This week on Act Out! A special two part episode all on Puerto Rico. In part one, we look at the disasters before the hurricanes that made the disaster afterwards inevitable. Puerto Rico’s economy was in shambles thanks to both colonial capitalism and local government corruption. Post storm, FEMA has done its usual bang up job of providing people with little to no help but plenty of additional headaches. Finally, we take a look at some aid efforts on the ground, scratching the surface of part two...




In part two, we look at more road blocks to recovery starting with the power utility on the island. Corrupt and inefficient, PREPA as its known in English provided neither reliable nor updated service to the people - and are now negotiating exorbitant contracts for work that could be done for far less. Next up, hidden deaths and foreclosures: the pillaging of a forgotten people continues. And finally, more news from the front lines of the relief efforts as they work to not only aid in recovery but in rebuilding. Aid workers share the magic that will get Puerto Rico through this and any crisis plus volunteers look ahead to renewables and long-term stability for the people, regardless of what corrupt government failings are in store.

Colonial Capitalism Government Corruption Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico