The Weekly Journal - Wednesday, August 04, 2021

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

>Josian E. Bruno Gómez

Wednesday, August 4-10, 2021 - // no. 119

Little Progress on Ports Strike P6 Puerto Rico: Highest Sales Tax in the U.S. P7 DMO on International Market Reentry P9

Eyes on Medicaid The continuing quest for federal funds parity

W Rosario Fajardo

Skincare for Natural Radiance P14

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

ith Puerto Rico continually petitioning for more Medicaid funds to avoid the so-called “Medicaid cliff” every two years, advocates are saying that it is time to end “temporary solutions,” as parity requires stable, adequate federal funding.

In fact, on May 28, President Joe Biden formally requested Congress to provide Medicaid fund parity

for Puerto Rico and to streamline equal access to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and food assistance. Biden’s 2022 budget also specifically called for funding parity: “eliminating Medicaid funding caps for Puerto Rico and other Territories while aligning their matching rate with States.”

“Residents of the territories are U.S. citizens or, in the case of American Samoa, U.S. nationals; yet federal law treats them far less favorably than residents of the states when it comes to their Medicaid coverage — even though they are GO TO PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, August 4, 2021 >

2

2

Constant updates online 24/7.

TheWeeklyJournal.com

Visit us for updated content on our 24/7 platform.

WeeklyJournal

The

3

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

a week in review Jasmine Camacho-Quinn Wins Gold for Puerto Rico

>Carlos Rivera Giusti

>Carlos Rivera Giusti

>AP/Martin Meissner

Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, South Carolina born but competing for her mother’s homeland of Puerto Rico, beat the world record holder Kendra Harrison for gold in the women’s 100-meter hurdles in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Camacho-Quinn finished in 12.37 seconds for a 0.15 second win — a blowout in such a short race — over the worldrecord holder, Harrison, of the United States. Jamaica’s Megan Tapper finished third. Camacho-Quinn is the second athlete to win an Olympic gold for Puerto Rico; the first was Monica Puig, who won the gold medal in women’s tennis in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Pierluisi Mandates Shots or Weekly Negative Tests for Public Workers As many countries and jurisdictions worldwide are grappling with the Delta variant of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi issued a new Executive Order in Puerto Rico that mandates all public workers to either get the COVID vaccines or submit weekly negative tests to their offices. The same recommendation has been given to the private sector.

The new rules will go into effect on Aug. 16. Exemptions are provided for those with existing medical conditions or on religious grounds.

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

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

SIM Inaugurates First Post COVID-19 Care Clinic in Puerto Rico Salud Integral en la Montaña (SIM) will expand its range of primary medical care with the first Post COVID-19 Care Clinic in Puerto Rico.

Patients will have access to a multidisciplinary team that will help address short, medium and long-term health conditions exacerbated by complications of the COVID-19 disease. SIM, a nonprofit community organization that provides primary, preventive and specialized health services in seven municipalities in the Central Region, will begin offering specialized services at the Post COVID-19 Care Clinic on Aug. 7.

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

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

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

VP of Production Eligio Dekony edekony@elvocero.com

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

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

Multi-Plataform Digital Director María Arce marce@elvocero.com Assistant Editor/ Reporter Rosario Fajardo rfajardo@wjournal.com

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

4

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

There are 1.4 million Medicaid beneficiaries in Puerto Rico.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

provide parity with programs in the states.”

more likely than residents of the states to rely Puerto Rico’s Experiences on Medicaid for their health care,” said Judith Solomon also told U.S. House members that Solomon, a senior fellow at the Center on Budget Puerto Rico’s case highlights the shortcomings of and Policy Priorities, during a temporary solutions. recent U.S. Natural Resources Puerto Rico provides a good Committee hearing in Congress. example of how short-term The Center on Budget and Policy funding solutions don’t provide Priorities is a nonprofit and the stable, adequate funding nonpartisan policy institute based needed to provide Medicaid Puerto Rico in Washington, D.C. coverage on the same terms as uses a local poverty Since 2010, Congress has state programs, she indicated. level in establishing provided time-limited tranches “Puerto Rico uses a local poverty its Medicaid eligibility of supplemental funding to level (the Puerto Rico Poverty threshold, which is allow the territories to keep their Level or PRPL) in establishing its considerably below programs going. Without these Medicaid eligibility threshold, federal poverty levels. funds, the territories would have which is considerably below Puerto Rico covers had to deeply cut provider rates, federal poverty levels. Puerto most groups with eligibility and benefits because Rico covers most groups with incomes up to 138 their block grant funds fall far incomes up to 138 percent of the percent of the local short of meeting the needs of PRPL, which is about 60 percent poverty level, which their residents, Solomon said. of the federal poverty line is about 60 percent “But these temporary fixes ($7,650 a year) for an individual of the federal poverty have not allowed the territories and 45 percent for a family of line ($7,650 a year) for to improve their programs or four ($11,800 a year),” Solomon an individual and 45 provide coverage and benefits explained. percent for a family equal to the states, and they have Effective Nov. 15, 2020, Puerto of four ($11,800 a left territory residents without a Rico raised the PRPL, which year). stable source of health care.” increased the Medicaid eligibility She argued that without a threshold to about $15,000 a year permanent solution that provides for an individual and $30,700 stable, adequate funding, the for a family of four. This move cycle of Medicaid funding cliffs will continue, opened the program to 150,000 to 200,000 more “repeatedly forcing the territories to make people, she noted. contingency plans for deep cuts in coverage and “However, the increase in the eligibility benefits and blocking permanent improvements thresholds is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2021, with to the territories’ Medicaid programs that would the end of the current two-year increases in Puerto

