The Weekly Journal - Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Wednesday, July 20-26, 2022 - // no. 169

Cheaper gas does not improve sales P6 Crypto currency for the masses P7 The Constitution’s 70th anniversary P10

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

Is back-to-school spending

back to normal?

Retailers experienced mixed results after weekend without sales tax

S

Juan A. Hernández and Efraín Montalbán Ríos, The Weekly Journal

The running of the bulls is back P13

chool environment in Puerto Rico has been subjected to extreme stress for the past few years, with the Covid-19 pandemic being but the latest in a series of situations that could negatively affect education for at least a generation.

Nevertheless, a recent report published

by Deloitte, Touche, Tohmatsu Ltd indicates that back-toschool shopping seems to be experiencing a full recovery, even despite worldwide spiraling inflation. In the US alone, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics,

inflation exceeded the 9.1% estimate for June.

According to Deloitte’s report, back-to-school market size in the U.S. is estimated to be $34.4B, up 24% since 2019, with parents planning to spend despite concerns. The report estimates parents in the U.S. will be spending an average of $661 per child in school supplies and materials this year. That is $49 more, when compared to 2021.

This figure is particularly significant considering that 33% of those surveyed responded that their households’ financial situation have worsened since last year.

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The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, July 20, 2022 > 2

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/ Wednesday, July 20, 2022

a week in review PICHEA app, a new source for services

The free application works as a guide to basic and specialized services, ranging from gardening, sports trainers, pet grooming, digital and marketing services; to benchmarks for specialized industries such as real estate and renewable energy. “With the pandemic, there are many people who have been in need of professionals who can provide them with basic and also specialized services, either because the people who offered those services emigrated, changed professions or couldn’t keep up with their schedules. Through PICHEA app, a community is created where the person, through a search and location system, finds the services he needs in a reliable and fast way,” said John Paul Mestre Valedon, creator of the application.

Specifically, the app was developed as a means for different situations, based on home services, local business directory, events, house rentals and listings among many more.

New Bacardí flavor Car sales dropped in June New car sales in Puerto Rico dropped 9.63% in June, or 1,120 units less than those sold in June 2021, according to the United Auto Importers Group (GUIA, for its Spanish acronym). Cumulative sales for the period from January to June 2022 also dropped by 4.56%. The minivan segment of the market suffered the sharpest decrease, with 80.17% less sales than in June 2021, followed by vans (-78.91%) and sedans (-24.47%). The only segment experiencing an increase when compared to last year were the mini compacts, which sold 23.37% more than June 2021.

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

The staple that is BACARDÍ has now introduced a new rum flavor to its line-up: BACARDÍ Tropical. The new BACARDÍ Tropical flavor begins with a white rum base and is infused with flavors ranging from natural pineapple, creamy coconut and sweet guava fruit. “At BACARDÍ, we know that flavored rum is the fastest growing segment in the category. While tropical flavors account for approximately 80% of recent volume growth for flavored rum, and guava in particular is a flavor to take into account in distilled spirits. This new offer from BACARDÍ is perfect for those who are just starting to enjoy cocktails made with rum, and for seasoned rum drinkers alike,” said Carlos García, ambassador of the brand for Puerto Rico. BACARDÍ Tropical pairs excellently with fruit juices or served in classic rum cocktails for a natural and refreshing sensation this summer.

President Salvador Hasbún shasbun@elvocero.com

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

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

Vp of Marketing and Business Operations Michelle Pérez Miperez@elvocero.com

VP of Production Eligio Dekony edekony@elvocero.com

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

Multi-Platform Graphic and Technology 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 “Even as economic and inflationary pressures sit top of mind, parents seem resilient and determined to ensure their children get the school supplies needed to succeed this coming year,” said Nick Handrinos, vice chair at Deloitte. “Retailers that remain conscious of this determination, while being mindful to address shoppers’ ongoing economic concerns, could earn trust and position

Even as economic and inflationary pressures sit top of mind, parents seem resilient and determined to ensure their children get the school supplies needed to succeed this coming year.

Nick Handrinos, vice chair at Deloitte

themselves strongly.”

Spanish acronym), currently at 10.5%.

“After investing heavily in tech during the A large part of the retail sector assured having pandemic for virtual learning, reached their expectations in parents are returning to more both traffic and sales this past traditional purchases. Apparel, weekend, after the exempted in particular, is in high demand school supplies sales ended, as families are back on the go, according to the Puerto Rican returning to offices, attending Association of Shopping Centers to events and celebrations (ACCP, for its Spanish acronym).

Back-to-school and shifting away from the Both on Saturday and Sunday market size in the home-centric focus of the the shopping centers were U.S. is estimated to pandemic,” reads Deloitte’s crowded with people seeking be $34.4B, up 24% report. “With families on the to purchase school supplies since 2019, with move, the digital acceleration and uniforms for their children. parents planning of the past few years has According to ACCP’s president to spend despite slowed. Parents plan to shop Adolfo González, backpacks and concerns. more in store year over year, shoes were the most sought while relying in less on social after items. media and emerging tech “Shopping center operators tools.” reported positive sales on the back-to-school sales weekend without IVU. Back-to-School in Puerto Rico In general terms, sales this past weekend were Seeking to provide some economic relief from positive, particularly for school bags and shoes. the effects of inflation and the termination of The sale without IVU days had the expected federal pandemic related economic incentives positive effect for both retailers and consumers,” and benefits, the government authorized, like González said. it has done before, a two day period during Plaza Las Américas reported consumer visits which all school supplies and materials would be over the weekend increased in double digits, exempt from the Sales and Use Tax (IVU, for its when compared to the two previous weekends

In fact,

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this month. There was also an increase when compared to weekends without IVU of previous years.

