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A delegation from the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) within the island’s House of Representatives has introduced House Joint Resolution 22, aimed at overturning an administrative directive issued by the appointed Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), Waldemar Quiles Pérez, which dismissed claims of unlawful construction activities in the coastal La Parguera area of Lajas.
The administrative directive seemingly cleared several individuals accused of breaching environmental laws, including relatives of Governor Jenniffer González Colón. The claims concern the illicit destruction of mangroves and unauthorized adjustments and modifications of a platform or dock at their home in La Parguera, an area recognized as a natural reserve since 1979, famous for its bioluminescent bay.
The directive was signed by Quiles after González Colón, upon her inauguration on January 2, suggested that an ongoing inquiry into waterfront construction on properties owned by her family was a form of “political persecution” directed at her.
The directive, released on January 9, defines the collection of rights concerning land usage in public domain waters in La Parguera, legitimizes structures within the maritime-terrestrial zone, and permits repairs on structures that have been in place for over 60 years. It also streamlines permit processes through the island’s Permits Office.
The PDP’s resolution urges the DNER to restart all inquiries that were active at the time the directive was issued. The resolution articulates concerns, noting: “Administrative Order 2025-01 poses significant questions regarding adherence to crucial environmental protection principles and the necessity to prevent actions that might jeopardize impartial governance. This concern is amplified as one of the investigated properties belongs to direct relatives of Governor Jenniffer González Colón.”
However, the resolution faces slim prospects for approval, as the New Progressive Party, to which the governor is affiliated, holds majority power in both legislative houses.
On the same day, the PDP’s minority leader in the Senate, Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz, requested an examination and legal review from nominated Justice Secretary Janet Parra Mercado regarding the administrative directive signed by Quiles.
“The public must have confidence in our Department of Justice,” Hernández Ortiz stated in a written comment. “I call for an investigation grounded in truth and transparency concerning this order that has raised significant concerns.”