US Territories’ June 17-24, 2018 news week in tweets

by Jun 25, 2018News Week in Tweets0 comments

Puerto Rico Legislators Refuse to Repeal Law Protecting Workers

Governor Ricardo Rosselló told the oversight board that his administration would repeal a law that protects workers from unjust firings. The board will not eliminate a Christmas bonus or reduce sick and vacation for the repeal of the law in hopes of helping Puerto Rico recover from a recession. The Senate President, Thomas Rivera Schatz, said that most of the legislators do not want a repeal the law.

Senator Janelle Sarauw Speaks About Being Openly LBGTQ+

Janelle K. Sarauw is the youngest and only openly LBGTQ senator in the US Virgin Islands. She says that she wants to be transparent as a senator and wants to inspire others to be comfortable with who they are.

The End of the CW1 Visa Program Brings Uncertainty to the CNMI

The CW1 visa program is a temporary nonimmigrant work visa program that only applies to the CNMI. It will end in 2019, but many of the industries depend upon CW1 workers. Without the CW1 program, there will be a significant loss of workers. Congress has been warned of the economic repercussions and may extend the visa program.

Chinese-backed Casinos Threaten US Operations in the CNMI

The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission reported concern over the Chinese-run casinos in the Northern Mariana Islands. The US views the CNMI as a valuable location for military operations and views China’s economic involvement as a threat.

USS Frank Cable Sailor Support Island Girl Power

Sailors on the USS Frank Cable help Island Girl Power, a community service organization in Guam. Island Girl Power works to decrease teen pregnancy, suicide, substance and sexual abuse by empowering young ladies. The sailors joined the organization as they painted murals, cleaned the neighborhood, and organizing donations and items in various centers.

US Court States Congress is to Decide on Samoan Citizenship Claims

Three American Samoans filed a lawsuit against the US government, saying that American Samoans should be granted birthright citizenship. The Federal Court said that only Congress could define the relationship between territories and the mainland.