The Weekly Journal - September 4, 2019

Wednesday, September 4-10, 2019 - // no. 019

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

WOMEN SEEK EQUALITY IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY P10

PUERTO RICO A “HOT 10”

FOR LUXURY TRAVELERS THIS FALL Upscale tourism bookings jump 120 percent from previous year

P Rosario Fajardo

CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM DISCUSSES GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE P20

rfajardo@wjournal.com

@RosarioWJournal

uerto Rico’s tourism renaissance is continuing apace, this time among wellheeled travelers.

The island is No. 6 on a “Hot 10” ranking of emerging places with the largest year-over-year percentage increase in fall travel bookings, according to Virtuoso, a global luxury travel network of travel agencies. In Puerto Rico’s case, the island has seen a 120 percent jump in luxury travel bookings compared with

>Courtesy Dorado Beach

AUTO INDUSTRY WAITS FOR MULTIPLIER EFFECT OF RECOVERY FUNDS P6 SURGE OF FOREIGN COMPANIES REGISTERING AFTER MARIA P7

last year.

The top spot on the list was garnered by Uruguay, which has seen an upsurge of 286 percent, followed by the Maldives (a jump of 171 percent) and Malta (an increase of 140 percent).

Virtuoso said it tapped into its data warehouse of $49.5 billion in travel transactions among its 1,000 travel-agency partners around the world to analyze this fall’s best vacation spots for American travelers, based on future bookings.

The overwhelming find: travelers want to discover somewhere new, favoring under-the-radar spots, GO TO PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, September 4, 2019 > 2

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A WEEK IN REVIEW LMM INT’L AIRPORT GETS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT

>AP

>Archive

>Courtesy Discover Puerto Rico

Aerostar Airport Holdings announced that in an effort to meet the demands of its visitors, it will embark on a $200 million, five-year expansion and improvement plan to renovate and modernize the airport.

Aerostar COO Jorge Hernández explained to THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that these improvement plans include recovery projects related to Hurricane Maria’s impact on the island back in 2017. Hernández went on to say that more than one million square feet of the airport’s roof will be restored as part of the renovations.

INTEGRAND WINS ANOTHER ROUND Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court denied a petition for writ of certiorari filed by Insurance Commissioner Javier Rivera Ríos asking the court to overrule an Appellate’s Court decision which recognized Integrand’s right to participate in its own process of reorganization.

Back in May, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, under the court’s supervision, took control of Integrand’s assets and property and initiated the company’s reorganization. Rivera, the insurance commissioner, appointed Juan Moldes to lead the process but, on June 7, Integrand filed a petition arguing that, among other things, Moldes had a conflict of interest because he was also Real Legacy’s liquidation officer and had sued Integrand in that capacity. On June 25, the Court of Appeals concluded that Integrand had legal standing to oppose the appointment, a decision promptly appealed by the insurance commissioner.

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

PUERTO RICO RELEASES CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT PLAN Gov. Wanda Vázquez stated that the plan will be the blueprint to follow in order “to ensure the well-being, safety and health of the entire population of Puerto Rico in the event of a catastrophic event.” The government will have to follow to rules and regulations set forth in the plan before, during and after any catastrophic event in order to ensure its continued operation.

The document outlines the responsibilities pursuant to each sector.

For instance, the federal government is responsible for providing Puerto Rico’s government with the funds, resources and assistance required in accordance with federal law. On the other hand, the government of Puerto Rico is responsible for submitting the emergency or disaster declaration to the U.S. government.

President Salvador Hasbún shasbun@elvocero.com

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

Managing Editor Yennifer Álvarez yalvarez@wjournalpr.com

Comptroller Félix A. Rosa frosa@elvocero.com

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

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

Production Director Eligio Dekony edekony@elvocero.com

Editorial Director Juan Miguel Muñiz Guzmán jmuniz@elvocero.com

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

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

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adventurous locales in less-visited countries and year on travel, which is significantly higher than the more. average affluent consumer who spends $9,897 a The 2019 Virtuoso Luxe Report determined the year,” Belles said. prevailing travel motivator for 2019 is exploring new destinations, and U.S. travelers are seeking Puerto Rico’s Attractions fresh adventures amidst the fairytale castles of THE WEEKLY JOURNAL asked Jonathan Phillips, Romania, historic sites of Cassis Travel of Malta and fjords Services in Phoenix, of Norway. Uruguay’s Ariz., a Virtuoso agency, award-winning about why Puerto Rico wineries, pleasant has seen a big jump in climate and adventure travel luxury bookings. opportunities make “Puerto Rico is it a sought-after trending for her destination for the rebirth since the season. The Middle hurricanes. New hotels East remains popular, and restaurants add with Egypt and Qatar extra appeal, as do enticing visitors with her beaches which less-explored cuisines, have been restored to bustling markets and their pristine former desert excursions, condition. It’s a young, while Puerto Rico and vibrant destination the Maldives provide with fantastic music, beach retreats for dancing and smiling travelers focused on faces. Puerto Rico is - Jonathan relaxation. the best of all worlds,” Phillips, of Cassis Travel Services in Misty Belles, he said.

Phoenix, Ariz., a Virtuoso agency managing director of “It’s easily accessible Global Public Relations from all over the U.S. at Virtuoso, told You can travel to a THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that luxury travelers are country that feels like the Caribbean, but you don’t defined as high net-worth individuals. need a passport. There’s no need to exchange “In terms of what qualifies us as the leaders money and English is spoken everywhere. Combine in the luxury space, our clients are typically high these reasons with the tremendous empathy most net-worth individuals—with $200,000 a year in of the greater U.S. feels for the people of Puerto median household incomes and median net worth Rico, and it’s easy to see why more people are of $1.75 million. Per a joint study we conducted venturing there,” Phillips added. with YouGov [an international market research Belles agreed. “We initially started seeing firm], the typical Virtuoso client spends $21,534 per people return in support of Puerto Rico following

Puerto Rico is trending for her rebirth since the hurricanes.

New hotels and restaurants add extra appeal, as do her beaches which have been restored to their pristine former condition.

It’s a young, vibrant destination with fantastic music, dancing and smiling faces. Puerto Rico is the best of all worlds.

>Courtesy The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

the hurricane devastation. It quickly became apparent that Puerto Rico Luxury travel was giving clients are visitors good typically high reasons to stay, net-worth spread the individuals—with $200,000 a year in word and even median household return. With incomes and so much of the median net worth island rebuilt of $1.75 million. and restored, it’s like a new destination, but with the warmth, flavor and energy that people already know and love about Puerto Rico,” she noted.

Belles also said that the island compares favorably with other luxury travel destinations in the Caribbean, such as St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the French Caribbean island of St. Barts.

“Despite being easily accessible from my points within the U.S., Puerto Rico feels like its world’s away because of its rich cultural heritage and culture, not to mention incredible cuisine,” she said. “One significant distinction between Puerto Rico and other Caribbean destinations is its capital city of San Juan. While sun and sand may be a draw, those looking for nightlife, entertainment, shopping, endless dining options and a chance to connect with Puerto Rico’s residents will enjoy having a historical city to explore,” she added.

Meanwhile, Belles noted that Puerto Rico’s image as a luxury destination has changed over the years.

“Puerto Rico has long served as a gateway to other Caribbean destinations due to the easy

In fact,

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The Virtuoso Hot 10 The countries that have experienced the largest increases by percentage in year-overyear bookings among upscale U.S. travelers.

>Courtesy Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

airlift. With the development of properties such as Condado Vanderbilt, Ritz-Carlton’s Reserve property Dorado Beach and The St. Regis Bahia Beach, you have these beautiful, sophisticated, upscale resorts attracting affluent travelers, making Puerto Rico a luxury destination unto itself,” she explained.

Luxury Travel: Personal, Tailored Services and Experiences

The definition of upscale travelers is more than being able to afford five-star hotels that cost upwards of $400 a night, with opulent surroundings and fancy spas. Belles told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that these days luxury also means being able to have a more personalized travel, lodging and dining experience.

For Puerto Rico, it may mean staying at the Dorado Beach while enjoying the landscape of the estate’s tropical, natural beauty. These well-heeled travelers may also visit the island municipalities of Culebra and Vieques, but aboard a private yacht.

For the more adventurous, they can go on an all day, scuba-diving excursions to Isla del Desecheo or Cayo Diablo.

For those staying at St. Regis, it may mean going on a bird watching tour with a naturalist as their guide along the Espiritu Santo trail or enjoying the famed “champagne sabering” every day at 6 p.m.

For guests at the Condado Vanderbilt, it means having their own “pool and beach butler” while soaking up the sun or enjoying an exquisite dinner at the highly vaunted 1919 Restaurant.

All three hotels feature beautifully decorated beachfront rooms, great restaurants and personalized services.

2019 Luxe Report Trends

Virtuoso said these are the top-five trends among affluent travelers this year: Motivation: Social media’s influence is unmistakable. Virtuoso advisors are arranging themed photoshoots characteristic of destinations, such as wearing traditional geisha attire in Kyoto or ball gowns in Venice.

Transportation: Upon landing, VIP airport arrival services that whisk travelers through customs and ease tight connections are growing in demand.

Accommodation: Experiential travelers who have seen it all are craving stays in unconventional accommodations, ranging from treehouses to monasteries.