In fact,

Rico’s block grant and matching rate. Because Puerto Rico is also receiving a 6.2 percentage point increase in its matching rate during the [COVID-19] public health emergency (PHE), it is subject to a maintenance-of-effort requirement preventing it from terminating people’s eligibility based on the lower thresholds before the end of the PHE. But Puerto Rico will be free to determine eligibility for new applicants based on the lower thresholds,” Solomon said.

The additional funding Puerto Rico received in 2020 and 2021 also allowed it to increase payments to physicians and hospitals, which fall well short of payments to Medicaid providers in the states, she added. But these increases, too, were temporary and are set to expire at the end of September. “Low reimbursement rates contribute to a shortage of healthcare providers on the island,” according to Solomon.

Progress on H.R.4406

Puerto Rico House Speaker Rafael Hernández, who recently traveled to the nation’s capital to lobby for funding parity for the island and a permanent solution to the Medicaid issue, explained that some of the programs that Puerto Rico is not part of, and could be accessed, are hospice services, improved pay for health professionals, and an increased number of people who qualify for the Medicaid program, among others.

He also said the Democratic Party has enough votes in Congress to approve the necessary language on parity in the resolution for the federal budget, “and we need to take advantage of that juncture.”

“It is imperative to recognize the gigantic impact of receiving an 83 percent [federal match] Medicaid coverage for the central government’s

5

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

budget. For example, the budget approved last June in the legislative assembly, and signed by the governor, contemplates a contribution for the Vital [health insurance] plan of $1,555,721,000 from the General Fund and $557,535,000 from federal funds, while in the previous budget that ended in June, only $316,134,000 were spent from the General Fund, with a federal contribution of $2,842,337,000,” he underscored.

Moreover, Hernández stressed that the local government could save over $1 billion annually if Congress approves parity in Medicaid funding for Puerto Rico.

The Health Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce has evaluated and approved H.R. 4406, “Supporting Medicaid in the U.S. Territories Act,” which would prevent Medicaid funds for the island from running out at the end of this fiscal year in September.

During the markup, U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers - the Republican leader in the committee - acknowledged the efforts of Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González to ensure that Medicaid beneficiaries in Puerto Rico do not lose access to that health benefit.

The resident commissioner has been advocating an agreement that would extend the increase in funds and levels of the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for five years for Puerto Rico to the current levels of 76 percent, providing stability to the health system. The annual limit would be increased from $390 million to more than $2.7 billion until fiscal year 2026. In other words, the

cap that was established for 2021 would be maintained.

H.R. 4406 was authored by Florida Reps. Darren Soto (D-FL-9) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12). The measure continues to advance in the legislative process and was unanimously approved by the U.S. Energy and Commerce Committee.

CNE: 1.4M Medicaid Beneficiaries at Risk

The Center for a New Economy (CNE) has warned that Puerto Rico is facing yet another potential shortage of funds to keep operating its healthcare system.

“The severity of the threat is very real. A drop in federal funding from $2.8 billion to approximately $400 million, a reduction of about 85 percent, could result in a failure to provide critical services to thousands of people, a reduction of the eligible population, and/or a drastic reduction of provider reimbursement rates, all of which may result in the flight of more primary care physicians and other health care providers from the island.

“With approximately 1.4 million Medicaid beneficiaries, about 46 percent of Puerto Rico’s population could be affected by the changes in funding at a time when the world is undergoing a public health crisis. Therefore, it is imperative to provide Puerto Rico with full federal Medicaid funding over time,” said the local think tank.

The CNE also stated that while H.R. 4406 avoids a Medicaid cliff and provides short-term stability, it is not a permanent solution. “[T]he proposed fiveyear deal falls short of parity with the states, is not a permanent fix, and perpetuates the “separate

The World Health Organization says access to health care is a fundamental human right. >AP/Neil Hall

With approximately 1.4 million Medicaid beneficiaries, about 46 percent of Puerto Rico’s population could be affected by the changes in funding at a time when the world is undergoing a public health crisis. Therefore, it is imperative to provide Puerto Rico with full federal Medicaid funding over time.

-Center for a New Economy

and unequal” treatment of Medicaid beneficiaries in the territories, who are being told, once again, to accept a “good enough” deal.

“Perhaps more important from a long-term policy perspective, the compromise set forth in H.R. 4406 represents the loss of a once-in-ageneration opportunity to end federal healthcare discrimination against the residents of the U.S. territories,” according to the think tank.

6

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Tensions Flare as Ports Blockade Continues Ports Authority sues both parties in labor dispute

T

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL Staff

he Puerto Rico government is trying to order a 30-day recess in the labor-management conflict that is keeping cargo wagons paralyzed at the San Juan docks, pending an agreement between the company Luis Ayala Colón Sucrs, Inc. (LAC), and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA Local 1740).

