This past summer was full of tensions and important events for our country. Unthinkable things which had never been seen before in the history of Puerto Rico were achieved, lead by a tiresome nation that gathered around and raised its voice in massive unison, both creative and relevant ways.
Many underestimated how far the fight would go others looked up to it with sparkly and hopeful eyes. However, we witnessed how the tables were turned and big changes came upon us. We discover the important weapon we carry as people and what we can achieve with our union; in one summer, we rewrote the rules of the game.
The Origin
To write this story as it deserves to be read. Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?
For a while, there were rumors that there was a Telegram chat where our now ex-governor was involved with several of his known “friends”. Ricardo Rosselló Nevares strongly refused that these rumors were true. Shortly thereafter, evidence was leaked that this presumed chat indeed existed and to make matters worse, its content put all the members in that chat on the edge.
This chat included offensive content towards several communities in our society, such as those who died in the past hurricane Maria phenomenon, the LGBTTQQA+ community, and they even sent messages that demonstrated their misogyny, referring to several women “b**ches”. A horrible set of conversations full of bullying, hate and insensitivity were leaked for everyone to read.
The chat could be considered the trigger of what were the manifestations of the summer, but many claim that this was something that has been cooking up for years now and that enough was enough. The chat was just the confirmation of what we all already knew, yet nothing calmed the collective rage of the people when it got leaked.
Implications & Discomfort in the Puerto Rican Community
People gradually began to organize and mobilize themselves. Strikes were called in at the front of the governor’s house, La Fortaleza; people wanted Rosselló out of the governor’s seat. It began with a small but persistent group of people who attended day after day, and so people continued to join in until the district of Old San Juan, more than the usual tourist trap, became the city of revolution.
Everyone who could reach Calle Fortaleza street did so, but the strikes took over all the corners of the city and almost all the streets. It was impressive to see so many people in one place. You could compare it with our famous Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián festivities, but instead of “subiendo y bajando, felices y contentos”, they were shouting “Ricky Renuncia” with sadness and anger ruling their faces.
The strikes continued for almost two weeks and the people were creative in letting themselves be heard.
There were manifestations with flowers, manifestations with the songs of the artists who supported the strike, strikes on motorcycles and others on horses, both directed by El Rey Charlie, strikes in the bay on boats with paddles, “cacerolazos” at night, trending the #RickyRenuncia hashtag on social media and even “perreo combativo”. This wide spectrum of manifestations showed unity in our diversity. There were so many ways in which we express ourselves during summer that we couldn’t have done a better job at it. It is worth mentioning that we all watched over each other, we took care of ourselves, we were like a huge family. Some even brought food in large quantities to distribute, others distributed bottles of water, others carried emergency kits, love did not lack us.
The Big National Strike
Out of all the manifestations, the national strike on July 22nd, at the “Expreso Las Americas,” was the most important one. It’s estimated that around one million Puerto Ricans took to the streets and lined up with flags, banners, music and their hearts willing to keep fighting despite the continuous rain that fell that day. Some artists and athletes who were also marching alongside protesters were Ricky Martín, Tommy Torres, Benito Martines (Bad Bunny), René Pérez (Resident), Ednita Nazario, and many more. They were marching like any other citizen. We were all one.
The images of the march went viral and made global news. Everyone wanted to know what was happening on the small island in the Caribbean and other countries began to support the people’s cause. The only person who remained silent and clinging to his chair was Roselló.
The Aftermath
After weeks struggling to impeach Ricky or get him to resign, at 11:50 p.m. on July 24th, Roselló finally resigned via Facebook live. We all heard how the pots and pans clanged on the streets as soon as he uttered his resignation. We did it. There were many emotions: happiness, doubt, fear, power, and union. We had managed to do what no one had achieved before. But what would happen then? Who would be appointed as governor? Would it be for better or worse?
There was a lot of controversy surrounding the decision, but they assigned the position, after several days without any appointed governor to Pedro Pierluisi. It is worth mentioning that this only lasted for two days. Wanda Vazquez, the current governor of the island, enters as an emerging governor. There is still controversy about her appointment, but since then, the waters have calmed down or at least that is thought among the general population.
The question that remains in everyone’s head is whether things ended here or if this was the beginning of a new regime. We already tried out what it feels like to unite for the greater goods, but will we continue as a united nation to fight against injustice? Will we continue to fight for a juster and less corrupt government? I think that the answers to all these questions fall on each of our backs. I believe it is possible, and I think that when the time comes, we will all come back together to fight, march, strike to improve our present and to secure a better future.