The Weekly Journal - Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Wednesday, August 10-16, 2022 - // no. 172

Consumers concerned about the economy P6 Federal credit won’t apply to all EVs P8 When the ER is the real emergency P10

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

Credit card arrears stable while transactions increase The increase in credit card use coincides with the spiraling inflation

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

It feels right to be left P14

uerto Rico has positioned itself in recent years as one of the world’s jurisdictions with the best credit, in terms of its population. And, while recent industry reports point to a slight increase in credit card use for the first quarter of 2022 in Puerto Rico, the amount of arrears in credit card payments has remained “normal,” according to Rodney Curbelo, general manager of the consumer credit reporting agency TransUnion-Puerto Rico.

The increase in credit card use coincides with the spiraling inflation, a global trend that has been severely affecting economies since the beginning of the year. Puerto Rico has been following that trend. In its recent Credit Market Trends report (which includes banks in the U.S.) TransUnion reported the average credit card balance decreased last year. However, the report shows an 11.6% increment in the average balance through March 2022, when compared to its lowest point in June 2021.

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The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, August 10, 2022 > 2

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/ Wednesday, August 10, 2022

a week in review 50th Acai Express restaurant Puerto Rican beverage franchise Acai Express inaugurated its 50th location in Puerto Rico and the United States, propelled by continued sales growth. To celebrate the milestone, the chain announced the launching of an innovative new digital platform to expand the availability of its products to consumers.

Currently, the local franchise already operates 44 locations in Puerto Rico, and another six in North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey and Florida. A little more than a year ago, Acai Express had only 31 locations on the island, for a growth of almost 50%. The estimated investment in the units opened since then is approximately $2.3 million. The total number of jobs sustained by the chain in Puerto Rico already exceeds 260.

New Acai Express locations are scheduled for the municipalities of Juncos, Mayagüez, Santa Isabel, Yabucoa, Salinas and Ponce. In the United States, new locations are planned for Florida (Orlando) and Georgia before the end of the year.

Luna Escondida lodge

Transatlantic Jet Blue from Boston

After a successful first year of operations, concept experience lodge Luna Escondida in Barranquitas recently announced the opening of 300 new dates for reservations, with accommodations for children included.

The short term lodging facility –available on Airbnb and Join-A-Join platforms– will integrate renovated gardens and more technologically controlled amenities, as well as treasure hunt activity with elements alluding to the earth’s natural satellite, among other interactive experiences. Also, Luna Escondida’s trademark nightly light show has been improved and expanded to provide an “out of this world experience.”

When children are accompanying their parents, an extra bed and educational toys will be added to the black dome lodging space, which is already furnished with a queen bed and a TV set with access to Netflix and Disney+.

JetBlue announced last week the launching of its service from Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS) to London’s Gatwick Airport (LGW).

JetBlue’s daily nonstop service is part of the airline’s focus city strategy and its long-term transatlantic growth plans. London was the largest nonstop market not currently served by JetBlue from Boston and is among the most requested destinations from the airline’s large Boston customer base.

Last year, JetBlue launched its first-ever transatlantic service from New York-JFK to both Heathrow and Gatwick, London’s largest and busiest airports.

The carrier plans to grow its transatlantic presence this year with new service from Boston Logan to London’s Heathrow Airport, launching September 20, 2022, and an additional Gatwick departure from New York starting October 29, 2022. Between JetBlue’s New York and Boston focus cities, the airline will offer five daily flights between the U.S. and the U.K. by October.

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 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 “In terms of credit card balance, Puerto Rico has a very similar performance to that of the United States. When we talk about the average card balance of all Puerto Rican consumers, it had been going down since 2020, until reaching its lowest point on June 2021, when the average balance was $1,172. As of the first quarter of 2022, it rose to $1,308. That is the current situation,” Curbelo said.

He also pointed out that, historically, delinquency rates in this type of debt are usually the lowest.

“Credit cards are always the product with the least delinquency in banking, both in Puerto Rico and the United States. According to our data, as of the first quarter of 2022, delinquency is still well below what it used to be in previous years”, he explained.

According to TransUnion data for the first quarter of 2022, 30-day arrears in card balances stood at 0.72%, which shows a slight decrease when compared to the same period in 2021 (0.77%).

A similar trend could be observed in 90-day arrears, reported at 0.23% for Q1 of 2022, vis-a-vis 2021’s 0.26%.

saving incentives and programs that could allow business owners The other side of the card to pass those savings to their For Mastercard’s general customers. One such program manager for Puerto Rico and the is the discount for cardholders U.S. Virgin Islands, José Vargas, purchasing gas at PUMA gas Credit cards higher volumes are due to stations. are always the everything costing more, “but in “Our strategy is to reinvest product with the the long term the consumer ends and help out businesses with least delinquency up spending less.” digital payment platforms and in banking, both in “So far, we have not seen an discounts,” Vargas said.

Puerto Rico and the impact on our customers. Use According to the Mastercard United States. [of the card] has continued to executive, debit was the most increase as it is expected. Growth relevant product during the as surpass pre-pandemic levels,” pandemic. “You must remember Vargas said. that during the pandemic Mastercard has also consumers in Puerto Rico had a emphasized on businesses by promoting cost lot of liquidity. Now, after the pandemic, credit is

In fact,

“When we talk about the average card balance of all Puerto Rican consumers, it had been going down since 2020.”