“The sales reports we have received from our tenants who sell school products is that the vast majority experienced a double-digit increase in sales versus other back-to-school without IVU sales from previous years,” the shopping mall’s administration said in a written statement.

The same seemed to have happened on the west side of the island, where management from the Mayagüez Mall reported most stores in the mall were crowded during the weekend.

“The shopping center was super crowded both days, and many people stood in line at the stores,” read a written statement from the mall.

Shopping center operators reported positive sales on the back-to-school sales weekend without IVU. In general terms, sales this past weekend were positive, particularly for school bags and shoes.

Adolfo González, ACCP president

Both The Outlets at Montehiedra, and Las them to the Department of the Treasury, but in Catalinas Mall, in Caguas, agreed that stores with this case, that was not necessary,” Vélez said. the greatest variety of schoolbags, backpacks and On his part, Jesús Vázquez, president of the school shoes, were the most crowded.

United Retailers Center (CUD, for its Spanish On the other hand, the acronym), assured that, greatest number of shoppers despite the economic situation on the island’s southern coast affecting consumers, small was reported, on Saturday. businesses also met their sales “[We were] full, especially on expectations and said sales Saturday. A lot of traffic, a were the same as last year’s.

A large part of the lot of movement,” reported “All of those whom I’ve retail sector assured the managers of Céntrico, in spoken to tell me that having reached their Guayama. everything went very well and, expectations in both Nevertheless, there were considering how harsh the traffic and sales this some shopping malls that did economy is and how people past weekend, after not meet their expectations. are looking to save a little cash, the exempted school That was the case of Gran they met their expectations,” supplies sales ended.

Caribe Center in Vega Alta, Vázquez said. “It was pretty where sales fell short from much the same as last year,” he expectations, when compared added. to previous years. “Compared For Iván Báez, director of to other years, it was slow, Public and Government Affairs at least in our case,” the mall’s management of Walmart and president of the Association of admitted.

Retail Trade (Acdet, for its Spanish acronym), sales Meanwhile, Department of Consumer Affairs without IVU were 5% below, when compared to (DACO, for its Spanish acronym) undersecretary last year.

María Fernanda Vélez said sales exempt from “What we are seeing now, when compared to the payment of the IVU did not experience any last year, is a lower performance in sales. Perhaps major setbacks, which the agency was able to it was to be expected. At least the volume of solve without the need to refer any case to the sales that was expected was not necessarily what Department of the Treasury. we saw,” Báez said, while attributing the drop “There were some minor incidents that DACO in sales to the elimination of federal funds and was able to resolve without any major conflict. If the reduction of benefits such as the Nutritional there is some type of problem, we have to refer Assistance Program.

In fact,

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Drop in the price of gas not enough to increase sales AT THE PUMP Retailers say spiraling inflation is to blame

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Efraín Montalbán Ríos, The Weekly Journal

espite the stabilization of the price of the oil barrel and the temporary repealing of “la crudita” (the fuel tax), an increase in gas consumption in Puerto Rico is not anticipated due to the inflationary effect, according to the president of the Gas Retailers Association (ADG, for its Spanish acronym), Esdras Vélez.

According to Vélez, the gasoline market is in a state of “self-regulation,” in terms of the international price of oil, so it is estimated the price of crude oil will drop to about $70 by the end of Committee of the United Retailers Center the year. However, although this is good news for (CUD), Carlos Crespo, argued the decrease in the consumer, Vélez anticipated there will be no consumption is not new to the island. Up until a increase in consumption until the inflation rate few years ago, more than a billion gallons of gas drops. were being sold but, after the Covid-19 pandemic, “There has been a decrease in the sale of fuel at estimates put that figure at 800 million gallons. the stations and, taking into consideration that [the “We have seen –since the pandemic began– that price of] everything is increasing, it will influence gasoline consumption has decreased dramatically, [fuel] consumption. Everything has increased in this but when the price of gasoline began to rise in economy and there is less money available to buy December, and after the war between Russia and products. For me, this is going to continue. For the Ukraine –when the price shot up almost 50% – sale of fuel to increase, there must be a decrease in people continue to spend the same amount of inflation”, emphasized the ADG president. money, but they receive less gasoline,” said Crespo.

For economist Leslie Héctor Román Maldonado, Adames, the decrease in the director of the Economic price of fuel continues to be Studies Division of the insufficient to promote a rise in Department of Consumer consumption.

Affairs (DACO, for its Spanish “With the increase in prices acronym), reported that the in this economy – without agency does not have updated The average Puerto salary increases that could statistics on consumption Rican can now compensate for the loss in patterns at gas stations on the buy 1,260 liters of purchasing power due to island. An order has been issued gasoline with the inflation– the consumer finds for retailers to document this average salary, himself in a position of a fixed information daily. which are 1,004 liters salary to cover his needs,” A report from Picodi.com, a less than a year ago.

Adames said. firm specializing in studies based According to the economist, on consumption, confirmed the the growth of annual gasoline decline in gas consumption on consumption has reflected a the island. The study shows that slowdown since June 2021, when it increased 25%. the average Puerto Rican can now buy 1,260 liters Since then, sales have decrease until last May, of gasoline with the average salary, which are 1,004 when it reached 2.9%. liters less than a year ago.

“We came from a peak growth of 25% per year in The study also showed that the price of fuel in June 2021, to an increase in gasoline consumption Puerto Rico ranks eighth among the 21 countries of 2.9% per year for May 2022. Growth has been included in the investigation, with an increase of slowing down,” said Adames.

