The Cuban-American singer and entrepreneur Armando Christian Pérez, better known as Pitbull, sadly revealed that his ambitious plan to build schools in Puerto Rico could not be realized, despite having everything prepared. The reason, as he shared in an interview with Puerto Rican YouTuber Molusco, was the lack of political consensus and bureaucratic obstacles following the impact of Hurricane Maria.
"In ten years we will have fifteen schools. We tried to enter Puerto Rico after the hurricane... and what happened? It didn't work out," confessed the artist, who has been promoting educational projects for at-risk youth in the United States for years and dreamed of replicating that model on the island.
The Hurricane María, which struck Puerto Rico in September 2017, left a devastating landscape: over 3,000 deaths, power outages that lasted for months, and a significant portion of the educational infrastructure collapsed or severely damaged. Amid this humanitarian crisis, many organizations and public figures attempted to lend a hand, but the reconstruction efforts were hampered by the government's sluggishness and lack of institutional coordination.
Although he acknowledged that he wasn't familiar with the country's internal politics, Pitbull explained that he encountered a labyrinth of divided interests: “One wants state, another wants country, and another wants territory”. Three visions that complicate any initiative, no matter how good it may be.
“One person says yes, let’s do it... but then you have to talk to someone else. And there comes a moment when you say: hopefully, with God’s help, it can be done in the future,” lamented the performer of “Give Me Everything,” who emphasized that his team already had the infrastructure and educational model ready to be implemented.
The artist, known for his Latino pride and commitment to the most needy communities, was clear: he has no political affinity with the current government of Puerto Rico, but that does not mean he is its enemy. "For me, the most important thing will always be the future of the children of Puerto Rico, of my country overall, above everything else,” he stated.
Pitbull left the door open to revisit the idea if the conditions change. “Surely there is a situation here that can be resolved in one…”, he said, hinting that his desire to help is still alive.
"Money does not define you."
In another intimate moment of the conversation, Pitbull reflected on the impact of money on personal life and identity, making it clear that financial success does not define a person's worth.
“You make money; money does not make you”, he asserted firmly. “My mom always taught me that money is a passport: it gives you access to go somewhere and come back, but it doesn’t define you”.
The singer, who grew up in an environment marked by poverty and hardships, noted that money simply amplifies what is already within a person. “If you are an asshole, you will be a tremendous asshole with money. If you are a good person, you will be a tremendous good person with money.”
He also launched a direct criticism at those who seek borrowed identity in wealth: “There are many people who do not know who they are, or believe that money gives them an identity.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Pitbull's Failed Plan in Puerto Rico
Why was Pitbull unable to build schools in Puerto Rico?
Pitbull was unable to build schools in Puerto Rico due to the lack of political consensus and the bureaucratic obstacles that arose following Hurricane María. Despite being fully prepared, the artist faced a divided political landscape that complicated the implementation of his educational project.
What was the objective of Pitbull's educational project in Puerto Rico?
The goal of Pitbull's educational project was to build specialized schools for the arts and sports for young people in vulnerable situations in Puerto Rico, replicating a model that has been successfully implemented in the United States. His aim was to contribute to the future of the children on the island following the devastation of Hurricane María.
How did Hurricane María affect the educational infrastructure in Puerto Rico?
The hurricane Maria caused a significant collapse in the educational infrastructure of Puerto Rico, leaving many schools severely damaged or destroyed. This created an urgency to rebuild and improve educational facilities, although the government's sluggishness and lack of coordination have been major obstacles.
What political difficulties did Pitbull face in his educational project in Puerto Rico?
Pitbull encountered a complicated political environment in Puerto Rico, marked by divided interests regarding the country's political status. The lack of a clear agreement among those who want Puerto Rico to be a state, a country, or a territory complicated the approval of his initiative, despite the good intentions of the project.
What plans does Pitbull have for the future of his educational projects in Puerto Rico?
Despite the obstacles, Pitbull has not given up on the idea of implementing his educational project in Puerto Rico. The artist has kept the door open to resume his initiative if the political and bureaucratic conditions change in the future, maintaining his commitment to the well-being of children on the island.
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