The Weekly Journal - Wednesday, December 9-15, 2020

Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

www.theweeklyjournal.com

>Josian E. Bruno Gómez

Wednesday, December 9-15, 2020 - // no. 085

Controversy at San Juan Transition Hearings P6 Estimating Economic Loss of Arecibo Telescope P7 New Restaurants Open Amid COVID P9-10

Studies Reveal More Conscious Shoppers

This Holiday Season

W

>Tragos Games LLC via AP

Rosario Fajardo

Fun PandemicProof Gifts P14-15

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

hile it is understandable that consumer confidence may be shaken this holiday season, many people are seeing Christmas as a time to celebrate, give thanks and relax after a stressful year.

The COVID Grinch has certainly not stolen Christmas.

Sonia Pérez, of San Juan, told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL that several family members in New York have canceled

their plans to visit Puerto Rico this Christmas.

As a result, her extended family has canceled their usual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations, with each family celebrating in their respective homes.

“I usually spend $500 to $600 a year as part of my contributions to the celebrations,” she said, in terms of buying food, alcoholic beverages and various presents.

This year, she will be spending much less and is looking at various sales to save money. She is GO TO PAGE 4

The Weekly Journal >Wednesday, December 9, 2020 >

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a week in review New Executive Order: Islandwide Lockdowns on Sundays

>Carlos Rivera Giusti

>Courtesy of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company

>Josian E. Bruno Gómez

The governor’s new executive order enforces an islandwide lockdown on Sundays, save for supermarkets, restaurants with “drive-thru” services, drugstores, gas stations and hardware stores.

Ahead of the holiday festivities, alcohol and spirits sales are also banned on weekends.

Bars remain closed. The curfew will be in effect from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. The new rules will be in place until Jan. 7, the day after Three Kings Day. Pictured is Old San Juan under curfew.

Gov.-Elect Pierluisi Announces Cabinet Picks

Construction Underway on New Hotel Project in San Juan

Gov.-elect Pedro Pierluisi nominated Puerto Rico Sen. Larry Seilhamer as secretary of State and attorney Domingo Emanuelli to lead the Department of Justice. Other nominations included: Elba Aponte Santos, president of the Puerto Rico Teachers Association, as Education secretary; and Manuel Cidre, founder of Los Cidrines, as the new secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce.

With an investment of $12.3 million, an all-suite hotel is being constructed on Ashford Avenue in the Condado area of San Juan.

The new venue should be open to the public in October 2021. The Allmost Homes Hotel will feature 27 apartments (studios and 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms) with kitchens, a restaurant, a “Grab and Go,” swimming pool, two-story parking lot and “beach club” services.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 also looking to buy at locally owned stores to help small businesses in these tough times. “I am only buying a few presents, but looking at arts and crafts from Puerto Rico. I also want to treat myself to something nice, like a good handbag. I deserve it, after this year,” she said.

For Brenda Ortiz, also of San Juan, a trip to Houston has been canceled because of COVID. “That means we won’t be spending $1,500 in terms of our Christmas trip. I want to save some of that money, but I also want to spend it on more presents for my family here. Everyone needs to celebrate this year. You can see it on everyone’s faces,” she said.

Like Pérez, she is also looking at sales but is more focused on online deals. “I am focused on the young children and teenagers in the family.

You have to buy presents for them,” she said.

An anomaly may be a Condado resident who told your correspondent that she is spending more money this Christmas. “We really wanted to go to Europe this Christmas, but what’s the point? There are lockdowns everywhere,” she said.

Undaunted, she said she plans to use the money that would have been spent on the holiday trip to treat herself, her husband and family members. “I want to celebrate. I can’t wait for 2021. I am buying jewelry and nice clothes for myself, and tech toys for my husband, our [adult] children and grandchildren,” she said.

Still, she noted that she is looking at sales and wants to buy from local boutiques to help the economy.

These San Juan residents are not alone, as studies show that holiday shoppers are more conscious this year.

Puerto Rico: Santa’s List

The results of Santa’s List 2020, the fifth edition of the annual holiday shopping survey by Arteaga & Arteaga, revealed a 13 percent drop in Christmas shopping intent compared to 2019.

The pandemic impacted general Christmas shopping intent among local consumers and also affected retail sales by 11.4 percent during the first six months of the year. However, the drop in

shopping intent does not mean that consumers won’t shop this year; rather, they will focus on finding unique presents for their loved ones.

In fact, presents were the only type of holiday shopping in which consumers displayed greater shopping intent than in 2019.

The survey showed that consumers are more demanding this year. Whether it’s in brick-andmortar stores or online, consumers seek value. In fact, 91 percent of those surveyed said that they intend to buy gifts or products only if these items are on sale.

Despite a drop between 7 percent to 10 percent in shopping intent on other item categories, consumers will keep looking for good offers for the family, home décor, clothing, food and drinks for

the upcoming festivities.

Shopping centers, discount and department stores are still the preferred establishments for holiday shopping, according to Santa’s List 2020.

However, this year the study confirmed a growing popularity among local stores. With 11 percent, these stores represent the highest percentage in terms of where consumers will go for their Christmas spending.