48.7% higher than the cost of January, which Vélez Meanwhile, the president of the Gas Stations attributed to fuel taxes and the increase in the

In fact,

DACO inspectors visit a gas station in San Juan. >FILE: Brandon Cruz González / EL VOCERO

The only way to pay less, when compared to other countries, has to do with taxes and importers. That’s the combination…

Esdras Vélez, president of the Gas Retailers Association

transportation of fuel to the island.

“The only way to pay less, when compared to other countries, has to do with taxes and importers. That’s the combination… we receive that bill and we pass it on [to the consumers]”, indicated the retailer.

In the meantime, Román Maldonado assured that the increase in the price per liter of gas has remained below international increases because profit margins have been imposed on the retailers and because of the repealing of “la crudita.”

“We are looking at two things here: a freezing order [on profit margin] and “la crudita”. Since the freezing order is in place, if the international market [price] drops, it will be reflected in Puerto Rico. In the same way, the 16 cents per gallon from “la crudita” will also be reflected,” the Secretary explained.

Román Maldonado calculated the average price of gas on the island —from January to June 2022— and it showed a 51.92% increase for regular, and a 49.41% for premium. The greatest increase was diesel fuel, with a 75.3% increment.

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In fact, Cryptomoneda Pa’l Pueblo, is a gathering of volunteers that believe that crypto is one of the most significant technological advancements that will influence everyone’s life.

Cryptomoneda Pa’l Pueblo Grassroots educational group focuses on bringing together Puerto Rico and the international crypto community

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Zoe Landi Fontana, The Weekly Journal

ou’re standing in front of a food truck in Yauco, falafel in hand.

“Cash, card, or crypto?” asks the truck’s owner. You think to yourself, “what, this must be .0000001 of a bitcoin, right?”

Outlandish as it may seem, Prof. Raúl Moris’s foodtruck, which does sell falafel, accepts crypto as payment. It goes along with the rest of his educational mission to get Puerto Ricans into the new technology on their own terms, inspired by the Cordero siblings of the 1800s who ran free social and racially integrated schools to improve literacy rates decades before slavery was even abolished and federally funded schools were established.

Carrying on their legacy, “Cryptomoneda Pa’l Pueblo” — otherwise known as Crypto for the People by the People (CCPALPUEBLO) — is an outreach program to bring together Puerto Rico and global crypto know-how. They are, as stated on their website, “…a hybrid community reconstruction, economic, development, educational event, which brings together Puerto Rico and World Crypto talent in blockchain, ledger and programming. It’s doing what crypto was created for, to help the People”.

Professor Moris is a social worker, graphic designer, and also has a Masters’ degree in demography. Over the past two years he has gotten involved in the island’s growing crypto community.

Their group, Cryptomoneda Pa’l Pueblo, is a gathering of volunteers that believe that crypto is one of the most significant technological advancements that, in some time, will influence absolutely everyone’s life. “[Most] of our knowledge is imposed – social media, the internet,

We are volunteers, we don’t have anybody or anything to sponsor us. Because of that we can say whatever we want to say without hurting people’s feelings or wallets.

Prof. Raúl Moris

technology –it’s imposed on us. It comes from above, and we use it as part of our life, but we don’t understand the reasons or outcomes of something so powerful,” Moris said.

People participate in the Cryptomoneda Pa’l Pueblo events because they believe in the importance of the underlying technology. “We are volunteers, we don’t have anybody or anything to sponsor us. Because of that we can say whatever

we want to say without hurting people’s feelings or wallets,” explained Moris.

Although the group has been suffering low attendance rates at their meet-ups over the past few months due to the crypto crash and bear market, they are still committed to educating everyday people. Part of their outreach includes visiting plazas and having these talks in public places, bringing education to community members who might otherwise not pursue an interest in this area. They frequent the Plaza de Guánica, where the Cryptomoneda Pa’l Pueblo group talks with the people who show up, discussing what crypto is and how it can be a part of people’s life.

The Role Of The Diaspora

Another effort of theirs is the Crypto Repatriation project, led by a diaspora member who moved to the island a month ago and is documenting her experience on how to benefit from crypto and blockchain technologies. The diaspora has played a key role in the success of Cryptomoneda Pa’l Pueblo.

“We are running our first online course – it’s a free course sponsored by diaspora. They contribute when we need them and have been key in our survival – not only for this, but historically,” said Moris. Local and federal governments are slow and inefficient in bringing aid to Puerto Rico, especially after Hurricane Maria. Celebrity diaspora, like Ricky Martin and Calle13, as well as community centers in New York and Chicago started sending money to support their family and communities back home. With over seven million Boricuas living outside the island, there is a big opportunity to include them in building a community-based crypto program. “We want our diaspora to come back home,” Moris reiterated.

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The St. Regis Bahía Resort in Río Grande.

Leisure travel is making a strong comeback

Travel & Leisure magazine rated PR’s top five hotels

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Madison Choudhry, Special to The Weekly Journal

Some of Puerto Rico’s main attractions are the ease of traveling from the U.S. mainland, its vibrant culture, and gorgeous beaches and natural landscapes. Puerto Rico is a top destination for many American and international travelers.

Amid this positive development for the tourism industry, Travel & Leisure have released the Puerto Rico’s top five resorts, based on its readers experiences and opinions.

fter the crippling experience of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic over the The Resorts last two years, and the ongoing At the top of its list is the Ritz-Carlton Reserve financial concerns, the tourism in Dorado. With its sprawling 50 acres on the industry in Puerto Rico has northern coast of Puerto Rico, this resort received rebounded in record time. But, even during those the top score of 91.63 out of 100 points. challenging times the Puerto The St. Regis Bahía Beach Rican hospitality sector has Resort, the first five-star and stood resolute. five-diamond hotel in Puerto A recent survey by Rico, came in a very close Destination Analysts –The State second place with a score of the American Traveler– of 91.13. Notably, this is the A recent survey by corroborated that despite twelfth year in a row that this Destination Analysts the current impact on travel property has been awarded by corroborated demands caused by financial Travel & Leisure. there are positive and international political “We are honored to receive indications that concerns, there are positive this recognition again from the travelers still have an indications that travelers still prestigious travel magazine interest in planning have an interest in planning out Travel & Leisure, above all out future vacations. future vacations. Nearly twobecause it reflects the opinion thirds (61.8%) of those surveyed of those who have been our reported leisure travel will be an guests during the past year. extremely high or high priority That is our greatest satisfaction when budgeting for the near future. This is the and that is why I share this award with the highest number reported since last summer. Travel extraordinary group of professionals who make it & Leisure magazine president Michael D. Brown has all possible”, said José M. Torres, general manager gone as far as to exclaim, “leisure travel is back.” of The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort

In fact,

Our commitment is to continue forward, providing our guests with outstanding service, from a great hotel.

Ben Tutt, general manager The Vanderbilt Hotel

The Condado Ocean Club’s adult ambiance, modern design and iconic infinity pool, complemented by its SOCIAL Restaurant, highlight Puerto Rico’s nightlife. Inaugurated in 2021, the hotel scored 90.44 points.

The Historic Vanderbilt hotel in Condado, originally built in 1919 and restored to match it grandeur reputation scored 88.60 points.

“We are proud to once again be part of this distinguished group of hotels that represent the best of the hospitality industry in Puerto Rico.

For the Condado Vanderbilt hotel, this is an accomplishment that we have achieved as a team and in which each component plays an important role. Our commitment is to continue forward, providing our guests with outstanding service, from a great hotel”, said Ben Tutt, general manager of The Vanderbilt.

In fifth place is the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico located in Rio Grande. A family-friendly resort with a backdrop of the iconic El Yunque rainforest, the hotel scored 88.0 points.

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schools build affordable housing to retain teachers

These housing complexes are rare, but expected to increase

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Janie Har – The Associated Press

ALY CITY, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco Bay Area high school teacher Lisa Raskin moved out of a cramped apartment she was sharing with a roommate and into her own place this month, paying a deeply discounted $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom with expansive views within walking distance to work.

It was once an impossible dream in an exorbitantly priced region hostile to new housing.

But her employer, a 4,000-student school district south of San Francisco, was the rare success story in the struggle to provide affordable housing and in May, it opened 122 apartments for teachers and explore the concept given the benefits of teachers living in the communities where they work, so they staff. can get to know students and families better.

“I have a sense of community, which I think is But such projects face obstacles, including more valuable than anything else,” the 41-yearpushback from residents. Vincent urges districts to old San Francisco native said. “More districts be cautious. really need to consider this model. I think it shows “One of the biggest barriers is the need for educators that they value them.” people to think outside the box,” he said. “There The Jefferson Union High School District in San are skeptics of whether schools should be doing Mateo County’s Daly City is among just a handful this with their land.” of places in the country with educator housing. But Roughly a quarter of the 500 employees at with a national teacher shortage and rapidly rising Jefferson Union were resigning or retiring every rents, the working-class district could serve as a year and the district, where teacher salaries for the harbinger as schools across the U.S. seek to attract 2022-23 year start at $60,000, could and retain educators. not compete with wealthier schools “This is absolutely a solution that pay new teachers $76,000 or for other districts. As we’ve more. gone through the process, So in 2017-2018, officials came up we’ve learned of so many other Only 20% with a plan to address recruitment districts interested in doing of homes for sale and retention, including a $75 million what we’ve done,” said Andrew across major U.S. housing complex for teachers and Lie, a school board trustee. metro areas were staff financed in part by a $30 million “For us to be at the front end of affordable on an bond measure approved by voters in this new wave of teacher and average teacher’s 2018. staff housing is actually pretty salary, down from The district also has a more exciting.”

34% in 2012. ambitious plan to lease school Teachers were traveling property for a 1,200-unit development “hours and hours to get that would mix retail with market-rate to school and back,” said housing and generate revenue to Randi Weingarten, AFT union beef up teacher salaries.

But the Sierra Club’s local president. “So this became an idea to spark chapter and others have expressed objections.

They economic development and to create housing.” want more units at below-market rents and taller Jeff Vincent, co-founder and director of the buildings to preserve more open space, including a Center for Cities & Schools at the University of decades-old garden scheduled for razing.

California, Berkeley, said such housing complexes So far, the district is opposed to those changes, are rare, but he expects more school districts to

In fact,

The school district in San Mateo County is among just a handful of places in the country with educator housing. >AP Photo/ Godofredo A. Vásquez

…this became an idea to spark economic development and to create housing. Randi Weingarten, AFT union president

inflaming critics.

“It’s terrible the schools have to come up with schemes to build housing to pay teachers,” said Gladwyn d’Souza, a Sierra Club member who supports workforce housing but says there should be more homes for everyone.

Tenants at the school district complex can stay up to five years, hopefully using the time to save up for a down payment on a house.

But those too are becoming more difficult to buy. A 2016 study by Redfin found that only 20% of homes for sale across major U.S. metro areas were affordable on an average teacher’s salary of $62,800, down from 34% in 2012.