Recreation: People want to explore through bucket list experiences. Sports fans are asking for tickets to major events such as the Super Bowl and Wimbledon. Art aficionados are inquiring about private tours of various locales.

Conservation: Travelers are expressing interest in animal related experiences. Some request whale watching and viewing rhinos at close range.

Some want to stay at the Giraffe House in Nairobi or go dog sledding at the North Pole.

A total of 1,071 travel advisers from Virtuosoaffiliated agencies in North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and the Middle East were surveyed for the Luxe Report.

1. Uruguay +286% 2. Maldives +171% 3. Malta +140% 4. Romania +135% 5. Egypt +122% 6. Puerto Rico +120% 7. Rwanda +114% 8. Qatar +101% 9. South Korea +98% 10. Norway +96% Source: Virtuoso

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Automotive Industry on the Cusp of Change

In waiting mode for multiplier effect of federal reconstruction funds

T Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournal.com

@RosarioWJournal

here is no doubt that the internet has been a disruptor to many industries, whether it is the retail, travel and tourism-related sectors. Now it could be the local automotive industry’s turn next, as more and more car buyers in the mainland U.S. are using online resources.

Atlanta-based Cox Automotive, a global automotive business that has more than 40,000 auto dealer clients in five countries, says about 10 percent of vehicle transactions are now completed online, with this figure expected to grow.

While the majority of buyers still want and need to visit a physical car-dealer showroom, it is essential that auto dealers today have an internet presence.

A key target market is Millennials, as recent research by consulting firm McKinsey & Company indicates that 90 percent of this age cohort— generally those born in the mid-1990s to the early 2000s—use the internet when conducting research on buying cars.

This was the message of Oriental Bank President José Rafael Hernández to the United Automobile Importers Group (GUIA by its Spanish acronym) during a recent seminar. “Technology is changing the client experience. We need fewer dealerships and more technology,” he said, as he called on the local auto industry to invest more resources into going digital.

Times have changed, he indicated, and the current business model of auto dealerships is no longer viable. Thus, the auto industry needs to realign itself to the new realities of the digital economy.

Meanwhile, the auto industry in Puerto Rico is also in waiting mode for the multiplier effects of the second tranche of $8.2 billion in federal reconstruction funds that have yet to be released by the federal government. With the funds’ release, infrastructure, construction and economic development initiatives can be jumpstarted, leading to a windfall in the local economy.

>Archive

Car sales are essentially flat, according to GUIA month last year, GUIA reported.

President Ricardo García. During the first seven According to economist José Joaquín Villamil, months of 2019, there were 59,207 new car sales the federal recovery funds will be one of two main in Puerto Rico, compared with 59,152 during the drivers in the local economy in the coming years. same time period in 2018. This represents a slight “The economic outlook depends on how quickly uptick of 0.1 percent, they get here and how he said. they are invested,” he However, after the said. events of July—the With the bulk of the massive protests $8.2 billion earmarked against then-Gov. for housing, economic Ricardo Rosselló, development and leading to his infrastructure projects, resignation—car sales the multiplier effect islandwide dropped will help the local dramatically. There economy grow, he were 7,631 new-auto indicated. sales in July, compared However, a - Oriental Bank President, José Rafael with 9,724 units sold in dampening effect will Hernández July 2018, representing still be felt with the a 21.2 percent drop. second main driver of All segments saw a the local economy— decrease in sales, leading with sedans, which saw a the continuing drop in population and the aging 46.6 percent drop, followed by mini-compacts with of the local population. “The population cannot a 37.6 percent decrease and minivans with a 37.2 recuperate organically, as the birth rate has also percent reduction. been decreasing... These [demographic trends] This was the second consecutive month of a affect all sectors: finance, housing, health, retail, decrease in car sales compared with the same education, services.”

While the majority of buyers still want and need to visit a physical car dealer showroom, it is essential for auto dealers today to have an internet presence.

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Over A Thousand Foreign Companies Registered in Puerto Rico Post-Maria Many offer construction, financial, consulting, management and energy services

A Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournal.com

@giopgarofalo

n updated list provided by the Puerto Rico Department of State revealed that from late Sept. of 2017 until Aug. 2019, the number of foreign companies that received the local government’s approval to establish businesses on the island was 1,777.

Per THE WEEKLY JOURNAL’s request, the deputy secretary of Services and Government of the Department of State, Samuel Wiscovitch Coralí, provided a list of all the companies registered between Sept. 22, 2017—in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Maria—and Aug. 29, 2019.

Of these, 945 were limited liability companies (LLCs), 800 were corporations and 32 were limited liability partnerships (LLPs). 36 of the LLCs were withdrawn, four had their registration expire, three were cancelled, and two were merged. Excluding merges, 43 of these listed companies are inactive, which means that roughly 95 percent still have an active role on the island.

On the other hand, 32 corporations were withdrawn, two had their registrations expire and one project was cancelled. This encompasses around 4.8 percent of all corporations, so an

The Puerto Rico Department of State (pictured), provided THE WEEKLY JOURNAL an updated list of foreign companies that established in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017. >Josian E. Bruno Gomez

estimated 95 percent of established corporations are also active.

Meanwhile, LLPs grew inactive at a larger scale than LLCs and corporations—with one withdrawn partnership and 10 expired registrations. That is, 34 percent of all LLPs registered within that timeframe are now inactive and roughly 66 percent of them are active.

In total, 1,686 of foreign companies are listed as active and 95 as inactive under the indicators of withdrawals, cancellations, expirations or merges.

All in all, almost 95 percent of these entities are still operational in Puerto Rico.

The most prosperous time in terms of how many foreign companies were registered was between Oct. 2017 and Aug. 2018. On a monthly basis, the slowest was July 2018, with 75 registered entities, whereas Oct. 2017 peaked with 107 foreign companies. The number of companies registered averaged at almost 94 monthly.

After that period, the numbers gradually decreased. With the exception of March 2019—which saw the registration of 86 foreign companies—the monthly figure between Sept.

2018 until Aug. 29 oscillated between 45 and 72, though the average was roughly 60 companies per month.

Due to Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact on Puerto Rico’s telecommunications system, infrastructure, health services and other key areas, most companies that were registered throughout the fourth trimester of 2017 were geared toward providing those services, particularly in construction, communications, logistics, first aid, disaster management, renewable energy and electric utility services.

This trend continued well into the first trimester of 2018, as well as a noticeable growth from companies specialized in financial services, consulting, health services and information technology. Meanwhile, the foreign companies that registered throughout both the second and last trimesters of 2018 were predominantly invested in engineering, financial services, management, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, consulting and disaster relief.

Incentives for Foreign Companies

In 2019, there has been more interest in the sectors of culture, entertainment, creative industries, tourism and innovation compared to 2017 and 2018. These areas are projected to grow in upcoming months due to local government incentives aimed at boosting their development, such as Acts 20 and 22, under which grantees can receive hefty tax exemptions; and the Executive Order 2019-028 to create the Advisory Council on Video Games, Electronic Game Leagues and Sports Betting, signed by then-Governor Ricardo Rosselló, among other measures.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico also benefits from the Opportunity Zones (O-Zones) incentive included in the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which essentially encourages long-term investments in low-income communities by allowing investors to defer or even avoid capital gain taxes on asset sales.

The P.R. Opportunity Zones Priority Projects Committee recently unveiled its list of qualified commercial activities by geographical area and it is expected to release a more thorough list of eligible businesses within the next month or so.

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Puerto Rico’s Population Decreased by more than 2 Percent in 2017

Statistics Institute warns about hurricanes’ impact on demographics

T Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournal.com

@giopgarofalo

he Puerto Rico Statistics Institute (SI) revealed that 2.4 percent of the island’s population emigrated to other U.S. jurisdictions in 2017, which the organization affirmed reflected the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The information was compiled in the SI’s 2017 edition of its annual Migrant Profile, the most recent of these publications. The Institute based its findings on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, as well as data on air Puerto Rico had a net emigration of roughly 77,000 people in 2017. >Archive passenger net movement by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) and the Puerto Rico the hurricanes’ impact until December 2017, document revealed.

Ports Authority. maximizing the emigration flow to figures never By contrast, the number of people who As reported in the 2017 before recorded in Puerto Rico.” immigrated to Puerto Rico from mainland U.S. with Migrant Profile, 97,000 Puerto The ten states with greater an equivalent education was estimated at 4,704 Rico residents emigrated to migration from Puerto Rico that individuals. the mainland U.S., an increase year were Florida, Pennsylvania, The most common occupations among from the previous year’s record Massachusetts, New York, Texas, emigrants were all areas related to management levels indicated by the American New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio, and professional services, with 31 percent 2017 Key Numbers Community Census, which Georgia and North Carolina— compared to 28 percent in 2016. The second for Emigrants: placed that number at 89,000 that is, states in the South or the occupational area with greater proportion among people.

East Coast. emigrants was services (24 percent), which also Moreover, 77,000 persons showed an increase from 2016 (17 percent). of emigrants emigrated to the mainland U.S. Meanwhile, the area of construction, extraction, Changes in Demographics were women32,465 on net terms. Net migration maintenance and repairs decreased from 12 In regard to demographics, of emigrants had refers to the difference between percent in 2016 to six percent in 2017.

