AGP Executive Report

Energy Costs: Puerto Rico’s latest electricity-rate increase is expected to add $218 million to bills this quarter, with small businesses facing an average 17% jump. Hospital Finances: Hospitals warn proposed nurse-to-patient ratios could cost the sector about $64 million a year, potentially forcing cuts to beds or services amid staffing shortages. Fuel Supply: The LNG tanker Amur River has entered San Juan Bay after weeks of delays, restoring a key fuel supply for the San Juan power complex. Agriculture: Officials imposed 120-day quarantines and biosecurity measures after bird flu was confirmed in Lajas and Cabo Rojo. Tourism: Airbnb data points to growing visitor interest in inland towns, with San Germán leading booking growth and local businesses benefiting from guest spending. Healthcare Access: Bipartisan legislation would change Medicare Advantage payment calculations for Puerto Rico, where beneficiaries receive about 40% less per person than the national average. Politics: Senator Carmelo Ríos accused the Republican Party’s ultraconservative wing of crossing into racism toward Puerto Rico.

Health and Services: Mayagüez is seeking to redirect nearly $1.5 million to improve municipal healthcare facilities. Workplace Rights: A new law lets employers make employment decisions affecting registered medical cannabis patients in safety-sensitive transportation jobs, including bus, taxi and rideshare drivers. Energy: The LNG tanker Amur River entered San Juan Bay to supply PREPA power plants, as the island continues to face energy challenges. Local Business: ASORE’s Oct. 30–31 restaurant show will spotlight Puerto Rican ingredients and suppliers, while Colectivo has opened a larger Plaza Las Américas location for local entrepreneurs. Environment: Officials are investigating a possible decline in bioluminescence in Vieques Bay. In Maricao State Forest, a biologist rescued a young Puerto Rican parrot from an invasive boa; the bird recovered and rejoined its flock.

Environment: Puerto Rico’s natural resources agency is investigating a possible decline in the glow of Vieques’ famed Mosquito Bay, a globally recognized bioluminescent site. Coastal Recovery: House leaders are preparing a rehabilitation plan for Dorado’s Manuel “Nolo” Morales Beach, including facility repairs and work to address erosion. Cruise Tourism: San Juan is hosting the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s annual conference through Oct. 16, bringing cruise executives and tourism partners together to discuss homeporting and visitor spending. Local Business: Puerto Rico’s restaurant association will spotlight locally grown and made products at its Oct. 30–31 trade show, aiming to connect restaurants with farmers and manufacturers. Public Workforce: A proposed bill would give many government employees a four-day, 32-hour workweek without a pay cut, while excluding critical services such as health and public safety. Research and Finance: UPR–Mayagüez has opened a scientific incubator backed by $4 million, and Puerto Rico is set to host global leaders for talks on the future of financial services.

Air Cargo: FlyUs has opened a San Juan office after winning an exclusive Air Canada cargo contract, supporting three weekly flights to Toronto and targeting pharmaceutical exports. Finance & Travel: Puerto Rico will host global leaders for talks on the future of financial services, while airlines add seasonal routes for the island’s extended Christmas season. Cycling: Puerto Rican Christopher Morales Fontán won the Caribbean Elite men’s road race in the Dominican Republic; Guyana’s Briton John took silver. Boxing: Hall of Famer Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gómez, a three-division world champion, has died at 69. Research & Investment: UPR-Mayagüez has opened a scientific incubator and secured $4 million for a research and technology center; Walmart plans a $65 million Supercenter in Bayamón.

Boxing: Puerto Rico mourns Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gómez, the Hall of Fame champion who died at 69. He won world titles in three divisions and recorded 17 consecutive knockout title defenses at super-bantamweight. Economy: Island activity rose for a third straight month in August, led by manufacturing, but economist Ángel Rivera Montañez cautioned that recession risks remain. Research & Technology: UPR–Mayagüez opened a scientific incubator and secured $4 million for a research and technology center; a professor there also won a prestigious NSF CAREER award. Business & Travel: Walmart is investing $65 million in its first Bayamón Supercenter, while airlines are adding holiday routes to San Juan for Puerto Rico’s extended Christmas season. On the Island: San Juan is preparing to host global leaders for talks on financial services, and Miss Universe contestants are beginning their Puerto Rico visit ahead of the competition.

