Puerto Rico and its Relationship with the Dominican Republic

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Puerto Rico and its Relationship with the Dominican Republic

Given their geographic location in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and The Dominican Republic have a longstanding history with one another that has given way to a close relationship. Whilst colonized by the Spanish for almost five centuries, the bond between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic was developed when their respective leaders, along with Cuba, shared a common desire to gain independence and to form La Confederación de Antillana. Since then, the three have held close ties with each other, maintaining similarities in their culture and lifestyle in spite of the fact that Puerto Rico remains a territory of the United States.

Politics

Generally, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic see eye-to-eye when it comes to political affairs. The two have been very diplomatic and have pushed for positive changes too help bolster each other. In 2015, Puerto Rican Secretary of State, David Bernier, met with Danilo Medina and Carlos Morales Troncoso (Dominican President and Foreign Minister respectively) to discuss resolutions on business growth, as well as bridging their 230 mile distance in aviation and shipping. This includes seeking alternatives solutions to cutting the cost of airfare and sea transport. Additional development in agriculture was also discussed during their meeting.

Moreover, business between the two had dropped by 40% since 2005, where such volume amounted up to $2 billion. Troncoso referred to the textile industry to help rebuild these figures. Furthermore, the two parties had agreed to purchase fuel together to split the cost given their close proximity to one another.

Economy and Migration

Living standards and a fluctuation in their own respective economies has created a back and forth flow of migrants between the two groups of people. Prior to the Great Depression, many Puerto Ricans turned to the Dominican Republic's growing sugar industry for jobs and opportunities. During the 1960's and 70's, Dominicans found themselves moving the other way, as an uprise in Puerto Rico's industrial sector attracted attention for migrants. Given Puerto Rico is a part of the US Commonwealth, many Dominicans also tried and use their Caribbean neighbors as a hub en route to the United States. However, ongoing economic struggle in Puerto Rico has forced many Puerto Ricans and Dominicans to migrate the other way (back to the Dominican Republic) in search of financial stability. As of 2013, Dominicans make up about 1.8% of Puerto Rico's population.

Cultural Rivalry

Puerto Ricans and Dominicans have an abundance of cultural similarities. Such similarities limit to types of food, music, language and slang, and more, despite the evident race. Many of these features have given way to occasional rivalries between the two, though many of it is no more than friendly banter and clash of cultures. While perhaps much of it stems from their rivalry in baseball, Puerto Rican and Dominican Republican rivalry also comes from the times in which many of them migrated and settled in one another's countries. Though never with any apparent heated intentions, such points in history created slight friction between the two demographics. New York City may even be a beating heart of this clash in the Caribbean, as Puerto Ricans made up a large population in the Big Apple, though in recent years, Dominicans have actually surpassed that number.

Puerto Rico and its Relationship with The Dominican Republic

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