The short version
- The San Juan Daily Star reported that ex-governors, officials, the resident commissioner and private sector leaders attended the launch at the foundation in Ponce
- Metro Puerto Rico reported that the edition compiles highlights from three prior volumes spanning more than 30 years of Hernández Colón's political life
- Eddie Torres Vázquez, foundation director, said the book allows new generations to learn of the former governor's vision of transformation for Puerto Rico
- The commemorative edition is available for purchase at the foundation's Ponce headquarters or by calling 787-259-0421
Launch of the commemorative publication
The Fundación Rafael Hernández Colón presented a commemorative edition of the memoirs of former governor Rafael Hernández Colón in Ponce. The San Juan Daily Star reported that the event brought together ex-governors, former and current government officials, the resident commissioner in Washington, Pablo José Hernández Rivera, private sector leaders, friends and family members. The San Juan Daily Star reported
Metro Puerto Rico reported that the activity took place at the foundation's headquarters as part of the commemoration of the 90th anniversary of Hernández Colón's birth. The publication gathers the most significant moments from his trajectory between 1964 and 1992, including his terms as governor from 1973 to 1977 and from 1985 to 1992. Eddie Torres Vázquez, director of the foundation, stated that the gathering allowed participants to recall the challenges, achievements and the deep love that Hernández Colón felt for the island, which underwent a transcendental transformation in all sectors under his leadership. Metro Puerto Rico reported
According to both outlets, the president of the foundation's board of directors, José Alfredo Hernández, and resident commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera presented some of the most significant passages from the book. The exchange focused on the challenges faced, accomplishments and the organized, serious approach to politics that characterized one of the main leaders of the Popular Democratic Party.
Also on PuertoRico.com: Ponce travel guide
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Esta nueva versión permite compartir aquellos momentos más significativos y de mayor impacto en la vida de Hernández Colón. El mismo permite reflexionar y transmitir a las nuevas generaciones que no le conocieron su visión de transformación para el país
Our translation: This new version allows sharing those most significant and highest impact moments in Hernández Colón's life. It allows reflection and transmitting to the new generations who did not know him his vision of transformation for the country.
The source's own statement, as quoted by The San Juan Daily Star. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Content and purpose of the edition
The San Juan Daily Star and Metro Puerto Rico both reported that the commemorative edition compiles content from three previous books: "Vientos de Cambio: Memorias de Rafael Hernández Colón 1964-1972", "A Toda Vela: Contra Viento y Marea: Memorias de 1973-1984" and "A toda vela: Memorias 1985-1992". Two of the volumes were published during Hernández Colón's lifetime and one as a posthumous tribute.
Torres Vázquez told those present that the new version shares the most significant and impactful moments in Hernández Colón's life. He added that it allows reflection and transmits to new generations who did not know him his vision of transformation for the country. The director thanked Ponce mayor Marlese Sifre for her participation in the event.
Speakers and availability
The main speakers at the launch were former governors Sila María Calderón and Alejandro García Padilla, former Secretary of State Héctor Luis Acevedo, former Secretary of Justice Carlos Ríos Gautier and former resident commissioner Antonio "Tito" Colorado, according to both the San Juan Daily Star and Metro Puerto Rico.
The commemorative edition "Rafael Hernández Colón: Memorias 1964-1992" is available for sale at the Fundación Rafael Hernández Colón headquarters in Ponce. Interested parties can also contact foundation staff at 787-259-0421 for mail shipments.
Where the sources differ
The San Juan Daily Star and Metro Puerto Rico agree on all key facts including the location in Ponce, the purpose tied to the 90th birth anniversary commemoration, the list of attendees and speakers, the three source books compiled, and the availability of the new edition. The San Juan Daily Star article is dated one day after the Metro report and includes slightly more detail on the style of political leadership discussed, but the two accounts do not conflict on any reported information.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state on which exact date the launch event was held, only that it formed part of the 90th anniversary commemoration. They provide no information on the print run or price of the commemorative edition, attendance numbers, or any specific excerpts from the memoirs that were read aloud.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official Comparten memorias del exgobernador Rafael Hernández Colón con motivo de la conmemoración del natalicio 90
- Reporting Comparten memorias del exgobernador Rafael Hernández Colón con motivo de la conmemoración del natalicio 90
- Reporting Presentan edición conmemorativa de las memorias de Rafael Hernández Colón
How we checked this
Both The San Juan Daily Star and Metro Puerto Rico covered the launch of the commemorative memoirs edition by the Fundación Rafael Hernández Colón. All details about attendees, speakers, content sources and availability appear in both reports while the direct quote from Eddie Torres Vázquez rests on the San Juan Daily Star account.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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