Rodney Curbelo, general manager TransUnion-Puerto Rico

being used more often,” he said.

Vargas argued the increasing use of credit cards could be due to the consumers’ interest in “keeping a cash cushion,” not necessarily because they have less money.

But while, at least for Mastercard, credit card use has been growing steadily, Vargas assured “people are not spending on what they usually spent.”

“There is a resurgence in travel expenses, vacations… Yes, consumers are spending on the essentials, but also in their vacations. This is a global trend and Puerto Rico is not the exception,” Vargas said.

For Mastercard, the T&E category (Travel and Entertainment) has “increased a lot,” percentagewise, over other categories.

Inflation still a factor

However, Curbelo does not rule out the possibility that, as inflation continues to rise and the availability of federal funds is reduced, delinquency levels may increase.

“What is being talked about in the financial industry in Puerto Rico and the U.S. is that, money is already spent and there could be an increase in delinquency in all credit products,” the TransUnion executive said.

It would seem that this trend is already

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consequence of inflation. who requested counseling last week, three “Obviously, it is increasingly harder for people to were looking for alternatives to settle with their make ends meet because of inflation, the market creditors because they could no longer pay, and in situation and all these things that have been some cases had already been taken to court. happening. Credit card debt is going to increase, “We are seeing an increase in collections because it is a revolving credit,” Alonso said. from creditors who have taken people to court The CCCS president explained for defaulting. Creditors must that, while debt balances be more sensitive. We are increase, the ability to pay has experiencing a time of economic decreased, which in turn is crisis from which we are not beginning to cause an increase in getting out this year,” said Alonso, defaults on credit card payments, who also mentioned there is a Increased for which he urged people to slightly increasing trend of people use of credit cards make adjustments in the use of filing for bankruptcy. could be due to credit. the consumers’ “As inflation drives prices Credit drain interest in “keeping higher, and income doesn’t On the other hand, OCIF a cash cushion,” not increase, people will have to statistician Ariel Acosta said that, necessarily because adjust. What we tell our clients is in 2021 there was a decrease in they have less money. that they have to adjust to a new the cumulative amount of money reality until all this goes away,” he owed to local banks for credit urged. cards. The amount owed to local Alonso also pointed out that banks was $1,193 million, the people are using their credit lowest since 2012. cards to pay for their basic needs, such as buying Acosta argued such decrease in debt could be groceries, thus maxing-out earlier their credit, due, among other reasons, to the transfer of credit which usually averages between $15,000 and balances to U.S. banks issued cards, after several $20,000. offers and promotions to attract new customers.

According to CCCS reports, of five customers

In fact,

“There is a resurgence in travel expenses, vacations… Yes, consumers are spending on the essentials, but also in their vacations.”

José Vargas, Mastercard general manager for P.R. and the U.S.V.I.

developing in the U.S. According to a study published in the personal finance website WalletHub, at the beginning of 2022, consumers had only paid $13.2 billion of their outstanding credit card balances. That is 76% less, when compared to last year.

Meanwhile, data from the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions (OCIF, for its Spanish acronym) shows that credit card delinquency in Puerto Rico reached its lowest point in 2021 in a decade, with 2.27%. In contrast, delinquency rate for the first quarter of 2022 is at 2.39%.

For his part, Eugenio Alonso, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS), also warned about an increase in the use of credit cards on the island, and considered it a direct

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Growing concerns about the economy among consumers

term as “an expression that describes an event in which a rare combination of circumstances could drastically worsen a situation.”

In terms of the sale of alcoholic beverages, the report shows beer is the most bought product in CyberNews supermarkets, with 72%, while 35% of consumers preferred wine, and 29% opted for other distilled spirits. However, Reyes explained the consumption he Consumer’s Radiography of alcoholic beverages has other venues that report from the Marketing, required complementary data.

Industry and Food Distribution In the case of food and household products, Chamber of Puerto Rico (MIDA, spending was $463, the highest for the last five for its Spanish acronym) shows years. But Reyes explained this is mainly due to the an increasing concern among inflationary effect, and higher federal aid during consumers about changes in the the survey period, and not necessarily because economy. of an increase in the number of “Specifically, the number of products bought.

Puerto Ricans worried about Regarding unprepared food a recession increased from 30 items, proteins were the most percent, in 2012, to 86 percent in impacted. MIDA’s report revealed 2022. As for [concerns about] the that, among consumers who price of gas, it increased from 45% Consumers cutback their spending on food to 93%. Similarly, cost-of-living spent $463 on food for economic reasons, 51 percent concerns increased from 65% to and household stopped buying beef.

91%, while inflation concerns rose products, the highest The number of store visits also from 15% to 84%, and interest for the last five years. decreased. “[Consumers] spend rates from 9% to 77%,” informed more, but they go to the store MIDA Executive Vice President less often and visit fewer stores Manuel Reyes. than in previous years,” Valdés “These data shows a said. dramatically pessimistic consumer Consumers also took other measures, such as that is more distressed about economic issues eating more frequently at home (78 %), or buying today than 10 years ago. This greatly contrasts more supermarket brands (66%). with the narrative of some of our public officials When deciding what food staples they would about the economy,” Reyes added during a press choose to buy, 97% of all surveyed consumers conference. said quality, expiration dates, taste and price were Richard Valdés, president of the Consumer’s important elements considered. It is worth noting Radiography Committee, characterized the that for 81% of the consumers it is important that situation as “the perfect storm,” and defined the

Puerto Ricans worried about recession, inflation

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In fact,

“These data shows a dramatically pessimistic consumer that is more distressed about economic issues today than 10 years ago.”

