Ricky - proud of Puerto Rico

FAJARDO, Puerto Rico (AP) -- Enduring interviews with a ready laugh and a brilliant smile, Ricky Martin is a man on a mission: to correct what he views as the often negative and sadly distorted image of his people.

Martin, who arrived in San Juan Monday for his first concerts on the island in two years, gamely promoted his fusion of rock and Latin sounds, which has headlined the past year's equally touted wave of Hispanic successes.

But swiftly, talk turned to the loftier themes that drive him with a passion. Since he burst into the mainstream with a showstopping performance of The Cup of Life at last year's Grammys, the San Juan-born Martin has emphasized his Puerto Rican origins from every stage.

"It's part of my flesh, and I need to share it. It's about letting people know the beauty of my island," said Martin, 28, who is causing something of a frenzy as he prepares for his first concerts at home since his rise to megastardom.

"Unfortunately, there are classics in the theatre about Puerto Rican gangs," Martin lamented -- apparently referring to West Side Story and its depiction of Puerto Ricans in New York that remains a source of bitterness here. "It's very important for everyone to get rid of stereotypes."

Does he feel it a duty to take a stand?

"It's a mission. We have the opportunity to talk to masses of people ..... Let's create some consciousness, and let's talk about humanitarian issues ..... Yes, I'm a leader. A lot of people follow my career, follow my music, and I have to let them know (what) I'm concerned about."

Martin said he voted in the 1998 referendum here, in which voters rejected U.S. statehood, but he refused to reveal whether he supported statehood, independence or the in-between status quo.

"Let's not go there," he said.

At stake in the referendum was the future status of this U.S. territory whose four million Spanish-speaking people are U.S. citizens who receive billions in federal funds and serve in the U.S. military but cannot vote for the U.S. president.

Martin paused when asked if he views Puerto Rico as a separate country. Then, with quiet determination, he said, "Yes. I do. I do. I do."

Although he lives in Miami, Martin said he does not feel like a U.S. citizen.

"I'm Puerto Rican. In America, I never felt American. I don't know -- it's like going to China and trying to feel Chinese," he said.

In recent months, Martin joined the struggle to expel the U.S. navy from its bombing range in outlying Vieques Island. It was partly successful: President Bill Clinton has ordered the Navy out in three years, pending a referendum among the 9,400 residents. Martin pushed the issue as best he could, and brought it up during a recent visit at the White House.

From a cliffside hotel suite, Martin gazed at Vieques, clearly visible across 11 kilometres of deep blue waters where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea.

"What comes to mind when I look at Vieques?" he said thoughtfully. "Just a beautiful island with amazing people who deserve a little bit of serenity and tranquility."

Martin said he would visit Vieques during his two-week stay.

But the highlight -- much different from previous, low-key forays home -- will be a three-concert weekend blitz in San Juan.

His concerts have been the talk of all Puerto Rico. Security is tight, the media baying. A battalion of bodyguards, publicists and aides control access -- and image -- with ruthless efficiency. At interviews, photographers were banned and publicity shots distributed. During the concert itself, photographers will be allowed in only for a few songs.

But when Martin heard of a four-year-old fan who wanted a special picture, his face lit up. He leapt out of his seat.

"Let's do it!" he said.