Above: Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla departed the island Thursday for a visit to the neighbouring Dominican Republic.

Garcia Padilla’s trip will include a meeting with Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina and several meetings concerning joint initiatives between the two countries on security and economic development.

He will also meet with the US Ambassador in the Dominican Republic, James “Wally” Brewster.

In a statement, the Governor’s office said Garcia Padilla had been making a push to promote commercial, educational and technical exchange with the Dominican Republic, along with actions that could cover security and economic development.

Garcia Padilla will remain in the Dominican Republic with his family following the meetings, his office said, noting that no public funds would be used for the family’s stay.

Puerto Rico Secretary of State David Bernier will primarily act as Governor until Sunday.