George Laws Garcia, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Statehood Council, met with Brigadier General Victor Perez of the Puerto Rico National Guard to discuss military buildup in the Caribbean and the importance to veterans like Perez of advocacy for Puerto Rico statehood.
Brigadier General Victor Perez started his conversation with George Laws Garcia by thanking all the veterans for their service. He then went on to point out that Puerto Rican servicemen and women can’t vote for their Commander in Chief. “We have no way to influence his decisions,” Perez points out. Going on to speak of Congressional representatives, he said, “Since we don’t elect them and we don’t have that vote, then we have to go to them.”
Perez spoke up for advocacy by veterans. “We’re going to continue to do this,” he said, “until Puerto Rico is a state.”
The Caribbean military buildup
“We are part of the national strategy of defense,” Perez said proudly. This is becoming ever more clear as the Caribbean Command, now called the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), ramps up. At this point, public reporting indicates an unusually large and mixed U.S. military presence in the Caribbean right now, centered on pressure against Venezuela and counter‑drug operations under U.S. Southern Command.
Roughly 10,000 U.S. troops are reported in the region (at sea and ashore), the largest build‑up there in decades. Forces are positioned on Navy warships, Marine amphibious ships, and at air bases and cooperative security locations in Puerto Rico and neighboring islands.
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN‑78) carrier strike group is in the Caribbean Sea with F‑35C fighters, an embarked air wing, and several escorts. At least eight U.S. Navy ships are operating in the area, including guided‑missile destroyers, guided‑missile cruisers, amphibious transport docks, and a combat ship with an MH‑60R Seahawk helicopter detachment. The Pentagon has also announced the use of drones for maritime surveillance in Operation Southern Spear.
In the air, assets include F‑35 jets, surveillance aircraft, and support units operating primarily from air bases in Puerto Rico. Temporary flight restrictions have been reported.
Puerto Rico is identified as the main hub for these Caribbean operations, including basing for armed drones and expanded munitions storage. Logistics, training, and joint operations are taking place in Puerto Rico right now.
Laws Garcia makes the point that the permanent connection between the United States and Puerto Rico is indispensable to our national security. Perez explains further that China is making enough investment in Latin America to control ports, giving them an advantage against the United States. China and Russia both are increasing their influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. “That has to be stopped,” he said.
Veteran advocacy for statehood
“Why are you doing this?” Perez says people ask him. “Why are you going to Congress? What do you think you’re doing?”
The Brigadier General’s answer: “We are getting closer and closer to statehood…We will be a state, because we have already voted for that, and every referendum proves that we want to be a state.”
At the same time, though, he states boldly that Puerto Rico is a colony.
Laws Garcia points out that this reality for Puerto Rico goes against foundational American values. “When I hear you say that for you it’s about a better future for your children and your grandchildren, I’m hearing you not just talk about the economic side, but also about the democratic rights that are needed to make sure that their interests are represented so they can contribute fully to the United States also being a better country.”
“The only way to have that equality,” Perez responds, “is to be a state. There is no other way.” Perez notes that Puerto Rico as a state will be able to vote for President of the United States and for Members of Congress and Senators. Puerto Rico, he says, has a greater population than almost half the states have smaller populations than Puerto Rico.
“When we become that next state, we are not going to be a weak state,” says Perez. “We are going to be very strong and very influential.”
Laws Garcia agreed, noting that adding another state gives greater power to the United States as a whole.
What can you do?
Whether you are a veteran or not, you can reach out to your representatives in Washington. Perez goes in person to visit Congress, but you can send a message, make a phone call, or write a letter. Your representatives represent you. Let them know that statehood for Puerto Rico is an essential part of U.S. national security.
No responses yet