Puerto Ricans are struggling with the weather threats and the economy. Hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and financial struggles have taken over Puerto Rico. What keeps the island alive is the people and the culture. An island full of cheer, streets that are vibrant where rhythm flows and shoes flying from dancing and the feeling of the drums an island that is the heart of the Caribbean sea.
Puerto Rican culture has influenced many. I believe with enough guidance and support Puerto Rico would be in a better place. Taft has a good number of Puerto Ricans. Also, a good number of Hispanics. Miley Avila, a Cuban American junior, had thoughts on Puerto Rico’s weather and conditions and the island’s security.
She stated, “Having more shelter and international help will benefit the island and there needs to be a stop to the gang violence in Puerto Rico.” I agree with the quote because climate and violence are issues that are slowly being resolved or are corrupt.
Puerto Rico’s recent Hurricane Ernesto aftermath was damaging to the Puerto Rican people, damage to agriculture. Farms were destroyed and more than 730,00 homes lost power according to USDA.ERS.gov. There is an outcome of complications with Puerto Rico’s economic growth due to these weather events. It makes it difficult for Puerto Ricans to buy homes and save for their children’s future.
I cannot fathom the pain and the loss to the island and its people. Taft freshman Audrey Santana has shared her views on Puerto Rico’s crisis, “I think the weather is going to affect tourism because of how dangerous the weather is becoming and the poverty as well is bad.” She made a great point of how Puerto Rico’s weather seems to have increased more and more and the financial struggles and destruction of housing has led to more poverty in the island.
Global Politics teacher Matthew Francolino shared that he went to Puerto Rico and spoke on the recent news, “There is a rising of sea levels and natural disasters hurting the island but the natural disasters have motivated the people to rebuild.” Puerto Rico overall was an amazing experience for him and the people were welcoming and the culture is rich and the island is filled with history.
Puerto Rico is filled with history and diverse heritage. Family and community play a central role in the island, there is a sense of pride in our culture. The strength, courage and pride is what keeps the island flourishing.
