Vega Baja, Puerto Rico
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Vega Baja (Spanish pronunciation: ) is a municipality in north central Puerto Rico located in the northern coast, north of Morovis; east of Manatí; and west of Vega Alta. Vega Baja is spread over 13 wards and Vega Baja Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city). It is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area.
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History
Vega Baja was founded on October 3, 1776 by Antonio Viera, with the name of "Vega-baxa del Naranjal de Nuestra Señora del Rosario".
"Cibuco", name of one of the rivers that carve its fertile lands, is a variation of the name "Sebuco", a chief or Cacique Taíno Indian of the region. These "cells" of Taíno Indians were known to settle in the vicinity of the rivers. Even though the Cibuco river is prone to floods due to heavy seasonal rains even to this day, the benefits given to the land by the river are numerous. The rich diversity of ocean life and reefs is evidence of how the nutrients provided by the Cibuco river are so beneficial.
Taino carvings have been found on the exposed reefs in the vicinity of the Cibuco river. Amongh these carvings, one depicting a face and others shaped as fish. They are an indication that these reefs were frequented for spear fishing and perhaps other day to day activities.
Noteworthy Events
In 1990, over a million dollars in cash was found buried in plastic barrels, thought to have been deposited by drug smugglers for later retrieval. The sudden wealth of a few residents attracted attention and prompted an investigation by FBI and local police. [1]
Cityscape
Barrios
- Algarrobo[2]
- Almirante Norte
- Almirante Sur
- Cabo Caribe
- Ceiba
- Pueblo Nuevo
- Puerto Nuevo
- Pugnado Adentro
- Pugnado Afuera
- Quebrada Arenas
- Río Abajo
- Río Arriba
- Vega Baja Pueblo
- Yeguada
Tourism
Landmarks and places of interest
- Casa Alonso Museum
- El Trece Recreational Area
- Fenix Theater
- Hall Of Fame
- House of Culture and Tourism
- Jorge Otero Military Museum
- Man of the Sugar Cane Monument
- Melao Melao Artisan Center
- Migrante Square
- Puerto Nuevo Recreational Area
- Tortuguero Lagoon
- Tortuguero Recreational Area
- Trinitarias Park
- Vega Serena
Economy
Is largely based on the agriculture in Vega Baja. Being a farming land.
Agriculture
- Pineapple, cattle feed (hay). lawn grass.
Industry
- Clothing, leather articles; electrical and electronic equipment, machinery
- Medical, and pharmaceutical.
Commercial Rug/Carpet Manufacture The most prestigious commercial rug and carpet factory of the "New World" — V'Soske, located in "Pugnado Afuera".
Culture
Festivals and events
Melao Melao Marathon - October
Matron Celebrations - October
Christmas Festival - December
"Blue Marlin" Fishing Tournament
Government
Vega Baja, like all municipalities in Puerto Rico, elect a mayor every four years to administer the city. With the mayor, a Municipal Assembly is also elected.[3] Luis Meléndez Cano was the Mayor of Vega Baja for more than 30 years (1973-2005). In 2005, he was replaced by Edgar Santana Rivera.[4] Santana was arrested and convicted in 2011 of 18 charges of bribery and replaced with interim mayor Francisco Fernández.[5] In December 20, 2011, Iván Hernández González was sworn in as Santana's replacement after a special election.[6]
The city also belongs to the Puerto Rico Senatorial district III, which is represented by two Senators. In 2008, José Emilio González and Angel Martínez were elected as District Senators.[7]
Symbols
Flag
Vega Baja's flag consists of a yellow cloth, crossed by a green band. The band relates to the fertile valley and the river..
Coat of Arms
The Vega Baja Coat of Arms has a v-shape green band, with overlapping roses in silver and three oranges tress, with fruits in gold. In the superior part a five tower crown, silverplated with black and green. The main colors of the shield; green and gold are used traditionally in civic, scholastic and sport activities. The crown five tower indicates that the town holds the rank of Villa by Royal Real Decree.
Education
Elementary schools
- Agapito Rosario Rosario
- Almirante Sur II
- Almirantito
- Cabo Caribe
- Centro Comunal
- Dr. Jesús M. Armaiz
- Federico Degetau
- Fernando Rosario Vázquez
- José de Diego
- José Gualberto Padilla
- Manuel Negrón Collazo I
- Manuel Padilla Dávila
- Ofelia Díaz
- Rafael Hernández
- Rosa M. Rodríguez
- San Vicente
Middle schools/ Secondary/ Second Unit
- Ángel Sandín Martínez
- Brígida Álvarez Rodríguez
- Centro De Adiestramiento
- Segunda Unidad Pugnado Afuera (S.U.P.A) o Segunda Unidad Manuel A. Martínez Dávila
- Segunda Unidad Almirante Norte (S.U.A.N)
High schools
- Lino Padrón Rivera
- Juan Quirindongo Morell
- Brigida Alvarez Rodriguez
- Colegio Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Private schools
- North Point Military Academy
References
- ^ New York Times, "Talk of a Puerto Rican Town: Buried Treasure. No Kidding", April 18, 1990.
- ^ http://welcome.topuertorico.org/maps/vegaalta.pdf
- ^ Vega Baja on SalonHogar.net
- ^ Elecciones Generales 2004: Recuento on CEEPUR
- ^ 18 años de cárcel al corrupto exalcalde de vega Baja, Edgar Santana on El Nuevo Día; Muñíz, Alba (December 17, 2011)
- ^ "Juramenta el nuevo alcalde de Vega Baja". El Nuevo Día. December 20, 2011.
- ^ Elecciones Generales 2008: Escrutinio General on CEEPUR
