Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduces alternative status bill

On Wednesday, Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) announced that he opposed the plan proposed by Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) to establish a new plebiscite with three options for Puerto Rico’s future: statehood, independence, or Free Association. Wicker called the debate between independence and statehood a “false choice” and said that Puerto Ricans should be allowed to choose to keep the status quo. His bill, the Puerto Rico Status Act, would authorize a binding plebiscite vote on four options: independence for Puerto Rico, sovereignty in free association with the United States, statehood, or retaining the status of Puerto Rico as a Commonwealth. Wicker has long been a vocal proponent of maintaining the status quo, having spoken about it in 2010 and penning an op-ed in its defense in 2013. No word yet on when either the House or Senate bills will reach the floor or even if they will this year.

Community and climate activists battle Puerto Rico’s beach gentrification

Hundreds of people flocked to Los Almendros Beach in early July carrying sledgehammers, hoping to topple the foundation of an infinity pool at a new resort just a few yards from the water. These protests are part of a larger movement across the Island against coastal development and the privatization of public beaches. As new money has poured into the Island in the last few years to build new resorts and condominiums, local beach access has been restricted and housing costs have skyrocketed. Fear of destruction of local wildlife, particularly turtles, has led community activists and environmentalists to work together across Puerto Rico to fight for the preservation of its beaches. Litigation is moving through the courts as developers fight back to protect their investments, citing federal private property protections. Puerto Rico’s Department of Environmental and Natural Resources is doing its own survey to determine the “marine-terrestrial zone” that would be legally required to remain public. 

American Hospital Association lauds Puerto Rico’s COVID-19 response

At a recent conference of Puerto Rico’s College of Health Services Administrators held in Fajardo, the American Hospital Association (AHA) met with local healthcare professionals to discuss the Island’s successes in handling the pandemic. More than 95% of the population received at least one vaccine dose and over 84% were fully vaccinated, extremely high numbers relative to the rest of the United States. Five themes emerged as the reason for success.  First, masking and vaccines were not highly politicized, with all sides of the political spectrum touting their effectiveness.  Second, community stakeholders were engaged from the start.  Third, healthcare administrators approached the issue from a public health mindset.  Additionally, Puerto Rico did more with limited resources, maximizing the opportunity provided by getting the same resources the states received for the first time.  Finally, the government was consistent and transparent in its messaging: masks and vaccines save lives.