Manuel Reyes, Executive VP at MIDA

the product be “made in Puerto Rico.”

Important factors when selecting an establishment, beyond price, 95% opts for organized shelves, cleanliness and wide corridors, while 93% preferred security, ample parking, business hours, location and shopping carts in good condition.

Contrastingly, the increase in visits to pharmacies to buy food that was experience during the pandemic, is no longer the same.

Respondents said their visit to pharmacies to buy food were reduced from 12%, in 2021, to 1% in 2022. Similarly, 91% of respondents said they do not buy food in a pharmacy.

However, beyond grocery shopping, the report revealed community pharmacies are competing effectively against the big chain pharmacies. When asked which pharmacies they visit most often, consumers were almost evenly split between community pharmacies (47%) and big chains (48%).

MIDA’s report on how Puerto Ricans are adapting to the crisis, which is a part of the Consumer’s Radiography, will be presented later in the month at the Convention Center.

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CytoImmune Therapeutics about to begin clinical trials on cancer treatment Medication is based on cell therapy that can directly kill cancer cells

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Madison Choudhry, Special to The Weekly Journal

ytoImmune Therapeutics, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company that is developing cancer therapies, and City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., have announced that their Phase 1 clinical trial for a lung cancer treatment has begun.

The American Cancer Society’s reported that in 2022 lung cancer in the United States accounted for about 236,740 new cases of cancer (117,910 in men and 118,830 in women) and about 130,180 deaths (68,820 in men and 61,360 in women). The organization reported that lung cancer is not only Doctor showing medical records to cancer patient in hospital ward. the leading cause of cancer deaths (roughly 25%) but more deaths occur than colon, breast, and under control. The cells are then naturally directed prostate cancer combined. to the tumor microenvironment where they are “We are thrilled to initiate trials in partnership designed to kill the cancer cells with the patient’s with City of Hope, which marks our transition own immune system. into a clinical-stage company and brings us an “Lung cancer continues to be a challenging important step closer to understanding the cancer to treat and despite advancements, too potential our therapies may have for treating many patients are left without durable and patients with cancer,” said Christina Coughlin, effective options. We are pleased to advance this M.D., chief executive officer of CytoImmune.

The U.S. government’s official website on cancer novel cellular therapy together with CytoImmune, which could offer patients with lung cancer a (www.cancer.gov) plainly states in an informative promising new treatment option,” said executives page that current treatments do not cure the from City of Hope. cancer.

Norman E. Sharpless, M.D., Along with a facility in California in 2021 “We’ve engineered our treatment to be an director of NCI. CytoImmune Therapeutics off-the-shelf (doctor prescribed) opened a 37,000 square foot cell therapy that can directly kill stated that accessibility was a main objective of facility in Toa Baja. cancer cells, broadly stimulate the CytoImmune Therapeutics. This may come in “Puerto Rico was the obvious body’s own endogenous immune response to statistics from the National Cancer choice for expanding our system, and enhance tumor The U.S. Institute which stated in 2019, lung cancer cost operations. The island, with killing through generation of a government’s official patients $1.35 billion out of pocket. proven history in the life sciences highly effective immune response website on cancer “In the modern era of cancer research, we have sector, can support our research ultimately leading to improved (www.cancer.gov) to think about treatment costs and how they and development, including a patient outcomes,” Coughlin said. plainly states in an impact our patients. As exciting and promising deep talent pool, supportive In this trial, genetically informative page that business climate, and many other as cancer research is, we are keenly aware of the modified natural killer (NK) cells current treatments issue of financial toxicity for these patients,” said high-value intangibles,” said secrete high levels of IL-15, an do not cure the Norman E. “Ned” Sharpless, M.D., director of NCI. Will Rosellini, co-founder and immune-signaling molecule cancer.

“Therapies that are highly effective are no doubt president of CytoImmune. crucial for anti-tumor responses good news, but if they are unaffordable it is not It is important to note that which aids the patient’s own the total kind of progress we would like to see. although this is a promising immune system. The engineered Finding ways to ensure that not just some, but all treatment it is still in the NK cells are primed with patients get access to therapies that are beneficial preliminary stages and access to the treatment cytokines during manufacturing to induce a PD-L1 to them is an important goal we must continue to may still be years off. However, should the expression. PD-L1 is a protein that acts as a kind strive for in the cancer community.” treatment meet FDA standards, Dr. Coughlin of “brake” to keep the body’s immune responses

“As exciting and promising as cancer research is, we are keenly aware of the issue of financial toxicity for these patients.”

In fact,

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Most electric vehicles won’t qualify for federal tax credit

To qualify for the credit, EVs must contain a battery built in North America

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Tom Krisher – The Associated Press

ETROIT (AP) – A tax credit of up to $7,500 could be used to defray the cost of an electric vehicle under the Inflation Reduction Act now moving toward final approval in Congress.

But the auto industry is warning that the vast majority of EV purchases won’t qualify for a tax credit that large.