“Although it’s been an unusual year, I am optimistic for the holiday season this year. We have incorporated the best health and safety protocols to protect our employees and clients during the holiday season and the entire year.

Stores have worked ardently to offer the most complete combination of products to satisfy budget needs and help clients throughout their shopping season,” said Martha Hermilla, senior Marketing director at Centros Comerciales RVI. Children were prioritized in the survey, with 47 percent of consumers stating that they will buy gifts for the young ones, but these items will be less expensive. Presents for extended family will drop by 29 percent, while gifts for friends will decrease by 36 percent.

Meaningful presents will be very popular this year. For example, car accessories certificates, oil and filter change certificates, baskets with healthy products, books by local writers, handicrafts and music from emerging artists are some of the top gifts listed on Santa’s List 2020.

About 66 percent of participants said they would continue shopping online. Moreover, 13 percent of buyers said they would carry out their Christmas shopping online. This is reflective of the general increase in online stores and apps, which

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Many shoppers are favoring small, locally owned businesses.

have seen increases of 13 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Nationwide Mastercard Survey

Around 78 percent of Americans will choose to shop local this year, while most people (73 percent) would give up their gifts altogether to spend face-to-face time with friends and family this holiday season. Additional insights from the new Mastercard study show: • Consumers See the Holidays as a Reprieve: 55 percent of consumers see the holidays as a time to celebrate and unwind after a stressful year, and 71 percent are looking forward to an overall slower-paced holiday season. More than half (58 percent) say they are less stressed about shopping compared to years past and are leaning into the unique holiday season by updating old traditions (51 percent), embracing virtual celebrations (29 percent), planning contactless gift exchanges (23 percent), and more.

• Decking the Digital Halls with Touchless Payments: Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed plan to shop in stores that have contactless payments options. Additionally, shoppers are prioritizing gift cards and mobile payments options, with 64 percent noting that they are actively trying to not give cash as a gift this year.

Further, 52 percent of respondents said they are planning to ship more gifts to their loved ones homes this year to avoid person-to person contact.

• ‘Tis the Season to Spend on Friends and

Family: 59 percent say that they will likely spend the same or more money on holiday shopping this year compared to last, while just under half (43 percent) note having more to spend on holiday gifts because they haven’t spent as much as usual over the course of 2020. Some shoppers are looking for a morale boost — saying that they are hoping to cheer up family and friends (43 percent) and get in the holiday spirit by shopping (40 percent).

• It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year — to Add to Cart: 82 percent say they are likely to shop online this year, with 55 percent expecting to complete most of their shopping online. While 88 percent of those cutting back on in-store shopping say they will miss elements of that experience, such as the holiday music and the ability to touch and feel items before purchasing, the benefits of staying home outweigh the cons — such as waiting in lines (74 percent) and finding parking (56 percent).

The results are from a nationwide survey of 2,017 people, conducted by The Harris Poll.

“While the holidays may look different this year, one thing is clear — Americans are shopping with a different perspective,” said Linda Kirkpatrick, president, U.S. Issuers at Mastercard. “Whether they’re tapping their cards in store or leveraging Click to Pay online, consumers have embraced digital payments more rapidly than ever before, given the enhanced relevance to their daily lives.”

Buying gifts for children remains a must this holiday season.

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San Juan Transition Committees Bump Heads, Allegations of Missing Information Romero’s team denounces ‘poor handling’ of economic development

W Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

ith less than one month before the new San Juan municipal government steps in, the hearings between the outgoing and incoming transition committees have escalated to accusations of incomplete information regarding the capital city’s financial affairs.

The transition team representing outgoing Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz has handed over the documents on San Juan’s cash flow, which were subject to verification and validation. During this process, the president of Mayor-elect Miguel Romero’s transition committee, Manuel Díaz Saldaña, denounced that the documents contained missing data, such as how many municipal officers are working remotely due to the pandemic.

On this regard, he affirmed that this is crucial information because it involves public funds and opined that municipal workers cannot choose to work remotely under ordinary circumstances. According to the official, persons whose salaries are provided by City Hall “must be producing,” and there is reportedly a lack of information to indicate levels of productivity versus public spending.

“We cannot continue with this informality that you are doing when we make arrangements in good faith… This is a transition that the law had already established that on October 31, you had to have everything ready and you are not showing

us that,” he said, while the president of Cruz’s transition committee, Charlie Hernández, rebutted that his team had presented all documents required by law.

Meanwhile, the interim director for the San Juan Office of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism did not participate in the hearing, without a warning in advance. “It is outrageous that the person who is supposed to inform us of the execution of his office, which is worth noting that he is a trusted employee, was absent without justification and prior notification,” an increasingly frustrated Díaz Saldaña said.

Economic Development Issues

Romero’s leading transition member excoriated the outgoing transition team for reportedly lacking efforts in publicizing the incentives available to ensure that they have access to these benefits while boosting economic activity in Puerto Rico’s capital.

Specifically, it was revealed that there are only 19 businesses receiving municipal incentives.

Although San Juan City Hall has a Center for Entrepreneurial Development to establish incentives programs for business owners, the Center no longer manages these programs, as informed during the hearing.

