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Waldemar Quiles Pérez, the designated Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), refuted on Tuesday accusations suggesting he manipulated the law for the benefit of the governor’s relatives when he enacted an executive order that legitimized their residence in a protected zone of La Parguera, a coastal region of Lajas.
During a committee session, senators interrogated Quiles regarding the executive order he authorized, which critics of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón’s administration perceive as favoritism to her in-laws. The debate has been ongoing since the prior administration concerning a booth they manage in La Parguera.
Quiles mentioned that the administrative order was already on his desk when he assumed office on January 9. He asserted that he spent two hours analyzing the document, which was created by agency attorney Samuel Acosta at the request of then-acting Secretary Robert Méndez. Quiles stressed that he adhered to all appropriate protocols and dismissed claims of trying to shield the governor’s in-laws.
“Some individuals have attempted to imply that I signed this Administrative Order to favor private parties, questioning my intentions and undermining my integrity, capability, and honesty,” he remarked. “To clarify, this Administrative Order aims to partially enforce Senate Bill No. 1621, which garnered bipartisan support. Some senators present even voted in favor of it, and it was sanctioned by the Legislative Assembly before submission to the former governor for his endorsement.”
Quiles contended that the allegations against him are baseless, insisting that his actions are directed solely towards addressing a persistent institutional initiative to tackle an environmental crisis that has languished due to indecisive measures. With more than 20 years of military experience, he noted that he is adept at making prompt and substantial actions. Consequently, he examined the pertinent files and documents and, guided by his training, executed immediate and resolute decisions to break through the stagnation.
Quiles then highlighted the historical difficulties surrounding La Parguera, which has faced human-induced activities negatively impacting its natural resources. Some of the persistent challenges include:
1. Unlicensed tour operators
2. Illegal fishing practices
3. Unauthorized marine activities
4. Reckless mangrove destruction
5. Illegal construction projects
6. Adverse effects on wetlands
The designated secretary for the environment pointed out that Administrative Order 2025-01 establishes more stringent regulations over operations in the region, aiming to prevent construction outside of designated zones and ban new construction altogether.
For decades, successive secretaries have emphasized the need for regulation in La Parguera and have allocated hundreds of thousands of dollars to initiatives that yielded minimal advantages for the local natural resources.
“Yet, under our leadership, we have taken decisive steps for the first time to combat illegal building and other operations that jeopardize the ecological health of the region,” Quiles expressed. “In fact, this marks the first instance where vendors will be required to compensate for utilizing public domain property.”
The five-year vendor concession period, paired with area specifications and initial controls enacted, will grant the necessary time to formulate a management plan, he elaborated. The La Parguera Management Plan will be rooted in the best available scientific insights and will engage a collaborative approach involving local communities, experts, and specialists in the domain, the official noted. It will receive financial support from federal resources allocated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration specifically for conservation initiatives, he stated.
“This funding will empower us to implement sustainable and effective strategies to safeguard the region’s natural resources,” Quiles added.
He continued to emphasize that Administrative Order 2025-01 will assist in the following areas:
1. Regulation of Unauthorized Tourist Operations: Enhanced measures will be instituted to prevent tourism businesses from operating without the requisite permits in line with Regulation 8013 (Regulation for the Administration of Exploitation by Authorization and Concession in Natural Protected Areas).
2. Abolishment of Illegal Fishing and Overfishing: Monitoring strategies will be strengthened by DNER rangers to curtail poaching activities that endanger marine resources and overfished species (in accordance with Act No. 278 of Nov. 29, 1998, as amended, known as the Puerto Rico Fisheries Act).
3. Prevention of Pollutant Releases: Initiatives will be undertaken to trace sources of pollutants to formulate an intervention plan aimed at preventing contamination.
