(NOTE: This is a shortened English-language version of op-ed column that was originally published in Spanish language on January 20, 2019, in NotiCel – https://www.noticel.com/opiniones/blogs/en-blanco-y-negro-con-sandra/bajo-amenaza-los-cupones/981872966)
As an economic and political colony of the United States, we have to understand Americans. And right now, the lack of understanding by Governor Ricardo Rosselló’s administration is affecting us. It is clearly seen in the public controversy regarding a $600 million additional allocation of funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP).
President Trump has denied the special allocation claiming it was excessive, and Rosselló publicly has asked for a meeting with him resolve the dispute. What the Island’s government and politicians are failing to acknowledge is that American businesses are facing a disloyal competition in Puerto Rico and it is affecting social services on the Island.
