I am vacationing in Puerto Rico right now. I wish I could include photos. Currently I am lying on the beach.
The weather is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the food is fantastic and the ocean is turquoise. I could not be happier and am so glad we came here. Yes I know there is some gang violence but I feel completely safe. My understanding is crime is actually down! 7 years ago it was worse. We have to help this beautiful country get back on its feet!!!!
9
at the expense of taxpayers money to make Puerto Rico a u.s. territory and we used to use it for US Navy and weapons research off the coast at an island called Vieques, I am sincerely curious and frustrated that we did not make Afghanistan and Iraq US territories. We spent billions of dollars and have set up whole cities and democracies and we should be able to make it a u.s. territory. just as we have done with US Puerto Rico. Benefits both. They set up their own governor and government and receive federal money from the mainland USA. and we can have much-needed presence in the Middle East. Can you imagine? Saudi Arabia or Iran want to start some type of War we would be right next door with our missiles to mediate and go along with the only Democratic nation in the Middle East, Israel.
1
The crime waves within the island continue to terrorize citizens. We live in fear and the Police department will not combat these violent offenders nor will the elected officials. The PR government will protect and avoid in actual crime projections to avoid losing truism. Violent offenders live like kings in a type of style of vacation while in prison in the PR prison. They have powers to vote in which politicians negotiate with extended civilian privileges every four years during elections. PR inmates do not fear the prison system nor the types of violent crimes they commit knowing that the system will not hold punishment against their crimes. Inmates are rewarded while in prison with a life style of items and foods you would find within any tax payers bedroom or home.
3
I used to live and work in San Juan. For the USAF. In 2009 to 2014. we were told of what areas in Isla Verde to stay away from. But otherwise I could ride my bike across San Juan. Even at night. But never did I ever hear of any murders or gang during the daytime.
But it was a sight to see, grocery stores had 20-foot walls around their parking lots and a paid security guard in a tower as a sniper shooter would be. Protecting all customers and their cars.
6
According to the US Census Bureau Puerto Rico receives $21 billion in Federal money each year, excluding disaster aid. That is a bit more than $500 per month for every adult and child.
I'd like to know to what purpose that money is being put. Have audits been done on how it was used?
For comparison, the city of Los Angeles, which has a population of 4 million, a bit more than PR, gives its police department an annual budget of $1.2 billion.
At double L.A.'s budget (in a place where the cost of living is much lower), that would still leave almost $19,000,000,000 for other projects.
6
We frequently stop in Puerto Rico and St. Thomas whenever we cruise. I've never felt unsafe or afraid. But, now I'm wondering; should we stop there again? In the 1960s we used to visit Puerto Rico with our family as kids. Dad would take all us there, including grandma and grandpa. My sister and I, then teenagers, went to night spots, beaches and everywhere else, including Old San Juan and never, ever thought that we might be in any danger. My wife and I honeymooned there in 1972 and now my second wife and I have visited both islands very often over the last 20 years.
In our last trip to both Islands, St. Thomas was pretty well devastated and only a smattering of stores were open. The countryside still had little or no power.
The Islands are beautiful. The people always warm and welcoming. I hope that someone soon figures out how to end the crime and violence.
I wonder too, where did all the guns come from? I mean its an island? I don't recall seeing any gun shops in Puerto Rico ever. Jewelry stores are aplenty....but guns? What's going on?
2
Lots of comments here about travel risk.
If the murder rate in a place is 20/100,000 per year, and as a traveler you spend 5 days on the island, your risk of murder is [5/7 x 1/52 x 20] x 100,000, or about 2 in 1 million. That's really not a scary statistic.
AND that's all-comers.
In every city, murders happen disproportionately to individuals already engaged in crime. Yes, there are random acts of violence everywhere, every day. I don't see any reference in the article to any single case of any tourist getting hurt at any point.
