AGP Executive Report

Cruise Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line is canceling months of San Juan sailings for its Prima-class ship Viva and shifting the redeployment to Miami, citing port availability; affected travelers are being offered refunds and future cruise credits, with one Prima ship still expected to keep a San Juan deployment. Air Safety & Disruption: A Frontier flight from Puerto Rico to Chicago was diverted to Miami after a passenger allegedly tried to open exit doors mid-flight, attempted to enter the cockpit, and later choked an off-duty flight attendant; the man was taken into custody and the flight resumed. Local Economy Watch: Puerto Rico paid $919.7M in import tariffs in 2025—up sharply from 2024 and the highest in 15 years—driven by higher effective tariff rates on industrial inputs. Housing Finance: Mortgage delinquency in Puerto Rico hit historic lows by late 2025, with 30-day delinquencies at 3% and 60-day at 1%. Conservation: The Detroit Zoo sent 6,855 tadpoles to Puerto Rico to help restore the critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad. Sports (PR ties): LG Twins signed Puerto Rican pitcher Yacksel Rios and released Yonny Chirinos.

Aviation Safety: A Frontier Airlines flight from San Juan to Chicago was diverted to Miami after a passenger tried to open a door mid-flight and allegedly attempted to reach the cockpit; law enforcement removed him and the plane later continued. Local Culture & Education: Berklee in Puerto Rico kicked off its 31st music program in Caguas, bringing 211 students for a week of classes and scholarship auditions. Healthcare in Puerto Rico: Hospital Auxilio Mutuo graduated 19 new doctors from its rotating internship program, highlighting ongoing efforts to retain physicians on the island. Sports & Youth: Puerto Rico’s U17 Pan American Cup run landed the team sixth, while Canada’s World Cup/OLympics roster plans include games against Puerto Rico in qualifiers. Power & Reliability (USVI): WAPA reported St. Thomas and St. John outages tied to a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure, disrupting government operations. Art & Memory: A new exhibit at El Museo del Barrio spotlights late Puerto Rican photographer Sophie Rivera’s layered portraits of Nuyoricans and Boricuas.

Puerto Rico Sports & Culture: Canada Basketball named a 24-man player pool for the 2027 FIBA World Cup and 2028 Olympics, with qualifiers starting next month; Canada will host Puerto Rico July 3 in Hamilton, and the roster includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plus Gonzaga standouts Andrew and Ryan Nembhard, while Jamal Murray and Andrew Wiggins are left out over a new commitment rule. Local Community & Identity: San Juan Bautista flag raising kicked off a month of Puerto Rican and Latino culture celebrations in Camden City, leading to the June 28 parade. Public Safety at Sea: U.S. Coast Guard crews working with partners intercepted eight stowaways aboard a barge in San Juan Harbor and transferred them to CBP for processing. Hurricane Preparedness: The National Hurricane Center updated its forecast cone to include inland watches and warnings for 2026, explicitly listing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Economy & Daily Life: A new AARP-backed look at Puerto Rico retirement shows inflation pressure is still forcing older adults to delay retirement or seek extra income, even with a 2.6% 2026 Social Security COLA. Business Spotlight: Tres Santos Mezcal marked its first anniversary in Puerto Rico, expanding to more than 250 local bars and planning a wider retail push via a new distributor alliance. Health & Human Rights: Brooklyn Rivera, a Nicaraguan Indigenous leader imprisoned since 2023, died in custody, according to Nicaraguan officials, drawing renewed international condemnation.

Maritime Security: U.S. Coast Guard crews working with federal partners intercepted a commercial barge in San Juan Harbor and found eight stowaways—four Chinese nationals and four Dominican nationals—who were turned over to CBP for processing. Puerto Rico Travel & Tourism: FEMA approved more than $5.5 million for disaster recovery projects in Puerto Rico, while a separate report highlights the island’s strong cruise season, with 1.3 million passengers and a 43% jump during winter. Local Aviation Disruption: A Frontier flight from San Juan to Chicago O’Hare was diverted to Miami after a passenger disturbance, with no injuries reported. Sports (Puerto Rico Connection): In junior tennis, Puerto Rico’s Yannik Alvarez is set to face a Kazakh opponent’s winner in the French Open juniors, and Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano continues to draw major attention in boxing coverage. Politics & Rights: A congressional briefing on June 4 will press lawmakers on what “consent of the governed” means for the 3.6 million people in U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, who lack voting representation.

