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92-510: Ramos Antonini was born into a poor family in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico . He was the youngest child of the marriage between Federico Ramos Escalera and Rosa Antonini Danseau. When he was three months old, the family moved to Ponce, Puerto Rico , where he spent the next 43 years of his life. As a child, his parents taught him the importance of getting a good education. During the day, he dedicated himself to his school studies, and, during his free time, he

184-471: A referendum , not on a particular constitutional amendment as such, but on the general concept of switching from a bicameral to a unicameral system which was held on July 10, 2005. Attended by less than 25% of the islands' electorate, Puerto Rican voters approved the change to a unicameral legislature by 456,267 votes in favor, versus 88,720 against. ( Voter turnout was 22.6% of the electorate.) Almost four years later, incoming Governor Luis Fortuño (from

276-782: A certain amount of social exclusion . A map shows these communities occur in nearly every municipality of the commonwealth. Of the 742 places that were on the list in 2014, the following barrios, communities, sectors, or neighborhoods were in Mayagüez: Balboa, Barrio Salud, Buena Vista, Central Igualdad, Dulces Labios, El Maní, El Quemado, Felices Días, La Chorra, La Quinta, Leguízamo, Mayagüez Arriba, Parcelas Rolón, Polvorín, Quebrada Grande, Río Cañas, Río Hondo, Rosario, and Trastalleres. According to 2009 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, there were 92,156 people (down from 98,434 in 2000) in 38,469 housing units residing in Mayagüez. The population density

368-507: A fiscal turnaround plan by January 28. Just before that deadline, the control board gave the Commonwealth government until February 28 to present a fiscal plan (including negotiations with creditors for restructuring debt) to solve the problems. A moratorium on lawsuits by debtors was extended to May 31. It is essential for Puerto Rico to reach restructuring deals to avoid a bankruptcy-like process under PROMESA . Statehood might be useful as

460-482: A long-time resident and now "adopted son" of the city. Until this song's adoption, the plena " A Mayagüez ", written by César Concepción , was used by many as an unofficial city song. Quiñones' composition was the winner of a contest sponsored by the city's municipality in 2003. Government of Puerto Rico The government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a republican democracy established by

552-570: A majority of both chambers. The current heads are Senator Eduardo Bhatia and Representative Jaime Perelló Borrás , respectively. Members are elected to both chambers in general elections held every four years, along with the elections for the Governor and the 78 municipal mayors . Each member of the Legislative Assembly represents an electoral district , with the exception of a number of legislators who are considered at-large and represent

644-536: A mayor and the municipal assembly for four-year terms. The municipal government is housed in Mayagüez City Hall or Casa Alcaldia , which faces the south side of the Plaza de Colon. A popularly elected mayor heads the executive branch, currently deputy mayor Jorge Ramos serves in the position as Interim Mayor after the suspension of José Guillermo Rodríguez from the post pending a investigation. In addition to running

736-539: A means of dealing with the financial crisis, since it would allow for bankruptcy and the relevant protection. In the Puerto Rican status referendum, 2020 , the majority of voters approved of Puerto Rico becoming a state. However, the referendum was non-binding, and there has been little federal action since the referendum. According to the Government Development Bank, statehood might be the only solution to

828-476: A popular soft drink in Puerto Rico between the late 1940s and early 1960s. Mayagüez was a major rum producing city in Puerto Rico between the 1930s and 1970s . Several brands were produced by the city's three rum distillers. The most successful rum producing operation at the time was José González Clemente y Co., the bottlers of Ron Superior Puerto Rico, an award-winning dark rum that was bottled between 1909 and

920-755: A region noted for its record of colonial resistance (i.e., Urayoán and Legend of Diego Salcedo ). The Tainos constituted the majority of the island's inhabitants at the time of contact with Europeans in 1493 and called it Borikén or Borinquen . Today, this appellation and its variations continue to designate the Island of Puerto Rico and its people. The Taínos came from South American branches of Arawakan speakers , more specifically from modern-day Venezuela , and lived in small villages, organized their society in clans and named their chiefs Cacique . They were farmers who domesticated crops as pineapples , cassava , and sweet potatoes supplemented by fish and seafood. Mayagüez

