| PUERTO RICO Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (unincorporated, organized territory of the US with commonwealth status) Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 08/10/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
San Juan
3,977,663 (July 2010 est.)
Barack Hussein Obama
President of the United States
since 20 January 2009
President of the United States
since 20 January 2009
President and Vice President elected via electoral college for a
four year term; eligible for a second term. Under the US
Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such
as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US president
and vice president; election last held 4 November 2008
Next scheduled election: November 2012
four year term; eligible for a second term. Under the US
Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such
as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US president
and vice president; election last held 4 November 2008
Next scheduled election: November 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Luis Guillermo Fortuño-Burset
Governor since 20 January 2009
Governor since 20 January 2009
Governor elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term
limits); election last held 4 November 2008
Next scheduled election: November 2012
limits); election last held 4 November 2008
Next scheduled election: November 2012
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
White (mostly Spanish origin) 76.2%, black 6.9%, Asian 0.3%, Amerindian 0.2%, mixed 4.4%, other 12% (2007)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Unincorporated, organized territory of the US with commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US
conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by
the US Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular - municipio) at the second order; Legal is based
on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal system of justice
Executive: President and Vice President elected by electoral college of the United States Congress for four year terms,
eligible for second term (not voted for by Puerto Rico residents); Governor elected for four years with no term limits
Legislative: Bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (at least 27 seats - currently 29; members are directly
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats; members are directly
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held November 2012); House of Representatives - last held 4
November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court; Appellate Court; Court of First Instance composed of two sections: a Superior Court and a
Municipal Court (justices for all these courts appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate)
conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by
the US Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular - municipio) at the second order; Legal is based
on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal system of justice
Executive: President and Vice President elected by electoral college of the United States Congress for four year terms,
eligible for second term (not voted for by Puerto Rico residents); Governor elected for four years with no term limits
Legislative: Bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (at least 27 seats - currently 29; members are directly
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats; members are directly
elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held November 2012); House of Representatives - last held 4
November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court; Appellate Court; Court of First Instance composed of two sections: a Superior Court and a
Municipal Court (justices for all these courts appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate)
| LANGUAGES |
Spanish, English
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The settlement of Puerto Rico began with the arrival of the Ortoiroid culture from the Orinoco region in South America.
Some scholars suggest that their settlement dates back 4000 years. An archeological dig at the island of Vieques in 1990
found the remains of what is believed to be an Ortoiroid man (named Puerto Ferro man) which was dated to around
2000 BC. The Ortoiroid were displaced by the Igneri, a peaceful tribe from the same region that arrived on the island
between 120 and 400 AD. Between the seventh and eleventh century Arawak Indians are thought to have settled the
island. During this time the Taíno culture developed, and by approximately 1000 the Taíno culture had become dominant.
Taíno culture has been traced to the village of Saladero at the basin of the Orinoco River in Venezuela. They arrived at
Puerto Rico by migrating across the Lesser Antilles. At the time of Columbus' arrival, an estimated 30-60 thousand Taíno
Amerindians, led by cacique (chief) Agüeybaná, inhabited the island which they called Boriken, meaning "the great land of
the valiant and noble Lord". Christopher Columbus set sail from Cádiz for his second voyage on September 25, 1493
with 17 ships and 1,200-1,500 men. On November 19, 1493, he landed on the island, naming it San Juan Bautista in
honor of Saint John the Baptist. The first settlement, Caparra, was founded on August 8, 1508 by Juan Ponce de León, a
lieutenant under Columbus, who later became the first governor of the island. The following year, the settlement was
abandoned in favor of a nearby islet on the coast, named Puerto Rico (Rich Port), which had a suitable harbor. In 1511, a
second settlement, San Germán, would be established in the southwestern part of the island. Sometime during the 1520s,
the island took the name of Puerto Rico while the port became San Juan. Colonization took shape as encomienda
settlements, where settlers enslaved Taínos as laborers and these, in return, were provided with military protection. To
stop the exploitation of the indigenous people and because of pressure by the Roman Catholic Church the Burgos' Laws,
which modified the encomiendas into a new system called repartimientos, were issued on December 27, 1512 by
Ferdinand II of Aragon. However, the laws were mostly ignored and reality was more akin to abject slavery. In 1511, the
Taínos revolted against the Spanish. Sparked by the possibility of immense wealth the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries saw
many attempts by the European powers to wrestle control of the Americas away from Spain. This, in turn, led to many
invasions of the island of Puerto Rico. These invasions had varying degrees of success but in the end, all failed to maintain
permanent control of the island. In 1528, the French, recognizing the strategic value of Puerto Rico, sacked and burned
the southwest town of San Germán. They also destroyed many of the island's first settlements, including Guánica,
Sotomayor, Daguao and Loíza, before the local militia forced them to retreat. The only settlement that remained was the
capital, San Juan. Spain, also recognizing the strategic value of Puerto Rico, began the fortification of the inlet of San Juan
in the early 16th century. In 1532, construction of the first fortifications would begin with La Fortaleza ("the Fortress")
near the entrance to San Juan bay. On November 22, 1595, English privateer Sir Francis Drake, with 27 vessels and
2,500 troops, sailed into San Juan Bay in an attempt to loot the city. The 17th century and 18th centuries saw more
attacks on the island. On September 25, 1625, the Dutch,under the leadership of Boudewijn Hendrick (Balduino Enrico),
attacked San Juan, besieging Fort San Felipe del Morro and La Fortaleza. In 1812, the Cádiz Constitution was adopted,
dividing Spain and its territories into provinces, each with a local corporation or council to promote its prosperity and
defend its interests, and granted Puerto Ricans conditional citizenship. On August 10, 1815, the Royal Decree of Grace
was issued, allowing foreigners to enter Puerto Rico (including French refugees from Hispaniola), and opened the port to
trade with nations other than Spain. The later half of the 19th century was marked by the Puerto Rican struggle for
autonomy. On September 23, 1868, hundreds of women and men in the town of Lares, stricken by poverty and political
estrangement from Spain, revolted against Spanish rule seeking Puerto Rican independence. The struggle for autonomy
came close to achieving its goal when on November 25, 1897, the Carta Autonómica (Autonomic Charter), which
conceded political and administrative autonomy to the island, was approved in Spain. On March 10, 1898, Dr. Julio J.
