US Territories’ August 3-9, 2020 news week in tweets
PUERTO RICO’S PRIMARIES MARRED BY LACK OF BALLOTS
Puerto Rico has been forced to partially suspend voting for primaries marred by a lack of ballots as officials called on the president of the US territory’s elections commission to resign.
COURT STRIKES DOWN DISCRIMINATION AGAINST RESIDENTS OF PUERTO RICO IN KEY FEDERAL PROGRAMS
“If Pena Martinez, Vaello Madero, and Schaller are upheld, it could mean billions more in direct federal funding to the most vulnerable residents of US territories,” Neil Weare of Equally American said.
ANCIENT BURIAL GROUND UNEARTHED ON GUAM
A legal instrument has been invoked in Guam that could lead to the US military delaying the creation of firing range. It follows the discovery of an ancient burial ground on land being developed for a new base for Marines transferred from Japan.
GUAM GOVERNOR TO CDC: TERRITORIES HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB CONTAINING COVID-19
In response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent warning that the COVID-19 risk in Guam is high, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero (D) sent a letter to the CDC director defending Guam’s containment measures. She asked that the CDC evaluate Guam and other territories under separate risk assessments.
NAVY FINALIZES TRAINING, TESTING PLANS; SENATOR REQUESTS NO ACTIVE SONAR
The Navy released a final version of its Mariana Islands Training and Testing Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement in June, allowing for public comment until July 6. It made its final decision on July 29.
US VIRGIN ISLANDS REQUIRING COVID-19 SCREENING
Effective immediately, would-be US Virgin Islands travelers will be required to apply for certification via an online portal designed to pre-screen visitors for coronavirus prior to their arrival.
HONORING AMERICAN SAMOA’S PURPLE HEART VETS
Delegate Aumua Amata (R) recognized Purple Heart Day 2020 and honored American Samoa’s Purple Heart Veterans.