1012-547: A republican form of government seated in San Juan with executive, legislative, and judicial powers within the archipelago and island of Puerto Rico. Article IV defines the executive branch as headed by the governor , currently Pedro Pierluisi , who is also the head of government . Article III defines the legislative branch as consisting of a bicameral legislature, namely the Legislative Assembly , composed by

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1104-654: Is an ongoing debate . Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States by Spain at the end of the Spanish–American War by the Treaty of Paris of 1898 . The Foraker Act of 1900 provided for an organization of the civilian government. The Jones–Shafroth Act of 1917 re-organized the government. The United States government authorized Puerto Rico to draft its own constitution by Pub. L.   81–600 , 64  Stat.   319 , enacted July 3, 1950 . On June 4, 1951,

1196-404: Is another title primarily given by the media and the public, though it is considered unofficial. All cabinet-level Secretaries are first nominated by the Governor and are confirmed by the legislative assembly. Each department has different divisions , agencies , bureaus , offices , and services , each with specific duties, in order to provide the necessary services to the general public across

1288-526: Is appointed by the corporations’ Board of Directors . The directors are nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the state legislative assembly. Although government-owned corporations are separate from the commonwealth government, who generate their income and expenses independently, several of those have faced financial troubles, and have constantly relied on so called “bail-outs” from the commonwealth to offset recurring losses and deficits, and have been unable to legally declare bankruptcy . Article III of

1380-401: Is by far the largest branch in the government as well as the largest employer in Puerto Rico with more than 150,000 workers. The head of government is the Governor of Puerto Rico, who is elected every four years in a general election. The position is similar in nature, responsibility, and power as those of a governor of a U.S. state . The position of Governor has the overall responsibility of

1472-515: Is carried out by the Puerto Rico Police (PPR). Puerto Rico's central government, which includes all three branches of government but excludes public corporations and municipalities, has an annual general budget that currently ranges from $ 8.5 billion to $ 9 billion in revenues and expenditures. The government also receives more than $ 4.2 billion annually in subsidies and federal aid from the United States. A substantial portion of this amount

1564-509: Is earmarked for public welfare , including funding educational programs (such as Head Start ), subsidized housing programs (such as Section 8 and public housing projects ), and a food stamp system called the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico program. Government-owned corporations generate approximately $ 6.3 billion in general revenues by charging citizens for the services they provide. The largest government-owned corporation,

1656-544: Is located in the center of the western coast on the island of Puerto Rico. It has a population of 73,077, and it is the principal city of the Mayagüez Metropolitan Statistical Area (pop. 213,831) and the Mayagüez–Aguadilla, PR Combined Statistical Area (pop. 467,599). The Mayagüez Metro Area (and part of Añasco ) lies today on two former Taíno Cacicazgos (chiefdoms) : Yaguex and Yagüeca,

1748-762: Is the joint responsibility of the Mayagüez Municipal Police Department and the Puerto Rico Police Department . The first fire fighters corps in the city was created in 1876. The city has three Puerto Rico Police (State Police) facilities and one Municipal Police station, it also has the regional office of the State Emergency Management Bureau(NMEAD) as well as the offices of the Puerto Rico Seismic Network(Red Sismica de Puerto Rico) and

1840-624: Is the ninth-largest municipality in Puerto Rico . It was founded as Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Mayagüez (Township of Our Lady of Candelaria ), and is also known as La Sultana del Oeste (The Sultaness of the West), Ciudad de las Aguas Puras (City of Pure Waters), or Ciudad del Mangó (Mango City). On April 6, 1894, the Spanish Crown granted it the formal title of Excelente Ciudad de Mayagüez (Excellent City of Mayagüez). Mayagüez

1932-416: Is usually very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 95 °F or 35 °C, with heat index of up to 115 °F or 46.1 °C. From May to October, most evenings experience strong thunderstorms, due to heat, humidity and the topography of the area. The municipio has an estimated population of just over 100,000 spread over 21 barrios ( barrios ) including Mayagüez Pueblo (The downtown area and

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2024-659: The Congress of the United States , executed and enforced by the President of the United States , and interpreted and validated by the Supreme Court of the United States . Puerto Rico is subject to the jurisdiction of the federal government of the United States and the territorial sovereignty of the United States . Its head of state is the president of the United States, currently Joe Biden . As an unincorporated territory of