Moreover, as transcended during the hearing, the municipal office does not have any public or private partnerships with the Department of Housing to develop incentives. The outgoing transition team was also accused of not having a defined course of action to access the seven programs aimed at economic development under the Community Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds, nor to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Along that line, San Juan City Hall also lacks partnerships with the Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience (COR3) for risk

Manuel Díaz Saldaña, president of Miguel Romero’s transition team, accused the outgoing transition committee of providing incomplete documents during the hearings. >File photo

mitigation plans in the event of another large-scale natural disaster.

“The lack of information has been constant in every hearing. Either they have a design problem or a professional problem. That is, I believe that with their professional level, the preparation and the experience of all these people who sit there in front of us, they have professional incompetence…

I believe that after all this time in these efforts, the information that they have presented is deficient,” Díaz Saldaña told THE WEEKLY JOURNAL. For his part, Hernández strongly denied the accusations, charging that the other committee has not read the provided documents thoroughly.

“We delivered 40 folders of information that the law provides. We told them that if they want additional information, we were in a position to provide it. But they are requesting information that was [already] provided to them, and they have not even read what we gave them,” he asserted.

Despite this, the incoming transition committee concluded that the San Juan municipality “does not comply with the requirements of a healthy administration because the metrics have not been defined to meet the objectives of the municipality in an integrated manner.”

— Reporter Yaritza Rivera Clemente contributed to this story.

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Collapsed Radio Telescope Represents Million-Dollar Losses

Multiplier effect for tourism and international scientific community

L Giovanna Garofalo

ggarofalo@wjournalpr.com

@giopgarofalo

ast week, Puerto Rico and the worldwide scientific community was devastated when the massive radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory collapsed, mere months after an auxiliary cable broke in August, followed by more infrastructural failures. A decades-long testament to mankind’s pursuit of discovery, its loss represents a blow to neighboring communities that relied on its attraction for the area’s tourism economy, as well as the island’s scientific heritage.

Conservative estimates by community leaders consulted by THE WEEKLY JOURNAL asserted that the loss of the radio telescope could have an economic impact of $50 million for the local economy, including more than 50 job losses and a hit on restaurants, lodging establishments and other businesses in the Arecibo area.

Kemuel Alicea Monrouzeau, a former Tourism guide at the Arecibo Observatory, affirmed that the collapse of the radio telescope could have detrimental effects to Arecibo’s tourism economy, given that it is the main attraction in the area.

“Losing the [radio telescope] will cause public interest toward the municipality of Arecibo to drop because the observatory has received between 1,000 to 12,000 visitors daily, including school trips, due to the scientific education it offered to children in topics like astronomy,” he said.

Sol Mayra Santiago, owner of Tu Escondite, an inn mere minutes away from the observatory, said that 40 percent of the establishment’s clientele were tourists drawn by the radio telescope. “We had just opened the inn completely last November, and [last week] we received this news, which makes us rethink the future of our business,” she lamented.

Municipal data pointed to future losses in contributions for patents and sales, ticket sales for the more than 90,000 people who visited annually, and the economic impact generated by the roughly 200 scientists who conducted their research with the radio telescope. In addition, the collapse has a multiplier effect estimated between $10 million and $12 million from the annual budget for the radio telescope’s operation.

Among the vegetation, the columns that supported the platform of the Arecibo radio telescope stand out. >Dadsani Rodríguez Bonilla

In terms of scientific heritage, the Arecibo radio telescope has played a key role in many discoveries. Of these, Alicea highlighted the discovery of the first binary pulsar in 1974, an exoplanet in 1992 and Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), such as asteroids. “This means that the loss of the observatory in Puerto Rico causes a great loss in the island’s education and the science, business and even communications sectors because it is integral to everything,” he said.

Calls for Rebuilding

The observatory and the former radio telescope are properties of the National Science Foundation (NSF), whose spokespersons said it was impossible to save the structure from collapsing.

Following the collapse, Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González requested a public hearing by the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology to discuss how to move forward, highlighting the observatory’s contributions to STEM education.

“The Arecibo Observatory was the first one that identified an exoplanet, the first one that helped us see images outside of our solar system. It has done

so many great things throughout history, so to not rebuild I think would be a loss to science and a loss to the island,” said Dr. José Morey, a consultant for NASA, Forbes, MIT and the White House Office of Science and Technology.

According to Morey, rebuilding the radio telescope would take about five years, at least.

However, with more advanced materials and technology, he affirmed that a new radio telescope could outlast its predecessor, the latter of which was built in 1963, lasting 57 years. “We can build it and make it last 100 years,” he stated.

“We owe it to the scientific community, we owe it to Puerto Rico, and we owe it to the memory of the observatory and all it did for us, to rebuild it bigger and better. I think we can do it. I think Congress and NASA and the NSF should focus on rebuilding it and I think we should focus on creating a coalition to gather the funds to build it anew,” Morey said.

Estimates put the cost of rebuilding the radio telescope at $350 million.

— Journalist Ileanexis Vera Rosado contributed to this story.

