Monday, November 20, 2006

Regional politicos support Puerto Rican “independistas”

Over the weekend, a conference of Latin American political parties met in order to provide support to Boricua “independistas.” Though the conference consisted mainly of left-wing parties, other political leaders spoke out in support of Puerto Rican independence; one of them, Panamanian president Martin Torrijos, declared that “no form of colonialism can be justified.”


Links- Prensa Latina, Dominican Today

Image- BBC News (Puerto Ricans marching in favor of the island’s independence in 1998)

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4 comments:

Gabriel said...

The problem is that Puerto Ricans themselves have no interest in independence and in 2004 the Independence Party only got 2.4% of the vote accoriding to Wikipedia.

Erwin C. said...

While the Independence Party has trouble getting popular support in the polls they are still a very vocal movement on the island. Perhaps the Independistas will get more support in Puerto Rico if the can help run a successful campaign for their cause in Latin America.

Gabriel said...

IIRC Puerto Rico would be the poorest state in the US but the richest country in Latin America. Almost every major city in Latin America is beset by crime and poverty of the kind you don't see in San Juan. I think that's why almost no one in PR cares about independence. The only debate there is between those that want to keep the status quo and those that want to become a full state in the Union.

Erwin C. said...

Woah Gabriel. While Puerto Rico (PR) would not be a very affluent state it definitely wouldn't be the poorest. And I find it highly doubtful that PR as a country would be richer than, say, Mexico, Brazil, or Argentina. Lastly, San Juan does have some major problems with crime and poverty that are comparable with major metropoli in Latin america like Caracas, Bogota, and Lima. Thus, the problem with the PR independence movement may have to do more with lack of political organization and political clout on the island than what you mention.