House resolution seeks probe into alleged displacement of businesses at cruise piers
By THE STAR STAFF
A resolution introduced in the island House of Representatives would order an investigation into allegations that local transportation companies and service providers operating at the San Juan Bay cruise terminals are being displaced as a result of the public-private partnership agreement between the Puerto Rico Ports Authority and San Juan Cruise Port LLC (SJCP).
House Resolution 854, filed by Rep. José Aponte Hernández last week, directs the House Government Committee to conduct what lawmakers described as an urgent inquiry into claims that businesses with decades-long ties to the cruise industry have been adversely affected by changes implemented under the concession agreement awarded to SJCP in 2022.
According to the measure, concerns about the public-private partnership’s effect on local businesses emerged even before the contract was finalized with provisions intended to protect and promote their participation.
The resolution cites language contained in Schedule 15 of the concession agreement, in which SJCP committed to working collaboratively with local stakeholders and service providers, promoting fair competition, and expanding business opportunities through increased cruise traffic.
The contract also calls for the concessionaire to work with local communities and government authorities to integrate the cruise port with the broader tourism destination in the San Juan metropolitan area for the benefit of local businesses and Puerto Rico’s economy.
Despite those commitments, the resolution alleges that since 2025 SJCP has taken actions that have resulted in the displacement of local businesses, particularly those involved in tourist transportation services at the cruise piers. Lawmakers said they have received information alleging that exclusivity arrangements have been granted to other companies, including foreign firms, limiting opportunities for longstanding local operators.
The measure states that multiple attempts to resolve the situation have been unsuccessful and warns that the alleged changes could threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of families that depend on cruise-related transportation services as their primary source of income.
The resolution requires the committee to submit interim reports as needed and a final report containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations before the end of the current legislative session.