52 percent of emigrants in 2017 a postsecondary the number of immigrants and According to the Migrant Profile, “In terms were women, increasing two education. the number of emigrants, so the of absolute values, the occupations in food percentage points from 2016 (48 numbers reveal that the island services and preparation within the services percent). Meanwhile, 51 percent had a negative net migration occupational area, as well the occupations in of immigrants were men, in of employed rate in 2017. office and administrative support in the sales and comparison to 47 percent in emigrants worked “The continuity in the office occupational area, were the most frequent 2016. Additionally, 60 percent in management and publication of the Migrant with estimates close to 5,000 people in every of emigrants were between the professional services.

Profile allows us to contrast occupational category.” ages of 10 and 44, while the the most recent estimates of Concurrently, the percentage of the emigrant majority of immigrants were in the migrant population against population who is not participating in the labor the 20 to 29 and five to nine age of the behavior of previous years. force after settling in mainland U.S. increased from ranges. emigrants were not The various series expose 38 percent in 2016 to 42 percent in 2017. That is, 32,465 of Puerto Rican participating in the the trend and changes in the out of every 10 emigrants living stateside in 2017, emigrants had some type of labor force. size and characteristics of roughly four indicated that they were unemployed. postsecondary education. “The migrants in demographic and Likewise, the number of immigrants outside the series indicates that for a fourth socioeconomic aspects,” SI labor market after settling in Puerto Rico increased consecutive year, the number of emigrants Statistics Projects Manager to 60 percent in 2017, compared to 58 percent in of emigrants from Puerto lived below the Alberto L. Velázquez stated.

2016.

Rico to the United States aged poverty index.

Velázquez added that 25 or older with some type “this new publication reflects of postsecondary education the immediate effect of or more has increased,” the

In fact,

52% 31% 42% 37%

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AGC-PR Stresses the Importance of Women’s Inclusion in Construction

When most people think of construction, they typically sense an image of masculinity—a strong man working on the field doing heavy lifting. However, Vargas explained that the industry is far more complex than that. The construction industry entails engineering, management, social work, planning, architecture and more.

Vargas herself had an unorthodox education. ggarofalo@wjournal.com Giovanna Garofalo @giopgarofalo The executive director, born in the countryside municipality of Moca, has a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the Carlos Albizu s more federal funds Campos University in Old San Juan—a passion continue to be disbursed she pursued over her desire to connect among local agencies to with others. Although not directly related to pave the way for Puerto construction, she affirmed that her academic Rico’s recovery process, the training has been a valuable asset in her island’s construction industry professional life, particularly in the AGC-PR. is flourishing amid high “I actually believe that clinical psychology demand and is expected to generate thousands should be a requirement,” she joked. “We have to work with a diverse range of individuals... the reality is that you have to understand and be able to satisfy the needs of each and every one of them,” she added.

Essentially, all employees and associates of the AGC-PR are bound by their mutual passion for construction, but Vargas is able to harmonize their different viewpoints to reach a consensus.

Prior to serving as the association’s executive director, Vargas held several positions throughout her nearly 16-year run in the Puerto Rico chapter. She started working partThe AGC-PR had informed THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that recovery efforts are expected to create roughly 100,000 direct jobs in construction

Executive Director Ali S. Vargas is helping challenge misconceptions about women in construction

A

alone. >File photo

of jobs in the near future.

With these lucrative opportunities in the making and the necessity of rebuilding a battered island, the Puerto Rico chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC-PR) plays a pivotal role in both the industry and in the infrastructural and economic rehabilitation of Puerto Rico.

Although the industry is predominantly male, the AGC-PR is aiming to shatter myths and misconceptions that have often inhibited employers from hiring female staff, as well as holding back women from pursuing a career in this expanding sector.

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL visited the chapter’s headquarters in Guaynabo to talk with its executive director, Dr. Ali S. Vargas, who discussed her experience as a woman in construction, as well as the entity’s mission.

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Dr. Ali S. Vargas has worked at the AGC-PR for almost 16 years. >Gabriel López Albarrán

time when she was still in her early twenties and pursuing a higher learning degree. Her dedication earned her respect from her peers, whom she now considers her extended family.

In fact, she even invited her co-workers to her baby shower before giving birth to Paloma Isabel in 2013. The executive director shared among laughs that her six-year-old daughter has been raised in the chapter’s headquarters and is fascinated by the industry. Vargas hopes she can teach her daughter about the value of work ethic and discipline

expectations of our clients, our associates and the president, and it is always a challenge, but women and mothers can do it,” she said.

The AGC-PR aims to make this mentality more mainstream by offering a series of conferences and events about inclusivity and opportunities in the industry.

Just last Saturday, the chapter held a conference about women’s role in construction, in which they also discussed myths and realities pertaining to this issue. In the seminar, Luis Pabón Roca explained labor laws, contracts for federal Including projects, women in Women in the construction, the Construction Equal Employment Industry Opportunity Act and As most mothers women’s participation in the workplace can requirements. attest to, women The seminar was in Puerto Rico also hosted by Dr. -Dr. Ali S. Vargas, are expected to Judith Monrouzeau, juggle a plethora of executive director of the AGC-PR the Human Resources responsibilities, and director of BLDM, Vargas asserted that a leading specialty women are more than construction company; capable of balancing work life and their personal and Cely Inés Torres, director of the incentives lives. program for employers who hire under the “I think that women have an extraordinary Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. capacity to handle more than one issue at a The event was coordinated by the AGC-PR’s time. Here we always try to comply with the Women in Construction Committee (WINC),

We have started by providing guidance to our associates about the importance of women’s inclusion in the construction industry. And in light of the need that the industry will have for handiwork, who better than women.

chaired by the only woman president the chapter has ever had, Neyssa Varela.

“That committee is doing very important work, and they are arduously lobbying for women’s inclusion in the industry. We have started by providing guidance to our associates about the importance of women’s inclusion in the construction industry. And, in light of the need that the industry will have for handiwork, who better than women,” Vargas stated.

Prior to that conference, on Friday, the chapter held another seminar attended by Gov. Wanda Vázquez; economist Joaquín Villamil; Natalie Jaresko, executive director of the Financial Oversight & Management Board (FOMB) established by the U.S. Congress; and the new executive director of the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3), Ottmar Chávez, who discussed Puerto Rico’s recovery status.

As THE WEEKLY JOURNAL previously reported, the AGC-PR believes that federallyfunded recovery projects will lead to the creation of 100,000 direct jobs in construction alone.

Vargas affirmed that this will provide an ideal opportunity for women to venture into this industry, which will in turn ensure that more construction jobs are distributed among locals instead of foreign professionals.

Asked if she had any advice for women who are considering a career in construction, Vargas said “I’d tell them to not be afraid and that as long as they believe in themselves and they want to do a good job, go for it. This job requires passion.”

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UPR Gains Access to More Federal Funds and Grants

that it will seek additional revenue measures through, for example, tuition hikes over time and expanding student enrollment as well as continued education offerings.

According to the UPR’s fiscal year 2020 budget, as certified by the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB), the system has a total budget of $1.3 billion.

This total includes $559.9 million from the Puerto Rico central government, $65.3 million from slot machine operations; $174.5 million from student tuition; $152.4 million in “campusRosario Fajardo rfajardo@wjournal.com @RosarioWJournal generated inflows”; $309 million in “intragovernment receipts”; and $40 million in disaster relief receipts. fter being on the brink of losing Haddock said the UPR system’s total budget has its valued accreditation by the received a $400 million cut in the past two years.

Middle States Commission on By way of comparison, in the past, the central Higher Education last year, the government’s contribution to UPR’s budget was entire University of Puerto Rico about $900 million a year.

(UPR) system has regained its Noting that he is heading the UPR in accreditation for the next eight “challenging times,” Haddock told Rotarians years. that the system’s 11 campuses, According to UPR President Jorge 52,000 students and 4,000 faculty Haddock, all 11 campuses have members should be at ease submitted and completed all the that the university is stable required audited statements and continuing to provide a and other “show cause” quality education. documentation. “This is major “Because of federal for UPR. The Middle States had and university grants, 80 never seen a situation like that percent of our students before, all 11 campuses on do not have to pay tuition. probation,” he said during an Eighty percent of students activity with the Rotary Club of are tuition free.

What other San Juan. university can say that?”

Besides receiving he asked rhetorically. this “stamp of Undergraduate approval” on the tuition at UPR for the quality of Puerto Rico’s current academic year main institution of is $124 per credit, higher learning, full compared with $114 accreditation also per credit the previous helps the university year. On average, gain access to mucha student taking 15 needed funds, such credits would pay as research grants, $1,860 a semester both from the federal in tuition and other government and related costs, according private foundations. to the UPR’s Governing -UPR President Jorge Haddock The Middle States Board. has raised concerns

Besides receiving full accreditation, the university gained access to much-needed funds, both from the federal government and private foundations

A

The new financial model gives campuses incentives to bring in new sources of revenue. They need to be more entrepreneurial and have a leaner management.

about the impact of budget cuts on the UPR’s operations and required evidence that “the learning experience has not been compromised,” among other issues. The UPR’s Fiscal Plan addresses these issues and notes

Calls for more alignment with their stateside counterparts

Still, Haddock has been at odds with the FOMB, which have called for the university to move with

The UPR’s flagship campus in Río Piedras. >Carlos Rivera Giusti

the times and resemble its stateside counterparts, especially with regard to revenues. For example, FOMB Executive Director Natalie Jaresko has noted that stateside public universities rely more on tuition rather than state government allocations.

