Is puerto rico part of the usa: Why Isn’t Puerto Rico a State?

House passes bill to give Puerto Rico say on statehood

The House on Thursday passed a bill that would give Puerto Rico’s residents a say in whether the island territory becomes a U.S. state or an independent country.

The Puerto Rico Status Act passed the House of Representatives in a 233-191 vote, with 16 Republicans joining all present Democrats to pass the bill.

The measure, introduced by Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva and co-sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans, would allow Puerto Ricans to vote on three options for their future: Become a full U.S. State, an independent nation, or Sovereignty in Free Association with the United States, similar to the status of Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands.

Lawmakers in Congress cheered as New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is of Puerto Rican descent, gaveled out the vote.

“Today, for the first time in our nation’s history, the United States will acknowledge its role as a colonizing force and Puerto Rico’s status as an extended colony,” Ocasio-Cortez said on the House floor ahead of the vote. “The Puerto Rico Status Act begins a process for Boricuas to decide their own future. ”

Fellow New York lawmaker Nydia Velázquez, who was born in Puerto Rico, said the bill is a long time coming: “History calls upon us to put politics aside and do right by the people of Puerto Rico.”

According to the 2020 census, Puerto Rico’s population sits at more than 3.2 million, greater than the population of 20 current U.S. states. Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States since 1898, in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since the 1917 passage of the Jones-Shafroth Act, but they do not have electoral votes for president or voting representation in Congress.

Puerto Rico has held several unilateral, nonbinding referendums on the issue, but this would be the first that would not include possible continuation of the current status as a U.S. commonwealth. The vote marks the first time lawmakers have ever passed a law that would establish a binding referendum for the people of Puerto Rico.

“Puerto Ricans and people of Puerto Rican descent have had an important place in the American family for over a century,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md. “They contribute to American culture. They help protect America’s national security. They support the American economy and our shared prosperity. They are American citizens like you and me.”

“For far too long, however, the people of Puerto Rico have been excluded from the full promise of American democracy and self-determination that our nation has always championed,” Hoyer continued. “We owe it to Puerto Ricans to bring an end to their island’s 124-year-old status as a U.S. territory and to grant them control over their island’s political future.”

A number of lawmakers delivered similarly passionate defenses of the bill ahead of the vote.

“It’s time to set our people free,” Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., said on the House floor. “After 124 years, it’s past time for Americans in Puerto Rico to decide their own form of government.” 

“I am Puerto Rico’s only voice in Congress,” said Jenniffer González-Colón, the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico. “I represent 3.2 million American citizens living back home, more constituents than anyone in this chamber – and yet, while we consider a bill I helped write, a bill that will directly impact the life of every citizen I represent, I still must rely and depend on everybody here because I can not vote on the floor.”

“I hope we can all agree that we all value basic human rights, and that means like every American citizen, our Puerto Rican neighbors deserve true representation, equal rights and everything that flows from that,” said Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla. 

The measure now heads to the Senate. It’s unclear whether it has enough Republican support to overcome a filibuster, or if the Senate can take it up with so much left to do with just weeks left before the new Congress takes over in January.

The bill has the support of the Biden administration, with the White House writing in a statement of support: “For far too long, the residents of Puerto Rico—over 3 million U.S. citizens—have been deprived of the opportunity to determine their own political future and have not received the full rights and benefits of their citizenship because they reside in a U.S. territory.”

“The Administration looks forward to working with Congress throughout the legislative process to ensure that this bill comports with our Nation’s democratic principles,” the statement continues.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, United Nations Affairs, Volume III

711C. 02/10–952

The Acting Secretary of the Interior
(Northrop) to the Secretary of State

Washington,
October 9,
1952.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I am pleased to
report to you that with the establishment of the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico on July 25, 1952, the people of Puerto Rico have
attained a full measure of self-government, consistent with Puerto
Rico’s status as a territory of the United States.

The establishment of the Commonwealth marks the culmination of a
steady progression in the exercise of self-government initiated with
the first organic act for Puerto Rico enacted by the Congress in
1900. That act provided for a governor appointed by the President of
the United States, with the advice and consent of the Senate of the
United States, a legislative assembly in which the lower house was
elected but the upper house was composed of the heads of executive
departments of the government and five other persons, all appointed
by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate; and a
supreme court, the members of which were also appointed by the
President with the advice and consent of the Senate, justices of the
lower courts being appointed by the governor with advice and consent
of the upper house of the legislature. The act provided for Puerto
Rico’s representation in the Congress by a popularly elected
Resident Commissioner.

