Dominican community leader Luis Aguasvivas (X via Aguasvivas360) By THE STAR STAFF Dominican community leader Luis Aguasvivas has issued an urgent call to the government of the Dominican Republic to dismiss Rosendo Arsenio Borges, the neighboring island nation’s current consul general in Puerto Rico, citing what he described as a “clear lack of commitment, complete absence of action, and failure to support” Dominicans affected by recent immigration raids. Arsenio Borges did n

By THE STAR STAFF The Puerto Rico Police Bureau launched its “Not One More Bullet in the Air” campaign on Monday with an event at Plaza Carolina that included the premiere of a new song performed by singer-songwriter Alex Javier Esteras with the Police Band. “One injury, one death is one too many. We cannot let our guard down,” said Police Superintendent Joseph González, who acknowledged the support of organizations, agencies, and media outlets in disseminating the preventati

Puerto Rico Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana By THE STAR STAFF Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana announced Monday that she will convene a meeting today with Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, the Puerto Rico Mayors Federation and representatives from the private sector with the goal of reaching a consensus on possible alternatives for replacing the inventory tax. Rivera Santana noted that private companies have several proposals to present and emphasized that

Rep. José Aponte Hernández (Facebook via José Aponte Hernández) By THE STAR STAFF Rep. José Aponte Hernández on Sunday denounced a move by shipping company Tote Puerto Rico to impose another price increase on consumers during the Christmas season by significantly raising the container rate from $425 to $485. The increase, set to take effect on Dec. 8, will impact over 80% of the products entering the island, the veteran lawmaker said. “I have been consistent on this issue. To

The Puerto Rico Agricultural Biotechnology Industry Association estimates that 85% of seeds in the global supply chain pass through the island at some stage. Critics argue that the local government prioritizes incentives for ag-tech corporations over support for local farmers. (Facebook via Bayer Crop Science Puerto Rico) By THE STAR STAFF More than one-third of the world’s corn supply originates in America’s Corn Belt, a vast agricultural region stretching from Nebraska to O

By THE STAR STAFF The Infrastructure Financing Authority (AFI) announced on Sunday the beginning of mitigation and controlled demolition work on abandoned structures at Piers 11, 12 and 13 in Puerta de Tierra. The initiative marks a significant step forward in modernizing the facilities and ensuring they meet environmental compliance standards under the Ports Authority’s jurisdiction, the AFI said. Demolition of the first structure is set to begin today, following the complet

Ringneck parakeets, notable for their striking colors, come mainly from India, as well as some countries in southwest Africa. (northernparrots.com) By THE STAR STAFF Criminal charges were filed last week against an individual for violating articles 1 and 6 of Law 241-1999, better known as the “New Wildlife Law of Puerto Rico,” for illegal possession of 116 ringneck parakeets on a farm in the Santana neighborhood of Sabana Grande. Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Sec

“Puerto Rico responded with immense generosity,” Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana said when announcing the departure of the humanitarian aid collected as part of the Puerto Rico Embraces Jamaica initiative. By THE STAR STAFF Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana announced Sunday that humanitarian aid collected at the five distribution centers established around the island departed in the morning for Jamaica in 14 fully loaded 40-foot shipping containers as pa