Author: p.rodriguez1

Spanish Harlem (aka “El Barrio”) located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan is a neighborhood many Puerto Ricans can call home. According, to nyc.gov census data the East Harlem’s population was at 123,579 with 50% being Hispanics. While the area has suffered through many social issues such as unemployment the culture and spirit have remained unscathed. “I moved here during college and its had its ups and downs but I love it, besides you cant beat the food here” said Rey Makloskey 33, long time resident.

Spanish Harlem has a rich history dating all the back to the first World War, which saw its first surge of Puerto Rican immigrants to arrive. El Museo has been a staple in Spanish Harlem and played an integral part in retaining that Latino history. Many exhibitions inform and counter stereotypical depictions of Latinos. Santiago’s ” A Universe of Fragile Mirrors”  focuses on indigenous cosmologies of Puerto Rico/Hati that challenge the boundaries between documentary and fiction.

Its no secret that you can find some of the best Puerto Rican cuisine in Spanish Harlem. La Fonda, opened in 1996 when Puerto Rican born Jorge Ayala acquired the property and transformed it into the local hot-spot it is today.

Ayala, has been in Spanish Harlem for two decades and has seen many things change including the gentrification that has occurred over the years. “25 years ago a lot of these people wouldn’t have dared to come to Harlem,” He also shares he thoughts on the ongoing Puerto Rican debt crisis.

Murals on the streets of Spanish Harlem showcase Puerto Rico’s family and heritage two integral parts of its spirit.

Spanish Harlem is an area that embraces its history, food and art. While thing have changed (perhaps for the better) the roots of family and heritage remain the same.

Casa Adela has been a staple for some of the best authentic Puerto Rican cuisine since opening its doors in the 1970’s. While the restaurant has undergone some aesthetic renovations over the years the quality of food and family atmosphere has remained the same. “I’ve been coming here for a while now after work and some things have changed but the food has always been great” said one loyal patron, Eric Ramirez, 34.

You could usually find owner, Adela Fargas,81 busy in the kitchen cooking some of her signature dishes from Puerto Rico including Pernil Asado (Roast Pork) and Carne Guisada (Beef Stew). When asked if she could describe her restaurant in one word she briefly replied “home” as she continued to prepare her traditional chicken for service.

Perhaps the most well regarded is the 1/2 rotisserie chicken seasoned with a safely guarded special blend. This is the aroma you first encounter once you enter.

The classic combo of Spanish style yellow rice and black beans served with your choice of entree.

Maduros, traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.

Fried Pork chops, served with a wedge of lemon (for flavor). Crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

What the restaurant lack in terms of size and payment options (cash only) it makes up for it hospitality.The vibe Casa Adela strives for is the comfort one might feel in their own Abuela’s kitchen. The t.v is constantly on Telemundo as authentic Puerto Rican cuisine arrives on your table.

A red hot grill begins to cool as it is time for a busy restaurant in Queens to close its door for the night. Joshua Garcia, 26, begins his closing duties and works as a chef to make ends meet. He has relocated from his homeland Puerto Rico, to here in New York City area.

Garcia will be one of many Puerto Ricans who have moved to the states due to lack of opportunities back home. “It was a difficult decision to leave but I felt it was best for me and those who I cared for.” said Garcia.

Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. The tropical climate and intoxicating culture makes it a sought after vacation spot for several looking to plan a getaway. While that still may hold true the island is in the middle of one of the worst debt crisis in the modern the era. Simply put, the Government of Puerto Rico cannot pay what it owes and its economy is suffering. Numerous business can’t afford to keep their doors open and those once clear waters begin to seem a little murky.

Financial opportunity is one of the main motivator for moving to the United States, as seen in the Census Bureau data. According to Pew Research, among island-born Puerto Ricans who moved to the mainland, 40% said they left mainly for job-related reasons. As a result, the island’s population dropped by a staggering 9% in 2015 down 334,000 from the year 2000.

Puerto Rico is facing a major debt crisis estimated to be at the $70 billion mark. Many key components played into the debt crisis which almost doubled from $43 billion in 2006 to $70 billion in 2015. Government overspending, which meant it spent more money than it took from taxes. Puerto Rico lost its ability to claim bankruptcy that if were in effect would see the island and the court work toward a viable payment plan. Citizens, most notably skilled workers such as doctors and engineers are leaving the island in search of financial security. Puerto Rico is at an unemployment rate of 12.2% as of 2015 according, to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Things are not looking good over there (Puerto Rico). I worked as a paramedic and still worried about my future” added, Garcia.

Puerto may have difficulty receiving aid from the United States under the Trump administration. President Donald Trump has publicly stated during his campaigning in 2016 that he will not aid Puerto Rico in its debt and sees only one way out, cut spending.

“I wouldn’t bail them out, Puerto Rico has far far too much debt.” Trump told CNN.

