“Populares” to hold Island wide vote on its future

José Luis Dalmau, president of the Popular Democratic Party (PDP), announced last Thursday that his party will hold a vote to reconsider or reaffirm his party’s position on statehood for Puerto Rico. The party vote is in response to a Congressionally proposed plebiscite which presents Puerto Ricans with three options: statehood, full independence, or independence with free association; which keeps ties to the US, and likely includes maintaining US citizenship for at least one generation.  The current commonwealth status would not be an option. 

The PDP has supported maintaining the status quo since its formation in the 1930s. On August 14^th the PDP’s 400,000 members will be asked to choose between either the current commonwealth status or free association.  The party has long opposed statehood and for the foreseeable future that is not expected to change. Dalmau is a staunch supporter of the status quo, and many see this referendum not just as a vote on this issue but as a vote on his leadership of the party.  The PDP narrowly lost the most recent gubernatorial election to Governor Pedro Pierluisi and his pro-statehood New Progressive Party.

Gov. Pierluisi signs labor reform law

On Monday evening, Puerto Rican Governor Pedro Pierluisi signed a law meant to enhance private sector worker benefits including increasing protections against unjustified dismissals, rules regarding larger annual bonuses, and a “paid time-off” for part-time workers.  Questions loom regarding the legality of this law, specifically asking if it is in violation of existing Federal law.   The Fiscal Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (FOMB) cautioned Pierluisi not to sign the bill in fear it might hamper Puerto Rico’s economic growth at a time when the labor participation rate is only 38%. A spokesperson for the FOMB said they are now reviewing the legislation to make sure it conforms with the Island’s latest fiscal plan.

Road safety grants for Puerto Rico

With fatalities and car crashes increasing over the past few years, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FCMSA) announced over $450 million in grants to increase road safety, with millions potentially available for Puerto Rico.  Last year, FMCSA awarded over $76 Million in grants representing a significant increase in funds focusing on keeping our roads safe.  

New Coast Guard Commander for Puerto Rico

Captain Jose E. Diaz was announced on June 16^th as the new commander for the Coast Guard’s Sector San Juan, who succeeds Captain Gregory H. Magee. Under Captain MaGee’s leadership, the Coast Guard saved 260 lives and seized 25,000 kilos of cocaine worth an estimated $625 Million. Sector San Juan includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and covers a 1.3 million square nautical mile area. Captain Diaz served as Sector San Juan’s Deputy Commander the past two years. The Unit is composed of 500 active and reserve duty personnel across 13 subordinate units. They monitor two of the busiest ports in the nation, with over 3 million visitors and 11,000 vessels annually, including 1,600 cruise ships.