Medicaid Lobbying: Puerto Rico lawmakers head to Washington to push Congress to keep Medicaid funding at the current 76% federal reimbursement rate, warning the Vital Plan covers 1.5M people and funding is set to expire Sept. 30, 2027. Water Pollution Oversight: At-large Sen. Ada Álvarez Conde asked the U.S. Justice Department for answers on federal water-contamination agreements tied to Condado wastewater discharges, demanding clarity on compliance and enforcement. Cost of Living Pressure: Ombudsman Edwin García Feliciano urged a united front to force the Financial Oversight and Management Board to address Puerto Rico’s high cost of living and its impact on families. Hurricane Readiness: Gov. Jenniffer González Colón’s administration says it’s ready for hurricane season, citing updated emergency protocols and improved government communications. Drug Bust Near San Juan: U.S. Customs used air-disabling fire to stop a smuggling boat near Puerto Rico, seizing about 391 pounds of cocaine and arresting three people. Health Research: Labcorp will provide genetic testing for an NCI-backed colorectal cancer study in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, aimed at boosting cascade testing among families.

Blackout Watch (USVI): A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday for the second time this weekend, with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority blaming loss of generation at a power plant. Local Energy Pressure: Officials say outages are increasingly common, tied to aging equipment, deferred maintenance, and storm damage after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Aviation Update (Caribbean): Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St. Kitts and Nevis is sparking fallout, with the tourism minister saying the government wasn’t consulted and that talks are underway with another carrier. Puerto Rico Tourism: Puerto Rico logged 1.36 million cruise passengers in the 2025-2026 winter season, up 43%, with 515 cruise operations/port calls. Sports (Puerto Rico in the spotlight): Stephanie Han retained her WBA lightweight title in El Paso after a controversial majority decision over Holly Holm, while Amanda Serrano tied Christy Martin’s women’s knockout record with a stoppage win. Public Safety (CBP): A CBP Black Hawk disabled a drug boat off Puerto Rico; three people were detained and 391 pounds of cocaine seized.

FEMA Funding for Airport Resilience: Puerto Rico’s main airport gets a boost as FEMA disburses $5,014,600 for backup generators at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, aimed at keeping operations running during outages and emergencies. Local Impact & Oversight: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández met with Carolina Mayor José Carlos Aponte Dalmau to discuss reconstruction projects, critical infrastructure, and delays tied to internal FEMA changes. Caribbean Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports a major interdiction off Puerto Rico, stopping a vessel carrying 391 pounds of cocaine using air disabling fire. Puerto Rico in Sports Spotlight: Puerto Rican boxing star Amanda Serrano is set for a major televised fight in El Paso, while José Alvarado keeps Puerto Rico’s NBA championship hopes alive with the Knicks. Culture & Community: The acclaimed Puerto Rican film “Esta isla” screens at Casa Pueblo’s Solar Cinema in Adjuntas with a discussion featuring its creators and cast.

Maritime Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection says a Black Hawk used “air disabling fire” to stop a vessel off Puerto Rico, leading to the seizure of 391 pounds of cocaine and the arrest of three people. Local Sports Spotlight: Puerto Rican boxing star Amanda Serrano headlines a Saturday title card in El Paso, one knockout from tying the all-time women’s record, while Stephanie Han and Holly Holm meet again in a WBA rematch. Puerto Rico Tourism: The Puerto Rico Tourism Company reports a record winter cruise season, with 1.36 million passengers in Old San Juan (+43%) and 515 cruise operations/calls (+34%). Military Presence in the Region: The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit has assumed SOUTHCOM duties as Littoral Combat Force-24, operating from Puerto Rico with 1,300 Marines and sailors. Gaming & Community: Puerto Rico joined a national self-exclusion program to help people manage responsible gaming. Health & Policy Watch: FEMA approved more than $5.5 million for disaster recovery projects in Puerto Rico.

