The National Puerto Rico & Spain Initiative (NPRSI) is a nonpartisan grassroots movement advocating for Puerto Rico’s reunification with Spain as a modern autonomous province, modeled after successful regions like the Canary Islands.
Our mission is rooted in truth, decolonization, historical justice, and economic renewal. We present a realistic, democratic alternative to U.S. colonial rule — one that restores Puerto Rican self-governance, full European Union rights, and a new future beyond failed political promises.
We are young leaders and elders, working together in unity.
We include voices from across the political spectrum, committed to one shared goal: Puerto Rico’s freedom through a just and dignified status.
We believe that no generation and no region of our diaspora should be left out of shaping the island’s future.
Legislative Advocacy: We meet with lawmakers and diplomats to begin the conversation for a peaceful transition of sovereignty between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Spain.
Public Education: We create accessible, multilingual content — videos, infographics, podcasts — that explain the truth about Puerto Rico’s status and its legal path to autonomy.
Historical Recovery: We promote awareness of Puerto Rico’s role as an autonomous Spanish province before 1898, and the betrayal of that status by U.S. annexation.
Cultural Protection: We advocate for the recognition of Puerto Rico’s indigenous TaĂno identity and Spanish-Caribbean heritage, both of which deserve dignity and international protection.
Youth & Diaspora Mobilization: We connect Puerto Ricans across borders and generations, uniting those on the island and in the diaspora around a common goal.
| Under U.S. Rule | Under Spanish Autonomy |
|---|---|
  Jones Act shipping restrictions |   Free maritime trade with the world |
| PROMESA fiscal board dictatorship | Self-governance with budget sovereignty |
| Act 60 tax loopholes for outsiders | Economic policies that protect locals |
| No EU citizenship | Full EU citizenship & freedom of movement |
| Second-class colonial status | Dignified, permanent constitutional autonomy |
| Generations divided and displaced | United Puerto Rican voices across borders |
Edwin Ortiz is a seasoned community organizer, youth advocate, entrepreneur, and political leader whose work has impacted lives across New York, New Jersey, and the broader Puerto Rican diaspora. His journey began in the Bronx at just 19 years old, when he became the first community member appointed to the Bronx Planning Board. That same year, he took action as a tenant organizer, founding a Tenants Association and a youth program that successfully prevented the demolition of his building in 1984—setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to community empowerment.
In the 1990s, Edwin launched and led a youth development initiative in the Bronx focused on leadership training and peer education. He served as Executive Director for nearly two decades, helping to cultivate generations of young changemakers.
In 2001, Edwin ran for New York City Council and made headlines by securing over 42% of the vote as a first-time, independent candidate—an unprecedented accomplishment in Bronx politics. He later won election as Chairman of the Bronx Independence Party (not to be confused with Puerto Rico’s independence movement), where he worked to promote independent political voices and civic participation.
Professionally, Edwin spent 18 years in New Jersey as Branch Manager for a global security firm, overseeing a $10 million portfolio and a team of over 300 employees in Elizabeth.
In addition to his advocacy work, Edwin is a successful entrepreneur. He is the founder of a beloved dog boarding service that offers a warm, kennel-free, home-style environment for clients’ “fur babies”—providing comfort, safety, and peace of mind for pet owners. He is also the CEO of LatinwebHosting.com, a web-based company that empowers small Latino-owned businesses by helping them establish an online presence and grow their digital visibility in today’s competitive marketplace.
Now, as President of The National Puerto Rico & Spain Initiative, Edwin combines his decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and public service to champion Puerto Rico’s future as an autonomous province of Spain. His unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and strategic reform continues to inspire communities across the island and throughout the diaspora.
