US Territories’ July 16-22, 2018 news week in tweets
Reconstruction of Puerto Rico’s Power Grid Delayed
“Ten months after Hurricane Maria destroyed Puerto Rico's electric grid, the local agency responsible for rebuilding it is in chaos and more than $1 billion in federal funds meant to strengthen the rickety system has gone unspent…” https://t.co/F100NKFGOI
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) July 21, 2018
More than $1 billion in federal funds has been left unspent due to organizational turmoil in Puerto Rico. Chief executive officers and board members have resigned from the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, and problems with contracts of mainland power companies have been discovered. The lack of leadership continues to stall rebuilding in the islands.
Israeli Ambassador Visits US Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands getting a historic visit this week in the ongoing recovery effort. US VI Correspondent @KellieMeyerNews was there as they helped give back to one local organization rebuilding a community. https://t.co/vny8jtFNn0
— CBSUSVI (@cbsusvi) July 21, 2018
My Brothers Workshop, a nonprofit in the US Virgin Islands, is rebuilding Little Blossom Daycare after the hurricane. The Israeli Ambassador donated to the nonprofit, enabling it to complete the project by the new school year. He plans to keep communication open with the islands, hoping to support them through their recovery.
Taxation of Gas Could Increase Living Cost in Micronesia
Micronesian leaders said lifting tax exemption on liquid fuel transshipped through Guam would raise other islands' fuel prices, costs of living. Read more at: https://t.co/cGHj2JxiMr
— Guam PDN (@GuamPDN) July 21, 2018
A bill on the floor of the Guam legislature proposes to lift the tax exemption on liquid fuel shipped through Guam. The bill seeks to increase public funding for Guam but will negatively impact the economies and increase the cost of living in the CNMI and other islands in Micronesia.
Amerika Samoa Humanities Council Publishes Book Celebrating Women
Amerika Samoa Humanities Council published “The Women of American Samoa” to celebrate 100 #femalerolemodels who played a vital role in shaping the territory. #NEHinYourState #NEHgrant https://t.co/OxhC2bUT4K pic.twitter.com/bqbG5U9IsR
— NEH (@NEHgov) July 20, 2018
The National Endowment for the Humanities funded the Amerika Samoa Humanities Council to publish The Women of American Samoa to celebrate 100 female figures who helped mold American Samoa.
US Virgin Islands Hold First Pride Parade
Last month history was made in the #USVirginIslands when the first #Pride parade happened in St. Croix. https://t.co/hMzB8ASLcM pic.twitter.com/LPSXS3Gdji
— Pasquines (@Pasquines_US) July 17, 2018
On June 9, 2018, the US Virgin Islands held their first pride parade in history. Although gay marriage has been legal in the islands since 2015, there is still strong stigma against members of the LGBTQ+ community.