Cruise Boom in Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico closed its 2025-2026 winter cruise season with record momentum—1.36 million passengers in Old San Juan, up about 43%, and 515 cruise operations/calls, up 34.1%, as the island keeps strengthening its Caribbean hub status. Tourism Innovation: PadsPass CEO Lauren Anders Brown will speak at Caribbean Week in New York on June 2, pitching a digital pet-travel system that stores health records and helps verify international compliance. Public Safety at Sea: U.S. Coast Guard and partners apprehended eight stowaways in San Juan Harbor—four Chinese and four Dominican nationals—after a boarding of an inbound barge. Local Economy & Health Workforce: Puerto Rico’s Economic Development Bank and the Health Department held a roundtable focused on retaining medical professionals, tackling financing, infrastructure, telemedicine, credentialing, and incentives. Weather Watch: Puerto Rico is preparing for Saharan dust expected to spread June 1-2, with guidance warning sensitive groups may feel discomfort.

Puerto Rico Sports & Youth: Edison Mora of the Brujos of Guayama was named MVP of the 2026 Superior Double-A Baseball League after a .487 average, 22 runs, 16 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. Local Community & Culture: Evanston’s “Our Roots, Our Stories” event on June 6 spotlights Puerto Rican bomba and West African drumming through live performances and cultural storytelling. Education & Opportunity: NBA Basketball School Puerto Rico will run four summer camp weeks at the Colegio Universitario de San Juan for ages 7 to 16, with sessions led by NBA Latin America basketball operations head Lorena Infantes Núñez. Public Safety at Sea: The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted eight stowaways on a barge tow arriving in San Juan, including four Chinese and four Dominican nationals, after a report tied to a Jacksonville, Florida departure. Regional Spotlight: A Pentagon-linked report says U.S. forces have been positioned in the Caribbean for possible action against Cuba, with fighter aircraft based in Florida and Puerto Rico. Business: Costco reported strong results, noting it operates 639 warehouses in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Economy & Housing: A new Housing Affordability Index report says homeownership is getting harder in Puerto Rico, with affordability falling to 64% in Q4 2025—down sharply from 99% in Q1 2019—blamed on higher prices, mortgage rates, and slower income growth. Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved more than $5.5 million for Puerto Rico Public Assistance projects, including repairs tied to Hurricanes Fiona and Maria. Local Development: DDEC says it’s pushing manufacturing competitiveness through partnerships, including a meeting with CEMEX on industrial innovation and supply-chain upgrades. Energy Storage Deal: Infinite Grid Capital signed a 1.1 GWh battery storage supply LOI with NeoVolta, including about 400 MWh for Puerto Rico projects. Sports: Puerto Rico’s U-17 women beat the Dominican Republic 3-2 in the Pan American Cup in Tegucigalpa. Gaming Policy: Puerto Rico joined the U.S. National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Programme to expand responsible gaming tools. Cuba Tensions: A Pentagon build-up around the Caribbean is drawing fresh political pushback, with Democrats filing a war powers resolution aimed at blocking any Cuba attack without Congress. Culture & Spotlight: Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar MáS FOToS” tour hits Lisbon this weekend, keeping Puerto Rico’s pop footprint front and center.

Local Business Leadership: Hecho en Puerto Rico named logistics executive Pedro J. Rosaly as its new president, aiming to strengthen Puerto Rican companies and collaboration across the island. Tourism & Ports: Gov. Jenniffer González Colón inaugurated Pan American Pier 2 after a $40M investment, pitching San Juan as a Caribbean cruise hub with expected added cruise visitors and economic activity. Public Health: A cruise ship tied to a deadly hantavirus outbreak is undergoing extra cleaning in Rotterdam before returning to port, with passengers and crew still under monitoring. Household Relief: Puerto Rico’s Family Department will offer up to $1,000 in LIHEAP-backed help for families behind on electricity bills, with an initial automatic phase and later online applications. Environment & Rights: The ACLU of Puerto Rico urged lawmakers to reject House Bill 25, saying it weakens coastal protections and favors private development. Gaming Oversight: Puerto Rico will join the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program starting in June, letting players block access across multiple regulated operators. Economy & Governance: PRMA called for a swift permanent appointment at DDEC after leadership shake-ups, warning uncertainty could hurt investor confidence. Education: RUM and students reached agreements to end protests and guarantee free campus access and academic continuity. Sports: Anthony Borrero was named 2026 Double-A Pitcher of the Year after a dominant season.

