Setting the Course to Puerto Rico’s Skeleton

While Donald Trump increased in 54 billion USD his military budget, Puerto Rico is still experiencing the disasters of hurricane Maria, which hit the island several months ago.

Last February 1^st some Puerto Rican organizations, based at New York, protested about the privatization of the electric system in Puerto Rico.

Several groups in the country such as the one named A Call to Action on Puerto Rico showed that the management of the colonial administration after the passing of the hurricane was a complete failure.

Indeed, this organization weighed that there was even a criminal intent, which certainly led to the collapse of the physical infrastructure: roads, bridges, docks, electric power systems, aqueducts, schools, agriculture, and housing.

“Scavenging vultures from Wall Street seized the opportunity to go into the plundering and occupation of our nation.”

Likewise, “we denounce the deterioration of the political, economic, and social situation of our country.”

According to this organization, there is a chaotic situation in Puerto Rico.

Lorraine Liriano, spokeswoman of Call to Action on Puerto Rico, noted that 45 thousand jobs were lost. More than 1.2 million citizens are still without electric service. Near 30% of small business have closed. Half a million of Puerto Rican have been forced to flee abroad.

Norma Perez, professor at New York city, said that the announcement of the shutting down of 305 schools would render unemployed thousands of professors and thus, an important number of children will not take classes.

Not to mention the 400 million USD cut to the budget of the University of Puerto Rico.

Here we have the agony experienced by several Puerto Ricans. Therefore, it is harder for them to believe they are a Free Associated State.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Diaz / CubaSi Translation Staff