Henna and Robert H. Todd, leaders of the Puerto Rican section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, began to correspond
with United States President William McKinley and the United States Senate in hopes that they would consider including
Puerto Rico the intervention planned for Cuba. On July 21, a convoy with nine transports and 3,300 soldiers, escorted by
USS Massachusetts (BB-2), sailed for Puerto Rico from Guantánamo. General Nelson Miles landed unopposed at
Guánica, located in the southern coast of the island, on July 25, 1898 with the first contingent of American troops.
Opposition was met in the southern and central regions of the island but by the end of August the island was under United
States control. On October 1, an initial meeting is held in Paris to draft the Peace Treaty and on December 10, 1898, the
Treaty of Paris is signed (ratified by the U.S. Senate February 6, 1899). After the signing and ratification of the Treaty of
Paris of 1898 Puerto Rico came under the military control of the United States of America. The rule of the military
government in Puerto Rico was short lived. It was disbanded on April 2, 1900 when the US Congress enacted the
Foraker Act (also known as the Organic Act of 1900), under sponsorship of Senator Joseph B. Foraker. This act
established a civil government and free commerce between the island and the United States. The structure of the insular
government included a governor appointed by the president, an executive council (the equivalent of a senate), and a
legislature with 35 members, though the executive veto required a two-thirds vote to over-ride. The first appointed civil
governor, Charles Herbert Allen, was inaugurated on May 1, 1900. The Jones Act was approved on December 5, 1916,
and signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on March 2, 1917. The law made Puerto Rico a United States
territory which is "organized but unincorporated". It also granted U.S. citizenship to all Puerto Ricans. A bill of rights,
which established elections to be held every four years, was also created. The Act also made English the official language
of the Puerto Rican courts. After World War II social, political and economical changes began to take place that have
continued to resonate until today. The end of World War II saw the beginning of a two decade migration to the
continental United States, mainly to New York. The main reasons for this were an undesirable economic situation brought
by the Great Depression and the heavy recruitment made by the U.S. armed forces and U.S. companies. Political changes
began in 1946 when President Truman designated the first native as governor of Puerto Rico, Commissioner Resident
Jesús T. Piñero, and when one year later the United States Congress passed an act allowing Puerto Ricans to vote for
their own governor. The first elections under this act were performed on November 2, 1948. On July 4, 1950, President
Harry S. Truman signed Public Act 600, which allowed Puerto Ricans to draft their own constitution establishing the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. On July 25, 1952, the Constitution of Puerto Rico was approved by voters in a
referendum, and the island organized as the Estado Libre Asociado (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico). That same year
marked the first time that the Flag of Puerto Rico could be publicly displayed. Present-day Puerto Rico has become a
major tourist destination and a leading pharmaceutical and manufacturing center. Still, Puerto Rico continues to struggle to
define its political status. Even though Puerto Rico was granted local autonomy in 1952 it remains a territory of the United
States. This ambiguity continues to spark political debates which dominate Puerto Rican society.
Sources Wikipedia: History of Puerto Rico
Some scholars suggest that their settlement dates back 4000 years. An archeological dig at the island of Vieques in 1990
found the remains of what is believed to be an Ortoiroid man (named Puerto Ferro man) which was dated to around
2000 BC. The Ortoiroid were displaced by the Igneri, a peaceful tribe from the same region that arrived on the island
between 120 and 400 AD. Between the seventh and eleventh century Arawak Indians are thought to have settled the
island. During this time the Taíno culture developed, and by approximately 1000 the Taíno culture had become dominant.
Taíno culture has been traced to the village of Saladero at the basin of the Orinoco River in Venezuela. They arrived at
Puerto Rico by migrating across the Lesser Antilles. At the time of Columbus' arrival, an estimated 30-60 thousand Taíno
Amerindians, led by cacique (chief) Agüeybaná, inhabited the island which they called Boriken, meaning "the great land of
the valiant and noble Lord". Christopher Columbus set sail from Cádiz for his second voyage on September 25, 1493
with 17 ships and 1,200-1,500 men. On November 19, 1493, he landed on the island, naming it San Juan Bautista in
honor of Saint John the Baptist. The first settlement, Caparra, was founded on August 8, 1508 by Juan Ponce de León, a
lieutenant under Columbus, who later became the first governor of the island. The following year, the settlement was
abandoned in favor of a nearby islet on the coast, named Puerto Rico (Rich Port), which had a suitable harbor. In 1511, a
second settlement, San Germán, would be established in the southwestern part of the island. Sometime during the 1520s,
the island took the name of Puerto Rico while the port became San Juan. Colonization took shape as encomienda
settlements, where settlers enslaved Taínos as laborers and these, in return, were provided with military protection. To
stop the exploitation of the indigenous people and because of pressure by the Roman Catholic Church the Burgos' Laws,
which modified the encomiendas into a new system called repartimientos, were issued on December 27, 1512 by
Ferdinand II of Aragon. However, the laws were mostly ignored and reality was more akin to abject slavery. In 1511, the
Taínos revolted against the Spanish. Sparked by the possibility of immense wealth the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries saw
many attempts by the European powers to wrestle control of the Americas away from Spain. This, in turn, led to many
invasions of the island of Puerto Rico. These invasions had varying degrees of success but in the end, all failed to maintain
permanent control of the island. In 1528, the French, recognizing the strategic value of Puerto Rico, sacked and burned
the southwest town of San Germán. They also destroyed many of the island's first settlements, including Guánica,
Sotomayor, Daguao and Loíza, before the local militia forced them to retreat. The only settlement that remained was the
capital, San Juan. Spain, also recognizing the strategic value of Puerto Rico, began the fortification of the inlet of San Juan
in the early 16th century. In 1532, construction of the first fortifications would begin with La Fortaleza ("the Fortress")
near the entrance to San Juan bay. On November 22, 1595, English privateer Sir Francis Drake, with 27 vessels and
2,500 troops, sailed into San Juan Bay in an attempt to loot the city. The 17th century and 18th centuries saw more
attacks on the island. On September 25, 1625, the Dutch,under the leadership of Boudewijn Hendrick (Balduino Enrico),
attacked San Juan, besieging Fort San Felipe del Morro and La Fortaleza. In 1812, the Cádiz Constitution was adopted,
dividing Spain and its territories into provinces, each with a local corporation or council to promote its prosperity and
defend its interests, and granted Puerto Ricans conditional citizenship. On August 10, 1815, the Royal Decree of Grace
was issued, allowing foreigners to enter Puerto Rico (including French refugees from Hispaniola), and opened the port to
trade with nations other than Spain. The later half of the 19th century was marked by the Puerto Rican struggle for
autonomy. On September 23, 1868, hundreds of women and men in the town of Lares, stricken by poverty and political
estrangement from Spain, revolted against Spanish rule seeking Puerto Rican independence. The struggle for autonomy
came close to achieving its goal when on November 25, 1897, the Carta Autonómica (Autonomic Charter), which
conceded political and administrative autonomy to the island, was approved in Spain. On March 10, 1898, Dr. Julio J.
