Friday, July 11, 2014

Partisan Puerto Rico? - Puerto Rico Report | History of corruption in Puerto Rico - Primera Hora: "Unfortunately, the political history of Puerto Rico has been tainted by some characters in an effort to get more money and power..." | Director of Ethics Ensures That there will be more cases of corruption | Pierluisi Statement on Puerto Rico and Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code | Putin begins Americas visit in Cuba - BBC

The Lady Liberty has Puerto Rico on her mind 

Partisan Puerto Rico? | Puerto Rico Report

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Statehood for Puerto Rico has been championed by the national Republican Party and by many Republican elected leaders, including Presidents Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush to name a few.  But some Republicans fear that a State of Puerto Rico would be a Democratic State.
The truth is that the national political orientation of a State of Puerto Rico is yet to be determined. Trying to predict it is much more difficult than it was predicting the predominant party preferences of Alaska and Hawaii under statehood.
In the cases of both of those territories — the most recent to become States — the conventional political wisdom in Washington, DC got it absolutely wrong.  It was thought that Alaska would be a Democratic State and Hawaii and Republican one.  The opposite has turned out to be true.
Here are some points about Puerto Rico to keep in mind.
Republican and Democrat are not the important political divisions in Puerto Rico.  Puerto Rico’s main political parties are local parties organized around different visions of the territory’s ultimate political status — statehood, independence, and a proposal for a “Commonwealth” status that Federal officials of both national political parties have said is impossible for constitutional and other reasons. The primary politics of the territory revolve around the status debate. Because Puerto Rico has no votes in the election of the president and vice president of the country, has no senators, and does not have voting representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, national party identification is a minor issue in Puerto Rican politics and many Puerto Ricans do not identify with either national political party. The current representative to the Federal government with a seat but not a vote in the U.S. House, Piedro Pierluisi, is a national Democrat, but ran on the ticket of a Governor, Luis Fortuno, who was a national Republican. At the time, Fortuno headed the statehood party; now Pierluisi does. When Puerto Rico becomes a State, the reasons for its status-based parties will cease to exist and national parties will be the main political organizations.
Puerto Rico already has Democratic and Republican parties.  Their only politics concern presidential nominations. Puerto Rico does have votes in the nominating process of both national parties. About one-quarter of Puerto Rico’s voters participate. Their votes suggest that a State of Puerto Rico could have a competitive Republican Party.
Puerto Rico has elected many Republicans. When Luis Fortuno was Governor, Puerto Rico’s Senate president, House speaker, and many of its mayors — including the mayor of San Juan — were national Republicans. Fortuno was not Puerto Rico’s first national Republican Governor. A majority of Puerto Rico’s elected governors have not been Democrats. If not Republicans, they have had no national political party identification.
Many Puerto Ricans who have moved to the States in recent years have voted for Republicans who support statehood for Puerto Rico. More Puerto Ricans who have moved to the States in recent decades have moved to Florida than to other States. Governor Jeb Bush, a statehood advocate, won a majority of the Puerto Rican vote.
Many Puerto Ricans share Republican values. Mitt Romney said, “Those people who don’t think that Latinos will vote for a Republican need to take a look in Puerto Rico.” He was referring to the national Republicans in Puerto Rico’s statehood party, its largest local party. Many political analysts also point out that Puerto Ricans tend to be socially conservative compared with Democrats in the existing States. And, of the three current voting members of the U.S. House born in Puerto Rico, one is a conservative Republican.
In short, both Democrats and Republicans would have to work to gain voters from a new State of Puerto Rico; the result would not be a foregone conclusion. President George H.W. Bush believed that Puerto Rico would be a Republican State if Republicans championed the inevitable statehood for the territory. Republicans who oppose statehood for the territory can create a self-fulfilling prophecy.