10
It has been a long time since I set foot in Puerto Rico and it pains me to hear these things. Why this Commonwealth is not a thriving, growing place of opportunity is a condemnation of the bad policy that has apparently been part of the history since it became part of the United States.
6
We just returned from a vacation in Isla Verde and San Juan -- beautiful country (even with the scars of Maria still not fully cleaned up, especially outside the main tourist areas), wonderful, and hardworking people. I did not feel unsafe at all, but have to admit the YouTube videos are sobering.
There has to be something we can do, constructively, to help.
10
@Bill I just got back from Puerto Rico, too! I have the same impressions as you. I honestly believe that the US needs to invest a lot more into Puerto Rico to reverse the negative social and economic trends. The way that they have been treated is a national shame! At some point the US needs to serious consider reparations and a long-term fix to the deeply-embedded inequities that plague Puerto Rican citizens.
10
@Philip - at present PR receives $21 billion, excluding disaster aid. That is $500 per month for every adult and child.
I'd like to see PR developing too. But before we throw more money at the problem I think we need to understand to what purpose the current funds are going. Some kind of extensive audit is in order.
Even more money, without a well conceived plan on how to use it, will not solve problems.
6
Time to re-think the NYT top 2019 destination list, no?
13
Puertoricans are Americans like any orher American. We are born, live, work and die as Americans. We have served and given our lives in every war since becoming part of the United States. As with other parts of our country, we’re going thru hard times. But as Americans we are resilient. It will get better because we are Americans. To those who write untrue articles. I suggest you check your facts before writing.
10
This kinda clashes with the Times listing PR the top spot to visit in 2019. Think I'll move down the list and put my travel dollars elsewhere.
13
I recently spent two weeks in Luquillo. Although buildings were abandoned in areas, and I didn't see many police cars, I felt safe there. I'm a senior white woman. I walked at night on the beach with other women. People were so friendly. I would go again in a heatbeat. My brother lives there 6 months a year and also feels safe. Like most places, it depends on where you go. The rest of the USA needs to help them in every way as we can.
14
I hear San Juan has a great mayor who excels at blaming Trump for things. Surely there is a photo op in here for her somewhere. Maybe she could show up to the funerals for some of those murdered in her city. But she might be too busy watching Hamilton with Democrat leadership.
6
Puerto Rico should not be a USA problem. They should be independent of the US. The majority of their citizens could care less as to what happens on the mainland. Their politicos did not represent their issues in a good light post hurricane. They want, want, want but give nothing in return. Absolutely nothing except the people escaping the island to Florida. Enough already!
8
@Donald You should educate yourself or at least read a bit before making such a ridiculously comment like that. Did you know that PR gives 5.95 billion in annual excess profits to US corporations thanks to the Jones act. Also, the island receives a total of $4.6 billion in Federal dollars while contributing $71.6 billion back to the US economy. So who is supporting who? And don't forget, we die in the same wars that all Americans soldiers die!
17
@Manuel - According to the US Census Bureau PR receives $21 billion in Federal dollars excluding disaster relief. That works out to $500 per month for every adult and child.
What is the "excess profit" you refer to? Profit on what?
Where do you get the $71.6 figure?
With a population of just under 3.4 milllion, the $71.6 billion amounts to almost $1800 per month for every adult and child.
What do you mean by "back to the US economy"? Do you mean things like somebody buys a burger at McD's and that money is going back to the US economy because a piece of it ends up as McD corporate profit?
I want to understand your assertions better because at the moment I can't make sense of them.
6
I was born in San Juan and lived my first few years in the Projects. Safe/everyone was friendly and looked out for each other. I have returned several times and have witnessed the transformation from safe to dangerous. Every one has a reason and solution. But having had family in law enforcement, i can honestly tell the gang bangers commit crimes in NYC and head back to the island as it is simple to do so. I suggest have everyone get a a federal government ID card to travel back and forth as a means tom make sure certain element of our society is id. By the way i have walked the streets of San Juan old , la perla, and other sites at night and felt safe due to the heavy law enforcement presence. sent all convicted shooters to jails in the mainland and I bet the high crime rate will be curtailed.. saty safe
7
Hmmmm....think poverty, neglect, poor education or social support might contribute to violent crime? It’s cheaper to lock ‘em up than to educate and elevate, but at what social cost?
