Promise of change in Puerto Rico

With each passing day, Puerto Rico sinks deeper into a neoliberal process that threatens its very existence. From the purely geological issue, with supposed legal approvals for construction in coastal locations that involve the removal of mangroves and corals that are the natural barriers against coastal erosion, to the displacement of communities that give way to luxury housing for millionaire foreigners. There is a replacement of our population.

Basic health and education services are almost nonexistent. In short, life in Puerto Rico has become very difficult. While our central problem is the colonial state, it is imperative to stop this destructive bleeding.

And urgent measures are needed such as the removal of the corrupt, neoliberal and right-wing administration in the government represented by the New Progressive Party (PNP) that aspires to make PUR a U.S. state. However, it also has its collaborators in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who favor the colonial situation.

To remove them, there is a chance in the upcoming November 5 elections. Despite the prohibitions of the right wing, an electoral alliance has been formed between two progressive forces, the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) and the Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana.

In the streets, talking to the people, a new hope for change can be perceived. And the support for the Alliance’s gubernatorial candidate, Juan Dalmau of the PIP, is growing.

Even Puerto Rican rapper, singer Bad Bunny, who despite the likes or dislikes of his songs, has shown a great love for his country, and has always been present in progressive political campaigns, hired a billboard signing to send messages against the corruption of both parties and to urge the people to vote for a better country, which implies a vote for the Alliance. Other artists such as René from Calle 13, (the author of Latin America) have also published through the networks their adhesion to the Alliance as the best electoral option.

But in the face of this boom, there are also the corrupt maneuvers of the government that has done everything possible to combat the Alliance. From prohibiting an electoral front and making it difficult to register new voters, to closing permanent registration centers, excluding minority parties from the State Elections Commission so they cannot monitor the processes, increasing fraudulent advance votes including already deceased voters.

But the need for profound change is increasing the awareness of the people, and it will be difficult for them to stop the change.

Source: Struggle-La Lucha, translation Resumen Latinoamericano – English