A sales associate talks with the prospective buyer of a Cooper SE electric vehicle on the showroom floor of a Mini That’s mainly because of the bill’s requirement dealership in Highlands Ranch, Colo. The surprise deal by Senate Democrats on a pared-down bill to support that, to qualify for the credit, an electric vehicle families, boost infrastructure and fight climate change is likely to jump start sales of electric vehicles. >AP Photo/David Zalubowski must contain a battery built in North America with minerals mined or recycled on the continent. destruction.

And those rules become more stringent over Under the $740 billion economic package, time – to the point where, in a few years, it’s which passed the Senate over the weekend and possible that no EVs would qualify for the tax is nearing approval in the House, the tax credits credit, says John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance of Automotive Innovation, a key industry trade group. would take effect next year. For an EV buyer to qualify for the full credit, 40% of the metals used in As of now, the alliance estimates that about 50 of a vehicle’s battery must come from North America. the 72 electric, hydrogen or plug-in hybrid models By 2027, that required threshold that are sold in the United States would reach 80%. wouldn’t meet the requirements.

If the metals requirement John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance of “The $7,500 credit might exist isn’t met, the automaker and its on paper,” Bozzella said in a Automotive Innovation buyers would be eligible for half statement, “but no vehicles will Production the tax credit, $3,750. qualify for this purchase over the of lithium and other A separate rule would require with incomes of $300,000 or less or single people next few years.” minerals that are that half the batteries’ value must with income of $150,000 or less. And any trucks The idea behind the used to produce be manufactured or assembled or SUVs with sticker prices above $80,000 or cars requirement is to incentivize EV batteries is now in the North America. If not, the above $55,000 wouldn’t be eligible. domestic manufacturing and dominated by China. rest of the tax credit would be There’s also a new $4,000 credit for buyers of mining, build a robust battery lost. Those requirements also used EVs, a provision that could help modestsupply chain in North America and grow stricter each year, eventually income households go electric. lessen the industry’s dependence reaching 100% in 2029. Still The industry says the North American battery on overseas supply chains that another rule would require that supply chain is too small right now to meet the could be subject to disruptions. the EV itself be manufactured in North America, battery component requirements. It has proposed Production of lithium and other minerals that that the measure expand the list of countries are used to produce EV batteries is now dominated thereby excluding from the tax credit any vehicles made overseas. whose battery materials would be eligible for

by China. And the world’s leading producer of Automakers generally don’t release where the tax credit to nations that maintain defense cobalt, another component of the EV batteries, is their components come from or how much they agreements with the United States, including NATO the Democratic Republic of Congo. cost. But it’s likely that some versions of Tesla’s members.

Though electric vehicles are part of a global Model Y SUV and Model 3 car, the Chevrolet Bolt One component of the bill would require that effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, car and SUV and the Ford Mustang Mach E would after 2024, no vehicle would be eligible for the tax they require metallic elements known as rare be eligible for at least part of the credit. All those credit if its battery components came from China. earths, found in places like Myanmar, where an vehicles are assembled in North America.

Most vehicles now have some parts sourced in Associated Press investigation has found that the The tax credit would be available only to couples China, the alliance said. push for green energy has led to environmental

In fact,

“The $7,500 credit might exist on paper, but no vehicles will qualify for this purchase over the next few years.”

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A panel of three federal judges last year refused to stop the Census Bureau from using the algorithms after their use was challenged in a lawsuit by the state of Alabama. >AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File

Researchers ask Census to stop controversial privacy method They argue the practice jeopardizes the usability of numbers

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Mike Schneider – The Associated Press

rominent demographers are asking the U.S. Census Bureau to abandon a controversial method for protecting survey and census participants’ confidentiality, saying it is jeopardizing the usability of numbers that are the foundation of the nation’s data infrastructure.

The Census Bureau embraced using differential privacy algorithms for the first time with the release, last year, of the first round of 2020 census data. Those numbers were used for determining how many congressional seats each state gets, as well as redrawing political districts in a once-adecade process known as redistricting.

The demographers and other researchers ask in a letter to Census Bureau Director Robert Santos that the agency drop future plans to use the algorithms on two other important data releases — annual population estimates, and the American Community Survey figures. The annual population estimates are used in the distribution of $1.5 trillion in federal funding each year. The American Community Survey provides the most comprehensive data on how people in the U.S. live by asking questions about commuting times, internet access, family life, income, education levels, disabilities, military service and employment.

The privacy protection methods “are inappropriate

for the critically important data sets, which are fundamental to American democracy, and to equity in redistricting, fund allocation and planning for government services of all kind,” the letter said.

The Census Bureau has said that the differential privacy algorithms are needed since, without them, the growth of easily available third-party data combined with modern computing could allow hackers to piece together the identities of participants in its censuses and surveys, in violation of the law. Previous methods of protection are no longer effective, according to the statistical agency.

A panel of three federal judges last year refused to stop the Census Bureau from using the algorithms after their use was challenged in a lawsuit by the state of Alabama.

Census consultant Terri Ann Lowenthal said the letter reflects “the significant unease about the continued usefulness of Census Bureau data in light of new efforts to protect confidentiality in the modern world.”

“The concerns get to the heart of the bureau’s mission, so I’m sure agency leadership will take them seriously and, hopefully, find acceptable solutions based on meaningful stakeholder engagement,” said Lowenthal, a former congressional staffer who specializes in census issues.

