Residents in and around San Juan, Puerto Rico have taken to the streets in hopes that it will force current Governor Ricardo Rossello out of office.
The protests, which have been mostly peaceful, started last week as upwards of 500,000 people have been heard shouting each day, “Ricky, Renuncia!” (“Ricky, Resign!”)
This is one of the largest protests and demonstrations that the U.S. territory has seen. It all started after several chats from Governor Rossello were published publicly around July 8. Over 889 pages of private messages were broadcast via local media outlets, in which Rossello allegedly used homophobic and misogynistic slurs. The messages were sent between several administration officials, close personal associates, and even lobbyists.
The group made fun of an obese man the governor posed with in a photo; called former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito a “whore”; made homophobic remarks about pop star Ricky Martin; and said that Carmen Yulín Cruz, the mayor of San Juan who had announced her intent to run for governor against Rosselló in 2020, was “off her meds … either that or she’s a tremendous HP,” the governor said, using the Spanish initials for “son/daughter of a b—-.”
While there is no word on when the protests will end, several cruise carriers have begun rerouting their stops from the island. Royal Caribbean changed a stop which was set to dock in San Juan earlier this week and instead made its way to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.
Some passengers were not happy with the change on such short notice.
Others praised the popular cruise carrier for their concern for passenger safety.
In a statement to Fox News, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean commented on the latest cancellation, saying, “Due to the ongoing civil unrest in San Juan, Puerto Rico, we have canceled Harmony of the Seas’ call to San Juan. Harmony will now sail to St. Maarten, her next scheduled port of call. Concern for the safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew members is our top priority.”
If you are planning to head to San Juan soon via cruise ship, you should check with your carrier for the latest updates.
We will keep you updated as this situation develops.
Related: Travel To Hong Kong In Question As Protests Turn Violent