San Juan, July 16 (RHC)-- In Puerto Rico, hundreds of people gathered in Old San Juan in opposition to a proposal for toxic aerial fumigations aimed at fighting the Zika virus. The protest brought together activists, environmentalists, farmers and students.

According to reports from San Juan, many were also protesting the recently signed PROMESA bill, which will establish a federally appointed control board with sweeping powers to run Puerto Rico’s economy.

Activist Melissa Vargas spoke before an ongoing protest camped in front of the U.S. federal court, where activists have been demonstrating against the PROMESA bill. She said: "The government is not defending us, and is not representing us. The government is not fulfilling its duty to protect its citizens.”