José Miguel Velázquez Cruz is a political activist and founder dedicated to the movement for Puerto Rico’s reintegration with Spain as the 18th autonomous community. Born in La Villa del Capitán Correa, Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and raised in the Orlando, Florida area of the United States of America, he is a medically retired U.S. Army veteran and a passionate advocate for post-colonial justice. As the founder of Reunification Station: Spain & Puerto Rico, a growing initiative on Instagram and YouTube, José Miguel has become a leading voice in the reunification movement. He is also a petitioner before the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization for the 2024–2025 cycle, where he continues to champion the cause of Puerto Rican self-determination through peaceful and democratic means. Additionally, he is the third member of Héroes de la Hispanidad, a project created to introduce the most important figures and anniversaries in Spanish history in an engaging way, accompanied by the illustrations of artist Jesu Medina from Medina del Campo, Castilla y León, Spain. A former professional performing and recording musical artist, José Miguel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix Southern California campus in Costa Mesa, California. José Miguel currently serves as Executive Secretary of the National Puerto Rico and Spain Initiative, the spearhead organization for the political movement advocating Puerto Rico’s reintegration into the Kingdom of Spain as its 18th autonomous community and is a divorced father of two beautiful daughters, currently residing in the Daytona Beach, Florida, USA area.
Annette G. Falcón is from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, where she attended Mount Carmel School and Academia Inmaculada Concepción School. She began her university education at the San Germán campus of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico before continuing her studies in the United States. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a Cross-Cultural Bilingual Option from the National Hispanic University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Spanish at the University of Wyoming.
With over 27 years of experience as an educator, FalcĂłn has dedicated her career to teaching Spanish at all levels, from elementary school through Advanced Placement, in both California and Wyoming. She has served in a wide range of educational settings including urban and rural districts, charter schools, and university-affiliated lab schools, where she has offered both exploratory and advanced Spanish courses for native and non-native speakers. She currently teaches at Galileo Academy of Science and Technology, a high school in San Francisco, California.
Beyond the classroom, FalcĂłn is a published author of bilingual poetry and narrative Works including Lahj MĂahj and Puerto Rico conmigo. She has received public recognition for her educational work, including features on UnivisiĂłn and YouTube’s “Bobo’s Education Hero” series. In 2024 and 2025 she presented petitions at the United Nations in New York as part of her longstanding activism in favor of the political and cultural reunion of Puerto Rico with Spain, an issue to which she remains passionately committed.
She currently resides in San Francisco, California, and is the proud mother of three adult children. Her life and career reflect a deep commitment to education, bilingualism, cultural advocacy, and civic engagement.
Richard Anthony Sierra Roman, MPH, is a distinguished public health leader,
community advocate, and lifelong servant whose career spans over four decades of
impact. Born on March 1, 1963, in the Bronx, New York, and of Puerto Rican descent with ancestral roots tracing to Indigenous Puerto Rico, Portugal, and Spain, Richard’s identity is deeply connected to heritage, resilience, and cultural pride. His upbringing in one of the most diverse and vibrant boroughs of New York City inspired a life’s work devoted to equity, compassion, and community empowerment. He holds a Master of Public Health in Health Equity, Community Engagement, and Policy and Management, uniting academic rigor with a lived understanding of the challenges communities face. Richard’s professional journey is anchored in his service with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, where he currently serves as Coordinator for the Center for Health Equity/Bronx Neighborhood Health Action Centers, leading strategies that address social determinants of health and strengthen local wellness infrastructures. His earlier roles include over a decade as Public Health Educator II at the Bronx District Public Health Office, HIV/AIDS Counselor, Community Associate for the AIDS Hotline/Call Center, and leadership in numerous health education, prevention, and
outreach initiatives. Since 2009, he has also served as Assistant Director/Program
Manager for Davidson Community Center, Inc., overseeing funding, programming, and community engagement.
