Puerto Rico

Sila M. Calderon becomes Puerto Rico’s first-ever governess
2001
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On January 2, 2001, and in front of the Capitol, Sila M. Calderon was sworn in by the Honorable Chief Justice Jose A. Andreu Garcia, from Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court, thus becoming the first ever governess of the island nation.

17th Central American and Caribbean Games
1993

1993The 17th Central American and Caribbean Games are held from November 19 through 30, 1993

Pedro Albizu Campos passes away
1956

1956. In 1956, an extremely ill 73-year-old Albizu Campo didn’t make it from a brain stroke and died in the state prison.

Foundation of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture
1955

1955. Foundation of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.

Formation of the Free Associated State
1952
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1952A law proposed by the Constituent Assembly, approved by popular vote and passed by the U.S. Congress, goes into effect. Thus, the Free Associated State status for Puerto Rico is implemented. Though self-governing from a domestic standpoint, even on fiscal matters, it cannot count on an army of its own since Puerto Ricans are supposed to be drafted by the U.S. military. Puerto Rico has ratified by popular vote its willingness to keep the quid pro quo; the last time they ever did so was back in 1993.

Uprising in Puerto Rico
1950
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1950On November 1, 1950, an uprising and an attempt on the U.S. President’s life occurred. Both events were inspired by the Nationalist Party whose leader, Pedro Albizu Campos, was sentenced to several years in prison and his party outlawed.

President Luis Muñoz enacts Act 53
1950

1950. In the 1950s, President Luis Muñoz Marin’s government drew both advocates and detractors. His administration bullied a chunk of the population and wielded a law to do so. Independence advocates were the ones affected the most by Act 53, also known as The Gag Law, that didn’t allow public officers while advocating for the E.L.A.’s overthrow was likewise banned.
Under such law, Pedro Albizu Campos was then sentenced to the toughest sanction of all: 79 years behind bars for sedition and thrown into a dungeon in La Pincesa (The Princess) and the Presbyterian Hospital in 1950.

Act on the Puerto Rico’s governor
1947
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1947A piece of legislation passed and signed into law ordered Puerto Rico’s governor to be elected by popular vote instead of being appointed directly by the president of the United States.

The Jones Act grants U.S. citizenship
1917

1917The Jones Act granted U.S. citizenship to people born in Puerto Rico. This piece of legislation was sponsored by Mr. Luis Muñoz Martín.

Julia de Burgos Garcia is born
1917
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1917. Julia de Burgos Garcia was born on February 17, 1917. She was an outstanding school teacher, journalist and poetess. Her literary works make her one of Latin America’s greatest poetesses ever.