Punctuality in Puerto Rico
4-10-13 WOSO Commentary
In my commentary of last week I praised my dentist Cuco
Somoza for giving and punctually honoring medical appointments thereby going
against the general medical practice in Puerto Rico of giving appointments on a
first come first serve basis.
A person who heard last week’s commentary remarked that we
Puerto Ricans are not punctual. I wholeheartedly disagree. Let me give you some
examples.
Puerto Rico Symphony concerts start on time and those who
are a few minutes late sit out in the lobby missing the first of three pieces
that make up the program. Few people are late. Compare this with the popular
music concerts at the Choliseo that one never knows when they will start other
than that they will not start on time
The same thing happens in churches. Few arrive late when the
priest makes it a habit to begin the
mass punctually. In those churches in which the priest gives latecomers the
opportunity to arrive, the churchgoers come in later the next time, the priest
waits longer, and one never knows the real starting time.
San Juan Rotary Tuesday luncheons start punctually at 12:30
and end at 1:30. There is rarely a latecomer.
Our family business Board starts punctually at 7 am with all
13 persons from management and the Board present at the agreed time.
Puerto Rico passengers arrive on time for their flights
since we know the flight will leave without us and there will be personal
inconveniences and monetary consequences.
I could go on with many other examples indicative that the
immense majority of patients in Puerto
Rico will be punctual if appointments are scheduled and honored by the doctor
with consequences for those who are late, or do not show up at all.
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