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» Carmen Yulin deplores arrest of the mayor of Rio Grande
11/07/14 10:33 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Metro - Últimas noticias. The mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulin Cruz today deplored the arrest of his counterpart in Rio Grande, Eduard Rivera Correa, who sleep this night in jail on federal charges of extor...
» Puerto Rico probes millions of dollars in overtime
11/07/14 10:32 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)— Legislators in Puerto Rico have launched an investigation into the payment of millions of dollars for overtime in government agencies, the island's Senate announced Wednesday...
» Corruption in our country has a history
11/07/14 10:30 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . They are chosen to direct the destiny of his people. It is in them that your townspeople deposited confidence and hope, but sometimes only few seconds are sufficient to defraud those who placed him in that ch...
» They warn that cases of corruption are more like the mayor of Rio Grande
11/07/14 10:27 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . By <a href="http://Primerahora.com" rel="nofollow">Primerahora.com</a> 07.11.2014 | 6:51 a.m. The director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), Zulma Rosario warned that soon will be released...
» Director of Ethics Ensures That there will be more cases of corruption
11/07/14 10:26 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story . The director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), Zulma Rosario warned That soon will be released more cases of public corruption related to the mayor of Rio Grande, Eduard Rivera Correa. As I spoke in a...
» Four same-sex couples join Puerto Rico marriage lawsuit
11/07/14 10:14 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Archbishop of San Juan (Puerto Rico) González Nieves - Búsqueda de blogs. San Juan Archbishop Roberto González Nieves , Rev. Wanda Rolón and others religious figures are among those who continue to oppose...
» Pierluisi Statement on Puerto Rico and Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code
11/07/14 10:13 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Res. Comm. Pedro Pierluisi - Representing the At Large District of PUERTO RICO. Washington, DC—Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi issued the following statement regarding the recently-enacted “Puerto Ri...
» Putin begins Americas visit in Cuba
11/07/14 10:06 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from BBC News - Latin America & Caribbean. Russian President Vladimir Putin is beginning a visit to Latin America in Cuba, in an attempt to further boost ties with the one-time Soviet ally.
» Partisan Puerto Rico?
11/07/14 10:00 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Puerto Rico Report. Statehood for Puerto Rico has been championed by the national Republican Party and by many Republican elected leaders, including Presidents Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush to name a few....
» Puerto Rico Electric Agency Used Reserves for July 1 Payment - Bloomberg
11/07/14 09:56 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from puerto rico - Google News. Puerto Rico Electric Agency Used Reserves for July 1 Payment Bloomberg The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, which supplies most of the island's electricity, used reserve fun...
» Puerto Rico: Default | Fausta's Blog
11/07/14 09:53 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from puerto rico - Google Blog Search. A Puerto Rican default should not surprise anyone. According to Carlos Colón de Armas, acting dean of the School of Business Administration at the University of Puerto Ric...
» Puerto Rican debt restructuring law causes problems for ...
11/07/14 09:53 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from puerto rico - Google Blog Search. A new debt restructuring law passed by the Puerto Rican government has raised concerns among US bondholders and resulted in the stock prices of Municipal Bond Insurance As...
» Pedro Pierluisi to Address Puerto Rico Bailout Issue on ...
11/07/14 09:52 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from puerto rico - Google Blog Search. Here are excerpts from Caribbean Business: Pierluisi, the island's lone member of Congress, said he will gauge the sentiment among legislative leaders on Capitol Hill rega...
» What Can Puerto Rico Do? – Microjuris - Puerto Rico
11/07/14 09:52 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from puerto rico - Google Blog Search. Puerto Rico is insolvent, unable to pay current maturities of debt for itself and its municipal corporations and unable to pay that debt in full. Continued support of its ...
» UPDATE 1-Puerto Rico seeks to reassure markets on $70 bln debt - Reuters
11/07/14 09:51 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from puerto rican community in usa - Google News. UPDATE 1- Puerto Rico seeks to reassure markets on $70 bln debt Reuters " Puerto Rico has repeatedly delivered on its credit promises, and the willingness ...
» Officials say Prepa was the driving force behind PR bankruptcy law - Caribbean B...
11/07/14 09:34 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from PR Economy and Business News Review. Officials say Prepa was the driving force behind PR bankruptcy law - Caribbean Business www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com gov. alejandro garcía padilla passed legislation ena...
» Can Puerto Rico Keep the Lights On? - BusinessweekBusinessweekCan Puerto Ri...
11/07/14 09:33 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from PR Economy and Business News Review. Can Puerto Rico Keep the Lights On? - Businessweek Businessweek Can Puerto Rico Keep the Lights On? Businessweek Like U.S. states, Puerto Rico can't file for bankr...
» Puerto Rico pushes plan as it seeks to regain market accesswww.reuters.comSAN...
11/07/14 09:33 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from PR Economy and Business News Review. Puerto Rico pushes plan as it seeks to regain market access www.reuters.com SAN JUAN Puerto Rico (Reuters) - Puerto Rico's top finance officials said on Thursday t...
» FBI arrests Puerto Rico mayor accused of bribery - Yahoo News
11/07/14 09:29 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Geopolitical Aspects PR Political Status. FBI arrests Puerto Rico mayor accused of bribery Yahoo News SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — FBI agents have arrested a mayor in Puerto Rico on charges of bribery, ext...
» 'Cooperation with Latin America is key to Russia's foreign ...
11/07/14 09:28 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Geopolitical Aspects PR Political Status. Moscow's cooperation with Latin American states is a priority for Russia's foreign policy, President Vladimir Putin told Cuba's Prensa Latina and Russia's Itar-Tas...
» Latin America Holds Promise for Russian Foreign Policy - Putin - The Voice of Russia
11/07/14 09:28 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Geopolitical Aspects PR Political Status. The Guardian Latin America Holds Promise for Russian Foreign Policy - Putin The Voice of Russia "The visa-free zone covers practically all South American stat...
» Russia ready to collaborate with all Latin American countries - Putin - The Voice of Russia
11/07/14 09:27 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Geopolitical Aspects PR Political Status. RT Russia ready to collaborate with all Latin American countries - Putin The Voice of Russia President Vladimir Putin Russia is interested in strong, economically ...
» Feds bust PR mayor for corruption - Caribbean Businesswww.caribbeanbusinesspr.co...
11/07/14 09:25 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from CARIBBEAN BUSINESS's Facebook Wall. Feds bust PR mayor for corruption - Caribbean Business www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com The Popular Democratic Party mayor is accused of demanding thousands of dollars in...
» BBC: 'Heavy Ukrainian losses' as rebels fire rockets in east - Kyiv Post
11/07/14 09:21 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Top Stories - Google News. Kyiv Post BBC: 'Heavy Ukrainian losses' as rebels fire rockets in east Kyiv Post Russian BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system launches rockets during military exercises in th...
» Infamous 'Chechen' Warlord in Syria Is Really From Georgia, Report Says
11/07/14 09:19 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from The Moscow Times Top Stories. An infamous jihadist warlord fighting in the Middle East and known as "Omar the Chechen" actually hails from the Christian nation of Georgia, a news report said Friday.
» Putin Arrives In Cuba At Start Of Latin American Tour
11/07/14 09:18 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks
mikenova shared this story from Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Cuba at the start of a six-day tour of Latin America.

