Black Agenda Report
Black Agenda Report
News, commentary and analysis from the black left.

  • Home
  • Africa
  • African America
  • Education
  • Environment
  • International
  • Media and Culture
  • Political Economy
  • Radio
  • US Politics
  • War and Empire

Puerto Rico Crippled Before Hurricane Hit
Nellie Bailey and Glen Ford
12 Dec 2017
🖨️ Print Article

Harsh austerity measures imposed by a federal financial oversight board set Puerto Rico up for disaster, said Lara Merling, a researcher for the Washington-based Center for Economic and Policy Research. A new study shows about 1,000 more deaths resulted from Hurricane Irma than were officially reported. “It’s not surprising that the Puerto Rican government had no ability to respond” to the storm, as a result of the spending cuts, said Merling.

Puerto Rico

Related Podcasts

BAR Radio Logo
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Black Agenda Radio March 6, 2026
06 March 2026
In this week’s segment, we discuss past and present U.S.
Puerto Rico independence movement
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Venezuela's Bolivarian Revolution and Struggle for Independence in Puerto Rico
06 March 2026
Brianna Alvarado Ramos of Diaspora Pa’lante Collective discusses the challenges
BAR Radio Logo
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Black Agenda Radio September 19, 2025
20 September 2025
In this week’s segment, we discuss a new book that analyzes the latest iteration of fascism currently emerging in the United States.

More Stories


  • The Abuse of the Concept of “Populism”
    Prabhat Patnaik
    The Abuse of the Concept of “Populism”
    25 Jan 2023
    What is populism? The word is often used by corporate media but without any analysis of its true meaning.
  • Direct from Western Sahara: Learn About the Struggle of the Last Colony in Africa
    Michele de Mello
    Direct from Western Sahara: Learn About the Struggle of the Last Colony in Africa
    25 Jan 2023
    After 30 years of peace, the Polisario Front holds its 16th Congress amidst the war against Morocco’s invasion.
  • Protests in Breakaway Somaliland Call for Reunification with Somalia
    Pavan Kulkarni
    Protests in Breakaway Somaliland Call for Reunification with Somalia
    25 Jan 2023
    Even as the US and UK are increasingly legitimizing secessionist rule in Somaliland, whose sovereignty has no international recognition, a unionist movement seeking a united Somalia threatens to…
  • Viewing Ukraine Through the Davos Lens
    Conor Gallagher
    Viewing Ukraine Through the Davos Lens
    25 Jan 2023
    Why have Europe's politicians followed U.S. dictates regarding Ukraine and undermined the wellbeing of their own nations? The influence wielded by the World Economic Forum's Young Global…
  • Women in Nicaragua: Power and Protagonism – Delegation Report-Back (January 2023)
    Alliance for Global Justice
    Women in Nicaragua: Power and Protagonism – Delegation Report-Back (January 2023)
    25 Jan 2023
    The United States has targeted Nicaragua ever since the days of Ronald Reagan. Members of a recent delegation made observations that are far different from hostile narratives presented by the U.S.…
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us