In California, the 2016 study found only 17% of homes were affordable on the average state teacher salary of roughly $74,000, down from 30% in 2012. The average teacher could afford 0.2% of homes in San Francisco and none in Silicon Valley, where the median sales price of a home was $1.5 million in June.

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Kenneth Davison McClintock 22nd Secretary of State of Puerto Rico

Kenneth Davison McClintock 22nd Secretary of State of Puerto Rico

OT

An anniversary to unite or divide us The Right to Life

“

n July 3, 1952, he Right to Life” is a slightly over phrase used in the 70 years ago,discourse only national Congress in theamended context of the and approved beginning of life when Puerto Rico’s women’s discussing new constitution. right to choose or the end of life and euthanasia.

However, at least once Twenty-two days later, Governor a person is born, he promulgated or she has an enduring right Luis Muñoz-Marín the of survival throughout life. Inthe designing document –54 years after day several important federal since as far back as American militaryprograms forces arrived the nineteenth century, the Federal government in Puerto Rico during the Spanishhas sought to help Americans prolong their lives.

American War– thus erasing the During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln holiday that, to forcreate over a half a century, saw the need system, now known as commemorated that event and to provide the Department of Veteran Affairs, replacing with “Constitution Day.” those whoitfought in America’s wars with medical On Monday, Puerto Rico will services that would help them live and receive be commemorating the 70th medical services. Few nations provide those who have served the levelConstitution, of health services anniversary of our one as America. themodern, Depression, as partand of the New of During the most succinct Deal, state the federal government sawnation. the need to best constitutions in our help Americans could not afford basic health While many who statehood leaders services, beganother to provide some the federal treasury would be over $4 billion, and will claimand to have things to assistance.

In the 1960s, President Lyndon Johnson the federal share would be 83%. do, reflecting the discomfort in spearheaded efforts to create Medicare for the While those benefits are automatic in a state, celebrating Governor elderly and the disabledMuñoz-Marín’s and Medicaid for the Puerto Rico’s non-voting representative Jenniffer crowning achievement, I intend to be medically indigent.

González, Governor Pedro Pierluisi, and their As Congress struggles to there.

Why? Unfortunately, federally subsidized medical predecessors for generations, have to devote trying to politicize the public-funded that Puerto Rico can unite thisand lobbying efforts to plead with First of all, Constitution was to all assistance has our not been made available legislate and keep America a lot of time Monday –as a previous generation drafted byin Muñoz’ stalwarts, along Americans a non-discriminatory fashion. event in support of the status quo Congress and every President from LBJ on to seek stable past Friday, the prevailing sentiment united 70 years ago draft and As several for veterans, VA facilities are doled out,and not againstfiscally with statehood advocates, thetoequality that would guarantee residents of strictlyason theLuis basisA.ofFerré, need, Puerto but as a result of for statehood.

One way of slipping approve– to celebrate a constitution Puerto Rico the “right to life” that is automatic on such don February 18, Puerto Ricans on patronage political influence.

Partisan politics mainland. into temptation would be, rather that has served usthe well in the past, Rico’s firstor pro-statehood governor. mainland asa wellserves as their and seniority in Congress is factored it is raisingthe areserve many reasons why an absolute Puerto Rico’s flag as us well today There and will Second, our Constitution did in whenthan determined where a new VA hospital or clinic will majority of Puerto strict historical reenactment –within a Congress us the day we become a state of theRicans in Puerto Rico want not alter Puerto Rico’s political representatives be located. In that case, a state-like jurisdiction that statehood.

According to multiple polls, over 75% flag with exactly the same colors as Union. relationship with the rest of our should have two voting senators and two voting should make sure in the next of Puerto Ricans in Florida, over 60% of Puerto the red and dark-blue flag raised by To the extent that we celebrate nation.

We were an organized, representatives but doesn’t, ends up getting the Ricans in New York and probably an absolute Muñoz in 1952– raising a flag with a united, it will allow Puerto Rico to few days to include language unincorporated territory before short end of the stick. majority of the two thirds of America’s Puerto of blue that separatists measure the political maturity of its then, and weMedicare, remain an organized, Regarding that same state-like lighter shade Ricans who have chosen to live in the states that willsince protect the Right to have been promoting 2000. leaders, whether they are advocates unincorporated territory today. jurisdiction lacking voting representation in the and not in discriminated Puerto Rico, also want PuertoJosé Rico, providing Senatein President of the status quo that resist for falling Third,legislature when we as arewell admitted national as in the Electoral PDP and Life statehood the territory. However, because of Luis Dalmau, on the other hand, has into the temptation ofdiscrimination politicizing in extending federally financed College elects jurisdiction’s president and into thethat Union, asthat a growing the equal benefits under Medicare vice president, hasdesires, built in mechanisms devoted personal time and efforts in the celebration, orhealth whether theyto are services the island, it is also a life or majority of ourCongress electorate to extendchanging Medicareaservices almost equally, DC butto attract and Medicaid toVIPits citizens death issue, a denial a worthy high-level statehood in advocates that accept the of the Right to Life. without word, Puerto almost.

