Senate probe into Roosevelt Roads to continue with site visit following adjournment of public hearing
By THE STAR STAFF
The Puerto Rico Senate committees investigating the current status of the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Ceiba opened a joint public hearing Wednesday. In light of recent developments concerning Cuba, they agreed to continue the investigation through an executive session, followed by a site visit to the facilities.
The committee chairs excused the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) -- who is also the former executive director of the Roosevelt Roads Local Redevelopment Authority -- Carlos J. Ríos Pierluisi, as well as Ceiba Mayor Samuel Rivera Báez, both of whom had been summoned to testify.
Sen. Carmelo Ríos Santiago, chair of the Committee on Federal Relations and the Implementation of the People’s Mandate for a Status Solution -- who also serves as vice president of the Senate -- noted that the decision stems from events outside the Senate’s jurisdiction that involve national security concerns. Those include an arrest warrant issued for former Cuban President Raúl Castro and the possibility that Puerto Rico could once again serve as a support base, as was the case with Venezuela.
“These events are neither under our control nor within our jurisdiction,” Ríos Santiago said. “Once we have a clearer picture, we will immediately proceed with the site visit.”
The inspection is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6.
The senator added that the executive session with the DDEC secretary will be used to discuss any information emerging from the Department of Defense, the former base, or the DDEC itself, should the reports received by the committee be confirmed. Ríos Santiago noted that he has already been in contact with both Ríos Pierluisi and the Ceiba mayor. Sen. Nitza Moran Trinidad, chair of the Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, Banking, Commerce, Insurance, and Cooperativism -- and a co-author of the measure -- reiterated the commitment of both committees to the investigation.
“It is important to understand what is happening and how it affects Puerto Rico,” stated Moran Trinidad, who did not rule out holding a public hearing at a later date. “This resolution provides a basis for us to continue investigating how the Roosevelt Roads site will be used.”
Senate Resolution 286, authored by Moran Trinidad and Ríos Santiago, directs both committees to evaluate the feasibility and impact of a potential reuse of Roosevelt Roads by the United States military for national security purposes, and to recommend measures to maximize federal relations as well as economic and social benefits for Puerto Rico.
Sens. Migdalia Padilla Alvelo and Roxanna Soto Aguilú were also present during the proceedings.
