There are moments in public life that require us to pause, take a collective breath, and ask ourselves—what kind of society are we striving to build? Recently, at a public rally, the comment was made that there’s “literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean… I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” This racially charged statement has not only struck a nerve but has crossed a line. It has opened old wounds of prejudice and reanimated hurtful stereotypes that, for too long, have plagued Puerto Rican culture and history. Such words, spoken in jest, have immediate consequences that ripple through communities, especially when Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory brimming with resilience, talent, and hospitality that define the Caribbean experience.
