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


  • Ajamu Baraka, BAR editor
    Glen Ford and the Black Radical Critical Tradition
    04 Aug 2021
    Glen Ford carried on his devotion to the liberation struggle until the end of his life.
  • Glen Ford: Revolutionary, Friend, Leader, Lover of Black People
    Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, BAR editor and columnist
    Glen Ford: Revolutionary, Friend, Leader, Lover of Black People
    04 Aug 2021
    The brilliant writer was also a dear friend and mentor.
  • Glen Ford: In Memoriam
    Peter James Hudson and Jemima Pierre
    Glen Ford: In Memoriam
    04 Aug 2021
    Glen Ford's persona and dedication inspired analysis and created many friendships.
  • BAR Poet-in-Residence Raymond Nat Turner
    …For Brother Glen
    04 Aug 2021
    …For Brother Glen  “When an elder dies, a library burns to the ground…” —African proverb (gender-adjusted)   I.
  • Nellie Bailey
    Glen Ford, Presente!
    04 Aug 2021
    Glen Ford was deeply committed to liberating people everywhere. 
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us