Coastal Crisis: Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González declared a state of emergency to speed up response to worsening north-coast erosion, citing rising sea levels and storm surges; the order targets protection for natural resources and vulnerable communities as evacuations continue in places like Loíza. Local Governance: The DDEC secretary, Sebastián Negrón Reichard, resigned after a dispute over an investigation into alleged improper intervention in a federally funded RFP process, with the governor’s office saying it was surprised by the probe. Energy & Utilities: SEPA named new board members tied to SMUD, Trico Electric Cooperative, and NASUCA, aiming to strengthen grid modernization and consumer advocacy. Food Assistance Fraud: Vice President J.D. Vance’s anti-fraud task force highlighted actions against SNAP fraud, including an OIG probe into allegedly fraudulent payments to dead people in Puerto Rico. Tech & IDs: Apple Wallet driver’s license and state ID support expanded to Puerto Rico, joining a growing list of states and territories. Tourism: Puerto Rico reported strong international momentum, with big gains from Spain, Colombia, and Mexico, and plans for about 10 new direct routes for 2026.

Sports Spotlight: Rinaldo Moore lit up the NCAA Division 2 Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Kansas, winning double gold in the 110m hurdles (13.52) and 400m hurdles (50.25). Puerto Rico on the Global Stage: The FIBA 3x3 World Cup countdown is on—Warsaw hosts June 1–7, with Puerto Rico’s men’s roster and other teams’ lineups still being finalized. Local Business & Community: Ponce says it’s accelerating reconstruction with $35.7 million in new municipal and community works tied to storm and earthquake recovery. Politics & Power: Puerto Rico’s economic development chief Sebastián Negrón Reichard resigned, alleging government interference that forced leadership shakeups. Courts & Accountability: A judge in Spain is probing Plus Ultra’s state aid, alleging nearly €16 million may have been siphoned through offshore-linked money laundering networks. Baseball Update: Kiké Hernández’s Dodgers return was brief—he’s headed back to the injured list after an oblique issue.

Puerto Rico Song Boom: Pittsburgh native Bill Stiteler’s viral “The Puerto Rico Song” has suddenly gone national—so much so that Puerto Rico’s tourism board is flying him down to shoot a multi-day video, turning a sobriety-era comedy project into a real island spotlight. Dodgers Return: Kiké Hernández is back for Los Angeles, hitting 2-for-2 with an RBI double in a 5-3 win over Colorado, as the team leans on his “clown in the clubhouse” energy after elbow surgery sidelined him for 53 games. AI Oversight Push (Michigan): Michigan lawmakers are moving a bill to rein in the “Wild West” of how state agencies use AI, with a pilot program and oversight requirements. Puerto Rico Health Crackdown: ASES says it fined insurer First Medical $3.2 million total and is ready to cancel contracts for failing to meet reporting and claims obligations. Travel Tech: American Airlines plans Starlink Wi-Fi on 500+ planes starting in 2027, a boost for Caribbean routes.

Dodgers Comeback Spark: Kiké Hernández is back after elbow surgery, sparking a 5-3 win over the Rockies with an RBI double and a seventh-inning rally that sealed LA’s 18th comeback. Memorial Day & Veterans: Surety One, Inc. donated to the VA Foreign Medical Services Foundation, while Puerto Rican veterans and families were honored at the Puerto Rican Veterans Monument Plaza. Puerto Rico Tourism Boost: Discover Puerto Rico reports record Q1 lodging demand and stronger bookings for summer, pointing to one of the island’s best seasons yet. Travel Shake-Up: JetBlue plans to cut “underperforming” routes in New England and redeploy capacity toward Florida after Spirit’s sudden shutdown. Sports Beyond Baseball: Powerball climbs to $141 million for Monday, and a Puerto Rico-born jockey escaped injury after a dramatic fall at Aqueduct. Business Watch: Bitcoin Depot filed for Chapter 11, taking thousands of crypto ATMs offline, including in Puerto Rico.