by Cassie Rosario
Pa’lante. One word exploding with meaning and emotion. In Puerto Rico, pa’lante is a phrase used to denote an act of moving forward. It is often said when a situation leaves spirits low. It is a test of one’s character; it used in moments when one can either sink or swim. However, the word also signifies strength and perseverance. It shows one’s power despite unfortunate circumstances. In turn, the phrase holds a strong presence in Puerto Rico.
When I last wrote about Hurricane Maria’s aftermath, I was speaking about its impact a month later. However, it has been almost a year and a half since the hurricane left its mark on Puerto Rico. Since then, Puerto Rico’s journey has intensified. Although studies have varied, many report that death tolls have reached well over 1,000. One report even suggested a death toll over 4,000 as opposed to the original report indicating tens of deaths.
Even those who survived, had difficulties reaching out to loved ones outside of the island. For many people, it took months until they could communicate to loved ones that they were safe. Many of these people were without electricity and water months after Maria’s demise. In fact, it claims state that many doctors had to use the built-in flashlights in their phones to conduct procedures. This is not to mention the destruction of the land that many of these people call home. For instance, it took approximately a year to clean up the mess left in places like El Yunque National Forest, one of many sites that bring in tourists and revenue needed to rebuild the island.
Although there is still more work to be done, they worked over a year to clean and rebuild their homes and various sites. For instance, the aforementioned El Yunque, a site with almost 30,000 acres of land, took about a year of cleanup from Puerto Rican citizens. This is just one site located among the 78 municipalities in Puerto Rico. Thus, this does not even begin to account for the reconstruction work that has been done especially in Puerto Rican homes. For instance, many rural communities were without power for almost a year.
In other cases, some business owners like José Andrés have supplied food to millions of survivors. People like Andrés have even hand delivered meals to citizens who had difficulties leaving their homes due to damage and/or personal reasons. Others like Puerto Rican American, Lin-Manuel Miranda, have helped raise over $43 million dollars have been donated for relief efforts through various fundraisers, songs, and events. For instance, Miranda and many other Latinx artists raised over $3 million dollars for the island solely in anticipation of the single, “Almost Like Praying.” After its release, it raised approximately $43 million dollars alone. While there has been debate on certain efforts taking place, many Puerto Ricans are still grateful for those who have successfully attempted to through nutrition, supplies, and funds.
However, a special light deserves to be shed on Puerto Ricans living on the island. The Puerto Rican people are fighters. They had to watch the destruction of the only place many of them have ever called home. They also had to face rejection from the U.S. government, their government, offer little to no aid. However, they still rose up and did what they had to do; they did the work needed to preserve their homes. If it were not for their fighting spirit, the island would have continued to suffer. They came face to face with heartache and despair and did not back down from the challenge. Rather, they used their power and momentum to rebuild their island.
In my first piece, I harped on sayings like “Puerto Rico Se Levanta.” I stressed the importance of Puerto Rico raising up in spite of Maria’s aftermath. They did just that. They rose up and faced their hardships. However, it was not enough to simply rise. These people had to do more; they had to do better. Rising up against life’s obstacles is difficult enough. Once this is accomplished, people need to move forward—pa’lante. However, this takes strength. Their strength has clearly been a testament to their character as they continue to rebuild their home. All worthwhile tasks take time. Puerto Rico is no different. However, strength is clearly etched in their blood. Over the course of this year and a half, that is exactly what their fighting spirit allowed them to do.
They rose and now they move forward.