TRUCKOCI LLC
MIAMI, FLORIDA

The desperation of the people on the island was reflected by San Juan Mayor, Carmen Cruz’, emotional plea on CNN while wearing the infamous, "Help Us We're Dying" t-shirt. While the plea was certainly dramatic in its presentation, one can’t help but wonder why the warehouses full of supplies seen in the background were not already in transit to the people. Secondly, with the devastation of the island’s infrastructure and a total electrical blackout; how did the Mayor find the resources to have such a t-shirt created? During the same period, political pressure from the various independence parties resulted in the closing of the Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station in 1999. This act, in itself, removed the vast majority of U.S. military personnel, equipment, and supplies that would have been critical to the people of the island immediately following Maria. Today, Puerto Rico’s debt totals more than $73 billion and the commonwealth filed bankruptcy in May. A review of the recent history of fiscal mismanagement by Puerto Rico’s governing parties provides a better understanding of the island’s systemic logistics problems. Dating back to WWI, regulations under the Jones Act were enacted to prevent enemy vessels from infiltrating U.S. ports and rivers. The act requires that all goods shipped between U.S. ports be carried by U.S. built ships and be operated by Americans. It also provides for the U.S Military to procure U.S flagged vessels in case of war. Under the law, foreign vessels that enter U.S. ports are subject to taxes, fees and tariffs. There are certain limitations inherent in the Jones Act that inhibit the development of competitive shipping options. However, this subject has been debated throughout the years and the final verdict has always been in support of national security over commerce. Following President Trump’s visit to the island last week, the actual extent of the Federal government’s relief efforts to Puerto Rico were revealed during a press conference that included reports from FEMA and commanding officers from all branches of the U.S. military currently on the island. Puerto Rico’s Governor, Ricardo Rossello, and Senate President, Thomas Rivera Schatz, both acknowledged the accuracy of the reports in interviews following press conference.