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Puerto Rico Pursues Top Tier Professionals to Boost Economic Development

ConPRmetidos launches platform on professional opportunities

A Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

s Puerto Rico continues its path to economic transformation, the “Isla del Encanto” (Island of Enchantment) is undertaking efforts to attract world-class professionals from diverse sectors to accelerate this

endeavor.

The latest effort is the program ElComebackPR. org, a platform aimed at both Puerto Rican professionals living and working in the diaspora in the U.S. mainland, and non-Puerto Rican entrepreneurs/workers.

Developed and led by the Puerto Rico-based nonprofit ConPRmetidos, the program’s objective is to connect professionals and anyone who wants to contribute to the island’s economy with employment opportunities on the island.

Through various tools and resources that enable networking with key stakeholders as well as provide valuable information for professionals in myriad sectors, the first phase of the platform’s utility focuses on the tech sector, specifically software development and design, but also finance, accounting, business analyst and digital marketing.

“ElComebackPR.org is an invitation for Puerto Rican professionals that have left the island, to return and — with their talent — contribute to Puerto Rico’s economic transformation. The invitation is also open to non-Puerto Rican professionals, who can take advantage of the island’s many benefits — quality of life and vibrant culture, infrastructure, U.S. laws and regulations, a familiar banking and financial ecosystem, and more,” said Isabel Rullán, executive director of ConPRmetidos.

She also noted that Puerto Rico is primed for progress, anchored in its spirit of resiliency,

To learn more about current job opportunities in Puerto Rico, you have to register at elcomebackpr.org. After registering, if there is an opportunity that matches the users’ profile, ConPRmetidos will match the person to the company. There is no cost to participate in El Comeback, but you can support ConPRmetidos through http://committedtopr.org/.

As observers note, this has been an atypical year due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic — and Puerto Rico is no exception. However, the island has also grappled with a number of challenges in recent years. Puerto Rico has experienced the massive devastation of Hurricane Maria in Sept. 2017; the political upheaval of last summer, culminating in the resignation of thenGov. Ricardo Rosselló; the series of earthquakes earlier this year; and then the emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.

At the same time, Puerto Rico has been struggling with a long-term economic recession, a demographic challenge as residents have left the island for the U.S. mainland, and the government’s bankruptcy-like process under the federal not only during COVID times, but also before Promesa law. In fact, the island’s population has the pandemic hit. The local business ecosystem dropped from 3.7 million in 2010 t0 3.2 million in is robust and features a variety of companies 2019, according to U.S. Census in myriad sectors doing work figures. that impacts local, U.S., and The island offers various international markets. “Puerto incentives for businesses and Rico’s economic development individuals, including Acts 20 and strategy, coupled with our 22. Act 20, or the Export Services infrastructure, business climate The first phase Act, is focused on promoting the and culture, make the Island of of the platform’s island as an export business hub.

Enchantment a true Island of utility focuses on The law provides incentives to Opportunity,” Rullán commented. the tech sector, companies that export services, specifically software such as a 4 percent corporate Importance of People Power development and tax rate, and 100 percent tax “Progress is fully dependent design, but also exemption on dividends from on people power. Our mission finance, accounting, business earnings derived from is to tell the people that have business analyst and export services. acquired professional experience digital marketing.

Act 22, or the Act to Promote and miss their family, or want to the Relocation of Individual enjoy everything that Puerto Rico Investors to Puerto Rico, is has to offer, that this is a great focused on promoting wealthy opportunity for them to relocate individuals to move to the island, and provides and boost our economy. Simultaneously, we want a 100 percent tax exemption on all interest, to retain local talent and let them know that there dividends and long-term capital gains. are job opportunities in this industry,” she added.

In fact,

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New Restaurants Open in the Face of Adversity

Multimillion-dollar investments bet on economic resurgence

A Rosario Fajardo

rfajardo@wjournalpr.com

@RosarioWJournal

smattering of new restaurants have opened in San Juan in recent weeks amid the pandemic. To say that these are trying times for the restaurant industry would be an understatement.

Yet despite the challenges due to COVID-19 and the new restrictions imposed by the Puerto Rico government on businesses, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. These new venues are betting on the holiday season and beyond, thanks to the quick acceptance of delivery and take out apps since the pandemic began in March, as well as the optimism provided by the new vaccines currently being developed.

Besides offering exciting culinary offerings, these restaurants are following strict health and safety protocols.

Barullo Taberna Española

The lively atmosphere of Spanish streets, along with its flavors, colors and sounds, has arrived in San Juan with the opening of Barullo Taberna Española.

Located on the first level of the Distrito T-Mobile in Miramar, this new gastronomic concept is an important step for El Distrito’s success as an entertainment center for the island. Barullo Taberna Española offers a culinary experience with Spanish roots curated by Chef Osvaldo Ortega, within a space that pays tribute to the famous Mercado San Miguel of Madrid.

“We are excited to share with the public a preview of what the vibes and atmosphere will be like in the Distrito T-Mobile. Based on the authenticity we are seeking in each offering, Barullo Taberna Española celebrates our Spanish heritage through good food and the camaraderie atmosphere of an authentic Spanish tavern, this time in Puerto Rico,” said Federico Stubbe Jr., CEO of PRISA Group, the developer of the Distrito T-Mobile.