On average, public institutions in the States receive nearly half (46 percent) of their budgets from grants, philanthropy and investment returns.

Meanwhile, about 27 percent of their budgets come from state government funds and 18 percent from student tuition.

In contrast, the bulk of UPR’s budget has historically come from the central government and this percentage is currently at 43 percent.

Meanwhile, tuition makes up 13.8 percent of the system’s revenues and 23.8 percent from “campusgenerated inflows.”

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It's your moment to shine.

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Arecibo Observatory Gets $31.3 Million Bonanza The world-famous Arecibo Observatory >Carlos Rivera Giusti

New permanent exhibit: “Sun, Earth, Universe”

A Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournal.com

@RosarioWJournal

RECIBO—The famed Arecibo Observatory will get back to full operational mode as the facility has received a windfall of $31.3 million in federal funds to study near Earth objects (NEOs), like asteroids and comets, that could pose a danger to Earth and for much-needed post-Hurricane Maria repairs and educational programs.

The four-year grant to study asteroids was awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The observatory is home to the most powerful and most sensitive planetary radar system in the world, which means it is also a unique tool available to analyze NEOs, said NASA in a statement.

“The knowledge helps NASA determine which objects pose significant risks and when and what to do to mitigate them. NASA officials can also use the information to determine which objects are the most viable for science missions - landing on an asteroid is not equally easy for all of them,” the agency said.

Bennu, for example, is one of the factors that led NASA to select the observatory for funding.

Arecibo has played a role in analyzing NEOs since the mid-90s, observing 60-120 objects per year. Congress made NEOs a priority when it directed NASA in 2005 to seek out and characterize

at least 90 percent of near-Earth objects larger and Universe.” The highlights include a collection than 140 meters by 2020. of meteorites along with rocks from the moon “Arecibo plays an important role in discovery and Mars; a 15-minute film on the facility’s and advancing our knowledge history; and computer displays of our solar system and our on the solar system, exoplanets universe,” said Francisco Cordova, and Earth’s geology, oceans and director of the facility. “We also atmosphere. play a critical role in helping Your correspondent greatly While the to protect our planet through enjoyed the computer exhibit theory of the Drake providing knowledge and unique on the Drake Equation, a theory Equation is highly expertise. It’s part of our mission on the main concepts that conjectural, visitors and one of the reasons we are so scientists need to consider can contemplate passionate about our work.” when determining the such questions as Meanwhile, the observatory probability of other intelligent the probability that has received $12.3 million in life in the universe, defined as certain suns will have supplementary assistance from those with the ability to have planets; of those, the National Science Foundation, language. While the theory is which ones could as Maria damaged some of highly conjectural, visitors can support life; of those, the facility’s sensitive scientific contemplate such questions as which ones could instruments. These include one the probability that certain suns have intelligent life; of the main telescopes, which have planets; of those, which and of those, which fell down after the Sept. 2017 ones could support life; of those, ones could have hurricane. During a tour of the which ones could have intelligent the technology to facility, a guide told THE WEEKLY life; and of those, which ones communicate with JOURNAL that it would cost could have the technology other intelligent life “several million dollars” to replace to communicate with other in the universe. the telescope. intelligent life in the universe.

The reparation work includes The observatory, which replacing one of three suspension has been operational since cables that support the dish the early 1960s, has made a platform, which weighs about 900 number of contributions to tons; recalibrating the reflector panels; realigning the sciences, including astronomy, planetary the Gregorian-type reflector; replacing a damaged science, atmospheric science and spatial science, 430-megahertz line; and restoring the complete among others. Originally operated by Cornell function of the telescope’s direction controls, University, the facility is now being operated by among others.

Central Florida University, in cooperation with The observatory recently opened a new Yang Enterprises. The facility receives more than interactive, bilingual exhibit on the “Sun, Earth 100,000 visitors every year.

In fact,

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>Archive

First Hydroponic Farming Coop Takes Off

Its members have farms in the towns of Las Marías, San Sebastián, Adjuntas, Lares, Guaynabo, Carolina, Toa Alta and Arecibo Christian G. Ramos

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cramos@elvocero.com

@cramossegarra

group of local farmers have gotten together to create the first hydroponic farming cooperative in Puerto Rico in the hopes of further identifying new business opportunities as well as marketing and distributing their products and services.

Lisette Pérez Amaro, the president of HidroCoop, explained that because growing hydroponics is a costly process which involves a substantial initial investment, the coop’s main purpose is to minimize the costs of infrastructure and materials through agreements with local and international companies.

“One of HidroCoop’s short-term objectives is to export to Florida and the eastern U.S. These

areas, which had already seen their Hispanic communities grow due to the economic recession before hurricane Maria, have experienced a marked increase in Hispanics after the hurricane,” said Pérez Amaro, who grows citruses, vegetables and coffee on her farm in Lares.

According to Pérez Amaro, the coop’s famers, which hail from Las Marías, San Sebastián, Adjuntas, Lares, Guaynabo, Carolina, Toa Alta and Arecibo, celebrated their first assembly meeting at the Lares Savings and Credit Cooperative on Aug. 23.

At the meeting, HidroCoop’s board secretary, Manuel Vélazquez González, shared his tale of how he went from being an attorney to being a hydroponic farmer growing cilantro in Las Marías; and Enrique Arvelo Plumey, HidroCoop’s vice-president, talked about his experience as the first hydroponic farmer to grow medicinal cannabis and explained his system of collecting water and filtering it through osmosis.

Lumar Ayala Molina, the deputy commissioner of cooperative development with the Commission

for Cooperative Development (CDCoop), commented that, even though this is yet another farming cooperative, it is very different to the ones already in existence in Puerto Rico because of its diversity. “This coop serves to demonstrate that any business idea can be developed through solidarity economy. This group of 11 hydroponic farmers identified a need and a business opportunity that could be further developed through a coop,” she said.

“As you can see, this is a very modern coop and we trust that it will be successful because of the novel way in which it works.

At CDCoop, we are very excited at the prospect of welcoming all those entrepreneurs who wish to join a coop in hopes of furthering their business agenda and staying self-employed,” she stated.

For more information on this coop, call 939-4134495 or write to hidrocoop.pr@gmail.com. To learn more about the CDCoop or to incorporate a new coop, log on to their website at www.cdcoop. pr.gov or call 787-763-2097.

One of HidroCoop’s shortterm objectives is to export to the state of Florida and the eastern United States. - Lisette Pérez Amaro, the president of HidroCoop

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Fresh Produce & Artisan Farm Products at Your Fingertips A year ago PRoduce! inaugurated a delivery service that brings the farmer’s market to you

A Cynthia López Cabán

clopez@wjournal.com

@cynthia_lope

local food movement is germinating. It’s an initiative that connects consumers and foodies with the farmers stewarding the land and the history of the food on their tables.

It has a simple name: Puerto Rico Produce or PRoduce! and, in general terms, it’s a subscription service that delivers fresh locally grown fruits,

legumes, vegetables, roots, grains and artisan farm and his business partner Patricio Schames, and products to your doorstep.

Francisco Tirado, an entrepreneur and co-founder The company’s long of the delivery App term goals are vast.

Uva. PRoduce! is forging “Our mission pathways to sustain is to reconnect and attract new communities of producers to farming. farmers, harvesters Along the way, a and artisan producers new appreciation for with consumers regional agriculture throughout Puerto simmers among Rico and chip away consumers, who are at that 85 percent of exposed to a deeper products we import by understanding of encouraging the sale the food production and purchase of local -Crystal Díaz Rojas, foodpreneur system and healthier produce,” Díaz stated. eating habits.

Puerto Rico imports Behind the 80 to 90 percent project -that turned one year old this month- are of the food it consumes, according to different foodpreneur Crystal Díaz Rojas, chef Martín Louzao studies and official data. “Even if we only decrease the number by 1 percent, we are changing our relationship with food and farming,” she insisted.

Following that goal, the founders of PRoduce! also seek to increase the variety of products cultivated and harvested on the island. “It ranges from the types of crops to the diversification, multiplicatio, and rescue of ancient fruit seeds that we no longer see,” Díaz explained.

We can cultivate everything.

We have 11 of the 12 soils for agriculture. Puerto Rico has microclimates within the same farms, in each municipality and neighborhood.

Behind the project -that turned one year old this month- are foodpreneur Crystal Díaz Rojas, entrepreneur Patricio Schames, co-founder of the delivery App Uva Francisco Tirado and chef Martín Louzao. >Photos Courtesy PRroduce!

/ Wednesday, September 4, 2019

To achieve that transformation, PRoduce! started with small steps. First, the project built a network of farmers, producers and loyal customers. “The fact that we have the subscription gives us purchasing power. It gives us that power to forge a relationship with the producer. Now, we can develop plans and order particular fruits or vegetables because the farmer has a purchasing

commitment,” the marketing expert and food lover said.

So far, the delivery service has close to 400 subscribers around the island, with a big chunk of the customers residing in the metropolitan area. The service only provides two types of subscription, a weekly and biweekly delivery. The grocery bag costs $50.