Boxing: Puerto Rican legend Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gómez has died at 69. The three-division world champion finished with 42 knockouts in 48 fights and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Jobs and Investment: Walmart has begun a $65 million project for Bayamón’s first Supercenter, expected to open in 2028 and create more than 600 permanent jobs. Arts & Culture: Cirque du Soleil’s Puerto Rico-inspired show, featuring live bomba, plena, salsa and reggaeton, will premiere in San Juan in February 2027. Food Security: A new study warns that nearly half of Puerto Rico’s adults face food insecurity. Energy: Genera PR’s proposed desalination project for the San Juan and Palo Seco power plants is on hold, while New Fortress Energy says it won’t deliver more natural gas without payment guarantees. Wildlife: A young endangered Puerto Rican parrot was rescued from an invasive boa in Maricao State Forest and returned to its flock the next day. Banking: The former chairman and co-owner of Puerto Rican Nodus Bank was sentenced to 62 months in prison for a multimillion-dollar wire-fraud conspiracy.

Boxing: Puerto Rico mourns Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gómez, the San Juan-born Hall of Famer and three-division world champion who died at 69. Wildlife: A young Puerto Rican parrot escaped an invasive boa in Maricao State Forest and returned to its flock the next day. Community Care: El Comedor de la Kennedy has opened in Arecibo, serving hot meals to children, older adults, families and others facing hardship. Health: San Juan Capestrano Hospital received a national award for quality, placing it among the top 5% of healthcare organizations in the award’s measures. Island Challenges: A new study says food insecurity affects nearly half of Puerto Rico’s adults, while retired PREPA workers warn their pensions may be at risk amid a possible overhaul.

Pageant Spotlight: Puerto Rico’s Vicky Carbonell finished among Miss Grand International’s fifth runners-up and won the Grand Talent award. Tanzania’s Jihan Dimachk took the crown; Angelica Lopez’s bid for a third straight title ended outside the Top 11. Healthcare: San Juan Capestrano Hospital received a national Press Ganey award, ranking among the top 5% of providers for quality and patient experience. Home Backup: Tesla says new Model 3 and Model Y buyers in Puerto Rico can use their cars to power a home during outages—but the setup requires a Powerwall 3 and compatible charger. Power and Pensions: PREPA retirees warn their pensions are at risk amid a possible overhaul, while the Oversight Board cautioned agencies that budget-office approval alone does not authorize contracts. Weather: A new tropical wave brought renewed concern after recent island-wide flash-flood warnings; scattered rains have also eased drought conditions slightly.

Pageant Spotlight: Puerto Rico’s Vicky Carbonel advanced to the Miss Grand International semifinals and won the Grand Talent award; Tanzania’s Jihan Mohin Dimachk took the crown. Miss Universe contestants have also arrived in Puerto Rico ahead of the 2026 pageant. Energy & Oversight: The island’s procurement monitor referred New Fortress Energy to federal authorities over its refusal to supply gas to PREPA, citing possible legal violations but making no finding of wrongdoing. The Oversight Board also warned agencies that budget-office approval alone does not authorize contracts. Household Pressures: A study says food insecurity affects nearly half of Puerto Rico adults, while electricity-sector retirees fear for their pensions. Bankruptcy filings rose as accumulated debt reached $865.4 million. Public Safety: Authorities seized more than 560 pounds of cocaine near Aguadilla, and a Nodus Bank co-owner was sentenced in Miami for multimillion-dollar fraud. Jobs: Manatí will host a job fair and economic development convention on Oct. 14.

Energy Dispute: Puerto Rico’s procurement office referred New Fortress Energy to federal authorities over its refusal to supply natural gas to the San Juan power plant, citing potential violations of six federal statutes. NFE says it will not resume deliveries without payment guarantees. Miss Universe: Contestants arrived in Puerto Rico for the 2026 pageant, with some visiting local landmarks and meeting Gov. Jenniffer González. Public Finances: Puerto Rico bankruptcy filings rose as accumulated debt reached $865.4 million; meanwhile, the Oversight Board warned agencies that budget-office authorization does not itself approve a contract. Business & Jobs: Seven Puerto Rican companies joined a trade mission to Texas, and local manufacturers reported a fourth consecutive month of expansion. Banking Fraud: The former chairman and co-owner of Puerto Rican-based Nodus International Bank was sentenced to 62 months in prison for a wire-fraud scheme that cost the bank more than $23.6 million. Island’s Status: A new bilingual website aims to explain Puerto Rico’s colonial relationship with the United States and the impact of federal decisions.

Surfing and Tourism: Arecibo’s La Marginal Surfing Pro opens with more than 390 athletes from 25 countries; organizers expect the event to draw 50,000 visitors and generate up to $3 million. San Juan is also set to host the 2026 Miss Universe pageant. Business Growth: Seven Puerto Rican companies joined a trade mission to Austin to pursue U.S. customers, while manufacturers plan a summit on the island’s industrial future. Economic Pressures: A new study says nearly half of Puerto Rico’s adults face food insecurity. Retired PREPA workers, meanwhile, fear their pensions could be cut as the utility’s debt restructuring advances. Energy and Oversight: The Oversight Board warned agencies that budget-office authorization does not equal approval for a contract. A proposed desalination project for San Juan and Palo Seco is on hold. Public Safety: Authorities seized more than 560 pounds of cocaine near Aguadilla. Local Rules: Twenty-five municipalities now regulate short-term rentals as the sector grows.

