Friday, January 30, 2015

Cut out corruption, US vice president tells Caribbean leaders

A deeper look at the migration complexity 

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Picture migration
By: Deepak Lamba Nieves
It is strange that an obsession with certain numbers exist in a country where scarce production and dissemination of necessary and reliable figures. Moreover if the subject that is posted is one prickly and uncomfortable raising welt easily like the Puerto Rican migration abroad.
Since the Census Bureau stated that Puerto Rico was one of two respondents "State" jurisdictions that have lost population during the first decade of the century, a fascination was unleashed to compute the exodus. Statistical enthusiasm will quickly gave way to making outrageous and dramatic choruses that served to accentuate and give warmth to the cold figures. Among the most popular and terribly cartoony catalog include "Ghetto old and poor," "a people bled" and "brain drain". The publishing formula worked to some extent. Calculations and platitudes alarmed masses, generated sensation and, more importantly, helped fatten the curiosity and "ratings". Despite their relative success, exercise failed one of the most necessary tasks: make way for a serious conversation about the complexity of contemporary island migration. Undoubtedly, various sources indicate that the number of people who have decided to emigrate from the island to other latitudes has increased significantly for almost a decade, and faster than those from return or first step. With little room for ambiguity, the data indicate that this is a new immigration wave, unlike other major transfers that occurred in the decades of 1950 and 1960. So here we are almost all in tune. However, as soon as we move from description to analysis is that the matter is complicated.
Guided in part by alarming reports and using an extremely dire tone, few specialists are dedicated to deliver heavy sentences that equate to emigration with a kind of tropical apocalypse. In order to convert your wisdom in soundbytes, and "chopping up front" have resorted to simplistic examinations and conservative gradually been superseded. The clearest example comes from the misconception that emigration left the island without brains, or educated minds argument. Analyzed lightly and carelessly, the initial assumption was clearly contradicted by two subsequent studies.
The discussion has focused on interpreting the preliminary results of the box score of a game in progress which inevitably has to be a winner and a loser. Obsessed with quantification of the matter is easily seen the idea that migration is a process that needs to be understood taking into account different perspectives: historical, political, social, cultural, and gender, among several others.Certainly, analyze migration as a process complicates the debate, because we invited to think about the different dynamics of reciprocating, or how to produce and reproduce transnational networks linked together coordinates of "here" and "there". Seen in this way can help cover the sun with your hand to recognize that many of our collective and individual stories are framed by the returns that we give through this "revolving door" and that migration is not just the big " cute "our broken economy.
We should worry the trend myopic reductionism, as well as their intellectual inelegancia, inspired official statements, bills, and state policies. Concerned about the alleged abandonment of national ports, and the threat that never again contribute to state coffers, several legislators and members of the executive have devised a range of bills and proposals are designed primarily northern create a tax packages, and some penalties, to stop the flow of the shrewdest and virile. Rather than seize the moment to build a sensible public policy linking migration to local economic development, our senior public servants have developed a crazy collage of measures that, besides those already mentioned include: taxes on remittances ( mostly Dominicans) who leave the country, and the creation of a tax haven to attract wealthy investors willing to place bets with our economy and convert Puerto Rico into his new Shangri-La business.
It bears repeating that there are numerous ski-on experiences of countries like India, China, Morocco and Mexico, among others-on how to develop a series programs that are starting to take out wave of migration to promote development. Interestingly, in 1948, a job center and migration of Puerto Rico government that articulated public policy and implemented several outreach programs diaspora was created. Although it served primarily to promote processes of assimilation and socioeconomic agenda forward ELA, is a native historical precedent. However, as suggested by some experts, is not tracing programs abroad and of old, but to adopt a new mindset to help us better understand our contemporary diaspora, build confidence among large migrant sectors and work closely with some key players. Ie are more hazing.
