Category: Politics

A Timeline of Puerto Rico: From Discovery to Modern Day

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Puerto Rico’s story spans over five centuries of cultural evolution, colonization, resistance, and transformation. This timeline highlights the major historical milestones that have shaped the island, from its encounter with Christopher Columbus to its current political status and societal developments. 1493 – Columbus Arrives Christopher Columbus first set foot on Puerto Rico during his second voyage to the Americas on November 19, 1493. He named the island San Juan Bautista in honor of Saint John the Baptist. At that time, it was inhabited by the Taíno people, who called it…

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The Jones Act: A Legacy of Protectionism and its Impact on Puerto Rico

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Enacted in 1920 as part of the Merchant Marine Act, the Jones Act remains a contentious cornerstone of US maritime policy. This law mandates that all goods transported by water between US ports must be carried on US-built, owned, and crewed vessels. While proponents hail it as a vital tool for national security and maritime industry support, critics point to its significant economic and social burdens, particularly on Puerto Rico and other non-contiguous territories. Exploring the Act’s history, rationale, and impact on Puerto Rico reveals a complex interplay of economic…

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Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez

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Nydia Velázquez, a prominent and seasoned politician, has dedicated her life to public service, advocating for the rights and well-being of her constituents. Born on March 28, 1953, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Velázquez has become a trailblazer in American politics, making history as the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the United States Congress and the first Hispanic woman to chair a full congressional committee. Nydia Velázquez currently represents New York’s 7th Congressional District, a diverse and dynamic area encompassing parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. The district is characterized…

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