Televised gubernatorial debate postponed
By The Star Staff
Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP by its initials in Spanish) and Alianza de País (Alliance) gubernatorial candidate Juan Dalmau Ramírez has paused all public appearances after his wife, Griselle Morales, suffered a stroke and had to be hospitalized.
“On Monday, in the afternoon, our family was shaken by an unexpected and serious event,” Dalmau said in a written statement early Tuesday. “My wife, Griselle, suffered an acute cerebral (subarachnoid) hemorrhage. She was hospitalized in an emergency and is in the intensive care unit. Today, Tuesday, she will undergo surgery.”
Just before press time on Tuesday, Dalmau’s campaign manager, Calixto Negrón, said the surgical intervention performed on Morales managed to contain the bleeding.
“The clinical picture is still delicate and the treatment has not finished,” Negrón said in a written statement. “Griselle will remain hospitalized, under the care of her doctors, who have indicated that she must remain on strict rest and under medical supervision.”
“Juan’s participation in the campaign will continue on hold until further notice,” he added.
Given the situation, Dalmau canceled a press conference scheduled for Tuesday with U.S. Reps. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-N.Y.). He also canceled his participation in Tuesday evening’s gubernatorial debate organized by TeleOnce.
“At this moment, my soul, my heart, and all my attention is with my wife and my children, Gabriel and Sofia,” Dalmau said. “Our family puts Griselle’s health in God’s hands. I appreciate your prayers, solidarity, and good wishes at this time.”
Negrón said earlier Tuesday that Morales was at her residence when she felt ill. The candidate for governor was out, preparing for the debate, and he acted to take his wife to the hospital as soon as he was informed of her condition.
“[Morales] never lost consciousness nor did she ever lose the ability to speak,” Negrón said in a radio interview (RadioIsla). “So, for now, she is in stable condition and awaiting the studies that will be done, but it is still something serious, something sensitive. It was a stroke, it was a cerebral hemorrhage. All of that is a somewhat difficult condition.”
Negrón stressed that the magnitude of the brain hemorrhage, its possible consequences, and the treatment that Morales requires would be known once the surgical intervention is carried out.
At mid-morning on Tuesday the TeleOnce administration announced the postponement of the debate between the candidates for governor, which had been scheduled for 8:30 p.m. the same day.
Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia, as well as several candidates from the Alliance and other political parties, expressed their solidarity with the Dalmau Morales family.
“I send a strong hug of solidarity to Juan Dalmau and his wife Griselle,” Pierluisi said. “My prayers for a speedy recovery and strength to face this health situation. I ask all our people to join in prayer and good wishes for her and her family.”
Sen. Ana Irma Rivera Lassén, who as the Citizen Victory Movement (MVC by its initials in Spanish)/Alliance candidate for resident commissioner is Dalmau’s running mate, said: “Given the gravity of this moment, I want to express my deepest solidarity, support and affection to my fellow fighter Juan Dalmau and his family. The news of Griselle’s health problem has shaken not only those of us who walk with Juan on this political journey, but also those of us who value the strength of the love that unites us in times of adversity.”
“Juan, I am with you. I join the voices that, from all corners of the archipelago, send good wishes and strength for Griselle’s speedy recovery,” she added. “Today, more than ever, we remember that, above all political struggle, is the life and well-being of those we love.”
Manuel Natal Albelo, the MVC candidate for San Juan mayor, expressed his “support and solidarity” for Dalmau and his family.
“In these times of uncertainty and concern, know that you have our full support and our prayers, with the hope that Griselle has a prompt and full recovery,” Natal said. “We are here for you, today more than ever, offering everything in our power to accompany you in this process.”
Dignity Project gubernatorial candidate Javier Jiménez lamented the situation faced by Dalmau and his wife.
“We pray to God Almighty to intervene miraculously with Griselle’s health and we are in total solidarity and brotherhood with Juan and all surrounding him,” he said.
Jesús Manuel Ortiz González, the Popular Democratic Party candidate for governor, said: “My hug of solidarity goes to Griselle, Juan Dalmau and his entire family. We are with you in this difficult moment.”
Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón, the New Progressive Party candidate for governor, said “I want to express my solidarity to Juan Dalmau and his entire family at this time due to the delicate health situation of his wife Griselle. I send my prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery.”
“The health of our loved ones always comes before all considerations,” she added. “I trust that, with God, the love and support of her loved ones, she will find the strength necessary to overcome this stage.”
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