the port of Cabo Rojo in Pedernales welcomed Oasis of the Seas one of the world’s largest cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean International Carrying 6,502 passengers and 2,126 crew members the ship’s arrival marks a significant milestone in establishing Cabo Rojo as a premier Caribbean cruise destination Visitors were greeted with a vibrant cultural showcase in collaboration with the Sur Futuro Foundation organized a festive welcome that highlighted the artistic and cultural richness of the Pedernales region with 25 cruise ship calls expected at Cabo Rojo in 2025 from major lines such as Royal Caribbean Tourism April 25 it has hosted over 41,000 passengers from 14 ships the port continues to drive tourism and sustainable development in the Dominican Republic’s southwest Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Economy North Coast Local Sports Health DominicanToday.com - The Dominican Republic News Source in English Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInPUERTO RICO (KY3) - Authorities in Puerto Rico are searching for a woman for her involvement in setting several businesses on fire According to Telemundo PR, the woman set fire to several businesses in the early hours of January 2 in Cabo Rojo. Police tell Telemundo PR that the woman has since left Puerto Rico Authorities say the woman was seen on security cameras of a restaurant arguing with other diners and assaulting a waitress Police are also investigating the hotel where she stayed The hotel said she was “out of control and had aggressive situations with the staff in the area of one of the restaurants.” asking them to reassess her employment status the company said it had not heard from authorities in Missouri or Puerto Rico just yet but that the woman was placed on suspension pending further information To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com Please include the article info in the subject line of the email Cover Page Legal HistorySports SearchEx-EPA official: Proposed Cabo Rojo development is not viableThe San Juan Daily StarMar 112 min readBy The Star Staff Environmental Protection Agency’s Caribbean Environmental Protection Division in San Juan said Monday that the proposed Esencia development consisting of residences and commercial facilities on over 2,000 acres of land in Cabo Rojo is not viable because of a lack of sufficient water supplies Although the project developers do not rule out creating a private aqueduct and then connecting it to the public system the expert stressed that the process goes beyond installing a pipe as there are few water resources The Esencia development has sparked debate in the community and raised questions about the balance between progress and preservation Although the development could reap economic benefits the magnitude and location of the project have raised concerns about its effects on an area known for its ecological diversity and limited natural resources a project like Esencia could mean infrastructure improvements such as new roads and basic services that would also benefit the surrounding community opponents say construction in protected areas endangers Cabo Rojo’s unique ecosystems and animals that depend on the area’s wetlands and lagoons would be displaced upsetting an ecological balance that has sustained the region’s biodiversity for centuries Opponents of the plan argue that a development of such magnitude would put a great strain on basic services Cabo Rojo already faces challenges with waste management An increase in population could overload those systems adversely affecting residents and visitors alike Environmentalists also say the geology of the area with land that is not ideal for large-scale construction The project would have to address and mitigate those challenges to avoid environmental disasters it was revealed that there were 140 archaeological resources in the area but more than 50% of the land has not been evaluated due to dense vegetation The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture has not yet approved the archaeological report leaving many questions about the validity of the current studies Power grid operator LUMA Energy has not given final approval for the project’s electrical supply The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority has indicated that there is not enough capacity to supply the development Zoning changes are proposed that do not comply with the 2015 Land Use Plan © 2025 The San Juan Daily Star - Puerto Rico Save this storySave this storySave this storyOn the night of January 1st as Puerto Rico was recovering from an island-wide blackout A white tourist from the mainland United States who appeared to have had too much to drink verbally attacked them when they refused to serve her more alcohol who escorted her across the street to the Airbnb where she was staying the restaurant closed and everyone went home a security camera captured footage of a woman who bore a striking resemblance to the angry tourist carrying a red gasoline can (A can had been left in the tourist’s Airbnb to fuel an electric generator.) Shortly afterward a fire engulfed the restaurant and three adjacent businesses—a shop belonging to the restaurant’s owner and a hostel where dozens of people were staying but the damage to the buildings was nearly total several days before her scheduled checkout date Puerto Ricans woke to the news of the arson with reports featuring security footage and TikTok videos of the altercation and personal information about the alleged perpetrator—including her name and where she worked in St Louis—was circulated widely on social media The firm responded that the woman had been suspended Louis executed a search warrant at her house “It reopened a fresh wound caused by gentrification you can see the slogan ‘Gringos Go Home’ painted on walls in Puerto Rico Among the list of calamities that have struck Puerto Rico in just the past two decades are an economic recession and devastating hurricanes and earthquakes Hundreds of thousands of native Puerto Ricans have left At the center of these ills stands the island’s relationship with the mainland It’s hard to describe it other than in colonial terms starting with the fact that people born in Puerto Rico—which the United States occupied after the Spanish-American War of 1898—have U.S citizenship but are not allowed to vote in federal elections Puerto Rico is neither a state nor a sovereign nation; it is an “unincorporated territory.” The highest political officeholder on the island is the governor but she does not have full control over Puerto Rico’s finances—those are managed by an oversight board created by the U.S (Its seven members are appointed by the U.S President.) Puerto Ricans also do not have a voting representative in Congress The economic situation for locals has been worsening for years Congress eliminated long-standing federal tax-break benefits for corporations operating on the island which led to a loss of capital and investments followed by a reckless accumulation of debt Congress established the oversight board to take control of the island’s finances resulting in cuts to pension benefits and severe reductions in public services after the local government failed to make its debt payments and its bonds were downgraded to junk status Hard times for locals coincided with increasing advantages for those on the mainland a legislative assembly passed Acts 20 and 22 in tandem creating a tax haven for wealthy mainland Americans—they pay no federal or capital-gains taxes—who become residents of the island (A number of crypto investors are among them.) In addition companies pay a reduced rate of just four per cent on export services from Puerto Rico which consolidates more than thirty decrees and reimbursements to non-Puerto Rican transplants twenty-seven thousand people from the continental U.S the number of applications from individuals and businesses seeking tax incentives for relocation grew by twelve per cent when compared with 2022 official data show that 2023 was a record-breaking year for tourism in Puerto Rico marking a nearly twenty-per-cent increase from the previous year The influx brought a new demographic into a struggling but culturally tight-knit community It became