Viewpoint

‘If My Beautiful Homeland Is Labeled As Garbage, What Does That Make Me?’

Following a comedian’s incendiary joke calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” at an October 27 Trump rally, MPH student Carla Irizarry-Delgado discusses the damaging consequences of such rhetoric—and the unrelenting spirit of Puerto Ricans that persists.

Viewpoint articles are written by members of the SPH community from a wide diversity of perspectives. The views expressed are solely those of the authors and are not intended to represent the views of Boston University or the School of Public Health. We aspire to a culture where all can express views in a context of civility and respect. Our guidance on the values that guide our commitment can be found at Revisiting the Principles of Free and Inclusive Academic Speech.

“There’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now… I think it’s called Puerto Rico.”

These words, spoken proudly by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at former President Donald Trump’s New York City rally on Sunday, October 27, have made waves across the internet. These comments are troubling for many reasons, particularly given Puerto Rico’s historical struggles with hurricane recovery. But what stings most is the disrespect—if my beautiful homeland is labeled as garbage, what does that make me?

This isn’t the first time something like this has happened, especially involving former President Donald Trump. In 2017, following the devastation of Hurricane María, Trump was filmed throwing paper towels into an unamused crowd—a gesture that the capital’s mayor described as “abominable.” This incident was, and still is, widely seen as degrading and insulting. It is disheartening to see such sentiments echoed once more, now on an even more prominent stage.

These types of comments and actions perpetuate the false impression that Puerto Rico contributes nothing of significance to the country, but this could not be further from the truth. Beyond its military importance, tax benefits, and workforce—all aspects that directly benefit the very figures who dismiss us—the island boasts abundant natural resources and a thriving tourism industry. Perhaps better known are our contributions to the entertainment industry, whether it be in athletics, film, or music. Legends such as Roberto Clemente in baseball, actors such as Rita Moreno and Benicio del Toro, playwrights such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, and musicians such as Marc Anthony, Bad Bunny, and Tito Puente have left unforgettable marks on their fields, showcasing our culture’s vibrant influence worldwide. 

Additionally, Puerto Ricans have made significant strides in intellectual and public service areas. Sonia Sotomayor, the first Puerto Rican and Latina Supreme Court Justice, and Dr. Antonia Novello, the first female Surgeon General of the United States, have redefined the meaning of leadership and advocacy for marginalized communities. The island has also set an example for the rest of the United States through its public health infrastructure, with a successful COVID-19 pandemic response that achieved lower infection rates per person than any state. 

The evidence is clear: Puerto Rico plays a vital role in American society, enriching the nation’s cultural and economic fabric. We are an asset, not a burden. 

These perceptions affect much more than just our pride—they also inform health policy decisions that directly impact our health, such as the Trump administration’s decision to prevent Puerto Rico from receiving about $20 billion in hurricane relief after Hurricane María. These funds had been approved by Congress, but officials later admitted to intentionally imposing unprecedented restrictions on the island’s ability to access them. In fact, most of the money federally allocated to aid in Puerto Rico’s recovery has not made it to the island.

Despite its successful COVID-19 response, Puerto Rico faces significant health and economic disparities, stemming from both federal policies and local funding misallocation. Compared to the rest of the United States, we have higher prevalence and mortality rates for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and several cancers. In 2017, about 40 percent of adults in Puerto Rico reported fair or poor health, nearly double the proportion of the general U.S. population. These disparities contribute to, and are compounded by, the rapid decrease in the island’s population as many Puerto Ricans face the difficult decision to leave their beloved home in pursuit of employment, healthcare, and stability. 

And yet, our people are defined by an unrelenting spirit that persists beyond these challenges. Puerto Rican culture is incredibly rich, with a firm emphasis on community ties and the embracing of our Spanish, Taíno, and African influences—we laugh, sing, dance, and celebrate at every opportunity, with a fervor that radiates joy and resilience and turns even the smallest moments into celebrations that honor our heritage and defy adversity. 

While Hinchcliffe’s words may hurt, they do not define us. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the beauty of our culture—the way we lift each other up and celebrate our roots. Like many Puerto Ricans, I have used our history as an example of what it means to persevere, and this situation is no different; the response to Hinchcliffe’s comments has been a testament to our fortitude and unwavering sense of dignity. We stand as a floating island of pride, strength, and unity that embodies a rich culture that cannot be diminished. 

Carla Irizarry-Delgado is an MPH student at Boston University School of Public Health, concentrating in epidemiology and biostatistics. She is also a student video producer and content creator for the Office of Marketing & Communications at BUSPH.