that travel every year to Virgin Gorda as well as the amount of visitors we receive.

It is not only people who own boats and sail from Puerto Rico who come, but also those that fly to the BVI those who use ferry services to arrive at Pond Bay or those who charter their own boat,” the event’s organizers said.

Besides the crystalline beaches, this year’s party will include Virgin Gorda band The Final Faze, along with Puerto Rican band Orquesta La Oferta, a tribute band to the legendary

>Courtesy BVI Tourist Board

In Puerto Rico, it’s already a tradition to use the last days of July to take a small summer vacation and spend time with family and children before they go back to school. Having that in mind, we created a family event in Virgin Gorda to bring the nautical community to the BVI. -Wally Castro, the event’s organizer

salsa group El Gran Combo. Also from Puerto Rico, Baston de Diego will take the stage in the afternoon, with Denisse Torres, a DJ from Puerto Rico’s Magic 93.7 FM. After hurricanes Irma and Maria, many top resorts throughout the territory resumed operations after restorations Some of these include Anegada Beach Club, which launched brand-new glamping accommodations last year, Guana Island, which expanded its organic farm, and Cooper Island Beach Club.

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina reopened with six new villas; Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island reopened with private plunge pools added to each individual house; Oil Nut Bay debuted Bay Suites last December; Eustatia Island, a private island that holds up to 16 guests, opened last December; and Sugar Mill Hotel reopened with a brand-new beach restaurant and bar.

Like Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands has seen an increase in “voluntourism” after the passage of Hurricane Maria.

Travelers have “wanted to come back because they have a loyalty to the destination so they’ve been helping us rebuild, not just from a revenue standpoint, but in terms of helping us clean up our beaches and helping us with infrastructure,” Sharon Flax-Brutusm director of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, pointed out.

“BVI residents eagerly await the arrival of what they have lovingly dubbed the ‘Puerto Rican Navy.’ The joyous atmosphere, the way they tie up their boats together in a line as if they were a sort of fleet, and the music you hear from the boats while you are standing on the shore are all contagious and we love having them with us during those days. It’s really wonderful to see them arrive and enjoy our territory with us. We consider them a part of the BVI, especially after all the help they gave us after the atmospheric events of 2017,” the BVI official added regarding the Christmas in July event.

29 < The Weekly Journal > wednesday, July 10, 2019

Be on trend... be on trend...

B

www.elvocero.com/revistas/zona

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/ Wednesday, July 10, 2019

“Francia de Fiesta” Festival 2019 Enjoy French lessons, live music and delicious French wine and food. For more info: 787-7223174 When: Saturday, July 13, 2019, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Where: Alliance Française, 206 Rosario St., Santurce

Children’s book presentation: “B” is for Bilingual Professor Miraida González will introduce Leila Díaz-Thamer’s children’s book, B is for Bilingual. Full of imagery, the book is meant as a first step to dominating the Spanish and English language.

When: Wednesday, July 10, 2019, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Casa Norberto, Plaza Las Américas, San Juan

Family Magic Show Spanish-born magician Manuel Velasco began meddling in magic at 6 years old and has performed shows for over 10 years at varied prestigious hotels. Join him for an evening of wonder! For more info: 939-338-1835 When: Sunday, July 14, 2019, 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where: La Burguett, Capitolio Plaza, San Juan

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/ Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Farmers Market Delight in shopping for local products, fruits, vegetables, flowers and more.

When: Saturday, July 13, 2019, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Il Nuovo Mercato, The Mall of San Juan, San Juan

Salsa en el 23

Juventus Academy A soccer training camp offered by Juventus’ professional coaches. For more info: https://jacademy.juventus.com/es/camps/ puerto_rico/

Free Salsa lessons with Griselle Agosto.

When: Thursday, July 11, 2019, 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: Lote 23, 1552 Ponce de León Ave., Santurce

When: Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19, 2019, 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Where: University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, José N. Gándara Avenue, San Juan

Meditating at El Plaza Pública Patrick Bet-David Jet Tour Morro Peruse over 20 local brands of clothing, accessories, housewares and more! Free admission.

Pausa Consciente invites you to pause and take a breath. Learn how to meditate and enjoy its benefits! Free admission.

When: Sunday, July 14, 2019, 9:00 a.m.

Where: Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Old San Juan

When: Saturday, July 13, 2019, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: Pública, 1057 Ponce de León Ave., San Juan

An evening with Patrick Bet-David, the host of the #1 YouTube Channel for Entrepreneurs, VALUETAINMENT. Free Admission. For more info: 787 604-4835 When: Saturday, July 13, 2019, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Rico, San Juan

Speed Dating Night Meet over 40 single people in relaxed and elegant space! $10 contribution required.

When: Thursday, July 11, 2019, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Amadeus Bistro, 350 Chardon Ave., Suite 117, San Juan

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