US Territories’ July 16-22, 2018 news week in tweets

by Jul 23, 2018News Week in Tweets0 comments

Reconstruction of Puerto Rico’s Power Grid Delayed

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

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

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

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

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.