I wish for your attention towards a cause that is personal and particularly significant to me. Our Indigenous Taino tribe was practically slaughtered and brought to nothing by the so-called discovery of Christopher Columbus. The "Birth of the New World" statue, a representation of Christopher Columbus in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, is a visual reminder of this abuse and the misrepresentation of our history.

Though it is commonly perceived globally that Christopher Columbus discovered Puerto Rico, it is a historical inaccuracy. The true native inhabitants of Puerto Rico, the Taino Indians, were living and flourishing here long before Columbus set foot. Moreover, his arrival marked a period of massacre that nearly wiped out their existence and culture - an event that should not be memorialized by this statue.

Echoing indigenous rights organizations' perspectives, this statue clashes with the ethical rights of native Puerto Ricans. It commemorates an individual responsible for actions that led to a cultural genocide of the Tainos' way of life in Puerto Rico.

It is our collective responsibility to rectify this matter. It is vital to honor the true history of our people, respect the memory of the Taino tribe, and ensure we no longer uplift an emblem that goes against our nation's morals. Our request is that the "Birth of the New World" statue be removed from Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Your signature can contribute to making this a reality and, in turn, redefine our understanding of our history. Please sign this petition.