2116-624: The Constitution of Puerto Rico grants all legislative powers of the commonwealth government to the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico , which is divided into two chambers: a 27-member Senate and a 51-member House of Representatives . The chambers are presided over by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House , respectively. Both positions are occupied by an active member of each body, elected by

2208-428: The Constitution of Puerto Rico in 1952. Under a system of separation of powers , the government is divided among three branches: the executive , the legislative , and the judicial . As a territory of the United States , the government of Puerto Rico is under the jurisdiction of the federal government of the United States . Article I of the Constitution of Puerto Rico defines the government of Puerto Rico as

2300-627: The Court of First Instance consisting of the Superior Courts and the Municipal Courts. The Supreme Court, the commonwealth's highest court, holds its sessions in San Juan's Miramar district. Puerto Rico is divided into 78 municipalities, each headed by a mayor. The municipalities also have a municipal legislature, which is in charge of overseeing the mayor's operations, holding public meetings, and enacting municipal resolutions and ordinances. Both

2392-587: The Escuela Libre de Música Ernesto Ramos Antonini of San Juan features a life-sized bronze statue of him at its entrance. He is also honored at Ponce's Park of Illustrious Ponce Citizens . The main street in the El Tuque sector of Barrio Canas in Ponce is also named in his memory. Mayag%C3%BCez, Puerto Rico Mayagüez ( Spanish pronunciation: [maʝaˈɣwes] , locally [maʝaˈweʔ] )

2484-539: The Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria de Puerto Rico , were held in Mayagüez in 2010 in preparation for the Central American and Caribbean Games . Also they were held in 2016 and they are to be held in 2017. There are 13 beaches in Mayagüez. As one of Puerto Rico's 78 municipalities , Mayagüez's government has two executive and legislative branches. Those citizens eligible to vote, directly elect

2576-645: The Mona Passage ; and the Río Guanajibo , which flows through several neighborhoods in the southern portion of the municipality until it empties in the Mona Passage . The Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge on Desecheo Island is a protected area. To the north of the El Maní community in Mayagüez is the Boquilla Creek Wildlife Reserve ( Reserva Natural del Caño de la Boquilla ), a protected area and

2668-512: The New Progressive Party or New Party of Progress (NPP) ) discarded the alternative of unicameralism claiming that the NPP's platform, rather than advocating unicameralism, supported submitting to the people a constitutional amendment proposing a substantial reduction in seats in the existing bicameral legislature. In 2012, Governor Fortuño proposed, and by a two thirds majority in both houses,

2760-509: The New World by Christopher Columbus , who signed his documents with the phrase and the motto Christ Ferens , which means: "He who has Christ." The blue and white waves between the third and fourth quarters recall the coat of arms granted to Columbus by kings Ferdinand and Isabella . The waves represent the ocean (and particularly the Mona Passage ) through which he sailed to bring the gospel to these new lands. The blue and white waves symbolize

2852-470: The Puerto Rican government-debt crisis posed serious problems for the government which was saddled with outstanding bond debt that had climbed to $ 70 billion or $ 12,000 per capita at a time with a 45 percent poverty rate and 12.4% unemployment that is more than twice the mainland U.S. average. The debt had been increasing during a decade long recession. The Commonwealth had been defaulting on many debts, including bonds, since 2015. With debt payments due,

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2944-626: The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), generates almost half of those revenues alone ($ 3 billion). However, government-owned corporations generate about $ 10.6 billion in expenses when combined, requiring substantial subsidies by the central government. In 2005, the central government provided more than $ 2.6 billion in subsidies, while the remaining expenditures were funded through interest and investment earnings. When considering all three branches of government, including all government-owned corporations and municipalities,

3036-528: The Secretary of State . Article IV of the Constitution of Puerto Rico establishes that the Secretary of State should serve as acting governor when the Governor is not available. The Constitution and Puerto Rican law establishes a governmental line of succession for special cases when neither the Governor nor the Secretary are available. Article IV of the Constitution of Puerto Rico establishes that

3128-617: The Senate as its upper house and by the House of Representatives as its lower house . The governor and legislators are elected by popular vote every four years . Article V defines the judicial branch as headed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico , currently Maite Oronoz Rodríguez . The legal system is a mixture of the civil law and the common law systems. Members of

