Protest in New York City against Esencia in Puerto Rico.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Occupied Manahatta, Lenapehoking (Manhattan, New York City). – Protest against Esencia in Puerto Rico in Union Square, Manhattan, New York City, organized by The Bori Collective, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

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“ESENCIA NO VA”, says the Coalición Defiende a Cabo Rojo.

“(Esencia is) a $2 billion luxury megaproject that threatens protected lands, fragile ecosystems, and the communities of Cabo Rojo. It would also be catastrophic for all of Puerto Rico,” says the Coalición Defiende a Cabo Rojo on its website defiendeacaborojo.org.

STOP THE LUXURY MEGAPROJECT “ESENCIA” IN CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO NOW.

A petition by the Coalición Defiende a Cabo Rojo on www.change.org says, in part, “Communities, citizens, and specialists in diverse fields come together to raise their voices in rejection of “Esencia.” The luxury megaproject called “Essence” in Spanish is a deception, as it would destroy, precisely, the essence, heart, and nature of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, its communities and neighborhoods, ecological balance, and socioeconomic fabric. 

This megaproject, proposed for construction in Punta Melones, Cabo Rojo by the foreign firms Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital, seeks to build 900 elite residences, 5 hotels, 2 golf courses, an artist villa, a private airport, a trauma center, and a school in 2,000 acres of lands classified as Specially Protected-Ecological Rustic Soil (SREP-E, in Spanish) at the federal and national levels, and with more than 100 identified archaeological sites. The zone sits between Boquerón Bay and Combate, as well as between two wildlife refuges encompassing wetlands and lagoons. Beyond Cabo Rojo, the implications of this “exclusive city” settlement would compromise the resources of Puerto Rico’s entire southwestern region.” Click here to read and SIGN THE PETITION.

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Andre Easton was one of the speakers at the protest against Esencia in Puerto Rico. Andre Easton is a public school teacher and a candidate for the U.S. Congress representing New York’s 15th Congressional District in the Bronx. The general election in New York City is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. More information on www.andreforthebronx.nyc.

There will be a march for Puerto Rican independence on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 1pm in the South Bronx. Starting point: E. 149th Street and Morris Ave. The march will end at St. Mary’s Park on E. 149 Street. It will close with a cultural event.

ProLibertad Freedom Campaign said on July 25, 2026, “Today is the 128th Anniversary of the US invasion of Puerto Rico! It is also the anniversary of our National Liberation struggle! Join us on Sunday, August 16th at 1pm in the South Bronx as we march for Puerto Rican independence!”

On August 6, 2026, The Bori Collective had a recap about the protests in Chicago and New York City.

On August 6, 2026, Portrait of a boy shared photos on Instagram and said, “Puerto Rico no se vende! Esencia No Va! Images from 8/5/26 in NYC where Boricuas came together to make their voices heard against Project Esencia. A luxury mega project in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico that consists of 900 multimillion dollar homes, 5 luxury hotels, 2 golf courses, artist villa, a private school and privatizing 3 miles of public beaches. If Project Esencia passes it will do irreparable harm to the ecosystem and habitats including destroying more then 1500 acres of forest. Local experts and scientists have warned that there is not enough water to sustain such a project, especially with Puerto Rico already facing long recurring water shortages.”

On August 6, 2026, passionate conversations shared videos of the protest against Esencia in Puerto Rico on Instagram and said, “The politicians and the corporations backing this deal know exactly what they’re doing to our people, and we see them clearly.

Puerto Rico is not for sale. Esencia no va. My ancestors’ island is not a playground for the rich, and I’ll keep showing up until this project is dead.”

On August 6, 2026, Amelia Valentin shared videos of the protest against Esencia on Instagram and said, “Puerto Rico no se vende! Please sign the petition!”

On August 6, 2026, Zoë shared photos on Instagram and said, “Yesterday’s protest against esencia was powerful. I was in the front and couldn’t see where it ended. Special shoutout to @theboricollective for piecing this together so last minute. The time is now to fight against the people that threaten us. We’re at a pivotal point in our history and I mean OUR history, not just for Puerto Ricans but, every single one of us. Trust me when I tell you that your ignorance of the horrors in this world is a privilege that isn’t going to last long because they’re coming for all of us. These issues are gonna be at our door step sooner than you think. We’re running out of water, climate change is about to become irreversible, the US is trying to merge with Israel, and our rights are being taken away right in front of our faces. For those who think these protest don’t do anything you’re a slave to the colonizer. The amount of reach this protest has had, the amount of people who became educated on esencia and the water crisis, the amount of people who became connected with organization both on and off the island, and the way it inspired people. The 1% is more afraid of us than you realize. This isn’t just the end. The movement is developing and gaining momentum. I hope to see your faces at our follow up events and to see you all use your talents for good. Please follow the @theboricollective (as they’re not just based in New York but all over the US) and @defiendeacaborojo to know what’s going on the ground… And also follow @victory.in.puerto.rico bc they’re a great org in New York. Gracias a todos los que siguen luchando.”

“Images from @theboricollective rally. The rally is about a $2 billion luxury mega-development that threatens the protected lands, fragile ecosystems, and communities of Cabo Rojo, which would be catastrophic for Puerto Rico,” said Katie G Photography on Instagram on August 5, 2026.

“Familia! Mañana es el día. The Diáspora and our allies say “PRESENTE” as we take the streets tomorrow to stand in solidarity with our people in Boriken.

Puerto Rico is the worlds OLDEST colony and continues to deal with land theft at the hands of greedy corporations that hide their intentions of destruction under the false promises of “development”.

We stand against Esencia while also reminding the world that Puerto Rico must be freed from the shackles of imperialism.

Pioneer Square, Portland, OR
Wednesday, August 5
5:00 PM PT

HUMBOLDT PARK, California & Division Intersection, Chicago, IL
Wednesday, August 5
5:00 PM CT

Union Square, NY, NY
Wednesday, August 5
5:00 PM EST

Viva Puerto Rico Libre!
Esencia No Va!

FAQ directly from the organizers of Defiende a Cabo Rojo! All the info you need to know why this project must be stopped,” said The Bori Collective on August 4, 2026.

“ESENCIA JUST CLEARED A MAJOR HURDLE. NOW WE FIGHT BACK.

This is the moment we’ve been preparing for.

Esencia has secured a major permit approval. While it’s not the final permit, it brings this destructive project one step closer to becoming a reality. That means our response must be louder, bigger, and more visible than ever.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get involved, this is it. We must go all out for Boriken!

HUMBOLDT PARK, California & Division Intersection, Chicago, IL
Wednesday, August 5
5:00 PM CT

Show up. Bring your friends. Bring your signs. Bring your voice. The people defending Cabo Rojo and Puerto Rico need to know they’re not fighting alone.

ART BUILDOUT:
Tuesday, August 4th
4PM-9PM EST
The People’s Forum: 320 West 37th Street

See you in the streets,” said The Bori Collective on August 1, 2026.

THE BORI COLLECTIVE is A community-led organization for Boricuas and allies, building power de aquí y allá through education, culture, organizing, and solidarity.

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Updated on August 7, 2026.