On Monday, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority filed a lawsuit before the San Juan Judicial Court against LAC and the ILA Local 1740 union to claim the losses that the government has had for failing to collect taxes from merchandise at the docks.

“About 23 percent of the total cargo in Puerto Rico enters the LAC dock in Puerto Nuevo and roughly 80 percent of the international cargo. Due to the international ships that could not dock in the San Juan Bay because of the labor dispute, the Ports Authority so far has not been able to receive close to $400,000 in charges, and this figure will continue to increase if this dispute is not resolved,” Ports Authority Director Joel Pizá stated.

Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Carlos Rivera said the conflict dates from 2019 and that he spent four days trying to reach an agreement between the two parties. Pizá said that “we call the parties to dialogue. Although the forum for settling disputes is the National Labor Relations Board, the Labor Department has mediated diligently and relentlessly. It is in the interest of the Ports Authority that the parties find a solution and the distribution chain in Puerto Rico is not affected.”

Gov’t Seeks U.S. Intervention

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi called on President Joe Biden, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the National Labor Relations Board to intervene in the conflict. He said that the local government is prevented under federal and state laws from requesting a judicial injunction to stop the strike while the parties continue the negotiation process.

“Given that the situation has created a significant negative impact on the goods distribution chain in Puerto Rico and interstate

Loading dock in Puerto Nuevo >Inter News Service

and international commerce, I have resorted to requesting President Biden to invoke the provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act so that the federal government evaluates the possibility of intervening and requesting a judicial injunction,” the governor said.

Pierluisi explained that activating the Puerto Rico National Guard is not feasible because the branch lacks the personnel to operate the machinery used in the process of unloading and stowing containers on a large scale. “We will continue evaluating all the alternatives for action within our reach so that this conflict finally ends and we can restore the import and export of goods in the port of San Juan,” he said.

Union’s Proposal Rejected

William Marrero, legal representative for ILA, described the lawsuit as a government “tantrum” and assured that both federal entities appealed to by the governor have already been mediators of the conflict. He added that the union presented a proposal before the company but “they did not accept it.” He did not provide details on the proposal.

“There is not much that either of the two entities can do because what they had to do, they did.

What remains is for Luis Ayala to comply with the agreement and call the corresponding workers to

do the work. It is not so difficult,” Marrero stated.

He did not want to estimate how much more the situation could escalate. According to the numbers he offered, roughly 800 wagons have not been loaded. Last week, the estimate was around 5,000 wagons. Many goods have already been affected, such as products for supermarket shelves and items that manufacturing companies need.

Carlos Albertorio, vice president of the Atlantic Coast District Executive Board chapter of the ILA, has insisted that workers are defending their jobs. “The least I want is to affect the people and I strongly emphasize that the people I represent are also mired in this because if they don’t work, they don’t get paid… they get paid daily according to the work done. It is not that they charge weekly, or biweekly, no. Ninety-nine percent of the port center employees get paid at the end of each day,” he reported.

The union has been negotiating the collective agreement for approximately two years. The blockade responds to the fact that the union understands that they have to carry out the task of verifying what reaches the docks until it is dispatched with a new technology that the company bought. Faced with the conflict, the company appointed management employees to carry out the verification, according to Albertorio.

7

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Economists warn that the government could raise the IVU in the near future. >Archive

Puerto Rico Among Countries With Worst Tax Systems

Island has highest sales tax in the U.S.

P Christian G. Ramos

cramos@elvocero.com

@cramossegarra

uerto Rico topped the list of the 10 U.S. jurisdictions with the highest Sales & Use Tax (IVU) and occupies position 163 among the 189 countries with the worst tax systems, which - in the opinion of economists consulted by THE WEEKLY JOURNAL - requires an urgent change in the island’s tax structure.

According to the Tax Foundation - a group of experts based in Washington, D.C. and whose purpose is to monitor the tax and expenditure policy of government agencies - the 11.5 percent IVU on the island is the highest in the United States, followed by Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Washington, Oklahoma, New York, California and Kansas. Meanwhile, the Paying Taxes report carried out by the World Bank places Puerto Rico with a total tax rate of 64.4 percent.

José Joaquín Villamil said “Puerto Rico is in a very disadvantaged position” and that the island maintains one of the worst tax systems in the world. He finds it alarming that for every dollar that runs in the island’s economy, 64.4 cents go to pay taxes.

“Puerto Rico is one of the worst jurisdictions in terms of its tax system. This has been the case for a long time. Our reputation is at stake because, despite the high contributions that are paid, the systems and services that are provided to citizens do not work,” he stated.

Villamil urged a rethink on the current tax system because, in his opinion, it mainly affects

the common citizen while benefiting those with high economic wealth. “It does not affect everyone equally. The problem is the ordinary citizen who pays contributions. If they are an entrepreneur under Act 22 —who has a service company that exports or operates with incentives for industrialization— they only pay a 4 percent rate,” he argued.

José Alameda pointed out that “the tax model must be reviewed because while foreigners are given low rates, Puerto Ricans are suffocated... We have very dissimilar tax structures. International capital is paying about 4 percent in contributions.

Since the government doesn’t capture anything there, they bill consumers. This makes the IVU high.”

Heidi Calero made the distinction that other countries have higher contributions and taxes than Puerto Rico, but unlike the island, their government and essential services are efficient.

