December 20, 2010

Mr. Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, D.C. 20590

Dear Mr. LaHood:

The Communitarian Organization in Culebra so-called “Women”, expresses its 

concern and sense of urgency because of the absence of Air Flamenco services. Our 

community in Culebra and at the Island of Puerto Rico has been affected during 

months because of the interruption or absence of a reliable maritime

transportation service. The emotional effect of captivity and isolation and the

economic effects in the interruption in many areas of the interstate trade are part of 

the terrible consequences that we have suffered.

In the middle of this desperate situation, the FAA initiated some moves (that we

understand did not respond to passenger safety), that limited the operations of Air 

Flamenco, aggravating the situation of residents, visitors and tourists who traveled

to the Island.

The sensible and effective service that Air Flamenco performed in Culebra for

years, reflects not only their professionalism but also the knowledge of the needs 

and habits of its residents, because Culebra is the hometown of its owners. They 

recognize the difficulties that this population faces when there is lack of

effective and dependable means of transportation, because they have personal

experience of the difficulties of living in an isolated area.

We have rights and we should not be discriminated because our place of origin. Our 

physical and emotional health and our businesses and education has been affected 

because we depend on air mobility. This mobility should be accessible, reasonable 

and reliable according to the socioeconomic reality of its residents.

In many cases the maritime service is not an option if we consider the amount of

time it takes, specially for medical transport to diagnose patients or

treatments, pet medical assistance, business appointments, students, groceries,

medicines that need refrigeration or even mechanic pieces required urgently; all this 

can affect the quality of life of the residents, businesses, the Island small hospital, 

etc.

When we are flying out of Puerto Rico, flying from Culebra to the International

Airport is the best way. This is also the best option for most of the tourists that visit 

us. In the eventuality of a natural disaster this service is essential to seek for help.
We understand that the FAA has the right to revise the airlines and make sure that 

they are in compliance with regulations, but they should understand the Island 

needs for survival also, and be more flexible and sensible, because there is an 

element of human rights in all this.

We have been harmed during the past months due to the inconsistency of the 

transportation. December is vital to recover our rights, time, money and happiness. 

We, MUJERES (WOMEN) know how our community feel. We are workers, 

mothers, wife, partners, neighbors, friends sometimes family nurses o doctors who 

have to deal historically with a lot of pressure, even discrimination. But our 

concerns, sense of responsibility and love give us strength to seek for the well being

of our people. We claim fastness in the resumption of Air Flamenco services, which 

is an essential link in the survival chain of this community.

Thanks. 

 

Sincerely,

Sylvia M. Lleras Silva

Spokeswoman of MUJERES