Experts Discuss U.S.-Puerto Rico Relations

By Luis Esquivel
March 27, 2007

Featuring: Angel Collado-Schwarz, Fundación Voz del Centro, and José Julián Alvarez, University of Puerto Rico Law School

The status of Puerto Rico is a major concern for experts Angel Collado-Schwartz from Fundación Voz del Centro and José Julián Alvarez from the University of Puerto Rico Law School. Both claim the island's current commonwealth position is a hindrance for Puerto Rico's economic development.

"Puerto Rico is a colony," said Collado-Schwartz, adding that "in the twenty-first century there is no place for colonies." He reminded participants that the current arrangement denied representation of Puerto Rican interests in the U.S. Congress, referring the "voice, no vote" status of the Puerto Rican delegate in Congress. Alvarez agreed, classifying the situation as a "problem of democratic nature."

Collado-Schwartz noted that "Puerto Rico's economic condition is deteriorating due to dependence on the United States."

"It is not in the U.S.' or Puerto Rico's best interests to maintain dependence," said Collado-Schwartz. In his view, Puerto Rico's development could be achieved easily, given that "Puerto Rico is not as unequal as the rest of Latin America." In addition, Collado-Schwartz emphasized the strength of Puerto Rican human capital, citing the increase in average years of education from 2.7 in 1940 to 11 years in 2000.

Alvarez claimed that the issue of Puerto Rico's status will not be resolved until the United States takes a firm stance on the matter. He compared the situation to that of an indecisive bride. He said, "The bride [the United States] does not want to get married but avoids saying so" to the groom-Puerto Rico. He added that, "Indecision and silence only make matters worse."

Alvarez called for transparency in the "intentions" of the United States in regards to Puerto Rico's status. He said that U.S. plans for the island should have "clearly articulated reasons."

Yet Collado-Schwartz pointed out that Puerto Ricans themselves remain divided on the issue of status, and that Congress does not see a consensus from the Puerto Rican population on the issue. Statehood is not a universally accepted path for the commonwealth, and a small percentage of Puerto Ricans continue to push for independence.

The lack of Puerto Rican pressure allows the U.S. Congress to avoid making a decision on the island's status. As one participant put it, continuing with the metaphor, "the groom has not even asked the bride to marry him."