Raul Rivera testifies and is cut off
Raul Rivera testifies about Puerto Rico but is repeatedly warned by Council Member Aviles to stay on topic. He criticizes Aviles for not defending Puerto Rican symbols in Brooklyn, and his mic is eventually cut.
Good afternoon, Chair.
Just a little bit.
What's up?
Good afternoon, Chair and members of the committee.
My name is Raul Rivera.
I'm a native New Yorker and son of Puerto Rico.
We believe in development in Puerto Rico, real infrastructure, real jobs, real investment that stays on the island.
When it comes to Project Esencia in Cabo Rojo, we have some real concerns about the project.
We have real concerns about the environment, about jobs, about the locals, but let's talk about hypocrisy.
If you can't defend Puerto Rico,
Here in New York City, you have no right to speak for Puerto Rico.
My mother was born on the island and rests in Bayamón, the same town Councilmember Alexa Aviles was born in.
Councilmember Alexa Aviles does not represent
where she was born, and she does not represent Puerto Ricans here.
In January 2023, the DOT removed
Move Graham Avenue, Avenue of Puerto Rico.
Signs in Brooklyn.
I have to remind you that you've got to keep on topic.
This is about Puerto Rico.
Okay, you've got to keep on topic, not Brooklyn.
The resolutions are...
You didn't cut nobody else off.
You only cut me off.
You're the only one that's out of...
Two minutes.
Let me finish.
I'll let you finish.
Stay on topic or you will cut your mic.
In January 2023, the DOT removed Graham Avenue, Avenue of Puerto Rico, signs in Brooklyn.
40 years of history gone.
And the only thing Councilmember Alexa Aviles had to say in defense was to put out a tweet.
No press conference.
No outrage.
Again, Raul, you're off topic.
If you would like to speak on the resolutions before you, you have an opportunity.
If not, we will turn off your mic and you can be finished.
I'm going to tell you one more time.
You should know this.
You can't handle the truth.
If you cannot speak on the resolutions, you will not be allowed to speak.
I'm getting to it.
Are we done?
Or are you going to get back to the resolutions?
They did not replace our medallions on 6th Avenue.
Silence from Somos Inc.
Time expired.
Silence from all of them.
Then in 2025, we gave you the final.
Sergeant at Arms, it's fine to cut the mic.
Thank you.