In San Juan, Puerto Rico, the newly appointed head of the Department of Natural Resources faced intense scrutiny from senators during a session held on Tuesday. This grilling came in light of his recent choice to halt an investigation into potential illegal construction activities occurring in a protected area, actions that have drawn criticism from various quarters.
The investigation was reportedly aimed at several alleged offenders, including the in-laws of Puerto Rico’s current governor, who has publicly asserted that this situation represents “political persecution.” Shortly after Gov. Jenniffer González appointed Waldemar Quiles to the position, he enacted an administrative order that put the investigation on hold.
During the hearing, Quiles claimed, “I have no evidence of who benefits from this,” when pressed on the matter. He stated that independent officers would assess whether to continue with the cases involving the alleged violations, despite the fact that the document he had signed instructed the cases to be archived.
This created a tense exchange with Sen. Marially González from the opposition Popular Democratic Party, who pointed out the apparent contradiction in his statements. Sen. Juan Dalmau concurred, insisting that there was effectively no alternative left for officials but to shelve the ongoing investigation.
Under oath, Quiles affirmed that he would not archive the case concerning the governor’s in-laws or any other individual implicated. The controversy centers on accusations that these in-laws illegally cleared mangrove areas and made enhancements to a dock at their residence located in La Parguera, a well-known destination famous for its bioluminescent bay and designated as a natural reserve since 1979.
Both Governor González and her relatives, José Vargas and Irma Llavona, have denied any wrongdoing. Quiles defended his actions by saying that he was not coerced into signing the order and that it was prepared under the previous administration, asserting that it was not altered prior to his endorsement. When questioned regarding why this was his first order as the new secretary, he simply remarked, “Because it was there.”
Additionally, he admitted to not consulting with any relevant local or federal agencies before signing and appeared unprepared when asked about existing legal opinions from the Department of Natural Resources concerning the illegal constructions. He commented, “There are a lot of legal opinions” when pressed on the matter.
Quiles did mention plans to undertake other initiatives for safeguarding the local wetlands, preserving the bioluminescent bay, and combating overfishing during his tenure. A senator even queried whether he thought it would have been wise to discuss the order with the governor before signing. He dismissed the notion, stating, “There is no conflict of interest here. It wasn’t necessary.”
Historically, La Parguera has seen a transformation since the 1960s, moving from humble fisherman dwellings to affluent properties, which some ecological advocates argue should be dismantled. In response to Quiles’ claims, lawyer Pedro Saadé, an authority on environmental law in Puerto Rico, labeled the administrative order illegal and refuted Quiles’ assertions during the hearing, remarking, “That’s a smoke screen. The text is clear.” He, alongside others, is advocating for the revocation of the contentious order.
