Contrary to expectations of an economic improvement in 2013, some of Puerto Rico’s most prominent economists agree there is little to no growth on the horizon.
As the new year rolls in, Puerto Rico’s main professional trade groups — the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association and the CPA Society — are weighing in on what they believe the island will need to improve its economic condition and quality of life for its citizens.
While travel to Puerto Rico appeared to be picking up toward year’s end, industry components believe much work lies ahead to strengthen the sector and its contributions to the island’s overall economy.
While much has been said about “economic uncertainty” and “consumer confidence,” the fact is that Puerto Rico’s economy has been in a state of disarray for so long it has become the new normal. So says Francis González, vice president of property management for DDR Corp., owners of 15 shopping centers islandwide.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded nearly $50,000 to two Puerto Rico organizations, Leaders of the World and the Scuba Dogs Society, to educate low-income communities about effective waste management, recycling and the negative effects of improper waste disposal on people’s health and water quality.
Puerto Rico’s tourism and transportation industries were quite active in 2012, when a number of hotels opened for business — including the lavish Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton Reserve — and several others broke ground.
There was never a dull moment for Puerto Rico’s telecommunications and technology sectors, which have been seemingly unscathed by the island’s economic woes. Companies continued to invest aggressively in their networks throughout 2012 to launch new next-generation products and services.
Puerto Rico’s banking sector began seeing black this year, as the institutions began to slowly turn their finances around. A consolidation took place between Oriental and BBVA, while Doral struggled to remain above water.
If there was one issue on most people’s minds this year was the state of Puerto Rico’s economy. Experts from all walks of life seemed to weigh in on the subject, concurring on a tough situation that has been slow to show signs of improvement.
The Federal Communications Commission has included three Puerto Rico telecommunications service providers in a nationwide pilot program that seeks to increase broadband adoption and retention among low-income consumers.
Hilton Worldwide has honored Julio Navedo, a houseman from the Doubletree By Hilton San Juan, with the company’s Spirit of CARE Award. This award designates Navedo as a top performer within DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels, the company said Thursday.
Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board President Sandra Torres on Wednesday blasted the Legislature for ransacking the agency’s finances earlier this year, when it withdrew $10 million from a self-generated fund to balance the budget. The decision, she said, left the agency’s finances in a “precarious state.”
Online travel company Expedia Inc. revealed data Wednesday showing demand for travel to Puerto Rico on more than 140 of its sites worldwide grew 40 percent during the third quarter of 2012, compared to the previous year.
The Hispanic College Fund announced Wednesday the list of 17 Puerto Rican students that will receive scholarships sponsored by the Ford Motor Company Fund.
Effective Dec. 26, tropical music station SalSoul will move to a new frequency on the FM dial, taking over the 99.1 slot in response to a determination by the Federal Communications Commission that seeks to make way for new airwaves serving Puerto Rico’s eastern-central and western regions.
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