particularly noticeable during the pandemic when many from the mainland chose the island as a remote-work location then turned many of them into short-term rentals which led to a rise in real-estate prices—according to a 2022 investigation by the Center for Investigative Journalism (C.P.I. between 2012 and 2021 the average home price increased by sixty-three per cent where the population is 3.2 million people owing in part to the proliferation of short-term rentals and the limited construction of public housing which is an uncommon practice on the island; the same C.P.I investigation found that all-cash payments increased by seven hundred and forty per cent from 2012 to 2021 and almost twenty-five per cent of new buyers have non-Hispanic last names and displacement began in luxury enclaves in areas like Dorado on the North Coast but it has spread to other areas of these same towns and to poorer municipalities “Puerto Ricans who live in high-tourism areas and Vieques—where some of the most spectacular beaches in Puerto Rico are located—now feel displaced,” Carla Minet “Local business employees are starting to speak only in English and there are more businesses run by foreigners than by locals.” There is also a growing resentment over a perceived double standard from the authorities people told us that the police do absolutely nothing when foreigners drive golf carts recklessly on the streets but if locals do it they get fined,” Minet said “particularly in how the municipality prioritizes these business owners’ interests.” a local resident was cited for shouting “Muerte al P.N.P.!” (“Death to P.N.P.!”) the acronym for the Partido Nuevo Progresista González-Colón demanded that charges be pressed “No one has permission to do whatever they want here,” she said who called Puerto Rico “a floating island of garbage.” nor are they interested in knowing.” He added “They don’t even know that Puerto Ricans on the island don’t even vote for the president but they do know that they can go to the island to legally evade taxes.”) The album is accompanied by a short film a popular actor and director who is now ninety and whose Oscar-nominated movie “There was something here,” he says at the start an unbelievable magic.” He shares his modest home with an animated coqui frog named Concho—the coqui a beloved endangered species on the island The two spend some time looking at old pictures he walks past houses blasting heavy metal and country music and watches a stereotypical white American family having an American-style barbecue on their front lawn; the dad gives the old man a hostile look which appears straight out of gentrified Brooklyn the cashier replies to him only in English and she answers the old man’s requests for traditional pastries with a maddening string of options or guava quesito?” She adds that she may have a “vegan quesito”—a quesito without cheese they might as well call it something else.” In the comment section for the film, on YouTube (where it has been watched by more than nine million people) someone noted the obvious allegory: a quesito without cheese; a Puerto Rico without Puerto Ricans Locals can also recognize a political reference a leaked Telegram chat among government officials included the following remarks from a publicist close to the former governor: “I saw the future (of the island)  There are no puertorricans.” But in the film a defiant statement is spoken twice “We are still here,” the old man says early on another Puerto Rican customer pays the old man’s bill when the cashier refuses to accept his cash (“It’s corporate policy to offer our clients a cash-less environment,” she announces.) “We are still here,” he says There was a similar sense of solidarity in Cabo Rojo over the weekend More than four thousand people made small donations to a GoFundMe fund-raiser launched by the restaurant’s owner The total was a hundred and fifty thousand dollars which included an anecdote about a person hitting a waitress in Rincón misidentified that person's residential status and misstated the position of the government official associated with the publicist whose Telegram remarks were leaked A long-ago crime, suddenly remembered A limousine driver watches her passengers transform The day Muhammad Ali punched me What is it like to be keenly intelligent but deeply alienated from simple emotions? Temple Grandin knows The harsh realm of “gentle parenting.”  Retirement the Margaritaville way Fiction by F. Scott Fitzgerald: “Thank You for the Light.”  Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive the best stories from The New Yorker. He was a featured speaker on pizza-making topics at PMQ’s inaugural Pizza Power Forum in 2024 and will return to share his deep knowledge with attendees of this year’s event which takes place September 2-4 in Atlanta Related: Behind the Scenes With Donatella Arpaia: What It’s Like to Judge and Compete at Pizza Expo Meanwhile, USPT member Chris Ostapenko, a longtime employee at Slice on Broadway in Pittsburgh won the highly competitive World’s Best Cheese Slice competition he didn’t do anything different from his everyday work in the kitchen at Slice on Broadway “I made the pizza as I do every day in the pizza shop and the results paid off.”“Chris has been a part of the Slice family for nearly 15 years,” Slice of Broadway owner Rico Lunardi said “I am proud of him and happy for the whole Slice crew to officially say we have the world’s best cheese slice.” And that’s not all. Another USPT member took her own medal home: McKenna Carney of The Nona Slice House in Safety Harbor The accomplished acrobatic dough-slinger also proved she’s got strong culinary chops by capturing first place in the Daiya Plant-Based Pizza Challenge.Here are the highlights of the USPT’s top-rated culinary performances at the event:Wilhelm Rodriguez PR1st place: Traditional Prelims1st place: Traditional Finals1st place: Traditional International Competitor2nd place: Pizza Maker of the year FL1st place: Daiya Plant-Based Pizza Challenge PA1st place: Best Cheese Slice Finals1st place: Best Cheese Slice—Northeast Danger von Dempsey’s Pizzeria & Brewhäus ATY S.D.2nd place: Daiya Plant-Based Pizza Challenge OH2nd place: International Italian Sandwich Championship CT3rd place: International Italian Sandwich Championship Pizza News Featured Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab) Leave empty if the image is purely decorative the Port of Cabo Rojo in Pedernales welcomed the Oasis of the Seas with 6,502 passengers and 2,126 crew members on board This event positioned this port as an important cruise destination in the Caribbean The ship is Royal Caribbean’s first Oasis-class vessel and its arrival positions the port of Pedernales as an important cruise destination in the Caribbean with a capacity for 6,780 passengers and more than 2,000 crew members marks a milestone among the cruise ship visits scheduled for 2025 to this new destination in the Dominican Republic’s southwest are expected to dock at the terminal during the year Tourism April 26 Tourism Minister David Collado said that “for the first time the port of Cabo Rojo welcomes the Oasis of the Seas one of the largest cruise ships in the world “With more than 6,502 passengers and 2,126 crew members on board this arrival continues to position Pedernales as a new cruise destination in the Caribbean Cruise passengers can enjoy activities in the heart of the town and live an authentic experience alongside the community,” he said with the support of the Fundación Sur Futuro is preparing a special welcome for foreign visitors with color and traditional music and community talent will be featured in one place 41,642 cruise passengers have arrived on fourteen (14) ships from six cruise lines to the port of Cabo Rojo enjoying the natural and cultural beauty of Pedernales and the Enriquillo region highlighted the Cabo Rojo International Airport’s potential to transform tourism in Pedernales by attracting both commercial flights and private aviation Speaking at the “Tourism and Attractions 2025” fair he noted that over 40,000 private aircraft fly over the Caribbean annually The new terminal will position the Dominican Republic as a key hub for high-end tourism the government is modernizing domestic airports including the El Granero del Sur Airport in San Juan initiatives like the National Heliport Network and the Non-Commercial Private Aviation Protocol aim to enhance infrastructure and emergency response capabilities Tourism March 10 Pedernales.