A lifelong volunteer, Richard has been an unwavering force in youth ministry and
mentorship. Since 1974, he has served St. Pius V Church as Coordinator of Youth
Ministry, religious instructor, Eucharistic Minister, and youth mentor. For more than 25 years, he also coordinated the Horizon and Camino Programs at the Archdiocese of New York – Grace House Catholic Youth Ministry Center. His leadership extends
beyond faith-based work into grassroots advocacy, with Davidson Community Center, Inc., always centering the dignity and potential of the people he serves.
Richard’s dedication has earned him numerous honors, including the NYC DOHMH Graduate Public Health Scholarship, the CUNY School of Public Health’s Certificate for Commitment to Public Health, the Catholic Archdiocese’s Shining Star Award, and multiple community service awards from local organizations. His life stands as a testament to the belief that service is not just a profession, but a calling—one that
transforms lives, builds communities, and leaves a legacy of hope and progress for
future generations.
Richard Anthony Sierra Roman, MPH, is a distinguished public health leader,
community advocate, and lifelong servant whose career spans over four decades of
impact. Born on March 1, 1963, in the Bronx, New York, and of Puerto Rican descent with ancestral roots tracing to Indigenous Puerto Rico, Portugal, and Spain, Richard’s identity is deeply connected to heritage, resilience, and cultural pride. His upbringing in one of the most diverse and vibrant boroughs of New York City inspired a life’s work devoted to equity, compassion, and community empowerment. He holds a Master of Public Health in Health Equity, Community Engagement, and Policy and Management, uniting academic rigor with a lived understanding of the challenges communities face.
Richard earned his Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Equity,
Community Engagement, and Policy and Management, grounding his work in both
academic excellence and lived experience. His professional journey reflects a rare
combination of grassroots activism, program leadership, and policy engagement,
consistently focused on bridging the gap between institutions and the people they serve.
His career in public service includes leadership roles at the NYC Department of Health& Mental Hygiene, where he currently serves as Coordinator for the Center for Health Equity/Bronx Neighborhood Health Action Centers. In this capacity, Richard has advanced community-driven initiatives, mobilized partnerships, and championed strategies to address the root causes of health inequities. Previously, he served as Public Health Educator II for the Bronx District Public Health Office (2003–2015), engaging residents in health promotion and prevention programs, and as HIV/AIDS Counselor and Community Associate for the department’s HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Division and AIDS Hotline/Call Center (1995–2003).
Beyond his government service, Richard has been a pillar of community-based
leadership. Since 2009, he has served as Assistant Director/Program Manager for
Davidson Community Center, Inc., overseeing funding acquisition, program
development, staff supervision, public relations, and event coordination. His
administrative and programmatic expertise have strengthened the center’s role as a vital resource in the Bronx with special focus on Bronx Community Board 5, 6 and 7.
Richard’s commitment to service began early and has never wavered. Since 1974, he has been deeply involved with St. Pius V Church Youth Ministry Group, serving as
Coordinator of Youth Ministry, religious instructor, Eucharistic Minister, church lecturer, youth leader, and altar server. From 1980 to 2006, he was a guiding force at the Archdiocese of New York – Grace House Catholic Youth Ministry Center,
coordinating the Horizon and Camino Programs to mentor youth in leadership, faith, and service. His earlier professional work also includes leadership development
programming with A.S.P.I.R.A. of New York, Inc., and administrative leadership in the
private sector.
Richard’s exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including:
• Graduate Public Health Scholarship – NYC Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene (2009)
• Certificate for Commitment to Public Health – CUNY School of Public Health
(2012)
• Shining Star Award – Catholic Archdiocese of New York, CYO Youth Ministry
Center (2006)
• Community Honoree Service Award – Bronx AIDS Services, Inc. (2005)
• Community Service Award – Bronx Community Board #6 (2005)
• Certificate of Appreciation – NYC DOHMH for contributions to NYC HANES
(2004)
• And multiple certificates of training and recognition for his work in youth
development, child safety, and public health advocacy.