Carmen Yulin deplores arrest of the mayor of Rio Grande

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The mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulin Cruz today deplored the arrest of his counterpart in Rio Grande, Eduard Rivera Correa, who sleep this night in jail on federal charges of extortion, bribery, obstruction of justice and public corruption.
"It is unfortunate Whenever someone in the public service is arrested and Accused of an act of corruption the country has the feeling of losing a little faith in Their Institutions," said the local executive, part of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD), as Rivera Correa.
Noting That "the process is starting" and That "In this country is no presumption of innocence," the mayor of San Juan Expressed Solidarity with the families of Rivera Correa and sent them "peace" and "much serenity at this time." The Mayor of Rio Grande, Cruz recommended That "meets this process forward and That is the truth to prevail."
"I was subjected to an FEI (independent special prosecutor.) There was never an accusation, never produced an arrest and then a year and several months later I Declared clean and spotless. I know how sad it is to go through a situation like this especially for the family, "the popular leader, who after investigation said I was" clean and without blemish, "since there was no charge.
However, I've Noted That "no public servant is exempt from the law."
Allegedly Rivera Correa received $ 39,000. Meanwhile, his legal adviser in the town, attorney Alejandro Carrasco, Allegedly received $ 183,365. Carrasco Also arrested was This Morning.
The scheme in two OFFICIALS Which Were Involved consisted of contractors asking for money or buy lockers political events in exchange for city contracts.
See also these notes:

