Latest from the Municipality after Irma

Below is the communication in Spanish circulated today by the Municipality and which I received through the City Council Facebook page. The translation into English is by me.

This was posted September 12, 2017.

I hope you find this helpful.

Yours, Santiago F. Lampón

MUNICIPIO INFORMA
MUNICIPALITY INFORMS

En este momento tenemos al Cuerpo de Ingenieros de la Marina, FEMA, Departamento de la Familia, Departamento de Vivienda y Cruz Roja los cuales están haciendo una inspección ocular en áreas de las comunidades afectadas, se atenderán estructuras críticas. La OMME y personal municipal se encuentran haciendo la ruta para estos trabajos.

At this time we have the U.S. Navy Corps of Engineers, FEMA, the Department of Family, the Department of Housing and the Red Cross which are conducting visual inspections of the affected communities, and will help with critical structures. The OMME and Municipal staff are preparing the route for this work.

Según información de la AEE se espera que entre la tarde de hoy y el día de mañana se restablezca el servicio de energía eléctrica por lo menos en un 80%.

Pursuant to information provided by the Puerto Rico Power Authority, it is expected that at least 80% of the electric service will be restored by this afternoon.

Las comunidades que aun no tengan agua deben pasar por las oficinas de el Sr. Wilberto Conde a la AAA.

Communities which remain without water, should be reported to Mr. Wilbert Conde at the AAA.

Al momento tenemos en espera la ayuda de alimentos por parte del Gobierno Central, solo hemos recibido artículos de aseo personal los cuales fueron provistos por la Oficina de la Primera Dama Beatriz Roselló. Bajo ninguna circunstancia el Municipio de Vieques ha recibido ALIMENTOS por parte del Gobierno Central. Los alimentos que llegaron a Vieques fueron a través del Banco de Alimentos y los mismos fueron despachados por la Iglesia Fe que Transforma y sus miembros para aproximadamente 150 personas. Pendientes para mas información.

At this time, we are waiting for food assistance from the Central Government, and we have only received personal articles which were provided by the Office of the First Lady, Beatriz Roselló. Vieques has not received food assistance from the Central Government. The food assistance received in Vieques came from the Food Bank and where distributed by the church Faith which Transforms and its members to approximately 150 persons. Please standby for more information.

END OF COMMUNICATION

Vieques Festival to Benefit Cancer Patients

Go over to http://www.ViequesBlog.com and checkout the article on the event scheduled fro September 3-4, 2016.  Here is the link:

Vieques Festival to benefit local cancer patients, Sept 3-4

Yours,

Santiago F. Lampón

 

When is the possession of your property in danger?

Through a few of my posts I have covered the importance of possession, but apparently the subject requires further discussion. 

It is also apparent that this subject is becoming increasingly important in some areas of Vieques and warrants further discussion.  This time, I am going to begin with a question.

What would you do if one day ou came back to your home and found a stranger claiming possession or ownership of your property?

You would not stand by and do nothing, right?   The same standard applies to properties in Puerto Rico even if there is no house or structure built upon it.  If your possession is interrupted you need to take action.

Usually, in my experience, when someone has had its possession interrupted it is because the person did not take care of the property in the first place.  Fortunately there is always an oorotunity to handle rhe situation if confronted in a timely fashion.

Possession is something that requires action of one kind or another.  If it is land, it needs to be cleared with some regularity and the fences kept in good shape.  Of there is a house, even if abandoned it needs to be looked after.  Another option is to have someone visit the property every now and then and report back to you on its condition.

Juat note that you have to do something with your property, or you may be literally leaving the door open for someone else to do something,  regardless if the property is titled or not.

If your possession has been snatched by someone, you can take action to snatch it right back to you, but it requires diligent motion on your part.

As a final note, nothing here is meant to promote the use of violence.  There are many legal tools available to enforce your rights at any given time. 

One note of caution: besides remaining motionless, time can be your worst enemy.

I hope this helps.

Yours,

Santiago F.  Lampón

Adverse Possesion Claims – A note about “possesion”

I present to you a new video on the subject of adverse possession.  In this video, I focus on an aspect of adverse possession claims in Puerto Rico which is easily misunderstood.  As an additional note, you may also read my recent article on this subject here.

