More Than a Month After Maria, Puerto Ricans Still Struggle

FEATURING SAMY NEMIR OLIVARES – The majority of Puerto Ricans are still living without electrical power more than a month after the devastating Hurricane Maria hit the island. As the Trump administration is facing scrutiny for its poor response to the emergency, many are questioning why the largest federal contract to rebuild Puerto Rico’s power grid went to a tiny Montana based firm with only 2 full time employees. The firm, Whitefish Energy is based in Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s hometown, and was mysteriously awarded a $300 million contract over more experienced firms.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump recently gave his administration a 10 out of 10 for the federal response to Maria. But San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz shot back saying it was more like 10 out of a 100. She has also criticized the contents of federal food aid to Puerto Ricans which apparently included shelf-stable junk food items like chocolate pudding and Skittles.

For donations visit www.mariafund.org and for more information go to www.populardemocracy.org.

Samy Nemir Olivares, Communications Associate with the Center for Popular Democracy.