Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón reacted on Monday to the recent demonstrations at the property of her in-laws in La Parguera and accused groups led by the influencer Eliezer Molina of vandalism, and the secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), Annaís Rodríguez Vega, of acting irresponsibly.
“Look, my husband accompanied his parents, who are elderly people, to come as private citizens, because my in-laws are not public figures, to claim their rights and make the claims they consider legally pertinent before federal and state agencies,” declared the resident commissioner at a press conference.
“However, I would like the Secretary of Natural Resources not to be so irresponsible when making public statements when the investigations have not even been completed and when it makes public internal agency documents that have not even been sent to the parties,” said González Colón. , referring to allegations of mangrove destruction on the property.
In addition, the resident commissioner harshly criticized the management of the DNER secretary in relation to a fine issued for a party in Salinas, calling it “a joke.” She stressed that the whole issue has a political and selective overtone and that it should not be exclusive to one family. “But what a coincidence that it is only to my father-in-law and not to any other property? Look at the $1,500 fine they gave to the foam party in Salinas. That’s a joke. However, questions are raised about a property belonging to two elderly people whose property was destroyed and they claim that this is the exercise and vision given to Puerto Rico of how private property is treated in Puerto Rico. I disagree with that. They even attacked police officers in that supposed demonstration, ”she said.
The background to this matter involves claims for the destruction of mangroves on the property of the in-laws of the resident commissioner in Lajas. These claims led to demonstrations on the property, which in turn led González Colón’s in-laws to go to federal forums last week.
The commissioner also referred to the impact that this could have on tourism in Lajas, and stated that the area is one of the tourist emblems of Puerto Rico. She stressed that the property complies with all permits and questioned the exclusivity of the focus on her family property.
González also referred to the impact that this could have on tourism in Lajas, stating that the area is one of the tourist emblems of Puerto Rico.
“I don’t want to think that this is exclusively because they are my in-laws, right? And everyone who is against the law of law, that the same norm apply to them, ”questioned González Colón, when he stressed that the property complies with all the permits and questioning the exclusivity of the focus on his family property.
Regarding the situation in other coastal areas of Puerto Rico, the resident commissioner argued that properties should not be subject to special treatment or unauthorized entry, and demanded that government agencies comply with the law in an equitable manner. “We are a city, a state of law and order and all the mechanisms, if there is something that was done contrary to the law or contrary to the regulation, it has to be submitted through those agencies and whoever falls. Whoever it is, and the person who obviously doesn’t comply with that, will fall under the weight of the law,” she added.
Finally, González Colón expressed his disgust with the way private property is being treated in Puerto Rico and regretted the violence and harassment towards his family. “I have been in the public arena for more than 21 years. And I’ve never seen someone’s family get merciless. Let them come to me, let them talk about me, I am the public figure, all they want they can talk about me. But why go against my in-laws, elderly people, to try to bond with me, right? I think that is low, ”he concluded.
THE DNER SECRETARY REACTS
Following González’s expressions, Rodríguez Vega issued the following written statements:
“Since the first day that I assumed the position on an interim basis and then as a property, I have supported with actions my words to sanction all those violations of the environmental regulations and laws of Puerto Rico, as required by my ministerial duty and in accordance with public policy. established in our Constitution (Article VI, Section 19). All our actions are preceded by environmental and legal studies and analyses, regardless of who commits them.
On the contrary, we have received criticism for protecting those investigated by due process of law and the equal protection of the laws, which are constitutional principles from which we do not deviate even if they cause delays in administrative and judicial processes, which are the corresponding forums. where controversies must be resolved and not assaulting places where it is alleged that there are violations of environmental laws. Good recent and successful examples are the cases of the Sol y Playa condominium and the Cueva de las Golondrinas, while the legal process of eviction and to impose responsibilities in the Bahía de Jobos Estuarine Reserve, in Salinas, not only advances without turning back, but also that at this moment there is not a single person usurping public domain assets, contrary to a few years ago.
I deeply respect the opinions of all citizens, including the elected officials of the Government of Puerto Rico. However, it is important to remember that at the DNER we are committed to the protection and conservation of our natural resources, and this includes mangroves, which are vital to our biodiversity and resilience against climate change.
Our intervention was not a selective or irresponsible act, but a fulfillment of our duty as guardians of nature and the environment. If any activity has been carried out without proper permission, it is our obligation to intervene, regardless of who owns the property in question. At the DNER we treat all complaints and active cases with deep seriousness.
The people demand transparency and the Government is responding to that demand. No one who loves Puerto Rico and the conservation and protection of our nature should oppose it.”