Henna and Robert H. Todd, leaders of the Puerto Rican section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, began to correspond
with United States President William McKinley and the United States Senate in hopes that they would consider including
Puerto Rico the intervention planned for Cuba. On July 21, a convoy with nine transports and 3,300 soldiers, escorted by
USS Massachusetts (BB-2), sailed for Puerto Rico from Guantánamo. General Nelson Miles landed unopposed at
Guánica, located in the southern coast of the island, on July 25, 1898 with the first contingent of American troops.
Opposition was met in the southern and central regions of the island but by the end of August the island was under United
States control. On October 1, an initial meeting is held in Paris to draft the Peace Treaty and on December 10, 1898, the
Treaty of Paris is signed (ratified by the U.S. Senate February 6, 1899). After the signing and ratification of the Treaty of
Paris of 1898 Puerto Rico came under the military control of the United States of America. The rule of the military
government in Puerto Rico was short lived. It was disbanded on April 2, 1900 when the US Congress enacted the
Foraker Act (also known as the Organic Act of 1900), under sponsorship of Senator Joseph B. Foraker. This act
established a civil government and free commerce between the island and the United States. The structure of the insular
government included a governor appointed by the president, an executive council (the equivalent of a senate), and a
legislature with 35 members, though the executive veto required a two-thirds vote to over-ride. The first appointed civil
governor, Charles Herbert Allen, was inaugurated on May 1, 1900. The Jones Act was approved on December 5, 1916,
and signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on March 2, 1917. The law made Puerto Rico a United States
territory which is "organized but unincorporated". It also granted U.S. citizenship to all Puerto Ricans. A bill of rights,
which established elections to be held every four years, was also created. The Act also made English the official language
of the Puerto Rican courts. After World War II social, political and economical changes began to take place that have
continued to resonate until today. The end of World War II saw the beginning of a two decade migration to the
continental United States, mainly to New York. The main reasons for this were an undesirable economic situation brought
by the Great Depression and the heavy recruitment made by the U.S. armed forces and U.S. companies. Political changes
began in 1946 when President Truman designated the first native as governor of Puerto Rico, Commissioner Resident
Jesús T. Piñero, and when one year later the United States Congress passed an act allowing Puerto Ricans to vote for
their own governor. The first elections under this act were performed on November 2, 1948. On July 4, 1950, President
Harry S. Truman signed Public Act 600, which allowed Puerto Ricans to draft their own constitution establishing the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. On July 25, 1952, the Constitution of Puerto Rico was approved by voters in a
referendum, and the island organized as the Estado Libre Asociado (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico). That same year
marked the first time that the Flag of Puerto Rico could be publicly displayed. Present-day Puerto Rico has become a
major tourist destination and a leading pharmaceutical and manufacturing center. Still, Puerto Rico continues to struggle to
define its political status. Even though Puerto Rico was granted local autonomy in 1952 it remains a territory of the United
States. This ambiguity continues to spark political debates which dominate Puerto Rican society.
Sources Wikipedia: History of Puerto Rico
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. A diverse industrial sector has far surpassed
agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax
incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Sugar
production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural
sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income with estimated arrivals of more than 3.6 million
tourists in 2008. Growth fell off in 2001-03, largely due to the slowdown in the US economy, recovered in 2004-05, but
declined again in 2006-09.
Sources CIA World Factbook (select Puerto Rico)
agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax
incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Sugar
production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural
sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income with estimated arrivals of more than 3.6 million
tourists in 2008. Growth fell off in 2001-03, largely due to the slowdown in the US economy, recovered in 2004-05, but
declined again in 2006-09.
Sources CIA World Factbook (select Puerto Rico)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
In 2000 Sila María Calderón (PDP) was elected becoming the first female governor of Puerto Rico, also gaining control
of the Senate, presided by Antonio Fas Alzamora and the House of Representatives, headed by Speaker Carlos
Vizcarrondo. The PDP also elected Aníbal Acevedo Vilá as the islands' non-voting delegate in Congress.
In 2004 Anibal Acevedo Vila (PDP) was declared the winner by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico as governor by
about 3,000 votes, but his party lost control of the Senate, which elected NPP senator Kenneth McClintock as its
president, and the House of Representatives, which chose the NPP's José Aponte as Speaker, and Puerto Rico's seat in
Congress, due to the election of Luis Fortuño.
During the 2005-2008 term, former Gov. Rosselló's unsuccessful attempt to unseat Senate President McClintock, split
the New Progressive Party, a split that has continued as Rosselló initiated a fourth bid for the governorship against
Resident Commissioner Fortuño in an internal primary that was held March 9, 2008, and which he lost. On the PDP side,
Acevedo's rocky relationship with the NPP-controlled Legislature has been compounded with Federal investigations of
his past political fundraising by grand juries in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Puerto Rico
of the Senate, presided by Antonio Fas Alzamora and the House of Representatives, headed by Speaker Carlos
Vizcarrondo. The PDP also elected Aníbal Acevedo Vilá as the islands' non-voting delegate in Congress.