- Three hooded assailants stole 7.5 million in Dominican currency from the Cabo Rojo port on Saturday reportedly involving armed attackers overpowering security personnel occurred shortly after a cruise ship’s departure The stolen funds are believed to include payments for transportation and services related to the ship’s visit including the National Police and the Department of Monetary Crimes questioning on-duty security staff and examining the crime scene It was revealed that the robbers broke into two safes to access the money Criticism has arisen over the lack of adequate security at the port as officials have yet to provide detailed information about the incident The robbery has sparked widespread concern in the border area with calls for improved protection […] Tourism January 17 with calls for improved protection measures at the facility – President Luis Abinader highlighted the boost of cruise tourism in the port of Cabo Rojo with the arrival of the Holland America Line Rotterdam cruise ship this week The ship had 2,593 visitors and 976 crew members on board “Pedernales enthusiastically welcomes the Holland America Line Rotterdam ship I am happy to start the year seeing how the dream of tourism development in the south becomes a reality that benefits the entire region and the country We continue to work for a future full of opportunities for Pedernales and the entire Dominican Republic,” the president posted on his social networks The cruise ship becomes the sixth to call at the port of Cabo Rojo whose terminal is scheduled to make some 25 more stopovers by Holland America Line Tourism January 5 by Kathakali Nandi January 24, 2025 - Categories: Hospitality News, Hotels: News, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is strengthening its presence in the Caribbean The luxury hotel company will open a luxury resort and branded residences on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast Puerto Rico will be located at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo The project marks Mandarin Oriental’s third property in the Caribbean and will be part of Esencia a new community developed by Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital The resort will include 106 rooms and suites The property will also feature 83 residential villas along Esencia’s beach a series of six-story boutique buildings will offer 200 private residences The resort will include five dining destinations offering international cuisine with local influences Guests will also have access to an 18-hole Rees Jones-designed golf course a children’s club and an outdoor adventure center group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental described the location as a “perfect canvas” for the brand’s service and experiences with its captivating natural beauty and rich culture presents the perfect canvas for us to bring our legendary service and exceptional experiences to life We cannot wait to deliver a truly extraordinary destination for both our guests and residents.” a São Paulo-based architectural firm known for blending modernist design with sustainability The development aligns with Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to sustainable luxury “Esencia is a new cosmopolitan community unlike any other in the Caribbean experience and call home within 2,000 acres of tropical splendor amid the magic of Puerto Rico’s west coast,” said Will Bennett 12 residences and 25 homes in 26 countries You must be logged in to post a comment Get the scoop on the latest news in the hospitality industry Username can contain any letters or numbers Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission In a Facebook post earlier this month Bar Marea said an allegedly intoxicated Bertothy came into the business near closing hours and began insulting patrons as well as workers Bar Marea called the police and said officers walked Bertothy to a nearby Airbnb where she was staying but the bar had to call police once again after she returned to the business Security footage Bar Marea posted from the scene shows a person that appears to be Bertothy near the fire as it began; the person appears again later carrying a red gas can Esta es nuestra tierra y es aquí donde vamos a producir a brindar un servicio con amor para nuestros.. I don’t understand why she came to burn down the businesses I don’t understand why they didn’t heed our call The thing is that in this country you have to live in fear letting these types of situations pass as if nothing had happened,” Bar Marea said on Facebook “After learning about this on Friday afternoon we chose to immediately place the employee on suspension pending further information We are outraged by this senseless act and hope the authorities can address it in a timely fashion.” Bertothy faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years if found guilty with the maximum possible sentence being 20 years She’s set to appear in federal court in Missouri on Friday but the dreams are still alive,” Bar Marea said on Facebook By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is set to manage a new luxury resort and branded residences on Puerto Rico's breathtaking southwestern coast at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo Puerto Rico is expected to open in 2028 and will be the Group's third property in the Caribbean further strengthening its presence in the region a new cosmopolitan coastal community owned and developed by Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital the property will offer guests and residents an immersive experience of Puerto Rico's famed landscapes Guests will also enjoy panoramic sunsets over the Bay's pristine waters Boquerón Bay is renowned for its breathtaking beaches making it an ideal setting for Mandarin Oriental The resort will feature 106 superbly designed rooms and suites with a balcony whilst all villas will include private pools An exclusive collection of 83 residential villas will be sprinkled across Esencia's spectacular beach will house approximately 200 private residences - conveniently located near the town centre the residences will offer dedicated amenities while seamlessly integrating with the hotel's worldclass facilities and services The hotel will offer a variety of unique amenities including five distinct dining destinations featuring international cuisines with locally inspired culinary delights a poolside restaurant and bar and a sophisticated lounge bar will provide a further dynamic to the overall experience Another key highlight of the resort will be a Spa at Mandarin Oriental an expansive wellness sanctuary offering a range of signature wellness The dedicated wellness space includes a state-of-the-art fitness center with an outdoor lap-pool and a beauty salon The wellness offerings will provide guests with crafted experiences in relaxation synonymous with Mandarin Oriental's award-winning spa concepts Featuring a variety of elegant spaces that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor settings the resort will provide an idyllic backdrop for weddings and social occasions all enhanced by spectacular views of the surrounding landscape Guests and residents will also benefit from an array of leisure pursuits including a Rees Jones-designed 18-hole golf course a dedicated children's club and an outdoor adventure center that celebrates the natural beauty of Boquerón Bay Puerto Rico will be led by the award-winning architectural firm Studio MK27 Studio MK27 is renowned for its contemporary approach to modernist design characterized by formal simplicity and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces The design will prioritize sustainable practices aligning with Mandarin Oriental's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable luxury Puerto Rico is an iconic destination within the Caribbean Puerto Rico will become a defining address for those seeking unparalleled luxury exceptional craftsmanship and legendary service in one of the world's most stunning settings Hotel