AGP Executive Report

Puerto Rico Blue-Economy Push: The González-Colón administration has started demolishing the former U.S. Coast Guard pier facilities at Roosevelt Roads in Ceiba to clear the way for a 53,990-square-foot Marine Business, Research & Innovation Center aimed at marine research, workforce training, and private-university collaboration. Aviation & Logistics Shock: Amazon says it will pause operations with Miami-based 21 Air after a Sept. 6 cargo crash killed five; the move follows NTSB findings that pilots considered aborting and concerns about speed during landing. Freight Cost Pressure: Maersk added a $500 emergency surcharge for Gulf-bound containers (with Puerto Rico listed among regulated countries), and said some UAE-bound shipments may be rerouted to Fujairah with bonded transport to Dubai. Food Safety: A backyard poultry-linked Salmonella outbreak has expanded to 1,061 illnesses across 46 states and Puerto Rico, with two deaths reported. Local Courts: Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court ruled taxpayers don’t need to exhaust municipal remedies when challenging a municipality’s authority to impose a tax, not the amount owed. Business Contracting: FEDCON expanded to 264 businesses across 38 states plus Puerto Rico and Ontario, supporting firms pursuing government contracts.

Climate Litigation Watch: A new report says climate-science training for judges was used to steer how courts handle climate lawsuits, with donors and advisors linked to firms behind major energy-company cases. Puerto Rico Water Policy: The House Economic Development Committee held a hearing on desalination as backup supply for drought-prone Puerto Rico, with AAA citing large-scale capacity and lawmakers pushing for redundancy, not a replacement for leak fixes and conservation. Energy & Power Procurement: Investor-law coverage flags Flotek Industries’ Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) 400 MW natural gas project amid claims about consortium experience and revenue risks. Consumer Safety: A Puerto Rico resident’s class-action proposal targets Clorox over the recall of 6+ million Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Construction/Infrastructure: Puerto Rico lawmakers and agencies continue to debate how to stabilize water and power systems as drought conditions worsen. Tech & Cyber: A Conti ransomware developer tied to attacks across Puerto Rico and 47 U.S. states received a four-year U.S. prison sentence. Local Business Expansion: Newtopia Cyder announced a distribution partnership that adds Puerto Rico to its East Coast/Southeast rollout.

Water Security Push: Puerto Rico lawmakers are weighing desalination as a backup water source, with the House Economic Development Committee calling for redundancy as drought risk and reservoir sedimentation strain the system. Resilient Infrastructure: ODSEC announced a $24.7M CAPEX push to build a network of 36 Resilient Centers across Puerto Rico, adding industrial kitchens, generators, cisterns, and accessible emergency-ready spaces. Energy Contract Watch: Securities litigation coverage flags Flotek Industries’ Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) 400MW natural gas project as the focus of investor claims tied to alleged disclosures and consortium capacity concerns. Food Safety Impact: The FDA expanded a Walmart Great Value frozen berries recall for possible E. coli contamination, now listing distribution that includes Puerto Rico. Public Funds Scrutiny: Puerto Rico senators are pressing for accountability over the island’s $8.7M public funding for Miss Universe 2026, demanding an audit and clearer tracking of payments to the private organizers. Cyber/Operations Risk: A Conti ransomware developer was sentenced in the U.S., with the case noting Conti attacks reached victims in Puerto Rico.

Water Security & Policy: Puerto Rico lawmakers are weighing desalination as a backup water source, with the House Economic Development Committee calling it “redundancy” rather than a replacement for reservoirs and leak reduction. Resilience Infrastructure: ODSEC announced $24.7M in CAPEX state funds to build a network of 36 Resilient Centers across Puerto Rico, adding industrial kitchens, showers, cisterns, and high-capacity generators for emergencies and year-round community use. Energy Contract & Legal Risk: Securities firms are urging Flotek Industries (FTK) investors to act in a class action tied to a 400-megawatt PREPA natural gas project, alleging misleading statements about consortium capacity and revenue risks. Local Business Expansion: Newtopia Cyder secured an exclusive distribution partnership with Champion Distribution Group, expanding into nine East Coast/Southeast states plus Puerto Rico. Education & Agribusiness Innovation: Interamerican University teams won Enactus Puerto Rico 2026, including a project promoting sustainable organic recao and cilantro production that links small farmers to restaurants and jobs. Public Accountability: Senators are pressing for oversight of Puerto Rico’s $8.7M public funding for Miss Universe 2026, demanding clarity on how the money was spent and monitored. Military & Community: The Puerto Rico Senate marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with Fort Buchanan’s readiness role highlighted during a Capitol remembrance ceremony.

