Once a growing manufacturing center, Puerto Rico began a long decline in the mid-2000s after federal tax incentives for businesses that produced goods on the island were phased out, prompting some employers and tens of thousands of workers to leave.
Been to Puerto Rico a few times. It’s a beautiful place, but San Juan has some incredibly scary areas.
Also remember they just had to have Vieques back. No Vieques, no US Navy, no US Navy equals what has to be lost revenue that runs into the billions. Been there myself. Some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. Good food too. Puerto Rico Is also where I learned that the sidewalk at intersections double as a turning lane. :)
Wife and I visited PR over Christmas week. We rented a beach front place on the northwestern coast. Very pretty.
But even in this mostly rural area, there were used syringes laying in the street near our rental.