Puerto Rico has been a commonwealth of the United States since 1898, a result of the Spanish-American War. In the year 1917, Puerto Ricans became citizens of the United States. Though the country has been in association with the United States for many decades, very few Americans understand the conditions and state of this relationship and how it impacts the lives of the people of Puerto Rico. The implications and effects of this system is best observed in light of recent disasters but lack of media coverage and general awareness in mainland United States proves to be an obstacle for many Americans and those outside of the US for the understanding of the challenges that the system creates in the lives of Puerto Ricans. 

The passing of Hurricane Fiona over Puerto Rico has once again devastated the Puerto Rican community who was still feeling and grappling with the effects of Hurricane Maria, which hit in the year 2017. Once again, homes were destroyed, some which were still trying to be repaired from Maria. The infrastructure once again failed, and electricity was unavailable, making recovery far more difficult. Destroyed roads and bridges disconnected entire communities from receiving help. Water became difficult to come by between the failing infrastructure and the contamination of water supply. Resources were not entering the country whose people were living in deadly conditions, resources that in some cases were being held in ships off the shores of the island. 

Why? What are the conditions making disaster and infrastructure recovery so difficult for Puerto Rico? 

As a Puerto Rican who lived through Hurricane Maria and its aftermath, I see how Hurricane Fiona has been a repeat of the tragedies lived during Maria’s passing and aftermath, watching from the diaspora. Living many years in both Puerto Rico and mainland United States, I see the disconnect in understanding what’s happening, the hurdles, the frustrations both populations face when trying address this reality, an elephant in the room of American affairs. 

This bilingual blog explores the social, political, and cultural aspects slowing down and at times preventing recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. What have Puerto Rican residents and community leaders been living, how have they been reacting to and surviving these difficult and for many, life jeopardizing conditions. Through documenting the experiences of residents through blog entries and my own blog entries, the sharing of articles and information of Puerto Rico and its history and current political climate, maybe a clearer picture of what’s happening can be found. What does it mean to be a US citizen born and living in Puerto Rico?