User:AdBustamanti
The Reunification of Puerto Rico With Spain Movement, (or “reunificacionismo” in Spanish), is an emerging political movement simultaneously taking place in Puerto Rico and Spain. [1] The movement seeks to solve Puerto Rico's centenary colonial problem through the reintegration of the Island with Spain as the 18th Spanish Autonomous Community. [2] That is, it seeks to return complete sovereignty over Puerto Rico back to Spain. The historical roots for the Reunification movement are based on the following:
- Historically, Puerto Rico was a Spanish province invaded during the Spanish-American War of 1898. [3]
- The Island of Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States during the signing of the questionable Treaty of Paris of 1898. [4]
- During all its history, the people of Puerto Rico never attempted to separate from Spain.
- After more than one century of U.S. colonialism, the people of Puerto Rico continue to be a Hispanic nation which has successfully resisted repeated cultural assimilation attempts.
The Reunification of Puerto Rico With Spain Movement argues this novel political alternative is a far superior option for Puerto Rico and even Spain, given its political, social, and economic prospects. Particularly, when compared to the traditional political options which for over a century have been considered by political factions in Puerto Rico. The scope of the Reunification option was originally developed by Francisco González Sosa in his essay, “Descolonizando a Puerto Rico en el siglo XXI: La opción española”. [5] Reunification followers (“reunificacionistas”), argue that Reunification is a non colonial political option which offers outstanding economic growth opportunities for Puerto Rico and Spain. The movement claims this political solution offers a future with wide political powers, economic development, social stability, and cultural justice for the people of Puerto Rico. On economic prospects, the autonomic faculties constitutionally recognized in Spain offer the opportunity to transform the Spanish Puerto Rico into a prosperous jurisdiction in the Caribbean. The Island would again become Spanish and European Union territory in America. It's location in the Caribbean would allow the Island to engage in the commercial routes between North and South America, along with the commerce between Asia and Europe which crosses the Panama Canal. They also argue the prospects of a Puerto Rico reunified with Spain are exceptional, particularly when the economic capabilities of the island without the current commercial and cabotage restrictions are considered. In social terms, the movement argues that Reunification is a politically correct and honorable solution for Puerto Rico. The Reunification movement is rooted in the fact that Puerto Rico has retained its deep Spanish roots, that it is still Spain, and that the Puerto Rican people are one of the many historical nationalities of Spain. They sustain the Reunification of Puerto Rico with Spain offers Puerto Ricans complete equality with the rest of Spain, the founding nation of Puerto Rico, a country which Puerto Ricans always had deep ties of brotherhood and cultural affinity.
Historical Events. [6]
After its discovery in 1493, during Cristopher Columbus Second Voyage, the history of Spanish Puerto Rico starts in 1508 with the first settlement on the island then known as “Isla de San Juan Bautista” [Island of Saint John the Baptist], an endeavor undertaken by the Crown of Castile and Aragon. Over several centuries, the people of Puerto Rico were forged as one of the many historical nationalities of Spain. [7] During the first couple of centuries of its history, the Island of Puerto Rico was one of the locations used by the Spanish Armada on the Atlantic crossings between Europe and Spain's domains in America. For many centuries, Puerto Rico (then a “Capitania General”, [Captaincy General]), was one of the jurisdictions administered from the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Early in the 19th century, the Puerto Rican character was clearly forged and defined as a mixture of Spanish peoples, descendants of the Taino Indians who originally populated the island, Africans who were brought to the New World mostly by the slave trade, and other European immigrants. This ethnic mixing took place in Spanish Puerto Rico since the early 16th century, thus creating a new Hispanic culture in the Caribbean. In 1809, Puerto Rico become one of the newly created Spanish provinces. Puerto Rico always remained loyal subjects of the Spanish Crown during the independence processes in America. They remained full citizens and nationals of Spain afterwards, just like the residents of other Spanish provinces in Europe. Through the 19th century the Province of Puerto Rico was a relatively prosperous and stable Spanish jurisdiction. During this century the population of Puerto Rico increased dramatically; from an estimated 200,000 inhabitants in 1800, the population increased to about 950,000 by 1898. During this period the Overseas Province of Puerto Rico had parliamentary representation in las “Cortes” (the so called “Diputación Provincial” [Provincial Deputation])[8], the legislative body of the Spanish government. In 1897, the Province of Puerto Rico became the first Spanish province to obtain an autonomic statute, the “Carta Autonómica de 1897 de Puerto Rico” [Puerto Rico 1897 Autonomic Charter]. [9] The Spanish Province of Puerto Rico, was invaded and seized by the United States during the Spanish-American War of 1898 as a “war booty”, a transfer formalized by the 1898 Treaty of Paris. [4] The legitimacy of this treaty has been called in to question, for it was never ratified by the Spanish Parliament, which was then a necessary requirement. Ever since, Puerto Rico has been a territory or colony of the United States and remains under the plenary powers of the U.S. Congress, as stipulated in the Territorial Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Article IV, Section 3). [10] Initially, the Island was ruled by U.S. military personnel. Since 1900, its governors were civilians appointed directly from Washington D.C. After 1952, the people of Puerto Rico have been able to elect their local government in a democratic process. However, Puerto Rico lacks any real representation in the U.S. Congress, a body which wields the authority over Puerto Rico.