The service works smoothly. Each Thursday, between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm, 13 drivers deploy carrying a cargo of reusable green bags toppled with 18 pounds of fresh goodies. Carefully organized inside the home box are a selection of three to four types of fruits, five to six vegetables, three varieties of legumes, bread, eggs and cheese or yogurt. It all depends on the seasonal products available.

Receiving the bag at home is convenient; no doubt. But opening the bag was a joyful experience. It exceeded my expectations. The fruits and vegetables were truly fresh, with soft and naturally shiny skin (no wax). I also tried new products not readily available in traditional grocery stores like the rambutan, a cross between lychee and quenepa (Spanish lime); Felice, a thick and delicious artisan yogurt; and an irresistible loaf of Levain’s brioche bread that I devoured that same night.

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“We have delivered 75,000 pounds of food 100 percent produced in Puerto Rico,” Díaz indicated with pride during the interview with THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. As part of the strategy to build a new bond with food and create a community of local food lovers, PRoduce! uses social media actively and enlisted the help of historian Cruz Miguel Ortiz Cuadra and nutritionist Gabriela Tirado.

“On Instagram, you have the live experience. In the blog, Cruz Miguel Ortiz Cuadra, a historian that specializes in Puerto Rican gastronomy, shares the history of the products in the home box. He gives you that fun fact. Gabriela Tirado writes about the nutritional and health benefits of the products. I visit the farms so you can meet the producers,” Díaz said.

Next on the agenda, a vegan home box and an option to buy protein, meat or fish. Also on the pipeline is a line of products like jams and “sofrito” (seasoning sauce) made of food surpluses.

While Díaz holds a degree in Marketing, she’s always gravitated towards food, in all senses.

Moved by that passion, she spent time studying at the agroecological farm El Josco Bravo and investigated the food industry for her thesis project.

“Instead of betting on Tourism, as the only option for economic development, we should be looking at other options, agriculture among them.

But first, we need an agrarian reform that includes small and medium producers. Big farmers get the incentives and the land, but the small farmers have an uphill battle, if not an impossible one,” Díaz noted. “We can cultivate everything. We have 11 of the 12 soils for agriculture. Puerto Rico has microclimates within the same farms, in each municipality and neighborhood.”

She knows. PRoduce! buys onions from a farm in Guánica, kale and broccoli from farmers in Río Grande, strawberries from Barranquitas, and carrots from farms in Aibonito and Adjuntas.

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Moderate Improvement in Fixed Capital Investment in 2018

>Inteligencia Ecomómica

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Inteligencia Económica

fter almost a decade in contraction, private investment showed a recovery in 2018, increasing to $ 8,922 million.

Investment is one of the most important components in macroeconomic activity, particularly in its role of supporting the growth of the economy. In Puerto Rico, investment in manufacturing and construction has been the two industries with the greatest weight in aggregate fixed capital investment for decades.

According to reports the Statistical Appendix for 2018 published by the Planning Board, in 2017, the value of the aggregate investment in the Island was $ 7,977 million, which represents a year-on-year change of $ 945 million, equivalent to 11.8%, with respect to to 2018.

The largest component of the investment is that corresponding to machinery and equipment, which accounted for 70% of fixed capital investment, and relied primarily on private investment. The investment in machinery and equipment increased from $ 5,544 to $ 6,501 million, to a large extent, to the process of rehabilitation of the productive infrastructure after the impact of Hurricane “María”.

However, the construction component showed a reduction during 2017 to 2018, falling from $ 2,424 to $ 2,415 million. Private sector construction investment decreased from $ 1,634 to $ 1,583 million, while public investment increased from $ 413 to $ 561 million.

The investment during the last decade From 2009 to 2017, private fixed capital investment has been in free fall, greatly sharpening the economy’s own contraction. For example, in

2009, aggregate investment amounted to $ 10,054 million, but fell to $ 9,012 million in 2010.

Then in 2011 and 2012, it experienced improvements to a large extent to the impact of ARRA funds ($ 7,000 million) and the economic policies implemented at that time, particularly the reduction in tax, personal and corporate rates.

Between 2011 and 2012, fixed capital investment increased again and reached $ 10,105 and $ 10,496 million, respectively. In 2013, it fell back to $ 9,763 million, and continued falling until 2017. During this period of time, fiscal problems worsened, including the degradation of government credit, in 2014, the first defaults of the debt in 2015, and the imposition of the PROMESA Law by the Federal Congress, in 2016.

All these events created a hostile environment for private and public investment. The degradation

of government credit had the effect of closing capital markets for the government, and aggravated liquidity problems, which precipitated the bankruptcy of the Island.

However, it is interesting to evaluate how relatively stable private investment while the public component, particularly public investment, contracted rapidly.

Public investment in construction experienced a contraction of $ 1,519 in 2009 to $ 561 million in 2018. During that same period of time, private investment fell from $ 1,922 to $ 1,583 million.

During the period from 2020 to 2024, the expectation is that the investment in construction improves by the hand of the millionaire injection of federal funds, estimated at $ 40,000 million, which would result in an expansion of the economy that has been estimated between 2% at 3% per year.

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By María de los A. Rivera, CPA Kevane Grant Thornton LLP

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The 123’s of the Opportunity Zones -Part Four-

uerto Rico, like other U.S. jurisdictions, was included in the designation of Qualified Opportunity Zones (”QOZ”). Unlike the states, which could only designate 25 percent of their low-income areas as QOZ, Puerto Rico was able to designate 100 percent of its low-income areas.

Thus, out of the nearly 8,700 QOZs, 863 are in Puerto Rico.

Although federal legislation was passed on December 2017, it was not until mid-2018 that the incentives began to receive more attention from investors and developers. In Puerto Rico, aware of the competition for new capital that had been unleashed between QOZs,

by November 2018, a bill, that was eventually signed into law on May 14, 2019, was introduced to provide similar benefits in Puerto Rico and conform to federal rules: The 2019 Act for the Development of the Opportunity Zones of Economic Development of Puerto Rico.

Later, on July 1, 2019, the provisions of this Law 21 were included in Law 602019, Puerto Rico’s Incentives Code.

The primary purpose of Law 21 was to create the legal framework for investment in QOZs in Puerto Rico and to adopt tax rules for the benefit of investors in Puerto Rico. As part of this process, the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code was amended to establish federallike incentives for deferring recognition and exclusion of capital gains invested in QOF, if the property in which it is invested is located in Puerto Rico. However, when these provisions were included in Puerto Rico’s Incentives Code, it is not clear that this amendment remains in force. We look forward to a clarification soon.

To increase the attractiveness of investing in Puerto Rico, Law 21 also introduces a new tax incentives program for projects or businesses that qualify as priority projects and do not qualify for any of the other tax incentives laws that exist in Puerto Rico (e.g. manufacturing, tourism, green energy, etc.).

A priority project is a business or activity carried out for profit that will contribute to the diversification, recovery

or economic or social transformation of the community in the area. A sevenperson committee appointed by the same law must produce a list of those businesses or activities that will be considered a priority project. These businesses can request an exemption grant of 15 years that provides the following tax benefits: • For income tax – o Fixed rate of 18.5 percent on eligible business net income o 18.5 percent fixed rate on rents, royalties or licenses to non-resident entities or individuals o 100 percent income tax exemption on dividends or distributions o 100 percent income tax exemption on interest on loans and other eligible business obligations of an eligible business o A minimum guaranteed credit of 5 percent of the eligible investment • For real and personal propertyminimum of 25 percent exemption.

Municipalities may grant up to 75 percent at their discretion.

• For municipal license - minimum of 25 percent exemption. Municipalities may grant up to 75 percent at their discretion.

• For other municipal taxes, including construction excise - minimum of 25 percent exemption. Municipalities may grant up to 75 percent at their discretion.

If a project or business is not included in the list, it can make a request to be designated as a priority project.

Law 21 also provides for a special process for the processing of permits.

All permits that are necessary for a priority project in an opportunity zone will be requested directly to the Office of Permits’ Management (”OGPe”) no matter where it is located or the type of project. OGPe is required to consult with municipalities where the priority project will be located.

The QOZ program and Law 21-2019 together with the robust tax incentives program in Puerto Rico, definitely make Puerto Rico the best jurisdiction to invest. But, first, the project should be a good project for everyone involved. All related business considerations must be evaluated. Our particular recipe, will make of a good project, a better one!

By Edgardo Vicenty

Entrepreneur and Financial Analyst

Puerto Rico Needs a Hurricane Strategy

W

e got lucky last week, Hurricane Dorian took a last minute turn and did not strike Puerto Rico. Had the hurricane hit, we undoubtedly would have lost electricity in large portions of the island and therefore seen spikes in demand for gasoline, bottled water, canned food and other essential goods.

Back to back hurricanes two years ago showed us how easily these spikes in demand could turn into shortages that can last for weeks and cripple the island’s recovery. Luckily, after Maria, we found out there was an easy way to reduce these shortages in case of a future natural disaster and it could be implemented immediately.

Puerto Rico has an inventory tax that ranges from 5.8 percent to 9.3 percent per year, depending on the municipality. This tax has historically forced businesses to maintain low inventory levels in the island in order to reduce their tax bill and maintain competitive pricing.

