Puerto Rico: Allied organizations to organize protest caravan in San Juan on June 5 against recent energy privatization

Event

The All Puerto Rico Broad Front against LUMA, a newly-formed umbrella organization of activist and civil society groups, plans to hold a vehicular caravan protest on June 5 in San Juan. The purpose of the action is to condemn the privatization of Puerto Rico's power grid. Participants will first gather at Playa Isla Verde in Carolina at 13:00 before proceeding to Puente Dos Hermanos near Old San Juan. Activists will likely drive their vehicles slowly, causing transport delays. Organizers have threatened to stage similar protests in the future, although have as yet released no details on specific actions.

Context

The May 5 demonstration will occur against the backdrop of the recent privatization of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA/AEE) via a state contract awarded to LUMA Energy. LUMA assumed ownership of the territory's electric grid effective June 1. Activists have decried the privatization and have already staged numerous protests and road blockages over the issue both in the lead-up to and following the June 1 takeover. Demonstrators have stated that their ultimate goal is to force the cancellation of the LUMA contract.

Advice

Allow extra time for travel in central San Juan during the afternoon hours of May 5. As Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) is located alongside Playa Isla Verde, the demonstration has the potential to cause delays in reaching the airport. Monitor local media for further updates regarding both the planned May 5 event as well as any other unannounced demonstrations through the short-term.