San Juan, Puerto Rico — The newly appointed secretary of natural resources in Puerto Rico has halted an investigation into claims of unlawful construction activities in a protected area located on the island’s southwest coast. This decision has ignited significant backlash from various environmental advocates and the public.
The administrative decision, released late Thursday night, follows remarks from Governor Jenniffer González, who took office last week, branding the prior investigation as “political persecution.” The inquiry had targeted individuals accused of obstructing natural reserves, including González’s in-laws, who allegedly illegally trimmed mangroves and made unauthorized expansions to their residential dock in La Parguera, a location recognized as a natural reserve since 1979, celebrated for its bioluminescent bay.
Despite the accusations, both González and her in-laws, José Vargas and Irma Llavona, have denied any wrongdoing. González suggested that the investigation was part of a “political process” initiated last year ahead of the gubernatorial primaries, which she won against former Governor Pedro Pierluisi, who was then campaigning for a second term. Pierluisi has refuted claims of political motivations behind the investigation.
Waldemar Quiles was appointed as the new natural resources secretary by González, and his inaugural administrative act was to suspend the ongoing investigation. He also announced a plan to legitimize residential constructions in La Parguera, which would require homeowners to pay fees every five years.
Critics, including Puerto Rican environmental attorney Pedro Saadé, have denounced this decision as illegal. Saadé emphasized that proper procedures must be followed when granting concessions on public domain assets. He expressed concern that this action could set a dangerous precedent, threatening environmental protections and leading to an increase in unlawful developments across Puerto Rico.
On Friday, Hernaliz Vázquez, the president of the Sierra Club’s Puerto Rico chapter, urged the government to reconsider Quiles’s appointment and condemned his directive. She characterized the move as an infringement on environmental stewardship and justice, stating, “It is unacceptable that the secretary… whose mission should be to safeguard our natural resources, uses his position to benefit the governor’s in-laws.” Vázquez further remarked that retroactively legalizing constructions that harm a protected reserve is both irresponsible and unlawful.
La Parguera has a history of development dating back to the 1960s, initially housing fishermen in modest structures, but these have since been replaced with luxury homes that environmentalists argue should be dismantled. The investigation, initiated by former natural resources secretary Anaís Rodríguez, suggested a fine of $25,000 against González’s in-laws, and Rodríguez expressed her belief that the inquiry should proceed under the new administration.
Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz took to social media on Friday, announcing that the Senate would request an explanation from Quiles regarding his administrative order. He stated that any efforts to prevent “selective prosecution” must be approached with carefulness, transparency, and robustness to avoid perceptions of favoritism.
Quiles defended his action in statements released to the public, asserting that the administrative order was drafted by the previous administration and aimed to recognize the rights of homeowners in La Parguera while establishing necessary compliance measures. He concluded by asserting that his decision aims to resolve a prolonged legal uncertainty that has adversely affected both homeowners and the Puerto Rican government.