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


  • Margaret Kimberley, BAR Executive Editor and Senior Columnist
    Harris and Trump Debate Maintenance of the Status Quo
    11 Sep 2024
    The debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump featured a rehash of neo-liberal and imperialist talking points. Both are committed to disastrous policies domestically and internationally.
  • Editors, The Black Agenda Review
    STATEMENT: Paul Robeson Before the House Un-American Activities Committee, June 12, 1956
    11 Sep 2024
    Revisiting Paul Robeson’s prepared statement to the House Un-American Activities Committee–during a new era of repression.
  • Ann Garrison, BAR Contributing Editor
    TAKEOVER! A Human Rights Approach to Housing
    11 Sep 2024
    TAKEOVER! A Human Rights Approach to Housing is a beautifully written book about poor and homeless people choosing to live and refusing to die.
  • Abayomi Azikiwe, Black Agenda Report Contributor
    Instability in Somalia Endangers the Entire Horn of Africa
    11 Sep 2024
    Divisions with breakaway areas further hamper the resolution of broader issues.
  • Raymond Nat Turner, BAR poet-in-residence
    Love My Black Job
    11 Sep 2024
    "Love My Black Job" is the latest from BAR's Poet-in-Residence.
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us