Ending US Colonialism of Puerto Rico

Guest: Monisha Rios, Puerto Rican psychologist and social worker

The inspiration for tonight’s episode came during the VI Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) held in Mexico City on September 18. A result of the Summit was a: “SPECIAL DECLARATION ON THE QUESTION OF PUERTO RICO." The declaration includes two points:

1. Reaffirm the Latin American and Caribbean character of Puerto Rico and, recognizing the efforts made and the resolutions adopted by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United Nations about the situation on Puerto Rico, the most recent on June 18, 2021, and reiterate that it is a matter of high interest to CELAC, as was emphasized at the highest level at the V Summit in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, held on January 25, 2017. 

2. Undertake to continue working in the framework of international law, particularly of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV): Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples of December 14th, 1960, to put an end quickly and unconditionally to colonialism in all its forms and manifestations in the Latin American and Caribbean Region.

Joining us today to talk about Ending US Colonialism of Puerto Rico is Monisha Rios. She is a Puerto Rican psychologist, social worker and US army veteran.