The restaurant’s opening represents an economic investment of $4 million by PRISA Group and its partner McConnell Valdés Consulting, and will create 50 new direct jobs.

>Courtesy of Barullo Taberna Española

“We want to provide the public with a complete modern dining experience: unique, excellent and diverse, world-class service under one roof. The style of Barullo Taberna Española is modern and innovative, a fusion of the classic Spanish tavern with contemporaneity. We have multiple stations to satisfy the tastes of foodies, locals and visitors,” said José M.“Peco” Suárez, president of BluHost, the restaurant’s managing company.

With an urban décor that combines shapes and textures in blue and terra-cotta hues, Barullo maintains a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the 6,000-square-feet space.

Among the various culinary stations at Barullo include La Barra, serving beer, a variety of Spritzers, Gin Tonics, wines and other specialty drinks. The Arrocería (rice dishes station) is dedicated to paellas, “fideuá” and much more, while the Jamonería will serve fresh and quality cuts of a wide variety of Spanish hams and cheeses and as well as various Cocas (Spanish pizzettas) such as “txistorra brava” or serrano ham with manchego cheese.

Starting at 9:00 am, the Cafecito will be serving Alto Grande coffee, pastries, toasts, sandwiches and a large selection of “to go” items.

Wine enthusiasts will be delighted with Tasca

del Grifo, with more than 120 labels available from around the world, ready to taste, and where diners can also choose from a menu that features a selection of all seasons and full service at the table.

>Courtesy of Barullo Taberna Española

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Caribbean Lobster Truffle Risotto. STK’s famed LIL’ BRGS with wagyu beef, and Alaskan Red King Crab is also be featured.

Diners at STK San Juan can enjoy a variety of cocktails with robust flavor profiles inspired by Puerto Rico such as Ventana Del Mar, Curious Jorge, Not a Paloma and Condado 75, as well as STK classics like the Cucumber Stiletto and Not Your Daddy’s Old Fashioned.

Marocha

>Courtesy of STK San Juan

DJs, Happy Hour, an elevated menu and top-notch service. To us, it’s all about experience, and as we continue to grow, there is clear demand for our differentiated offering.”

The original investment for the opening of STK San Juan was $4 million. It originally opened in October 2019, but was forced to close in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

Helmed by Chef Lindell Smith, a native of Puerto Rico, the restaurant’s menu features classic cuisine for which STK is best known, as well as dishes with local flair including Beet Salad, Grilled Octopus, Stuffed Roasted Lechón Belly, Stewed Rabbit and

The Sticky Toffee dessert at STK San Juan >Courtesy

STK San Juan

STK San Juan, the successful international concept of the restaurant group The ONE Group, has reopened its doors at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, a luxury San Juan hotel that has been restored and recrafted into its rich Spanish Revival architectural heritage.

“Puerto Rico has such a vibrant scene with unique culture, music, art and entertainment, and we are thrilled to bring our take on VIBE dining to this wonderful city,” said Emanuel “Manny” Hilario, president and CEO of The ONE Group. “We offer an unmatched dining and social experience for our guests with a special focus on the best music, live

>Courtesy of Marocha

Marocha is a new gastronomic space that just opened its doors in Miramar, although initially, its opening was scheduled for March, but the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced a change in plans.

After an investment of $350,000, the new dining venue, whose name refers to a crazy girl who does not follow the rules, is also free-spirited. According to Eileen Sánchez, owner and chef, “the name of our restaurant is derived from the menu we offer.

One in which we don’t follow the rules, we get carried away by the madness of trying different things and as a result, we present a unique product.”

“Without a doubt, the pandemic has been a blow to us and to the restaurant industry in general. However, the pause caused by COVID in our opening plans gave us the opportunity to revisit our space and adapt to this new reality.

Today we are ready to receive diners in a safe space that has 10 tables, all at a distance, and an outdoor area that comfortably accommodates up to 16 people,” added Sánchez.

The menu features grilled churrasco, served over “mamposteao” rice made with ripe plantains, chorizo sausage, and cilantro; and pork rib-eye.

The cocktail creations, which are also elaborated to pair with the culinary offerings, include Morena Mia, a drink based on Mutiny Vodka, black peppercorn beetroot, “shrub,” fresh lemon juice, basil syrup and homemade soda water.

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3 Tips to Protect TheYour Urgent Need to Transform our Company in 4 Energy Model Times of Crisis

Gustavo Vélez,

By Gustavo Vélez

Founder of Inteligencia Económica Economist

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By Richard Santana Villanueva

>Josian E. Bruno Gómez

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Pivoting in Times of Crisis

ust one month ago, an all-star roster of speakers gathered at La Concha Resort to discuss Puerto Rico’s unique investments opportunities and trending global topics.

Hosting ICON in the aftermath of a series of earthquakes that rattled Puerto Rico and weakened the economy of the southern part of the island was quite a challenge.

