Puerto Rico Sun

04/08/2024

09/19/2023

Just renewed my annual commitment to continue the project for another year. Informing, empowering, and building community via media since 2002! puertoricosun.net

08/27/2023

08/27/2023

Remembering mascot Sol. A rescue. She lived to be 18 years old. A fighter.

  A tribute to my beautiful feisty Sol (August 14, 2003 San Juan, Puerto Rico - August 27, 2021 Bronx, New York) My orange and white cat and mascot of my digital media business, Puerto

07/25/2023

-- Memories of last year's exhibit: My Star Kids photo was featured as part of the community archival project.

@ the exhibit

07/22/2023

Puerto Rico Sun is now 21. Informing, empowering, building community since 2002. pueroricosun.net

06/04/2023

-- It is not OK to just leave the elders to fend for themselves in Puerto Rico. While this article focuses on Puerto Rico, I see a lot of this also happening to our Puerto Rican aging community in the Bronx. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/puerto-rico-fastest-aging-population-young-migrate-rcna81080

The island is aging faster than most places, a pattern made worse by the exodus of hundreds of thousands of young people, while it grapples with a shortage of caregivers.

06/01/2023

-- Help save lives.

03/20/2023

-- Meet Florencia.

POWERFUL STORY: Satos in Puerto Rico are rescued from the streets by families all the time who want to offer them a better life. However, there are many families who cannot afford to take their animals to the vet. Florencia is one of the hundreds of satos that received free vaccines at our clinic in Yabucoa a week ago.

This is Florencia’s rescue story:

Last summer, Dayanna was driving home on her usual route, and she spotted a dog with a rope around her neck in the back of a pickup truck. The truck took a different route than Dayanna’s route home, but she had a bad feeling in her gut and decided to turn around and follow them.

When she caught up to them again, what she saw was a nightmare. The dog had fallen off the back of the truck, hanging by the rope. Dayanna tried to get the driver to stop but they just ignored her. So, she accelerated and pulled up in front of them. This finally got them to stop the truck and she ran to help the senior dog.

As she was helping Florencia, she saw two young puppies. Her heart was broken and knew she had to bring all three dogs home with her. She did not want them to suffer another day with their owners. The couple explained they were going to give Florencia a bath at the beach to help with her skin problem, but Dayanna feared they were planning on abandoning the dog there. After talking with the couple, pleading for their lives, Dayanna was able to convince them to let her take the dogs home with her where she knew they would all be safe.

At home, she was caring for all three, seeing their health improve with love and some good food. She was able to find people to adopt the puppies. As for Florencia, she was already in her forever home, where she is safe every day of her life. She has been with Dayanna for a year and a half, and she’s been showered with love and happiness. From time to time, memories of that dreadful experience come back when Dayanna witnessed this poor sato being strangled by the rope in the back of the truck, and it makes her heart ache.

Attending free vaccine clinics like the one we held is part of what is healing for Dayanna. She can rest easier knowing that she saved her life and that she is using community outreach programs to protect her sato from communicable diseases.

Thank you for supporting us so we can help protect satos like Florencia.

Please donate to help us protect more satos in Puerto Rico.
thesatoproject.org/donate-fb 🙏

12/01/2022

Scenes from the Artisan Fair in the .

@ the Comite Noviembre and PRIDA's annual fair in celebration of Puerto Rican arts and culture, Hostos Community College, the Bronx

11/11/2022

-- GOVERNORS HOCHUL AND PIERLUISI AND CONGRESSMAN TORRES ANNOUNCE NEW YORK OFFICE OF PUERTO RICO FEDERAL AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION

New York City Office Will Help Puerto Ricans Obtain Vital Records Needed To Access Government Benefits and Services

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi, and Congressman Ritchie Torres today announced the opening of a New York Office of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, which will help Puerto Ricans living in New York and surrounding states more easily obtain birth certificates, marriage licenses, and other vital records needed to access basic government benefits and services. Until now, Puerto Ricans living in New York had no way to obtain these records locally and were required to travel to Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration offices in Washington D.C., Orlando, Florida, or in Puerto Rico to retrieve them.