“To the extent that Puerto Rico is not effective and efficient in its essential services, but the income of ordinary citizens continues to be affected, everyone loses,” she pointed out.

“Higher contributions and taxes are paid in Europe than in Puerto Rico, but they have a first-rate public education, health system and infrastructure for the benefit of citizens. I don’t think that the problem is that high contributions are paid, it is what is done with the money,” Calero added.

Competitiveness Affected

Despite the tax benefits that are provided to some businesses on the island, Villamil assured that the situation with the tax system has a negative impact on Puerto Rico’s competitiveness to do business. According to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business 2020 report, the island dropped 10 positions between 2016 and 2019 and currently

occupies the 65th spot out of 190 countries.

“The Ease of Doing Business takes into consideration the tax system and consistently where Puerto Rico comes out worst in this report is in contributions. The countries with which we compete —Ireland, Switzerland, the Dominican Republic— all have a better ranking than ours in both the Ease and Paying Taxes,” he said.

Foreseeable Tax Hike

Although the IVU in Puerto Rico is the highest in the U.S., economists understand that the 11.5 percent sales tax could increase in the future, to the extent that the impact of the injection of federal funds and the population of the island continues to decline.

Currently, 5.5 percent of IVU collections must be used to repay the agreement between the government and the creditors of the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. (Cofina by its Spanish acronym). Meanwhile, the $35 billion Plan of Adjustment for the government debt, proposed by the Financial Oversight and Management Board, envisions a Contingent Value Instrument conditioned on whether collections exceed projections in the 2020 Certified Fiscal Plan.

“A future increase is possible. Right now, collections have increased because sales have increased with the funds that are running in the economy. If this stops and the population continues to decline, it could be the case that to meet debt service, the IVU is increased,” Villamil warned.

Meanwhile, a study prepared by Alameda showed that IVU collections will decrease in the coming years as a result of mass emigration. The study agrees that the government —which has limited income— could be forced to increase the IVU rate and other taxes in order to increase collections and meet its responsibilities.

8

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Puerto Rican Business a ‘BOON’ for Condo Residents Automates HO6 insurance processes for easy access

M Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

anaging insurance policies for apartments is now as easy as online shopping, thanks to BOON, a Puerto Rican company that has automated processes to facilitate quotes and

payments.

Alice Meléndez, the founder of BOON, explained that the platform connects users with condo insurance (HO6) policies provided by Óptima Seguros, a local insurer. Their HO6 provides coverage in the wake of a hurricane or storm, earthquake, fire and smoke, accidental water discharge, theft and vandalism. While banks generally require mortgage payers to buy a policy that covers these incidents, she highlighted the benefits for owners who have already settled their condo payments.

“Meeting the bank’s requirements is an extra, but the purpose is not to satisfy banks but to protect families… Apart from covering those requirements by banks, the HO6 will cover your pipes, if you cause harm to a neighbor, if your pet causes harm to another person and they sue you, food expenses while your apartment is being repaired - because if a hurricane has already destroyed it, it is highly likely that if the apartment is uninhabitable, you will have to move and that represents additional expenses,” she told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. While several insurance companies offer these products, what sets BOON apart is that customers can get quotes in a matter of seconds by providing basic information. Furthermore, after making any adjustments, the customer can purchase their desired policy directly and BOON will send a confirmation email and receipt to both the client and their banking institution. The insured will also receive information on the specific email address of the bank to present it as evidence if confronted by their lenders. According to Meléndez, the entire process takes between three to four minutes.

Addressing a Market Need

In 2018, one year after Hurricane Maria devastated the island, Meléndez observed that the

Alice Meléndez, left, explained that BOON connects users with policies by Grupo Óptima. >Courtesy

recovery process was hindered for condo residents because the insurance processes were dealt with through the building’s administration rather than individualized services. As such, she developed technology that serves as a mediator between an insurance company and individual clients.

She was able to shape this initiative by participating in the first generation of pre18, the pre-accelerator program for local startups by parallel18. It was through this cohort that BOON received a $40,000 grant and secured another $40,000 through United for Puerto Rico. All in all, getting the product out required an investment of over $300,000, including the $80,000 in grants.

Meléndez noted that the industry was hesitant to embrace innovation. It wasn’t until 2019 when they had their first meeting with Optima, and it took over a year to launch the first policy. Now, www.quieroboon.com offers different types of HO6 policies, starting at $399 a year. Although only two people, including Meléndez, work directly for BOON, the company has over 100 registered insurance producers and holds weekly meetings with Optima’s departments.

“The way I see insurance is as a tool to help a person who has a loss and is in need,” she said.

“We are well aware of what our purpose is and it is to maximize insurance as a tool to help. I brought

a little sensitivity to the insurance industry and critical analysis at the same time.”

Joining New P18 Cohort

Three years after participating in pre18, BOON will participate in the ninth cohort of P18, the international accelerator program. This is the first generation comprised mostly of Puerto Rican businesses, with 58 percent, or 23 of the 40 companies in total.

By participating in the program, BOON will receive a $40,000 equity-free grant, counseling and monitoring of goals during 20 weeks. In addition, it will be able to access a network of investors, business partners and contacts who work closely with entrepreneurs to address key aspects of the company’s needs.