[Page 1430]

In 1917, the scope of self-government was increased with enactment by
the Congress of the Jones Act. Under it, the
people of Puerto Rico elected both houses of their legislature, and
the popularly elected upper house advised and consented to the
governor’s appointment of justices of the lower courts. The
President retained authority to appoint the governor, the justices
of the supreme court, the heads of the departments of justice and
education, and the auditor, but all other heads of executive
departments were appointed by the governor. The people of Puerto
Rico became citizens of the United States. The protection of a bill
of rights patterned on the bill of rights of the United States
Constitution was extended to Puerto Rico. Provision for
rep-presentation in the Congress remained. The legislature could
repass a bill over the governor’s veto, but if the governor did not
then approve it, it did not become law unless it received the
approval of the President.

In 1946, the President appointed as governor, with the advice and
consent of the Senate, a Puerto Rican who had formerly been Resident
Commissioner from Puerto Rico. This was the first time that a Puerto
Rican had been appointed governor.

In 1947, the Congress authorized the people of Puerto Rico to elect
their governor, beginning with the general election in 1948, and
provided a line of succession in the event of a vacancy in the
position of governor or of the governor’s temporary absence or
disability. The elected governor was authorized to appoint all the
members of his cabinet, the heads of the executive departments,
including the attorney general and commissioner of education. No
change was made in the provisions respecting appointment of the
auditor and justices of the supreme court.

In 1948, the candidates for Governor and Resident Commissioner from
Puerto Rico, who were elected by very substantial majorities, ran on
a platform calling for the preservation of the relationship between
Puerto Rico and the United States, and for the adoption by Puerto
Rico, within that framework, of a constitution of its own drafting.
In that election, there were also candidates who advocated statehood
for Puerto Rico and independence for Puerto Rico; they were roundly
defeated. In accordance with the expressed wishes of the people of
Puerto Rico, and in recognition of their political advancement
sufficient to enable them to reach an informed judgment as to a
desirable political destiny, there was introduced in the Congress a
bill to provide for the organization of a constitutional government
by the people of Puerto Rico. It was enacted on July 3, 1950 (64
Stat. 319).

That law, unique in the history of United States’ territorial
administration, expressly recognized the principle of government by
consent, and, declaring that it was adopted in the nature of a
compact, required that it be submitted to the voters of Puerto Rico
in an island-wide [Page 1431]
referendum for acceptance or rejection. If the act were approved by
a majority of participating voters, the Legislature of Puerto Rico
was authorized to call a constitutional convention to draft a
constitution, which would become effective upon its adoption by the
people and approval by the President and the Congress. Those
provisions of the Organic Act which related to matters of local
government would thereupon be repealed, while the remaining
provisions of the Organic Act, relating to such matters as Puerto
Rico’s economic relationship to the United States, the continued
application of Federal laws, and continued representation in
Congress, would thenceforth be known as the Puerto Rican Federal
Relations Act. The Congress made only two stipulations with respect
to the content of the constitution to be adopted: that it provide a
republican form of government and that it include a bill of
rights.

Four political parties participated in the campaign preceding the
referendum; two endorsed the act of Congress, one opposed it, and
one was divided in its position. On June 4, 1951, 506,185 persons,
65.08 per cent of the 777,675 qualified voters of Puerto Rico,
participated in the referendum, and 76.5 per cent of those voting
approved the act. On August 27, 1951, ninety-two delegates were
elected to a constitutional convention, representing the Popular
Democratic, the Statehood and the Socialist parties. The convention
met in September 1951 and concluded its painstaking work in February
1952. An official English and an official Spanish version of the
constitution were adopted, and the text was published in the four
daily newspapers of Puerto Rico in both languages. Copies of the
document were distributed throughout the Island.

On March 3, 1952, the constitution was submitted for adoption or
rejection. Of the 783,610 qualified voters, 457,562 participated in
the referendum. Of these, 374,649 voted to adopt the constitution;
only 82,923 disapproved it. On April 22, 1952, the President
transmitted the constitution to the Congress, with his approval, and
the Congress approved it by Public Law 447, 82d Cong. (66 Stat. 327), signed by the
President on July 3, 1952. On July 25, 1952, after final
ratification by the constitutional convention to accept the
constitution as approved by the Congress, the Governor of Puerto
Rico proclaimed the establishment of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
under the new constitution.

