Life after a battle or a disaster is different. Often there is the anxiety of the unknown beforehand, followed by the automatic reactions during the event, and the closure when the fog lifts and the dust settles, but that last phase, closure, can be more extensive than one anticipates. The morning after is only the beginning. The ones who suffered the worst continue to fight for damage control and survival. Those who were lucky enough to sustain little or no significant destruction soon feel a combination of guilt (for having been lucky) and compassion directed to help the others.
As the realization of the extent of the damage in Vieques sunk in and the metaphorical home fires were extinguished, those more fortunate ones began congregating at locations like the plaza in Isabel Segunda to volunteer to help wherever it may have been needed. Public Works and OHME were busy performing various functions, but there was an absence of municipal leadership to coordinate activities and keep the residents advised during the first week. Volunteers like Mark Martin and Jay Gonzales stepped up and filled the gap, but it was difficult for them since they had absolutely no authority. Nonetheless, their positive involvement cannot be overstressed.
One of the most difficult components of the problem was lack of communications. The municipality was given a satellite phone for the purposes of remaining in touch with the Central Government, but nobody answered at the other end according to the mayor. Fortunately, the Coast Guard (can’t say enough good things about these people – join the Navy League) responded immediately. Recognizing the situation, Kelly Thompson, Robert Becker, and others concluded that the island needed a bunch of sat phones and Becker brought down almost a dozen donated somehow through Vieques Love. I can’t express how overwhelming the impact of that mission affected everyone. It was worth its weight in gold! That one minute of touching family was incredibly important to all.
More tomorrow.