House speaker delivers SUVs for Vieques seniors

By THE STAR STAFF

In order to provide greater services to senior citizens residing in Vieques, Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez earlier this week delivered two sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to the mayor of the offshore island municipality, José “Junito” Corcino Acevedo.

The ownership of the vehicles -- a white 2015 Ford Explorer with seating for five and a white 2014 Ford Edge, which also seats five -- which previously belonged to the lower chamber, was transferred to the Vieques municipal administration. They will be used at the Luisa Guadalupe senior center, which directly serves some 70 seniors daily.

“Supporting municipal efforts to improve the quality of life for seniors is one of our priorities,” Méndez said. “Therefore, when the mayor mentioned their need for vehicles to transport seniors, as well as food, we set about identifying what we had available to meet that request. Today, we are donating two SUVs in perfect condition for the use of seniors served by the Luisa Guadalupe senior center in Vieques.”

The House speaker, who represents District 36 (Río Grande, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Vieques and Culebra) emphasized that the vehicles “meet a real need.”

“The center serves 20 seniors directly at its facilities every day, as well as provides food to 48 across the island municipality,” he said. “With these two SUVs, that number could double, as they now have the capacity to carry more prepared meals, as well as assist seniors with their appointments and other matters.”

Corcino Acevedo said the donation represents a unique opportunity to expand services to a significant segment of the population.

“As you know, we in Vieques have the same demographics as the rest of the island: a senior population that grows every day,” he said. “The Luisa Guadalupe Senior Center has the potential to serve more seniors; however, until today we didn’t have the additional resources to do so. […] These SUVs are essential in our effort to increase the services provided by the municipality.”

According to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data, 17.1% of Vieques’ population -- about 1,200 people -- is over 65 years of age.