Yesenia Aviles testifies on protecting Puerto Rico
Yesenia Aviles testifies about the need for reliable water, electricity, and affordable housing in Puerto Rico. She opposes construction on public beaches and calls for protecting the environment and communities.
Good afternoon, everyone.
My name is Yesenia Villas, a proud Puerto Rican.
I'm here today.
I guess sentimental.
Okay.
I'm here today because I love Puerto Rico.
I love the people, and they deserve to come first.
Before new projects are thought of being built, our communities deserve.
Excuse me.
Okay.
Okay, deserve the basics.
Consistent running water, reliable electricity, safe infrastructure, and affordable homes.
People should not be living with interruptions to essential services while large developments are being proposed.
No consistent water for Puerto Ricans, but the government wants to.
Thank you.
Okay.
I also say no building on public beaches.
Our beaches are part of Puerto Rico's natural heritage and belong to the people.
Construction in sensitive coastal areas can damage coral reef, marine life, and the ecosystem that protects our coastline.
Coastlines should not be changed to benefit developers and displace the Puerto Rican people.
We must protect Puerto Rico families from being displaced from their homes and communities.
Development should not mean that local people lose access to their land and neighborhoods or beaches.
We are not against Puerto Rico improving and prospering.
We are saying that the people and environment must come first.
So today our message is clear.
Give our community reliable water, electricity, protect public beaches, protect coral reef and ecosystems, protect Puerto Rican families and communities.
And protect Puerto Rico future generations.
Our beaches are not
Our communities are not for sale.
Our future is not for sale.
Thank you, but no thank you.
Esencia no va.
Las playas son de pueblo.