website Brand OwnerMandarin Oriental Hotel Group SearchMountain bikers say Cabo Rojo development blocks access to cycling areasThe San Juan Daily StarJan 222 min readEnvironmental activists have voiced concerns over the proposed luxury development’s location near the maritime land zone in the Punta de Melones and Laguna Rincón sectors of Cabo Rojo Mountain bike enthusiasts expressed their concerns on Tuesday about a proposed development in Cabo Rojo that is blocking access to an area commonly used for cycling “Cabo Rojo is the capital of mountain biking thousands of cyclists come together to enjoy the trails in the area where the Esencia project is proposed This has a significant economic impact on the local economy,” activist Guarionex Padilla Martí said in a Radio Isla report “It is very worrying that these access points which have served as pathways for cycling and hiking for many years The Esencia project has been promoted as one that guarantees access to the maritime-terrestrial zone and is environmentally friendly led by British investors Simon and David Reuben requires an estimated investment of $2 billion for 2,000 acres of coastal land and is expected to generate more than 2,000 jobs during its operational phase The luxury development is projected to be completed in seven to 10 years Puerto Rican architectural firm Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón whose partners Cristina Villalón and Ricardo Álvarez Díaz were notable contributors to Gov Jenniffer González Colón’s recent campaign Environmental activists have voiced concerns over the development’s location near the maritime land zone in the Punta de Melones and Laguna Rincón sectors “We received an alert about a structure observed from the sea we found security guards monitoring the entrance of the site that is under construction They were preventing access to cyclists and anyone else,” attorney Francisco Vargas said “We have witnessed developers claim they would keep roads open and maintain access for cyclists yet they currently lack a single permit and are restricting access to roads and areas frequently used by hikers and cyclists.” Méndez University signed a collaborative agreement on Jan tourism and culinary arts curriculum at the Cabo Rojo campus Padilla Martí noted that the municipality has conditionally endorsed the project due to concerns about access to beaches and drinking water usage “We already face issues with drinking water especially on weekends when hundreds of thousands of people visit the Combate area,” he said “Esencia is not just a hotel complex with tourist and residential features; it also includes a golf course in its plans which would lead to additional consumption of water that we do not have.” Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More Puerto Rico (AP) — A tourist from Missouri accused of burning down a hotel and other businesses in southwestern Puerto Rico earlier this month in a high-profile case that sparked a backlash against unruly visitors in the U.S territory was indicted on Thursday by a federal grand jury was arrested on arson charges and is scheduled to appear before a court in her home state on Friday “This defendant will be held accountable for her dangerous actions that caused significant damage and put many lives at risk,” said W It wasn’t immediately clear if Bertothy had an attorney with authorities noting that the fire destroyed a bar a restaurant and a retail store in the coastal town of Cabo Rojo a popular destination for locals and tourists alike started crying when he heard over the phone that Bertothy was indicted “People cannot come here to do as they wish and denigrate our work,” he said saying they were called twice because Bertothy was accused of harassing and swearing at customers before officials said she set fire to the businesses adding that the suspect left Puerto Rico shortly afterward At least one officer has been suspended as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident Federal authorities then launched their own investigation in the U.S mainland as people in Puerto Rico shared photographs and video online of Bertothy Negrón estimated that the fire caused half a million dollars in damage to his property He also noted that many people were left without jobs and that Luichy’s Seaside Hotel in Combate Beach was nearly full when the fire began Bertothy could face between 5 and 20 years in prison Set on 2,000 acres of tropical natural beauty on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast Esencia is a new cosmopolitan coastal community that seamlessly integrates hotels and amenities across a sensitively designed master plan at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo the Developers are pursuing certification for the entire development positioning Esencia as the world’s largest Signature Platinum community by acreage “Esencia is one of the few developments globally chosen to seek our Signature Platinum certification,” said Christine Kane “This esteemed recognition will represent the pinnacle of environmental sustainability encompassing every facet of the development Audubon International is proud to support Esencia in leading the way to create a holistic and lasting model of environmental stewardship across all areas added: “We are making a significant investment in the responsible development of Esencia Through our pursuit of the Signature Platinum certification we are ensuring every aspect of Esencia meets the highest sustainability standards Our aim is to create not just a full-fledged destination that enhances the natural beauty of Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast but a case study for responsible luxury communities worldwide.” CEO and Managing Partner of Three Rules Capital commented: “Our partnership with Audubon International is a testament to our commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and our goal of creating a community that flourishes today and preserves and enhances the natural environment for future generations We are proud that the Signature Platinum certification will highlight the ambitious vision for Esencia that has guided us from the very beginning.” Nestled within a unique tropical ecosystem along three miles of pristine beachfront the $2 billion+ Esencia development seamlessly integrates a high-design collection of private residences Anchored by renowned operators such as Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Esencia sets a new standard for luxury living and hospitality the year-round development will feature 900 branded residences and 500 luxury hotel keys complemented by signature amenities and experiences for leisure including two golf courses (one of which is designed by Rees Jones) as well as beach access and bespoke services overlooking the Caribbean Sea Designed by Puerto Rico’s leading architecture firm in collaboration with global master plan architects EDSA Florida Esencia is thoughtfully crafted to seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings 75% of the site will be dedicated to active and passive recreation while 10% will be dedicated to new infrastructure and vertical construction will be limited to 15% of the site Esencia is a self-reliant community with its own power infrastructure setting a new standard for sustainable living In line with the developers’ commitment to conservation and resilience Esencia will pursue the prestigious Audubon International Signature Platinum Certification Esencia will work closely with Audubon’s expert team of environmental scientists and community planners to integrate sustainable principles into all aspects of design Audubon International will conduct site visits before and after construction to verify that their environmental sustainability guidelines and principles have been implemented To learn more about how your local golf course, community, lodging property or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org or call toll free: 1-844-767-9051 Vic WilliamsPublic Relations RepresentativeAudubon International Sunstone Hotel Investors announced the departure of Chief Operating Officer Chris Ostapovicz as part of a management restructuring effort has decided to eliminate the COO position and his responsibilities will be redistributed among the president and chief investment officer The company has not indicated that a new COO will be appointed Pedernales.