Jenniffer González Colón Sworn in as Puerto Rico’s Governor Amid Power Crisis
TL/DR –
Jenniffer González Colón has been sworn in as Puerto Rico’s new governor amid widespread public ire over a blackout that hit the U.S. territory days ago. González, a Republican and supporter of Donald Trump, has pledged to strengthen the Caribbean island’s power grid and enhance its infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems. In response to criticisms over a blackout that affected 1.3 million customers, González has pledged to appoint an energy “czar” to review potential contractual breaches and potentially replace Luma Energy, the private company overseeing power transmission and distribution in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico’s Governor: Jenniffer González Colón
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Jenniffer González Colón was sworn in as Puerto Rico’s new governor amid anger over a recent U.S. territory-wide blackout.
Republican González, who supports President-elect Trump and represents the New Progressive Party, has committed to stabilising Puerto Rico’s faltering power grid. Her party secured a notable third consecutive term with her November 5th election victory.
“The pressing challenges facing our island, like the blackout, is what compels me to act urgently,” she said in her first public address as governor. González promised improvements to the island’s infrastructure, health and education systems.
“I will be the governor of all Puerto Ricans, not just those who voted for me,” She promised.
Despite a protester interrupting a celebratory Mass, González remains committed to serving her people and thanked God for the wisdom and strength to fulfill her promises.
Learn more about the recent blackout in Puerto Rico
Protests, sparked by a popular activist not being permitted entrance to the Capitol, occurred before González’s arrival. Many are still angry and skeptical about the changes under the new governor.
González intends to appoint an energy “czar” to evaluate potential contractual breaches and possibly replace Luma Energy, the private company currently managing power transmission and distribution in Puerto Rico.
Following the recent blackout, more than 600,000 were temporarily left without power again on New Year’s Day. Luma Energy issued a warning about potential outages due to an ongoing lack of power generation.
González, a recent mother of twins and former attorney, is known for her dynamic presence, seen when she donned Wonder Woman tiara and cuffs at her party’s assembly prior to the election.
Supporters believe Gonzalez’s focus as a mother will prioritize education system reform and crime reduction. However, concerns about government spending remain.
González, a pro-statehood advocate, beat Pedro Pierluisi during their party’s primary in June. She subsequently won the general election with over 526,000 votes (41%).
Besides the fragile power grid, González is facing a slowly recovering economy following the declaration in 2015 that the U.S. territory was unable to pay its more than $70 billion public debt load.
She is also under pressure to create affordable housing, lower living costs, reduce violent crime, boost the economy, improve healthcare, and push for Puerto Rico to become the 51st state, all of which would require U.S. Congress and presidential approval.
In a nonbinding referendum in the November 5 election, statehood earned 59% of the vote, with 63% voter participation. Puerto Ricans, though U.S. citizens, are not eligible to vote in presidential elections, resulting in unequal treatment concerning federal programs.
“Statehood means equality, and that’s what we want – access to opportunities,” González said.
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