"As home to one of the largest populations of Puerto Ricans in the U.S., New York is taking steps to ensure that everyone in our state can access vital programs, services, and benefits," Governor Hochul said. "This brand-new office will help to ease the burden of locating important records and documents for Puerto Ricans in and around New York, and I thank Governor Pierluisi and Congressman Torres for their partnership in bringing this resource to our state."

"This agreement is another way to continue to strengthen the bonds we have with our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters who live in New York, similarly as we do in Florida," Governor Pierluisi said. "Thus, we continue to enhance potential opportunities for social and commercial exchange between our two jurisdictions and promoting the socioeconomic development of Puerto Ricans here and there. I want to thank the newly reelected Governor of New York, the honorable Kathy Hochul and also reelected Congressman Ritchie Torres, representing the 15th District of New York. Both great friends of Puerto Rico."

"Today we are excited to announce the reopening of the Puerto Rican services Office in the Bronx. I am proud to work with Governor Hochul and Governor Pierluisi to serve the Puerto Rican community in New York City," Congressman Ritchie Torres said. "Outside of the island, New York State has the highest population of Puerto Ricans in the United States. The presence of this office not only allows for Puerto Rican residents to access important documentation but also creates a space to build relationships between the Puerto Rican diaspora in NYC and current residents of Puerto Rico. Following Hurricanes Maria and Fiona, thousands of Puerto Ricans have come to the New York to restart their lives after losing everything in the natural disasters. Thank you to Governor Hochul and Governor Pierluisi for their support on bringing these critical services back to New York."

PRFAA serves as both a state-federal affairs office, as well as an extension of official Puerto Rico governmental services. It is responsible for assisting Puerto Rican residents on the continental U.S. with documentation including birth, marriage, and death certificates; driver records and identification; and apostille services. The New York State Department of Labor will leverage its own office space to provide a rent-free office space to establish the office and help Puerto Ricans in New York and surrounding states get the assistance they need. Under an agreement with NYSDOL, PRFAA will use their office space located at 400 East Fordham Road in the Bronx.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "New York and Puerto Rico have a long history of supporting each other. Whether it be natural disasters or building thriving green energy sectors, we are always there for each other. I am proud that NYSDOL can provide the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration with an office that will increase access to services for thousands of Puerto Rican New Yorkers."

For more information on the new office, visit http://www.prfaa.pr.gov/book.

source: NY Governor's Office Press Release

# # #

The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) represents the Government of Puerto Rico before federal, state, and local governments. The Office promotes de Government of Puerto Rico’s economic and public policy initiatives to achieve a better quality of life for citizens living in Puerto ...

09/23/2022

-- GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES BANKING GUIDANCE TO EASE FINANCIAL BURDENS FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY HURRICANE FIONA

Banks are Urged to Take Steps to Support People and Businesses Affected by Hurricane Fiona, Including Waiving ATM Fees, Expediting Money Transmission, and Waiving Late Fees

New York Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new actions to engage New York's financial services industry to support residents of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. The Department of Financial Services issued guidance calling on New York state-chartered banks to take all reasonable steps to assist consumers and businesses affected by the hurricane including waiving ATM and late fees, increasing ATM withdrawal limits, and facilitating and expediting the transmission of funds. These actions will help ease financial burdens for the many New Yorkers seeking to support family and friends in Puerto Rico, as well as anyone in Puerto Rico with New York bank accounts.



"As they rebuild from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Fiona, Puerto Rico is in critical need of a wide range of resources and assistance that New York is ready to provide," Governor Hochul said. "We will do everything in our power to help our sisters and brothers on the island of Puerto Rico during this time of crisis, and the actions announced today offer additional financial aid and support from New York to help them on their road to recovery."



