NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York (all times local):
3 p.m.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he’s returning to Puerto Rico to help rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Maria.
Speaking Sunday at the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Cuomo says he’s also appointing a commission to oversee the construction of a memorial to victims of the 2017 storm.
The memorial will be located in Manhattan’s Battery Park City.
Cuomo, a Democrat, said more than 300 students from state-run colleges will travel to Puerto Rico over the summer to help the recovery.
Public health experts have estimated that nearly 3,000 people died in 2017 because of the effects of Hurricane Maria.
Cuomo says New York hasn’t forgotten its pledge to stand with Puerto Rico every step of the way as it recovers from the storm.
Cuomo has already traveled to Puerto Rico five times since Maria hit.
___
11 a.m.
Puerto Rican pride is going on full display along New York City’s Fifth Avenue, as the National Puerto Rican Day Parade steps off for its 62nd annual event.
The grand marshal for Sunday’s parade is singer Ricky Martin, who is being celebrated along with his foundation, which fights human trafficking.
The parade is taking place as New York City also marks Pride Month, and it is paying posthumous tribute to Sylvia Rivera, an activist in the struggle for LGBTQ rights.
As part of the theme of “One People, Many Voices,” others being honored in the parade include singers La India and José Feliciano, golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez and baseball player Edgar Martinez.
The parade is also recognizing those who have been involved in rebuilding the island after Hurricane Maria.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.