Today, we face a bigger obstacle, a global pandemic that has put the world on pause. Priorities have changed, there are plenty of questions but very few answers. We are all feeling like characters in a SciFi movie; it all seems surreal, but this is our new reality. It’s very clear that the global economic landscape will suffer dramatic consequences, both in the short and long-term. Certainly, some companies will collapse,

but, at the same time, others will be strengthened and able to pivot towards new opportunities.

While many countries will follow the same path, the United States will certainly rethink its supply chain and will no longer look at China as its premier sourcing partner. Because the U.S. imports around $34 billion dollars worth of products from China, many countries in the LATAM region will seek to capitalize on this opportunity. Puerto Rico has the pharmaceutical infrastructure to pick up some of the slack and, ironically, Mexico should be a preferred destination for a cheap labor force.

President Trump has made it very clear that he wants U.S. companies with offshore operations to move back to the United States. With Section 936 long gone, and pretty much irrelevant under the current tax code, the only thing left to do is remove Puerto Rico’s GILTI tax so

. Maximize social networks to keep your company in the public eye and explore advertising options. The business’s presence, leadership and brand will be essential during the recovery process. . Use economic indicators to make short and medium-term projections. It is estimated that the economy could face a contraction between 6 percent and 8 percent during 2020. Inteligencia and politicization displacing Económica offerswas Microsoft Power the best managerial practices BI as an accessible business to create the conditions itsyour eventual intelligence platformoffor bankruptcy. company.

Other corporations such as . Refinancing of commercial, the Highways Authority, the Ports personal or mortgage loans Authority and the Aqueduct using the new interest&rates Sewer Authority the same fate. that have been had lowered to almost However, Prepa’s bankruptcy and its zero. This would allow you to eventual destruction by the powerful reduce capital costs.

Hurricane Maríaainnew 2017 opened plan the . Develop business doorsfor forwhen a process of reconstruction the island’s situation and transformation thatbusiness has already normalizes. This begun to gain traction. plan must incorporate different The entry ofthe LUMA Energy may as a changes that economy private operator opens a new chapter in Prepa’s history, since this company will the responsibility thathave President Trump’s tax of reform administering the public succeeds in bringing jobscorporation to U.S. soil. and its reconstruction Inmanaging the past couple of years, Puerto process with the bestdemonstrated global Rico has continually practices.

This process based on its resilience, and todayisthe stakes the injection of $13 billion by the are higher than ever. There are Federal Management reasonsEmergency to be optimistic, Puerto Agency (FEMA) to rebuild the energy Rico has unique competitive

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advantages. Tax incentives enacted in recent years have certainly turned the island into a hot commodity, however, as we re-evaluate our economy in these uncertain times, perhaps we should start focusing on manufacturing and human resources as well.

Replacing China will not be an easy task, as they possess the technology and cheap labor force.

We do have available infrastructure that would allow us to become a reliable manufacturing resource for the United States and Latin America.

While China gets its bearings, let’s demonstrate what we have to offer and establish ourselves as leaders in the industry. Puerto Rico can provide a rich and able workforce, and we should begin to focus on reshaping the way we look at human resources and employment, the way we staff and build companies. We need to pivot from the crisis towards solutions that will reactivate the island’s economic development.

COVID-19 might be the trigger that finally forces local governments to allocate more resources to health

experience once things level off.

Among them, reduction of the population and the market; a reduction in the costs of energy, gas and transportation; and access to financing.

For further analysis and advice, you can access Inteligencia Económica’s website at http:// www.economiapr.com, and browse through a collection of informative articles on finance and economics.

Look for us on Twitter @ gustavovelezpr, and on Instagram as gustavovelez2020.

The privatization of the [Luis Muñoz Marín] airport operations and the PR-22 highway have proved to be successful models for us to have a modern and competitive infrastructure.

In fact, Ultimately, the The business’s economy willpresence, never leadership and brand get of the during hole willout be essential the recovery process. with an expensive and unreliable power system.

and science, as well as reverting the trend of reconstruction importing food, system.

This plan is choosing local estimatedinstead to last ato promote little less than a production. be to clear, this will decade, but itLet willusaim bring Prepa be uphill for all create economies intoan the 21st battle century and a around the world, Puerto Rico is new world-class model. no exception. We must act fast and overcome all the Theswiftly Hard to Lesson of Hurricane challenges and emerge as a winner Maria in this global race.

The hurricanes [of 2017] and We can longer bet on tourism as other natural disasters have the magic wand for Puerto Rico’s taught us that Puerto Rico cannot economic development. Recent continue operating with an obsolete natural disasters have reminded us infrastructure, much less in the of the vulnerability of this sector, hands of the government, which we need to diversify our revenue has demonstrated its inability to streams for sustainable growth. Call manage profits and the rest of the centers and telemedicine are just public corporations. Prepa’s state of some of the industries that might insolvency prevents it from having flourish under Puerto Rico’s Act 20 access to capital markets and tax incentive for export services. therefore, investment to improve the To all my fellow Puerto Ricans, energy system will start with federal let’s use the lockdown as an funds, but will eventually require opportunity for deep introspection private capital. and deciding how we leverage crisis The privatization of the [Luis into opportunity. Let’s turn despair Muñoz Marín] airport operations into hope, history has shown us and the PR-22 highway have proved that adversity has always been an to be successful models for us to catalyst for great ingenuity. It’s on have a modern and competitive today’s leaders and entrepreneurs infrastructure. Ultimately, the to lead our society into whatever this economy will never get out of new way of living brings. the hole with an expensive and To all the health care unreliable power system. professionals and scientists around Thus, the energy system’s the world, we are grateful for your transformation must be a project contributions to society, we will of all Puerto Ricans who aspire to forever be in your debt. Please keep cheaper, cleaner and more reliable safe and bless you all. energy.