The constitution of the Commonwealth is markedly similar to that of a
State. It establishes a tri-partite form of government, with a
popularly elected governor, a popularly elected bi-cameral
legislature and a judicial branch. The heads of all executive
departments will be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and
consent of the Puerto Rican Senate; appointment of the Secretary of
State will also require the consent of the House of Representatives.
The President will no longer appoint any member of the executive
branch, and the United [Page 1432]
States Senate will not participate in the appointment of any
official of the government of the Commonwealth.

The Legislative Assembly, which will be elected by free, universal
and secret suffrage of the people of Puerto Rico, has full
legislative authority in respect to local matters. The Commonwealth
has the power to impose and collect taxes, and to contract debts.
Acts of the Legislative Assembly will become law upon approval of
the Governor, or, in the event that an act is vetoed by the
Governor, upon its re-enactment by two-thirds of the total number of
members of which each house is composed. The President may no longer
prevent a bill repassed over the Governor’s veto from becoming law
by disapproving it. The protection of a bill of rights is extended
to persons in Puerto Rico. All public officials must take an oath to
support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution
and laws of the Commonwealth. Amendments to the constitution may be
proposed by the Legislative Assembly, and will be voted on at a
referendum, becoming effective if ratified by a majority of the
electors voting thereon. In approving the constitution, the Congress
placed no limitations on the substance of future amendments, except
to provide that they shall be consistent with the act approving the
constitution, with the applicable provisions of the Federal
Constitution, with the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act, and with
the act of Congress authorizing the drafting and adoption of a
constitution.

The judiciary of the Commonwealth is independent under the
constitution. The justices of the Supreme Court will no longer be
appointed by the President but will be appointed by the Governor
with the advice and consent of the Senate of Puerto Rico. Justices
will hold office during good behavior and may be removed, after
impeachment, for causes specified in the constitution. The number of
justices (four associate justices and a chief justice) may be
increased only by law at the request of the court itself. No judge
may make a direct or indirect financial contribution to any
political organization or party, or hold any elective office
therein, or participate in any political campaign or be a candidate
for elective office unless he has resigned his judicial office at
least six months prior to his nomination. Although judgments of the
Supreme Court of Puerto Rico may be appealed to the United States
Court of Appeals, decisions of the United States Supreme Court have
established that the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico is the final
authority on the meaning of a Puerto Rican law and that its decision
interpreting such a law may not be reversed unless the
interpretation is “inescapably wrong” and the decision “patently
erroneous”; it is not sufficient to justify reversal that the
Federal Court merely disagree with the Puerto Rican Supreme Court’s
interpretation. There will continue to be a Federal District Court
in Puerto Rico, but its jurisdiction [Page 1433] does not differ from the jurisdiction of Federal
District Courts functioning within the boundaries of States.

Under the constitution, there is full and effective participation of
the population of Puerto Rico in the government of Puerto Rico.
Article II, section 1, provides that no discrimination shall be made
on account of race, color, sex, birth, social origin, or condition,
or political or religious ideas and requires the laws to embody
these principles. Puerto Rico is divided by the constitution into
senatorial and representative districts for purposes of electing
members of the Legislative Assembly, and provision is also made for
election of senators and representatives elected at large. By a
special procedure established by Article III of the constitution
majority parties are precluded from filling a number of seats in the
Legislative Assembly substantially disproportionate to their voting
strength and minority parties are assured of representation in
proportion to their island-wide voting strength. Elections will be
held every four years.

Article II, section 2, requires that the laws shall guarantee the
expression of the will of the people by means of equal, direct and
secret universal suffrage and shall protect the citizen against any
coercion in the exercise of the electoral franchise. Article VI,
section 4, provides that every person over twenty-one years of age
shall be entitled to vote if he fulfills the other conditions
determined by law and prohibits depriving a person of the right to
vote because he does not know how to read or write or does not own
property.