The letter was spearheaded by steering committee members from the Federal-State Cooperative for Population Estimates, which promotes cooperation and communication between the Census Bureau and state agencies responsible for demographic research. Its members started gathering signatures for the letter last week from other researchers and will present the letter to Santos sometime in the next several weeks.

Differential privacy algorithms add intentional errors to data to obscure the identity of any given participant. It is most noticeable at the smallest geographies, such as census blocks. For the next census in 2030, the demographers recommended using other methods to protect confidentiality such as combining blocks with few people.

Some of the detailed data that were made public in previous censuses won’t be released at the smallest geographic levels, and efforts to apply the algorithm have delayed the release of the next round of 2020 census data until next year, almost two years after it should have been released, the letter said.

“These key data for local government planning will be out-of-date when they are finally released,” it said.

City University of New York sociology professor emeritus Andrew Beveridge warned over the weekend at the Joint Statistical Meetings conference in Washington that private data providers are ready “to pounce” and fill the gap if researchers feel the Census Bureau data is unusable. That could lead to the privatization of the U.S. statistical infrastructure, Beveridge said during a presentation at the largest gathering of statisticians and data users in North America.

The demographers claim in their letter that the statistical agency’s credibility is on the line, saying “the experience of the last few years has undermined user trust in the Census Bureau.”

Last month at meeting sponsored by the National Academies on differential privacy, Santos was asked about the feasibility of reverting back to previous confidentiality methods.

“I understand where you are coming from. I feel your pain,” Santos said. “We have made a determination that if we want to protect data in today’s society... that is not possible.”

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/ Wednesday, August 8, 10,2021 2022 / Wednesday, September

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Eduardo Eduardo Hilera, Hilera, M.P.S. M.P.S.

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Emergency Emergency Management Managementand andHomeland HomelandSecurity SecurityExpert Expert

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When The GoingStorms to theofEmergency SeptemberRoom is the Cause of the Disaster

nsurance, healthcare coverage, COVID pandemic, the shortfalls in individual he Atlantic hurricanesynonymous, season— accessibility to care—nearly health facilities became evident. This happened the one impacts Puerto and arguably thethat root of the problem. throughout the entire country, including all the Rico—runs June 1 to listed In 2020, the first from four hospitals U.S. territories.

November 30.top The peak, in the ranking of the ten hospitals in It wasn’t a problem that was exclusive to however, occurs from midthe world were U.S. hospitals.

Those U.S. the United States either. Healthcare systems September to mid-October, hospitals ranked above throughout the world were which has already started, folks. hospitals in Canada, Germany, hurting then and are hurting now.

The Switzerland, hurricanes permanently Israel, Singapore, recorded in our COVID exposed challenges that memories all made landfall in September. Hugo on and Sweden. nobody thought possible.

September 19, 1988;systems Hortensia on September 10, When healthcare were As these problems grow, 1996; Georges onhowever, September ranked similarly the21, 1998; and Maria healthcare facilities become Eduardo Hilera, policy advisor on September 20, 2017.

Thereon is a clear trend here. Rico As Puerto United States was eighteenth financially unsustainable, Lincoln said: “If I only had onecontinues hour to to lose theAbraham list. healthcare staff at every level chop down a tree, I would spend 45 minutes more and more Why? The countries that leave their jobs due to exhaustion take advantage of all the medical coverage benefits sharpening my axe.”on the list all doctors, hospitals ranked the highest and mediocre pay, and patients they may have. Veterans in Puerto Rico for instance Applying Honest Abe’s wise logic to hurricane become packed with had one thing in common: they lose access to care. do not use all their benefits, many times simply season, we should dohealthcare everything possiblepatients to get who seek all had some sort of In response, policymakers because navigating the system is simply too hard. ready before disaster.free medical care in the mandate thataincluded search for the responsible In Washington, Congress, the Senate in All it takes to get ready is a little creativity, logic only way they know healthcare, health care provided party and hospitals, hospital particular, should examine the efficiency and and a few bucks. Being prepared makes our how, the emergency via public/private partnerships, administrators, and doctors access to state and national platforms that allow communities more resilient. room. or mandatory insurance that become easy scapegoats. patients to obtain healthcare directly.

The most basic emergency management was subsidized in several Policymakers however, should Lastly, at the state level, public/private concept is planning. Emergency managers agree ways. In essence, everyone is focus on those who are profiting partnerships may represent an opportunity for that the first 72 hours after a disaster are crucial— covered. In addition, private over the crisis and their role in the government to conduct adequate oversight of it takes that long for help from first responders plans are available to cover additional services. causing an inability to foot the bill. insurance companies while ensuring that citizens to reach those in need. In the spirit of planning, In comparison, access to healthcare in the United State legislators should focus on assisting and get adequate care and facilities remain adequately below is a checklist of the steps we can all take States is much more challenging. educating all their constituents so they are able to equipped and staffed. to be prepared for those first 72 hours. It doesn’t Damage from Hurricane Maria in Sept. 2017 >Carlos Rivera Giusti, Archive Puerto Rico for instance, produces some of the involve sophisticated equipment, just a few things finest doctors in the United States. Our medical First Aid Kit—Most of us have first aid products Water—Keep enough drinking water to keep your we can do by ourselves. school graduates are fully bilingual, are in tune but may not keep them all in the same place. family hydrated for 72 hours. In addition, keep Look through your home containers full of tap water for basic household with cultural sensitivities that are not even relevant Inspect Your Home—Look and store them all together. needs. in other parts of the United States, and regularly around your home at doors, The Red Cross and others complete complicated specialties in top-level windows, potentially hazardous Food—Cook what you can and use perishables first. provide recommendations of institutions as the University of Pennsylvania, objects, andsuch anything Make sure to keep non-perishable food as well. specific items to have, such as Mayo repairable.

