Caguas, Puerto Rico

Caguas, named after the Indian chief Caguax[?] and nicknamed El Valle Del Turabo[?] (The Valley Of The Turabo) is a bustling city central Puerto Rico, located one hour by car from San Juan and 2 hours from Ponce. Its community has enjoyed one of the best economies among Puerto Rican cities since at least the 1980s. During the early part of the 20th century, Caguas hosted one of Puerto Rico's most important sugar manufacturers, which gave employment to thousands of Caguenos[?].

Numerous business and important buildings have opened up there since then, including the imposing 23 story apartment building Caguas Tower, its adjacent competitors Bonneville Apartments, the 10 floor Regional Hospital, the Plaza Del Carmen Mall[?], the Plaza Centro Mall[?] and various other important structures.

Caguas is also an important sports town, hosting the Criollos de Caguas Baseball[?] team in Puerto Rico's Liga Profesional De Beisbol[?], the Criollos de Caguas Basketball[?] team in Puerto Rico's 'Superior National Basketball League' (or BSN), and the Criollas De Caguas Volleyball[?] team in the Women's professional Volleyball league. The Baseball team is considered the greatest of all-time in all of Latin America, having won 13 national Puerto Rico titles and 11 Serie Del Caribe[?] (Caribbean championship series) titles, both records. The basketball team has not enjoyed so much success, but in the last 2 years has shown a lot of progress, both times reaching the playoffs, and the women's Volleyball team is a back to back to back national champion. Caguas also counts with the Bairoa Gym, one of the most important boxing gyms in all of Puerto Rico and a place where many visiting champions have trained at.

Caguas has also been the birthplace of many celebrities, both local and international , such as Ricky Martin, most of the early members of Menudo, Edgardo Diaz, illustrious Educator Jose Gautier Benitez[?],former Criollos Basketball star Willie Quinones[?], boxing prospect Miguel Cotto, former world title challenger boxer Juan Carazo, former boxing contender Alberto Mercado and writer Abelardo Diaz Alfaro.

Former world bantamweight champion boxer Julian Solis[?] and his brothers, former world title challengers Rafael Solis[?] and Enrique Solis[?] were born nearby.

During the 1980's the city was directed by Mayor Angel O. Berrios, and these days, its commanded by Mayor William Miranda[?], both members of the Popular Democratic Party. The Popular Democratic Party, or 'Populares[?]' has led the city for many years.