We need to generate a new transnational conversation on immigration. This dialogue should the phenomenon from a different look, one that exceeds the excessive histrionics of the current media story, which seems to be inspired by the immigration debacle told in The wagon René Marqués.Change the conversation should not be a difficult task, especially because today we have studies, reports, films, poems, stories and songs, and a huge trail of relations between those who stay and go on social networks, produced within and outside the island, rebuilding solid bridges between our multiple points of origin and destination. But it is not an easy exercise because it requires a particular sensitivity to understand that many of our obstacles, and denial that we are a migrant people, emanating from guilt by neglect and an outdated patriotic sense we have been dragging for decades.
The author is Research Director of the Center for a New Economy. This column was originally published in The New Day on January 18, 2015.
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By: Miguel Soto Class
The beginning of a new year always causes us to exchange thoughts and longings of renewal and improvement. We examine our lives and look to have a new slimmer body, new clothes for work, new ténis for school and living outside Puerto Rico can even dream about new home or new job. Finally, the beginning of a new year brings us all to think about how to leave behind the old does not work and how to develop a new and better performance.
The institutions are not exempt from this type of reflection. In fact, since I founded the Center for a New Economy seventeen years, I have always taken advantage of the Christmas holidays to review and evaluate our work, impact and direction.
Credit degradation government last year made me think more deeply than usual, because since 2006 CNE had published a report warning of the high possibility that Puerto Rico lost its investment grade if things were doing like hitherto. That same year we presented a series of proposals to redress public finances of the country, but even when often CNE has managed to translate its analysis on specific public policies, this time the advice fell on deaf ears.
Causes no satisfaction for us to see our notices and signs as to the Electric Power Authority, the Retirement System, the debt of the country, the imbalance of budgets and more recently the loss of our credit rating be all accurate.
I refuse to think that our job is to diagnose problems and present solutions just so incompetent, corrupt and outdated political and governmental apparatus and carried the tangled ignore an entire country to catastrophe
That is why we have made a fundamental change in strategy at the Center for a New Economy. In Puerto Rico today, study, analyze, propose and present solutions, although it remains vitally important, unfortunately not enough. Needless to combine empirical analysis with action and coordination of tactics to enable citizens to demand itself and cause the desired result.
So in CNE we say we are now a "think-tank Plus": an institution that uses the empirical analysis, weighted and nuanced but combined with concrete action to bring about change. And we have entered this new vision with a graphical change our logo which now includes the plus sign (+) as it reflects our new intention to do more and achieve more and keep adding achievements, support and partners.
We tested this new strategy last year to energy reform, when our analysis informed public debate and our proposals influenced the legislation. We're also now in the context of tax reform to Work Credit. In these two recent examples used combine empirical analysis and formulation of proposals CNE with other efforts such as campaigns in social media, the use of computer graphics, testimony before legislative bodies, coordinated with other nongovernmental entities efforts and eliciting an robust public discussion.
Every day I hear the claim of many that Puerto Rico needs a real leader. A hero to save us from our fall into the void. I am sorry to say but the reality is that this leader will not come. At least not in the near future. Our political systemis so ossified, atrophied and eaten competent anyone can enter. The only real solution is a strong enough and organized citizen sector that can confront the government, tame it and force it to function as the Pueblo decides. And for that we must work harder. Join the effort and certainly we will.
The author is president of the Center for a New Economy. This column was originally published in the newspaper El Nuevo Dia on January 28, 2015.
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18.3002: 35CBS Puerto Rico - Former Governor Luis Fortuno PR PR on equality