Clinic, MassAddress General and Cleveland Clinic. easily bandages, topical antibiotics The hurricanes The first challenge whatever you find andPuerto can fixRico has, however, Electronics Charging Routine—Make a list of all and ice packs. permanently recorded is drawing those professionals back to the immediately.

Look for loose your electronics and keep them charged. Keep inlive our memories island. exposed What stops them from doors, windows, and wanting to back-up and disposable batteries handy as well.

Emergency Phone Numbers— allpay! made landfall in in a Caribbean glass paradise?

One or thing—the non-tempered windows However, the single most important electronic Modern times have made us Hugo Insurance pay some doctorsSeptember. as low as panels.

Fix companies or secure everything device is the flashlight. Keep it handy. drift away from it, but use pen on September 19, eightcan. dollars per patient. What? Why? How? How is you and paper and write down your Tool Kit—Just like your first aid kit, make sure your 1988; Hortensia on this possible when insurance companies cost our most important contacts. If your tools are organized and accessible. An all-in-one Prepare Your Car—If you own a September patients, employers and even our government way 10, 1996; phone dies, this could come in car, keep the tank full. Set a tool kit, like many retailers carry, is a good idea to Georges on September more? very handy. This list will also reminder on your phone.

In an keep handy.

21, 1998; and Maria on As Puerto Rico continues to lose more and serve as a reminder of the folks emergency, a full tank ofbecome gas will packedSeptember 20, 2017. more doctors, hospitals with you should keep in touch with Stay Tuned—Identify and follow your preferred get you wherever need care to in the only There patients who seekyou medical wayis a clear trend during the emergency. news sources. Make sure they’re reliable and go.

In addition, identify a safe here. they know how, the emergency room. Throughout frequently updated. In addition, pick up a basic spot where you can park your Puerto Rico emergency rooms are packed, many Cash at Hand—Electronic battery-powered radio. car. times with cases that could easily, efficiently, and payment platforms, ATMS and quickly be served byor anyour outpatient visit. It’s not the banks can go out of service.

Stay Calm—You have done the important work of Medication—If you patient’s fault, however. also notyou the have hospital’s Keep enough money on hand to pay for basics getting ready. Now, the most important part is to family take medications, It’s make sure a full fault. supply. following the disaster. remain calm, during and after the storm. week’s As our healthcare facilities and professionals started to take operational control of the

In fact,

In fact,

“Policymakers however, should focus on those who are profiting over the crisis and their role in causing an inability to foot the bill.”

11

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12

/ Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Manuel Quilichini, Lawyer

NaivetÉ and corruption

T

he media is flooded with news of the fall from grace of our former governor, Wanda Vázquez, at the hands of the corruption epidemic that has festered in Puerto Rican culture for decades, if not centuries.

A self-described “non-politician”, she portrayed herself as “fearless” in the face of public opinion and willing to take on the machine of traditional political parties. Many anticipated the winds of change, and some even hoped for a different future. Those hopes were short-lived.

Unbeknownst to the public, Ms. Vázquez became infected with the politician’s virus shortly after swearing in as an unelected governor.

The main symptom of this selective virus is an unquenchable thirst for power and sudden blindness to what is good and what is not. For this virus to grow, it needs a dark environment, far away from the prying eyes of the public. It thrives on misinformation and distortion of the truth. A lack of personal integrity sprinkled with a good dose of greed speeds up its growth.

Ms. Vázquez had shown signs of the infection prior to ascending to the governorship. As Secretary of the Department of Justice, both Ms. Vázquez and her husband (a judge) allegedly Puerto Rico’s former Gov. Wanda Vazquez leaves a court after she was released on bail, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. Vazquez, who was arrested Thursday, is accused of engaging in a bribery scheme from December 2019 through June 2020, while she was governor, with several people, interfered with a criminal investigation related including a Venezuelan-Italian bank owner, a former FBI agent, a bank president and a political consultant. >AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo to their daughter. The trail of scandals and questionable decisions grew larger, including the immediately, listing and analyzing each fact, scandal of the Ponce warehouse, the attempt to uncovering who knew what, and the identity of interfere with a corruption investigation about her accomplices. And, as usual, questioned how herself by the Office of Special Independent this crime was possible. Indeed, one can only Prosecutor’s Panel (OPFEI, for its Spanish wonder if Ms. Vázquez was surrounded by blind, acronym), the firing of a Secretary of Justice, and deaf, and mute government officials. We know a high-ranking Health Department official. To top that her Chief of Staff and her it off, she stands accused of firing assistant knew that something a government official to favor a wrong was going on. Others had foreign bank. to know, yet they kept silent.