The people of Puerto Rico continue to be citizens of the United
States and the Constitution of the United States continues to be
applicable to Puerto Rico to the same extent as prior to the
establishment of the Commonwealth. Under the Puerto Rican Federal
Relations Act, there will still be free trade with the United
States, only United States coins and currency will be legal tender
in Puerto Rico and the statutory laws of the United States not
locally inapplicable will have the same force and effect in Puerto
Rico as in the United States, in the absence of a provision to the
contrary. Puerto Rico will continue to be represented in the
Congress by a Resident Commissioner whose powers are neither
diminished nor increased by the establishment of the Commonwealth.
The people of Puerto Rico will continue to be exempt from Federal
income taxes on the income they derive from sources within Puerto
Rico, and into their treasury, for appropriation and expenditure as
their legislature may decide, will be deposited the proceeds of
United States internal revenue taxes collected on articles produced
in Puerto Rico and the proceeds of United States tariffs and customs
collected on foreign merchandise entering Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico has not become an independent nation; neither has it
become a State of the Union. It remains a territory of the United
States. The action of the Congress in authorizing and approving the
[Page 1434] constitution of the
Commonwealth was taken under the constitutional power of the
Congress to make needful rules and regulations respecting the
territory of the United States. Puerto Rico’s foreign relations,
like those of the other territories and, it may be added, like those
of the States, will continue to be conducted by the United
States.

However, with respect to internal government and administration,
Puerto Rico occupies a unique position among the territories. By
requesting the Congress to authorize the drafting and adoption of a
constitution, Puerto Rico has voluntarily entered into the
relationship with the United States which it has chosen to describe
as a “commonwealth” relationship. The term “commonwealth” was
adopted by Puerto Rico as the official English designation of the
body politic created by the constitution (the official Spanish title
is “estado libre asociado”), to define the
status of that body as “a state which is free of superior authority
in the management of its own local affairs but which is linked to
the United States of America and hence is a part of its political
system in a manner compatible with its Federal structure”, and which
“does not have an independent and separate existence” (Resolution
No. 22 of the Constitutional Convention). By authorizing the
drafting of the constitution and by approving the constitution,
Congress has agreed that Puerto Rico shall have, under that
constitution, freedom from control or interference by the Congress
in respect of internal government and administration, subject only
to compliance with applicable provisions of the Federal
constitution, the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act and the acts of
Congress authorizing and approving the constitution. Those laws
which directed or authorized direct interference with matters of
local government by the Federal Government have been repealed. This
cannot be said of any other territory of the United States. With
respect to no other territory has the Congress adopted an act in the
nature of a compact authorizing the organization of a constitutional
government by the people of the territory. In all other organized
territories, the basic structure of the government is established by
an act of the Congress, not by an act of the people of the
territory. In all other organized territories, the chief executive
is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the
Senate, not popularly elected by the people of the territory. In all
other organized territories, the executive officer immediately
subordinate to the governor is appointed by the President, either
alone or with the advice and consent of the Senate, but not by the
governor of the territory. In all other organized territories,
judges of the highest courts exercising local jurisdiction are
appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the
Senate, not by the governor of the territory. The people of Puerto
Rico will participate effectively in their government through
universal, secret and equal suffrage, in free and periodic elections
in which differing [Page 1435]
political parties offer candidates, and which are assured freedom
from undemocratic practices by the constitution itself. In these
elections, there will be no interference by the United States.
Puerto Rico has complete autonomy in its economic, cultural, and
social affairs.

The final declaration of the Constitutional Convention of Puerto Rico
(Resolution No. 23), expresses the views of the people of Puerto
Rico as to the status they have now achieved:

“When this Constitution takes effect, the people of Puerto
Rico shall thereupon be organized into a commonwealth
established within the terms of the compact entered into by
mutual consent, which is the basis of our union with the
United States of America.

Thus we attain the goal of complete self-government, the last
vestiges of colonialism having disappeared in the principle
of Compact, and we enter into an era of new developments in
democratic civilization. ”

I request that you take whatever steps appear necessary, in
connection with the international commitments of the United States,
to give due recognition to the establishment of the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico and to the full measure of self-government which has
been achieved by the people of Puerto Rico.1

Sincerely yours,

Vernon D.
Northrop

Get health insurance in Puerto Rico with a 15% discount

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is not part of, but is dependent on the United States. Local residents receive US citizenship. The country is located on islands in the Caribbean.

To obtain a visa (US), you must take out insurance that will be valid for the entire stay in Puerto Rico.

