US territories’ March 6-12, 2023 news week in tweets

Felicia Neale makes history as the first African American woman to lead National Association of Civilian Technicians

#StJohn Source: First Woman and African American Appointed National President of ACT https://t.co/6bR28p8765 #USVI

— USVirginIslands News🇻🇮 (@USVInews) March 11, 2023

Felicia Neale, a US Air Force veteran from the United States Virgin Islands, has been appointed the National President of the Association of Civilian Technicians (ACT), making her the first African American woman to lead the organization. In her role, Neale aims to fight for technicians’ rights and ensure their voices are heard at the congressional level while advocating for changes to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act.

Proposed amendments to Puerto Rico’s electoral code to ensure a balanced participation of parties and secure voting process

The @ppdpr legislative majority in #PuertoRico is looking to undo the electoral reform enacted last term by the @pnp_pr. https://t.co/Hu6UvH0Ntn

— Pasquines (@pasquines_us) March 10, 2023

In Puerto Rico, the Senate Governing Committee held public hearings on Senate Bill 909, which amends Law 58-2020, the Electoral Code. By proposing the amendments, the State Elections Commission (SEC) will guarantee balanced participation of political parties, refine absentee voting, and ensure the counting of votes, among other changes, preventing the same problems that occurred during the 2020 election cycle.

Liguan Elementary School students showcase CHamoru culture and music at Micronesia Mall

CHamoru music and school pride filled the hallways of Micronesia mall. https://t.co/wkho8O2IsK

— Guam PDN (@GuamPDN) March 12, 2023

In celebration of Mes Chamoru month, students from Liguan Elementary School and the Guma’ Rasan Acho Latte group performed CHamoru cultural dances and songs at Micronesia Mall on Sunday. The event aimed to promote the island’s culture and highlight the talents of the CHamoru community. 

Government officials challenge American Samoa’s recorded population count

Govt leaders including governor challenge current population count https://t.co/DnIIBZkFXz

— Samoa News (@samoanews) March 11, 2023

According to the 2022 American Samoa Statistical Yearbook, the recent censuses on the territory didn’t follow accurate scientific and demographic measures in order to be perceived as a reliable source. In American Samoa, personal interviewing was stopped for three months in 2020, which can explain the reporting’s drop in numbers.