Demonstrators Shut Down Traffic in San Juan

Frances Robles and Patricia Mazzei

July 22, 2019 3:40 PM

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Thousands of Puerto Ricans shut down traffic on a major highway in San Juan early Monday, assembling for what is expected to be one of the largest protests the island has ever seen against Gov. Ricardo A. Rosselló, who has resisted persistent calls for his resignation.

People arrived by the busload hours before the demonstration was scheduled to begin, carrying Puerto Rican flags, protest signs and whistles. They broke into chants demanding the ouster of Rosselló, who said Sunday that he will not seek reelection in 2020 but will remain in office — and face possible impeachment.

Monday’s protest is part of an island-wide strike that could paralyze Puerto Rico beyond San Juan. Organizers hope to draw 1 million people — about a third of the island’s population — to the highway, Expreso Las Américas. That would eclipse the massive crowd that marched from the Capitol to the governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza, on Wednesday, culminating in clashes with police.

Protests against Rosselló began more than a week ago, after the publication of 889 pages of a leaked group chat between the governor and his closest aides. Besides being offensive, the messages revealed a cozy relationship between the governor and former staff members who now represent special interests.

The crude messages were the final straw for Puerto Ricans who have suffered for years because of economic austerity measures and the devastation of Hurricane Maria.

Rosselló’s defiance and decision to remain in office has only fueled protesters to stay in the streets longer. Late Sunday, demonstrators trapped a group of mayors and lawmakers who had met with the governor, blocking them from leaving until police intervened.

Before Monday’s march, the biggest shopping mall in San Juan, Plaza Las Américas, announced that it would not open for the day.

And cruise ships will again be diverted from calling at the port Monday, keeping thousands of tourists away from small businesses in Old San Juan that depend on them.

On Monday morning, El Nuevo Día, Puerto Rico’s largest newspaper, published a rare front-page editorial. “Governor, it’s time to listen to the people,” read the above-the-fold headline. “You must resign.”

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Frances Robles and Patricia Mazzei

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