3220-493: The University of Puerto Rico- Mayagüez Campus of about 15,000–20,000 which contributes considerably to its economy. In 2005 Winston-Salem Industries for The Blind was the first industry to move into the city's industrial park in many years. In July 2007 Honeywell opened a customer support service center for its aerospace and information technology divisions in the city. As of 2022, Bureau of Labor Statistics data revealed that

3312-541: The Yagüez River and evokes the nickname City of Pure Waters . The red and white flames on the flag symbolize the traditional bonfires of Day of Our Lady of Candelaria ("Día de La Candelaria"), ignited in honor of the city's patron saint (a tradition started for Spanish settlers from the Canary Islands ). The flag was officially adopted with the signing of City Ordinance 38, signed December 3, 1996. According to

3404-506: The Cabinet serve at the pleasure of the Governor, who may dismiss them or reappoint them (to other posts) at will. The day-to-day enforcement and administration of laws is delegated by the Governor to 16 executive departments created by the Constitution or by statute to deal with specific areas of government. The heads of the departments, chosen by the governor and approved by the Senate (with

3496-643: The Caribbean Tsunami Warning Program who share facilities in the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus. It has numerous private ambulance service organizations which covered wide parts of the western coast of Puerto Rico and choose Mayagüez for its central location to the region. There are small volunteer organizations dedicated to aiding police and emergency services as requested by such. The municipio has an official flag and coat of arms. The wide cross represents Christianity brought to

3588-525: The Constitutional Convention of Puerto Rico reconvened and approved the conditions established by Pub. L.   82–447 . On July 25, 1952, Governor Luis Muñoz Marín proclaimed that the Constitution of Puerto Rico was in effect. The executive branch is responsible for administering public resources, as well as providing all necessary public services to the Puerto Rican general public. It

3680-742: The Governor shall be assisted by Secretaries who shall collectively constitute the Governor's advisory council and be designated as the Council of Secretaries although it's mostly referred to as the Cabinet . The Cabinet is composed by the Constitutional Cabinet , composed by the Secretaries established by the Constitution, and the Operational Cabinet , composed by the Secretaries established by extraconstitutional Puerto Rican law or appointed by

3772-426: The Governor was facing the risk of a government shutdown and failure to fund the managed care health system. "Without action before April, Puerto Rico’s ability to execute contracts for Fiscal Year 2018 with its managed care organizations will be threatened, thereby putting at risk beginning July 1, 2017 the health care of up to 900,000 poor U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico", according to a letter sent to Congress by

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3864-484: The Governor. These Cabinets do not exist as agencies, but are referred as such in transcripts, records, official documents, and conversations for brevity and easiness. All Cabinet members are nominated by the Governor and then presented to the Senate for advice and consent by a simple majority . If they are approved, they are sworn in and then begin their duties. All members receive the title of Secretary . Members of

3956-465: The Legislature approved submitting to the people a constitutional amendment reducing the size of the House from 51 to 39 seats and the Senate from 27 to 17 seats, essentially a 30% reduction in size. However, in an August 18, 2012 referendum, the constitutional proposition failed by a 54% to 46% margin. The judiciary of Puerto Rico consists of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico , Court of Appeals , and

4048-518: The Mayagüez metropolitan area had the worst-paid lawyers in the United States, with an annual average salary of only $ 53,850. Mayagüez's contributions to Puerto Rican gastronomy have been many, and a few of these are known outside Puerto Rico. Besides being host to one of the largest concentrations of mango trees in the island, the city has been a host to various food enterprises whose products are popular in Puerto Rico (and elsewhere): A defunct cola bottling operation in town produced "Vita Cola",

4140-632: The Ponce Municipal Assembly and established his law firm. In 1937, he gained fame as a lawyer when he defended the members of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party who were accused of breaking the law after permits issued by the Mayor of Ponce for a peaceful march in Ponce were withdrawn by the colonial governor of Puerto Rico at the time, General Blanton Winship . Upon the withdrawal of

4232-593: The Puerto Rican historian Federico Cedó Alzamora, the original version of the coat of arms of Mayagüez was given to the city December 19, 1894, by the Queen Regent of Spain Maria Christina of Austria . The upper half of the coat of arms shows the columbine coat of arms recalls and commemorates the discovery of the Island of Borinquén (Puerto Rico) by Columbus in his second trip to the New World in 1493. The lower half of