The main historical attraction is the old part of the city of San Juan, which is home to many ancient forts and the famous Bacardi rum factory. Neat beaches and exotic palm trees, and, of course, the famous “luminous” bays – this sight is worth staying up all night. Forest roads and countryside will win the heart of any tourist, and diving into coastal waters can captivate even the most experienced diver. Mysterious caves and blue lagoons, and much more awaits the traveler in sunny Puerto Rico! nine0003

Medicine is developed at a fairly high level, and the quality is almost the same as that of US medicine. Only medical services in Puerto Rico are cheaper than in the USA, so many people come here for treatment.

What to watch out for in Puerto Rico?

– Puerto Rico has a fairly high crime rate. You should not succumb to provocations or follow compassionate residents when they offer to take you to the right place. nine0003

– Poor areas of cities are a danger to foreign tourists.

– Basic safety rules must be observed – do not carry original documents with you, do not leave things unattended, keep money and valuables in the hotel safe.

– Do not forget about the additional options that must be included in the insurance policy if the plans include active or extreme types of recreation.

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Instead of wasting time visiting several insurance companies to compare their prices and conditions, you can take advantage of a quick and cost-effective way to obtain the necessary insurance policy that meets your requirements online.

To apply for an insurance policy online, all you need is your passport data, an email address, the ability to pay your bill online and a few minutes of free time. nine0003

The insurance policy is sent in electronic form to the mail specified during registration. To complete the registration process, you need to print the insurance policy and put your signature. Ready. Insurance for tourists to Papua New Guinea nine0003

Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern part of the island of New Guinea and a number of islands in Oceania, has a mountainous terrain and 18 active volcanoes.

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Puerto Rico. (USA). Part 1. San Juan

We came to Puerto Rico because we were supposed to go on a cruise from there. On our first cruise. And there were fears that we might not like it on a cruise, but you should have tried it before drawing conclusions?
Therefore, in order not to spoil the vacation completely, it was decided to stay in Puerto Rico for a week – and travel there in the usual way for us – car + hotels.

Initially, we had only a couple of days to go to San Juan, but due to unforeseen circumstances we had to stay there longer (we had to fly through New York, and it turned out to be closed due to snow …). nine0003

The old part of the city is very impressive, you even forget that it is somewhere in the Caribbean. Clean, beautiful…

Only the cheerful colors of the houses remind of this 😉 …

Fuerte San Felipe del Morro.
Aware of the threat from such corsairs and pirates as Francois LeClerc, Francis Drake or John Hawkins, constantly patrolling the coastal waters in the hope of getting rich, the Spanish government began to seriously fortify San Juan as early as 1521. nine0079 The well-built El Morro fortress proved to be useful already during the attacks of the British in 1595.
This is the oldest Spanish fortress in the New World.
In good weather (which is almost always the case there ;-)) kite lovers gather near the fortress.
In the evenings, the fortress is beautifully illuminated! (no photo, alas, I still can’t take pictures at night).

We didn’t go into the fortress itself :(. Because first we went to another fortress – San Cristobal, we first came across it on the way, and El Morro was put off for the next day … And then the next. .. nine0079 Then we decided that we would visit on our next visit :-).

Therefore, I bring to your attention – San Cristobal.
One of the most significant fortresses in the Old Town. To repel attacks from the land. Construction began in 1634.
Fortresses at first sight look like boulders, but there are many different halls, tunnels, rooms. Pretty interesting, by the way 😉 .

We pass through this tunnel inside the fortress…

The uniform of officers and soldiers of those times. ..

And here, pay attention to the bows on the boots…
Oh, how cute :-)… It’s good that they are not pink :-)…

Views from the fort.

Everything was so securely built there.
This well here leads to a cistern of water below it. 800,000 gallons of water were placed there, I don’t remember how much it is in liters, but it was enough to provide a whole garrison for 1 year!

