Puerto Rico Faces Government Shutdown
Thursday April 27, 2006
Got plans to visit Puerto Rico in the next few weeks? You need to be aware that the commonwealth's government is facing a serious fiscal crisis and a possible shutdown that could affect some tourism-related services.
Facing a $740-million budget shortfall, the Puerto Rican government could run out of money on Monday. Hotels and airlines, run by private companies, won't be directly affected. But public transportation could be disrupted, and officials from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company are making plans to steer tourists away from the sites of possible protests over the fiscal crisis. Old San Juan could be one district targeted by demonstrators.
Rumors of a trucker's strike to force government action on the budget has led Puerto Rico residents to stock up on gasoline and food.
If the crisis is not averted, government offices will be shut down and more than 200,000 workers won't get paid.
You’re on the money! The excessive borrowing since 1969 as standard practice for the commonwealth government has finally come to an end! Strongly agree about vacationing here. Although no outright threat to tourists, one must take precautions: Use the buddy system. Don’t go out alone! Let the hotel management know of the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why). Get a phone number and contact person in the event you have an emergency. Above all else, stay away from the demonstrators. Stay cool and enjoy the treasures of the island! Why? Don’t forget on May 1, the following Monday, the states will be having massive multiple marches and demonstrations by the immigrants (both legal and illegal)for their right to live, breathe and eat in our beloved country! Which would prefer?!
the article is correct. there was already a 50,000 march around the capitol on friday (old san juan)and expect greater protests and civil disobedience rallies around the capital city on may 1st and beyond. The government is going bankrupt and people are protesting a 7% or 4% tax, unions want tax corporations and american stores like walmart, time is running out and the political deadlock will leave 200,000 without paycheck and over 90 agencies locked. expect a national strike.
PUERTO RICO SHUTDOWN OFFICIALY TODAY MONDAY MAY 1, 2006. A LOT OF MARCHS ARE PROGRAMMED THIS WEEK AND DURING THE CRISIS.
At least we are lack of Swine flu or H1N1
Be careful in the other islands with delinquency
And do not forget not to travel back to USA
that is infected with more cases than authorities disclosed