Port of the Americas
Rafael “Churumba” Cordero Santiago
Law
166, June 28, 2004
In June 28, 2004, through Law 166, the Legislative body of
Puerto Rico
decreed that the transshipment port being constructed in the city of
Ponce should be named “Port of the Americas Rafael “Churumba” Cordero
Santiago” (1942 - 2004). In this way, the Legislature of
Puerto Rico honored the memory of the most fervent advocate to the construction
of the port facilities currently being constructed under the patronizing
of the Port Authority of the Americas. It was said on the introduction
to Law 166 about Mayor Cordero Santiago that he “…always
distinguished himself by being an eager defender of the interest of his
fellow townsmen, even beyond those of his political party if necessary.
His struggle was energetic, and became to his detractors a major challenge,
still at all times he addressed others with dignity and respect.” It
was also said that Mayor Cordero Santiago “…characterized
a stout debate for believing that the development known as the Port of
the Americas should be established in the municipality of Ponce, an objective
he achieved. Nevertheless, his efforts where not limited to the geographical
location of the project, but endeavored to jumpstart the development
as soon of possible for the benefit of the south and the puertorrican
economy as a whole.”
Cordero Santiago’s interest in the project began early on the
year 2000 in response to discussions he held with
Dr. Ernst Frankel,
original project consultant, who understood that such a transshipment
port could promote Puerto Rico’s economy while serving as a foundation
for the implementation of value-added industries. Dr. Frankel initially
proposed that the transshipment port should be constructed in the Port
of Ponce since it met essential characteristics that would permit the
development of the project in the shortest amount of time. From there
on, Cordero Santiago became an active promoter to the project and invested
substantial resources of the Municipality of Ponce to attract the interest
of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico so that the construction
of the Port of the Americas would become one of the highest priorities
to promote a self sustaining local economy.
Mayor Cordero Santiago achieved the commitment of the Central Government
for the construction of the project and began the rehabilitation of docks
4, 5 & 6 of the Port of Ponce, a public work in which the Municipality
of Ponce invested almost $40,000,000.00 USD.