PUERTO RICO LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN AGAINST

DEATH PENALTY

January 23, 2008: Puerto Rico's justice secretary said that his department will do "everything in his power" so that the US federal government will not institute the death penalty on the island, or impose it on Puerto Ricans in the mainland United States. Accompanied by representatives of the Puerto Rican Coalition Against the Death Penalty, Roberto Sanchez Ramos announced the implementation of a series of measured recommended by that organisation to dissuade the federal justice system from using the death penalty in this US commonwealth. Puerto Rico prohibits the use of the death penalty in its 1952 constitution as a Free Associated State, but the island's courts are subordinate, in the final analysis, to the federal courts. Sanchez Ramos said that the most important of the measures announced will be the one referring to cases of carjacking as a crime that could be punishable by death. In these cases, the federal prosecutors request that the state not try the accused because they want the case to be tried in federal court, where the death penalty can be sought. To prevent that, the state Justice Department ordered all its prosecutors not to halt their prosecutions of the cases in local tribunals unless the federal justice system guarantees that it is not going to request the death penalty. In a like manner, it will try to prevent the extradition of Puerto Ricans to other US states where the death penalty could be requested. Sanchez Ramos said that the death penalty as a punishment was "unnecessary and, in the final analysis, immoral." (Sources: EFE News Service, 24/01/2008)

Years ago this seemed like only a dream. But as the days pass it's as if the sleeping giant is slowly awakening. The struggle is bigger now, I believe than it has ever been in history.

I actually just recently found out that Puerto Rico abolished the death penalty in 1929. I couldn't believe it. When I first started fighting for prisoners rights people thought I was crazy. When I began speaking out for death row prisoners I was looked at like I was the enemy.

In my heart I knew what I was doing was right the right thing for the innocent on death row, as well as the guilty. I didn't need any reassuring that I was doing the right thing but God sent it anyway. I was invited to Italy to speak and perform on behalf of death row prisoners. I learned that Italy was the leading contender in fighting to abolish the death penalty. I was in complete awe. An entire counrty opposed to the death penalty. OK of course there are some pro-capital punishment citizens but they are few.

Being in Europe I also learned of all the other countries that have done away with capital punishment. If I did need any reassuring God made do let me tell you. It was very empowering to learn that my little point of view was shared by millions of people. As I spoke about Europe everywhere I went in the US people listened. The battle to abolish the death penalty raged on.

I still found my self faced off with pro-death penalty advocates, I just had a lot more ammunition now. I did not need any more re-assurance that I was doing the right thing. Teaching about forgiveness, fighting to save human lives, bringing hope to those on the row I felt I was doing right. But God once again just went out of His way. I find out that my people are against the death penalty. Why I never looked into this before as I did my extensive research is beyond me but I am glad I over looked it till now; it made the blessing all the more glorious.

I was always proud to be Puerto Rican and of Arawak decent. Even more so now, I am very proud. I was putting together plans to travel to Puerto Rico for medical reasons when I came across this article right here. I have to say I was filled with doubt about going to Puerto Rico until I seen this. I guess this is why I didn't find out earlier on, it was to be used to convince me to travel on to Puerto Rico as I am doing.

Sometime towards the end of this month I will be landing in San Juan. I plan on staying for an extended period of time and will be seeking out any and all organizations that are geared towards the fight against the death penalty. I will strengthen my army. Viva Puerto Rico. Amore De Rey!