4324-480: The Puerto Ricans voted to hold a constitutional convention in a referendum, and elected delegates on August 27, 1951. The convention adopted a constitution on 6 February 1952 and was ratified by Puerto Rico's electorate in a referendum on March 3, 1952 . The United States government approved an amended version by Pub. L.   82–447 , 66  Stat.   327 , enacted July 3, 1952 , and on July 10, 1952,

4416-453: The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. They also said that "Congress must enact measures recommended by both Republicans and Democrats that fix Puerto Rico’s inequitable health care financing structure and promote sustained economic growth." Initially, the oversight board created under PROMESA called for Puerto Rico's governor Ricardo Rosselló to deliver

4508-620: The Senate and, in a handful of cases, the House, as well. Similar to a U.S. State, the Governor has authority over the Puerto Rico National Guard. Although Puerto Rico does not have the position of Lieutenant Governor , sections 7 and 8 of the Constitution empower the Secretary of the Puerto Rico State Department to act as Acting Governor, should the governor be absent from Puerto Rico, become temporarily disabled or unable to discharge his/her duties, and as Governor for

4600-470: The United States were packed in Mayagüez (the biggest employer, StarKist , had 11,000 employees working three daily shifts in the local plant's heyday). Mayagüez was also a major textile industry hub; almost a quarter of all drill uniforms used by the United States Army were sewn in the city. Today, Mayagüez is the fifth-largest city in Puerto Rico and is considered one of the most important cities in

4692-472: The United States, Puerto Rico is neither a sovereign state nor a state of the United States . The federal government of the United States has enumerated powers , including monetary policy , foreign relations , and defense . The local government of Puerto Rico has reserved powers , including education , law enforcement , and elections . Both governments share concurrent powers , including taxation and fiscal policy . The political status of Puerto Rico

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4784-1039: The administrative center of the city). One of the barrios is Isla de Mona e Islote Monito , which consists of the offshore islands of Mona Island and Monito Island . This is the largest ward by land area and at the same time the only one without any permanent population. Also, uninhabited Desecheo Island belongs to the municipality as part of Sabanetas barrio . Mayagüez Pueblo is further subdivided into these barrios: Barrios (which are, in contemporary times, roughly comparable to minor civil divisions ) are further subdivided into smaller areas called sectores ( sectors in English). The types of sectores may vary, from normally sector to urbanización to reparto to barriada to residencial , among others. The sectors that comprise Mayagüez City are: Other notable neighborhoods or sectors: Comunidades Especiales de Puerto Rico (Special Communities of Puerto Rico) are marginalized communities whose citizens are experiencing

4876-425: The age of 18 living in them. Of all households 27.8% were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.41. In Mayagüez, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age

4968-419: The city during the 1990s, and because of this, Mayagüez became the jurisdiction of the United States with the second most industrial job losses during the time, second only to Flint, Michigan . Once the third city in population and importance in Puerto Rico, population numbers for it have been relatively stagnant, and it has lost population. Mayagüez has a floating population due to its universities, principally

5060-528: The city's Indian heritage. Its baseball winter league team ( LBPPR ), the Indios de Mayagüez , honor their Indian heritage and the home town's Cervecería India brewery. The professional soccer club Puerto Rico Sol , plays locally at local Mayagüez Athletics Stadium . The professional volleyball team Indias de Mayagüez from Liga de Voleibol Superior Femenino , plays locally at local Palacio de Recreación y Deportes . The "Justas" or inter-university games of

5152-561: The city's day-to-day operations and supervising associated departments, the mayor is also responsible for appointing a secretary-auditor and a treasurer. Mayagüez's Municipal Assembly comprises sixteen elected officials, as defined in the Puerto Rico Law of Autonomous Municipalities of 1991. The city belongs to the Puerto Rico Senatorial District IV , which is represented by two Senators. Law enforcement in Mayagüez

5244-544: The coat of arms shows a stylized version of Columbus's landing on Puerto Rico. The explorer's crew disembarked at the western coast of the island, where several rivers spill their waters in the Mona Passage, among them the Yagüez, from which the name of Mayagüez is derived. The present version was reinterpreted by heraldist Roberto Biascochea Lota. The city's anthem was written by pianist and former music teacher Luciano Quiñones ,