However, a solution has been proposed by the Obama administration before leaving office labeled the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). The law would enact a federal oversight board that would discuss the reformation of Puerto Rico’s debt.

If put into action PROMESA would enable the Puerto Rican government to enter a pseudo bankruptcy status. This will halt proceedings in the event of default, preventing a taxpayer bailout.

The future of the Puerto Rico and its debts crisis still remains to be seen as of 2017. In order to overcome there has to be unison in the fact that the Puerto Rico debt crisis is an American crisis as well. Many Americans have investments through Puerto Rico’s municipal bonds. Municipal bonds makes up a large portion of Puerto Rico’s debt. Which means many Americans have a significant portion of their savings in government debt that might not be repaid. This may have lingering effect on America’s economy as a result. PROMESA seems to be a step in the right direction.

When asked if he ever considers moving back to Puerto Rico.

“I would love to go back, it’s still my home but things have to change first.” Garcia replied.

Hello Emily,

I am currently a student in your International Reporting class. I have this great story I’d like to share with you in hopes it will reach a greater audience. The ongoing Puerto Rican debt crisis is a situation I feel hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves lately. Puerto Rico has long been a common wealth of the United States and it would goes without saying that the more than $70 billion in debt will have negative ramifications on many.

Simply put, the Government of Puerto Rico cannot pay what it owes and its economy is suffering. The once calming image of tropical beaches and clear water has now be soiled by the fact that many business can’t afford to keep their doors open.

So how does this impact the United States?

1. One concern is the U.S. financial system. Many Americans have investments through Puerto Rico’s municipal bonds. Municipal bonds makes up a large portion of Puerto Rico’s debt.Which means many Americans have a significant portion of their savings in government debt that might not be repaid.
2. Puerto Ricans are leaving the island in record numbers for the United States. Unemployment and quality of life are cited as some of the major factors in their decision to leave. In 2014 alone, 84,000 people left the commonwealth in hopes for better opportunities.

My story will go into the details and cover the important questions. How did it get to this point? What are the proposed solutions? What does the Trump administration plan to do? I will also contact and conduct interviews with the many puerto ricans who have left the island for their reactions. This will include getting in touch with financial analyst and bloggers/journalist for their first hand take on the crisis.

Thank you for your time and consideration for this proposal.

Best,

Peter Rodriguez

Population: 3,578,056 (July 2016 est.)

Languages Spoken: Spanish,English

Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%

History: Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following Christopher Columbus second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. Popularly elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal self-government.

Notable Newspapers: El Nuevo Día, Primera Hora, El Vocero

Notable Television:  WKAQ-TV,WORA-TV,WAPA-TV,WLII-DT

Current Events: Puerto Rico is facing a major ongoing debt crisis which could cause the beautiful Caribbean island to sink. The amount of the fiscal crisis is still to be determined, due to the lack of communication between public agencies and Government. Overall, Puerto Rico is looking to restructure its nearly $72 billion in public debt, and the island has defaulted on millions of dollars worth of bond payments, leaving many creditors filing multiple lawsuits. The crisis has lead many citizens of Puerto Rico to flee to the United States.

 

“Unlike American cities such as Detroit, Puerto Rico isn’t allowed to file for a court-arranged bankruptcy reorganization. And unlike sovereign nations such as Greece, it can’t seek emergency assistance from the International Monetary Fund.”

– Mary Williams Walsh

Notable Puerto Rican Communities in New York: Sound view Bronx,  Sunset Park Brooklyn, Spanish Harlem Manhattan.

Throughout the semester I want to focus on the ongoing Puerto Rican debt crisis. I’m looking into many ways I want to go about this whether it be a written feature or some sort of video interview on the crisis.I am still in the process of looking relevant sources who can give a analytical or first hand approach to the debt crisis. Perhaps, I can locate individuals through social media who would be willing to discuss these issues.

Sources

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rq.html

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/01/17/official-puerto-rico-govt-could-collapse-if-no-steps-taken.html

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/business/dealbook/puerto-rico-debt-crisis-explained.html?_r=0

 

 

 

“In 1846, five New York City newspapers funded a pony express route through Alabama to bring news of the Mexican War north faster than the U.S. Post Office could deliver it. And The Associated Press was born”.

-Associated Press

Associated Press are known to be one of the first private sector organization in the United States operating on a national scale. Over the past century and a half, they have been the first to inform the world of many historic moments, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Associated Press now operates in 263 locations in over 100 countries covering a wide variety of topics from breaking news to investigative reporting. AP’s values integrity, action and independence and has an encyclopedia sized code of ethics. True to their motto AP international journalist stalked refrigerated trucks to expose the abusive practices of the fishing industry in Southeast Asia locating men held in cages.

https://www.ap.org/explore/seafood-from-slaves/index.html