The Colonial Roots of Puerto Rico’s Debt Crisis: A Conversation on Island Territories

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s recent remark at a political rally at Madison Square Garden, referring to Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage,” has sparked outrage across political divides. While the backlash was swift, it underscores a deeper issue: the widespread misunderstandings and dismissive attitudes toward Puerto Rico’s cultural and political realities. But beyond the headlines, what are the roots of Puerto Rico’s complex status? And how do these issues continue to shape the lives of its people today?