Current Situation of Puerto Rico.
Many followers of the Reunification Movement are well aware that Puerto Rico has been a colony and treated as a captive market [11] servicing the interest of certain commercial enterprises in the United States since 1898. [12] Meanwhile, they argue that under the plenary powers of the US Congress, Puerto Rico has been unable to attain the political powers, economic tools, and civil rights it had during the 19th century as a Spanish province. The movement states that current fiscal, political, social, and demographic crises in Puerto Rico are the direct result of the colonial restrictions the Island has been subjected to since 1898. Limited to being a territory or colony under the plenary powers of US Congress, Puerto Rico lacks the tools and possibilities for developing a self-sustaining economy. Therefore, it is unable to effectively address the needs of Island residents. For well over a decade, the economy of Puerto Rico been in a sustained recession [13], the direct result of a restricted economy which has been designed to serve as a captive market. In the latter half of 2016, the U.S. Government appointed a Fiscal Control Board for Puerto Rico [14] to administer the finances of the Island. However, the Government of Puerto Rico is bankrupt and has no liquidity. Therefore, it cannot serve its obligations nor sustain its ordinary expenses. Government retirees face significant cuts on their pensions. The emigration of Puerto Ricans looking for work outside the Island has become a serious demographic problem. The quality and availability of social services for the population has been severely affected. Proponents of this movement argue this initiative of reunifying Puerto Rico with Spain, will not be contrary to the best interests of the United States. Currently, the United States and Spain are allies in political and economic matters, and are NATO members. As such, the reunification of Puerto Rico with Spain should not be a contentious matter between the two countries. They additionally state the reunification with Spain offers the United States an opportunity to achieve a stable and prosperous European jurisdiction in the Caribbean region. A marked contrast with the current course of events, in which Puerto Rico is becoming a failed territory under United States rule. Basic Scope of Reunification for Puerto Rico
Autonomous Community of Spain.
Constitutionally, Spain is organized into municipalities, provinces, and autonomous communities [2]. The autonomous community statute is given to a province or group of provinces which elect to organize as such. They are normally grouped according to historic, cultural, geographic, and/or economic similarities. Spanish autonomous communities have ample autonomy and self-governance powers for pursuing their respective self-interests. But none of these communities enjoys economic or social privileges above and beyond those afforded to other autonomous communities. The Spanish Constitution [15] grants each autonomous community the right to carry out governmental and administrative functions over the following areas; their respective government and administrative institutions, territorial administration, public works, transportation systems, economic activities, environmental protection, energy generation, cultural resources, tourism and sports, social assistance programs, healthcare, and public security, among others.
Citizenship.
As part of the reintegration process, Puerto Ricans shall once again be entitled to Spanish citizenship by birth, with all its privileges and obligations. This citizenship was taken away from the people of Puerto Rico by the Foraker Act of 1900 [16]. Spanish citizenship would also extend all of the privileges and duties of all other citizens of the European Union to the people of Puerto Rico.
Political Powers in Spain.