I turned 65 last I qualified As of Congress struggles to legislate and keep to representour the federal government reality that the symbol the status Rico willWhen be able to keep ourmonth, 70 territory. for the Medicare coverage that I’d been America fiscallywill stable past Friday, February 18, at the anniversary celebration. quo for the past seven decades year-old Constitution as our state paying premiums for 47 years. However, if I didn’t ask Neither attempts to subtly Puerto Ricans on transform into the symbol of the the mainland as well as their constitution. What supporters particularly for “Part B”, one of the most important representatives in Congress should make sure politicize the event, nor the presence admitted state of Puerto Rico for of the status quo consider their benefits, I wouldn’t get it. Anywhere else in the in the next few days to include language that will services to all the medically indigent throughout of President Biden, Vice President many decades thereafter. symbol today, will become the most nation I would get that benefit automatically. That protect the Right to Life in Puerto Rico, providing America, the cost in Puerto Rico is statutorily Harris, Schumer or Speaker something be ascertained important symbol of thein” state of discriminatory rule---“opt if in Puerto Rico, “opt Leader equal benefits under Medicare and Medicaid to capped at less than $400 million and Ifthe federal can Pelosi, or other lesser VIPs would add of the disastrous electoral Puerto Rico upon our admission into out” if anywhere else--- was devised for Medicare its citizensresults in our territory. That should be our share is limited to 55% of the total cost, requiring any electoral support for the status to cover obtained bythe the New Progressive the Union. to be less expensive for the federal government in urgent agenda for the next week, seeking the America’s poorest jurisdiction 45% of quo. In that sense, House Senate Party and the Popular Democratic Puerto Rico, only in Puertocelebration Rico.

The 70th anniversary full extension of The Right to Life in Puerto Rico cost.

In a state withordemographics similar to the July 25, 2022 provides an opportunity Medicaid, the program to provide leaders are skidding wheels if Party in the elections, is thatand statehood. through equality nation’s mosttheir populated territory, the total cost2020 to of Concerning our Constitution is being organized to signal that the message was seeking those objectives in the past our electorate voted against more of by the pro-status quo leadership received and that we’re all doing few days or weeks. the same and expect a greater deal of the House of Representatives.

It is in everyone’s best interests of maturity from its leaders. Monday, something about.

Some may slip into the temptation of

It is in everyone’s best interest that Puerto Rico can unite this Monday… to celebrate a constitution that has served us well in the past, serves us well today and will serve us the day we become a state of the Union.”

11

se olvidan de nosotros.

La verdad te necesita para reivindicar.

La verdad no tiene precio.

< The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, July 20, 2022

La verdad

12

/ Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Amadeo Modigliani’s 1908 “Nude with a Hat,” is hung upside down because another painting by him, “Maud Abrantes,” on the reverse side of the same canvas is oriented correctly, >AP Photo/Ariel Schalit

Israeli museum finds sketches hidden in Modigliani painting over $170 million when it was sold at auction in 2015, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold. Another was sold in 2018 for $157 million at auction.

The high demand for authentic Modigliani works has generated a thriving market for fakes and Ilan Zion – The Associated Press forgeries.

The last time Italy staged a big Modigliani show, AIFA, Israel (AP) — Curators at a 2017 exhibit at Genoa’s Palazzo Ducale, museum an Israeli museum have officials closed the show early after experts alleged discovered three previously that many of the works on display were fakes. A unknown sketches by celebrated criminal trial has been underway for over a year.

20th-century artist Amedeo In 2018, X-ray technology revealed a previously Modigliani hiding beneath the unknown Modigliani portrait beneath one of his surface of one of his paintings. paintings at London’s Tate Gallery.

The unfinished works by Modigliani, an ItalianModigliani’s 1908 “Nude with a Hat” is already born artist who worked in Paris an unusual painting. Both sides of before his death in 1920, came to the canvas have portraits that are light after the canvas of “Nude with painted in opposite directions. Visitors a Hat” at the University of Haifa’s entering the Hecht Museum’s galleries Hecht Museum was X-rayed as part Modigliani’s are met by an upside down nude of a sweeping forensic study of his 1908 “Nude portrait. A likeness of Maud Abrantes, work for an upcoming exhibit in with a Hat” is a female friend of the artist, on the Philadelphia. already an unusual reverse side is right-side up.

Inna Berkowits, an art historian painting. Both sides In 2010, the museum’s curator at the Hecht Museum, said it was of the canvas have noticed the eyes of a third figure “quite an amazing discovery.” portraits that are peeking from beneath Abrantes’ “Through the X-rays, we are painted in opposite collar. But only this year was the really able to make this inanimate directions. hidden image brought into focus. object speak,” she told The “When we decided to do the X-ray, Associated Press. we were only looking to learn a little Modigliani is considered one of bit more about the hidden figure the 20th century’s great Modernist artists. His lived underneath Maud Abrantes,” Berkowits said. In a short, turbulent, Bohemian life in France, where addition to a hidden woman wearing a hat, they his nude paintings were controversial. His work is found two more portraits on the opposite side that typified by slender, elongated necks and faces, a were completely invisible to the naked eye: one of a signature style influenced by African and Cycladic man, and another of a woman with her hair pulled Greek art that was just starting to arrive in France in up in a bun. the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The “Nude with a Hat” dates from early in The Jewish artist died aged 35, penniless.

Modigliani’s career, not long after he moved to Paris One of his paintings, “Reclining Nude,” fetched from Italy, when he was struggling to find buyers for

The unfinished works came to light after the canvas of “Nude with a Hat” was X-rayed

H

In fact,

Through the X-rays, we are really able to make this inanimate object speak.

Inna Berkowits, art historian at the Hecht Museum

his art. The painting was purchased by the museum’s founder in 1983.

The canvas is now known to contain five of his paintings, likely painted one atop the other out of necessity to save money on new canvases. X-ray photography and other noninvasive technologies have found hidden works by other artists such as Degas and Rembrandt.

Berkowits called the artwork “a sketchbook on a canvas,” showing Modigliani’s repeated tries and “never-ending search for artistic expression.” She said there is “no doubt at all” that the painting is authentic.