7
How does Puerto Rico's murder rate compare to Chicago's? 600 murders per year is standard for Chicago.
2
@Jim
Here are some murder rates of various cities, including all of PR. They're not all the same year but they're all within the last 2-4 years. So, close enough for comparison.The long term (20 years) trend in all these places, including PR, has been downward.
Rate in terms of murders per 100,000 population:
Detroit - 80.3
NYC - 3.4
Houston - 16.3
Chicago - 23.8
PR - 30.6
2
Just like Chicago, unfortunately, many have guns, few have fathers.
7
Build a wall! Oh, wait....Nevermind. Republicans don't care about Perto Rico. Trump certainly does not think they are part of his "National Emergency".
7
@John
How is this the fault of republicans? Seriously, did you read the article? PR is a corrupt nation that we are supporting and not for anything but this has been going on well before Bone Spurs took office.
9
Democrats do care. In fact nearly 40 Democrat members of Congress are enjoying a fun filled beach vacation with their families - and over a hundred political lobbyists - in Puerto Rico right now. They are staying at a hotel that charges over $460 a night for a room, and attending high end dinners. They can also go sightseeing and gamble at the Casinos. Fortunately, most of the expenses are paid for by the lobbyists. They may even briefly talk with someone there about crime.
Shutdown? Why should any of them worry? But if Republicans had done this the media would be constantly criticizing them. But Democrats are excused from any need for propriety.
8
51st state? thanks, but we have enough murderers in the 50 already.
28
Yet didn't the Times list Puerto Rico as one of the 52 places to travel to in 2019?
Sorry, but I'll take a pass considering this article's reporting.
27
@Len - Did you notice the bit where the article says most of the murders are related to drugs? So unless you plan on going into the drug trade you're quite safe. I wouldn't go walking alone in seedy neighborhoods at night, but then I wouldn't do that in any major American city I didn't know well.
2
@J Jencks Fair points, J Jencks and valid ones as well. But it's a crazy world, and while you are right about staying out of neighborhoods that are sketchy or drug-infested - always a good strategy whether you are traveling or not - part of the fun of traveling is seeing how the locals live, eat where they eat, see what they see.
I don't have any desire to go on vacation and be limited to the a resort boundary because I am taking my life in my hands to explore past it. Too many other safer places to visit. . .
4
@Len - Yes, the same here. I like to explore the neighborhoods as well. There's no substitute for common sense.
2
And yet the NYT lists Puerto Rico as its #1 place to visit in 2019. Go figure.
30
Without doubt there is a crime wave in Puerto Rico. Nonetheless, most of it are turf wars between drug gangs, and rarely affect tourist areas.
Crime is rampant all over the Caribbean, however that doesn't stop tourists from going to Jamaica or the Dominican Republic. Cuba maybe is the safest island in the area, maybe because they have the drug traffic under control.
24
Isla Verde is a heavily trafficked tourist area where one of the deadly shootings occurred. Over 100 rounds fired at 8:45 on a Sunday morning. Not simply gang related when 100 rounds are fired on a busy street.
6
The new NYT 52-Places traveller will soon write about Puerto Rico. That will be interesting.
Trump is talking about taking $ from Puerto Rico so as to fund The Wall so do not hold your breath waiting for Federal help.
The described scenario is Hellish. Until serious Federal backbone arrives my guess is that the Puerto Rico described here will somehow get worse and worse. And that probably means right after Trump loses re-election to someone sane in 2020.
