US territories’ March 13-19, 2023 news week in tweets

American Samoa Governor appoints new member to hospital board despite calls to renew Dr. Jean Anderson’s term

An epidemiologist, Aifili Dr. John Tufa, has been nominated to replace Dr. Jean Anderson on the ASMC Board of Directors. Medical professionals had submitted letters calling for Dr. Anderson to be reappointed, but Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga has decided to appoint Dr. Tufa instead.

Guam lawmakers to hold emergency session on public school safety and sanitation

Bills to update sanitation requirements, allocate $30 million for infrastructure repairs, and expedite procurement protests will be considered during the session. The call for a session was made by Senator Chris Barnett (D), who highlighted the desperate state of Guam’s schools and demanded immediate action to address the issues.

Puerto Rico and Hawaii lawmakers introduce legislation to protect plantain, banana, and cacao crops

Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón of Puerto Rico (NPP, R) and Representative Jill Tokuda of Hawaii (D) introduced two bills seeking to authorize USDA research and extension grants to protect plantain, banana, and cacao crops against pests and diseases. 

Man apprehended and charged with assault after allegedly pointing gun at victim in the US Virgin Islands

Arnold Malone, who was wanted by the USVI Police Department for allegedly threatening another man with a gun in September, was apprehended on St. Thomas and is now facing assault charges. Malone was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Marianas Cup to draw 32 weightlifters, including 12 from Guam

The CNMI Weightlifting Federation is hosting its annual Marianas Cup, which will take place on Saturday, March 25, at the Ada gym. The event has attracted a total of 32 registered participants, including 12 weightlifters from Guam, and serves as a qualifier for CNMI weightlifters hoping to secure a spot on the National Weightlifting Team.