“He was one of the very first multicultural artists who pulled inspiration from different sources,” said Kenneth Wayne, director of the Modigliani Project, an organization that is working to compile an authenticated collection of the artist’s works.

Modigliani sought “an air of the strange and beauty” and achieved that through the incorporation of those foreign styles in his art, Wayne added.

Wayne and his colleagues use scientific methods and art expertise to weed out fakes.

The foundation museum said the exhibit opens Oct. 16 and will explore the artist’s working methods and materials based on forensic study of dozens of Modigliani’s paintings and sculptures loaned from collections around the world.

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/ Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Spain´s bull runs return with thrills, emotion Tens of thousands of people donned the customary white trousers and shirt with red sash

P

Álvaro Barrientos and Ciarán Giles –The Associated Press

AMPLONA, Spain (AP) — Pamplona was once again a sea of red and white as the frenzied madness of the San Fermín running of the bulls festival returns with adrenaline, emotion and passion following a two-year suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic.

From the start on July 6, the tension and excitement was palpable.

Tens of thousands of people donning the customary white trousers and shirt with red sash and neckerchief packed the town hall square for the traditional “chupinazo” firework that kicks off the nine-day San Fermín festival.

After that, it was a nonstop party, spiced up with the electrifying running of the bulls each morning at 8:00 a.m.

Joe Distler, 50 years running The festival reunited friends and families from with the bulls all over.

Joe Distler, 70, from New York, has been coming and running for the past 50 years but Miller said. “So, everyone is going extra hard this says he was sad to miss the past two editions. time around and the festival is “It´s incredible. Two years bigger and better than ever.” without Pamplona was very, They, like many, also know very bad,” he said, speaking of the festival from Ernest in Spanish. “How lucky to be Hemingway’s 1926 novel “The with friends here this year in Sun Also Rises,” which is deemed Hundreds of Pamplona. Fabulous. Hopefully to have made it internationally people of all ages next year there will be no more famous. test their agility and COVID.” Martín Chozas, 76, from Spain bravery running like Pamplona’s population of was also a first timer. mad with six fighting around 200,000 bloats to nearly ¨This is like going to heaven,” bulls. a million during San Fermín. said Chozas, adding that he felt For many foreigners, especially “the shivers” when he arrived. He Americans, Australians and planned to stay “as long as the Britons, it´s a “bucket list” thing body puts up with it.” they have to do.

The festival highlight is undoubtedly the “It´s amazing atmosphere, amazing people, morning “encierros,” or runs, that see hundreds amazing opportunity to celebrate. We love of people of all ages — mostly men — testing it here,” said 21-year-old Harvey Miller, of their agility and bravery to run like mad with Philadelphia, who was making his first trip with six fighting bulls and their guiding steer along his sisters, Ashlei, 30, and Kayla, 23. an 875-meter (956-yard) route to Pamplona’s “I think people are trying to make up for lost bullring, where later in the day the bulls are time because two years off, that´s a while,”

It´s incredible…How lucky to be with friends here this year in Pamplona.

In fact,

People run through the streets with fighting bulls and steers during the first day of the running of the bulls at the San Fermín festival in Pamplona, northern Spain. >AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos, File

killed by professional bullfighters.

People watch the run from balconies, doorways and street barriers as well on television and the internet.

On the fringes, there is a wealth of great restaurants and tapas bars, while street bands, spontaneous parties and shows for children all go to place it among the most popular festivals in the world.

Gorings, meanwhile, are a feature everyone braces for but hopes they won´t occur.

In the seven runs held till last Wednesday, there were just four gorings, none serious. In general, the bulls seemed content to ignore the runners unless they are provoked or teased.

Eight people were gored during the last festival in 2019. Sixteen people have died in the bull runs since 1910. The last death occurred in 2009.

The response to injuries during the runs is quick. People can be treated directly by Spanish Red Cross medics or in the bullring surgery area.

Many don’t end up having to be taken to a city hospital.

Pamplonians and visitors packed the town hall square at midnight last Thursday to sing the mournful “Poor Me” (Pobre de mi) traditional balad that bids goodbye to the festival before singing the rousing “First of January” (Uno de enero), the jaunty song that looks ahead to the festival the following year.

Before the pandemic, the festival was last suspended during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s.

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/ Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Big Jim Thorpe, famed American athlete and former U.S. Olympic great, has been reinstated as the sole winner of the 1912 Olympic pentathlon and decathlon — nearly 110 years after being stripped of those gold medals for violations of strict amateurism rules of the time. >AP Photo, File

Jim Thorpe reinstated as sole winner for 1912 Olympic golds

The announcement was made on the 110th anniversary of Thorpe winning the decathlon

advocated declaring Thorpe the outright winner of Bie will be listed as the silver medalist in the the pentathlon and decathlon in 1912. The IOC had pentathlon, and Wieslander with silver in the listed him as a co-champion in the official record decathlon. book.

World Athletics, the governing body of track and “We welcome the fact that, thanks to the great field, has also agreed to amend its records, the IOC engagement of Bright Path Strong, a solution said.

The Associated Press could be found,” IOC President Thomas Bach said.

Bright Path Strong commended the IOC for “This is a most exceptional and “setting the record straight” AUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Jim unique situation, which has been about the Sac and Fox and Thorpe has been reinstated as the addressed by an extraordinary Potawatomi athlete. sole winner of the 1912 Olympic gesture of fair play from the “We are so grateful this pentathlon and decathlon in National Olympic Committees nearly 110-year-old injustice Stockholm — nearly 110 years concerned.” has finally been corrected, and after being stripped of those gold Thorpe’s Native American there is no confusion about medals for violations of strict name, Wa-Tho-Huk, means the most remarkable athlete amateurism rules of the time.

