This week promises to be one of a lot of activity, with several high-profile events happening starting today.
Monday, the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization will hold a hearing on Puerto Rico’s status, hearing testimony from different leaders including Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi. As usual, it is expected for the committee to ignore democratic principles and upon the urging of nations such as Cuba, Venezuela and Bolivia, approve a resolution supporting the an inalienable right to self-determination and independence.
Tuesday, The Last Colony, the documentary by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Juan Agustin Marquez will be shown to members of Congress. We for one are anxious to get a chance to review the documentary ourselves, which seems to be getting a warm reception.
The Wednesday, the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs will hold another hearing on the issues of the political status of Puerto Rico, as well as on the economic crisis affecting the territory. Expect testimony from Pierluisi, as well as Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla, and a representative from the Puerto Rican Independence Party, likely Ruben Berrios.
And of course, throughout the week you will see many articles, opinion pieces and reports on the economic crisis, which is nearing a breaking point. Important deadlines for the approval of the budget, bond payments and agreements are coming up between June 25 and July 1. The government in the islands is getting desperate, so this week will be a very important one on several fronts. Stay tuned for our full coverage of these events, and the aftermath of the momentous week of June.