In response to the resignation of Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Oxfam America President Abby Maxman made the following statement:
“During this historic moment for Puerto Rico, Oxfam echoes the call by Puerto Rican civil society for a transparent and constitutionally respected process for a leadership transition.
All efforts must be made to ensure a complete and equitable recovery for the hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans who continue to suffer from the lingering impacts of Hurricane Maria.
Since the hurricane devastated Puerto Rico nearly two years ago, Oxfam has consistently voiced concerns on the inadequate US government response and the excruciatingly slow disbursement of hurricane recovery dollars. The current political situation on the island should not be used as reason to further hold up the disbursement of long-overdue hurricane aid. Oxfam rejects new calls for more centralized federal coordination to oversee hurricane recovery that would sideline civil society’s involvement in the recovery process.
Oxfam knows from our work around the world that political turmoil disproportionately hurts the most vulnerable – especially the poor. In this transition time, we reiterate calls for more effective and transparent administration of recovery dollars that involve the direct participation of communities and civil society. Public officials at all levels of government must be held accountable. From what we have seen and heard from our partners and collaborators, the people of Puerto Rico are very much ready to undertake these important tasks.
Groups that have been at the forefront of helping those most affected by the disaster have the capacity and knowledge to steer this recovery process in a more transparent and effective way. We call for their rights to be protected, and their voices to be heard.”