Río Grande fishermen resist municipal takeover amid FEMA funding concerns
April 23, 2024 | Senate, Committees, Legislative, Puerto Rico
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The Vista Pública de la Comisión de Iniciativas Comunitarias, Salud Mental y Adicción held on April 23, 2024, addressed significant concerns regarding the fishing community in Río Grande, Puerto Rico. The meeting featured testimony from Santiago Hernández Pizarro, president of the Asociación de Pescadores de Río Orallein, who highlighted the vital role of their fishing villa as both a commercial and recreational space for local fishermen and the public.
Hernández emphasized that the villa attracts approximately one thousand visitors monthly, including members of the well-known Kayak family, who come to enjoy the river Espíritu Santo. However, he raised alarm over municipal regulations that threaten their access to the villa, questioning why the municipality seeks to impose competitive measures that could lead to the usurpation of their space.
The president expressed frustration over the lack of communication with the mayor regarding these issues, stating that attempts to engage in dialogue have been unsuccessful. He described the community's anxiety over potential displacement and the municipality's silence, which has marginalized them from the rehabilitation process with FEMA. Hernández stressed the importance of securing funds for the villa's restoration and called for collaborative efforts with the municipality to ensure the fishing space remains accessible to the community.
He also questioned the whereabouts of three million dollars allocated for reconstruction, expressing concern that the fishing community might have to compete for their own spaces. Hernández reminded the commission of the historical context, noting that the community has been aware of displacement issues for decades, as documented in ordinances from 1975.
In conclusion, Hernández urged the commission to investigate the municipality's actions and any external interests that may be influencing the situation. He reaffirmed the community's commitment to preserving their heritage and working collaboratively for the future of the fishing villa. The meeting then proceeded to the next presentation, with plans for a question-and-answer session to follow.
Hernández emphasized that the villa attracts approximately one thousand visitors monthly, including members of the well-known Kayak family, who come to enjoy the river Espíritu Santo. However, he raised alarm over municipal regulations that threaten their access to the villa, questioning why the municipality seeks to impose competitive measures that could lead to the usurpation of their space.
The president expressed frustration over the lack of communication with the mayor regarding these issues, stating that attempts to engage in dialogue have been unsuccessful. He described the community's anxiety over potential displacement and the municipality's silence, which has marginalized them from the rehabilitation process with FEMA. Hernández stressed the importance of securing funds for the villa's restoration and called for collaborative efforts with the municipality to ensure the fishing space remains accessible to the community.
He also questioned the whereabouts of three million dollars allocated for reconstruction, expressing concern that the fishing community might have to compete for their own spaces. Hernández reminded the commission of the historical context, noting that the community has been aware of displacement issues for decades, as documented in ordinances from 1975.
In conclusion, Hernández urged the commission to investigate the municipality's actions and any external interests that may be influencing the situation. He reaffirmed the community's commitment to preserving their heritage and working collaboratively for the future of the fishing villa. The meeting then proceeded to the next presentation, with plans for a question-and-answer session to follow.
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