By Max Sattonnay
Just call it a colony. Neither an independent country nor an American state, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has no sovereignty.
Puerto Ricans are US citizens in name only. They have no Congressional representation and can’t elect presidents.
Though the island is a democracy, with its own constitution and legislature, it is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Puerto Rico’s ambiguous status has long been a source of friction with Washington, but it has nonetheless been vital to American power in the Caribbean.
Max Sattonnay, who grew up in the region, in French-ruled Martinique, interviewed historian Raymond Laureano-Ortiz about Puerto Rico’s political status and evolving relationship with the US.
Affiliated with the Centre for Advanced Studies on Puerto Rican and Caribbean History in San Juan, Laureano-Ortiz recounts the country’s journey from Spanish rule to American territory.
Laureano-Ortiz explains how this laid the groundwork for debates about the island’s autonomy, particularly after the 2016 PROMESA law, which placed Puerto Rico under the White House’s financial oversight.
Looking to the future, the historian flags the upcoming November elections and how a non-binding referendum on Puerto Rico’s status could further reshape the island’s political landscape.
According to Laureano-Ortiz, there is growing support for movements advocating greater local control and self-reliance, suggesting the island’s future could take a different path.
While the referendum is non-binding, he explains that it could energise voters and reignite the long-standing debate over whether Puerto Rico should pursue statehood, independence, or a new association agreement with Washington.
Regardless of the outcome, Raymond Laureano-Ortiz stresses that Puerto Rico must continue to focus on policies that promote local growth, improve living conditions and social benefits for its citizens, and strengthen the island’s national identity.
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Photograph courtesy of Laurie Shaull. Published under a Creative Commons license.