After the hurricane, business leaders and trade associations openly lobbied the government to eliminate this tax. Its elimination would allow them to build warehouses that would help increase operating efficiencies, lower prices for consumers, make Puerto Rico more competitive as a transportation hub for e-commerce, and, most importantly, massively reduce the chances of having essential goods shortages for extended periods in case of a natural disaster.

Eliminating this tax should have been a no-brainer for the government, but it still hasn’t been done because it generates around $219 million in revenue for

municipalities each year and, without this income, many of them would be forced to stop operating immediately.

However, municipalities and their mayors can’t hold the island hostage; they either have to find a way to replace those $219 million per year with other sources of income or restructure their operations. One way to replace this revenue would be to completely overhaul the island’s property tax system (CRIM).

The first part of this overhaul needs to be the creation and enforcement of tax liens. The CRIM currently has over $2 billion in overdue receivables that it can’t collect because it has no effective mechanism to do so. A lien market would allow municipalities to collect this debt quickly, and this income could be used to replace the inventory tax revenues in the short term.

The second part of the overhaul would require a new mechanism to value properties efficiently. The current system is a complete disaster that consistently undervalues properties, resulting in lost revenues for municipalities.

By fixing the CRIM, municipalities would replace the lost income from eliminating the inventory tax and increase their overall revenues.

Our government has to take action on this issue immediately so that businesses can start increasing inventory levels. We need to learn from our past mistakes and create a more robust system that protects our citizens, our businesses and our economy. Luck is not a reasonable strategy.

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Marta Pérez and the Art of Subversion Next to the sketches on the ground, in the center of the installation, thousands of shell casings, teeth and eyeballs remind you of the women murdered, of the body parts that eventually surface but remain nameless, of the eyes that witness violence yet stay silent and indifferent.

Suddenly a murmur starts fading in all around you, drowning the male voice in Cynthia López Cabán @cynthia_lope clopez@wjournal.com the background singing “If I Catch You,” the bomba song composed by Bobby Capó and ll it takes is just a few steps popularized by the band Ismael Rivera and inside the room to feel his Cachimbos in 1977, the inspiration and unsettled. Shaken. Like at a title of the installation. The song tells the story crime scene, you have to wear of a man threatening to punch his partner disposable shoe covers to walk in the face should he catch her flirting with among the red sea of bodies another man. The singer’s voice dissolves and words. Each silhouette on as the voices of women telling their stories the floor symbolizes a woman, a life shattered of violence and survival invade the display by gender violence. Each word, each sentence, room at the Museum of Contemporary akin to a piece of Art (MAC by its evidence that holds a Spanish acronym) disturbing truth: “you in Santurce. Lifting put flowers in his my head to trace hands so he can put the roar coming them in my hands from a nearby every time he kills me speaker, I see and make my grave an army of dolls on look beautiful,” says top of a metal base. a message scrawled Standing. in handwriting on the Pérez started -Marta Pérez García, artist floor. working on the Just about provocative project every corner of five years ago after the installation, “If I Catch You... Body, Woman, the MAC approached her. “From the start, I Fracture”, created by Marta Pérez García, evokes knew it would be an interactive composition. the rawness of grief, death, suffering and pain.

I wanted people to engage with the piece.

A collective that reflects on the scars of gender violence and the healing power of art opened recently at the MAC

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I believe that when you verbalize your story, not just keep it whirling in your head, you liberate yourself.

“Afraid to Walk” (Miedo a caminar) is part of the exhibit that will run through Oct. 12. >Photos by Gabriel López Albarrán

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To stoop down and be careful not to step on the letters and messages. I want them to look down and pause as they stroll around the circle, to think and reflect about gender violence,” the artist told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. “Another important element was the use of words and language. I believe that when you verbalize your story, not just keep it whirling in your head, you liberate yourself,” added Pérez, who is well-known for her crafted lithographs and feminist art.

The Puerto Rican artist, currently living in Washington, D.C., also chose the materials for the exhibit deliberately. The use of pantyhose/ nylon mimics a woman’s delicate skin, which tears easily; the dolls and letter blocks are a reference to childhood and the cycle of violence that starts at a young age.

“I wanted to tackle this issue because I think all women have been exposed to some type of violence in their lives,” Pérez explained of the theme of her piece which coincidentally opened in the midst of a call from feminist groups for Gov. Wanda Vázquez to declare a state of emergency due to a rise in domestic violence murders. Twelve women have died at the hands of their partners to date.

“Violence is not pretty,” the artist said as she recognized the shock that the installation could provoke.

After the artistic boundaries were determined, Pérez set out to work with women who have survived domestic violence on the island and in her adoptive city. Hundreds of survivors crafted the dolls that give life to the piece. With each stitch, a new doll/body was born, and an emotional wound healed.

“It is a lot easier to express your pain through art than to talk about it,” Pérez stated.

The work reflects it. It explores art and healing, the relationship between the audience and art, and the limits of the body. The messages written on the skin of the dolls attest to the change: “I am not a doll.” “Don’t touch me. Go way.” “Respect my body.”

“My vagina is not for you to take when you want.”

Over 200 dolls represent the women that survived the cycle of violence. >Gabriel López Albarrán

“The dolls are together, straight, looking at the public. They represent this body of women united and strong, standing, asserting their right to speak and not to hide anymore,” Pérez explained of the montage.

But the exhibit, that will run through Oct. 12, goes a step further. From a feminist perspective, the artist appropiates the imagery associated with women’s submission like the pantyhose trapping women in androcentric beauty standards; and the dolls, that are used in most cases to shape

Thousands of shell casings, teeth and eyeballs remind the observer of the women murdered. >Gabriel López Albarrán

women’s behavior and turned them into weapons against sexism and misogyny. How? By giving the women that participated in the project the empowerment needed to reclaim their lives and the opportunity to denounce the violence suffered.

In that takeover, Pérez crafted a subversive narrative and piece of art that resonates with the words of the feminist philosopher Hélène Cixous who encouraged women to write themselves into text, the world and history.

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LaConcha

Revamps Their Culinary Offerings Marena restaurant and The Loft Rum Bar are two new additions in the emblematic Condado hotel.

Melissa M. Cruz

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mcruz@elvocero.com

@mmcruzrios

n an effort to revitalize their culinary options and to further appease their guests, La Concha, A Renaissance Resort, in Condado, inaugurated two new restaurants: Marena and The Loft Rum Bar.

Marena

Located in a hidden terrace with an ocean view at the Suite Tower, next to the adults only pool, Marena offers guests a variety of delicious botanical cocktails and rosés thanks to the concept of “Rosé All Day”.

According to Luz González, the hotel’s marketing and sales director, making “Rosé All Day” the ‘trademark’ of the new oceanfront space is part of the hotel’s initiative to provide a different and refreshing experience that adds to the already vibrant atmosphere.

Gonzalez said that “La Concha continually reinvents its culinary and cocktail offerings to please guests and clients who look for unique experiences.”

Marena’s menu includes six cocktails. “Rosé is Driving”, a delicious mix of dark rum, guava juice,

grapefruit and rosemary, is one of the favorites; as is the “Rasberry Basil”, a refreshing mix of mezcal, pineapple juice, raspberry, fresh basil leaves and coconut sugar syrup.

The Loft Rum Bar

The Loft Rum Bar, located on the terrace of the Delicias restaurant, offers a view of the main pool and the hotel gardens, as well as one of the most complete rum collections in Puerto Rico.

The main purpose of this bar is to pay tribute to the distilled spirit that Puerto Rico is recognized globally for: rum.

“It is a space designed with the history of rum in mind. It hopes to be a reflection of rum’s versatility and diversity. Its singularity makes it an ideal addition to La Concha,” said José C. Padín, the hotel’s general manager.

The Loft Rum Bar has rum from Latin American

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countries like Nicaragua and Guatemala as well as from Caribbean islands like Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and, of course, Puerto Rico. Amongst the rum options offered are white, light, gold and aged. The bar also offers more exclusive, classic and different rums that are exquisitely complex and are best had on the rocks or in smaller glasses so that the drinker can appreciate its every note.

However, if you are a fan of daring combinations, the mixologists would likely recommend “The Loft Mojito”, made with rum, mauby (Maví) and mint leaves; or the “Second Level Up” with rum, whiskey, amaretto, grapefruit bitters, bitter cherries and an orange twist to top it off. You can pair their delicious cocktails with their equally delicious and interesting appetizers, like their “longaniza empanadillas” (local sausage turnovers) from Bayamón served with local cheese; grilled octopus with celery puree; fried chicken with mauby sauce and rum; or their “sugar cane spiced tuna”.

Heavier dishes like pork ribs marinated in rum with chives and toasted almonds; beef tenderloin in Zacapa rum and coffee dressing: and spiced tuna with sugarcane are also available.

Brunch Options

Every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Loft offers guests a wide variety of breakfast and brunch options served buffet style or ‘a la carte’.

Some of the ‘a la carte’ options include classics like the eggs Benedict or the chicken and waffles.

There is also an omelet station where you can request an omelette made in the precise way you want it.

The hotel likes to keeps guests guessing and riveted so their brunches tend to have a theme.

Most recently, they hosted a “Christmas in Puerto Rico” brunch in which they included traditional Puerto Rican Christmas foods like rice with pigeon peas, “pasteles” and “morcillas”. They also offered, as the chef’s suggestion, an omelette stuffed with pork an served with “morcilla”, avocado salad, cassava fries and “coquito” French toast.