(some information)
This fort was the real pride of the Spaniards.
True, the British once managed to take over the city. But not for long. Disease and guerrilla attacks from the locals forced the British to leave the island after a couple of months. The Dutch also decided to try their luck in 1625, but also without success. Residents rebuilt their city anew and until 1898 the Spaniards firmly settled in Puerto Rico. For almost 400 years, the island was in Spanish hands.
However, there were not quite Spaniards there, but Puerto Ricans. Left essentially to the mercy of fate, without much support from the Spanish government and earning their living mostly by smuggling …
The Spaniards, gradually expelled from their American colonies by revolutionary uprisings, by the mid-1820s, remained only with Cuba, but with Puerto Rico. In 1897, the island nevertheless received the status of an autonomous state, under the government of Spain.
But when in 1898, as a result of the Spanish-American War, the Americans landed on the island, they were greeted by the inhabitants almost like liberators. Puerto Rico was soon handed over to America as a trophy after the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
It cannot be said that the Puerto Ricans were satisfied with everything in the American administration. Repeated outbursts of uprisings for the independence of the island from the Americans were in 1950s. Nevertheless, pragmatists saw that material dependence on the United States was still in their favor 😉 . 3 mil. people moved at one time to New York.
Today, the island has the status of a Commonwealth state with the United States. Residents of the island cannot vote for the US president, but on the other hand, they do not pay US income tax 😉 .
If polls are to be believed, the vast majority of residents do not want to secede.

And now we are going towards the embankment 😉 . nine0079 Plazuela de la Rogativa
Small park with a garden and sculpture of a priest and women. In memory of protection from the British in 1797. The cunning priest decided to deceive the British and called for help from the inhabitants of the city. In the darkness of the night, a procession with torches rushed around the city in disorder, ringing the bells continuously and in this way they deceived the whole British flotilla of 50 ships, the latter turned around and left, because they thought that the Spaniards had pulled up their forces :-).

Here is a cat sitting 😉 . ..

Moving on…

La Casita.

Embankment.
Paseo de la Princesa

El Arsenal
Former fortress. Now there seems to be an institute of culture.

Raices Fountain
In sculpture – all representatives of the founders of the island – Indians, Europeans, Africans.

Here, a cheerful saleswoman offered all kinds of local sweets for $1 each :-). These things were microscopic… I tried arroz con dulce, which turned out to be very similar to what they cook for Christmas here in northern Europe 😉 . Only here they eat it in big portions :-)…

Ibid…
Very, IMHO, an interesting monument to immigrants!
It is possible that this is not the only such monument in the New World. But this is the first time I see this.

It immediately inspired me to think that the locals, completely exterminated in their time by these “immigrants” themselves, would not have erected a monument to them 🙂 …

And the imagination painted a similar picture in Europe of the near future 🙂 . Monument to Arab immigrants in the center of Paris. And guest workers from Uzbekistan on Red Square… Only poor quality photographs remained from local residents, carefully stored in anthropology museums 😉 … Hmm…

After all, the Indian tribes also lived on this island – both the Arawaks (Arawak) and the Tainos (Tainos). Especially the last group of Indians lived here for a particularly long time. They named the island – Borinquen. They lived, did not touch anyone, were engaged in peaceful crafts 😉 . True, then the Caribbean began to attack them. They were also essentially immigrants.
The farther – the worse :(.
Spaniards and various other Europeans arrived. They began to oppress the local people, brought their priests, who tried to “dress” the Indians (they “wore” only paint their bodies :-)) and legalize mixed marriages, because the latter was already practiced with might and main even without it … The colonists acquired mistresses without the consent of the church. The local guys did not particularly like this and they protested as best they could, killing the newborns so that they would not get to the colonists. And they even decided to join forces with their former enemies – the Caribs. Two uprisings in 1513 and 1518 were brutally suppressed and the Tainos practically disappeared from the island, only small groups hid in the jungles of the central part of the island. The Caribbean also moved to the Lesser Antilles, and in fact only Spaniards and mestizos remained on the island – mestizos. nine0079 Here is the story 🙁 …

Puerto Ricans, by the way, have always paid a lot of attention to the concept of “blood purity” – limpieza de sangre. Families from high society for centuries “protected” their families from accidental marriages. “of European origin”… Even 100 years ago this was the norm.
Yes, and now it is still traceable. In the language, for example, there are more than 20 words for describing skin color and belonging to a race!!!
Despite the fact that Puerto Ricans very, very mixed from a wide variety of races and nations, yet still use such “politically incorrect” words as mulato, trigueno, or jabao.0079

There are a lot of cats in San Juan!
What pleased them – they look well-fed and well-groomed))).

Puerto Ricans absolutely love cats.
Look, they even erect monuments to them!

Now a little about the hotel where we lived in the old part of the city 😉 .
Casa Blanca.
The hotel is quite new, so there are almost no reviews about it.
This is the so-called “boutique” hotel. In short – family, not a chain of hotels.