Garden State Times

Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, speaking on behalf of the Camden County Commissioners, Sen. Nilsa Cruz Perez, Camden City Council President Angel Fuentes, and Councilwoman Nohemi G. Soria–Perez, issued a statement in response to offensive remarks made at a recent political rally in New York City.

“This weekend, we watched in horror as disgusting and blatantly racist remarks were made during a political rally in New York City," said Betteridge. The comments described Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage,” eliciting laughter and applause from the audience. "Statements like this have no place in our civil and societal discourse in this country," she continued.

The statement emphasized Puerto Rico's significance as home to 3.3 million American citizens with a rich history intertwined with that of the United States. Many Puerto Ricans reside across the U.S., contributing significantly to various communities and serving in the U.S. Military, including state Sen. Nilsa Cruz Perez from New Jersey's 5th Legislative District.

“These comments are not what our nation stands for," Betteridge stated, highlighting the real-life consequences such statements can have by making individuals feel their hatred is justified.

The Board of Commissioners strongly condemned these remarks and any form of racial hatred. They stressed the importance of unity against hatred to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all citizens.