I hope you enjoy the video and the article, and always remember that you may post questions or comments on this or other subjects.

Adverse Possession in Puerto Rico

On January 24, 2008, I published an article on this blog which I have expanded and re-published at www.PuertoLegalBlog.com which you may access and read here completely free.

The revised article is fully applicable to adverse possession claims in Vieques.

Yours,

Santiago F. Lampón

Forced Heirs Law in Puerto Rico – An Introduction

Dear Subscriber:

I present my latest video, this one on the subject of Puerto Rico Foced Heirs Law, a subject I commonly confront in my practice.  Please remember that I welcome any questions or comments on the subject, and perhaps your question can become the subject of my next video or post.

Very truly yours,

Santiago F. Lampón

Vieques Ferry (Reportedly) Limited to 149 Passengers Per Trip

On Saturday, February 5, 2011, the Senate of Puerto Rico held public hearings in Vieques on the issues related to the transportation services to and from Vieques.  Many subjects were discussed, including the “short-rout” and “the bridge.”  The Senate is looking into the continuous complaints about this service and the possible solutions.

Of particular importance, was the information whch transpired during the hearings about the agency failing an emergency drill supervised by the US Coast Guard.  Apparently, until the agency passes a new emergency drill, the service will be limited to 149 passengers per trip.

There is an article (in Spanish) on this subject pusblished a www.ViequesBlog.com which you may copy into Google Translator.

The Vieques and Culebra Ferry – The Senate Hearings – The News

In an article by Joel Ortiz Rivera of El Nuevo Día, Mr. Ortiz reports that there is a consensus on the proposed new fees for the ferry for non-residents of Vieques.  This article is the result of hearing held by the Senate of Puerto Rico at Vieques on Saturday, February 5th.  I recommend you read it.  You may copy it into Google Translator.

Pursuant to Mr. Ortiz and the press release he is reporting on, the essence appears to be that:  improvements to the service first, higher fees later.

Mr. Ortiz further reports that Senator Lornna Soto stated:

First we have to attend to the financial restructuring, evaluate the schedule for the employees and the routes and evaluate separating the ATM before increasing the fees.

It is not clear from Mrs. Soto’s statement what she means by “separating the ATM” yet the statement reflects that a thorough look at how the ATM operates and delivers is mandated.

Other reactions have been circulated in the community and, while the Senate’s attention to this issue is appreciated, the consensus is that immediate action is needed.

New Economic Laws to Benefit Small and Medium Size Businesses

New economic measures have been approved into law with the purpose of benefiting small and medium size businesses, with the purpose of assisting in the development and strengthening of the local industry.

Among the excellent measures is Law Núm. 147 of August 1, 2008, known as the Law of Incentives for the Development of Small and Medium Size Companies.  This law includes a series of amendments made to a series of laws, among which are the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code, Workmen’s Compensation Law, Municipal Patent Law and others, in order to create a model of incentives that stimulate the development and growth of medium and small companies of local capital.  These companies are generally seen as the creators of economic activity which in turn support the economic development of the Island.

As an example, a corporation or partnership with annual income not in excess of $5.000.000, will be able to choose a 25% tax rate if it maintains an average of 7 employees per year or 30% rate otherwise. The cost of equipment of computer systems and other equipments could be adjusted towards the gross income with two years depreciation, including transportation and environmental conservation equipment among others.

Puerto Rico is aggressively pushing for the strengthening of small and medium size business.  Hence, it is important to keep abreast of the changes affecting this sector of the economy.

 

Lampón & Associates

 

Medidas económicas a beneficio de las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas

 

Nuevas medidas económicas se han convertid en ley con el objetivo de beneficiar a las empresas locales y al consumidor, fomentando el desarrollo y el fortalecimiento de la industria local.  