Puerto Rico probes millions of dollars in overtime

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SAN JUAN, 
Puerto Rico
 (AP)— Legislators in 
Puerto Rico
 have launched an investigation into the payment of millions of dollars for overtime in government agencies, the island's Senate announced Wednesday.Senate President Eduardo Bhatia said overtime for some workers sometimes exceeded their annual salaries.
"This told us two things: there's a deficiency in supervision and a lack of planning," he said.
A commission charged with the probe is expected to issue a report and 
propose
measures to curtail payments. The investigation comes as 
Puerto Rico
 enters its eighth year in recession and struggles under a $73 billion public debt load.
Bhatia said the island's struggling power company paid nearly $53 million in overtime last year, and more than $70 million in 2012. The agency is struggling with some $9 billion in debt and recently reached an agreement with lenders to delay payments on its lines of credit.
Bhatia said the island's water and sewer company also paid nearly $30 million in overtime last year.

http://news.yahoo.com/puerto-rico-probes-mill...
The power company should get some off 
island
workers in 
to check
 all the new meters, I know of two homes that the power guy hacked them somehow to run slowly as he installed them here in Vega Baja, one neighbor asked me if I wanted it done and quoted me 200$ and she runs A/C 24-7

Corruption in our country has a history

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They are chosen to direct the destiny of his people. It is in them that your townspeople deposited confidence and hope, but sometimes only few seconds are sufficient to defraud those who placed him in that chair. 
Unfortunately, the political history of Puerto Rico has been tainted by some characters in an effort to get more money and power corrupted and end up facing a judicial process that-in some instances-put them behind bars, but worse ends its credibility and future in public service.  
Yesterday, a new public corruption case shook the country, especially the residents of Rio Grande, following the arrest by federal authorities of its mayor, Eduard Rivera. But it is not the first acting mayor being arrested for participating in an alleged corruption scheme. Probably will not be the last. 
Here, an account of some municipal executive - of the two major political parties of the country who have been convicted, either at the state or federal level. 
1. Edgar Santana (Vega Baja)
On 14 November 2011 he was found guilty by a jury on 18 counts of second-degree bribery for soliciting and receiving bribes from contractors in the Municipality of Vega Baja. The December 16, 2011, Santana was sentenced to 18 years in prison. He became the first mayor of Vega Baja NPP who is deprived of liberty.
 
Two. Francisco Javier Rivera (Hormigueros)
In 2002 then-Governor Sila María Calderón suspended him without pay after an investigation revealed irregularities in awarding a contract for debris removal after Hurricane Georges. Justice sent the case to the FEI. He was found guilty on three of four counts of receiving a bribe of $ 100,000 from the contractor Carlos Ramos Morales and his company. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison. In 2006 he managed to bail on appeal.
 
Three. Angel "Diver" Rodríguez (Toa Alta)
He was charged by federal authorities in 1998 and convicted and sentenced in 1999 for extorting a contractor who was hired to collect debris after Hurricane Georges. He was charged will require $ 2.5 million to the company hired to reconstruction work in the aftermath of atmospheric phenomenon. He was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment. 
  
4. Soto Wilson (Chestnut)
The facts against Soto Molina back to 2004, following the passage of Tropical Storm Jeanne, when, allegedly, took $ 128,000 bribe by Oram Engineering company in exchange for granting the contract for debris removal. After the trial, was sentenced to four years in jail on charges of aggravated bribery and violations of the Ethics in Government Act. After the verdict, the former mayor managed to incurring a $ 5,000 bond as his appeal is resolved, so it is under house arrest with a shackle. A week ago, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that acquitted the former mayor for the offense of undue influence but, in turn, confirms his conviction for violations of the Ethics in Government Act and ordered to return the case to the Court in Bayamon, to remake the presentence report in light of the ruling. Following this decision, it will have to review the sentence of four years in prison.  
 
