La lucha continua: The struggle continues
The formation of the Puerto Rican Green Party
By Cris Torres
Puerto Rican Green Party

The concept of colonialism in all its ramifications seems a topic more suitable to the pages of history books than an ongoing and pivotal struggle in the arena of modern-day politics. Many people might be unaware that a colony, with all the imposed complications, limitations and outright second-class citizenship, currently exists in this new millennium. Contrary to what you may believe, this form of rule doesn't originate in some obscure part of the world, but right here in the United States of America.

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines colonialism as (1) a policy by which a nation maintains or extends its control over foreign dependencies; (2) the exploitation by a stronger country of a weaker one; the use of the weaker country's resources to strengthen and enrich the stronger country.

Members of the Puerto Rican Green Party, from left to right: (standing) Sammy Marrero, Julion Rodriguez, Cris Torres, Angelo Albino.; (sitting) Keyla Pacheco, Nelson Lugo and Josue Pacheco. Photo: Puerto Rican Green Party

The colony in question is the island of Puerto Rico. First "discovered" by Christopher Columbus in 1493, the island has since been viewed as a property rather than a culturally diverse country. The Enchanted Island, as it is also known, has been a colony for over five hundred years. First acquired by Spain, it is now in U.S. hands.

Puerto Rico's unique situation has had a long-lasting impact on its society. Corporations that have a stake on the island enjoy the benefits of paying lower wages and receiving tax cuts more akin to outsourcing than anything else. Developers from afar come to the island to exploit its forests and natural resources. Military bases and military recruitment of students living in underdeveloped areas are commonplace. These, along with violations of the most fundamental civil rights, such as the right to vote for the president, the right to have representation in congress or the U.S. electoral college, are but a few examples of second-class citizenship one experiences in moving here.

The political environment on the island mainly concerns itself with possible solutions to these issues. The three major political parties here are more or less identified by their stance on the status of Puerto Rico in relation to the U.S. mainland. The "Partido Popular Democratico" (PPD), seen by many to resemble the Republican Party, believes that the island should stay as a commonwealth and not alter that relationship. The "Partido Nuevo Progresista" (PNP), which closely resembles the Democratic Party, believes that the island should become the 51st state. The third largest political party is "Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño" (PIP). They believe that the solutions for many of the island's social struggles are found in independence.

The question of status is of major concern to most Puerto Ricans and the main reason why the political bodies on the island find it very difficult to concern themselves with the many other problems afflicting the island's environment, civil rights and economy.

The Puerto Rican Green Party (PRGP) formed in the City of Ponce in May 2004 to shine a light on the problems facing our society beyond the debates about independence/statehood/commonwealth. Founders Cris Torres, Nelson Lugo, Keyla Pacheco, Josue Pacheco and Angelo Albino have been involved in many political, cultural and social causes on the island. For example, Puerto Rican Greens have been working with the Surf Rider Foundation to protest the overdevelopment of many beaches along the West Coast. And they have drawn attention to the widespread pollution caused by military practices and weapons testing on Vieques.

The PRGP understands that the issue of status is complicated, but that, nevertheless, the many current issues affecting the livelihood of Puerto Ricans cannot be ignored. That is why the PRGP has chosen not to identify itself with the dividing issue of statehood, commonwealth or independence and plans to create awareness of more immediate issues in the months ahead. But Puerto Rican Greens do this while ever waiting for America to bring them some of that democracy and equal rights it is always talking about.

Cris Torres spent his childhood in Boston and now lives in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He is a founding member of the Puerto Rican Green Party.

To contact the PR Greens, go to www.geocities.com/prgreens/.

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