Puerto Rico’s Oversight Board said it remains committed to assist in the island’s fiscal recovery in the midst of political chaos over who will be running the government.
The board issued a statement Friday, two days after the Puerto Rico Supreme Court rejected Pedro Pierluisi as governor, stressing the need for collaboration to bring stability back to the debt-strapped territory. Puerto Rico Secretary of Justice Wanda Vázquez Garced was then sworn in as governor, the second leadership change in less than a week since the Aug. 2 resignation of Ricardo Rosselló.
Puerto Rico Secretary of Justice Wanda Vázquez Garced was sworn in as the island’s third governor in less than a one week-span on Aug. 7.
“As we move past this difficult moment in Puerto Rico’s history and reflect on the voices of the people over the past weeks, we reiterate our willingness to work closely with the government and legislature for the benefit of the people of Puerto Rico,” the oversight board statement read.
The oversight board also stressed the need for all sides to work together in order for Puerto Rico residents to “regain confidence” in the island’s public institutions so that necessary goals can be achieved addressing the island’s fiscal crisis and recovery from recent hurricanes. The board also emphasized a commitment to improving Puerto Rico’s education and healthcare systems as well as restoring economic opportunities on the island.
“The residents of the island have spoken clearly of their desire for transparency and accountability, which will require, at a minimum, an improved civil service, procurement reform, increased visibility of the tax credit, cash subsidy and incentive system, as well as improved enforcement of law,” the board stated. “Even though the challenges ahead are great, we all share these objectives and will be able to achieve these goals working together.”