May . Luis Fontanes Sol (Barceloneta)
The February 15, 2012, former mayor of Barceloneta, Sol Luis Fontanes, was arrested by federal authorities in the parking lot of a shopping center on charges of extortion. He was charged for soliciting illegal cash payments in exchange for approving the sale of properties in the village. The former mayor pleaded guilty to extortion, for which he was sentenced to ten years in prison on the federal level. Against Fontanes also settled several positions statewide bribery, rape and aggravated damages to the Ethics in Government Act. For these charges was sentenced to 13 years in prison, which will meet concurrently with the sentence at the federal level and meet three additional years in state prison.
 
6. Ruben Caro (Rincon)
In 2007, through an agreement Ruben Caro pleaded guilty to misappropriation and attempted bribery. I had to return $ 158,000 to the municipality, pay a fine of $ 11.800 to the Office of Government Ethics and $ 15,000 to the Ofei. Sentenced to six years on probation.
 
7. Bernardo Negron (Villalba)
He was arrested at his home by federal marshals after a federal grand jury accused him eight criminal charges for allegedly participating in a corruption scheme in Central Municipal Revenue Collection (CRIM). Received a sentence of 33 months in federal prison.
 
8. Juan Rodríguez Santana (Humacao)
Sentenced in 1993 to 22 years in prison and $ 90,000 restitution for 91 acts of corruption.
Read the whole story

· · · · · · · · · · ·

They warn that cases of corruption are more like the mayor of Rio Grande

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By <a href="http://Primerahora.com" rel="nofollow">Primerahora.com</a> 07.11.2014 | 6:51 a.m.
The director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), Zulma Rosario warned that soon will be released more cases of public corruption related to the mayor of Rio Grande, Eduard Rivera Correa.
As he spoke in a radio interview (NotiUno) on the case of the municipal executive, said his agency investigates with federal authorities "about this and many more" public corruption cases.
 "So the people of Puerto Rico should not be surprised when a little later still emerging cases of this magnitude to light," he said.
 Rivera Correa was arrested Thursday morning by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, for its acronym in English).
 According to the federal indictment against the mayor, between February 2010 and February 2012 the mayor received approximately $ 39,000 in cash to a person identified in the indictment as "Building A".
The payments made to the contractor Rivera Correa were intended to influence the business conducted by the municipality. One contract for inspection of construction work was for $ 98,000 and another for $ 171,000, and included the possibility of future renovations.
Rivera Correa allegedly tried to extort money from the contractor and demanded $ 4,000 in cash to buy tickets for a political dinner in exchange for continuing to do business with the town of Rio Grande.
On the other hand, the director of OEG criticized that administration of Alejandro García Padilla has cut her budget for this fiscal year.
 "We removed funds, minimizing the work we do. How is it possible, knowing that in Puerto Rico there are so many signs of corruption, anti-corruption agencies that are torpedoing us? "Rosario was questioned.

Director of Ethics Ensures That there will be more cases of corruption

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The director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), Zulma Rosario warned That soon will be released more cases of public corruption related to the mayor of Rio Grande, Eduard Rivera Correa.
As I spoke in a Radio interview (NotiUno) on the case of the local executive, said his agency investigates with federal authorities "about this and many more" public corruption cases you.
"So the people of Puerto Rico Should not be surprised When a little later still emerging cases of this magnitude to light," I said.
Rivera Correa was arrested yesterday morning by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, for its acronym in Inglés).
ACCORDING to the federal indictment against the greater, between February 2010 and February 2012 the largest received approximately $ 39,000 in cash to a person Identified in the indictment as "Building A".
The payments made ​​to the contractor Rivera Correa Were Intended to Influence the business Conducted by the Municipality. One contract for inspection of construction work was for $ 98,000 and another for $ 171,000, and included The Possibility of future renovations.
Rivera Correa tried to extort money Allegedly from the contractor and Demanded $ 4,000 in cash to buy tickets for a political dinner in exchange for Continuing to do business with the town of Rio Grande.
On the other hand, the director of OEG Criticized That administration of Alejandro García Padilla has cut her budget for this tax year.
"We removed funds, Minimizing the work we do. How is it possible, knowing That in Puerto Rico there are so many signs of corruption, anti-corruption agencies are torpedoing That us? "Rosario was Questioned.
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Four same-sex couples join Puerto Rico marriage lawsuit

