Latest / 787daily — Puerto Rico Every Morning / A Big Code, a Big Debate, and Your Thursday Briefing

Transcript

A Big Code, a Big Debate, and Your Thursday Briefing · 787daily — Puerto Rico Every Morning

• 0:00
  Good morning!
• 0:00
  This is 787daily, your Puerto Rico briefing for Thursday, October 15.
• 0:04
  Grab your coffee, because we're starting with a big one.
• 0:07
  The Puerto Rico Senate has passed a new Planning and Permits Code.
• 0:10
  And when I say big, I mean it.
• 0:13
  The code would repeal 46 legal and administrative instruments and 50 laws.
• 0:16
  50!
• 0:16
  That's a serious spring cleaning.
• 0:18
  But the vote comes amid criticism over a lack of debate, so expect people to keep talking about how this one got done.
• 0:24
  Now, a quieter story about the people behind the government.
• 0:27
  The Comptroller's Office will start a retirement initiative in 2027 for its aging workforce.
• 0:32
  So the planning is underway, with plenty of runway.
• 0:34
  Okay, practical news for your day, because this one might affect your morning.
• 0:38
  On Thursday, LUMA Energy will carry out maintenance, repair, and modernization work on its electrical infrastructure in 14 towns.
• 0:43
  That could mean power outages.
• 0:45
  So if you're in one of those municipalities, charge your phone and maybe don't schedule that big blender smoothie for the middle of the workday.
• 0:52
  And since we're talking power, let's stay with it.
• 0:55
  New Fortress Energy has resumed gas delivery to Puerto Rico, avoiding a judicial order.
• 0:59
  The reason is in the contract.
• 1:00
  NFE's contract with the government eliminates the possibility of obtaining a court order to enable the use of an alternative supplier.
• 1:06
  So the gas is flowing again, and the contract shapes what options are left.
• 1:10
  Next, a story that deserves a more serious tone.
• 1:13
  Shirly Morales, a school cafeteria supplier, says the Puerto Rico government owes her more than 400,$000.
• 1:19
  She says she hasn't been paid in almost two years.
• 1:21
  That's a long time to wait for money owed for work already done, and it's a reminder that behind a government balance sheet there are real people and real businesses trying to keep going.
• 1:31
  Finally, let's talk politics and the big status question.
• 1:34
  Carmelo Ríos says measures to limit citizenship in Puerto Rico will not succeed.
• 1:37
  He also believes that if Puerto Rico were to become a state, it would be a swing state, like Florida.
• 1:43
  It's a bold read of the island's place in the national picture, and you can bet it will get people talking.
• 1:49
  That's your Thursday, and you can read every one of these stories in full at 787daily.com.
• 1:55
  This has been 787daily.
• 1:57
  Thanks for starting your day with us!
• 1:59
  And before you go, your Puerto Rico fun fact for today: El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the entire U.S. National Forest System.