In 2004 Anibal Acevedo Vila (PDP) was declared the winner by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico as governor by
about 3,000 votes, but his party lost control of the Senate, which elected NPP senator Kenneth McClintock as its
president, and the House of Representatives, which chose the NPP's José Aponte as Speaker, and Puerto Rico's seat in
Congress, due to the election of Luis Fortuño.
During the 2005-2008 term, former Gov. Rosselló's unsuccessful attempt to unseat Senate President McClintock, split
the New Progressive Party, a split that has continued as Rosselló initiated a fourth bid for the governorship against
Resident Commissioner Fortuño in an internal primary that was held March 9, 2008, and which he lost. On the PDP side,
Acevedo's rocky relationship with the NPP-controlled Legislature has been compounded with Federal investigations of
his past political fundraising by grand juries in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Puerto Rico
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Increasing numbers of illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic cross the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico each year
looking for work
looking for work
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
The U.S. State Department does not issue an annual Country Report regarding the Human Rights practices of the United
states and its territories. It does, however, assess the Human Rights condition of foreign countries as stated below:
The protection of fundamental human rights was a foundation stone in the establishment of the United States over 200 years ago.
Since then, a central goal of U.S. foreign policy has been the promotion of respect for human rights, as embodied in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. The United States understands that the existence of human rights helps secure the peace, deter
aggression, promote the rule of law, combat crime and corruption, strengthen democracies, and prevent humanitarian crises.
Because the promotion of human rights is an important national interest, the United States seeks to:
states and its territories. It does, however, assess the Human Rights condition of foreign countries as stated below:
The protection of fundamental human rights was a foundation stone in the establishment of the United States over 200 years ago.
Since then, a central goal of U.S. foreign policy has been the promotion of respect for human rights, as embodied in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. The United States understands that the existence of human rights helps secure the peace, deter
aggression, promote the rule of law, combat crime and corruption, strengthen democracies, and prevent humanitarian crises.
Because the promotion of human rights is an important national interest, the United States seeks to:
- Hold governments accountable to their obligations under universal human rights norms and international human rights
instruments; - Promote greater respect for human rights, including freedom from torture, freedom of expression, press freedom, women's
rights, children's rights, and the protection of minorities; - Promote the rule of law, seek accountability, and change cultures of impunity;
- Assist efforts to reform and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights and the UN Commission on Human Rights; and - Coordinate human rights activities with important allies, including the EU, and regional organizations.
28 April 2009
RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED FORMS OF INTOLERANCE, FOLLOW-UP TO
AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DURBAN DECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION
Report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, Doudou Diène*
Addendum
MISSION TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA**
Summary
At the invitation of the Government, the Special Rapporteur visited the United States of America from 19 May to 6 June 2008.
During the mission, the Special Rapporteur visited Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Omaha, Los Angeles, New Orleans and
the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast, Miami and San Juan (Puerto Rico).
V. ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
93. The situation in Puerto Rico also merits particular attention by the Government in view of its specificity. A number of particular
elements should be borne in mind with regards to Puerto Rico: the ethnic dimension, including the racial make-up of the population
and the situation of the black minority in the island; the cultural dimension, including the Hispanic origin of the population; and the
political dimension, in particular the specific political status enjoyed by Puerto Rico in the United States. It is therefore essential that
specific actions, in line with Puerto Rico’s specificities, be undertaken to fight racism in the island.
Click here to read more »
RACISM, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, XENOPHOBIA AND RELATED FORMS OF INTOLERANCE, FOLLOW-UP TO
AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DURBAN DECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION
Report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance, Doudou Diène*
Addendum
MISSION TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA**
Summary
At the invitation of the Government, the Special Rapporteur visited the United States of America from 19 May to 6 June 2008.
During the mission, the Special Rapporteur visited Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Omaha, Los Angeles, New Orleans and
the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast, Miami and San Juan (Puerto Rico).
V. ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
93. The situation in Puerto Rico also merits particular attention by the Government in view of its specificity. A number of particular
elements should be borne in mind with regards to Puerto Rico: the ethnic dimension, including the racial make-up of the population
and the situation of the black minority in the island; the cultural dimension, including the Hispanic origin of the population; and the
political dimension, in particular the specific political status enjoyed by Puerto Rico in the United States. It is therefore essential that
specific actions, in line with Puerto Rico’s specificities, be undertaken to fight racism in the island.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In the World 2010
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Former governor Anibal Acevedo-Vila was found not guilty of corruption charges by a United States federal court in March 2009.
Meanwhile, Puerto Rico’s economy continued to worsen amid the global financial crisis.
Acevedo-Vila was acquitted in March 2009 of nine counts of violating the island’s campaign finance laws. Nine of his associates
reached plea agreements with the government, and several testified against the former governor.
Fortuno’s agenda has been dominated by a fiscal crisis that was exacerbated by the global economic turndown. His proposals to
raise taxes and cut 30,000 workers from the state payroll triggered a series of trade union protests at various times in 2009.
Although Puerto Rico had for years been showcased as one of the Caribbean’s major economic success stories, its performance
has moved from stagnation to outright decline over the past several years. Per capita income stands at just over one-half the level of
the poorest state in the United States, labor-force participation is low, and poverty rates are high.
For years, Puerto Ricans have been nearly equally divided between those who support the continuation of commonwealth status
and those who favor full U.S. statehood. Commonwealth supporters argue that the special status allows the island to maintain its
separate culture and an exemption from federal income taxes, while advocates of statehood seek presidential voting rights and full
representation in Congress. A third option, independence, has little popular support; the Independence Party (PIP) candidate for
governor received just 2 percent of the popular vote in 2008. While many Puerto Ricans have looked to the new American
president, Barack Obama, to resolve the island’s status, no initiatives emerged from the administration during its first year.
The commonwealth constitution, modeled after that of the United States, provides for a governor elected for four-year terms and a
bicameral legislature, currently consisting of a 27-member Senate and a 51-member House of Representatives, elected for four-year
terms. As U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans are guaranteed all civil liberties granted in the United States.
