Can an island that keeps getting pummeled by hurricanes ever be free? Executive Producer Claudine Ebeid speaks with Atlantic contributors Jaquira Díaz and Robinson Meyer about what the island's status as a commonwealth means for recovery and modernizing its power grid. Background Reading Why Jaquira Díaz believes “Puerto Rico Needs Independence, Not Statehood.” Imani Perry on natural disasters and colonialism Why Puerto Rico's problems go beyond its debt crisis This episode was hosted by Claudine Ebeid, and produced by A.C. Valdez with help from Kevin Townsend. Fact check by Isabel Cristo. The managing editor is Andrea Valdez and the executive editor for The Atlantic is Adrienne LaFrance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices