Among the dignitaries in attendance at the dedication ceremony of the Museo de Arte de Ponce (MAP) in Puerto Rico was Roberto Sánchez Vilella. In his capacity as Governor of the island, he gave a tongue-in-cheek speech[1] directed at his political opponent and founder of the museum, Luis A. Ferré:

© Mary Ann Sullivan

Among the dignitaries in attendance at the dedication ceremony of the Museo de Arte de Ponce (MAP) in Puerto Rico was Roberto Sánchez Vilella. In his capacity as Governor of the island, he gave a tongue-in-cheek speech[1] directed at his political opponent and founder of the museum, Luis A. Ferré: I feel that I have contributed, in my small way, to the building of this museum. Had I not defeated Luis Ferré in the election, he would not have had sufficient leisure time to devote to this cultural project.
© Mary Ann Sullivan

It is certainly true that this new building, designed by Edward Durell Stone and inaugurated in 1965, would not have existed without Ferré?s singular vision and extraordinary generosity. Stone?s design for the museum earned him an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honor Award and, together with Ferré?s unwavering commitment to the success of the institution, produced what is now one of the most recognized and respected cultural landmarks in the Caribbean.

© Mary Ann Sullivan

Prior to pursuing a political career, Fer...