New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris said, "The action taken today will ensure that banks that do business on the island take reasonable steps to deliver crucial support to the people and businesses of Puerto Rico as they begin efforts to recover from this devastating natural disaster."



In guidance to banks issued today, Financial Services Superintendent Harris requested that all reasonable and prudent efforts be undertaken to assist customers affected by the hurricanes, and encouraged efforts, including the following:

Waiving ATM fees;
Waiving overdraft fees;
Easing restrictions on cashing out-of- state and non-customer checks;
Easing credit terms for new loans;
Increasing credit card limits for creditworthy customers;
Waiving late fees for credit card and other loan balances;
Offering payment accommodations, such as allowing loan customers to defer or skip some payments or extending the payment due dates, which would avoid delinquencies and negative credit agency reporting caused by disaster-related disruptions; and
Working collaboratively with money transmitters and other money services businesses to facilitate and expedite transmission of funds and availability of cash to those affected by Hurricane Fiona.
A copy of the guidance to banks can be found here.



Since Hurricane Maria, New York has helped Puerto Rico secure billions of dollars in federal funding from FEMA to recover and rebuild the island's energy infrastructure, in addition to NYPA performing technical assessments of powerplants and substations on the island. In the wake of Hurricane Fiona, the worst storm to hit the island since Hurricane Maria, Governor Hochul announced New York State actions to assist Puerto Rico in relief efforts. These efforts have further strengthened New York's long-standing commitment to help Puerto Rico in its reconstruction and recovery.

source: Gov. Hochul press release



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09/21/2022

09/21/2022

A message about ’s agriculture impact to Puerto Rico, and the impact to farmers

09/21/2022

¡TODOS ESTÁN BIEN!

Gracias a la ayuda de los amigos de la Guardia Nacional, logramos entrar al edificio principal y atender a los aproximadamente 200 perros y gatos que esperaban por nosotros.

Todos estaban bien.

Les dimos comida, sus medicamentos y muchas palabras de amor, y les prometimos que regresaremos mañana para seguirlos cuidando y protegiendo como se merecen.

Necesitaremos hogares temporeros para reubicarlos mientras reconstruimos el primer piso del santuario. Si te animas a abrirle tu casa a alguno, escríbenos a [email protected] .

Nos quitamos el sobrero ante la ardua y dedicada labor de los soldados que nos ayudaron y que incluso nos dieron la mano alimentándolos y revisándolos.

💜

🌞 Donativos:
* ATH Móvil - 787-612-8587
* Paypal - [email protected]
* Correo - PO Box 538 Boquerón PR 00622-0538
* Nuestro wishlist en Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1ADQ4MO78OUII?ref_=wl_share
* Abona a nuestra cuenta en la Clínica Veterinaria de Lajas. ( https://www.facebook.com/ClinicaVetLajas/ )

Para información sobre adopción, hogares temporeros y para coordinar la entrega de donaciones puedes escribirnos a [email protected]

09/21/2022

09/21/2022

Hurricane Fiona update since some have asked: Vieques was spared excessive flooding and mud slides. Thankfully! But grid power is off, and municipal island generators are not operating. VHS had a small gasoline generator at the shelter to keep meds cold. Clinic is closed tomorrow. Haven’t been able to make contact with our vet, who we think may be stranded on the main island. Spotty phone service. HERE’s THE GOOD NEWS…all the shelter animals are safe, fed, and dry.

09/20/2022

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement after Hurricane Fiona ripped through Puerto Rico:



“We call Puerto Rico our sixth borough, and as Hurricane Fiona leaves behind a path of destruction, our administration stands ready to provide all of the support and aid our brothers and sisters need. An initial team of New York City emergency management specialists is being deployed today to assess the damage and determine how we can best help. Based on initial reports, we are also looking at possibly readying a larger multi-agency team to deploy in the coming days. We are in constant contact with those on the ground and are determining how we can be most helpful in the days and weeks ahead.” -- NYC Mayor Eric Adams

09/20/2022

09/20/2022

Shut down the in .

