One of the recommendations to Jenniffer González comes from doña Yolanda Meléndez, who cared for the governor when she was a child and traveled to the Capitol to give her a crucifix.
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If there is one thing Governor Jenniffer González wanted to make clear from the start of her administration, it is that she will govern for "all Puerto Ricans" and that she will listen to and address people's needs, as she said in her first remarks after being sworn in.
With that in mind, Platea asked several participants at the inauguration, González's walk to La Fortaleza and the street celebration what advice they have for the governor as she faces the challenges ahead.
Among those who offered messages to the governor is doña Yolanda Meléndez, 84, who cared for González as a child and came to the Capitol, despite difficulty walking, to give the governor two blessed crucifixes.
Here is the advice for Jenniffer González:
"She's not my daughter, but I adore her. She knows, take it all calmly, take life easy and give it a blessing. May God watch over her."
Yolanda Meléndez, from Río Grande
"I would recommend that she create jobs. The jobs that exist are not the best. I would say she should focus on five key points of Puerto Rico's problems and dedicate herself to those five, and leave the status issue for a future four-year term. Those five major areas, whether crime, job creation, health or others, those are the most important things people are looking for."
Edward Bonilla, from Yauco
"As a mother, I would advise her to find ways to better protect children from abuse and from the lack of health care, because health care in Puerto Rico is truly at rock bottom. As a mother, I sometimes want to get medical things and the government itself makes it impossible. Education, psychology and health: she needs to take a firm hand with those."
Jessie Bonilla, from Cabo Rojo
"I would advise her good luck, because what awaits her is a lot of work. She needs to do something about LUMA because everyone is tired of it. We lost power for 12 hours on New Year's Eve. It's rough. Right now, people are suffering a lot. I have a son with a disability who needs air conditioning and machines. The power goes out all the time, and if we don't have a generator, it's a real problem. Those of us who depend on Social Security, it's not easy."
Carlos Heredia, from San Juan
"I would recommend that she always stay attentive to the people, always keep her feet on the ground, listen to the people and always try to help everyone and move them forward. That as long as she is doing well, her well-being is the well-being of the people of Puerto Rico. That is how we will move forward."
Rocío Ortiz, from Gurabo.
"My advice for the governor is to keep up that fighting spirit to achieve what she has worked so hard for and what we as Puerto Ricans want. My parents worked for the government and do not have a decent retirement, and I want the people who retire, those older people, and us young people to have decent retirements, decent jobs and reliable power. Along with a decent retirement, safety is very important."
Francisco López Silva, from Morovis
"My advice is to do things right, and what I ask most is that she help the people who truly need it, people in rural areas and people who are bedridden, because there is a lot of discrimination. I wish her all the best, good health and blessings. She is a tremendous person. Let's see if we can fight for her."
Elizabeth Mariani, from Patillas
"My advice is that the permitting process be treated as a priority, because that is what is holding back the rehabilitation of schools, the electrical system, reconstruction, the hotel industry, and the ability of our own citizens to start businesses and build their homes. Permitting should be the main project, along with education."
– Edwin Molina, from San Juan
"The town trusts her and I hope she doesn't disappoint us. The town has hope in her, and let's hope she works to earn that trust."
– Luz Rodríguez, from Yauco
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