However, during the month of September, the theme of their Sunday brunch will be “Chefs Show Off: Brunch Edition”, and a new chef will prepare the brunch every week. Patrons and guests will also be able to enjoy unique cocktails prepared by a group of young mixologists nicknamed the Mixed Troupe of the La Concha Resort.

emblematic Lobby Bar, which is also serving up a new cocktail menu.

The new menu includes options like “La Vida Rosa”, or “the pink life”, made with G-Vine gin and raspberry puree; “The L”, with Bulleit Bourbon, biter and black tea syrup; “Dreams”, a with Barrilito rum and honey syrup.

Executive chef Erika Gómez also elaborated a new “tapas” menu to complement the excellent bar options. Among the tasty dishes are an assortment of cold cuts, braised octopus, truffle French fries and Korean style ribs. “The final product is an intrepid offering conceived to provoke, never intimidate,” said Padín.

For more information please contact 787-721-75000.

Lobby Bar

Aside from Marena, The Loft Rum Bar, and the brunch, La Concha recently revamped their lobby in order to promote more interaction amongst guests. The focal point of the space is the

>Photos courtesy of La Concha

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Is There a Menu for Storms?

Eating well during storm season Yaira SolĂ­s Escudero

T

ysolis@elvocero.com

@yairasolis

he arrival of an atmospheric disturbance implies adjustments to daily living, especially in terms of food. To help guide our readers on the importance of maintaining a healthy diet during and after a storm or hurricane, we share valuable nutritional information provided by the Puerto Rico Food and Nutrition Commission.

They explain that it is important that individuals maintain a base diet of 1,500 calories per day per person, because this provides the body with the necessary energy to perform basic survival functions.

Once the food supplies improve after a storm, the maintenance diet can reach up to 1,900 calories per day per person, a level that allows a satisfactory state of health.

Of course, you will wonder how 1,500 or 1,900 calories a day translates in terms of meals with a limited menu of mostly canned foods. Easily. The Food and Nutrition Commission suggests a varied menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, combined with fresh fruits, vegetables and meats, as well as packaged meats.

Lunch or Dinner Stewed canned salmon,

rice, canned carrots, apple sauce, milk or water

Canned spaghetti with meatballs,

canned green beans, canned mixed fruit, milk or water

Pasta with canned chicken,

canned corn, apple sauce, milk or water

Rice with canned sausages,

Breakfast Orange juice,

oatmeal, milk and coffee or hot chocolate

A cocktail of canned fruits,

toast, cheese spread, milk and coffee or hot chocolate

Canned mandarin oranges,

cereal with milk, coffee or hot chocolate

Apple sauce,

bread, canned ham, milk, coffee or hot chocolate

Canned pears,

bread, cheese spread, milk, coffee or hot chocolate

canned mixed vegetables, orange juice, milk or water

Canned ham,

rice, stewed chickpeas, canned fruit, milk or water

Sardines in their sauce,

root vegetables or potatoes, canned carrots, canned pineapple, milk or water

Corned beef,

rice, canned corn, canned tropical fruit, milk or water

Canned stewed chicken,

rice with red beans, canned corn, canned pears, milk or water

Macaroni with stewed ham,

anned green beans, canned fruit cocktail, milk or water

Rice with canned sausages,

stewed white beans, canned mixed vegetables, fruit juice, milk or water

25

787.751.4088

puertorico@mdausa.org

POLO

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Niños 2-4/6-8/10-12/14-16 Adultos S-XL XXL XXXL

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EDICIÓN LIMITADA

#25RAZONESCOOL Cantidades limitadas mientras duren, IVU incluido.

PUNTOS DE VENTA:

MDAPuertoRico • PRMDA.org

< The Weekly Journal > Wednesday, September 4, 2019

VIERNES/27/SEPT/2019

26

/ Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Beware Not All Condominiums Accept Pets

The law in Puerto Rico grants each building the power to regulate the possession of animals

P

Cynthia López Cabán

clopez@wjournal.com

@cynthia_lope

ets can feel like part of the family, but you don´t have a given right to move into a new apartment with your four-legged roommate.

Sorry.

While Puerto Rico’s Condominium Law does not openly prohibit pets, an analysis made by Microjuris, a company dedicated to research and legal education, concluded the statute also does

“not prohibit the Board of Directors from banning them.” Instead, the law allows for each housing community to regulate the possession of animals.

“Yes, a condominium can refuse and prohibit pets,” professor Michel Godreau Robles told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. An expert on the subject, Godreau explained some pet bans are included in master deeds, the building’s original document of inception. Other buildings address the matter in their bylaws and rules. Buildings that do accept pets can impose restrictions on size, weight and even in the number of pets that can live in an apartment.

But even if condominium rules prohibit pets of any kind, there are exceptions under the Fair Housing Act, a federal regulation that protects people from discrimination when renting or buying a home. For instance, a landlord cannot refuse the guide dog of a person with a disability such as visual impairment or seizure disorder.

Godreau noted that a service animal is not a

For pet lovers, dogs are valued members of their families. >File

pet. It is a dog trained to carry out a specific task; in most cases identify dangers or symptoms that could be life-threatening. Moreover, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires that businesses who serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxicabs, theaters, concert halls and sports facilities, allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas where customers are generally allowed.

How about emotional support and comfort pets?

The Fair Housing Act requires the housing provider to make “reasonable accommodations” to a request for such a therapy animal. This requirement can be satisfied easily with a letter from a doctor or a therapist stating the disability and the need for the support animal.

But this is where it gets murky since some pet owners are getting their doctor’s certification online without any evaluation. Plus, emotional support dogs don’t need any training.

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/ Wednesday, September 4, 2019

The Humane Society explains that an assistance animal can be a cat, dog, or another type of companion animal, and does not need to be trained to perform a service. According to the organization, the emotional and physical benefits from the animal living in the home are what qualify the animal as an assistance animal.

To avoid fraudulent requests for emotional support pets, Godreau pointed out that the landlord or the Board of Directors must evaluate that the letter requesting the reasonable accommodation must come from a physician or a therapist that has treated the person and not from an unknown doctor diagnosing virtually.

“It has to be a reliable and credible certification,” said the expert, who has penned various articles and books on the subject.

However, in the event a landlord denies a request for a reasonable accommodation, the person can file a complaint electronically with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development requesting the agency to investigate the alleged discrimination claim.

Places to Adopt:

Studies show that having a dog around can lead to lower levels of stress in adults and children. >Carlos Rivera Giusti

Humane Society of Puerto RicO

PR ANIMALS

San Juan Animal Adoption Center

EL FARO DE ANIMALES

https://www.hspr.org (787) 720-6038

http://sanjuanciudadpatria.com/servicios/ centro-de-adopcion-de-animales (787) 480-3432, 480-3433

https://www.pranimals.org El Faro de los Animales

https://www.elfaropr.org

Save a Cat

https://www.saveagato.com (787) 610-5914

Four-legged roommates are not welcomed in all condominiums. >Archive

VILLA MICHELLE

http://villamichelle.net (787) 834-4510

Santuario de Animales SaN Francisco de AsíS http://sasfapr.org (787) 612-8587

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/ Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Baldacci Coffee Roasters To Import Green Coffee Beans To Puerto Rico For the first time in Puerto Rico, coffee blends will be created using green, unprocessed coffee beans that will be roasted with state of the art technology at Baldacci Coffee Roasters in Guaynabo Claudia Guerrero Negrón

newsroom@wjournal.com

W

“

@cguerreronegron

e want to promote Puerto Rico as a great coffee producer while highlighting the local farmer that goes above and beyond to produce quality coffee,” said Robert Rodríguez, co-owner of Baldacci Coffee Roasters, a new coffee roasting company in Guaynabo that is using state of the art technology to produce its coffee and will soon be importing green coffee beans from all over the world to process and roast locally, something that has never been done before.

Thanks to an agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture, (USDA), Rodríguez and his business partner, Manuel Cruzado, will be able to import green coffee beans from other parts of the world for use at their brand-new coffee roasting factory. The beans which will be transported by USDA agents to the factory, will then be stored in a moisture-preserving room.

Due to a law passed by the federal government in 1957, it was illegal for Hawaii and Puerto Rico to import beans from other countries over fears that pests in the crops would contaminate local harvests. However, Hawaii has been importing green coffee beans since 1980 and after much research and many conversations with importers in Hawaii, a formal application to import the green beans was made to the Animal and Plant Health

Robert Rodríguez, (center) Baldacci co-owner. >Courtesy Baldacci

Inspection Service (APPHIS), an agency under the coffee shop where guests can enjoy good food and USDA that promotes agriculture health in the U.S. maybe even live music. They also wish to continue “Specialty coffee is an industry that continues to offering barista certification classes given by grow every year, it is the only industry in America instructors that are certified by the Specialty Coffee that increases thousands of millions of dollars Association (CSA) and to export their coffee. each year, according to the National Restaurant With the introduction of green coffee beans Association, and we want that for Puerto Rico too,” from other parts of the world, Rodríguez and said Rodríguez.

