He says economic freedom should be discussed as commonly as the weather
José “Che” Julio Aparicio Laspina was sworn in Friday as president of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino, delivering an address that framed his tenure under the theme “A New Era.”
His remarks blended personal reflection, gratitude, and a forceful call for Puerto Rico to embrace economic liberty, rebuild its infrastructure, and restore confidence in its collective potential.
Aparicio Laspina opened by acknowledging past Chamber presidents, board members, and the institution’s century‑long legacy. He devoted a substantial portion of his speech to his family, describing them as the inspiration behind his decision to seek the presidency. He said stepping into the role required leaving behind professional stability and personal comfort, but ultimately he understood it was time to “step out of the stands” and into the arena.
He emphasized that his vision for Puerto Rico is rooted in economic liberty, a principle he described as essential to long‑term prosperity. Economic liberty is the fundamental right of individuals to freely make their own choices about earning a living, managing property, and conducting trade without undue government interference. He said economic freedom should be discussed “as commonly as the weather or basketball,” arguing that Puerto Rico’s future depends on making it easier to invest, innovate, and grow.
Aparicio’s entrepreneurial background has shaped his leadership within the Chamber. He is the founder or operator of Our House in San Patricio Plaza; Winin, an online sports betting app; The Red Rooster; the event‑production firm E‑Sports; Knox Medical, a medical cannabis dispensary; CAO Bakery in Hallandale, Florida; and Gen Power. He also created FACES — the Federal Affairs Chamber Educational Services, an initiative within the Chamber designed to strengthen Puerto Rico’s private‑sector presence in Washington, D.C.
He said these ventures reflect his belief that Puerto Rico’s private sector can open new paths for growth when given the right conditions.
He outlined three priorities for the Chamber under his leadership: improving competitiveness through economic freedom; modernizing infrastructure to support growth; and advancing structural and cultural reforms that restore merit, responsibility, and excellence. He said infrastructure must be understood not only as physical investment but as a tool for improving quality of life and transforming communities.
During the ceremony, San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero praised Aparicio’s leadership and highlighted the city’s recent efforts to align with the Chamber’s priorities. Romero said San Juan recently approved and updated its new Incentives Code, designed to support sectors that are already growing and contributing to the economy. He explained that, unlike past decades when incentives targeted geographic areas with little employment, the city is now focusing on high‑growth sectors such as specialized professional services, tourism experiences, knowledge‑based industries, and health services that use advanced technologies.
Romero said San Juan is not only offering traditional municipal tax exemptions but has also allocated $2 million from its budget to help small businesses launch and expand in the capital. He emphasized that the city’s economic strategy is built on partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. He noted that San Juan has achieved five consecutive years of budget surpluses, improved its financial standing under the fiscal oversight board, and recently completed a bond issuance — the first municipal issuance approved under the board’s supervision. He attributed these results to discipline, responsible administration, and a clear understanding of the importance of economic development and job creation.
Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera also addressed the Chamber, calling for a stronger alliance between the government and the private sector to drive Puerto Rico’s economic development. He said Puerto Rico cannot advance if public and private sectors work “with their backs to each other,” and stressed that collaboration must produce concrete results for the island.
“There are those who insist on portraying the public sector and the private sector as enemies. It doesn’t have to be that way. We are not adversaries. We are, and must be, allies whenever our interests point in the same direction,” Hernández said.
He pointed to joint efforts in Congress to defend Puerto Rico’s tax incentives, secure better treatment for Medicare Advantage, avoid the Medicaid fiscal cliff, and advance the transition from the Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN) to SNAP. He said the well‑being of vulnerable communities and the growth of businesses are not opposing goals, but interdependent ones.
“The well‑being of the most vulnerable and the strength of those who innovate do not compete. They need each other,” he said. “Uncertainty and injustice limit economic development. They prevent long‑term investment. They prevent trust in the system. Defending institutions is defending the very ground on which you build.”
Hernández said economic development must serve the broader purpose of creating a more educated, healthier, and culturally vibrant society. He praised the private sector’s expertise and reiterated his commitment to working with the Chamber to promote investment, strengthen institutions, and expand opportunities for workers and businesses across Puerto Rico.
Other speakers included Ferdinand Pérez, host of Jugando Pelota Dura news program, and Clarivette Díaz, the General Manager of San Juan Cruise Ports.
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