At the heart of Richard’s work is a deep commitment to people, their dignity, health, and opportunities for growth. Whether securing resources for a neighborhood center, guiding youth toward leadership, promoting health equity, or responding to crises at home and abroad, he leads with compassion, dedication, and unwavering integrity.
From his roots in the Bronx to his influential role as a public health leader, Richard
Anthony Sierra Roman’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance, service, and faith. His legacy is not only written in the awards he has earned, but in the countless lives he has touched, inspired, and empowered along the way.
In June 2025, John Downing had the honor of speaking at the United Nations in New York City on behalf of Reunification Station Puerto Rico and Spain. He now also represents The National Puerto Rico Spain Initiative (TNPRSI) and serves on its Board of Directors. John is the first native-born Anglo-American citizen to openly advocate for the decolonization of Puerto Rico through reunification as the 18th autonomous community of Spain.
With over 25 years of experience in banking and lending, and nearly a decade as a Realtor, he helps clients navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes while minimizing upfront costs. He also connects business owners with strategic funding solutions through his network of commercial lenders, hard money lenders, and A-rated bonds—fueling growth from startup to expansion.
I was born in New York to Puerto Rican parents—my father from Manatà and my mother from Bayamón. Though I grew up stateside, living in New York, Florida, Arkansas, California, and Hawaii, I also spent 12 formative years in Puerto Rico during my adolescent years. That period deeply grounded me in the island’s culture, traditions, and spirit, giving me a strong sense of who I am and where I come from. Later, in Arkansas, I pursued my education at Arkansas State University, an experience that broadened both my perspective and sense of purpose.
I am currently a board member of The National Puerto Rico & Spain Initiative (NPRSI), and I am also involved with Reunificacionistas en AcciĂłn, following the work of reunificacionistas.org. These commitments reflect my conviction that Puerto Rico is not separate from Spain but rather an integral part of it. For me, being Puerto Rican is simply another way of being a Spaniard. I celebrate all three heritages—Spanish, TaĂno, and African—that shape us, but I also challenge the tendency to focus solely on one. Too many of our people, often unknowingly, have been conditioned to overlook the richness of our full identity. My mission is to help correct that, kindly but firmly, because our culture and customs are far too rich to let ignorance impoverish them.
Spiritually, I live by values that transcend materialism. I am a pantheist who draws inspiration from Tantra and Buddhism, though I do not formally belong to any one tradition. My goal is to live simply—fulfilling the basic needs of life and allowing space for fair leisure—rather than chasing mansions or luxury cars. Everything cannot be only work, nor only play. My deeper pursuit is spiritual fulfillment, not material excess.
Politically, I once stood as a centrist in U.S. debates and supported the PNP in Puerto Rico. But in 2017, while living in the U.S., I embraced reunificacionismo, believing firmly that Puerto Rico’s rightful and prosperous future lies in rejoining Spain as an Autonomous Community. Today, my dedication is to help Puerto Rico return home, restoring the dignity, opportunities, and cultural continuity our people deserve.
I love being Puerto Rican—proudly and fully—and I carry that pride with me wherever life has taken me.
The IT Committee serves as the technological backbone of the National Puerto Rico & Spain Initiative. This subcommittee is responsible for safeguarding all organizational data, implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, and ensuring that all information systems are secure and resilient against potential threats. It oversees the maintenance and performance of all equipment and digital tools used across the organization, guaranteeing that systems operate smoothly and efficiently.
In addition to managing day-to-day operations, the IT Committee provides strategic advice on current and emerging technologies. It ensures that the organization consistently utilizes the most effective and secure digital resources to support its mission and outreach.
This committee reports directly to the President and Vice President of the organization, keeping leadership fully informed on all technological matters, risks, and opportunities.
The Chairman of the Subcommittee for Technology leads with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset—offering expert guidance on technological strategy, infrastructure development, digital security, and innovation. Under this leadership, the IT Committee upholds the Initiative’s commitment to operational excellence and technological advancement.
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