Statistics Institute warns 31 municipalities, 16 agencies over compliance failures

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics (IEPR by its initials in Spanish) is warning 31 municipalities and 16 executive branch agencies that they face potential administrative fines and legal action for failing to designate representatives to the government’s Committee for Statistical Coordination (CCE).

IEPR Executive Director Orville Disdier said Tuesday that the designations are essential to ensure the island maintains complete, reliable and accessible statistical data across government sectors.

“The designation to the CCE is indispensable because it promotes complete, trustworthy and universally accessible statistics for Puerto Rico,” Disdier said in written remarks.

According to Special Report 2027‑01, 39.7% of municipalities remain out of compliance, compared with 14.8% of agencies and public entities in the executive branch. Forty‑seven municipalities and 92 agencies have completed the required designation.

Disdier noted that the IEPR has been conducting an outreach and enforcement campaign since early 2026. Before that effort, fewer than half of agencies had completed the process, and only a small number of municipalities had named representatives.

The CCE is the government body responsible for coordinating Puerto Rico’s Statistical Production Service, ensuring continuity and data flow, addressing access problems, and proposing solutions for statistical units across the government.

Executive branch entities and municipalities still in violation must immediately complete and submit the designation form to the IEPR “to avoid additional findings and possible fines,” Disdier added. Agencies and municipalities that have already complied do not need to take further action.