7
United states has a terrible crime problem with it's Caribbean territories the virgin islands murder rate is even higher than that of Puerto Rico. Brutal murders routinely goes unsolved and what police exists appears to have given up even trying. This is an evil cycle that severely impacts the island's chances of recovery and the populations safety.
7
Puerto Rico has for several years debated statehood. Time to make up their minds since they can't get things done by themselves---no insult intended. Time to take American Democracy and crime prevention seriously on the island.
4
Great and honest reporting by the contributors to this story Kudos to them ( Alejandra Rosa and Frances Robles. Thank you for the up dated picture of my birthplace
4
If #45 I looking for a national disaster he does not have to look any further that Puerto Rico. These are citizens of the United States being killed in broad daylight as a direct result of the inadequate response to Hurricane Maria! Send in the Army have them police and help rebuilt the Island and then take steps to make sure that the people who live there are able to make a decent living. Forget the southern border of the US. This is a much more pressing problem.
8
I find laughable the simple-minded comments from certain people here claiming that Puerto Rico's economic crisis is due to "corruption." Ignore history, why don't you?
Puerto Rico has been a de facto U.S. colony since 1898. Colonies exist for one reason: wealth extraction, ensuring far more wealth is taken out than put back in. And because government exists not for the benefit of the population, but rather to serve outside interests, it is practically impossible for a corrupt and dysfunctional government not to become entrenched.
Today, Puerto Rico struggles under U.S.-imposed austerity, as the island's essential services -- healthcare, education, police and fire, infrastructure -- are stripped bare in order to prioritize repayment of bonds issued by U.S. financial institutions. Those institutions made risky, imprudent loans and enjoyed high interest rates/profits, and instead of accepting the default risk (as lenders are supposed to), those politically powerful U.S. financial institutions have used the U.S. government to strip Puerto Rico's public assets and public services bare to repay the U.S. bankers.
Puerto Ricans are technically U.S. citizens today, but they cannot vote for President, and have no voting Congressional representation. Yet they are taxed just like the rest of us. Taxation without representation -- didn't we fight a revolution fought over that? Give PR two Senators and two Congressmembers, full voting, and watch things change.
54
@Gregory You failed to mention the vast corruption from PR's leaders who have a hand in this as well.
7
@Gregory
agreed. the mainland makes vassals of all else. a real pity.
3
Puerto Rican’s are not “taxed just like the rest of us.” Although the taxes paid by Puerto Ricans are roughly comparable to those paid by the average U.S. resident, the former’s tax payments go to the island government, and are in the end retained there. Otherwise, there would, indeed, be taxation without representation.
The principal argument for excluding Puerto Rico from many federal programs is the fact that Puerto Ricans do not pay federal income tax. This is part of the unusual arrangement between the island and the U.S.
16
My family lives, works, thrives in Puerto Rico. Where was NYT when we had 1,000 murders in one year? Drugs and gang strife have been here for as long as the US East Coast has been buying them. Where are the stories about big pharma leaving PR to avoid taxes. Where are the other corporations that fled after losing the 25 yr triple tax exemptions. NYC investors go cry at Goldman Sachs door. Hurricane Maria aftermath has demonstrated we are alone. The sobering truth about poverty, class inequity, and colonialism is what I will never read on your front page. This coverage is alarmist and will only serve to scare people away. The adult providers in my family are all college educated and have full time jobs. They do not need to be rescued. Those calling for sending in troops should look in their own backyard.
18
Puerto Rico's crime rate is around 20 per 100,000, almost 3 times the US average but not too different from some cities in the mainland and actually lower (in 2017) than a dozen or so cities, including Milwaukee, Las Vegas, Cleveland, Detroit and New Orleans. Crime in Puerto Rico so far this year is statistically lower than in 2018 but some of the incidences, brazen shootings related to drugs and the underworld carried out in the open, one near the touristic area of Isla Verde, have been captured on videos and have heightened the concern.