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San Juan Archbishop Roberto González Nieves, Rev. Wanda Rolón and others religious figures are among those who continue to oppose efforts to expand rights to LGBT Puerto Ricans. “Our people are already on the right ...
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Pierluisi Statement on Puerto Rico and Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code 

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Washington, DC—Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi issued the following statement regarding the recently-enacted “Puerto Rico Public Corporation Debt Enforcement and Recovery Act” and the ability of government-owned corporations in Puerto Rico to file under Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code: “The process by which the Governor of Puerto Rico and the territory’s Legislative Assembly recently approved a local law to enable certain government-owned corporations to restructure their debt was characterized by haste, a lack of transparency, and no public debate about the suitability of alternative ways to address the problem.  The Governor has said that restructuring is the ‘Plan B’ for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority.  In the States, this process can be undertaken pursuant to Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  A number of government entities in the States have used this process to get a second chance financially, and the process is tried and true.   But the Bankruptcy Code—like so many other federal laws—discriminates against the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. “The Bankruptcy Code states that an entity may be a debtor under Chapter 9 only if that entity is a municipality.  The Code defines ‘municipality’ as a ‘political subdivision or public agency or instrumentality of a State.’  Another provision of the Code provides that the term ‘State’ includes Puerto Rico, ‘except for the purpose of defining who may be a debtor under chapter 9 of this title.’  The most sensible reading of these provisions, taken together, is that government-owned corporations in Puerto Rico are not eligible to file under Chapter 9.     “I have been unable to identify a principled basis why Puerto Rico, which is treated like a State for all other purposes of the Bankruptcy Code, should not also be treated like a State for purposes of Chapter 9.  Accordingly, I believe it would be logical and appropriate for the Code to be amended to authorize government-owned corporations in Puerto Rico to file under Chapter 9 to the same degree and extent as their counterparts in the 50 States.  Puerto Rico’s disparate treatment under Chapter 9 is yet another example of how the island’s status as a territory deprives it of equal treatment.   “It should be noted that, even if the Bankruptcy Code were amended to authorize government-owned corporations in Puerto Rico to file under Chapter 9, the government-owned corporation would also need to be specifically authorized to file under Chapter 9 by local law, so Puerto Rico would need to have a law on the books that provides such authorization. “Instead of working in coordination with my office to determine if Chapter 9 can be amended to give Puerto Rico the same authority that States have for their instrumentalities, the Governor had his delegation in the Legislative Assembly pass an 150-page bill in less than a day.  There was no opportunity for a serious, public discussion about the bill, the alternative approaches, and their relative merits and demerits.  The Governor spent $5 million of taxpayer money to draft this bill, without any oversight.  Within hours of the bill being signed into law, bond companies owning one-fifth of PREPA’s bonds went to federal court to challenge the law’s constitutionality.  The independent credit rating agencies and the market for all of Puerto Rico’s bonds have reacted in strongly negative fashion to the law.  “As Puerto Rico’s only representative in Congress, and a member of the House Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, it is my responsibility to explore whether the process that applies in the States—and that has proven to work—should be available in the territory.  That is why I intend to consult closely with leaders in the House and Senate, the White House, and other stakeholders regarding the prospect of federal legislation to eliminate the clause in the Bankruptcy Code that appears to prohibit government-owned corporations in Puerto Rico from filing under Chapter 9.”  
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Putin begins Americas visit in Cuba

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is beginning a visit to Latin America in Cuba, in an attempt to further boost ties with the one-time Soviet ally.

Partisan Puerto Rico? 

