2022 in the United States territories, in context

Another year has gone by and at Pasquines, 2022 has been one of tremendous growth and opportunities. Our users increased by a whopping 191%, our best year in traffic. We take our ninth year’s successes as a platform to continue growing, heading in our tenth anniversary in June 2023. For now here is 2022 in the United States territories, in context.

January

Puerto Rico’s status issue dominated our first month, with an opinion piece decrying the lack of action on the issue rising to be our top story.

February

2022 proved to be a year of economic concerns across the nation, and the United States Virgin Islands were no exception.

March

Puerto Rico’s status once again garnered the most attention as members of Congress debated between civil rights and the territory’s economy being the top priority.

April

The vulnerability of Guam in the geopolitical game between the United States and China was a recurring issue of discussion this year.

May

A historic moment for the Puerto Rico status issue when the Puerto Rico Status Act was announced as a consensus measure meant to decolonize the territory.

June

The repeal of Roe v. Wade did not just affect the states, it also resulted in a new complex set of laws on the issue in each territory.

July

Guam was elated to return to in-person celebrations for its Liberation Day holiday this year, after having to cancel prior events due to the pandemic.

August

A domestic incident involving Ricky Martin helped to shine a spotlight on Puerto Rico’s domestic violence laws, and the rampant rates of abuse in the islands.

September

Another year, another hurricane: Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are once more affected by a tropical cyclone.

October

The United States military and its treatment of Guam was the topic of several of our stories this year, highlighting the issue of colonialism.

November

Once again subject to the laws of a Congress in which they have no vote, the territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands had to lobby to protect their legislative interests on the issue of the rum cover over.

December

A victory for proponents of decolonizing Puerto Rico comes at the last minute with the passage of HR 8393 in the US House of Representatives.

Looking forward

Whether it be in terms of growth, unique coverage of important stories, or partnerships with organizations like The Washington Center for our internship program, we have had our best year yet. And our progress covering the news of the US territories has only been possible thanks to the incredible efforts of our volunteers, interns, and supporters like you. For the context of islands, we’ll see you in 2023, we hope to keep counting with your support.