5336-456: The current two-chamber system (House and Senate) prevalent in 49 of the 50 states of the nation to one-chamber ( unicameralism ). The reasons for this proposed change was based on the growing public opinion that members of the assembly are overpaid, and that a smaller assembly might achieve the same work results as the bicameral one with less public expenditures. However, an official report of 1995 indicates that this argument should not be considered

5428-580: The deluge. Mayagüez is located near the geographical center of the west coast of Puerto Rico about two to three hours by automobile from San Juan . Its land area is 77.6 square miles (201.06 km ). The city's terrain includes; coast plains, river valleys, marshland, hills and mountains. Of its multiple rivers and streams, the two most important are the Río Yagüez , which flows from the Central Mountain Range through downtown until it empties into

5520-428: The exception of the Secretary of State, who requires Senate and House confirmation), form a council of advisers generally known as the Governor's Cabinet. The Constitution provides for the creation of at least 8 departments: Departments of State , Justice , Education , Health , Treasury , Labor , Agriculture , Commerce , and Public Works . However, due to the increase in population, economy, and public needs over

5612-607: The government eliminated the excise tax of 6.6% on imports (taxes on cigarettes, liquor, and cars are still in effect) and substituted it for a 5.5% islandwide Sales and Use Tax , plus a municipal sales tax of 1.5%, for a total of 7%, in what has been known as the Puerto Rico Tax Reform . This change was partly due to the government's growing expenditures and fiscal deficits which remained unchecked and uncorrected for several years, until several credit agencies warned public officials that all general-obligation bonds issued by

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5704-686: The government of Puerto Rico naming an avenue and public structures after him. In Barceloneta, Puerto Rico there is an Ernesto Ramos Antonini theatre and there is a Museum of History located in the Plaza Ernesto Ramos Antonini in Mayagüez. On December 18, 1997, the Government of Puerto Rico approved the Law Number 166 which proclaims every April 24 from then on to be known as "Ernesto Ramos Antonini Day". In Ponce, San Juan, Mayagüez, and Yauco, there are public specialized schools named after him;

5796-449: The government of Puerto Rico's annual expenditures can reach to more than $ 28 billion. The central government's main source of revenue is income tax imposed on individual citizens and private companies, which can amount to approximately $ 5.5 billion. Other significant sources of revenue include excise taxes on imports, cigarettes, liquor, hotel rooms, cement, and vehicles ($ 2 billion); and lotteries ($ 870 million). On November 15, 2006,

5888-414: The government were to be downgraded if the problem was not corrected. The situation reached a turning point when the executive branch of the government was partially shutdown, the events now known as the 2006 Puerto Rico budget crisis . Thirty-three (33) agencies were closed and 95,762 employees were sent home without pay. Following public bickering between the two main political parties, the new sales tax

5980-512: The habitat of endangered species . Mayagüez has a tropical savanna climate ( Köppen climate classification Aw ). The city has the most extreme weather of the island. The high frequency of severe storms in the summer can produce strong winds, floods , waterspouts , and sometimes hail and even tornadoes . The average annual temperature is 75 °F or 23.9 °C. Winter is usually quite dry and warm, with temperatures between 82 °F or 27.8 °C and 55 °F or 12.8 °C. Summer

6072-423: The island as a whole. Members representing specific districts are elected by the citizens residing within the district, while at-large legislators are elected by accumulation of all island votes. In recent years, two referendums have been held to propose constitutional changes to substantially modify the composition of the Legislative Assembly. Various organizations pushed for changing the legislative assembly from

6164-405: The island. Puerto Rico has also established several government-owned corporations in order to provide basic and public services to its citizens, including electricity, water, transportation, and education, among others. These are separate legal entities from the Commonwealth, but the government owns virtually all of these corporations' stock . Each corporation is headed by an executive director who

6256-771: The island. The city is centered on the impressive Spanish-style main square Plaza Colón , a tribute to Christopher Columbus , whose statue stands in the middle of the square, surrounded by 16 bronze statues. Mayagüez has become a major college town with the establishment of the UPRM , the now closed Eugenio María de Hostos Law School and the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico . On September 20, 2017 Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico. In Mayagüez, losses were described as "catastrophic". The storm triggered numerous landslides in Mayagüez. In some areas of Mayagüez, there were over 25 landslides per square mile due to

6348-421: The judicial branch are appointed by the governor with advice and consent from the Senate. The extent of the powers of the government of Puerto Rico and the rights of the citizens of Puerto Rico as enumerated in the Constitution of Puerto Rico and the laws of Puerto Rico are subject to the authority of the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the United States, which are enacted and amended by

