Posted on 10/14/2009 6:45:51 AM PDT by rrstar96
(English-language translation)
No one can question that the past few weeks have been very difficult for the Puerto Rican people. The government's decision to dramatically cut the public payroll to relieve the deficit that accumulated during the past years has had a direct and indirect impact on most Puerto Ricans. It involves a painful decision, so much to whoever makes it as to whoever is affected by it.
The natural and anticipated reaction is to have raised, as it did, public expressions of protest. Finally, a call to a general strike tomorrow seems to have united a variety of labor, religious, and social organizations.
Freedom of expression is one of the pillars of any democratic society. However, as with all the freedoms we enjoy, this one carries a responsibility. We must remember that one's freedoms end where [the freedoms] of others begin, and that, in a law-abiding society, we cannot go to the extreme of provoking chaos when exercising our freedoms.
The statements from some who are participating in tomorrow's activity regarding the closing of ports, highways, and supplies such as gasoline do not cease to cause alarm. It is necessary that those in charge of organizing the event coordinate all security matters in order to avoid, at the end of the day, a legitimate activity which enjoys wide support from different sectors becoming stained and polarized by incidents that may attempt against the right of others to work or move freely. These situations only serve as an argument to those who are trying to portray the exercise of expression as anarchistic, radical, or "leftist". At the same time, they harm the labor movement which itself has been greatly divided during the past decade.
It is necessary that prudence and good faith reign in coordination with law-enforcement officials so that everybody's rights will be guaranteed. Freedom of expression is important; let us preserve it without stains or regrettable situations.
ping
The following is a statement from the Puerto Rico Director of Tourism regarding travel to the island amid the situation:
Dear Puerto Rico Tourism Industry Friends,
As you know, the Government of Puerto Rico has been forced to approve legislation for fiscal measures deemed necessary to control and repay the island’s growing budget deficit. Measures included in what is known as “Ley 7 Ley Especial Declarando Estado de Emergencia Fiscal y Estableciendo Plan Integral de Estabilización Fiscal para Salvar el Crédito de Puerto Rico” include the reduction of government payroll, strict control of government agency spending and other economic measures that are expected to have an impact on an estimated 30,000 government employees. These measures are considered unavoidable in order to stabilize the fiscal situation on the island and avoid affecting the island’s credit standing.
While we are all concerned about how this issue will affect tourists, we are pleased to tell you there will be no major effect on the services used by tourists and that Puerto Rico continues to be very accessible and safe during this time. We are monitoring the situation day-to-day to make sure visitor’s trips to Puerto Rico will not be affected and that they feel comfortable about keeping their travel plans.
Puerto Rico’s many attractions, resort areas and tourist services are not expected to be affected by October 15th protests. All services relevant to tourists will be open, including: emergency services, staff and maintenance, casinos, hotels, restaurants, national and local parks, tour guides, municipal services, and tourist centers. As of this afternoon, all port and cruise facilities, airport facilities and taxis are expected to operate normally. In addition, the safety and security of the island will not be affected, as all government offices related to public safety and health services will remain open. Puerto Rico continues to remain very secure as all emergency services have been unaffected; hospital facilities, EMT services, fire departments, police stations are operating as normal.
In case some of the hospitality industry’s services are affected by the protests the Puerto Rico Tourism Company has taken the following preemptive steps;
Transportation from the airport will be provided for our visitors. PRTC has 10 buses ready and available to provide transportation as needed to the following tourist zones:
Isla Verde,
Condado/Ocean Park,
Old San Juan/Piers/Puerta de Tierra/Miramar and
Convention Center/Rivas Dominicci Airport.
Hotels will be responsible for transportation of their guests to the airport.
Two shifts of PRTC management employees have been assigned to cover casinos. These shifts will work from 5:00am to 5:00pm and one from 5:00pm to 5:00am. The island was divided in zones; Condado, Isla Verde, Fajardo, Humacao, Ponce, Mayaguez and Aguadilla
Two command centers have been established. One will be located in the Information Center at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, and at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. Both will start work at 5:00am on October 15th.
If you need to request assistant from PRTC please contact, Madeline Santiago at 787-525-4899; PRTC’s Airport Office at 787-791-1014 or the Puerto Rico Convention Center at 787-722-3309.
While this is a local issue that is affecting many public employees on the island, and will not directly affect tourists, unfortunately perceptions of Puerto Rico may be slightly altered by the current financial situation. Rumors of protests and strikes taking place in San Juan may create growing concerns about safety and security on the island. Governor Luis Fortuño, the Legislature, and all government agencies are making it their priority to remain in constant communication with the people and taking all the right measures to minimize the effect the needed fiscal measures may have on the workforce.
Following is an update on the immediate steps we are taking:
• At present we have not received any media requests about travel to Puerto Rico. If any are received they will be given high priority and responded to immediately.
• Plans to provide alternative routes for tourists during the protest are being put into place if needed.
• Although deemed unlikely, if the protest continues for an extended period of time, and there is a possibility that tourism numbers may be affected negatively arises, we will modify our advertising and marketing efforts to boost travel to Puerto Rico.
• We will be implementing additional measures as appropriate, to inject interest among potential visitors. We will continue to work with all of you to find new ways to reach travelers to Puerto Rico and to reassure them of the safety of the island and the availability of communication resources to keep them updated during their visit.
You play a vital role in communicating with your colleagues in the travel community, including travel agents, wholesalers, hotel, cruise and airline contacts, about tourism to Puerto Rico and how to best approach consumers regarding this issue. If your clients have questions or are in need of support related to travel to Puerto Rico, please call our travel agent hotline at 800-866-5829 or our consumer hotline at 800-866-7827 for updates.
Thank you for your continued support of Puerto Rico and our tourism industry.
Best regards,
Jaime A. López Díaz
Executive Director
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
Thank You! This is very helpful!
While the Puerto Rican government deserves credit for looking after tourists during the protests, it’s really a shame such measures have to be taken to begin with. In other words, the authorities are not ruling out demonstrations that are other than peaceful and put tourists (not to mention the locals) in harm’s way.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.