The underlying cause of crime in Puerto Rico is complex but much of it is explained by chronic poverty. The island economy, since the sixties, and most acutely in the past 10 years, isn't providing enough good paying jobs. The median household income of $20,078 is only 55% that of Mississippi, the poorest state of the union.
Youngsters at the lowest scales choose between menial, unguaranteed jobs, remaining unemployed or joining his buddies from "el punto" nearby. (Noteworthy, the island is used as a gateway for drugs entering the USA, thus facilitating a ready local supply.)
The undergoing fiscal situation makes matters worse. The causes of Puerto Rico's debt can't be easily explained in a few paragraphs but bear in mind that governments tried, for years, to make up for the faltering economy by swelling up publicly paid employment. This easily slides into mismanagement and corruption.
16
This is our first time here in PR and we can’t wait to come back. We have traveled extensively in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras- this place seems idyllic
10
Maybe the 30 Democrat members of Congress enjoying an expensive junket in Puerto Rico with their families and over a hundred lobbyists will investigate this problem. If they can pry themselves away from the light workload and time on the beach and their $460 hotel rooms and attending a showing of Hamilton, they may briefly think about Puerto Rico’s problems and the government shutdown. I know the members of Congress paid for tickets to Hamilton but I think that the other costs were paid for by the lobbyists. This is government we can believe in.
13
You know what you’d get if every US state were cut adrift like PR and forced to adopt the US$, and additionally federal income tax and the Federal Reserve were also abolished?
The European Union.
I think PR should apply for full statehood if the local population is ok with it.
5
@Pantagruel
The last election where the issue was on a ballot was rejected by a significant margin, of course only 20% of the population voted.
2
Unfortunately, ever since George W closed Roosevelt Roads Naval Base because of the bombing protests, the US Government does not give a hoot about PR.
There is no longer any strategic value. They have Guantanamo Bay to protect the southern flank.
They would rather cut PR loose rather than continue to invest in its infrastruture, people and culture.
Very sad.
9
Like some many of its South American peers, Puerto Rico has been crippled by a culture of corruption and mismanagement. It is similar to Greece, where debt was accumulated without consideration of repayment. Tax evasion is a national pastime.
The work force is rife with patronage amd nepotism. It’s infrastructure rotted away due to incompetence. Most of its work force is governmental.
A one point,the National Guard was sent to Puerto Rico to maintain order.
Any aid from mainland will evaporate in the mysterious fog of corruption.
What’s not to like ?
9
This is a letter written by a person who is largely ignorant about Puerto Rico’s history and current situation. The letter contains fundamental inaccuracies and is misleading. The vast majority of Puerto Ricans are hard working family-oriented people. The National Guard has been called out many times on the U.S. mainland to quell disturbances and impose order, and that is as typical of life in the USA as is calling out the Guard in Puerto Rico. Corruption and nepotism on the island do exist, but they exist to a large degree in Washington DC and many other locations in the USA, too. Read the papers. Follow the money.
8
Puerto Rico is slowly becoming a third-world republic. Add to the discussion the urban decay in many neighborhoods both wealthy and non wealthy, caused by abandoned houses which to my understanding some of them are overpriced for the low land value that they possess (e.g. overgrown grass in parks, cracked roads, lighposts that still don’t work, and clandestine junkyards). And yet, the mayors and central government can afford to pay a “christmas bonus” to public bureaucrats and hand out Three Kings Day gifts to children in poor communities. To my understanding, there are other priorities that need to be put up front, rather than catering to voter sympathy through populist actions. That is the reality, the government bureaucrats clinging to what’s left of the government budget at the expense of the tax payer (e.g. we pay the highest sales tax in the US, 11.5%, no improvements on public services).
7
I loved going to Puerto Rico but never spent any time in San Juan. I was on the opposite side of the island and the folks there were very friendly. Lived in a rented house and never had a problem there so I wonder if the murder rate is isolated to San Juan or island wide? I would suspect the former.