- As part of efforts to develop the South and the Enriquillo region President Luis Abinader inaugurated the second phase of the Port Cabo Rojo a facility capable of receiving two large oasis-type cruise ships and welcoming up to 15,000 visitors which will benefit 8,000 rooms in the tourist area the third cruise ship arrived in Pedernales—Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas This marked the ship’s first visit to the Dominican Republic Abinader emphasized the significant impact of these developments stating that the transformation underway in Pedernales is creating jobs and driving regional growth The Cabo Rojo port currently supports 400 direct jobs with an estimated two to three indirect jobs created for each direct position Tourism October 16 positioning the region as a world-class tourist destination (CBS12) — About 280 pounds of cocaine offloaded in Miami Beach on Tuesday Coast Guard (USCG) released a video of the interception about 153 miles south of Cabo Rojo Crews offloaded the cocaine — valued at over $3 million — at the Coast Guard Base Miami Beach The significant drug haul was the result of the crews of the USCG Thetis and the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) DR.- The Port of Cabo Rojo welcomed its third cruise of 2025 on Saturday marking the ship’s first visit to this port Carrying 3,109 passengers and 1,033 crew members this docking is part of an ongoing surge in tourism since the port’s inauguration in January 2024 Cabo Rojo has received over 19,600 cruise visitors The Costa Fascinosa brought tourists from countries including Mexico enjoying a tour of the municipality’s key attractions such as the boardwalk and central park Provincial Governor Edirda de Óleo Peña highlighted the economic boost […] Tourism January 19 Provincial Governor Edirda de Óleo Peña highlighted the economic boost brought by the cruise ship’s arrival coinciding with the town’s festivities honoring the Virgin of La Altagracia the Port of Cabo Rojo has rapidly become a key player in the region’s tourism sector The port’s first phase saw the arrival of the Pearl from Norwegian Cruise Line and the Nieuw Amsterdam bringing a combined total of 4,491 passengers and 1,870 crew members included a theme park and expanded docking capabilities to accommodate two large cruise ships simultaneously with the capacity to host up to 15,000 passengers This development welcomed Adventure of the Seas which brought 3,142 passengers and 1,190 crew members Port Cabo Rojo had hosted five cruise ships totaling 11,626 passengers and 4,723 crew members operated by the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM) and developed by ITM Group is part of the Cabo Rojo Tourism Development Project led by the General Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (DGAPP) The port stands out for its commitment to sustainability banning single-use plastics and promoting the conservation of protected areas and natural parks This continuous influx of tourists underscores the port’s growing role in enhancing the local economy and positioning Pedernales as a prominent destination in the Caribbean Home » Mandarin Oriental signs Puerto Rico Luxury hotel group Mandarin Oriental is to put its brand on a third project in the Caribbean It will manage a new luxury resort and branded residences on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast The development is expected to be ready to open in 2028 and is part of a larger project called Esencia a vision of developers the Reuben Brothers The resort and residences will sit in Boqueron Bay in Cabo Rojo providing visitors and guests with memorable sunsets over the water The hotel itself will feature 106 rooms and suites There will be five different dining destinations with other amenities including a beach club and lounge bar the destination will feature 283 private residences 200 will be housed in a series of six storey boutique blocks while 83 of the residences will be villas sited close to the beach – and all of these will have their own private pool The development will also feature an extensive wellness facility there will also be fitness amenities including an open air lap pool “We are excited to be expanding our Caribbean footprint into Puerto Rico and look forward to a fruitful partnership with Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital,” commented Mandarin Oriental CEO Laurent Kleitman presents the perfect canvas for us to bring our legendary service and exceptional experiences to life.” Mandarin Oriental currently operates 41 hotels the group signed a number of new properties a resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya coast and luxury branded residences in Abu Dhabi the company revealed it had signed an option to rebrand two landmark European hotels to the brand Hotel Lutetia in Paris and the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam will rebrand following rolling refurbishments adding heritage and history to the Mandarin Oriental presence in Europe The Lutetia will be the brand’s second hotel in Paris Start a free trial of THP’s database with over 8,500 hotel projects and key contact details You are currently viewing a placeholder content from HubSpot Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers THP is a subsidiary of Sleeper Media © 2025 copyright TOPHOTELPROJECTS GmbH – all rights reserved inaugurated the second phase of Port Cabo Rojo solidifying the southern region’s place as a burgeoning hub for cruise tourism in the Caribbean This expansion marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of Pedernales a region that has seen a transformative boost through strategic tourism investments under Abinader’s administration welcomed the arrival of the third cruise ship to dock at the newly expanded port — Adventure of the Seas — bringing 3,114 passengers and 1,185 crew members This occasion showcased the potential of Cabo Rojo to accommodate large-scale tourism with the expanded port now capable of handling two Oasis-class ships and up to 15,000 passengers at a time and other officials during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the inauguration of the second phase of Cabo Rojo Port President Abinader highlighted the importance of tourism for the regional economy emphasizing the administration’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable development in the South He noted that the port has created 400 direct jobs there are an estimated two to three indirect jobs throughout the area “This is an important economic impact and it will change the lives of hundreds of thousands of Dominicans especially in the southern region,” Abinader stated “The arrival of thousands of visitors represents an invaluable opportunity for local communities fostering economic development and promoting our natural beauty.” which has garnered investment from both the public and private sectors is set to generate an estimated economic impact of $120 to $150 million annually It is part of a broader strategy to diversify the Dominican Republic’s tourism offerings beyond its traditional northern and eastern hotspots A distant view of the cruise ship docked at Cabo Rojo Port marking the arrival of international visitors to the newly inaugurated second phase Executive Director of the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM) emphasized that the project has positioned Pedernales as a gateway for Caribbean cruises effectively transforming the South into a competitive and sustainable tourism destination “Port Cabo Rojo allows us to positively impact the South of the country and demonstrates that we are becoming the cruise hub of the Caribbean,” Rodríguez said Sustainable development and local involvement Port Cabo Rojo is more than just a cruise terminal; it’s a symbol of sustainable tourism and prioritizes the protection of nearby protected areas and natural parks reflects a commitment to preserving the region’s unique ecosystems while boosting local economic development complemented by advanced stages of construction on surrounding hotels aims to provide a seamless and eco-friendly experience for tourists Executive Director of