Free Republic

(Translation) The prospects on the health of former [Puerto Rico] Governor Carlos Romero Barceló are more encouraging, although he remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Ashford Presbyterian Community Hospital in El Condado, his daughter Melinda Romero Donnelly confirmed. "Today's prospects on Dad's health are more encouraging. Fortunately, he is breathing much better and with less reliance on oxygen," Romero Donnelly said in a written statement to EL VOCERO. "He remains in intensive care, stable given his condition. Again, thanks to all who are concerned about his health and I ask that you continue praying so this gladiator may go...

(English-language translation) [Puerto Rico] Governor Aníbal Acevedo Vilá should resign from office if he is incapable of taking economy measures to avoid the present government crisis, former Governor Carlos Romero Barceló said yesterday, and also asked what became of the $400 million that were not assigned to the Aqueduct & Sewer Authority (AAA). The [opposition] New Progressive Party (PNP) leader declared that the short-term solution to this fiscal year’s deficit problem is a loan with a tax to corporations and organizations with a gross income that exceeds $10 million. In Romero’s judgment, the long-term solution to the economic problem is...

(Abridged English-language translation) With a sorrowful heart and mixed feelings over his defeat in Sunday’s primaries, Carlos Romero-Barceló, the veteran of a thousand campaigns with the [pro-statehood] New Progressive Party (PNP), decided not to seek elective office anymore and not to get actively involved in the 2004 election campaign. The former Governor granted EL VOCERO an exclusive interview even before returning calls from Pedro Rosselló, his party’s candidate for Governor, and at a time when the island was eager to know his reaction to the undisputable victory of his (Romero’s) opponent Luis Fortuño. A peaceful but reflective Romero replied without...