Meléndez affirmed that by having access to these resources, she expects to further develop her business model by incorporating other types of insurance policies and services. “The long-term purpose is to automate all the processes of an insurance company, which includes even paying the claim, automating that quantification of damages...

Technology can enter there, and we can integrate data from the construction industry and make it a tool not only to sell a policy but to automate processes and manage risks,” she said.

9

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

The Mardi Gras, Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship >Courtesy

DMO Prepares for International Market Reentry

Welcome back! Cruises return to Puerto Rico

A Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

lthough tourism is solidly back on track in Puerto Rico, only 6 percent of arrivals are international, according to industry sectors. Seeing the growth potential for the international market, Discover Puerto Rico and its partners are focused on growing this percentage to aid in the recovery of the island’s economy.

Recently, the destination marketing organization (DMO) hosted a webinar to discuss their plans to reenter international markets to promote Puerto Rico as a tourist destination.

Since 2019, the DMO has worked on a variety of marketing and communication efforts with specific international markets, including Spain, the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, Canada and Colombia. Spain has remained a strong market for Puerto Rico, in part due to the island’s history with that country. Recently, for example, Iberia Airlines announced it was renewing three weekly, direct flights between San Juan and Madrid.

In 2021-2022, Discover Puerto Rico will also add Mexico as an exploratory market to evaluate visitor potential. Each market was selected by Discover Puerto Rico, using data and research, as well as airlift into Puerto Rico and market potential.

“When expanding the Discover Puerto Rico brand internationally, streamlining content has been key. Having people on the ground in each of the markets, we have the capacity to translate and

adapt content for international markets, always ensuring that the right fit for media, trade and consumers in each market. Partnerships have been incredibly important, so we have worked closely with Brand USA to further promote the Discover Puerto Rico brand,” mentioned Leah Chandler, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico.

While restrictions are constantly changing and evolving, the vaccine rollout has accelerated destination marketing strategies globally.

European countries are seeing $1.5 trillion dollars of household savings, which means lots of disposable income to spend on international travel. There is $54 billion of refund vouchers to be spent in the UK market alone - and they will be deciding where to spend those refund vouchers on their next vacation. The industry is also seeing two key groups, for bookings in 2021-2022, those planning to travel in the next three weeks and those with a longer booking window of 75-plus days.

“The international objectives for Discover Puerto Rico include increasing awareness and driving sales by highlighting Puerto Rico’s unique product offering to a leisure audience through public relations, trade engagement, partnerships and digital campaigns. Additionally, driving long-term visitor growth and building back better from a social impact standpoint, ensures tourism remains a driver for change, preserving natural resources and supporting local communities,” Chandler said.

“During 2020 and most of 2021, Brand USA has maintained a state of readiness and implemented a content strategy to keep destinations, like Puerto Rico, top-of-mind among travel dreamers,” said Brand USA President and CEO, Christopher L. Thompson. “When the time is right we’re ready to implement a robust recovery campaign, which will begin with restoring consumer confidence and proving the United States is ready to welcome

back our international friends. As we move toward recovery, Brand USA will continue to… maximize resources to extend our collective reach globally.”

The DMO campaign, “It’s Time to Book,” will launch at different times in each market, based on travel restrictions and border openings. Each market will have a content hub in their desired language. All campaign assets will be tagged with Adara Impact pixels and Floodlight tags to allow the DMO to optimize and track based on bookings and conversions, flight searches, hotel room nights, passengers and revenues, Chandler explained.

Carnival’s Mardi Gras welcomed in Old San Juan

Meanwhile, 16 months after cruises stopped as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carnival’s Mardi Gras was welcomed into Old San Juan Tuesday, as thousands of cruise passengers disembarked in the historic Old City.

The executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Carlos Mercado Santiago, said that 95 percent of passengers have received full vaccine doses against the coronavirus. The rest, he said, are mostly children under the age of 12.

Mercado added that the Mardi Gras will make three stops in San Juan during August, which will inject an estimated $1.1 million into the island’s economy.

As reported by THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, The Puerto Rico Ports Authority, Health Department and the Tourism Company have issued a directive that when cruises restart on the island, passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be able to go ashore.

Those who are not fully vaccinated must stay on board their ships. This includes those who have tested negative for the coronavirus. The measure is aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.

10

>Archive

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Workers Wanted, While Self-Employment Grows

Informal economy on the rise

T Christian G. Ramos

cramos@elvocero.com

@cramossegarra

he growth registered in selfemployment, as well as informal or under-the-table employment - which is not reported or taxed has become another reason why many employers are not finding the workers they need to fill job

vacancies.

Although it is true that unemployment on the island increased dramatically due to the 2020 lockdown and commercial stoppage to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, more than a year after the lockdown and the gradual reopening of the economy, the local labor supply has increased, but the demand for jobs hasn’t. The same pattern has been evidenced in the mainland U.S. A former secretary of the Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH by its Spanish initials), Ruy Delgado Zayas, partially attributed the situation to the unattractive wages on the island because workers “have realized that to generate good money, they do not have to be employed.

“In this year and a half of pandemic, people have realized that being employed is not the only way to achieve stability. Employment has become unattractive due to a lack of flexibility and low wages. People have learned that working on their own is a viable way to earn a living,” Delgado explained.

