Humanitarian and political crisis in Puerto Rico

Latest

Devastation in Puerto Rico following earthquakes.

 
After two major hurricanes devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, Congress approved almost $20 billion in disaster aid. But the Trump administration has refused to send $18 billion of this relief after more than two years. And now a second humanitarian crisis has hit the island. Tens of thousands were still living under temporary blue tarps, when, in December, earthquakes and aftershocks began. All this on top of a debt-crisis caused by a 12-year recession and years of forced austerity, coupled with tax relief to corporations. As we go to press, there are massive popular protests in Puerto Rico, a sign of continuing discontent with the colonial administration of the island and with the US government’s response to the crisis. Still the US government continues to abandon Puerto Rico, whose people are American citizens. The US has the resources to provide immediate help and restore Puerto Rico both physically and economically, and indeed to care for all of our people. This humanitarian disaster aid must be released NOW! — The Editors

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Journalist Says Why ‘I Can No Longer Work With Reuters’

A photojournalist says why it is impossible for her to maintain a relationship with Reuters "given its role in justifying and enabling the systematic assassination of 245 journalists in Gaza."

Abrego Garcia Detained Again, Could be Deported to Uganda

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant worker, was freed from detention in Tennessee Aug. 22 and then re-arrested by ICE on Aug. 25 in Maryland. The Trump administration is trying to deport Abrego Garcia to Uganda.

An Open Letter to Mayor Matt Mahan of San Jose, CA.

From the San Jose CA Frontlines: Stop the sweeps. Unhoused people want a safe place to stay. All people should be respected, shown compassion, understanding.

Global Food Authority Declares Catastrophic Famine in Gaza

On Aug. 22, the world's top authority on hunger crises officially declared that a catastrophe-level famine in Gaza exists—a humanitarian disaster engineered by Israel's relentless blockade of food aid and other life-saving supplies.

Thousands of Texans Protest Trump’s Redistricting Plan To Get More Votes

The Texas capitol of Austin saw 5,000 people protesting Trump’s unconstitutional redistricting plan and other issues threatening our democracy.

More from the People's Tribune