Row over ‘island of garbage’ comment: Puerto Rico’s unique relationship with US, influence in polls

Row over ‘island of garbage’ comment: Puerto Rico’s unique relationship with US, influence in polls

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• In a recent election rally in the US, a comedian remarked about Puerto Rico, which he referred to as a “floating island of garbage”. The comment has sparked controversy.

About Puerto Rico:

• Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and an unincorporated US territory, approximately 1,600 km off the coast of Florida.
• Population: Approximately 3.3 million residents (as of the latest estimates). Notable population of Puerto Ricans in the mainland US: around 5.8 million.
• It shares maritime boundaries with Dominican Republic to the west and the US Virgin Islands to the East.

Unique relationship with US:

• Puerto Rico was ceded to the US by Spain during the Spanish-American War (1898).
• In 1917, US Citizenship was granted to Puerto Ricans.
• Puerto Rico has a complex relationship with the mainland. Though Puerto Ricans enjoy US citizenship, they lack full voting rights in presidential elections.
• Residents can vote in primaries and caucuses but not in the general election.