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/ Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Simple Mental Workouts to Keep Calm and Relaxed Helping you to carry on

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Active Aging

ou know the feeling you get when you’re sucked into a puzzle, or when you really get into a good book? That’s the relaxation that comes when you allow your mind to take its focus off the everyday stressors and enjoy a new, rewarding effort.

These important mental exercises can be anything from solving a brain teaser to focusing on a simple mind-body connection like counting your breaths. Mental exercise is just as important and satisfying as physical exercise for our overall well-being. It’s the equivalent of a nice long walk to stretch your legs.

We’ve put together a collection of mental exercises that can bring a calm relaxation to the end of your day, all while giving your mind a nice workout. Our tips fall under three categories: meditation, puzzles and relaxation techniques.

Meditation

Meditation, regardless of type or style, has been scientifically proven to benefit mental focus and emotional health.

• Guided Meditations — Especially for those new to meditating, guided meditations are a great option. A “guide” will talk you through the process of meditating and offer suggestions for your focus.

These meditations are often accompanied by music or calming ambient sounds like a burbling spring or quiet forest sounds. For a selection of free and topic-specific guided meditations, try an app like Headspace or a site like Mindful.org.

• Self-guided (or Unguided) Meditation — If listening to someone tell you how to meditate is not relaxing, then self-guided (or unguided) meditation is your ticket. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started on your self-guided practice.

One meditation technique is to count your breaths. Inhale, count one, exhale, count one, up to ten breaths. Then repeat. Set a timer for yourself so you can relax into the moment and into your breath.

• Walking Meditation is a nice change of pace (literally) from seated meditation. In this type of meditation, you focus on the sensation of each

slow step. Focus on the breath and the connection of your foot to the earth. This style is particularly effective in bringing together your mind and body in a calm, peaceful activity.

Puzzles

The variety of puzzles available today is just astounding — from table-filling jigsaws and paper and ink puzzle books to apps on your phone, there’s a puzzle out there to absorb any mind and give it the space to relax.

• Brain Teasers used to come in a strip at the back of the newspaper, but they’re just as accessible even if you haven’t gotten a physical paper for years. Whether online or in a book or magazine, brain teasers are a great way to challenge your mind, inspire creativity, and build mental agility. Start by picking up old favorites like Sudoku or a crossword.

• Physical Puzzles — For those who relish working with their hands, physical puzzles offer that mental/physical connection. Pick up a Rubik’s cube or a puzzle box, and flip the puzzle over in your hands to work out its solution.

Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques are designed to slow down your mind and sometimes bring awareness to your body or breath.

• Relaxation for Sleep — When trying to get to sleep, count backward from 500. Yes, it’s a large number, but that’s by design. You won’t be worried about reaching zero and having to start over. And it will take just enough focus to stay on track that you won’t slip into reciting a memorized set of numbers.

• Mental Body Scan — Start at one end of your body and mentally “check-in” with each body part on your way to the other end. For example, start at your toes and notice how they’re feeling. Move to your ankles, then calves, your knees, etc. For each spot, focus there just long enough to notice, then move on. When you’ve completed the whole body scan, see if it helped you relax. For another variation, tense and then relax the muscles in those body parts as you scan them. By the time you reach the end, you’ll probably feel much calmer than when you began.

These exercises are sure to help your mind settle in and find renewed calm. Pick and choose from these techniques, or try them all. No matter the combination, your mind and body will benefit from the relaxation.

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/ Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Gifty New and Unusual Pandemic-Proof Games for the Holidays

Family fun for all ages

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The Associated Press

EW YORK (AP) — The pandemic has proved there’s no shortage of games to keep families, couples and kids amused. The classics are ever-present, but a range of new or off-the-beatentrack gift entries are available.

A sampling: TRAGOS: It’s a party card game focused on Latino pop culture that comes in a variety of sets, including one out in November that’s digital only and costs $3.99. It’s the Tragos Stay Home Pack and includes such activities as showing off your best moves to Bad Bunny’s “Yo Perreo Sola” dance, and taking your best shot at duplicating Cardi B’s coronavirus howl. Half the proceeds go to The Immigrant Worker Safety Net Fund. Available on TragosGame.com. Options in Spanish and English, both digital and in a box, are now widely available.

Tragos is primarily a drinking game, but exactly

“Do You Look Like Your Cat?” is a card memory game that matches cat cards with human cards. >Laurence King Publishing via AP

This image shows a party game focused on Latino pop culture, the Tragos Stay Home Pack, and includes such activities as showing off your best moves to Bad Bunny’s Yo Perreo Sola dance and taking your best shot at duplicating Cardi B’s coronavirus howl. Half the proceeds of the set go to The Immigrant Worker Safety Net Fund.

