Why Puerto Ricans Demand Rosselló’s Resignation

FEATURING JULIO RICARDO VARELA – Thousands of Puerto Ricans are continuing their protests in San Juan in front of the Governor’s mansion demanding the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló. For nearly a week people have gathered en masse in spite of police attacks of tear gas and rubber bullets.

Protesters are angry over leaked messages that were exchanged between Rosselló and some of his top aides denigrating the victims of Hurricane Maria. The messages also included a joke about shooting Carmen Yulín Cruz, the outspoken mayor of San Juan, and a homophobic joke about Puerto Rican pop star Ricky Martin.

Although Rosselló has apologized and claimed to fire the staffers with whom he had the exchanges, Puerto Ricans remain adamant that he resign saying the disturbing messages were only a part of the problem.

Julio’s article in the Washington Post called ‘Puerto Rico’s governor needs to step down’ can be found HERE.

Julio Ricardo Varela, Digital Media Director for Futuro Media, founder of LatinoRebels.com, one of the top U.S. Latino media sites.He was formerly digital producer for Al Jazeera America’s “The Stream” and his work has been featured in the Guardian, ESPN, the New York Times, Quartz, Le Monde, Univision and Telemundo and many other outlets.