Outgoing DNER secretary says environmental complaint against elected governor’s in-laws must go on

Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Anaís Rodríguez Vega, who resigned Monday effective Dec. 31, said her successor must continue pursuing the administrative process against the in-laws of Governor-elect Jenniffer González Colón for illegal construction and environmental damages within La Parguera Natural Reserve in Lajas.

“That is a case that is active in the Department. There are administrative procedures that must continue no matter who is the nominating authority of the Department …” Rodríguez Vega said during a radio interview. “Those cases [against González’s in-laws] were filed, and their administrative processes must continue, and the parties will have the opportunity to present all the allegations.” The governor-elect has yet to appoint a new DNER secretary.

Since May of last year, the agency has been investigating a complaint against José Vargas Cortés and his wife, Irma Rivera Llavona, for allegedly cutting down mangroves and expanding a dock without the required permits. The couple has denied any wrongdoing. González Colón has said the allegations against her in-laws are part of a political ploy. She also said she has nothing to do with any actions taken by her in-laws.