According to the DTRH Worker Group Survey, self-employment continues to gain ground in the labor market. For the period from July to April of

fiscal year 2021, the number of self-employed individuals was approximately 174,000 workers, which reflected an increase of 4.8 percent compared to the same period in 2020. This is the highest figure on record since 2017.

“The problem is not the lack of labor, it is the lack of good jobs with attractive working conditions, so people are being forced to start their own businesses, work on their own or join the underground economy… They are not willing to stay as employees if it produces less than working on their own,” Delgado added.

Economist José Joaquín Villamil said in a previous interview that after the massive loss of jobs generated by business closures to mitigate the pandemic, underground economic activity informal jobs - increased.

Villamil explained that prior to the coronavirus, the underground activity generated in Puerto Rico amounted to over $17 billion annually, which represents over 30 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). More than 27 cents of every dollar that enters the island’s economy comes from informal activities, he pointed out.

“That activity is expected to continue to increase.

The crisis created the need to engage in informal activities. This includes any gardener, electrician, mechanic or person who offers a service, who does their work and does not pay contributions. It cannot be said that it is something temporary,” he said.

Impacting the Construction Sector

According to Umberto Donato, president of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, the increase in informal work mainly affects the construction industry, which in turn affects the reconstruction work on

the island.

He explained that federally funded projects require certified payroll, and construction workers are not accepting jobs because they are generating more from non-taxable jobs, plus federal and state financial aid.

“We have a forecast that we will need 60,000 additional jobs for the reconstruction of the island and we see it getting complicated. It is becoming difficult for us to get labor because they prefer to stay out of the formal labor sector because the salary they would have to receive to equal what they enter between aid and odd jobs, would be much higher than what employers can pay,” he stated.

Donato explained that for example, a carpenter in the informal economy earns about $150 to $200 a day in cash, while a carpenter in the formal economy earns a wage of $15 an hour or $120 a day, from which about 30 percent in contributions is subtracted for a total of $80 per day.

“We are talking about the fact that they easily receive twice as much in the informal economy and to that are added traditional aid such as health, nutritional assistance and housing... and pandemic aid. They can receive between $20,000 and $40,000 more in aid. Outside of the formal economy, they receive the equivalent of $60,000 to $70,000, which an employer cannot match,” he asserted.

However, Delgado warned that if companies want to be attractive to workers again, just increasing the minimum wage is not enough.

“They have to find a way to make the job attractive.

Not only is it paying $8.50 or $40 more a week that does not produce enthusiasm... They have to be flexible, reduce the working day, help with childcare, among many other things,” he said.

< The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, August 4, 2021

11 11

En Puerto Rico seguimos celebrando.

Tu logro ha unido un país.

Nos llenas de orgullo, inspiración y esperanza.

s a i c a r G

12

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Ricardo Álvarez-Díaz

Licensed Architect and Co-Founder of the architectural firm Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón www.advfirm.com

O

n June 24, part of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside, Florida suddenly collapsed. In an instant, loved ones and homes were lost and gone. Even though we cannot say for certain what caused this tragedy to happen, we can only learn from it and take precautions to prevent this from happening anywhere else.

After the collapse, many people began referring to the Broward Miami-Dade County’s building codes as a source for information on the building’s construction and maintenance. More specifically, people paid attention to Section

The Champlain Towers Collapse: A Lesson We Should Never Forget

8-11(f) of the codes, which is the 40year building recertification.

This building recertification is basically a structural and electrical safety inspection in which owners of 40-year-or-older buildings in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties must have structural and electrical safety inspections by a Florida registered professional engineer or an architect who has the training and experience to do these inspections. The purpose of this safety inspection is to minimize building failures and keep people in and around the building, safe.

Maintaining the condition and strength of your building requires continuous monitoring and frequent maintenance. Check that openings are properly sealed, inspect window framing, vents and

>Amy Beth Bennett South Florida Sun-Sentinel vía AP

doors annually, for signs of wear or separation. Watch out for corrosion, and regularly inspect outdoor fixtures for signs of rust, corrosion, leaks, seepage and cracks. Clean immediately and replace corroded elements, if necessary.

The best way to maintain any structure is to understand its vulnerability and implement the solution that best targets it. Periodic maintenance is extremely important for the overall health of any structure, and knowing what makes the foundation, walls and roof of the building strong can help create an overall upgrade approach, while addressing multiple hazards at once.

A key part in building responsibly and resiliently is to follow the latest building codes. Always consult a

licensed architect or engineer to ensure your property complies with the latest building codes in order to protect the lives of the people you love and potentially mitigate property damage caused by natural and manmade disasters.

Building codes serve as a baseline in the creation of structures that can withstand extreme circumstances such as seismic activity, hurricane

Resilient building, with frequent structure monitoring and periodic maintenance, allows us to create structures that can help us be better prepared for man-made and natural disasters. winds, impact from flying objects, rains and floods, to minimize physical damage and save lives. The more you enforce the building codes, the safer your structure will be.

Resilient building, with frequent structure monitoring and periodic maintenance, allows us to create structures that can help us be better prepared for man-made and natural disasters.

When the Surfside building collapsed, we were all left in shock.