The commonwealth is represented in the U.S. Congress by a single delegate. In January 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives
restored limited voting rights to the delegates from Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and several other U.S. territories. The
change allows Puerto Rico’s delegate to vote on floor amendments to legislation but not on final passage of bills.
The major political parties are the pro-commonwealth PPD, the pro-statehood PNP, and the pro-independence PIP.
Corruption is an endemic problem in commonwealth politics. Puerto Rico was ranked 35 out of 180 countries surveyed in
Transparency International’s 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index.
Click here to read more»
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
Former governor Anibal Acevedo-Vila was found not guilty of corruption charges by a United States federal court in March 2009.
Meanwhile, Puerto Rico’s economy continued to worsen amid the global financial crisis.
Acevedo-Vila was acquitted in March 2009 of nine counts of violating the island’s campaign finance laws. Nine of his associates
reached plea agreements with the government, and several testified against the former governor.
Fortuno’s agenda has been dominated by a fiscal crisis that was exacerbated by the global economic turndown. His proposals to
raise taxes and cut 30,000 workers from the state payroll triggered a series of trade union protests at various times in 2009.
Although Puerto Rico had for years been showcased as one of the Caribbean’s major economic success stories, its performance
has moved from stagnation to outright decline over the past several years. Per capita income stands at just over one-half the level of
the poorest state in the United States, labor-force participation is low, and poverty rates are high.
For years, Puerto Ricans have been nearly equally divided between those who support the continuation of commonwealth status
and those who favor full U.S. statehood. Commonwealth supporters argue that the special status allows the island to maintain its
separate culture and an exemption from federal income taxes, while advocates of statehood seek presidential voting rights and full
representation in Congress. A third option, independence, has little popular support; the Independence Party (PIP) candidate for
governor received just 2 percent of the popular vote in 2008. While many Puerto Ricans have looked to the new American
president, Barack Obama, to resolve the island’s status, no initiatives emerged from the administration during its first year.
The commonwealth constitution, modeled after that of the United States, provides for a governor elected for four-year terms and a
bicameral legislature, currently consisting of a 27-member Senate and a 51-member House of Representatives, elected for four-year
terms. As U.S. citizens, Puerto Ricans are guaranteed all civil liberties granted in the United States.
The commonwealth is represented in the U.S. Congress by a single delegate. In January 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives
restored limited voting rights to the delegates from Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and several other U.S. territories. The
change allows Puerto Rico’s delegate to vote on floor amendments to legislation but not on final passage of bills.
The major political parties are the pro-commonwealth PPD, the pro-statehood PNP, and the pro-independence PIP.
Corruption is an endemic problem in commonwealth politics. Puerto Rico was ranked 35 out of 180 countries surveyed in
Transparency International’s 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index.
Click here to read more»
PUBLIC STATEMENT
02 June 2010
Puerto Rico: Amnesty International calls for police restraint as student strike continues
Amnesty International calls on the Puerto Rican Police Department to exercise restraint in policing the ongoing strike by university
students in San Juan, which is now entering its seventh week.
The organization recognizes the serious challenges inherent in policing large-scale demonstrations, including working in volatile
circumstances, but stresses the importance of police obligations under international standards that force may only be used when
strictly necessary and proportionate, and must be used in a manner designed to minimize damage or injury.
In this regard, Amnesty International is concerned by police actions during a demonstration by striking students at the Sheraton
Hotel on 20 May 2010. According to video footage, some students congregated outside the hotel, while a large number managed to
enter the hotel lobby with the intention of disrupting a dinner being attended by Governor Luis Fortuño. Although Amnesty
International recognizes the potentially threatening situation that this engendered, officers are seen striking indiscriminately at
non-violent protesters with their batons, and firing pepper spray against others.
The organization has also received a number of other allegations of police use of excessive force including an incident on 14 May
2010 in which a father of a striking student was forcibly restrained by officers after he attempted to pass food to his striking son
within the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) campus. José Pérez, a 30-year-old student, was reported to have been beaten by police
officers on the same day as he attempted to regain entrance to the UPR campus. On 20 May 2010, during the Sheraton
demonstration, José Pérez was shown on video footage being shocked with a Taser while he was being restrained on the ground
by three officers.
Amnesty International has serious concerns about the use of Tasers. Based on the potential health risk linked to the weapon and
their potential for abuse, Amnesty International continues to call on governments and law enforcement authorities to either suspend
their use or limit their deployment to life-threatening situations in order to avoid resort to firearms.
Click here to read more »
02 June 2010
Puerto Rico: Amnesty International calls for police restraint as student strike continues
Amnesty International calls on the Puerto Rican Police Department to exercise restraint in policing the ongoing strike by university
students in San Juan, which is now entering its seventh week.
The organization recognizes the serious challenges inherent in policing large-scale demonstrations, including working in volatile
circumstances, but stresses the importance of police obligations under international standards that force may only be used when
strictly necessary and proportionate, and must be used in a manner designed to minimize damage or injury.
In this regard, Amnesty International is concerned by police actions during a demonstration by striking students at the Sheraton
Hotel on 20 May 2010. According to video footage, some students congregated outside the hotel, while a large number managed to
enter the hotel lobby with the intention of disrupting a dinner being attended by Governor Luis Fortuño. Although Amnesty
International recognizes the potentially threatening situation that this engendered, officers are seen striking indiscriminately at
non-violent protesters with their batons, and firing pepper spray against others.
The organization has also received a number of other allegations of police use of excessive force including an incident on 14 May
2010 in which a father of a striking student was forcibly restrained by officers after he attempted to pass food to his striking son
within the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) campus. José Pérez, a 30-year-old student, was reported to have been beaten by police
officers on the same day as he attempted to regain entrance to the UPR campus. On 20 May 2010, during the Sheraton
demonstration, José Pérez was shown on video footage being shocked with a Taser while he was being restrained on the ground
by three officers.
Amnesty International has serious concerns about the use of Tasers. Based on the potential health risk linked to the weapon and
their potential for abuse, Amnesty International continues to call on governments and law enforcement authorities to either suspend
their use or limit their deployment to life-threatening situations in order to avoid resort to firearms.