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    Cut out corruption, US vice president tells Caribbean leaders

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    energy_summit3.jpg
     By Caribbean News Now contributor

    WASHINGTON, USA - Speaking at the Caribbean Energy Security Summit in Washington on Monday, US Vice President Joe Biden Told Caribbean leaders to get a handle on corruption and pick the projects make the most sense That.

    Otherwise, I Said, while the United States was ready to help with aid and other financing, it would not do so With Its eyes closed.

    "First and foremost, you Have to Deal with corruption," I Told the gathering of Caribbean leaders and energy experts. "You need to be choosing projects Because They are the MOST competitive, not for other reasons."

    "I guarantee you we will do our part," I Said. "And we can Afford it. But we're not going to waste money. We're going to insist on reduced considerably more transparency, greater coordination and Changes in Regulations. We're not here to replace flawed financing Scheme with one another. "

    Caribbean Community (CARICOM) chairman, Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie, spoke acerca how small nations in the Caribbean are heavily reliant on imported oil and petroleum products.

    "This Makes us extremely vulnerable to the vagaries of the international oil markets," Christie Said. 

    The Recent dramatic drop in oil prices - while seen as a net positive to the US and other economies - was just another indication of how volatile the market is, I Said.

    While the US Department of Justice has Actively Pursued Allegations of foreign corruption, notably in a Recent Case Involving the state-owned Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), Biden's admonition rings hollow to some observers When the US government itself has endorsed the controversial Involvement of a US public company called PowerSecure International, Inc. in bidding for a management contract in relation to BEC.

    In May of last year, Louisiana law firm Kahn Swick & Foti Announced That It had commenced an investigation into PowerSecure Whether focusing on the company and / or officers and directors HAD ITS violated federal or state securities laws. 

    Such claims-did not, however it, prevent US Commerce Secretary, billionaire Penny Pritzker, from attempting to Influence the Bahamian government to select two US-based groups, one of Which was PowerSecure, BEC and to reform the energy sector Describing them as the " superior choice ".

    In a direct lobbying effort directed at deputy prime minister, Philip 'Brave' Davis, Pritzker Promoted the "cutting edge" proposal "Submitted By PowerSecure.

    Pritzker, in a June 27, 2014, letter to Davis, Said That PowerSecure is a company "with years of experience in the realm of power generation and distribution, and bring to the table cutting-edge Proposals to meet today's energy needs."

    According To Pritzker, PowerSecure had "the full support of the United States government."

    However, According to the local media on Tuesday, Christie Claimed to Have Received for two American firms Lithuania backing from top US Embassy Officials in Nassau. This HAD Reportedly Dealt With The integrity of one US firm, in particular.

    While not Identifying the US FIRMS I was Referring to Christie Reportedly Said on Monday: "I have written Received support from the Embassy in Nassau, from the deputy secretary of state and the Secretary of State of the US government [John Kerry] With RESPECT Applicant to owners, Certifying Their integrity. "

    Requests for clarification and / or comment Concerning Such a "warranty" by the US government sent to the Departments of State, Justice and Commerce in Washington Were not Respond to substantively by press time.

    Of special interest are answers to the following questions in esta RESPECT:

    1. Is the report true?

    2. If so, how can the US government confirm With absolute certainty the integrity of any commercial business, Especially One That was last year Claimed by a Louisiana law firm to Have Possibly violated federal or state securities laws?

    3. If the US government "warranty" in this Respect is later found to be flawed, the US government will make good any financial loss Suffered by any person as a result of reliance on such "warranty"?

    4. Similarly, if the US government "warranty" is found to be flawed, would this "warranty" then operate as an estoppel Effective of criminal and / or civil proceedings Against any party Initiated by the US government?


    Related article: Bahamas bribery claim puts spotlight on current board members and cabinet
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    Authorities seize Puerto Rico pre-Columbian artifacts

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    artifacts.jpg
     SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Five carved pieces dating to the time of the Indigenous People of the Greater Antilles islands, Were found last week inside the luggage of a traveler by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations officers at the Luis Munoz Marin International airport.

    The traveler Indicated That the five carved clay Arawak or Taino items artifacts Were That Were Given to him as gift in the Dominican Republic.

    The Arawak or Taino Indigenous People Were the islands of the Greater Antilles: Cuba, Quisqueya (Hispaniola), Jamaica and Borinquen (Puerto Rico). 

    An examination by the Archeology Department of Puerto Rico's Institute of Puerto Rican Culture confirmed all five pieces to be authentic.

    Disposition of These items will be determined to after careful examination Until They can be returned con sus rightful owner.

    Most country clubs laws That Have Their Cultural protect property. Art / artifacts / antiquities;archaeological and ethnological materials are terms used to describe Also esta material. These laws include export controls and / or national ownership of the cultural property. Even if Purchased from a business in the country of origin or in another country, legal ownership of Such artifacts May be in question if brought` into the United States.

    THEREFORE,, Although They Do Not Necessarily confer ownership, you must have: such as export documents and receipts When importing Permits Such items into the United States.

    While foreign laws May not be enforceable in the United States, They can cause Un certain US laws to be Invoked.

