After the devastating hurricane hit Puerto Rico, the government privatized its electric utility, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), and awarded a $300 million contract to a small Montana-based company, Whitefish Energy, to help restore power. Criticized for its lack of transparency and the company’s lack of experience in such a large-scale operation.

Private companies were accused of price gouging for essential goods such as water, food, and fuel. Some companies took advantage of the crisis to sell goods and services at inflated prices, further exacerbating the economic impact of the storm.

Foreign companies and investors were accused of exploiting the disaster to acquire land, push through controversial policies, and enrich themselves at the expense of the Haitian people. Investors pushed for the construction of industrial parks that would employ low-wage workers, without considering the long-term environmental and social impacts.

In 1995, following the devastating volcanic eruption in Montserrat, the British government took over control of the island’s economy and implemented a series of controversial policies, including mandatory evacuation and the restriction of access to certain areas of the island. Seen as an attempt to “rebrand” the island as a luxury tourism destination and displace …

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