Click here to read more »
Don't End Drug Treatment that Works
by
Megan McLemore and Rebecca Schleifer
June 23, 2009
We met Jose[1] at Camp Zarzal, a minimum-security prison in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, this past May. At 33, he'd been a chronic
drug user for 20 years, spending much of the time cycling in and out of prison, and ultimately losing touch with his family and
child. Jose had tried many different treatment programs over the years, but nothing worked. Last November, at Camp Zarzal, he
started buprenorphine treatment, daily medication prescribed for opioid dependence. He was amazed at the results.
"This medication really works," he told us. "Almost everything about my life has changed: my personality, communication with my
family, the people I hang out with. I see life from a completely different point of view."
Puerto Rico provides Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) with methadone and, until recently, buprenorphine, to a limited number
of heroin-dependent inmates, as part of comprehensive psychosocial support, delivered by professional staff. MAT blocks the
effects of opioids on the brain, freeing heroin users from cravings and allowing them to function normally. Thirty years of
research has produced what the World Health Organization calls "overwhelming" evidence that MAT is the most effective treatment
for opioid addiction. It reduces drug use, criminal activity, risk of HIV and Hepatitis C transmission, and prevents overdose.
Prison authorities had planned to scale up the MAT programs, recognizing that effective drug treatment is critical to the health of
Puerto Rico's prisoners, their families and communities. But the newly elected administration has reversed course. , Camp Zarzal's
buprenorphine program was terminated abruptly in April, although Bayamon Prison's methadone program remains so far. Last
week, it was reported that Corrections Secretary Molina Rodriguez claimed the programs did "nothing" and that he planned to focus
resources on "faith-based" treatment.
If this is the secretary's position, it contradicts the experience of his own medical staff. It also ignores vast clinical evidence
showing that without MAT, most heroin-dependent people relapse, no matter how much psychosocial, religious, or other support
they receive.
Prison officials say that 80 percent of inmates are drug dependent, over half addicted to heroin. These high rates contribute to
alarming HIV and Hepatitis C rates among Puerto Rican prisoners. Nearly 7 percent of Puerto Rico's inmates are HIV-positive,
versus 1.9 percent of prisoners in the U.S. overall. One-third of Puerto Rican prisoners suffer from Hepatitis C; many inmates are
HIV/Hepatitis C co-infected.
Click here to read more »
by
Megan McLemore and Rebecca Schleifer
June 23, 2009
We met Jose[1] at Camp Zarzal, a minimum-security prison in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, this past May. At 33, he'd been a chronic
drug user for 20 years, spending much of the time cycling in and out of prison, and ultimately losing touch with his family and
child. Jose had tried many different treatment programs over the years, but nothing worked. Last November, at Camp Zarzal, he
started buprenorphine treatment, daily medication prescribed for opioid dependence. He was amazed at the results.
"This medication really works," he told us. "Almost everything about my life has changed: my personality, communication with my
family, the people I hang out with. I see life from a completely different point of view."
Puerto Rico provides Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) with methadone and, until recently, buprenorphine, to a limited number
of heroin-dependent inmates, as part of comprehensive psychosocial support, delivered by professional staff. MAT blocks the
effects of opioids on the brain, freeing heroin users from cravings and allowing them to function normally. Thirty years of
research has produced what the World Health Organization calls "overwhelming" evidence that MAT is the most effective treatment
for opioid addiction. It reduces drug use, criminal activity, risk of HIV and Hepatitis C transmission, and prevents overdose.
Prison authorities had planned to scale up the MAT programs, recognizing that effective drug treatment is critical to the health of
Puerto Rico's prisoners, their families and communities. But the newly elected administration has reversed course. , Camp Zarzal's
buprenorphine program was terminated abruptly in April, although Bayamon Prison's methadone program remains so far. Last
week, it was reported that Corrections Secretary Molina Rodriguez claimed the programs did "nothing" and that he planned to focus
resources on "faith-based" treatment.
If this is the secretary's position, it contradicts the experience of his own medical staff. It also ignores vast clinical evidence
showing that without MAT, most heroin-dependent people relapse, no matter how much psychosocial, religious, or other support
they receive.
Prison officials say that 80 percent of inmates are drug dependent, over half addicted to heroin. These high rates contribute to
alarming HIV and Hepatitis C rates among Puerto Rican prisoners. Nearly 7 percent of Puerto Rico's inmates are HIV-positive,
versus 1.9 percent of prisoners in the U.S. overall. One-third of Puerto Rican prisoners suffer from Hepatitis C; many inmates are
HIV/Hepatitis C co-infected.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
The Committee for Human Rights calls on the releases of independence
By Agencia EFE - 27/07/2010
San Juan, July 27 (EFE) .- The independence Carlos Alberto Torres arrive in Puerto Rico after spending thirty years in prison,
release the Human Rights Committee for the Caribbean island is also claiming for Oscar Lopez Rivera and Avelino Gonzalez Claudio.
Torres, considered by the island's independence groups as a political prisoner who fought against American oppression, he was
greeted by a welcoming committee at the airport in San Juan, the city you plan to settle.
The former inmate returned to his native land after spending 30 years in federal prison, three months and 22 days of their
association with the Armed Forces of National Liberation (FALN), which earned him that the Washington authorities accused him
of "seditious conspiracy."
Torres, 57 years, said it was the Puerto Rican people who must decide how to fight for independence, when asked about the
validity of armed struggle in the XXI century.
He declined to clarify without belonged to the FALN and said that independence represents the highest level of freedom.
The chairman of the Committee for Human Rights in Puerto Rico, Eduardo Villanueva, told Efe that the release of Thompson was
the result of pressure from the organization in Puerto Rico, the U.S. and internationally.
"This is the triumph of human rights," said Villanueva, who recalled that there has been widespread consensus among all social
sectors and political parties of Puerto Rico to make possible the release of Torres.
Villanueva recalled that the group led more than 50,000 letters sent to various organizations, social sectors and individuals from
around the world to put pressure on Washington over the release of Torres.
"There was no reason not to release it," he said, after explaining that Torres, for reasons still to be clarified, did not benefit from the
amnesty granted former President Bill Clinton in 1999 to Puerto Rican prisoners accused of conspiring against U.S. through the
FALN and other organizations.
Villanueva denounced the hypocrisy of the United States, in their words denouncing the situation that exists in countries like Cuba
but, in turn, he said, remains imprisoned for political reasons.
"As we celebrate the reception to Carlos Alberto Torres, do not forget that still remain in U.S. prisons for political prisoners Oscar
López Rivera, who has been imprisoned nearly 30 years, and Avelino Gonzalez Claudio," said Villanueva, who highlighted that will
lower duty in their claims.
The chairman of the Committee for Human Rights recognized the island to support the release of prisoners by the vast majority of
people and representatives from religious, political, cultural, and social union of Puerto Rico.
The celebration of the return of Torres in Puerto Rico includes an act which will involve Jose Rivera, Assemblyman from New
York, Jose Rivera, City Councilman in New York, and Marisol Morales, spokeswoman for the Red Nacional Pro Derechos Boricua
Human, among others.
Artists like Andres Jimenez, and his son Bayrex Jibaro, Tony Rivera, the group Mapeyé, Chavela Rodriguez, Tito Auger, Zoraida
Santiago, Ricardo Pons, Antonio Caban Vale (El Topo) and Roy Brown will perform in tribute to the return of Torres Puerto Rico.
Click here to read more »
The Committee for Human Rights calls on the releases of independence
By Agencia EFE - 27/07/2010
San Juan, July 27 (EFE) .- The independence Carlos Alberto Torres arrive in Puerto Rico after spending thirty years in prison,
release the Human Rights Committee for the Caribbean island is also claiming for Oscar Lopez Rivera and Avelino Gonzalez Claudio.
Torres, considered by the island's independence groups as a political prisoner who fought against American oppression, he was
greeted by a welcoming committee at the airport in San Juan, the city you plan to settle.
The former inmate returned to his native land after spending 30 years in federal prison, three months and 22 days of their
association with the Armed Forces of National Liberation (FALN), which earned him that the Washington authorities accused him
of "seditious conspiracy."
Torres, 57 years, said it was the Puerto Rican people who must decide how to fight for independence, when asked about the
validity of armed struggle in the XXI century.
He declined to clarify without belonged to the FALN and said that independence represents the highest level of freedom.
The chairman of the Committee for Human Rights in Puerto Rico, Eduardo Villanueva, told Efe that the release of Thompson was
the result of pressure from the organization in Puerto Rico, the U.S. and internationally.
"This is the triumph of human rights," said Villanueva, who recalled that there has been widespread consensus among all social
sectors and political parties of Puerto Rico to make possible the release of Torres.
Villanueva recalled that the group led more than 50,000 letters sent to various organizations, social sectors and individuals from
around the world to put pressure on Washington over the release of Torres.
"There was no reason not to release it," he said, after explaining that Torres, for reasons still to be clarified, did not benefit from the
amnesty granted former President Bill Clinton in 1999 to Puerto Rican prisoners accused of conspiring against U.S. through the
FALN and other organizations.
Villanueva denounced the hypocrisy of the United States, in their words denouncing the situation that exists in countries like Cuba
but, in turn, he said, remains imprisoned for political reasons.
"As we celebrate the reception to Carlos Alberto Torres, do not forget that still remain in U.S. prisons for political prisoners Oscar
López Rivera, who has been imprisoned nearly 30 years, and Avelino Gonzalez Claudio," said Villanueva, who highlighted that will
lower duty in their claims.
The chairman of the Committee for Human Rights recognized the island to support the release of prisoners by the vast majority of
people and representatives from religious, political, cultural, and social union of Puerto Rico.
The celebration of the return of Torres in Puerto Rico includes an act which will involve Jose Rivera, Assemblyman from New
York, Jose Rivera, City Councilman in New York, and Marisol Morales, spokeswoman for the Red Nacional Pro Derechos Boricua
Human, among others.
Artists like Andres Jimenez, and his son Bayrex Jibaro, Tony Rivera, the group Mapeyé, Chavela Rodriguez, Tito Auger, Zoraida
Santiago, Ricardo Pons, Antonio Caban Vale (El Topo) and Roy Brown will perform in tribute to the return of Torres Puerto Rico.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Press Office | 06-23-2010
Fortuño wave outlines plan to combat domestic violence
San Juan, PR - With the firm objective of attacking the problem of domestic violence at its roots, the governor of Puerto Rico, Luis
G. Fortuño attended the First Meeting of Men's Promise, an effort that seeks to break the cycle of violence through education in
values, the implementation of prevention programs, and changing domestic violence laws.
Men's Promise program promotes responsible parenthood to highlight the positive impact parents have in the formation and
development of their children as good citizens.
"Today I am proud to report that during the past year, more than 80,000 people participated in talks Men's Promise provides,
through the Family Community Education program. In addition, 4,500 parents are actively involved formal workshop program,
"said Fortuño.
The Men's Promise workshops are offered in workplaces, Head Start centers, social workers from the Administration for Families
and Children, staff of the Department of Family and Administration prior to the trial. The Governor announced that upcoming
workshops will be offered to staff of the Police of Puerto Rico, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the
Department of Justice.
On the other hand, the Governor took the activity to highlight the measures taken to ensure the protection of victims and
aggressors debit processing. Last December, the rules were amended Criminal Procedure to establish more restrictive conditions of
bail imposed on a judge persons accused of certain serious crimes or violent nature, including 54 violations of the Domestic
Violence Act.
Also strengthened the impact of recidivism compounded with amendments to the Civil Code. That is, when it comes to sentencing
a person for purposes of public record and made two or more crimes of a serious nature and incurs a third felony, the sentence
should be increased up to 20% of the maximum sentence.
Furthermore, in order to provide a safe environment and sensitive to victims and their families, opened the Chamber in Domestic
Violence Cases in the Judicial Region of Bayamón.
