Next Post Copying and pasting from a friend: Vieques, an island in Puerto Rico, needs our help. Puerto Rico is a territory of the US, and Puerto Ricans are US CITIZENS. We need to look into this, and not lose focus. They’re a tiny island in a great big world with a 24 hour news cycle that’s all too eager to leave them and their tiny troubles behind in favor of the next sexy big disaster. In addition to emailing FEMA, calling/emailing Senators is also a good idea. If they know their constituents are paying attention and concerned, it may help. If you have other ideas, please leave them in comments. From the island: “I am afraid they are just not aware of the situation and I would like to bombard them. If you can think of other people to email, please do (your own local government officials, media contacts, etc.) PR Disaster Relief Email: maria1@prfaa.pr.gov FEMA email: dhs-oig.officepublicaffairs@oig.dhs.gov Subject: Vieques, PR Needs Your Help There is no gas, electric, water, food, or communication on the island of Vieques. Damage is widespread. The last ferry left on Monday at 11AM, which means it has been 5 days since fresh food, water or gas has arrived on the island. Mayor Victor Emeric has indicated that the police only have the gas that is left in their cars. Construction equipment can no longer clear roads without diesel fuel. The AEE is unable to check and report damage to the electric system without gas for the trucks. The AAA did not send a water truck prior to the storm and water is running out. The food stores have been empty since Sunday. Vieques needs a ferry to bring gas, food, water and supplies. Without a SAT phone, residents have no way of communicating with their families or each other. No one is confident of the safety of their family and friends living on Vieques. The island needs to acquire cell service or SAT phones in order to communicate with the outside world. There is no FEMA or Red Cross presence on the island. A truck of National Guard troops arrived prior to the storm with no supplies or generators for the public. Vieques needs immediate assistance to ensure the safety and well being of its residents. Thank you, Laila Sanii”
Goddammit, La Choi 