Caribbean Matters: A visit to Loíza, Puerto Rico—which was almost left behind after Hurricane Fiona

Ten days after Hurricane Fiona first made landfall, Puerto Rico still does not have power in many areas of the island. The laborious process of cleaning up and attempting to salvage what islanders—many of whom had already lost so much five years ago in Hurricane Maria—lost in the devastating storm is disheartening.

The complicated and oppressive colonial relationship between the United States, its agencies, and Puerto Rico has been a roadblock to recovery in the past, illustrated clearly by the open neglect under the Trump regime. Many Puerto Ricans are wary about what the performance of the current Biden administration will be, and are taking a wait-and-see attitude.

Others continue to protest the presence of LUMA Energy, the Canadian-American corporation that took over power distribution on the island under the mandate of a U.S. government-appointed oversight board. Advocates for decolonization, like Alberto Medina, continue to make their case. Alternative energy solutions are available, which Daily Kos’ Meteor Blades recently argued for.

Caribbean Matters is a weekly series from Daily Kos. If you are unfamiliar with the region, check out Caribbean Matters: Getting to know the countries of the Caribbean.