6440-436: The late-1970s. Mayagüez celebrates its patron saint festival in late January / early February. The Fiestas Patronales Virgen de la Candelaria is a religious and cultural celebration that generally features parades, games, artisans, amusement rides, regional food, and live entertainment. Other festivals and events celebrated in Mayagüez include: Mayagüez hosted the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games for which

6532-444: The local and commonwealth governments have provided an investment of $ 250 million for, among other things, building two new stadiums (the first a re-built Isidoro García Baseball Stadium the second next to it a track and field and soccer stadium . Mayagüez also hosted the 2011 Caribbean Series . Mayagüez's National Superior Basketball League ( BSN ) professional basketball team, the Indios de Mayagüez , are named in honor of

6624-516: The mayor and the municipal legislators are elected at-large by the municipality's citizens in general elections held every four years. Unlike most towns, cities and states in the United States, Puerto Rico does not have local or state sheriffs; sheriff duties are instead performed by the Puerto Rico Commonwealth Marshal's Office. Many municipalities have established municipal police departments, although most law enforcement activity

6716-516: The original structure forced the rebuilding to be scaled-down considerably. In 1911, the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts was founded in Mayagüez. Today it is known as the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM)—the Caribbean 's leading engineering institution. Between 1962 and 1998 Mayagüez was a major tuna canning and processing center. At one time, 80% of all tuna products consumed in

6808-756: The permits, the police opened fire on the crowd in what became known as the Ponce massacre . He also became known as a defender of the working class by being active in the International Workers Congress. He appeared before the U.S. Congress and defended the Puerto Rican workers who were being abused by the American companies established on the island. In 1924, Ramos Antonini joined the Union Party of Puerto Rico founded by Luis Muñoz Rivera , Rosendo Matienzo Cintrón , Antonio R. Barceló and José de Diego in 1904, which defended self-government ( autonomy ) at

6900-481: The primary objective because the savings are not significant. The legislative spending in Puerto Rico, compared with the consolidated government budget is less than 1% of total government spending. Lacking the two-thirds majority necessary in both houses of the Legislature to submit constitutional amendments to the electorate, in 2004 the Popular Democratic Party's then-majority approved legislation to hold

6992-412: The remainder of the term should a permanent vacancy occur. Puerto Rico does not have a post for lieutenant governor but it has a Secretary of State which performs a similar role. The Secretary of State is the successor of the Governor and is empowered to act as acting governor — the Constitution of Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican law establishes a governmental line of succession starting with

7084-471: The state of the commonwealth, equivalent to the state of the union in the U.S. The official residence of the governor is La Fortaleza , the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. The Governor has the authority to nominate agency heads, trial and appellate judges , as well as Supreme Court justices and directors of public corporations, although these must be confirmed by

7176-611: The terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1898 and became a territory of the United States.In 1899, the United States Department of War conducted a census of Puerto Rico finding that the population of Mayagüez was 35,700, making it one of the largest towns in Puerto Rico at the time. The city's main Roman Catholic church, Our Lady of the Candelaria , was built in a plot consecrated on August 21, 1760. Its first masonry building

7268-541: The time of his entrance to the party. In 1930, Ramos Antonini, along with Luis Muñoz Marín joined the Liberal Party of Puerto Rico , successor of the Union Party, but now defending the independence of Puerto Rico. In 1932, he was elected to the House of Representatives along with Muñoz Marín to the Senate. In 1938, Ramos Antonini became one of the co-founders of the Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico and

7360-429: The years, the Puerto Rico government has expanded the executive branch by establishing additional executive departments not specified in the Constitution. These additional departments are established by public law or so-called "reorganization plans", as approved by the legislative assembly. The title of Secretary is given to the heads of the executive departments, whose position is also created by statute. Cabinet member

7452-475: Was 1,187 inhabitants per square mile (458/km ). The city has a considerable "college population" adding approximately 10,000 people to the year round population of Mayagüez. People of Hispanic or Latino origin, who may be of any race, composed 98.9% of the population. Of the 31,877 households in 2007 in Mayagüez, 38.6% were married couples living together, 22.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 33.3% had children under

