Gubernatorial debate on television delayed
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The gubernatorial candidate for the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP, by its Spanish acronym) and Alianza de País (Alliance), Juan Dalmau Ramírez, has suspended all public engagements following an unfortunate incident involving his wife, Griselle Morales, who experienced a stroke and required hospitalization.
“On Monday afternoon, our family faced an unexpected and severe situation,” stated Dalmau in a written communication early Tuesday. “My wife, Griselle, suffered an acute cerebral (subarachnoid) hemorrhage. She was rushed to the hospital and is currently in intensive care. Today, Tuesday, she is scheduled for surgery.”
Moments before press deadlines on Tuesday, Dalmau’s campaign manager, Calixto Negrón, reported that the surgical procedure performed on Morales successfully managed to stabilize the bleeding.
“The clinical situation remains complex, and the treatment is ongoing,” Negrón mentioned in a written statement. “Griselle will stay hospitalized, receiving care from her medical team, who has emphasized the need for her to remain on strict rest and under medical observation.”
“Juan’s involvement in the campaign will stay on pause until further notice,” he added.
In light of these circumstances, Dalmau canceled a press briefing set for Tuesday with U.S. Representatives Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-N.Y.). He also withdrew from a gubernatorial debate scheduled for Tuesday evening organized by TeleOnce.
“Right now, my focus, my heart, and all my attention are with my wife and our children, Gabriel and Sofia,” Dalmau expressed. “Our family places Griselle’s health in God’s hands. I am grateful for your prayers, support, and positive thoughts during this time.”
Negrón stated earlier Tuesday that Morales was at home when she became unwell. The gubernatorial candidate was away, preparing for the debate, and quickly took action to get his wife to the hospital upon learning of her condition.
“[Morales] did not lose consciousness at any point nor did she lose the ability to speak,” Negrón said in a radio interview (RadioIsla). “So, as of now, she is in stable condition and awaiting further tests, but it remains a serious and sensitive matter. It was a stroke, a cerebral hemorrhage. It is all a rather challenging condition.”
Negrón emphasized that the severity of the brain hemorrhage, its potential outcomes, and the required treatment for Morales would become clearer once the surgical procedure is completed.
By mid-morning on Tuesday, TeleOnce officials announced the postponement of the debate between the competing gubernatorial candidates, which was initially set for 8:30 p.m. that evening.
Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia, along with several contenders from the Alliance and other political groups, expressed their support for the Dalmau Morales family.
“I send a strong embrace of solidarity to Juan Dalmau and his wife Griselle,” Pierluisi stated. “My thoughts are with them for a swift recovery and the strength to overcome this health challenge. I urge everyone to join in prayers and well-wishes for her and her family.”
Senator Ana Irma Rivera Lassén, who is Dalmau’s running mate as the Citizen Victory Movement (MVC, by its Spanish acronym)/Alliance candidate for resident commissioner, expressed: “In light of this grave situation, I want to extend my deepest support, encouragement, and love to my fellow advocate Juan Dalmau and his family. The news about Griselle’s health has affected not only those of us on this political journey with Juan, but also everyone who cherishes the strength of love that connects us in tough times.”
“Juan, I stand with you. I join the collective voices from all around the archipelago sending strength and good wishes for Griselle’s swift recovery,” she continued. “Today, more than ever, we are reminded that, beyond all political struggles, the life and well-being of our loved ones take precedence.”
Manuel Natal Albelo, the MVC candidate for mayor of San Juan, conveyed his “support and solidarity” to Dalmau and his family.
“During these uncertain and concerning times, please know that you have our complete support and prayers, with the hope that Griselle has a quick and full recovery,” Natal expressed. “We are with you, now more than ever, offering all we can to accompany you through this journey.”
Javier Jiménez, the gubernatorial candidate of the Dignity Project, expressed his sorrow over the challenges faced by Dalmau and his wife.
“We pray that God Almighty intervenes miraculously in Griselle’s health, and we stand in total solidarity and brotherhood with Juan and everyone surrounding him,” he said.
Jesús Manuel Ortiz González, the gubernatorial candidate from the Popular Democratic Party, stated: “My heartfelt solidarity goes to Griselle, Juan Dalmau, and their whole family. We are with you during this challenging time.”
Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón, the New Progressive Party candidate for governor, remarked, “I wish to express my solidarity to Juan Dalmau and his entire family at this moment due to the serious health concerns surrounding his wife Griselle. I send my thoughts and well wishes for her swift recovery.”
“The health of our dear ones always takes precedence over all factors,” she emphasized. “I have faith that, with God’s will and the love and support of her family, she will find the necessary strength to overcome this ordeal.”