As part of the reunification process, and becoming a Spanish province again, Puerto Rico would be granted full representation in the Spanish Parliament, the “Cortes Generales”. As such, senators and deputies for the Province of Puerto Rico would once again be part of Spanish government. Currently, Puerto Rico would be the third most populous province of Spain. Therefore, the Island would be entitled to about 6 to 7 senators and about 25 deputies in the “Cortes Generales”. Additionally, the Puerto Rican voters would participate in the election of deputies to the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. The lack of political representation for Puerto Rico within the United States political landscape sin 1898 has been noted as being one of the most significant limiting factors to its economic and social development [17].
Economic Model.
Considering the similarities in geographical separation, cultural heritage, and insular conditions that Puerto Rico has with the Canary Islands, the Reunification Movement proposes for Puerto Rico a model similar to the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands [18]. The Canary Islands model is an economic and fiscal regime called REF (Régimen Económico y Fiscal, “Economic and Fiscal Regime”,) [19]. It is predicated on having no cabotage restrictions, free competition in the transportation of goods, and a free trade zone. The fiscal and administrative principles of the REF are recognized by the Spanish Constitution of 1978, which guarantees the following;
- Free trade of imports and exports,
- No commercial monopolies,
- Free movement of goods,
- Exemptions from certain consumption taxes.
Tax-wise, a specific regime is proposed for Puerto Rico with no tax assessments for transactions with Spain. The Reunification Movement seeks the creation of a Special Zone [20] in Puerto Rico, just like in the Canary Islands. The Special Zone agreement would provide the following;
- Reduced tax regimes applicable to businesses on the Island engaged in the development of industrial, commercial, or service activities in certain economic sectors,
- Tax credits for job creation,
- Incentives for local production,
- Stimulus for job creation,
- Incentives for the expansion of commercial enterprises established in Puerto Rico.
As a Spanish autonomous community, Puerto Rico would again be able to make commercial treaties with other nations and jurisdictions, which should enable Puerto Rico to create economic and commercial opportunities within the Island.
The European Union. [21]
As part of Spain, the Autonomous Community of Puerto Rico would be part of the European Union, the second largest market in the world, a sophisticated transnational economy which provides for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and persons among all member nations. As part of the European Union, Puerto Rico would be an ultra-peripheral region [22], just like the Autonomous Community of Canary Islands. This classification would grant Puerto Rico access to certain structural funds and specific programs aimed at economic development. Those include cohesion policies, fishing funds, and other tools aimed at economic development. Additionally, Puerto Rico would be part of the European Committee of the Regions(CoR) [23]. This organism would give the Government of Puerto Rico the opportunity to formally participate in the creation of European Union legislation and policies regarding ultra-peripheral regions.
Commercial Perspectives.
The Reunification Movement argues that a Puerto Rico free from cabotage restrictions, with commercial freedom, and real political power will be able to achieve sustainable economic development. Given its location between the United States and the emerging economies of South America, and along the maritime routes between Europe and the Panama Canal, Puerto Rico has great commercial potential. Conditions which would allow the Island to become a trade center for goods and services in the region, and effectively allowing the Island to export locally produced goods.
Self Government.
Spanish autonomous communities enjoy constitutionally recognized broad levels of governance and administrative autonomy [2]. Such an arrangement would provide Puerto Rico with wide governance powers, rights, and administrative tools which it currently lacks. According to Spanish constitutional statutes, the Autonomous Community of Puerto Rico would establish its own autonomous Parliament for the election of a President and a Government Board, the governing body of the Autonomous Community of Puerto Rico. This government would be democratically elected by the people of Puerto Rico and have all the powers and authorities contained in the Spanish Constitution.
Cultural Overview.
A Puerto Rico reunified with Spain would again become one of the historical nationalities of Spain. The Reunification Movement believes the cultural identity of Puerto Rico will not be a social or political obstacle to the integration of Puerto Rico into the Spanish government and society. The people of Puerto Rico are the direct product of Spain in the Caribbean. Since the Spanish nation has historically been composed of different cultural groups or nations, Puerto Rico would fit perfectly in the Spanish society. As such, Puerto Rico will be able to protect its historical identity as a Spanish culture in the Caribbean.
Organizations currently promoting the Reunification of Puerto Rico with Spain.
