In a two-part series of interviews for Mint Press News with Déborah Berman-Santana, retired professor of geography and ethnic studies at Mills College in Oakland, California, we take a look at the situation on the ground in Puerto Rico and its colonial and economic similarities with Greece. Part one of the series focuses on Puerto Rico’s economic crisis and colonial status and its striking similarities with Greece, while part two focuses on the “recovery” in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, and the destructive effects of disaster capitalism.