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Statehood for Puerto Rico has been championed by the national Republican Party and by many Republican elected leaders, including Presidents Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush to name a few.  But some Republicans fear that a State of Puerto Rico would be a Democratic State.
The truth is that the national political orientation of a State of Puerto Rico is yet to be determined. Trying to predict it is much more difficult than it was predicting the predominant party preferences of Alaska and Hawaii under statehood.
In the cases of both of those territories — the most recent to become States — the conventional political wisdom in Washington, DC got it absolutely wrong.  It was thought that Alaska would be a Democratic State and Hawaii and Republican one.  The opposite has turned out to be true.
Here are some points about Puerto Rico to keep in mind.
Republican and Democrat are not the important political divisions in Puerto Rico.  Puerto Rico’s main political parties are local parties organized around different visions of the territory’s ultimate political status — statehood, independence, and a proposal for a “Commonwealth” status that Federal officials of both national political parties have said is impossible for constitutional and other reasons. The primary politics of the territory revolve around the status debate. Because Puerto Rico has no votes in the election of the president and vice president of the country, has no senators, and does not have voting representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, national party identification is a minor issue in Puerto Rican politics and many Puerto Ricans do not identify with either national political party. The current representative to the Federal government with a seat but not a vote in the U.S. House, Piedro Pierluisi, is a national Democrat, but ran on the ticket of a Governor, Luis Fortuno, who was a national Republican. At the time, Fortuno headed the statehood party; now Pierluisi does. When Puerto Rico becomes a State, the reasons for its status-based parties will cease to exist and national parties will be the main political organizations.
Puerto Rico already has Democratic and Republican parties.  Their only politics concern presidential nominations. Puerto Rico does have votes in the nominating process of both national parties. About one-quarter of Puerto Rico’s voters participate. Their votes suggest that a State of Puerto Rico could have a competitive Republican Party.
Puerto Rico has elected many Republicans. When Luis Fortuno was Governor, Puerto Rico’s Senate president, House speaker, and many of its mayors — including the mayor of San Juan — were national Republicans. Fortuno was not Puerto Rico’s first national Republican Governor. A majority of Puerto Rico’s elected governors have not been Democrats. If not Republicans, they have had no national political party identification.
Many Puerto Ricans who have moved to the States in recent years have voted for Republicans who support statehood for Puerto Rico. More Puerto Ricans who have moved to the States in recent decades have moved to Florida than to other States. Governor Jeb Bush, a statehood advocate, won a majority of the Puerto Rican vote.
Many Puerto Ricans share Republican values. Mitt Romney said, “Those people who don’t think that Latinos will vote for a Republican need to take a look in Puerto Rico.” He was referring to the national Republicans in Puerto Rico’s statehood party, its largest local party. Many political analysts also point out that Puerto Ricans tend to be socially conservative compared with Democrats in the existing States. And, of the three current voting members of the U.S. House born in Puerto Rico, one is a conservative Republican.
In short, both Democrats and Republicans would have to work to gain voters from a new State of Puerto Rico; the result would not be a foregone conclusion. President George H.W. Bush believed that Puerto Rico would be a Republican State if Republicans championed the inevitable statehood for the territory. Republicans who oppose statehood for the territory can create a self-fulfilling prophecy.

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Puerto Rico Electric Agency Used Reserves for July 1 Payment - Bloomberg

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Puerto Rico Electric Agency Used Reserves for July 1 Payment
Bloomberg
The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, which supplies most of the island's electricity, used reserve funds to pay investors July 1, according to a Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board filing. The utility, known as Prepa, paid bondholders $417.6 ...

Puerto Rico: Default | Fausta's Blog 

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Puerto Rican default should not surprise anyone. According to Carlos Colón de Armas, acting dean of the School of Business Administration at the University of Puerto Rico, for eight years from 2005 through 2012, ...

Puerto Rican debt restructuring law causes problems for ...

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A new debt restructuring law passed by the Puerto Rican government has raised concerns among US bondholders and resulted in the stock prices of Municipal Bond Insurance Assoc. and Assured Guaranty Ltd. declining ...
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Pedro Pierluisi to Address Puerto Rico Bailout Issue on ...

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Here are excerpts from Caribbean Business: Pierluisi, the island's lone member of Congress, said he will gauge the sentiment among legislative leaders on Capitol Hill regarding potential aid to Puerto Rico to address a deep ...