Ms. Vázquez’s campaign This, to me, is corruption’s Black director, Jorge Dávila, has stated Manuel Quilichini, Esq. Wall of Silence. that she could only be guilty It is doubtful that We can expect the legislature for being “naïve”. Really? An Ms. Vázquez was to adopt new laws seeking accomplished attorney, a wellnot aware of her to eradicate corruption as if regarded district attorney, and transparency. Koffi Anan, former United Nations questionable –if not these would have an impact on Secretary of Justice, it is doubtful Secretary-General, said that if corruption is the illegal– actions and government officials that want to disease, transparency is an essential part of that Ms. Vázquez was not aware decisions. get rich from their malfeasance. of her questionable –if not its treatment. But something is wrong with a Perhaps we can incentivize illegal– actions and decisions. She government system that protects and shields government officials to come indeed was naïve in thinking that the corrupt. Moreover, corruption is becoming forward when they think there she would not be caught when so commonplace that we are losing our ability is something awry in their office. she engaged in the traditional to feel indignant about this pillage, and see it as Perhaps granting of some degree something normal. If we do not raise our voices pay-for-play scheme. Now she must face the music and suffer the consequences of immunity could also help. in rage and clamor for just punishment, our However, there is a more effective tool to of her actions. government will be of the corrupt, by the corrupt hinder the growth of the corruption virus: As expected, the press jumped on the news and for the corrupt.

In fact,

“Unbeknownst to the public, Ms. Vázquez became infected with the politician’s virus shortly after swearing in as an unelected governor.” /

13

/ Wednesday, August 10, 2022

In this image provided

by Annapurna Interactive, art from the “Stray” video game, developed

by BlueTwelve Studio and released on July 19, 2022, is seen. The virtual cat hero from the new video game sensation “Stray” doesn’t just wind along rusted pipes, leap over unidentified sludge and decode clues in a seemingly abandoned city. The popular game has resonated with cat lovers and some of them are using the game to raise money for real cats. >Annapurna Interactive via AP

‘Stray’: How a virtual orange tabby is helping real cats

landscape doing normal cat stuff — balancing on railings, walking on keyboards and knocking things off shelves — to solve puzzles and evade enemies.

About 80% of the game’s development team are “cat owners and cat lovers” and a real-life orange stray as well as their own cats helped inspire the game, one creator said.

“I certainly hope that maybe some people will be inspired to help actual strays in real life — Thalia Beaty – The Associated Press knowing that having an animal and a companion is a responsibility,” said producer Swann MartinRaget, of the BlueTwelve gaming studio in EW YORK (AP) – The virtual cat Montpellier, in southern France. hero from the new video game When Annapurna Interactive reached out to sensation “Stray” doesn’t just the Nebraska Humane Society to partner before wind along rusted pipes, leap the game’s launch on July 19, they jumped at the over unidentified sludge and chance, marketing specialist Brendan Gepson said. decode clues in a seemingly “The whole game and the abandoned whole culture around the game, city. The daring orange tabby is it’s all about a love of cats,” helping real world cats as well.

Gepson said. “It meshed really Thanks to online fundraising well with the shelter and our platforms, gamers are playing mission.”

“Stray” while streaming live for About 80% The shelter got four copies audiences to raise money for of the game’s of the game to give away and animal shelters and other catdevelopment team solicited donations for $5 to be related charities. Annapurna are “cat owners and entered into a raffle to win one.

Interactive, the game’s publisher, cat lovers.”

In a week, they raised $7,000, also promoted “Stray” by offering Gepson said, with the vast two cat rescue and adoption majority of the 550 donors being agencies copies of the game to new to them, including people raffle off and renting out a New donating from Germany and Malta. The company York cat café. also donated $1,035 to the shelter.

Livestreaming game play for charity isn’t new, “It was really mutually beneficial,” Gepson said. but the resonance “Stray” quickly found from cat “They got some really good PR out of it and we got lovers is unusual. It was the fourth most watched a whole new donor base out of it.” and broadcast game on the day it launched on Annapurna also bought out Meow Parlour, Twitch, the streaming platform said. the New York cat café and adoption agency, for Viewers watch as players navigate the a weekend, as well as donating $1,000. Visitors adventurous feline through an aging industrial

Gamers are playing “Stray” while streaming live for audiences to raise money for animal shelters

N

In fact,

who made reservations could buy “Stray” themed merchandise and play the game for 20 minutes while surrounded by cats. (The game also captivates cats, videos on social media show.)

Jeff Legaspi, Annapurna Interactive’s marketing director, said it made sense for the game’s launch to do something “positively impactful and hopefully bring more awareness to adopting and not shopping for a new pet.”

“I certainly hope that maybe some people will be inspired to help actual strays in real…,” Swann Martin-Raget, BlueTwelve gaming studio

Annapurna declined to disclose sales or download figures for the game, which is available on PlayStation and the Steam platform. However, according to Steam monitor SteamDB, “Stray” has been the No. 1 purchased game for the past two weeks.

North Shore Animal League America, which rescues tens of thousands of animals each year, said it hadn’t seen any increase in traffic from the game but they did receive more than $800 thanks to a gamer.

In a happy coincidence, the shelter had just set up a profile on the platform Tiltify, which allows nonprofits to receive donations from video streams, the week the game launched. The player channeled donations to the shelter, smashing her initial goal of $200.

14

/ Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Is it true lefties are always right?

