A Stirling woman found herself caught in the midst of a powerful hurricane while on a family trip in Puerto Rico. Marilyn Chaparro-Connolly, aged 49, who now resides in Stirling, was visiting her elderly parents on the Caribbean island when Hurricane Maria struck in 2017. The catastrophic storm made landfall on September 20, plunging the US territory into a humanitarian crisis.
Marilyn, who had travelled alone leaving her husband and son in Stirling, witnessed the devastation caused by the hurricane firsthand. Her 85-year-old father, Efrain, a grower of mango and avocado trees, saw his vegetation completely destroyed. Marilyn described the scene, saying, “I was fortunate enough to be evacuated with my sister and my elderly parents, but most were not as lucky as we were.” The hurricane’s winds reaching speeds of up to 118 miles per hour, left many areas flooded and damaged, with a death toll of 48 and significant agricultural losses.
In response to the disaster, Marilyn initiated a fundraiser to support the recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. She organised a fundraising event at one of Stirling’s oldest pubs, Nicky Tams, to raise funds for shelter, food, and healthcare on the island. The aim was to aid in the restoration of essential services for the affected population. The event featured live music and a charity raffle, with all donations directed to the Hurricane Relief Fund ‘United for Puerto Rico’.
Additionally, the article highlighted a controversial motion related to flying the Union Flag from the roof of Stirling Council headquarters, which stirred up debate and was eventually withdrawn. The motion aimed to display the Union Flag above Old Viewforth, expressing support for the UK and its symbols. However, concerns arose about the timing and impact of such a display amid Scotland’s evolving political landscape.
The incident of inconsiderate parking hindering emergency rescuers at Finnich Glen, near Killearn, was also mentioned in the article. An individual in need of help had difficulty receiving prompt assistance due to vehicles obstructing emergency lay-bys. The irresponsible parking behaviour sparked calls for stricter penalties to deter such actions and ensure the safety of both visitors and emergency services personnel.
The article provided a snapshot of various events, from a personal account of natural disaster impact to local governance issues and public safety concerns. It showcased community efforts to support those in need and highlighted challenges faced in times of crisis and decision-making.