Energy & Infrastructure: Puerto Rico lawmakers are pushing desalination as a new drought-proof water source, with the House Economic Development Committee weighing costs, redundancy, and comparisons to California and Israel projects. Resilience Planning: ODSEC announced a $24.7M investment to build a network of 36 Resilient Centers across Puerto Rico, adding industrial kitchens, cisterns, and high-capacity generators for emergencies and year-round community use. Public Money Scrutiny: Senators are demanding accountability over Puerto Rico’s $8.7M in public funding for Miss Universe 2026 after Univision raised questions about where the money went and how it was monitored. Power Contract & Markets: Securities firms are urging Flotek (FTK) investors to contact them as a class action alleges misleading statements tied to a 10-year, 400MW natural gas project for PREPA. Local Business Expansion: Newtopia Cyder announced an exclusive distribution partnership with Champion Distribution Group covering nine East Coast/Southeast states plus Puerto Rico. Aviation Supply Chain: CooperVision says contact lenses shipped from its Juana Diaz facility were among cargo on an Amazon Air crash in Miami, as authorities investigate.

Water Security & Infrastructure: Puerto Rico lawmakers are weighing desalination as a backup water source after drought-driven reservoir declines, with the House Economic Development Committee hearing arguments that desalination should add redundancy—not replace leak reduction and conservation. Public Health & Utilities: The water crisis is deepening as reservoirs fall below thresholds, pushing rationing, pressure drops, and community distribution options for hundreds of thousands. Disaster Readiness: ODSEC is investing $24.7 million in state CAPEX to build a network of 36 Resilient Centers across 30 municipalities, adding kitchens, showers, cisterns, and high-capacity generators for emergencies. Local Business & Tourism: Puerto Rico is set to host the Puerto Rico Fragrance Expo, aiming to attract international perfume brands and distributors and spur tourism-linked commerce. Gaming Industry: NOVOMATIC previewed its DE LA ISLA JACKPOT and other route-market systems at GAT Expo Puerto Rico 2026, targeting casino operators across the island. Aviation & Logistics: CooperVision said contact lenses shipped from its Juana Diaz facility were among the cargo on the Amazon Air crash in Miami, tying Puerto Rico manufacturing to the investigation. Governance & Accountability: Univision reports Puerto Rico spent $8.7 million in public funds for Miss Universe 2026, and senators are demanding an audit trail of how the money was used.

Water Crisis: Puerto Rico’s drought has worsened fast, with reservoirs dropping below levels needed for regular service, pushing rationing, pressure drops, and community demands for reliable clean water. Energy & Infrastructure: EPA has given tentative approval to Puerto Rico drinking-water reporting rules as rationing continues, while the island’s broader water stress keeps pressure on utilities and planning. Ag & Food Innovation: Interamerican University teams won Enactus Puerto Rico 2026, including a sustainable organic recao and cilantro project that links small farmers to restaurants and businesses. Business & Tourism: A new Puerto Rico Fragrance Expo aims to pull in international perfume brands and distributors after a $500,000 investment, betting on tourism spillover and new local commerce. Cybersecurity & Risk: A Ukrainian national tied to the Conti ransomware operation was sentenced to four years; the attacks affected victims including Puerto Rico. Legal/Markets: Investor alerts continue around Flotek Industries (FTK) securities class actions tied to its Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority power generation project, with key deadlines in late October.

Drought Shock: Puerto Rico’s rainy season failed to arrive as expected, pushing the island from no drought to widespread extreme drought in months, triggering water shortages, rationing, and a late-July state of emergency. Water & Compliance: The EPA gave tentative approval to Puerto Rico’s drinking-water reporting rules as rationing continues, underscoring how utilities and regulators are adapting to the crisis. Auto Demand Watch: New vehicle sales in Puerto Rico fell 7.9% in August year over year, with fleet sales down sharply, while electrified vehicles still grew 37% through August. Aviation Safety Scrutiny: NTSB released early black-box data from the Amazon Prime Air crash in Miami, showing high touchdown speed and an attempted abort seconds before impact—raising fresh questions for the logistics and transport sector. Local Business & Culture: Bartenders across Puerto Rico can compete to create a signature mezcal cocktail, with the winner traveling to Oaxaca—an industry-friendly push for agave-based hospitality branding. Legal/Finance: Investor-law firms issued reminders tied to Flotek Industries securities class-action deadlines.

