July 23, 2019

My Dear People of Puerto Rico:Yesterday, while watching images of the largest protest in the history of Puerto Rico, I felt how the pride of being a Puerto Rican, just came out of every pore of my skin. Well done, you stood up and confronted with courage and bravery the abuse, injustice and corruption that has taken Puerto Rico by storm. For more than 20 years, I have been telling the persons closest to me, that the biggest problem that Puerto Rico faces is that its people are on their knees. Obviously, I was wrong, because today you showed the world otherwise. My generation did not have the guts to stand up, even though they looked corruption right in the eye, as evidenced by the cases filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. We must recognize that abuse, injustice and corruption do not have colors or party lines. These evils live, survive and regenerate every day and are part of a subculture within a culture that is supposed to exist for the sole purpose of serving others and for the exclusive benefit of the people of Puerto Rico. With this in mind, we can accomplish the change that Puerto Rico needs. Remember that those politicians that only think of serving themselves know that people normally get tried of protesting and marching. Puerto Ricans, don’t give up! Keep protesting, shouting and marching peacefully! Demonstrate to everyone that in a democracy the power is always in the hands of the people. Never allow the corrupt politicians to believe that the only remedy that the people have is to vote every 4 years. No más!Show the world that Puerto Rico stood up and refuses to kneel!Sincerely,Guillermo Gil Bonar

*The author served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico (1993-2002).