Puerto Rico's Rossell- Names Secretary of Justice

Puerto Rico Governor-Elect Ricardo Rossell- named Wanda Vázquez Garced as his Secretary of Justice.

Rossell- announced the choice in a San Juan press conference on Wednesday.

Since 2011 Vázquez has served as Puerto Rico's Prosecutor for Women. As head of the Office of the Prosecutor for Women she has worked to promote equality, strengthen and enforce government policies for women's human rights, and eliminate discrimination and violence against women. Prior to this position she was a public prosecutor.

She will be in charge of Puerto Rico's handling of the judicial branch at a time when over a dozen lawsuits have been filed over the lack of payment of its bond debt. Due to a provision in the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act, there are stays on these suits until Feb. 15. The stays may be extended 75 days.

At some point before the end of the stays the Oversight Board may petition the court to start a bankruptcy process, which is part of the act. If this happens Vázquez would have a key role presenting Puerto Rico's position. If stays elapse, she would play a role in defending Puerto Rico in the cases.

According to El Nuevo Día news web site, Rossell- said Vázquez will work to combat corruption and enforce laws.

In addition to announcing Vázquez, Rossell- announced that Michelle Hernández de Fraley will be the Superintendent of Police. Hernández de Fraley will be Puerto Rico's first female Superintendent of Police.

Rossell- will start his administration on Jan. 2.

 

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Puerto Rico
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