7544-473: Was 33 years. Mayagüez had more women, with 88.4 males for every 100 females. As of 2000, speakers of English as a first language accounted for 15.14% of the population. The city has had several natural disasters. It faced a major economic downturn due to the closure of its textile factories and tuna industry, which were the principal industries of the city for the greater part of the 20th century. Over 11,000 permanent jobs in these two industries were lost in

7636-704: Was adopted, creating the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Puerto Rico . Together with Dr. Ricardo Alegría , he founded the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. Ernesto Ramos Antonini died on January 9, 1963, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was buried at the Puerto Rico Memorial Cemetery in Carolina, Puerto Rico . The memory of Ramos Antonini has been honored by

7728-626: Was approved in favor of the excise tax on imports on May 10, 2006, ending the budget crisis. The largest types of expenditures made by the government are those related to education. In 2005 alone, the government expended more than $ 5 billion in public education and education-related programs, representing approx. 28% of total government expenditures (excluding public corporations). Other significant expenditures include public housing and welfare ($ 3.4 billion or 19%), public safety ($ 2.5 billion or 14%) and public health ($ 2.3 billion or 13%). In May 2007, local economists expressed serious concerns when it

7820-456: Was elected to the House of Representatives as a member of that political organization in the 1940s general elections. In 1940 he lived at Calle Isabel #31 in Ponce . His wife was Josefina Buonomo. They later moved to today's Urbanización Floral Park in Hato Rey, a barrio of Río Piedras , which was still a town independent from San Juan . Their daughters names were Jannette and Ivette. In 1945, he

7912-408: Was erected in 1780. The current church was built in 1836, and was rebuilt in 1922. The redesign by architect Luis Perocier sought to restore the building to its original splendor. The 1918 San Fermín earthquake had destroyed the temple's ceiling, and a lightning bolt struck and tore down a wedge-shaped corner of one of its two bell towers. However, lack of proper funding and the extent of the damage of

8004-404: Was founded on September 18, 1760, by a group led by brothers Faustino and Lorenzo Martínez de Matos, Juan de Silva and Juan de Aponte, at a hill located about one kilometer inland from Mayagüez Bay and the outlet of the Yagüez River . The Spanish Crown granted the founders the right to self-government in 1763, formally separating the town from the larger Partido de San Germán . The settlement

8096-531: Was named Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Mayagüez ( Our Lady of Candelaria of Mayagüez ) to evoke an apparition of the Virgin Mary on the island of Tenerife , one of the Canary Islands . Most of the town's settlers, including its founders , migrated from the archipelago, whose patron saint is the Virgin of Candelaria . On May 7, 1836, the settlement was elevated to the royal status of villa , and Rafael Mangual

8188-426: Was named President of the House of Representatives, a position which he held until his death in 1963. Ernesto Ramos Antonini was buried at the Puerto Rico Memorial Cemetery in Carolina, Puerto Rico . Among the many laws created by Ramos Antonini were the following: Ramos Antonini was married to educator Josefina Buonomo. They had two daughters together: Jeannette and Ivette. In 1952 the Constitution of Puerto Rico

8280-457: Was named its first mayor. At the time, the villa's principal economic activity was agriculture. The famous patriot, educator, sociologist, philosopher, essayist and novelist Eugenio María de Hostos was born in Mayagüez in 1839. On July 10, 1877, the villa received its city charter from the Royal Crown of Spain. Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain in the aftermath of the Spanish–American War under

8372-684: Was revealed that the Puerto Rico public debt equaled to 76% of its gross national product (GNP), making it one of the most indebted countries by percentage in the world, even more than the United States. Economists have criticized the government's fiscal policy, whose level of expenditures and indebtedness has increased significantly within the past decade while the economy was grown at a much slower pace. Between 2000 and 2006 alone, Puerto Rico's GNP rose 5.37%, while its public debt's relation to GNP rose 18%. By comparison, many other Latin American countries have seen reductions in their GNP-public debt percentages during that same time period. By early 2017,

8464-530: Was taught how to play the piano by his father, who happened to be a musician. He graduated from Ponce High School in 1918, at 19 years of age. After he graduated from high school, Ramos Antonini enrolled at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras (which is now a part of San Juan ) to study law. He paid for his school tuition by playing piano at a local theatre and, in 1922, earned his law degree. He returned to Ponce where he taught math, became president of

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