There is no place for politics during an emergency. Politics play a role in how the Caribbean is
managing during the tumultuous hurricane season.
The longtime colonial rule isn’t the only reason Caribbean societies and ecosystems are now so
defenseless. Many modern governments in the region are doing their part in making life generally
worse for the downgraded communities.
From Jamaica to Belize, there is a widespread of corruption. There are rights violations. There
is also a severe relationship of trust between people and the states. In theory, the government is
assigned to protect its people when there are storms threaten them.
The policies and practices intensify the Caribbean’s shared and environmental risks. To survive
and flourish in this dangerous new normal, Caribbean countries would do well if they look at these
issues. They must rethink at the concept of risk and mindfully engage with factors like poverty,
gender, and climate change.
Puerto Rico is not exempt from the above-mentioned politics or any other source of the so-
called protection.
Norma Iris Pagan Morales was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Her parents, Juan
Jose Pagan Rodriguez, and Digna Morales Figueroa, now deceased, always helped
her with her projects as a writer and teaching career.
Norma had three siblings, Adelin Milagros Pagan Morales, Juan Jose Pagan
Morales, and Julio Manuel Pagan Morales. Julio Manuel Pagan Morales died on
September 19, 1998. He was also known for his writing/composing skills.
Norma did all her academic studies in New York City, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
She worked for the City of New York Police Department, where she oversaw a full
investigation of every new civilian and uniform member of the department.
She was also involved in investigating and terminating members of the force. Her nickname
there was the "The Hatchet Lady".
As an Educator, she worked for the New York City Bd. of Education and at Puerto Rico Bd.
as an English teacher.
Even though Norma grew up in the states, her dream was to return to her precious island,
Puerto Rico. Her dream came true. She relocated to her hometown Ponce. She worked for twenty
years at the Puerto Rico Army National. Her mission at the Guard was to prepare soldiers to master
the English Language.
She has teaching certifications for English as a Second Language and Teaching English as a
Foreign Language. She also has teaching licenses to teach the following:
1. English Literature
2. Spanish Literature
3. Communication Skills in both English and Spanish
4. Office Procedures-These classes consisted of basic filing, writing memorandums and full
company or organization reports.
5. Computers - Certified to teach Long Distance Learning
She has published Six books: Proud of My Puerto Rican Bequest, ¿Porque Soy Boricua? Poemas
del Alma, Art in Written Form, A Baffl ing Short Stories Collection and On Job in the Big Apple