It was hard to process what just happened and why. Like many others, our family and friends lost loved ones during this tragic incident.

We cannot let something like this happen again anywhere, and we will do our part to make sure that it does not. Our hearts and prayers are with those who lost their loved ones during this difficult time. We will never forget.

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

13

The Ultimate Home Safety Checklist A quick safety checklist for simple maintenance

t can feel overwhelming when you start to think about all of the maintenance your home requires. Timing tasks can be confusing, and it’s easy to overlook certain appliances or home features as you try to keep everything running as efficiently as possible.

To make it a little easier, we’ve compiled a checklist of simple maintenance tips and features to inspect, as well as the best times to perform each task.

HVAC - You may need a professional for any extensive repairs, but there are things you can do to keep your heating and cooling systems operating efficiently. One of the easiest ways to do this is to check your filters once a month. Filters need to be replaced two to four times a year, and switching from a dirty filter to a new one will make a dramatic difference in airflow and efficiency.

Test air conditioning in the spring to complete any repairs before you need that A/C on full blast!

Smoke Alarms - Sometimes, we can overlook even the simplest of appliances - smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. With longer-lasting batteries and infrequent use, it’s common for them to go unused for years. Get in the habit of testing your smoke detectors once a month, and look to replace batteries every year.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are one of the best safety features in your home, and a little preventive maintenance can make all the difference!

Fridge - The average refrigerator uses more than 10 percent of a home’s total energy each year. With some simple maintenance, like keeping your fridge clean inside and out, you can improve your refrigerator’s efficiency and lower energy costs. Ensure the rubber seals on the inside are cleaned at least twice a year so the doors can shut properly.

Cleaning under and behind your fridge, including the coils, will improve airflow to the

>slobo via gettyimages

I

Home Sweet Home

components and make it as efficient as possible.

Not only will this increase the longevity of your appliance, but it can also lower your monthly power bill.

Dishwasher - Did you know that most new dishwashers contain a filter system that traps sediment and food particles? Check your dishwasher filter once a month to ensure optimal water flow and efficiency. Rinsing out the filter will help ensure cleaner dishes and increase the lifespan of the appliance. Once a year, try cleaning the jet holes with a toothpick to prevent any sediment buildup and improve water flow.

Washer/Dryer - Washer and dryer units use a good chunk of your home’s power and water usage throughout the year, and preventive maintenance is a great way to keep costs down.

Make sure your washer and dryer are both level to keep them running efficiently. One of the most critical dryer rules?

Always clean the vent (where the lint goes) after every load - this will prevent fire risks and help

your machine perform at its best! Remember to keep the washer lid open after loads to dry it out and avoid mold and corrosion.

Walk Around - The best way to keep your home and its features in prime condition are to inspect things frequently. Several times a year, take a walk around your property, examining everything from the foundation to the roof. Check all extension cords and wiring for signs of damage, and look at your plumbing, inside and out, for signs of leaks.

You should inspect every feature of your home at least once a year.

Despite many moving parts, homeowners can regularly go through a safety checklist to help save themselves thousands of dollars in the long run. From keeping your fridge clean to fixing a leak before it floods your basement, monthly preventive home maintenance should be a part of your routine.

Whether you’re after cheaper bills or just peace of mind, spend some time each month inspecting your home’s features and appliances.

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

>MStudioImages via gettyimages

>PeopleImages via gettyimages

14

Natural Skincare for Everyday Wellness Taking care of your skin is an important part of your daily routine

W

Women’s Wellness

hile many big-name and drug store brands sell a lot of skincare hype, their products are sometimes packed with chemical ingredients that can be harsh or even damaging to your skin.

To retain and refresh your skin’s natural radiance, nothing works better than natural products like: • Aloe vera (reduces inflammation, moisturizes) • Apple cider vinegar (exfoliates, balances pH, reduces inflammation) • Avocado (moisturizes, smooths) • Castor oil (reduces irritation, antibacterial properties) • Coconut oil (moisturizes, reduces inflammation) • Essential oils (reduces the appearance of scars, reduces redness and inflammation, repairs cells) • Grapeseed oil (balances the skin, moisturizes, reduces inflammation) • Honey (moisturizes, antibacterial properties) • Sea salt (exfoliates, balances oils) • Shea butter (moisturizes, soothes)

• Tea tree oil (calms, reduces inflammation, antimicrobial properties) These natural ingredients and more come together to create the perfect solutions for everything from moisturizers and toners to deep acne cleansers and rejuvenating facial masks. You can combine them yourself with proven recipes, or you can purchase pre-made products from natural and organic skincare companies.

If you’re looking for a few easy ways to incorporate natural skincare into your daily routine, here are a few tips and ideas by product type:

Acne Treatments

Some of the most gentle but effective acne treatments are natural products like those from 100% Pure that use ingredients like Charcoal, Oatmeal, Turmeric and Essential Oils. You can even find natural spot treatments like this blemish stick from Desert Essence that combines Australian Tea Tree Oil, Chamomile and Lavender. If you want to create your own treatment and handle the ingredients yourself, a homemade recipe of lemon and apple cider spot treatment fights bacteria and redness and soothes with the addition of just a touch of honey.