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09/20/2022

-- Por favor ayuda. Santuario de Animales San Francisco de Asís, Inc.

NECESITAMOS AYUDA
Martin quiere que intercedas por nostros ante San Francisco de Asís.
El río Guanajibo se salió de sus cauce y sus niveles son más altos que los registrados con el paso del huracán María. En ese momento, lo perdimos todo... todo

NECESITAMOS AYUDA

Martin quiere que intercedas por nostros ante San Francisco de Asís.

El río Guanajibo se salió de sus cauce y sus niveles son más altos que los registrados con el paso del huracán María. En ese momento, lo perdimos todo... todo.

Los inquilinos del están seguros en el segundo piso de nuestro edificio principal, pero necesitaremos ayuda para llegar a ellos pues la carretera está inundada y hacen falta vehículos especiales para entrar.

Tendremos que reconstruir y relocalizar muchos animales mientras lo hacemos. Estamos ubicados en Cabo Rojo.

Si puedes servir como hogar temporero de algún peludito, escribenos a [email protected].

Te necesitamos.

💜

🌞 Donativos:
* ATH Móvil - 787-612-8587
* Paypal - [email protected]
* Correo - PO Box 538 Boquerón PR 00622-0538
* Nuestro wishlist en Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1ADQ4MO78OUII?ref_=wl_share

09/20/2022

LA IMAGEN QUE TE ROMPERÁ EL CORAZÓN 😥💔
📸:
•

09/20/2022

Midnight is in in need of a new loving home.

I bet you could help...It's "Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week" Sept 18-24. Our sweet, yet spunky, older girl Midnight is still patently waiting for her next forever family. Pass it on!! Her owner passed & she deserves a special placement. We can get her to you. (More info at https://viequeshumanesociety.org/adoptable-dogs) Thank you to The Grey Muzzle Organization for giving this guy a second chance!

09/20/2022

-- GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOLLOWING DEVASTATING FLOODING CAUSED BY HURRICANE FIONA

100 New York State Troopers Will Be Sent to Puerto Rico To Support Relief Efforts

State Agencies, New York's Building Trades, Private Sector Businesses and Community-Based Organizations Ready to Assist as Puerto Rico Experiences Tropical Storm Conditions and One Million Residents are Without Power

Potential for Life-Threatening and Catastrophic Flooding Continues in Southern and Eastern Parts of the Island in Worst Storm To Impact Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria in 2017

Governor Hochul Remains in Contact with Puerto Rico Governor, Dominican Republic President, and Offers Full Support of State Agencies with Emergency Response Assets

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State actions to support Puerto Rico in the wake of devastating flooding and winds caused by Hurricane Fiona, the worst storm to hit the island since Hurricane Maria in 2017. Following a call with Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi, Governor Hochul directed the New York State Police to send 50 Troopers to assist with keeping residents safe, and 50 additional Troopers will be deployed in the coming weeks. The Governor also announced that the state has been working with Delta, JetBlue, Coca-Cola, New York State's Building Trades, the Greater New York Hospital Association, and SOMOS Community Care, who have all pledged their support for response and recovery efforts. Additionally, teams from the New York Power Authority are ready to deploy and assist in restoring power to the island.

"New York knows full well the devastating impact that Mother Nature can bring, and that is why we stand ready to help the people of Puerto Rico recover and rebuild from this terrible storm," Governor Hochul said. "Our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico are incredibly resilient but, in times like this, New York will be there to help in any way we can, including sending personnel and resources to help the island and its residents recover."

The Dominican Republic is also being impacted by Hurricane Fiona, and Governor Hochul remains in contact with the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, to support the country's relief efforts.

source: press release from Governor's Office