3
"Puerto Rico has long had one of the highest murder rates in the country..."
With all due respect, is it technically correct to refer to Puerto Rico as "in the country"? Does the island's commonwealth status mean that it is in the U.S.?
1
Yes.
4
This is the last thing Puerto Rico needs as it tries to recover and rebuild tourism.
We took part in the post hurricane Adopt A Family program, adopting four island families that needed boxes and boxes of disinfecting supplies, blankets, socks and underwear, stuffed animals for children to hold for security.
I very sincerely hope for the best for the islanders, who have been treated abominably by Trump. May they feel safer soon!
20
Puerto Rico may be a beautiful place with many wonderful people.
But the level of corruption and mismanagement is 3rd world.
How we address that is beyond me.
52
@Talbot The solution is Statehood, plain and simple. If PR were a state, it would get a full share of Federal assistance. Also, business would be attracted because people would know that the island would stabilize. Absent that, PR will continue to lose its most productive citizens and things will deteriorate for the foreseeable future.
18
@Talbot ... the solution is quite easy. Cut it loose; i.e. independence with some sort of severance package. Maybe hanging on to PR made sense during Teddy Roosevelt's era; ok, maybe also during the Cold War, but time to cut the cord.
10
@LooseFish
Unfortunately I believe that that ship has sailed.
For decades, the populace has voted down statehood, which even had they voted for it would have had an an uphill battle in the US Congress.
Now, I believe that the US administration be more likely to cut PR loose rather than make it a state.
7
I’d appreciate some more revealing statistics. The graphs show total murders, not per capita. How about murders per 1000 people, violent crimes per capita, etc. This would reveal more than the limited information published.
22
@James Cullum. It would also expose the fact that some segments of the world's population are consistently more violent than others
4
@James Cullum
"He has stressed, however, that Puerto Rico recorded 641 murders in 2018, down 10 percent from 710 the year before. For comparison, the island set a record of 1,135 homicides in 2011 — 30 killings for every 100,000 residents.
Even now, at about 20 per 100,000, Puerto Rico’s murder rate is four times that of the mainland United States, and is more in line with countries like Mexico."
4
Puerto Rico has been a disaster for years. I invested in PRASA , the water utility, who published reports of how they were going to fix the losses and get on the track to solvency. They lied and defaulted on their bonds as did most the Puerto Rican government entities, long before any hurricane. The electrical grid, water and sewer, building funds, and the PR government in general spent or stole the money and today is the example of how corrupt governments are a disaster for investment. Please, don't tell me about PR and its problems.
46
@James A billion $ in a fund for rebuilding the water & sewer infrastructure was transferred by the PR legislature to "Economic Development" where the entire $1,000,000,000 disappeared to the corrupt poliyicians and their cronies.
4
@James
The NYT had stories a year or two back about how the electrical grid hadn't been maintained for decades. Fixes were always jerryrigged. This made them much more vulnerable in the hurricane.
4
Puerto Rico lost about 13% of its population between 2005 and 2017. This reflects the devastating economic problems the island is facing. The violence echoes the failing well-being and is doubly frightening.
20
@Nancy No reason for crime. regardless of social economic issues..The isl;and and the people will recover, must get rid of the BAD element to prosper
1
Just like the US needs to get rid of the Bad Element. But is Congress up to the job?
1
I understand the name game killing of Kevin Fret.
Bring the troops into Puerto Rico.
They are American Terrorists killing merely for their names to make a point.
3
@PATRICK. No, Puerto Rico made a point of how much they wanted American bases and troops gone. Instead of arguing with Trump, the officials need to clean their own house.
5
I'm a New Yorker on vacation for two weeks in Puerto Rico.
The shootings are almost certainly gang members killing each other because tourist areas seem totally safe.
In downtown San Juan streets are deserted one day but crowded with tourists including children the next day when three huge cruise ships are docked.
