Puerto Ricans in Colorado React to Devastation from Hurricane Maria

Puerto Ricans in Colorado are anxiously waiting for news coming out of Puerto Rico, in the aftermath of hurricane Maria, which has devastated the island.  Alejandro Soto, a host and producer of KGNU’s science show How on Earth, has several close family members on the island – aunts, uncles and many cousins.  He says it’s difficult to get accurate news.

“Contact with anybody on the island is extremely limited. For a number of days we didn’t hear anything – cellular network was down originally across the entire island, power was out in the entire island. The first contact we got was with my aunt and uncle who happened to have their own generator at their house, so they were lucky enough, which most Puerto Ricans are not, to have their own generator, so once the cell system came back up, they had power for cellphones they could do something with.”

Soto says his family tells him the island is running short on gasoline, fresh water and food.  Certain parts of the island remain completely isolated due to the destruction of the infrastructure on the island.  There is concern that the ongoing weather situation is hampering recovery.

“The dangers aren’t over either, because it is continuing to rain periodically out there. I’m seeing weather reports from the National Weather Service on the western side of the island warning about floods, pretty much every evening.”

Several million Puerto Ricans live in the US (they are US citizens) and it is frustrating to them to see what’s happening on the island without being able to help. “The majority of us in the States, we want to do something, but we’re frustrated, we’re having a hard time knowing what to do and how to help.”

 
A consortium of collaborating organizations and individuals lead by the Latino Chamber of Commerce and Barrio E’ are hosting a CO4PR Benefit Concert on Thursday, Oct 12, 2017, 4pm – 11pm.

All proceeds will go towards helping the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the recent Earthquakes in Mexico.

The event will include a silent auction with donated art and items from various artists like Arturo Garcia and items from Beto’s Hair Salon. Food will be provided by Dos Abuelas Food Truck, Fruits from Oasis Fruits by Haydee Caraveo and Desserts from La MoMo Maes Bakery.

Entertainment includes Barrio E’ (Puerto Rican Bomba), Colombian dance troupe Latin Explosive Movement (LEM), Mono Verde, Los Hijos de Tuta (Latin Rock), Son Moreno (Cuban Son, Cumbias), Roka Hueka (Latin Ska) and Orquesta La Brava (Salsa). Dance groups COSA and Zumba Jose Jimenez will present dance exhibitions and event Timbalin the Clown will be presenting.

WHAT: The Colorado for Puerto Rico & Mexico Benefit Concert #CO4PRMX
WHERE: McNichol’s Building 144 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202
WHEN: Thursday, Oct 12, 2017, 4pm – 11pm
COST: The cost for the event is a suggested donation of $20. We are looking for sponsors, donors and volunteers who would like to be involved in this worthy cause. If interested please write to [email protected] or click on the following links:

Facebook event: www.co4prmx.org
GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/co4prmx
Volunteer form: https://goo.gl/ToC8PH

Podcast: Play in new window | Download