Puerto Rico’s New Governor Sworn In Amid Blackout Crisis \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Jennifer González Colón was sworn in as Puerto Rico’s new governor, pledging to prioritize the island’s power grid stability, improve infrastructure, and address the territory’s economic and social challenges. The ceremony unfolded amidst public frustration over recent blackouts. González has committed to governing inclusively and pursuing Puerto Rico’s statehood aspirations while addressing pressing issues such as affordable housing, healthcare, and crime reduction.
Puerto Rico Governor Swearing-In Quick Looks
- Historic Swearing-In: Jennifer González Colón becomes the first female governor of Puerto Rico, succeeding her win in the Nov. 5 election.
- Immediate Challenges: Her administration faces a fragile power grid and a persistent economic crisis.
- Public Sentiment: The ceremony sparked mixed reactions, with protests over ongoing power outages and government spending concerns.
- Policy Pledges: González aims to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare, while boosting bilingual education and tackling crime.
- Statehood Focus: A pro-statehood advocate, González plans to push for Puerto Rico’s admission as the 51st U.S. state.
Deep Look
Jennifer González Colón officially assumed office as Puerto Rico’s governor during a ceremony on Thursday, marked by a subdued atmosphere amidst widespread frustration over an island-wide blackout. The power crisis and other pressing issues loom large over her administration, highlighting the significant challenges she faces in stabilizing Puerto Rico’s infrastructure and addressing its economic and social struggles.
This historic moment saw González, a Republican and a member of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, becoming the first woman to govern Puerto Rico. Her election victory on November 5 was a testament to her political resilience, securing her party’s third consecutive gubernatorial term. Despite the celebratory nature of the occasion, protests and lingering public discontent underscored the urgency of the problems her administration must tackle.
A Ceremony Amid Crisis
The swearing-in ceremony took place outside the Capitol building in San Juan, where González addressed a crowd gathered under the Caribbean sun. She began her tenure by acknowledging the blackout that left 1.3 million customers without power earlier in the week. Many Puerto Ricans continued to experience outages as repair crews struggled to stabilize the grid.
In her speech, González expressed a sense of urgency about improving the power infrastructure. “There are many challenges facing our island,” she said. “This is precisely what moves me to address that first challenge with a sense of urgency.”
Her administration plans to appoint an energy czar tasked with reviewing contractual obligations and exploring alternatives to Luma Energy, the private company responsible for managing power transmission and distribution. However, replacing Luma or altering its contract would require approval from Puerto Rico’s Energy Bureau and the federal control board overseeing the island’s finances.
Backup generators ensured an uninterrupted ceremony, which included performances by prominent musicians. This precaution underscored the fragile state of Puerto Rico’s energy system, which Luma described as “unstable” due to ongoing deficiencies in power generation.
Broad Commitments to Puerto Ricans
Beyond the power grid crisis, González used her inaugural address to outline a comprehensive vision for Puerto Rico’s future. She vowed to rebuild critical infrastructure, improve public hospitals and schools, and enhance bilingual education opportunities. In a move to foster unity, she emphasized her commitment to govern inclusively, stating, “I’m going to fulfill my promises to you. I am not going to govern only for those who voted for me. I am going to be the governor of all Puerto Ricans.”
Before the ceremony, González attended a Mass at Parroquia Santa Teresita in San Juan, where she sought spiritual guidance for her leadership. However, the solemn event was interrupted by a protester decrying the blackout. Protests extended to the Capitol, with demonstrators criticizing the government’s handling of the power crisis and expressing skepticism about the new administration’s ability to deliver change.
Economic and Energy Challenges
Puerto Rico’s economic challenges are as daunting as its energy issues. The island’s government declared bankruptcy in 2017 under the weight of over $70 billion in debt. Although most agencies have restructured their obligations, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority remains mired in debt exceeding $9 billion, making it the most indebted government entity.
The economic struggles are compounded by Puerto Rico’s exclusion from capital markets since 2015 and the lingering impact of Hurricane María, which devastated the island’s infrastructure in 2017. González inherits these challenges alongside the mandate to work with a federal oversight board tasked with managing Puerto Rico’s financial recovery.
Experts agree that economic revitalization hinges on stabilizing the power grid and completing debt restructuring. González faces mounting pressure to attract investors, create affordable housing, reduce power costs, and address the island’s high cost of living. Additionally, she must improve the healthcare system, which has been severely weakened by the departure of thousands of doctors to the mainland U.S.
Advocating for Statehood
A staunch proponent of Puerto Rico’s statehood, González intends to reignite efforts to make the island the 51st U.S. state. This ambition aligns with the results of a recent nonbinding referendum where 59% of voters favored statehood over independence or free association.
González views statehood as essential for achieving equal treatment for Puerto Ricans in federal programs like Medicaid and Medicare, as well as other benefits afforded to U.S. states. However, her push for statehood faces significant hurdles, requiring approval from both Congress and the President.
“Statehood means equality,” González said. “I want us to have that access to opportunities so that our people can move forward.”
Mixed Public Sentiment
The public reaction to González’s inauguration was polarized. Supporters expressed optimism, particularly in her ability to address education, crime, and healthcare. Many were hopeful that as a mother and recent parent of twins, González would bring a compassionate approach to governance.
Critics, however, voiced skepticism. Protesters outside the Capitol decried government inefficiencies and questioned whether González could deliver on her promises. One protester, Yara Humarán Martínez, whose elderly mother had been without power for days, said, “I don’t have any hope that she will change anything.”
Looking Ahead
Jennifer González Colón’s tenure begins at a critical juncture for Puerto Rico. The combination of immediate crises—such as the fragile power grid and mounting public debt—and long-term challenges, including economic revitalization and healthcare reform, will test her administration’s resolve and ability to implement meaningful change.
As the first female governor of Puerto Rico, González carries the weight of historic expectations. Her leadership will not only shape the island’s recovery but also influence the broader debate over Puerto Rico’s political future as it continues to grapple with its unique status as a U.S. territory.
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