Cruzado will be able to create coffee blends that With brand-new, top-notch equipment, like the have not been made before in Puerto Rico. To $5,000 moisture analyzer kit that measures the critics who say that this could potentially harm the coffee’s humidity as to ensure that each batch local agriculture in Puerto Rico, Rodríguez says produced will be of the same quality, Baldacci is their intention in quite the opposite. setting out to provide the best coffee cup in Puerto “Instead of negatively affecting the local farmer, Rico. we want to help them produce better coffee by For Baldacci Coffee Roasters, it is essential introducing them to our process and promoting that the beans come better coffee farming from farms where the practices,” said coffee fruit is picked Rodríguez. at the precise point APPHIS has already of maturity and dried approved Baldacci’s appropriately so importation of green small, family-owned coffee beans, now it is or cooperative coffee up to the local Puerto farms in places like Rico Department of Colombia, Guatemala, Agriculture to execute Honduras, Perú and an administrative order Brasil are researched that will establish the and sought out. protocol for bringing With part of the coffee in, as this their $500,000 has never been done investment, Rodríguez before. Rodríguez and Cruzado have expects to have - Robert prepared their everything up and establishment to running within the next Rodríguez, Baldacci co-owner receive the green few weeks. coffee beans in Right now, Baldacci Guaynabo, far from actual coffee farms in places is producing high quality coffee from Adjuntas, like Adjuntas, Maricao or Yauco, to eliminate Puerto Rico. Soon they will be selling their Eight the possibility of pests contaminating the local Monkeys Blend, a blend made up of eight different harvests. coffee beans from eight different parts of the With more than enough parking, the proprietors world. The coffee can be purchased in Guaynabo hope Baldacci Coffee Roasters will become not at 11 calle Carazo. They can be reached at robert@ only a great coffee producing company, but also a baldaccicoffee.com.

Specialty coffee is an industry that continues to grow every year. It is the only industry in America that increases thousands of millions of dollars each year, according to the National Restaurant Association, and we want that for Puerto Rico too.

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/ Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Trujillo Alto A Place to Discover Near San Juan T Melissa M. Cruz

mcruz@elvocero.com

@mmcruzrios

he municipality of Trujillo Alto recently announced the launch of a new website meant to facilitate access to information on its municipal programs and services. However, the new platform was also strategically thought of and designed to be a tool that attracts more visitors to the town, according to José Luis Cruz, mayor of the city.

“Our town is alive with culture and tradition and we want people to know the many landmarks that they can come and visit,” said Cruz.

“In keeping with the demands of today’s world, we decided to redesign the municipality’s website in order to keep the citizens better informed as to the dependencies, programs and services available. We also wanted a space in which to offer historic facts and announce sociocultural and touristic activities,” he explained.

The mayor went on to mention that he hopes this new platform will motivate tourists to come visit Trujillo Alto.

“The tourism industry is the cornerstone to the development and strengthening of our social and economic activity,” said Edgardo

Díaz, director of the Department of Cultural and Tourism Development of Trujillo Alto. Aside from highlighting the town’s historical places, they hope that the site complements other initiatives meant to attract more visitors.

According to the director of the Office of Public Relations and Communications, Daysireé Ramos, “the page was designed taking into account the importance of having an online presence and aware of the challenges that arise when trying to promote a town in a more dynamic way.” Ramos was emphatic in asking us to take a look at the website www.trujilloalto.pr and encouraged us to visit this “New Metropolis”.

If you wish to get to know Trujillo Alto and enjoy all it has to offer, a great chance for it is the first Sunday of every month when the town celebrates a farmer’s market at the Paseo del Bicentenario. During this event, visitors can enjoy a varied assortment of artisanal products like soaps, traditional Puerto Rican candies and artwork.

There is always live music and great food.

“The municipal government, along with the United Farmers Association of Trujillo Alto, puts together this family friendly event every month.

Last Sunday, we had Douglas Candelario offer a talk on agriculture; we invite everyone to join us every first Sunday of the month for a day full of culture and tradition,” said the mayor.

Historic Bridge

In 1939, after an existing bridge made of cement and steel was destroyed by the Río Grande de Loíza in 1936, the town of Trujillo Alto commenced construction on a steel bridge at a cost of $125,000. The bridge, inaugurated in 1942, served as the backdrop for the 65th Infantry Regiment’s welcome upon their return from the Korean War and remained as the only access to town for half a century. In 1985, a new, modern, four lane concrete bridge which leads to the Expreso Manuel Rivera Morales was built right next to the Historic Bridge after it began to deteriorate. In 2002, the Historic Bridge was added to the list of bridges to be restored and in 2004 was declared a historic monument. This structure is part of Trujillo Alto’s culture and idiosyncrasy as well as one of the marvels of Puerto Rico due to its history as one of the original anchors of the modern road system.

Family Equestrian Park

This equestrian park has a horse show arena with capacity for up to 900 people. The park also has areas to bathe horses, for veterinary exams, bathrooms for visitors, a warehouse, a cantina, administrative offices and parking. The park may be used to host family activities in one of the many gazebos on the grounds. It also hosts a children’s playground and a walking path with views of the Río Grande de Loíza.

La Ruta del Lechón

Drive on PR-175 through the Barrio Carraízo and enjoy stopping at the many “lechoneras” which serve traditional pork dishes and delicious Puerto Rican fare year round. Try El Lago, Los Hermanos, Angelito’s Place, Peña, La Casita de David and El Pino. Feel free to venture onto PR-852 in Barrio Dos Bocas to try La Nueva Ola.

La Cascada Park

The historic bridge of Trujillo Alto. >Courtesy Municipality of Trujillo Alto

This beautiful park surrounded by lush nature houses an impressive fountain with eight jets that represent each of the “barrios” in Trujillo Alto. The park also has a spray park for children, botanical gardens, food vendors, seating and parking.

The park is located next to the Plaza Encantada Shopping Center.

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TV Series Concert Gaming Revolution The Orquesta Camerata Filarmónica presents for the first time in Puerto Rico the “TV Series Concert” with the best music from your favorite series: “Games of Thrones,” “House of Cards,” “Sherlock,” “Dr. Who,” “The Walking Dead,” “M * A * S * H” and many more. More than 50 musicians and singers on stage under the direction of maestro Emanuel Olivieri. One show only!

When: Sunday, September 8 2019 5:00 p.m.

Where: Fine Arts Center, Santurce

The next event of the Road to First Attack 2019 Circuit, Gaming Revolution 2019, will be hosted in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This is the event #6 of the #RTFA2019 series.

When: Saturday, September 7 2019 9:00 a.m.

Where: Compañía de Comercio y Exportación de Puerto Rico. #159 Chardón Ave. San Juan

San Juan International Film Festival Screening The Last American Colony--One Man’s Revolution When: Wednesday, September 4 2019 9:00 p.m.

Where: Fine Arts Miramar, San Juan

Murder Mystery Dinner & Show Fort Buchanan invites you to gather with us in a mysterious dinner at the Community Club Ballroom. You will have a hilarious time at this dinner theater where audience members interact with performance cast members to solve a fictitious murder scene.

Come gather clues throughout the plot to deduce the identity and motive of the “murderer” with your friends!

When: Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, 8 2019 7:00 p.m.

Where: Francisco J. de Goya Ave. Fort Buchanan, Guaynabo

Meditation at El Morro Pausa Consciente invites you to give yourself an hour where you can pause, breathe consciously and enjoy the physical and emotional benefits.

When: Sunday, September 8 2019 9:00 a.m.

Where: El Morro, Old San Juan

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/ Wednesday, September 4, 2019

PUERTO RICO PREMIERE of Raúl Juliá: The World’s a Stage You are invited to join the PUERTO RICO PREMIERE of Raul Juliá: The World’s a Stage at the historic TEATRO TAPIA, where Raul first made his mark. Hosted by The Raul Juliá Family, director Ben DeJesus, and sponsors NGL Studios, Latino Public Broadcasting, WNET, American Masters, PBS, ITVS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

When: Tuesday, September 10 2019 6:00 p.m.

Where: Teatro Tapia, San Juan

Súbete a Mi Moto Tour Menudo fans rejoice! A concert named after the 1981 hit song “Súbete a Mi Moto” will show René, Miguel, Ricky, Johnny, and Ray, the most popular Latin boy band.

When: Friday, September 6 2019 8:00 p.m.

Where: Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot, San Juan

Coffee Latte Art Workshop This workshop is aimed at all coffee enthusiasts with or without experience and baristas who wish to improve Espresso and LatteArt manufacturing techniques.

When: Saturday, September 7 2019 2:00 p.m.

Where: Tazón Coffee Shop Calle Margina; #E3 Urb. Santa Cruz, Bayamón

Festival de la Ave Playera During the festival, we will welcome the shorebirds that visit our coasts every year, celebrating their diversity, their habitats and our role in their conservation. Join and participate in workshops and bird identification tours, informative tables, art and photography exhibitions, children’s crafts, and much more!

When: Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, 8 2019 4:00 p.m.

Where: Centro Interpretativo las Salinas Carr.

301, Km 11 Boquerón, Cabo Rojo

Launch of The Cotīdiē Collection As part of our commitment to support Puerto Rican designers, MADMi presents the new ready-to-wear fashion collection of the YAYI line by designer Yasmin Pérez. YAYI is a fashion design project inspired by the desire to be in contact with the sea. Made in Puerto Rico, YAYI experiments with quality finishes in timeless garments for the daily live.

When: Saturday, September 7 2019 2:00 p.m.

Where: MadMi, 607 Cuevillas St. San Juan