DDEC deputy secretary: Agency operations continue following Negrón Reichard’s resignation.

Department of Economic Development and Commerce Deputy Secretary Roberto Lefranc Fortuño

By THE STAR STAFF

Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its initials in Spanish) Deputy Secretary Roberto Lefranc Fortuño stated on Wednesday that the agency is continuing its operations following the resignation of former secretary Sebastián Negrón Reichard.

“At the DDEC, agency operations have not ceased. The resignations involve personnel who served as trust staff to the former Secretary,” Lefranc Fortuño said in a written statement. “The DDEC’s operational structure continues to function normally. In fact, just yesterday, we continued to issue 145 permits and process 63 applications for various incentives.” Lefranc Fortuño noted that starting Tuesday afternoon, meetings were held with various DDEC components to ensure continuity in the agency’s work and services.

Regarding the resignations, he clarified that they involve nine trust employees and aides to Negrón Reichard.

He also denied that Carlos Herrero has resigned as director of the Rums of Puerto Rico Program.

“Carlos Herrero continues to perform his duties as usual as Director of the Rums of Puerto Rico Program and has not submitted any resignation,” the official said.

Lefranc Fortuño pointed out that several DDEC divisions are staffed by permanent or interim officials, including the Tourism Company, the Land Administration, the Roosevelt Roads Development Authority, the Industrial Development Company, the Office of Permit Management, and the Office of Incentives.

In the area of ​​business development, he noted that the Office of Manufacturing Business Development issued two letters of intent for incentives regarding projects in the life sciences and information technology sectors.

This week, the Seed Capital and Marketing Incentives Evaluation Committee has 30 cases currently under review.

The Crafts Program certified eight artisans on Tuesday at the DDEC offices; meanwhile, 23 artisans are being assisted this Wednesday in Cabo Rojo, and on Thursday, the program will continue in Ponce. Lefranc Fortuño added that appointments were coordinated for young people to begin internships next week, and disbursements for active scholarships were approved.

In coordination with the Department of Education, DDEC staff visited PharmaEssentia in Vega Baja to explore opportunities for youth employment placement at the life sciences company.

He also reported that on Tuesday, $933,301 was disbursed for programs administered by Rums of Puerto Rico, Act 60, the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO), and DDEC.

Regarding the summary suspensions of two employees, Lefranc Fortuño stated that DDEC Human Resources is currently evaluating whether such action is appropriate under the law, applicable regulations, due process standards, and the rights of career employees.

“The former Secretary requested the summary suspension of two employees,” noted. “However, it is the responsibility of Human Resources to determine whether such action is appropriate in light of the constitutional protections and rights afforded to public career employees. This does not constitute a reversal of previous decisions, but rather a strict adherence to the due process of law that protects all parties involved.”

Lefranc Fortuño affirmed that the referrals and allegations made by Negrón Reichard remain active before the appropriate entities, including the Government Ethics Office, the Department of Justice, the Office of the Comptroller, and DDEC’s internal administrative processes.

“The Government will act with responsibility, transparency, and in accordance with the law,” the official said. “Clear institutional mechanisms are in place to investigate any allegations and to safeguard both the public interest and the due process of law that protects all career employees.”