OpEd

Puerto Rico is among the bottom 10 places in the world in economic growth, along with countries such as Venezuela, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Equatorial Guinea. It is sad that the island has fallen so low, but understandable, since we are the jurisdiction in the United States with the least economic freedom.

Economic theory tells us that minimum wage increases eliminate jobs, and this theory is supported by empirical findings. A meta-analysis of several dozen studies published by the National Bureau of Economic Research reported that 79.2 percent of studies produced negative estimates of the minimum wage’s impact on employment.

The trajectory of public policy in Puerto Rico reveals a deep-rooted reliance on government as a remedy for all social problems, writes Ojel Rodríguez Burgos.

Roberto Clemente is one of the most storied players in Major League Baseball history. During his nearly two-decades on the field, Clemente racked up two World Series rings, an MVP award, and numerous batting titles. So popular and beloved was Clemente’s brand that his home island of Puerto Rico used it to raise revenue. Puerto Rico hauled in $15 million selling license plates with Clemente’s likeness. It did so without his family’s permission and without paying them a dime. It would be fitting for Clemente to hit yet another home run — this time for freedom — a full five decades after his last at bat.

Economic freedom is the right of every human being to earn an honest living -that is, to work, produce, undertake, sell, buy and exchange goods and services- responsibly and voluntarily, without undue governmental interference or obstacles (Carrión-Tavárez, 2024). This right does not distinguish between race, sex, age, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, political opinion or socioeconomic level.

Each year, the U.S. Congress allocates over $400 million for food assistance to support more than 250,000 residents of Puerto Rico who are able-bodied adults without dependents, and are between the ages of 18 and 54. Notably, this financial assistance does not come with a work obligation. Congress does not apply this approach to any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or even to Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Beneficiaries of nutritional assistance in these jurisdictions are under the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), which includes a work requirement. It's time to bring Puerto Rico into the same program.

This year we have seen a resurgence of the National Superior Basketball (BSN, its acronym in spanish), with courts filled to capacity, high technology and shows before and at halftime like in the NBA. This coincides with the private investment of businessmen from Puerto Rico and the United States; a healthy and competent administration; and contracts to high quality reinforcements players, former NBA players. The result has been greater competitiveness and sports quality, as well as an increase in the number of fans on the courts and in television and radio audiences.

I am part of the 1.3% who have experienced acculturation and grief. The feeling of missing family, desiring typical food of the country, mastering another language, adapting to a new climate and work environment, has a significant impact on the physical and emotional health of the migrant. In the United States I found wonderful opportunities, but I have never lost the desire to return to my homeland.

Individualism is a defining characteristic of modernity. Previously, in traditional societies, the identity and position of the individual were dictated by a single way of living; but a new moral practice emerged within Western civilization creating the main root of modernity. This root is individualism - the ability of the individual to pursue his desires, his ends, and his moral identity.