In the aftermath of hurricane Maria, the Center for Investigative Journalism (CPI) has published dozens of high-impact stories. “We were the first to report from the mountainous region, which motivated the commercial media to move outside the metro area”, said Carla Minet, Executive Director of the CPI. “Our team has been reporting with great commitment, a deep sense of urgency and critical vision. We have visited communities in many affected towns such as Utuado, Salinas, Cidra, Cayey, Ponce, Ciales, Caguas, Santurce, Aguadilla, Mayagüez, Dorado, Toa Baja and Maunabo, among others.”

CPI tackled issues such as the undercounting of hurricane-related deaths by the Puerto Rican government provoking an official US Senate investigation. Working in collaboration with the Miami Herald, CPI also published a documented chronological history of where the emergency operation has failed. “We have been at the forefront of the in-depth coverage of health issues and contaminated water consumption, of the social repercussions of the curfew, as well as analysis on how the issue of Puerto Rico’s public debt impacts recovery efforts, among other relevant issues,” said Minet.

By publishing most of their stories in Spanish and English, CPI’s impact generates international interest in Puerto Rico, and some of their stories have become “breaking news”.

The hurricane has motivated CPI to set new goals. As the director of the CPI explained, “we need to expand our coverage so that our stories and research have the greatest possible impact. We are recruiting additional journalists, photographers, videographers, translators and data management specialists, and have new expenses such as satellite phones to compensate for the lack of electricity and wi-fi throughout the island, batteries, transportation and food and lodging.” The FORWARD Puerto Rico Fund is providing support to CPI to enable them to advance toward their goals and continue their impressive work. “We are convinced, and we are witnessing it happen, that information is a key element in the recovery process of our country.”

The Center for Investigative Journalism (CPI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 that promotes quality journalism free of political and commercial ties. Their web page is: www.periodismoinvestigativo.com. CPI has investigated issues including political corruption, favoritism in government contracting, electoral campaign financing, health, environment, and the economy. Its litigation on public access to information has won national and international recognition.

• CPI website