 

Entre las medidas más relevantes se encuentra la Ley Núm. 147 del 1 de agosto de 2008, conocida como la Ley de Incentivos para el desarrollo de Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas. El cuerpo de dicha ley consiste en una serie de enmiendas realizadas a un grupo de leyes (Código de Rentas Internas, Ley de Compensación por Accidentes del Trabajo, Ley de Contribución Municipal sobre la Propiedad y Ley de Patentes Municipales) con el propósito de crear un modelo de incentivos contributivos y no contributivos que estimulen el desarrollo y crecimiento de empresas medianas y pequeñas de capital local como creadoras de empleos y de actividad económica para fomentar así el desarrollo económico del país.

 

A modo de ejemplo, gracias a ésta ley una corporación o sociedad cuyos ingresos anuales no excedan de $5,000,000.00 podrá optar por una contribución de un 25% si mantiene un promedio de 7 empleos anuales, o como alternativa una contribución de 30% sin estar éstas sujetas a imposición de contribución adicional. Se podrá deducir del ingreso bruto el costo de equipos de sistemas de computadoras y su instalación, y se podrá determinar dicha deducción utilizando una vida útil de dos años para el equipo de transportación terrestre y equipo de conservación ambiental.

Es importante conocer y entender todas las medidas que se están adoptando día a día en el país con miras a lograr una estabilidad económica dentro de un sistema que sea estable y seguro. Estos incentivos están dirigidos no solo al desarrollo y fortalecimiento de la industria local, si no también a la protección y el beneficio del consumidor como parte del colectivo social.  

Para más información sobre este tema o algún tema asociado, puede comunicarse con nosotros al 787-273-6767.

Lampón & Associates

 

Tourism Seminars in Vieques

On September 15, 16 and 17, the Department of Tourism will be delivering seminars on improving the quality of service in the Tourism Industry.  As I read the description of the seminars, the firt day is for the general public and it is meant to raise public awareness of the importance of tourism and how everyone can become involved and help this industry.

On the 16th and the 17th, they have a “superhost” seminar which appears to be addressed at business and employees directly serving the tourits.  Apparently, the same seminar will be delivered on the 16th and on the 17th.

Below is the Spanish version of the announcement we received.  I like the fact that the promotion is addressed at keeping Vieques as the number 1 spot in the Caribbean.  That is a worthy goal to pursue.

If you need more information, the contact information appears at the end of the announcement.

Best regards,

Santiago F. Lampón

 

Saludos:

 

Los días 15, 16 y 17 de septiembre la Compañía de Turismo de Puerto Rico estará ofreciendo –libre de costos- los talleres de Calidad Turística y Puerto Rico SuperHost en el Centro de Usos Múltiples.  A continuación, una breve descripción de los mismos:

 

Calidad Turística– 15 de septiembre de 2008 de 9:00 a 12:00m – Público General y sin límite de espacios

·      Enfatiza la importancia de asumir actitudes positivas que contribuyan a recibir y atender mejor a nuestros visitantes y de esa forma encaminar al País hacia una cultura turística que beneficie la economía y calidad de vida de Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico SuperHost – 16 y/o 17 de septiembre de 8:00 am a 4:30pm – ¡Capacidad limitada! –Mayores de 18 años

***Es necesario completar la parte de la mañana y la parte de la tarde para obtener la certificación***

·      Es un adiestramiento diseñado para facilitarle a los profesionales del servicio, las destrezas y el conocimiento necesario para proveer un servicio de excelencia.

 

Temas:

      Destrezas de Bienvenida

      Trabajando hacia un Servicio WOW

      Comunicación Efectiva

      El Poder de Escuchar

      El Turismo es Negocio de Todos

      Ahora me Toca a Mi

Aquellos interesados en participar de estos talleres, favor de comunicarse –a la brevedad posible– al Centro de Información al 787-741-0800 para separar su espacio.

 

¡Participa y contribuye a que Vieques continue siendo “La Mejor Isla del Caribe”!

 

FAVOR COMPARTIR ESTA INFORMAICÓN CON TODOS SUS CONTACTOS

 

Gracias,

Shelyn Silva Perea

Supervisora de Operaciones Turísticas

Región Turística Este-Central

Centros de Información Turística de Vieques & Culebra

PO Box 928

Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765

Tel. 787-741-0800

Fax: 787-741-0900

E-mail: ssilva@prtourism.com