Class War: Outsiders Moving to Puerto Rico Spark Displacement
Gentrification on Puerto Rico’s West Coast
Not for sale, not for rent reads a sign in Cabo Rojo, a town where a new luxury resort is sparking protests and fears of forced displacement.
From Pink to Purple: A Personal Story
- Gloria Cuevas once lived in a century‑old pink house on Puerto Rico’s west coast.
- Her landlord turned the home into an Airbnb, forcing Cuevas and her family to leave.
- Now the town’s homes are split into two, and the island’s growing short‑term rental market is driving up living costs.
Tax Incentives and “Colonialism”
Puerto Rico has long offered tax breaks to foreign investors, a program introduced in 2012 that encourages wealthy mainland Americans to settle on the island. Cuevas says the incentives are raising housing prices and encouraging tax evasion.
“Unfair,” “This is ours”
Ricki Rebeiro, a 30‑year‑old entrepreneur, highlights how Puerto Ricans feel left out of the benefits of tax breaks. He says the system is “unfair,” but he doesn’t blame himself for its creation.
The Esencia Development
A massive resort project called Esencia would cover more than 2,000 acres and three miles of beach, turning the area into a luxury gated community.
- Activists say the project would destroy habitats, strain water and electricity supplies, and displace local residents.
- Proponents claim it will create “thousands of jobs,” but critics warn these will be minimum wage positions.
Community Voices
Dafne Javier and Christopher Powers rally locals, arguing that the developers “have no idea what they are destroying” and that the plan contradicts the spirit of Cabo Rojo.
What’s at Stake
- Loss of natural habitats and endangered species.
- Economic displacement of long‑time residents.
- Erosion of Puerto Rican culture.
Counting on the Future
Cuevas urges young Puerto Ricans to be aware of their heritage. “We have to keep fighting,” she says, even as global stars like Bad Ninja bring international attention to the island’s plight.
A Call to Action
“This is ours,” Cuevas declares. “We’re not going to leave.” The community’s resolve echoes a broader debate over tourism, investment, and the right to protect homes and culture on the U.S. Caribbean island.
