Puerto Ricans march for national identity

by Daniel Vila

This article was reprinted from the June 20, 1996 issue of the People's Weekly World. For subscription information see below. All rights reserved - may be used with PWW credits.

The torrential rains brought about by a tropical storm, did not cloud the colorful repetition of single-starred banners waved by thousands of Puerto Ricans marching in an act of faith for the Puerto Rican nationality.

Over 125,000 people, who came from every corner of the island, marched along Aveneida Conquistador to the Hotel El Conquistador in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, to remind governors from every U.S. state that Puerto Rico is a nation different from the U.S. A parade of about 100 Paso Fino horses followed by hundreds of pleneros (players and dancers of a Puerto Rican rhythm) led the march. The marchers danced and chanted "Viva Puerto Rico!" The strong winds and downpours did not tarnish the jubilee reigning the event dubbed by its organizers "The Nation in March."

The event was held in response to some statements by the island's governor, Pedro Rosello, who said Puerto Rico "is not, nor has it been, a nation."

The demonstration was also intended to give a message to the U.S. governors who were here for their annual National Governors Convention.

The protest was a unified event in which diverse political, community, religious and cultural groups participated. The candidate for governor from the opposition Popular Democratic party (PPD), Hector Luis Acevedo, participated in the march. Present were also mayors, other elected officials and leaders of the PPD, a party that does not support full independence for Puerto Rico but does not favor complete annexation to the United States.

Members of the New Independentist Movement (NMI) and other groups supported the demonstration. That included the underground group Los Macheteros, which advocates independence for the island with guerrilla-type actions.

Julio Muriente, NMI president, told the World from San Juan that "the march was a step forward in the search for a consensus to solve the status of Puerto Rico." He added that the upcoming electoral process should not serve to divide Puerto Ricans, and that they should maintain points of unity to solve the big problems affecting Puerto Rico."

Ramon Nenadich, coordinator of the Movement for the Defense of People's Rights, said the demonstration showed that "the majority of the country thinks Puerto Rico is a nation different from the U.S.," that his people want to preserve their culture and identity.

The only speech of the day was made by writer Ricardo Alegria from a stage adorned by the Puerto Rican flag.

"We meet here this morning with the patriotic aim of affirming our nationality, to express our firm opposition to Puerto Rico being annexed, integrated or diluted into any other."

Puerto Rico was invaded by U.S. troops in 1898. Since then the political debate in the U.S. has moved around its status. The three options that confront Puerto Ricans are independence, restricted autonomy and statehood.