What Can Puerto Rico Do? – Microjuris - Puerto Rico

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Puerto Rico is insolvent, unable to pay current maturities of debt for itself and its municipal corporations and unable to pay that debt in full. Continued support of its public corporations is placing an ongoing financial strain on ...

UPDATE 1-Puerto Rico seeks to reassure markets on $70 bln debt - Reuters

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UPDATE 1-Puerto Rico seeks to reassure markets on $70 bln debt
Reuters
"Puerto Rico has repeatedly delivered on its credit promises, and the willingness and ability of the Commonwealth to honor its obligations should be unquestioned in light of its actions over the last 18 months," David Chafey, chairman of the Government ...

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What Can Puerto Rico Do? – Microjuris - Puerto Rico

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The austerity and tax increases the capital community demands might actually be counter-productive and further depress the Puerto Rican economy; it has happened before. To lead like a debtor-in-possession, Puerto Rico ...

Officials say Prepa was the driving force behind PR bankruptcy law - Caribbean B... 

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Officials say Prepa was the driving force behind PR bankruptcy law - Caribbean Business
www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com
gov. alejandro garcía padilla passed legislation enabling public corporations to use a bankruptcy-like process over concerns that it …


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Can Puerto Rico Keep the Lights On? - Businessweek Businessweek Can Puerto Ri... 

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Can Puerto Rico Keep the Lights On? - Businessweek

Businessweek


Can Puerto Rico Keep the Lights On?
Businessweek
Like U.S. states, Puerto Rico can't file for bankruptcy protection. Governor Alejandro García Padilla signed a bill on June 28 that …


Can Puerto Rico Keep the Lights On? - Businessweek
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Puerto Rico pushes plan as it seeks to regain market access www.reuters.com SAN... 

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Puerto Rico pushes plan as it seeks to regain market access
www.reuters.com
SAN JUAN Puerto Rico (Reuters) - Puerto Rico's top finance officials said on Thursday that the U.S. commonwealth will step up efforts to explain a new restructuring law to …


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FBI arrests Puerto Rico mayor accused of bribery - Yahoo News

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FBI arrests Puerto Rico mayor accused of bribery
Yahoo News
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — FBI agents have arrested a mayor in Puerto Rico on charges of bribery, extortion and obstruction of justice. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Thursday Eduard Rivera Correa accepted more than $39,000 in kickbacks from a ...

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'Cooperation with Latin America is key to Russia's foreign ...

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Moscow's cooperation with Latin American states is a priority for Russia's foreign policy, President Vladimir Putin told Cuba's Prensa Latina and Russia's Itar-Tass news agencies in an interview. ... The visa-free zone covers practically all South American states and a number of Central American andCaribbean countries, and the number of the zone's member countries will increase. Question: What do you think of new integration platforms in Latin America, such as the ...

Latin America Holds Promise for Russian Foreign Policy - Putin - The Voice of Russia

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The Guardian



Latin America Holds Promise for Russian Foreign Policy - Putin
The Voice of Russia
"The visa-free zone covers practically all South American states and a number of Central American and Caribbean countries, and the number of the zone's member countries will increase," President Putin explained. "We are interested in strong ...
Putin: Russia for a Strong, Sustainable and Independent LatAmPrensa Latina

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Russia ready to collaborate with all Latin American countries - Putin - The Voice of Russia

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RT



Russia ready to collaborate with all Latin American countries - Putin
The Voice of Russia
President Vladimir Putin Russia is interested in strong, economically stable and politically independent, united Latin America that is becoming an important part of the emerging polycentric world order, informs ITAR-TASS. "In this ... That includes the ...
Putin: Russia for a Strong, Sustainable and Independent LatAmPrensa Latina
Vladimir Putin Traveling to Cuba Friday: ReportsNBC 6 South Florida

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Feds bust PR mayor for corruption - Caribbean Businesswww.caribbeanbusinesspr.co...

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Feds bust PR mayor for corruption - Caribbean Business
www.caribbeanbusinesspr.com
The Popular Democratic Party mayor is accused of demanding thousands of dollars in payoffs from a municipal contractor in exchange for being able to continue doing business with the northeast coast town�s government.

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