the Pro-Pedernales Trust noted that these projects exemplify the government’s coherent and strategic vision “The works being carried out here are a testament to the administration’s commitment to leaving a legacy of world-class tourism for the entire region,” said Freund One of the key elements of Cabo Rojo’s success is its ability to integrate local culture into the tourist experience passengers were greeted with vibrant live music at the “Plaza Expedición Bar,” traditional carnival performers and folk entertainment at the “Oasis” stage tourists had the opportunity to explore local crafts including the region’s iconic larimar stone reiterated the importance of engaging local communities “This project doesn’t just bring in visitors; it provides a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to share their culture and skills with the world.” The successful launch of this second phase signals a bright future for Cabo Rojo and the South of the Dominican Republic underscored the port’s role in regional development projecting that Cabo Rojo could welcome up to one million cruise passengers annually in the coming years “This second phase represents a tangible achievement for the development of the southern region bringing jobs and tourism that will benefit everyone in the Enriquillo area,” Hamui said The inauguration of the second phase of Port Cabo Rojo underscores a vision of inclusive growth environment and economy coexist harmoniously ensuring that the benefits of tourism are felt far beyond the port’s gates Cabo Rojo is set to become a premier destination The initiative not only drives tourism but also fosters a broader movement toward regional economic revitalization aiming to uplift local communities and create lasting economic benefits The inauguration of the second phase of Port Cabo Rojo marks a pivotal moment for the Dominican Republic’s efforts to diversify and expand its tourism sector By marrying sustainable practices with large-scale tourism infrastructure the government is setting a precedent for regional development The project underscores a vision of inclusive growth As Pedernales continues to grow as a cruise destination the collaborative efforts between government entities and private partners demonstrate a successful model for tourism-led regional development With the current administration’s leadership the South of the Dominican Republic is poised to become a shining example of how strategic investment in tourism can lead to sustainable and inclusive economic growth DR.- The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) has announced the inauguration of the second phase of Port Cabo Rojo in Pedernales the port will welcome its third cruise ship Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas This new phase will feature additional attractions and initiatives aimed at achieving the goal of accommodating 150,000 cruise passengers during the 2025 cruise season Apordom shared this information via its social media channels celebrating the ongoing development in the southern region with the message “We welcome October celebrating great news The development of the south continues unstoppable!” Jean Luis Rodríguez previously stated that they anticipate around 20,000 tourists will arrive through the port by the end of 2024 Tourism October 3 The development of the south continues unstoppable!” with expectations to set a record of 150,000 visitors in 2025 a key infrastructure project for the Pedernales Tourism Development Plan is nearing completion with an initial investment of US$98 million The port is extending its dock to 700 meters and creating a new recreational area with commercial spaces to enhance the visitor experience the port welcomed 16,596 cruise passengers with over 5,000 tourists engaging in local experiences to explore the natural and cultural attractions of Pedernales emphasized that ensuring tourists’ confidence in the destination is essential to expanding the range of tourism products offered three additional cruise ships arrived at the port raising the total number of visitors to 24,764 since its opening Tourism February 5 a government agency represented by the Dominican Republic’s Directorate General for Public-Private Partnerships (DGAPP) has awarded ACCIONA the contract to build the first runway at the Cabo Rojo International Airport in Pedernales worth around €62 million (RD$3,961 million) includes the construction of a 3.1 kilometer long and 60 meter wide runway aprons for Boeing 777 aircraft and various drainage works The project is expected to take approximately 16 months to complete The Dominican government intends to use the new airport as the basis for a new tourist destination in the area the airport will have an annual demand of 250,000 passengers which could increase to one million passengers by 2042 making it the third busiest airport in the country the plan calls for the construction of several terminals and an additional runway the Dominican government is planning a second phase of the project which will include the construction of the control tower an electrical substation and a water and wastewater treatment plant A passenger and cargo terminal is also planned for later stages ACCIONA has been present in the Dominican Republic since 2009 participating in emblematic infrastructure projects such as the expansion of the Santo Domingo Eastern Aqueduct signed a contract with the Dominican airline Arajet to provide services in the Dominican Republic ACCIONA Energy inaugurated its first photovoltaic plant in the country in 2023 the Calabaza I plant is capable of transforming sunlight into clean energy for more than 54,000 homes With an installed capacity of 58 MWp and a total of more than 106,000 photovoltaic modules the new plant will prevent the emission of around 81,000 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere each year ACCIONA Energy and Grupo Pais are also building the Cotoperí photovoltaic project in the Dominican Republic which will consist of three plants with a total capacity of 162MW making it one of the largest in Central America and the Caribbean Get to know other ACCIONA's projects in the Dominican Republic. I accept Information on data protection In compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on Data Protection and with other Data Protection regulations in force you are hereby informed that your personal data shall be processed by Acciona whose identification data are as follows: Tax ID No (NIF): A08001851; Address: Avenida de la Gran Vía de Hortaleza No.: +34 91 663 28 50; email: protecciondedatos@acciona.com Your data shall be processed in order to send you information through the subscription to our Newsletter through electronic means activities and news pertinent to our activity sectors The consent given by the data subject by indicating that they have read and accept this data protection information comprises the lawfulness of processing the subscription Request cannot be satisfied We may also process your satisfaction or preferences Data shall be stored until the elimination is requested we may give access to your data to service providers (such as technology service providers) who assist us in fulfilling this purpose may be located outside of the European Economic Area in territories that do not offer a level of data protection that is comparable to that of the European Union we transfer User data with appropriate safeguards and always ensuring the security of the same The data subject can exercise their rights of access to or rectification and/or the restriction of or objection to the processing of such data by writing the Department of Data Protection located at Avenida de la Gran Vía de Hortaleza 28033 (Madrid) or by sending the form available in the link: FORM If we consider it necessary in order to be able to identify you, we may ask you for a copy of an identity document. Furthermore, at any time the data subject may withdraw the granted consent by contacting the aforementioned address and file a claim to the Supervisory Authority (Agencia Española de Protección de Datos www.aepd.es) You can also unsubscribe from the Newsletter communication For any further information you can visit the Privacy Police on the website https://www.acciona.com/privacy-policy/ the executive director of the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM) announced that Port Cabo Rojo in Pedernales is set to welcome its third cruise ship in October and will inaugurate phase 2 These efforts aim to reach the goal of attracting 150,000 cruise passengers for the 2025 cruise season Rodríguez emphasized that Cabo Rojo is an emerging destination noting that the Dominican Republic received nearly 2.3 million cruise passengers last year He highlighted the port’s successful presentation at Seatrade and mentioned plans to promote it at a similar event in Europe to attract more cruise lines Port Cabo Rojo is expected to have welcomed 20,000 tourists Tourism September 2 a significant milestone for a new destination Rodríguez projected even higher visitor numbers for next year He expressed confidence in the country’s performance in attracting cruise passengers predicting that the Dominican Republic will close 2023 with 2.3 million visitors and surpass 3 million in 2024 largely due to the success of ports like Taíno Bay and Cabo Rojo Pedernales.