The statement below is by Commissioner Virginia Betteridge on behalf of the Camden County Commissioners, Sen. Nilsa Cruz Perez, Camden City Council President Angel Fuentes and Councilwoman Nohemi G. Soria–Perez regarding disparaging remarks made during a recent political rally.
“This weekend, we watched in horror as disgusting and blatantly racist remarks were made during a political rally in New York City. The comments, which specifically referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage” were met with laughter and applause, are deplorable and beyond reprehensible. Statements like this have no place in our civil and societal discourse in this country. This kind of commentary was clearly driven by hate and these words have no home here in Camden County.
Puerto Rico is home to 3.3 million American citizens and has a vibrant history and culture that is tightly intertwined with the United States. Millions of Puerto Rican people also live in the United States and contribute greatly to our communities from coast to coast. This island also has thousands of residents that serve in the U.S. Military, just like our 5th Legislative District state Sen. Nilsa Cruz Perez did.
These comments are not what our nation stands for and we cannot sit idly by while innocent people are being attacked. Comments like this also have real life consequences and make people feel that their hatred is justified and valid when that could not be further from the truth.
The Board of Commissioners condemns these comments and any other type of racial hatred. This incident just further proves the imminent need for all of us to stand together against hatred of any kind and to actively work on making our country a safe and inclusive place for all people.