The beach restaurant at the Intercontinental hotel is crowded with laughing tourists enjoying drinks with excellent low-cost pizzas and salads. The San Juan Marriott's popular buffet is three-quarters filled with tourists and locals enjoyng sumptuous meals for $35.
Banco Popular has about as many customers as in New York but there's a double door and only one person at a time can get in. The Pueblo and Supermax supermarkets in tourist areas look like New York store but a supermarket in a non-tourist neighborhood looks seedy compared to previous years.
Police cars keep rolling through San Juan's two main tourist areas, Dorado and Isla Verde. Nowhere have I seen anything close to the heavily armed police like those on New York's Second Avenue near the U.N.
Like the many shootings reported in Chicago and other cities, I'd guess that close to 100% of the reported killings are gang members shooting each other, not tourists. The main streets of San Francisco Street in Old San Juan, Ashford Avenue in Dorado and Isla Verde Avenue in Isla Verde seem every bit as safe as New York's Broadway and Chicago's North Michigan Avenue.
30
@Ronald N. Levy Hello there tourist! The Isla Verde area is a tourist area. The murder of January 6, 2019 happened right across from where I live...
30
Well, stay safe and enjoy your vacation. But, nothing you have said makes me comfortable enough to visit.
33
@Ronald N. Levy Seriously, you're in a tourist area. Of course, all seems fine. The island needs those tourist dollars so they will do anything to keep you coming. But it's the everyday, living and working people of Puerto Rico we should be concerned about.
38
You can't win against them in Courts. Bring in the troops.
3
If Puerto Rico is losing more residents than gaining, there is a strong possibility it has become a drug smuggling hub as people smuggle to pay for leaving and setting up in new digs here. I hope I'm wrong but that was my take on it after reading about an assassin wearing a ski mask in a warm climate.
10
@PATRICK Yes we have a drug problem. We have gang wars going on. As long as there is a demand, there will be a supply. As long as there is profit in selling drugs, the drug trade will continue. Reminds me of The Prohibition in the U.S. What do you think the solution might be...?
14
Diane.............obviously the focus on the Mexico border has prompted the smugglers to move to Puerto Rico for easier access to the states.
13
@Diane
Send the drug addicts off to Amsterdam.
6
Why is Mr Pesquera in charge of anything after the hurricane debacle? And quoted so frequently in this article? Why is the USA’s policies of removing tax incentives, resulting to n massive municipal debt, and then instituting austerity measures not seen as a major cause of misery and crime? why is it a footnote that given the exodus from the island- the crime rate is spiking?
53
@Rafael Gavilanes. She is a perfect example of why I left the democratic party. They wail against Trump but ignore the corruption of people like her, Menendez, Deblasio, Cuomo, Maxine Waters........and the growing scandal surrounding Gov Murphy.
1
@Hellen
Who is "she"? This article was not about Congresswoman Maxine Waters and what scandals surround the Congresswoman? I live in California, though not in Rep Waters' district, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for her.
2
Terrifying and tragic and shocking. I had no idea.
6
I haven't been to Puerto Rico since a vacation in 2005 with my family, and the NYT travel section put it as the top destination this year.
Thinking about returning, until this article, makes me too afraid.
31
@mainesummers. I too have been thinking about a vacation in Puerto Rico, had read some books about the island and had visited about 20 years ago. This article has made me change my mind. I'd want to be free to explore the island not just hang out in the tourist areas. I know I'd be a target for car jacking and worse. I do think Congress needs to forgive the debt and do something to stabilize the island. It's a shame it is in this shape.
2
Don't buy into this! There are zero attacks on tourists! Please. Call the local hotels. Talk to people who actually live there.
3
I was there for four days just after Thanksgiving past, and you would never know there had been a hurricane from visiting any area between the airport and Morro fortress in Old San Juan. I also visited other areas away from the beaches, including at night, and took at least eight Uber rides, all without incident.
