Statement from CLACSO member centers in the Dominican Republic on the crisis in Puerto Rico

Given the profound crisis facing the sister nation of Puerto Rico, which could lead to the resignation of its Governor, Ricardo Rosselló, the organizations that subscribe to this statement, as CLACSO Member Centers in the Dominican Republic, express their interest in ensuring that the Constitution is respected in the Caribbean nation, which bases the functioning of public powers on the will of the people, free participation and the preservation of the fundamental rights of Puerto Ricans.

We condemn the situation that triggered the major mobilizations in response to the current crisis, repudiating all forms of political intolerance, authoritarianism, misogyny, homophobia and corruption, as well as the lack of protection for the victims of the disasters that struck our sister country.

We also express our admiration and solidarity with the artists, intellectuals, professionals, workers, leaders, activists, and citizens in general who today, from Puerto Rico, are an example of civic virtue and patriotism for all of Our America, asserting their rights and their will for a more just society.

It is important to highlight Puerto Rico's significance to the Dominican Republic. The Puerto Rican national hero Ramón Emeterio Betances was of Dominican descent; our Dominican homeland was a refuge for Eugenio María de Hostos; Juan Bosch and Pedro Mir were also descendants of Puerto Ricans; and we admire Julia de Burgos as one of our own. For nearly a century, Puerto Rico has been a haven for Dominican exiles, freedom fighters, and a destination for a large influx of men and women emigrating from Quisqueya (the Dominican Republic).

For Dominicans, peace, stability, and the democratic strength of Puerto Rico are of utmost importance. We extend our solidarity in the face of this grave political situation and trust that the solution to the crisis will be found by respecting the thousands of Puerto Rican protesters and by building a future that guarantees the permanence of the values ​​and principles upon which social justice, democracy, public ethics, solidarity, and the protection of human rights in their broadest sense are founded.

Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences – FLACSO – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC PROGRAM /
Juan Bosch Foundation / Multi-Thematic School / Alternative City