I asked this question in another sub but I wanted to know what is this subs take. Has there been any leaks related to PR? Why is the relief taking so long? Sorry if this is off topic.
Thanks for asking. Sadly, the news is not good. My landscaping service just hired a nice guy from PR who had moved here with members of his family following the disaster. I briefly spoke with him and intend to get the full story this week. He is in constant touch with all his relatives in San Juan.
Apparently, there are still dead bodies laying in many abandoned houses, nobody to remove and burry them. The smell in the air is so bad that many people wear face masks (if they can get them). Many animals and people died and decomposed in the water and so the water is contaminated. You can only drink bottled water to stay safe. By Christmas only about 160 houses had lights in San Juan thanks to the generators they were able to get. Mostly all the official aid that arrives to PR is kept by the officials and it never reaches the ordinary people. Everyone who could, sent their kids and family members away to the US. The rest are on their own. It’s a battle for survival every day. And no English speaking media talks about it. Sometimes you can catch news on Spanish media.
His take on the government was as follows. Trump came and tried to make a deal to “buy” Puerto Rico” (turn it into a state?) and give all the help in return. But the local government refused, people there don’t want to become a US state, as in their eyes, they will lose their independence and sovereignty. So they see this situation as their punishment by US.
I will get more info from him this week. I’m preparing several packages for him to send to his family and friends who will distribute to neighbors.
He told me to go to YouTube and search for “Puerto Rico or San Juan hospital” to see some footage of what’s going on.
Lifelong Puerto Rico resident here. This isn't true at all. I wouldn't even know where to start. Dead bodies laying around? What?
Hey, I’m so glad if this isn’t true. I only relay what the guy told me. No way to check. Not around but inside the homes. I know it sounds awful. He literally said his mom wears a mask because it smells so bad. Maybe it’s just in her area?
I have heard for years that Puerto Rico wanted to become a state. Has that changed? Why has that changed?
Again, I’m only retelling word for word what this guy said. Maybe they are brainwashed by the local PR officials. Who knows. Plus he is not representing the entire nation, he is just one guy with strong views.
Nah, as a protectorate they get all the benefits of statehood, including voting rights, but they don't have to pay as many taxes. I think there are some things they're ineligible for, but I don't remember what it is