“Bright Path.” The organization in history,” said Nedra Darling, The International Olympic with the help the organization co-founder Committee announced the of IOC member and citizen of the Prairie Band change last Friday on the 110th Anita DeFrantz Potawatomi Nation. anniversary of Thorpe winning had contacted the At world championships the decathlon and later being Swedish Olympic in Eugene, Oregon, Native Thorpe had proclaimed by King Gustav V of Committee and American hammer thrower been stripped of his Sweden as “the greatest athlete in the family of Hugo Janee’ Kassanavoid said the Olympic gold medals the world.”

Wieslander, who announcement was news to for violations of Thorpe, a Native American, had been elevated celebrate. strict amateurism returned to a ticker-tape parade to decathlon gold “My ultimate goal is to follow rules of the time. in New York, but months later it medalist in 1913. in his footsteps, to inspire and was discovered he had been paid “They confirmed empower the next generation to play minor league baseball over that Wieslander of athletes to come,” she said. two summers, an infringement of himself had As the first Native American Jim Thorpe at the 1912 Summer the Olympic amateurism rules. He was stripped of never accepted the Olympic gold Olympics. (Public domain USA) to win an Olympic gold medal his gold medals in what was described as the first medal allocated to him, and had for the United States, Thorpe major international sports scandal. always been of the opinion that “has inspired our people for To some, Thorpe remains the greatest allJim Thorpe was the sole legitimate Olympic gold generations,” said Fawn Sharp, president of the around athlete ever. He was voted as the medalist,” the IOC said, adding that the Swedish National Congress of American Indians.

Associated Press’ Athlete of the Half Century in a Olympic Committee agreed.

In Stockholm, Thorpe tripled the score of his poll in 1950.

“The same declaration was received from the nearest competitor in the pentathlon and had 688 In 1982 — 29 years after Thorpe’s death — the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee more points than the second-placed finisher in the IOC gave duplicate gold medals to his family but his and Confederation of Sports, whose athlete, decathlon.

Olympic records were not reinstated, nor was his Ferdinand Bie, was named as the gold medalist During the closing ceremony, King Gustav V told status as the sole gold medalist of the two events. when Thorpe was stripped of the pentathlon title,” Thorpe: “Sir, you are the greatest athlete in the Two years ago, a Bright Path Strong petition the IOC said. world.”

L

In fact,

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/ Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Ocean Lab wins Craft Beer Marketing Award The award celebrates excellence in artistic and creative marketing

A

Madison Choudhry, Special to The Weekly Journal

lthough Puerto Rico is known for its rums, beer tends to take the center stage at social gatherings. With options that range from local to international to domestic, a growing interest for craft beer has recently emerged. So much so that Travel & Leisure magazine named Puerto Rico “the new craft beer capital of the Caribbean.”

In that context, the Craft Beer Marketing Awards (CBMAs) has recently awarded Ocean Lab Brewing Co., a local brewery “dedicated to help amplify the palate of those who opt for more than just a generic light beer” with the Best Bottle Design for their Mayawest lager.

This is a very interesting community. There is a lot of interest, and the experience that we offer to consumers, speaking directly with the brew master...

Luis Fernández, owner Ocean Lab Brewery Co.

The CBMAs is a worldwide competition which focuses specifically on celebrating excellence in artistic and creative marketing. In addition, it takes into account the packaging efforts of breweries, designers and different agencies of craft beer.

The award itself is designed to depict a heavily– tattooed arm crushing a beer can to symbolically represent how breweries are “crushing it” with their creative beer marketing and branding.

“The CBMAs accepted entries from around the globe from five regions. A total of 250 awards were presented to winning brewers, designers, and marketing agencies from throughout the world.

This year there were 89 Platinum winners, 135 Gold winners and 26 Global winners,” reads the

CBMAs website. Ocean Lab was one of those 26 school of brewers,” González added.

Global winners.

Despite the hardships that Ocean Lab has faced “This is a very interesting community. There is –mainly, the destruction brought by Hurricane a lot of interest, and the experience that we offer Maria in 2017, challenges around the pandemic to consumers, speaking directly with the brew and costly production taxes– the brewery has master and the people in charge become a noteworthy success. of production is completely “We have many courses unique. You can’t find that in that we offer to bars and many places, and we want to restaurants where they bring give that to the Puerto Rican all their employees here and people,” said Ocean Lab owner we provide complete training A total of 250 awards Luis Fernández. about the world of beers, how were presented to “We were very impressed by beer is made, and its different winning brewers, the sheer creativity, innovation, flavors. We give those classes designers, and and caliber of marketing free of charge,” explained marketing agencies displayed in entries from around González. from throughout the the world in every category,” With the interest in craft world.

CBMAs Co-Founder Jim McCune beer growing exponentially in said. “More than 500 judges from Puerto Rico, González believes around the world had their work the focus is now on education. cut out for them this year… they “The more the product is really had to split hairs!” known, the more education Notable for the 2022 awards season was the there is… We are trying to develop a strong expansion of the judges’ panel, going from around educational aspect to see if this [attitude] changes, 300 last year to 500 industry professionals in more like the wine industry has done for the past than 24 countries this year. decades.”

As for the success of the Ocean Lab’s brew Located in Carolina, Ocean Lab offers tours of its master, José Carlos González is convinced “our brewery so beer fans can appreciate the intricate pillars of honesty, hard work, and a good work process behind its beers. The tour illustrates the attitude” are the key. “Beyond being a local craft production process, from milling the grains to brewing company, I think that we are creating a packaging and delivering.

In fact,

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