US Territories’ August 13-19, 2018 news week in tweets
Puerto Rico Hits Lowest Unemployment in 50 Years
Puerto Rico reports lowest unemployment in 50 years https://t.co/qRSAY5P6Yk pic.twitter.com/S2id65YeIs
— The Hill (@thehill) August 17, 2018
The unemployment rate in Puerto Rico reached 9.1% in July, which is the lowest unemployment the territory has had in 50 years. Puerto Rico’s population has also decreased significantly as people moved to the mainland over the past decade.
Former US Virgin Islands Senator Convicted of Wire Fraud and Theft
Former Virgin Islands Senator Convicted of Wire Fraud and Theft of Federal Program Funds https://t.co/WBAjcrbpC6
— Justice Department (@TheJusticeDept) August 16, 2018
Wayne A.G. James, a former senator of the US Virgin Islands, was convicted of wired fraud and theft of federal funds. The former senator used some of the money for re-election campaigns and other personal expenses.
Support To Raise Marriage Age in American Samoa Expressed at Forum
Strong support for raising marriage age in American Samoa https://t.co/Ru42ADXoKz. #EndChildMarriage #EducateGirlsNow #GirlRising
— Educate Girls Now (@EducateGirlsNow) August 16, 2018
Strong support for raising the marriage age from 14 to 18 was shown at a forum held by Pae ma le Auli, a women’s advocacy group. The bill to raise the age has passed the House of Representatives and is now on the Senate floor.
Missing Hiker Near Pago Bay Bridge Found
It deeply saddens me to have received this news only minutes after my post. Still, may his family, friends, and all of his loved ones know that we, the island Guam are here for them. #deepestcondolences pic.twitter.com/biYGbhoZFu
— Aki-Chan 🍂 (@anthonyduhhh) August 13, 2018
15-year-old Xavier Akima was reported missing on August 11 after being separated from a group on a river. On August 13, his body was found by volunteers near Leo Palace Resort.
15 CNMI Firefighters To Help Fight California Wildfires
S/O to the fire fighters of @CNMI_DFEMS who are deploying to help fight the ongoing forest fires in California 🙏🏾❤ May The Lord watch over all of you courageous men & bring you all back home safely. pic.twitter.com/SGaNRqkhHD
— Quiana Liberty (@lakwinn) August 15, 2018
A team of 15 CNMI firefighters have been deployed to California for 30 to 40 days to help fight the California wildfires. The firefighters will be able to gain experience handling wildfires and knowledge from the US Forest Service.