- Adelante Reunificacionistas, a movement in Puerto Rico.
- Reunificacionistas.org, a movement in Spain.
- Movimiento Reunificación de Puerto Rico con España or MRE, (Movement for the Reunificaction of Puerto Rico with Spain), a movement in Puerto Rico.
References
[1] José Domingo Portero Lameiro, “El Movimiento de la Reunificación Española, Antecedentes y estado de la cuestión.”, Editorial Dykinson, S.L., Madrid, 2017, Editorial Dykinson, S.L., Madrid, 2017.
[2] Autonomous communities of Spain. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_communities_of_Spain
[3] The World of 1898: The Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico. Hispanic Division Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/puertorico.html
[4] Treaty of Peace Between the United States and Spain; December 10, 1898. The Avalon Project, Yale Law School. http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/sp1898.asp
[5] Descolonizando a Puerto Rico en el Siglo XXI: La Opción Española. (Borrador). By Francisco J. González Sosa. https://www.scribd.com/document/19196519/Descolonizando-a-Puerto-Rico-con-su-reincorporacion-a-Espana-como-Comunidad-Autonoma
[6] History of Puerto Rico. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Puerto_Rico
[7] Nationalities and regions of Spain. WikiVisually. https://wikivisually.com/wiki/Nationalities_and_regions_of_Spain
[8] Diputación Provincial de Puerto Rico. Wikipedia, La enciclopedia libre. [en linea]. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diputaci%C3%B3n_Provincial_de_Puerto_Rico
[9] The Autonomic Charter of 1897. Enciclopedia de Puerto Rico. https://enciclopediapr.org/en/encyclopedia/the-autonomic-charter-of-1897/
[10] The Territorial Clause: Who Cares? PR51st. http://www.pr51st.com/territorial-clause-cares/
[11] Historical Overview. War Against all Puerto Ricans. https://waragainstallpuertoricans.com/historical-overview/
[12] Puerto Rico is still a victim of colonial neglect. By Ishaan Tharoor, The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/09/27/puerto-rico-is-still-a-victim-of-colonial-neglect/?utm_term=.58f675f36223
[13] Cabán, Pedro. "Puerto Rico, Colonialism In", Scholars Archive, University at Albany, State University of New York, 2005. http://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=lacs_fac_scholar
[14] H.R. 5278, ‘‘Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act’’ or ‘‘PROMESA’’. 114th Congress of the United States, June 13, 2016. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R44532.pdf
[15] Spanish Constitution of 1978, Portal del Congreso de los Diputados.. http://www.congreso.es/portal/page/portal/Congreso/Congreso/Hist_Normas/Norm/const_espa_texto_ingles_0.pdf
[16] Foraker Act,, April 12, 1900 http://college.cengage.com/history/world/keen/latin_america/8e/assets/students/sources/pdfs/167_foraker_act_of_1900.pdf
[17] Puerto Rico: Devastation without representation. BY ROBERT RASMUSSEN AND MITU GULATI, The Hill. http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/356455-puerto-rico-devastation-without-representation
[18] Sanz, David. Canarias, modelo para los que piden que Puerto Rico sea español. El Español, 19 de marzo de 2017. HTTP://DIARIODEAVISOS.ELESPANOL.COM/AUTHOR/DAVIDSANZ/
[19] Canary Islands Special Zone. Spain: Related Information. Lowtax Global Tax & Business Portal. https://www.lowtax.net/information/spain/spain-canary-islands-special-zone.html
[20] Invest in the Canary Islands. Canary Islands, European Business Hub in Africa. http://www.canaryislandshub.com
[21] The EU in brief. European Union Portal. https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/eu-in-brief_en
[22] Regional policy & outermost regions. European Commission Portal. http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/themes/outermost-regions/
[23] European Committee of the Regions (CoR). European Union Portal. https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/institutions-bodies/european-committee-regions_en
[24] Nationalities and regions of Spain. WikiVisually. https://wikivisually.com/wiki/Nationalities_and_regions_of_Spain
External Links
http://adelantereunificacionistas.blogspot.com/
https://puertoricoreunificacion.wordpress.com/
http://www.reunificacionistas.org/es/
AdBustamanti (talk) 00:40, 19 July 2018 (UTC)