3
Puerto Rico's crime rate is a direct result of the impoverishment of our formal economy and the blooming of the underground economy. The illegal economy has been fueled by the circumstances that have made Puerto Rico a drug bridge from latin america to supply the illegal drug demand of the United States. The situation is aggravated by the austerity meassures imposed on us by the JUNTA created under the congressional law PROMESA. These austerity meassures have weakened law enforcement, crippling their budget and demoralizing the local police force. Our economy has plummeted over the past 20 years as a direct consecuence of the congressional phaseout of the tax incentives that supported our manufacturing industry, leading to massive job loss. There were no significant fiscal adjustments made during the tax incentive phaseout by the local goverment as billion dollar loans were made easy to patch the budget and as a local push for statehood was promoted by politicians as a yellow brick road to prosperity amidst the crisis. There was no room for concientious responsible fiscal policies under those political circumstances. Bankruptcy, forced austerity and political disenfranchisement have led to a feeling of impotence and to massive exodus. Crime and despair fill the void.
125
@Francisco Cebollero
Bull’s eye!! I lived with my grandparents in Ocean Park (San Juan) in the 60’s. The tax subsidies, especially for pharmaceuticals, helped to create a solid middle class. I have never understood why they were ended. Puerto Rico is beautiful but has no natural resources. The subsidies were a small price for a US presence in the Caribbean.
72
@Francisco Cebollero I learned more from your comment than from the article - thank you!
41
@Francisco Cebollero
Nearly all of the 100+ pharmaceutical manufacturing plants left PR following the repeal of Federal Code 936 which provided tax incentives to operate on the island. All of the factories production were moved to tax havens in Ireland or Singapore and to Brazil and China. Thousands of well-paid American citizens lost irreplaceable employment, their homes and future as a result. Think and thank Wall Street and Congress; a perfect economic storm.
97
Yesterday the NYT Sunday Travel section recommended, in “52 Places to Go in 2019,” Puerto Rico as the Number One destination. You sure about that?
119
@JJ Of course not. Human interest stories coming from the paper trump travel stories and clearly no one at the paper beyond Trump bashers have any contact with each other.
12
@JJ The homicide rate is half what it was in 2011. It is entirely confined to areas outside the usual tourist areas, and, unlike recent homicides in the U.S. mainland, does not involve random shootings or terrorist acts. They are all targeted shootings. So, P.R.'s murders are awful, but so is the high murder rate in the U.S. mainland. New Orleans, Memphis, Wash. D.C., Baltimore, Savannah all have higher murder rates. One other thing - P.R.'s very low birth rate means, in a couple of years, a demographic shift will result in drastically lower crime rates (fewer young adults = fewer crimes).
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@NYC299 The shooting in Isla Verde was in a tourist area. The crime may be drug related but it is happening in all places.
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Hasn't this been going on for decades? People who have had the means of earning a degree and a better life have flocked to the mainland leaving only the poor and old behind.
On the other hand, possibly due to a tinge of racism, Puerto Ricans have rejected statehood. Just another instance of the latest urge of people acting in their own worst interests.
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@Glenn Thomas
My family and I have visited wonderful Puerto Rico for many years. We always go to the beautiful town of Rincon. WE HAVE NEVER SEEN OR BEEN A VICTIM OF CRIME. Please do no let this article scare you away from this glorious jewel of the Caribbean...no passport needed, US $ and no roaming on your cell bill. The people are friendly and will help you out in a second. VIVA PUERTO RICO!!
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@Glenn Thomas I'd recommend you check your facts. Statehood is overwhelmingly preferred by Puerto Ricans, especially in the past decade; it's Congress that won't let it happen.
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@Jamie I own & rent a beach property on Culebra PR that is totally safe for tourists. Flamenco Beach is one of the top beaches in the world, the restaurants are great and the people too. Check out Casa Mango on Culebra, PR.
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