    As additional US import restrictions may be imposed in response to requests from other country clubs, it is wise for prospective purchasers to visit the State Department Cultural property website.Also this website has images representative of the cultural categories of property for Which there are specific US import restrictions.
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    Authorities seize Puerto Rico pre-Columbian artifacts

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    Authorities seize Puerto Rico pre-Columbian artifacts

    January 29, 2015
     SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Five carved pieces dating to the time of the Indigenous People of the Greater Antilles islands, Were found last week inside the luggage of a traveler by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations officers at the Luis Munoz Marin International airport.

    Two Dominican Republic Citizens arrested after Attempted re-entry to US

    January 29, 2015
    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol agents last Thursday arrested two Citizens of the Dominican Republic for attempting to re-enter the United States after prior removal. Antonio Santana-Areche, 41 and Felix Manuel Mejias-Rijo, 39, appeared ...

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    Maduro floats Oscar López release jailed opposition leader to send

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    Maduro floats Oscar López release jailed opposition leader to send into exile

    Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Said I would Consider freeing jailed opposi ...

    PR gearing up for investment summit

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    PR wants $ 600M for Martin Peña dredging

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    San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz Pledged That the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian festival will go on as scheduled esta DESPITE month to $ 1 ...
    Florida-based Denison Yacht Sales has expanded into the Caribbean-through a Partnership with Puerto Rico-based Industrial Marine & Servi ...
    White House says it will veto bill to Approve oil pipeline
    Issued: January 6 2015
    WASHINGTON - The White House on Tuesday Threatened to veto the first piece of legislation Introduced in the Republican-controlled Senate, a ...

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    'Analysts lean negative on Puerto Rico governor's second year,

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    'Analysts lean negative on Puerto Rico governor's second year,' The Bond Buyer

    Two years into Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla's tenure, local ...
    Wovenware to expand
    Issued: January 12, 2015
    Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla is expected to announce later esta morning t ...
    At Least one person died after a helicopter crashed Saturday morning in waters near Puerto Rico's capital, según police.
    Volkswagen, Ford take top awards at the Detroit auto show
    Issued: January 12, 2015
    DETROIT - Ford's big move to aluminum for the body of Its flagship F-150 truck've Helped it garner some additional item: The har ...
    Issued: January 12, 2015

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    PR Supreme Court denies petition Doral

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    PR Supreme Court denies petition Doral

    The Puerto Rico Supreme Court denied a petition Monday by Doral Financial Cor ...
    Sun Country Airlines to Provide San Juan-Naples flight
    Issued: January 12, 2015
    The first nonstop service Between Fort Myers, Fla., And San Juan will st ...
    United / American targeted in Attempt to steal customers' thousands
    Issued: January 12, 2015
    DALLAS - Thieves With stolen usernames and passwords Have broken into custo ...
    The Economist has pegged Puerto Rico as one of the world's worst performing Economies in ITS Global predictions for 2015.
    "Captain America: Civil War," the third installment in the blockbuster movie series featuring the popular Marvel Comics character, will be p ...
    Obama's upbeat message economy to shift from last year's tone
    Issued: January 12, 2015
    WASHINGTON - A year ago, in a high-profile address, President Barack Obama offered Preferred a somber assessment of what ailed the middle class....
    Millions more people to get Their credit score for free
    Issued: January 12, 2015
    NEW YORK - Millions more people will have free access to Their FICO credit score esta year. That's good news for Consumers, since the ...
    Social Security will not seize tax refunds to collect old debts
    Issued: January 12, 2015
    WASHINGTON - People Who owe old debts to the Social Security Administration are getting a reprieve esta tax season: The federal governm ...
    Two stock exchanges paying $ 14 million to settle SEC case on orders
    Issued: January 12, 2015
    WASHINGTON -
    Two securities exchanges Have Agreed to pay a full $ 14 million to settle federal charges of giving inaccurate information t ...
    Makes Strong dollar world travel cheaper for Americans
    Issued: January 12, 2015
    DALLAS - Trips in Europe or Asia Should be cheaper for Americans esta year.
    Thank a stronger dollar.
    ...

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