Coastal Security: Border Patrol and Puerto Rico police seized about 562 pounds of suspected cocaine near Aguadilla and arrested two people; the DEA is investigating. Energy and Water: The Puerto Rico Manufacturers’ Association warns that canceling LUMA’s contract could damage the island’s investment credibility. Separately, regulators rejected Genera PR’s proposed desalination project for the San Juan and Palo Seco power plants, citing inadequate justification. Demographics: Puerto Rico’s municipalities lost at least 40% of their residents under 20 from 2000 to 2025, with Guánica and Loíza nearing a 75% decline. Weather: Scattered rains have slightly eased drought, though a new tropical wave brought heavy rain and renewed flash-flood concerns. Government: Former ADSEF director Blanca Medina Díaz accused Gov. Jenniffer González of lying about her order to reinstate the agency’s deputy administrator; González said the official was needed to do the work. Miss Universe: San Juan is set to host the 2026 pageant, but the organization is disputing claims that Vietnam has been selected for 2027.

Housing and Household Finances: With affordable homes scarce, property auctions are emerging as another path to ownership. Bankruptcy filings rose 5.8% year over year in September, and Puerto Rico is on pace for its highest annual total since 2019. Business Costs: Retailers are seeking a six-month pause in the “crudita” fuel tax to offset higher electricity bills; a recent rate increase is expected to add $218 million in costs across the island this quarter. Jobs and Opportunity: Puerto Rico has opened applications for $2 million in scholarships for students pursuing high-demand degrees and technical programs. Hecho en Puerto Rico is also expanding business training for local entrepreneurs. Tourism and Connectivity: San Juan’s airport traffic rebounded, with more than 810,000 passengers in September, as Miss Universe contestants arrived ahead of the pageant. Economic Outlook: Manufacturing expanded for a fourth straight month, while 42% of municipalities have lost more than 15% of their population over the past 25 years.

Energy Costs: Puerto Rico’s retailers are urging a six-month pause in the “crudita” fuel tax as an approved electricity-rate increase threatens to add about $218 million in costs across the economy this quarter. Power Supply: New Fortress Energy says it will not resume LNG deliveries until the Energy Bureau reverses a payment directive or the Electric Power Authority provides a guarantee, raising fresh concerns about the island’s energy supply. University Labor: UPR workers staged coordinated actions across all 11 campuses, pressing administrators to honor their contract and implement a compensation plan. Travel: San Juan’s airport handled 810,085 passengers in September, up 3.1% from a year earlier and reversing summer declines. Public Safety: Border Patrol and Puerto Rico police seized 562 pounds of cocaine off Aguadilla and arrested two U.S. citizens. Rural Enterprise: A women’s business festival is offering training in marketing, online sales and other skills to entrepreneurs in western mountain communities, including Lares and Adjuntas.

Cost of Living: Puerto Rico faces the nation’s steepest water affordability burden: typical bills exceed 3.5% of household income, and some low-income households spend nearly 20%. Demographic Shift: Thirty-three municipalities have lost more than 15% of their population in 25 years; every municipality has also lost more than half its children ages 0 to 9, according to the Institute of Statistics. Education: Vimenti won $1.031 million in federal funding to build or upgrade STEM learning spaces at four schools, with resources for robotics, AI and other subjects. Power Contract: The Oversight Board is defending its handling of the Power Expectations contract as questions mount over its potential $5.887 billion cost. Tourism and Culture: Cirque du Soleil has revealed plans for “Le Lo Lai,” a Puerto Rico-inspired production, while a new San Juan Nobu hotel is planned for 2028.

Energy Oversight: Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight and Management Board says it pushed for changes before endorsing the Power Expectations contract, and later blamed the government for opposing its termination. Port LNG Update: New Fortress Energy says it has started steps for the LNG tanker Amur River to enter San Juan Bay, but says it still lacks authorization from executives in New York. Head Start Language Fight: Educators warn that requiring English-only instruction in Puerto Rico’s Head Start centers could create barriers for about 25,000 children. Power Cost What-If: Experts say the failed Power Expectations deal—up to $5,887 million—could have funded renewable generation, solar with batteries, and major grid upgrades. Public Health & Safety: A Delta flight from San Juan to Boston was diverted to Bermuda after a medical emergency, leaving passengers stranded for hours amid passport/customs issues. Food Recall: More frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s, including in Puerto Rico, are recalled over possible E. coli contamination. Local Culture & Tourism: Cirque du Soleil is bringing “Le Lo Lai,” inspired by Puerto Rico, for a limited run at the Coca-Cola Music Hall.