Water & Regulation: The EPA has tentatively approved Puerto Rico’s updated drinking-water reporting rules, with the public’s only formal chance to request a hearing due Oct. 9, as rationing continues amid the drought emergency. Energy & Power Projects: LUMA Energy, PREPA and Energiza filed that the 528‑MW Energiza generation facility is still at 0% physical construction, with financing targeted for Dec. 31 and construction slated to start May 1, 2027. Drought Response Debate: A former Puerto Rico Drought Committee adviser says cloud-seeding “didn’t work,” warning the method can’t reliably hit narrow catchment zones. Cost Pressures for Industry: Puerto Rico’s tariff burden jumped sharply in 2025, and the Planning Board warns higher import costs can flow into manufacturing and construction prices. Logistics & Construction Impact: Truckers’ union leaders warn diesel prices and toll increases are squeezing the distribution chain and could trigger a work stoppage. Local Business Finance: The Economic Development Bank approved a $360,000 loan for VIP Food Dorado LLC to expand Ichiban in Dorado, targeting 25 jobs. Tourism & Services: Discover Puerto Rico held a Central-South tourism gathering in Cayey to share visitor trends and tools for local businesses.

Aviation & Logistics: NTSB investigators interviewed the captain and first officer of the Amazon cargo jet involved in the Miami runway overrun that killed five, saying crew accounts are needed to understand control handling and actions around the power levers. Puerto Rico Air Travel: San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport reported another August passenger drop, extending a year-long decline (down 5.1% year over year). Energy & Infrastructure: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón announced $21.3 million in FEMA funding for 13 reconstruction, recovery, mitigation, and resilience projects tied to PRASA, PREPA, and municipalities. Small Business & Food Services: The Economic Development Bank (BDE) approved a $360,000 loan to VIP Food Dorado LLC for an Ichiban expansion in Dorado, targeting 25 direct jobs. Tourism & Local Business: Discover Puerto Rico held a Central-South tourism gathering in Cayey to share visitor trends and connect businesses to destination marketing resources. Gaming Industry: GAT Expo Puerto Rico 2026 opened in San Juan, bringing regulators, operators, and suppliers together for trade talks and networking.

Energy Policy Clash: The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce opposes any government move to return operational control of PREPA, saying the island needs an executable energy agenda with costs, metrics, and implementation plans—not more diagnosis. Federal Energy Probe: A federal investigation is zeroing in on intermediaries tied to the canceled Power Expectations temporary power contract, after the Financial Oversight and Management Board revoked approval and questions surfaced over a consortium signature. Healthcare Infrastructure: Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced new pediatric surgery and renal service units at the Puerto Rico Medical Center, and ASEM is starting the process to contract the design and construction of a new Trauma Hospital. Local Industry & Jobs: ManpowerGroup Puerto Rico reports a net hiring outlook of 34% for Oct–Dec, led by SMEs and driven largely by retail, trade/logistics, and manufacturing. Circular Economy: Salinas’ recycling sector gets a boost as a Puerto Rican recycling company opens a new facility, expanding processing and value-added operations. Tech & Finance: Celligence secured a $100M investment to expand AngelAi, aiming to automate mortgage and homeownership transactions through conversational financial decisioning. Aviation Safety Watch: Puerto Rico-linked contact-lens cargo was among details emerging from the Miami runway overrun crash investigation, as NTSB data points to missed landing safety steps.

Aviation Safety Probe: Florida officials say data from the Amazon cargo crash at Miami International suggests pilots initiated a go-around seconds before impact, with landing gear touch-down moments earlier and no sign of speed brakes or thrust reversers—while the NTSB continues analyzing the cockpit voice recorder and flight data. Runway Infrastructure Scrutiny: Reports highlight that MIA lacked an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) crush zone at the end of Runway 30, unlike other major U.S. airports; investigators are also examining whether a safety barrier could have reduced fatalities. Puerto Rico Energy & Markets: Securities-law firms filed investor alerts and class actions tied to Flotek Industries’ Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) deal, after allegations that a $400M contract was canceled—adding pressure to how PREPA-related projects are communicated to investors. Agriculture & Resilience: A new survey finds cover crops are gaining traction in Puerto Rico and across the U.S., with farmers citing incentive payments, yield gains, and better weed control. Local Business Tech: Time To Sport launched in Puerto Rico as a free platform for sports event discovery, ticketing, and facility rentals. Finance & Compliance: The Puerto Rico Financial Services Forum opened registration for Nov. 2–3, focusing on AI in insurance, fintech, AML/sanctions, digital assets, and investment strategies.

