1. While I do not have a personal connection to Puerto Rico, I can personally connect this upcoming adventure to a recent trip to Haiti. Similar to Puerto Rico, Haiti was devastated by a natural disaster (earthquake) in 2010 that left most of the country shattered and destroyed. For years, people were living (and still are) in tent cities. I was fortunate enough to travel with TCNJ’s Nursing Department to Haiti and provide necessary medical and nursing care to over 400 Haitian people this time last year. I am really excited to learn about the Puerto Rican culture and witness in person the strength and resilience these people have.
2. One major issue that resonated with me throughout the reading of Battle for Paradise was the idea of disaster capitalism. Not only is this idea prevalent in Puerto Rico, but it can also be applied to other disaster-stricken areas like New Orleans and Haiti. These disaster capitalists take advantage of these areas and benefit from tax-breaks and other benefits. In the end, these companies colonize these areas and push out the original inhabitants of the areas.
3. I am really interested to learn about the immediate disaster relief (or lack thereof) that came to assist Puerto Rico in terms of health care. Were there disaster relief groups such as The American Red Cross, etc.? Seeing as they are American citizens I am interested to find out if these American organizations were deployed to Puerto Rico.
Looking forward to the days to come!
- Sam
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