San Juan.- The governor of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González, advocated this Saturday for ‘statehood’, the annexation of the island to the United States, during the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the North American country.
“I decided to dedicate this commemoration to statehood because I am convinced that there is no better way to honor the principles that gave rise to the United States 250 years ago than by reaffirming our commitment to the principle that summarizes all others: equality,” said the governor.
González indicated that she believes in ‘statehood’ because she is convinced that Puerto Rico’s identity “is so strong that it does not depend on a political status”.
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“We will continue to be the island of music, the island of our culture, the island of our faith, the island of our traditions and of the immense pride we feel in calling ourselves Puerto Ricans,” he stressed.
González’s ruling New Progressive Party (PNP) bets on annexation, while other political groups defend the current status of a U.S. Commonwealth or independence.
Puerto Rico has held numerous referendums on its political status, in which ‘statehood’ has been favored, but none have been binding, as that requires the approval of the U.S. Congress.
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“I have never believed that being deeply Puerto Rican and feeling pride in American citizenship are incompatible feelings. I have lived them together my whole life. And precisely because I love Puerto Rico deeply, I want the best for this island,” added the governor.
The protocol acts were held at the Plaza de los Alcaldes in San Lorenzo, together with state and federal officials, members of the Armed Forces, veterans, community leaders, and citizens who gathered to commemorate this historic date.
“Today, more than three million U.S. citizens live in Puerto Rico who still do not fully enjoy the political equality proclaimed by those principles of 1776, nor constitutional recognition,” said Representative and former Speaker of the House of Representatives José Aponte Hernández.
“Recognizing this reality does not mean rejecting the American project. Quite the contrary. It means believing so much in its principles that we demand they be fully applied,” he added.
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The activity included a parade with the participation of public safety components, the Puerto Rico National Guard, veterans’ organizations, and representatives of the U.S. Armed Forces.