- Cabo Rojo in Pedernales province is seeing rapid progress in its tourism and economic development projects Three of the nine planned hotels are already under construction Local residents are beginning to benefit from the government’s development plan which is designed to boost both tourism and the local economy Key infrastructure projects include a new fishing dock overseen by the Pro-Pedernales Trust led by Sigmund Freund aim to enhance both tourism and the quality of life for the region’s residents will offer over 1,000 rooms and are expected to be completed by the end of 2025 With a focus on luxury experiences in […] Tourism October 21 With a focus on luxury experiences in harmony with nature the project also prioritizes sustainability with a cutting-edge wastewater treatment plant using advanced technologies to protect the environment DR.- Private investment is significantly impacting the tourism surge in Cabo Rojo The ProPedernales tourism development trust has reported a total investment of US$130 million to date focusing on three hotels and the initial phase of an airport runway situated in Manuel Goya community within Oviedo municipality is under construction by the Acciona Consortium the port development is managed by ITM Group The Dominican Government has invested RD$3,000 million in water projects Executive Vice President of Fiduciaria Banreservas the finalization of partnerships through public offerings is nearing completion The ProPedernales development project operates through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the state holding a 52% stake and the private sector holding 48% Economy July 11 Van der Horst clarified that the state will always maintain the majority share in the contract ensuring its significant role in the partnership The government provides the land while investors manage operations and seek financing Financing for this extensive project will be negotiated through stock exchanges facilitating investment opportunities on the market has secured a nearly 62.4 million euro contract for the construction of the new Cabo Rojo International Airport in Pedernales includes building a 3-kilometer-long runway and taxiways or aircraft parking platforms Acciona’s construction division was chosen based on its extensive experience and qualifications among the three prequalified firms The contract is expected to be completed in 16 months Subsequent phases will involve constructing a control tower Future stages will focus on developing passenger and cargo terminals The airport’s terminal is anticipated to serve as a gateway for international flights supporting tourism to Pedernales and the newly constructed hotels in the […] Tourism June 17 supporting tourism to Pedernales and the newly constructed hotels in the region Construction for Cabo Rojo International Airport is underway in Oviedo’s Los Tres Charcos community where the government commenced clearance work in November 2023 visited Cabo Rojo to oversee hotel construction progress and inspect the model room of the first hotel This hotel is scheduled to partially open by year’s end situated on the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic within Pedernales Province marks the country’s southernmost point It is approximately 330 km from Santo Domingo This contract may have raised a few eyebrows This action is a departure away from government favorite Vinci / Aerodom Vinci airports have many airport related tasks worldwide Cabo Rojo – The Minister of the Presidency led a tour of Cabo Rojo this Friday to supervise the infrastructure works that make up this ambitious project The project seeks to develop tourism and the economy of the area becoming a benchmark in the country and the region accompanied by the Minister of Public Administration and Executive Director for the Tourism Development of Pedernales (Pro-Pedernales Trust) and the Minister of Public Works and Communications led a discussion with the productive sectors of the province where the participants exchanged ideas on the impacts of the projects in the province and the construction of new roads to facilitate the connection between the province and the construction of new roads was announced to facilitate […] Economy November 16 led a discussion with the productive sectors of the province where the participants exchanged ideas on the impacts of the projects in the province and the construction of new roads to facilitate the connection between the province and the construction of new roads was announced to facilitate the connection between the province and other areas of the country the official reported that four cruise ships will arrive in Cabo Rojo before the end of the year with an estimated 20 thousand cruise passengers contributing to boosting that region’s economy He also announced that the tender for the construction of the Pedernales boardwalk is in the process of being awarded El recorrido estuvo guiado por el ministro Freund empresarios y representante de la sociedad presentes la sub-estación eléctrica de Cabo Rojo donde se entregaron equipos de protección al personal; la Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales (PTAR) donde se verificaron los avances en el manejo ambiental de la zona y posteriormente se trasladaron a varios proyectos hoteleros en construcción promoted by President Luis Abinader together with the private sector aims to promote the development of the southern region of the country and its people who will have a means of livelihood without the need to move to other provinces Pedernales will be a before and after of this project that also seeks the conservation biodiversity and ecotourism of the area and promotes an inclusive economy and the cultural richness of the region,” said Paliza Among the authorities present were also the provincial governor The Cabo Rojo Tourism Development Project also contemplates consolidating and diversifying the destination’s tourism offer organizing the territory synchronously with the natural and social environment and creating an infrastructure system for low-impact tourism development Pedernales – The Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas arrived at the port of Cabo Rojo in Pedernales during the inauguration of the second phase of the terminal it’s the best of all the ones we’ve visited,” said husband and wife Vinny and Lisa Resciniti along with 3,114 other cruise passengers and 1,185 crew members with experience in trips to destinations such as Aruba did not hesitate to give Cabo Rojo the highest praise and credit “We have to return when all the offers for this destination are finished,” said the tourists from South Carolina Puerto Ricans Sara Deida and Justin Sosa described the experience as “spectacular,” highlighting […] Tourism October 20 Puerto Ricans Sara Deida and Justin Sosa described the experience as “spectacular,” highlighting that they are ready to return anytime I would go back a million times,” Deida emphasized when highlighting the excellent treatment and service received The Colectiva Feminista en Construcción sings “Esencia no va!” along with other community groups Photo by Brandon Cruz González | Centro de Periodismo Investigativo one of