Puerto Rico Financial Services Forum: Registration opened for the Puerto Rico Financial Services Forum’s sixth edition (Nov. 2–3, Sheraton San Juan), spotlighting AI in insurance, fintech/BaaS, AML and sanctions, digital assets, and correspondent banking. PREPA & Power Sector: A Puerto Rico energy dispute escalated as Power Expectations filed a sworn criminal complaint tied to alleged improper handling around a PREPA-related temporary power arrangement, while UTIER argues for returning grid operations to public control if LUMA’s contract ends. Electricity Workforce & Governance: UTIER says a public model could preserve technical know-how and cut costs, framing the debate as stability versus repeated privatization failures. Retail Pulse: Puerto Rico retail sales rose 4% in June to $4.463B, led by hardware/home improvement (+20.6%) and vehicles (+12.4%), while restaurants and liquor stores fell (-5.4%). Construction Safety: A construction industry suicide-prevention push urged jobsites to treat mental health like physical safety. Aviation Shock (Puerto Rico-linked): An Amazon cargo Boeing 767 arriving from San Juan overran a Miami runway, killing five people in vehicles and injuring five; investigators recovered flight recorders and are examining landing factors. Local Industry Expansion: Salinas opened Recicladora del Norte, processing about 72M pounds of recyclables and employing roughly 230 people. Digital Banking Recognition: FirstBank won multiple Global Finance awards for consumer digital banking app UX and user experience in Puerto Rico and Latin America.

Aviation & Logistics: The NTSB says it has recovered both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from the Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767-300F crash at Miami International, where the jet overran Runway 30 by about 1,300 feet and struck a van carrying seven airline cleaning workers plus a nearby SUV, killing five people on the ground and injuring five others; investigators are still in fact-finding mode and say recovery of victims remains the top priority. Airport Safety & Regulation: New scrutiny is building around runway safety, including whether Miami lacked an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) at the overrun end, as federal officials and aviation experts question why the aircraft didn’t go around. Puerto Rico Tourism: Puerto Rico’s tourism industry reports the island’s ongoing water crisis hasn’t meaningfully hurt visitor flow, citing stable hotel demand and noting summer traffic patterns and internal tourism as key buffers. Public Health: A backyard poultry Salmonella outbreak tied to Puerto Rico has expanded to 1,061 cases across 46 states and Puerto Rico, with a second death reported, underscoring household risk even when birds look healthy. Energy & Infrastructure: NASA’s latest drought map highlights severe conditions across Puerto Rico, with most of the island affected and large portions in extreme drought—raising pressure on water, agriculture, and emergency planning. Gaming Industry: Win Systems sold its Gaming Division to Primero Games, expanding the Puerto Rico-linked installed base and manufacturing footprint under new ownership. Consumer Tech: Apple Wallet tips are circulating as users look to get more from digital passes and payment features.

Aviation Safety & Logistics: A Boeing 767-300 operated for Amazon Prime Air (21 Air) overran Runway 30 at Miami International Airport after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, killing at least five and injuring five more; thick smoke and a major emergency response shut down airport operations, while investigators focus on the landing phase and whether the aircraft touched down too late to stop safely. Local Industry & Consumer Finance: Puerto Rico auto insurers are reshaping coverage and services as vehicle prices, interest rates, and repair costs rise, with industry leaders discussing new product designs to protect consumers and dealer-finance relationships. Energy Regulation: The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau ordered Genera PR to disclose extensive information tied to New Fortress Energy’s restructuring, raising questions about fuel supply and reliability for legacy power operations. Construction Materials: USGS data shows Portland and blended cement shipments to the US and Puerto Rico rose 2% year-over-year in April 2026, with clinker output up as well. Maritime Enforcement: The US Coast Guard seized a go-fast vessel carrying suspected marijuana worth over $2.4 million, detaining four. Trade Impact: A new analysis says Puerto Rico paid $919.7M in tariffs in 2025—nearly four times 2024—after sweeping US tariff actions.

Aviation Safety & Logistics: An Amazon-branded cargo Boeing 767 operated by 21 Air overran a runway at Miami International Airport after arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, killing at least five people and injuring others; authorities say the FAA will investigate and that runways/taxiways were shut during the emergency response. Public Health & Consumer Goods: Clorox Puerto Rico recalled about 6.3 million scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with higher risk flagged for immunocompromised travelers and people with external medical devices. Tourism & Cruise Industry: Disney Cruise Line plans eight San Juan calls in fiscal 2028, including six homeport operations, projecting about $7.2 million in economic impact as the line expands during the Caribbean’s peak season. Media & Culture (PR Brand Power): Bad Bunny won his first Primetime Emmy for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX halftime show, which Puerto Rican imagery and Latin music helped propel to seven awards overall. Energy & Infrastructure (Context): Puerto Rico’s drought pressures water rationing and highlights broader climate risk as El Niño-driven heat raises global weather threats into 2027.