Available on TragosGame.com. Options in Spanish and English, both digital and in a box, are now widely available. >Tragos Games LLC via AP

what gets consumed is up to you.

DO YOU LOOK LIKE YOUR CAT?: What kind of cat are you? A magnificent Maine Coon? A sweet Scottish Fold? This card memory game matches cat cards with human cards. Collect the most pairs to win. A booklet is the final arbiter of which felines go with which humans. On pre-order for Dec. 10.

And, yes, there’s a dog version, too, now widely available. $16.99.

BOOM AGAIN: Designed for two players or two teams, this trivia quiz game speaks directly to the generations that grew up in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. It features over 2,200 questions drawing from advertising slogans and jingles, politics and social movements, and movies, music and television. It covers the anti-war movement, the sexual revolution and the drug culture that were a huge part of the boomer experience. $45. Available exclusively at BoomAgain.com.

THE FAIR PLAY DECK: Based on Eve Rodsky’s bestselling book, “Fair Play,” these cards in a box are intended for couples looking to spark dialogue. There are task cards for deciding who does what, and “unicorn space cards” with ways to carve out time for learning new things that bring joy, whether that’s a language or training for a marathon. The idea is to eke out priorities. $22.

Out Oct. 27 and available for pre-order on the Penguin Random House site.

/ Wednesday, December 9, 2020

MTV, THE THROWBACK MUSIC PARTY GAME: It’s a buzzer team game for MTV lovers of the ‘80s, ‘90s and beyond. Various rounds require different tasks. There’s the artist round, where each player can belt one out. A quick-fire round has one player per team trying to think up songs in different categories, like pop anthems, before 15 seconds is up. The first team to earn cards from eight categories gets to party like it’s 1999. The price is, in fact, $19.99. Available at Walmart, Target and Amazon.

This image shows “MTV, The Throwback Music Party Game,” a buzzer team game for MTV lovers of the ‘80s, ‘90s and beyond. >MTV via AP

ANIMAL MAH-JONG: It’s the classic tile game that originated in China, only with cards and animals. The set includes instructions for beginners. Rather than traditional line drawings of bamboo and Chinese characters, it features Ryuto Miyake’s stunning animal illustrations, with each suit featuring Asian land, sea and air animals. Give the gift of pongs and chows, only with pangolins, sea nettles and Mandarin ducks. $34.99. Widely available.

THE WINE GAME: For connoisseurs and wannabes. The weather’s turning so why not put all that wine drinking to good use? There are two decks of cards, one for red wines and one for whites. The cards cover all major wine-producing regions and some unexpected gems, with a booklet offering brief descriptions of each and tips on labels to look for. Play is easy; whoever collects the most sets of four cards is the winner. $24.99.

Widely available.

PANDO: What animal do I look like? Do I tend to embellish the truth? Would I snitch on my friends or family if I saw them commit a nonviolent crime? Draw cards and read questions aloud to see who knows best. Nearly 1,000 questions. It’s more smart than prepubescent but sometimes just semi-polite. $25. Available on PlayPando.com, Amazon and elsewhere.

KIDS AGAINST MATURITY: A fill-in-the-blank game for ages 8 and up with some toilet humor for the so-inclined, along with entertaining innuendos for parents. Players get white answer cards and take turns asking questions from blue cards.

Everyone answers each question with their funniest answer. The question reader chooses the winner to decide each round. The game includes 500 cards, with expansion packs available. $29.99. Available on Amazon and KidsAgainstMaturity. com.

THE #UPSIDEDOWNCHALLENGEGAME: Ever wonder what life would be like upside down? Put on the goggles included in this group game and have at it. The goggles make everything topsy-turvy. Somebody draws a challenge card and each player takes turns attempting the task with goggles in place. The first player to earn five points wins.

The folks at Vango Toys include special holiday, birthday and two-person challenges on the company website. $19.99.

Widely available.

SKETCHY TALES, DISNEY EDITION: Players take turns drawing classic Disney characters doing unusual things, such as Piglet mowing the lawn or Aladdin jumping

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In “The Upside Down Challenge Game,” a player draws a challenge card and each player takes turns attempting the task wearing upside down goggles. >The #UpsideDownChallenge game via AP

out of a cake. Earn points for the best drawings and silliest guesses. The game is appropriate for ages 8 and up. It includes 60 Disney characters and 120 silly scenarios, along with dry-erase cards, Mickey Mouse clips and eight mini-markers. $19.99.

Available at Target and Amazon.

MARVEL UNITED: This is a fast-moving cooperative game where players take control of Marvel superheroes and band together against the most dangerous villains in the Marvel Universe. Players draw villain cards and hero cards as they build storylines. There’s Captain America, Hulk, Black Widow and Iron Man, along with bad guys Red Skull, Ultron and Taskmaster.

Who doesn’t want to be a hero these days? For ages 8 and up. $34.99. Available at Target, Walmart and Amazon.

“Marvel United” is a fast-moving cooperative game where players take control of Marvel superheroes and band together against the most dangerous villains in the Marvel Universe. >Spin Master Games via AP