the developers behind the Esencia project planned for Cabo Rojo’s Boquerón neighborhood sits to the side of the Hearing Room in the Municipal Assembly inside City Hall as two interpreters simultaneously translate the public hearing presentations into English arms crossed and leaning forward on the cushioned blue seats listen intently as the Office of Management and Permits (OGPe in Spanish) weighs the approval of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted by Cabo Rojo Land Acquisition LLC The company plans to develop 530 hotel units Esencia will have four public vehicular accesses to the beach Citizens argue that accessing the beach through these paths would require crossing privatized areas since vehicle entry will be controlled Outside City Hall, citizens protest the project, which is backed by the British investment firm Reuben Brothers and developer Three Rules Capital Protesters wave handmade signs and chant to the beat of music The hall is too small to fit everyone who wants to listen and participate many are forced to wait outside under a white tent watching the hearing on a screen set up by one of the opposing organizations four municipal police officers ask attendees to sign a registration sheet The public hearings took place from morning until afternoon in the Hearing Room of the Cabo Rojo Municipal Assembly permalink Environmental scientist Braulio Quintero Nazario expresses his discomfort to the examining officials regarding the structure of the public hearing permalink listen to the presentations at the hearings on the project permalink are filled with red and black posters rejecting the construction of the project with slogans like “No to Esencia!” The first day of public hearings begins as project developers arrive under escort A black vehicle pulls up directly in front of City Hall bypassing the security barriers established by the Municipal Police The developers’ arrival at the town hall draws attention and spreads like wildfire on social media The hearing room is packed with residents from Cabo Rojo former press officer for the ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives Jaime Perelló calls me by name and greets me upon entering the room I find it curious because I don’t recall us having spoken before Other attendees also broadcast the presentations on their networks or via video calls for family Architect Natasha Jordán from the architectural firm Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón presents the design of Esencia Alongside the architect are Celio Cruz and Vionette Benítez lawyers from the firm Muñoz Benítez Brugueras & Cruz representing Esencia In the back row are experts from VAG Transportation Engineering Consultants worked on the preparation of the EIS submitted by Cabo Rojo Land Acquisition LLC The public hearing is moderated by OGPe examining officials Viviana Pereira and Miguel Mijalhevich The examining official reminds the architect “We are not here to judge the project’s beauty but its environmental impact on natural resources.” Pereira and Mijalevich engaged with the public who demanded that the hearings be extended to honor the turn of those who will not be able to express themselves due to lack of time and that a larger hall be sought to accommodate more people — “We have to listen to each other,” repeats Pereira amid the audience’s shouts — “We ask for respect for the speakers,” insists Mijalevich The examining officials scold the audience for applauding speakers they agreed with and booing those they didn’t The developer raises his eyebrows in surprise and occasionally glances at Bennett or Venkatesh the investors also joke among themselves during the presentations Alongside the three project developers sit politicians and officials from the New Progressive Party (PNP and the former director of the Office of Government Ethics and now political commentator The mayor of San Germán is booed by the public while expressing support for the project: “Acts 20 and 22 are the new 936 for Puerto Rico,” he asserted during his presentation Section 936 of the United States Internal Revenue Code was a tax incentive applied in Puerto Rico to attract investments from foreign corporations Acts 20 and 22 (now under the Incentives Code approved during the administration of former Governor Luis Fortuño (2009-2013) aim to attract foreign investors in exchange for tax exemptions Olivera says the project would generate well-paying jobs for area residents and would be an economic engine for the western region Half an hour before the second day of public hearings begins people are already in line to secure a front-row seat shouting at another man in shorts and a red shirt: “I’m a popular [a member of the PPD] at heart!” responds the man in red from the abuse they have,” adds the man as he walks away from the line and repeats the slogan as a battle cry and he sits quietly next to the political analyst and project spokesperson The PNP mayor has been harshly criticized by residents and environmental organizations for conditionally supporting the project provided that the water for maintaining green areas and cleaning communal areas comes from the treatment and recirculation of used water due to the limitations of the municipality’s stormwater infrastructure Once at the table in front of the examining officials he remains silent while attendees boo and shout at him — “Nobody wants you here!” exclaims a woman “Give up your turn!” she insists The mayor does not turn his gaze at any moment Morales Wiscovitch says that Esencia would generate jobs for the people of Cabo Rojo That the homes built as part of the project would pay property taxes and duties which would generate millions in revenue for the town That it has been a divisive and polarizing project for the town The Puerto Rico Tourism Company, in addition to granting nearly $498 million in tax credits for coastal development such as a 90% savings on taxes from the Municipal Revenue Collection Center the mayor warns: “We don’t want a good economy at the expense of environmental harm.” He assures that he will request that government agencies enforcing environmental laws address the concerns of the speakers Developer Roberto Cacho Pérez has been present at times during the public hearings He is not seen with the other project proponents who has mainly favored ex-governor Pedro Pierluisi and San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero has been pushing projects like Esencia for several years and was involved in the purchase of part of the project’s land In other parts of the hall are former PPD representative for District 20 Joel Sánchez Ayala; independent Senator Eliezer Molina; and Senator for the Puerto Rican Independence Party An immense painting of the Caborrojeño hero known as “the Father of the Nation” Ramón Emeterio Betances stands out with the Lares flag on his arm while a Cabo Rojo flag waves over a cathedral Betances is accompanied by a family of freed slaves A woman with curly black hair stands beneath the painting as engineer and developer Ángel Cabán González testifies against the project — “I have a dream that the people of Cabo Rojo will buy those lands and turn them into a great natural reserve,” proclaimed the man Ruiz Vargas smirks as he listens to the engineer He exchanges a skeptical glance with the person beside him then lowers his gaze as the room erupts in applause the examining officials schedule a third public hearing for Thursday Luis Joel Méndez González is a member of Report for America This translation was generated with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and clarity Necesitamos tu apoyo para seguir haciendo y ampliando nuestro trabajo El CPI reconoce que el requisito fundamental para una verdadera democracia es que la ciudadanía esté bien informada y que existan entidades independientes con la capacidad de fiscalizar los poderes que accionan en la sociedad Si tiene una solicitud de investigación, queja, aclaración, 'orejita', prueba, inquietud, u observación sobre alguna información publicada por el Centro de Periodismo Investigativo, escriba al correo electrónico [email protected] Los donativos que recibe el Centro de Periodismo Investigativo están exentos de contribuciones en Puerto Rico y Estados Unidos