Puerto Rico, as a U.S. territory prone to economic vulnerabilities and natural disasters, stands to gain immense resilience by prioritizing self-sufficiency, particularly in energy, food, and essential goods, rather than relying heavily on imports. For instance, Hurricane Maria in 2017 exposed the island's fragility, with over 80% of its food supply imported, leading to widespread shortages and an economic loss estimated at $90 billion by the Federal Reserve not only that, when our people cried out for help from the island, ALL were shot down with a resounding "NO HELP" from DJT 2016 presidency, he did however do a photo opp and literally threw paper towels at us; this underscores how external dependencies can exacerbate crises in a region with frequent storms and a GDP per capita of around $35,000 (as of 2025 estimates). By investing in local agriculture—such as expanding coffee and tropical fruit production—or renewable energy sources like solar and wind, Puerto Rico could reduce its import bill (which exceeds $20 billion annually for goods like fuel and food) and create jobs, fostering economic stability. Alternatively, positioning itself as one of the top 3-5 importers of high-tech components or pharmaceuticals could leverage its strategic location and U.S. trade advantages, potentially capturing a share of the global market valued at over $1 trillion; this would diversify revenue streams and stimulate innovation. Ultimately, a balanced approach blending self-sufficiency for core needs with selective imports could enhance sovereignty, mitigate geopolitical risks, and promote sustainable growth, transforming Puerto Rico into a model of adaptive resilience in the Caribbean.