private sector

Episode 35: Puerto Rico - can investors and businesses save the island?

For the past week, Puerto Ricans have been protesting in San Juan where they are calling for the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosello. This is following a revelation of corruption in the lead up for humanitarian and development relief for the island, which is still suffering from the aftermath of the 2017 Hurricane Maria storm. The island (a US territory) is suffering not only from a $102 billion cost in damage but also an economic crisis that is seeing many both die and flee from the island. But is there space for NGOs, impact investors and businesses with a social mindset to fill in the gaps where government has failed? We discuss the current dynamics of the island to understand the potential to make real social impact.