August 13 is International Left-Handers Day

N

Zoe Landi Fontana, The Weekly Journal

apoleon Bonaparte, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie. Or perhaps you relate better to their contemporary counterparts – Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Jimi Hendrix. All legendary. All left-handed.

For those who have never thought twice about the convenience of notebooks, door handles, and corkscrews, the troubles of left-handed people have probably gone unnoticed. Yet ask any lefthanded passerby, and you’ll quickly come to the realization that life is, indeed, full of unnecessary hardships for this minority of the population. I, as a member of the right-handed majority, was curious to learn more about this.

In an exclusive interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL, a source who requested to remain anonymous recounted his lifelong strife as a lefty.

“It is common knowledge that life is challenging for people with extreme physical and emotional Let’s get into some science. disabilities in a world that is catered for the Control of the body works contra laterally. That “normal” people. I’d argue the second worst thing is, the right side of the body is is to have a disability just small controlled by the left side of the enough to be forgotten yet big brain and vice versa. Additionally, enough to impact lives,” he said. as you’ve probably heard, each As he sat across from me, I side of the brain has its unique observed how he struggled to strengths. The left side is credited pick up the mug of coffee set in Control of the with numbers, science and math, front of him by a close-minded, body works contra reasoning, and logical functions. right-handed waiter. With a sigh, laterally. That is, The right side commands he slid the mug to the other side. the right side of the everything enjoyable.

It clearly wasn’t the first time this body is controlled Despite trials and tribulations, affront had occurred. by the left side of many renowned artists and “It would be a worthy cause the brain and vice musicians have overcome the for society to fight for a more versa. challenges of working with tools hand-neutral world: where left and instruments crafted for handers don’t have to make micro right-handed folk. The devilishly decisions and micro adjustments gifted violinist Paganini, the longin everyday life - what instruments can I learn, what sports can I play, why fingered Rachmaninov, and the painter of starry nights Van Gogh are just a few more recognizable aren’t the scissors working, are faucets always this names on the long list of gifted lefties. confusing to open, no one wants to arm wrestle We can unofficially say that those few ruled by with me,” he lamented. the right-brain (read: left-handed people) have significantly enhanced function in the areas of Endowed with genius music awareness, imagination, creativity, and The question is what is it that these left-handed intuition. Well, and if you’re still second guessing, people have that we, right-handed normies, don’t?

In fact,

“It would be a worthy cause for society to fight for a more hand-neutral world: where left handers don’t have to make micro decisions in everyday life,” Anonymous Lefty

just go back to the list of names at the top of this article.

In his last plea, our embittered anonymous source expressed the following: “I understand life can’t be tailored to perfection, but what’s the point if not to strive for it. I urge you all to work towards a more hand-neutral world – one hand at a time.”

On this International Left-Handers Day, celebrated on August 13, check in with the lefties in your life and ask them what it’s like to be so unappreciated.

15

/ Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Seeing Frida Kahlo’s life and art thru technology

exhibit’s producer.

The exhibit includes seven different halls with different transformations where visitors will be able to look into the most relevant moments in the life an artist that dedicated herself be a social and artistic reference for modern women, and to The Weekly Journal promote Mexican folk art.

According to López, “we aim to capture all those looking to experience art in a different way… rida Kahlo, the renowned and ever through a combination of technology and the present Mexican artist, is the history of a woman who used her subject of another life experience to create beauty.” exhibit, but Born Magdalena Carmen Frida this time art is Kahlo y Calderón to a German combined with father and a mestiza mother, she technology to had been a promising student Kahlo’s provide her followers with an headed for medical school until a work has been immersive experience in the life bus accident caused her lifelong celebrated for its and times of the troubled genius. pain and medical problems. uncompromising “Frida Kahlo, an Immersive She was 18 at the time of the depiction of the Biography” makes use of accident. During her recovery, female experience historical photographs, Frida returned to her childhood and form. projections and virtual reality interest in art with the idea of experiences to reproduce the becoming an artist. environment and circumstances Kahlo, now the subject of where she created several of numerous exhibits, only had her master pieces in Mexico and one solo exhibit in Mexico shortly before her abroad. death in 1954. Kahlo’s work has been celebrated “This is a unique artistic and technological internationally as emblematic of Mexican national spectacle. Through the use of sophisticated and indigenous traditions and by feminists for audiovisual devices, visitors will have a what is seen as its uncompromising depiction of multisensory experience that will submerge them the female experience and form. in the life and art of Frida,” said Paco López, the

The exhibit uses historical photos and virtual reality

F

In fact,

“Through the use of sophisticated audiovisual devices, visitors will have a multisensory experience that will submerge them in the life and art of Frida.”

Paco López, producer

“Frida Kahlo, an Immersive Biography,” is the only official exhibit authorized and created by the Frida Kahlo Corporation and renowned Spanish digital arts center Layers of Reality. After a resounding success in Barcelona, Spain, the exhibit starts in Puerto Rico its tour through the United States, Canada and Latin America.

The exhibit at the Pedrín Zorrilla sports center, is open to the public Wednesday thru Sunday, from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm.

In order to better enjoy the experience, while complying with all safety and health regulations, the public will access the exhibit in groups of no more than 45 people, every 15 minutes. Evidence of Covid-19 vaccination is required and the use of a mask is mandatory while in the exhibit.

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