Skin Cleansers

Skin cleansers should clean your skin, not deplete it of its natural oils and protection. Luckily, natural skin cleansers can help you replace and maintain healthy oils and pH balance. Try a cleanser like True Botanicals Nourishing Cleanser with renewing Green and White Teas and soothing Aloe Vera.

Toner

Toner is that don’t-skip-it step in a skincare routine to ensure you have truly cleaned all the grime, and it leaves behind a hydrating layer. Try Primally Pure’s toner called the Everything Spray - it’s full of all skin purifying and calming classics like Apple Cider Vinegar, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera and Lavender Hydrosol. You can also use it after shaving or to reduce irritation on other areas of skin.

Healthline has a great list of 13 natural toner recipes for your DIY toner options that include those same key ingredients plus Rosewater and Green Tea and address specific skin concerns like dryness or acne.

Moisturizers

The Honest Company’s Face + Body Lotion is an awesome natural moisturizer to have around the house because it’s so versatile and smells amazing.

The lotion combines Jojoba, Shea and Safflower oils that absorb quickly into the skin and leaves your skin feeling nourished. Another great option is the Burt’s Bees Honey and Grapeseed Oil Handcream made with natural butters, oils and extracts.

Face Masks

When you want to give your skincare routine a boost or give yourself a nice self-care treat, a face mask is just the ticket.

Use these tips whether you’re giving your skincare routine a complete “natural overhaul” or just looking for a simple step to start the process.

Your skin will feel nourished, and you’ll feel great knowing exactly what you’re putting on your body.

/ Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Sushi and Poke Bowls to Impress

15

Ohan shines with culinary creativity and quality products

I

Yaira Solís Escudero

ysolis@elvocero.com

@yairasolis

n the 1990s, it became fashionable to integrate sushi bars into hotel lobbies in Puerto Rico. Today, in 2021, this trend returns with full force with Ohan Sushi & Poke Bar, but this time in the lobby of the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, in the capital’s Condado sector.

Wei Zhao “Reymond” Zhong is the chef of this culinary establishment and his knowledge of the sea and the artisan cuisine of South China translates to an exquisite menu with food that is rich in textures, freshness and enhanced flavors.

Although the official opening of this new space was just on May 30, it has already become very popular among lovers of Asian cuisine - especially because the chef likes to make classic rolls, to which he has been able to incorporate unique local ingredients. One of these, the “yellowish,” has been highly successful because it stimulates the palate with sweet and savory flavors, a combination that is beloved by local food enthusiasts.

Ohan includes an open kitchen area and counters where diners can observe the process of preparing their food and, above all, the delicate and successful way in which the chef saves all the ingredients to be able to conserve them properly.

This detail prevents food contamination and underscores the restaurant’s quality, bite after bite.

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL stopped by the restaurant and during our visit, we were able to taste the “gyozas,” which are dumplings stuffed with pork, and the Wild & Burned sushi roll.

Designed by the sushi chef, this emblematic roll consists of salmon, asparagus, sweet plantains and cream cheese, topped with roasted avocado.

Zhong also presented us with a delicious Quinoa poke - a Hawaiian word that means to cut transversely into pieces - which is a modern version of the traditional poke bowl and includes quinoa, pieces of marinated salmon, crab salad, avocado, ripe plantain, edamame, fresh radish and red cabbage.

The recommendation is to pair the sushi rolls or poke bowls with sake and Japanese beer in order to have a complete experience.

Quality Ingredients for Different Palates It is important to highlight the quality of the

Ohan provides menu options for different palates, including vegan offerings. >All photos by Melissa Cruz

provide an added value to the meal.

The chef also offers memorable food to people who follow the precepts of vegan cooking, for whom he created the Vegan poke bowl, with avocado, pickle, edamame, wakame - a type of Asian seaweed - carrots, red cabbage, mango, fresh radish and a choice of rice or quinoa.

“This new concept of sushi is much more daring and original than what we are used to. We have a menu with different touches to traditional Japanese [cuisine], such as plantain slices and Peruvian aioli,” said Julio Vázquez, sous chef at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.

Ohan Sushi & Poke Bar is open to the public Wednesdays to Sundays from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Moreover, for both hotel guests and locals, the chef has sushi roll options available for purchase at The Bakery, a store located in the San Juan Marriott’s lobby, but only on Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 7 p.m.

About Chef Reymond

Sushi chef Wei Zhao “Reymond” Zhong and sous chef Julio Vázquez

products that chef Zhong uses in each of his preparations, which delights the palate, as well as the correct way of handling them. These factors

Wei Zhao “Reymond” Zhong has spent his entire career perfecting the art of sushi, working in restaurants and hotels in China, Japan, Canada and the Caribbean. A native of Guangzhou, China, Zhong began his culinary career in 1983 at the Guangzhou Hotel. For the past 16 years, Zhong has worked in Japanese restaurants in Puerto Rico, consistently impressing diners with his creativity and wonderful cuisine.

16

LA NUESTRA

BRILLÓ

Y CONECTÓ A TODO PUERTO RICO

Jasmine Camacho-Quinn Medallista de Oro, Tokio 2020 Atletismo

SIEMPRE CON LOS NUESTROS T-Mobile® y el color magenta son marcas comerciales registradas federalmente de Deutsche Telekom AG. ©2021 T-Mobile Puerto Rico, LLC.