"The crisis is getting worse in Puerto Rico," noted Eric LeCompte, who presented public testimony to the board and is the executive director of the religious development coalition Jubilee USA. LeCompte serves on various United Nation debt expert groups. "Debt restructuring is the key to ending this crisis and the clock is ticking."

LeCompte urged the board to pursue comprehensive debt restructuring to combat poverty, grow the economy and protect the island's investors. He noted that Puerto Rico's economy is vulnerable to external shocks and urged the board to support a "Hurricane Clause" to temporarily halt debt payments in the event of unforeseen crisis.‎ LeCompte further recommended the board consider new bonds linked to economic growth on the island.

Jubilee USA's director closed his comments by reading a statement from Monsignor Roberto González Nieves, Archbishop of San Juan de Puerto Rico and Reverend Heriberto Martínez, General Secretary of Puerto Rico’s Bible Society. These religious leaders are at the forefront of defending vulnerable communities as the crisis continues to unfold.

"We believe that any plans, policies and debt restructurings must be judged in view of how they will impact vulnerable populations," LeCompte told the board. "Those who did nothing to create this crisis are bearing the brunt of some of the worst aspects of the crisis."