Click here to read more »
Press Office | 06-23-2010
Fortuño wave outlines plan to combat domestic violence
San Juan, PR - With the firm objective of attacking the problem of domestic violence at its roots, the governor of Puerto Rico, Luis
G. Fortuño attended the First Meeting of Men's Promise, an effort that seeks to break the cycle of violence through education in
values, the implementation of prevention programs, and changing domestic violence laws.
Men's Promise program promotes responsible parenthood to highlight the positive impact parents have in the formation and
development of their children as good citizens.
"Today I am proud to report that during the past year, more than 80,000 people participated in talks Men's Promise provides,
through the Family Community Education program. In addition, 4,500 parents are actively involved formal workshop program,
"said Fortuño.
The Men's Promise workshops are offered in workplaces, Head Start centers, social workers from the Administration for Families
and Children, staff of the Department of Family and Administration prior to the trial. The Governor announced that upcoming
workshops will be offered to staff of the Police of Puerto Rico, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the
Department of Justice.
On the other hand, the Governor took the activity to highlight the measures taken to ensure the protection of victims and
aggressors debit processing. Last December, the rules were amended Criminal Procedure to establish more restrictive conditions of
bail imposed on a judge persons accused of certain serious crimes or violent nature, including 54 violations of the Domestic
Violence Act.
Also strengthened the impact of recidivism compounded with amendments to the Civil Code. That is, when it comes to sentencing
a person for purposes of public record and made two or more crimes of a serious nature and incurs a third felony, the sentence
should be increased up to 20% of the maximum sentence.
Furthermore, in order to provide a safe environment and sensitive to victims and their families, opened the Chamber in Domestic
Violence Cases in the Judicial Region of Bayamón.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN
2008-2009 ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 1, 2009
Mr. Governor,
PRESIDENTS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE OF PUERTO RICO
With deep sense of satisfaction, I present the Annual Report for the fiscal year 2008-2009. The work of this fiscal year were led by
former Attorney Charles J. López Nieves and Procu-nominated Jennifer M. groover Aponte Vázquez. The report is, in general,
efforts and work done by our Office in direct service to citizens, and the behavior of the Agen-cies of the Executive Branch of the
Government of Puerto Rico in their provision of services and determinations administrative provisions, as brought by the public
before our attention.
The fiscal year's work is included in this report comes at a change of administration, whether in the Office of Citizens and in the
Government of Puerto Rico. Our Office also is no stranger to the fiscal problems facing the Government of Puerto Rico. With
much sacrifice, the team has succeeded in implementing a comprehensive savings plan that has yielded fruit. Having projected an
economic deficit for the fiscal year of this report, our government managed to bring finance to positive num-ros, which have
enabled the development of new projects, including expanding services, and measures to raise awareness of the Office of
Attorney's Citizen of the people.
At the end of fiscal year 2008-2009, the Office of Citizen was in a position to assign the func-tions of an Attorney Security
Databases, as required by Act 97 of 2008. Anteriormen-te, to no budget allocated for the creation of such a specialized attorney, no
work had started it. With it, expand the services of existing specialized procurators: Asun-ing Environmental and Permitting,
Hydrology and Energy Affairs and the Office of Small businessmen, created by Law 454 in 2000.
Our Office has also established a new vision for the Agencies of the Executive. Enten-demos, in the interest of the citizens we
serve, agencies should take the Attorney General, not merely a critic and watchdog, but an ally in their efforts to improve the
service we can provide to Paul. That is why we have developed workshops and support meetings with various heads of agencies,
where we explained our processes, we discuss the various citizen complaints and offer suggestions to make the service better
every day.
Given the historical moment has been confirmed to the new Citizen's attorney, Iris Miriam Ruiz Class, this Office is prepared to
face new challenges and continue their excellence in service be-nefit of citizenship.
Very respectfully,
Atty. Kevin Miguel Rivera-Medina
Acting Solicitor
Click here to read more »
OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN
2008-2009 ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 1, 2009
Mr. Governor,
PRESIDENTS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE OF PUERTO RICO
With deep sense of satisfaction, I present the Annual Report for the fiscal year 2008-2009. The work of this fiscal year were led by
former Attorney Charles J. López Nieves and Procu-nominated Jennifer M. groover Aponte Vázquez. The report is, in general,
efforts and work done by our Office in direct service to citizens, and the behavior of the Agen-cies of the Executive Branch of the
Government of Puerto Rico in their provision of services and determinations administrative provisions, as brought by the public
before our attention.
The fiscal year's work is included in this report comes at a change of administration, whether in the Office of Citizens and in the
Government of Puerto Rico. Our Office also is no stranger to the fiscal problems facing the Government of Puerto Rico. With
much sacrifice, the team has succeeded in implementing a comprehensive savings plan that has yielded fruit. Having projected an
economic deficit for the fiscal year of this report, our government managed to bring finance to positive num-ros, which have
enabled the development of new projects, including expanding services, and measures to raise awareness of the Office of
Attorney's Citizen of the people.
At the end of fiscal year 2008-2009, the Office of Citizen was in a position to assign the func-tions of an Attorney Security
Databases, as required by Act 97 of 2008. Anteriormen-te, to no budget allocated for the creation of such a specialized attorney, no
work had started it. With it, expand the services of existing specialized procurators: Asun-ing Environmental and Permitting,
Hydrology and Energy Affairs and the Office of Small businessmen, created by Law 454 in 2000.
Our Office has also established a new vision for the Agencies of the Executive. Enten-demos, in the interest of the citizens we
serve, agencies should take the Attorney General, not merely a critic and watchdog, but an ally in their efforts to improve the
service we can provide to Paul. That is why we have developed workshops and support meetings with various heads of agencies,
where we explained our processes, we discuss the various citizen complaints and offer suggestions to make the service better
every day.
Given the historical moment has been confirmed to the new Citizen's attorney, Iris Miriam Ruiz Class, this Office is prepared to
face new challenges and continue their excellence in service be-nefit of citizenship.
Very respectfully,
Atty. Kevin Miguel Rivera-Medina
Acting Solicitor
Click here to read more »
Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr.
Vice President of the United States
since 20 January 2009
Vice President of the United States
since 20 January 2009
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
