Plan B: The Economic Development of the Eastern Region of Puerto Rico Through the Decolonization of Vieques

Vieques, PR is an island community of over 8,000 US citizens who do not enjoy the privileges of self-determination. Laws and regulations are enacted by the US Congress and administrative agencies, while we have no vote. We are small and removed from the government of Puerto Rico who controls and exploits us, treating our inhabitants as inmates. Our needs are overshadowed by powerful special interests on the main island. The PR government does NOT govern for or with us, but rather does unto us whatever it wishes. Our schools are the worst of the worst, our medical care is dismal, our infrastructure is decayed, our crime rate is horrible, and access to services on the main island is restricted by the collapsed government run ferry service. Vieques is a colony of a colony, and we need to become an independent country, as the US has repeatedly offered to PR as an option. The efforts we've made over the many decades within the system to improve our condition have been stifled by the Commonwealth and/or Federal governments. It's time to think and act outside of the normal system: outside of the box. There is an abundance of opportunity awaiting us. The possibilities are exciting to envision, but most concepts flounder in a sea of funding uncertainty. Fortunately, we have a plan to leverage government obligations to make us financially and environmentally sustainable as an independent country.

Contenu

THE INSTITUTION OF VIEQUES, PREFACE, INTRODUCTION, I. WHY BECOME INDEPENDENT?, Vieques: A Case for Independence Through Decolonization, A Very, Very Brief History, Our Problem, Our Imposed Governmental & Political Situation, Options for Status, II. PERMISSION TO FORM A NEW COUNTRY, Vieques Independence: Can It Be Done?, Recognition, Why Would the United States Permit Decolonization?, Why Would Puerto Rico Permit Secession?, Size as a Factor, III. WHAT'S THE VISION?, Existing Conditions, Demographics Plus, Physical Infrastructure, Targeting Economic Development, What Helps Form an Ideal Business Environment?, Actively Marketing Our New Country, Commerce Quality Wish List, Vieques Government & Regulatory Design, Philosophy & Constitution, Cabinet Structure, Competitive Bidding, Taxation, Regulation, Vieques Commerce Initiative, Creating the Plan, Evaluating Potential Business Opportunities, Patrimony & Local Business Development, Summary, IV. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, Public Works, Land Use Plan, Roads, Sewage Treatment, Storm Water, Water Filtration & Distribution , Telecommunications, Power Generation & Distribution, Parks & Recreation, Government Facilities, Airports, Seaports & Marinas, Postal System, Healthcare, Medical, Mental Health, Social Services, Safety Net, Universal Basic Income, Education, Student Preparation, Curriculum, Facilities, Staffing, Other Thoughts, Legal System, Guidelines, Property Rights & International Law, Vieques Real Estate, Land Use, Sea Use Planning, Criminal Justice, Law & Order Enforcement, Transportation, Security, Military, Border Protection, Customs, Gun Control, Identification, Internet & Technology, Citizenship & Immigration, Emergency Response, Fiscal Accountability & Transparency, V. TRANSITIONAL & INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING, General Expenses & Debts, Legal & Consulting, Applicable Commitments/Debts Owed to the US & PR, Asset Issues, Valuing Assets, Payment to the US & PR for Asset Purchases Such as Physical Infrastructure, Payments to Private Entities for Nationalized Assets, Compensation to Individuals and Groups As Consideration for Some Entitlement Deemed Owed, Renovation Replacement and Expansion of Roads Utilities and Other Physical Elements and Systems, New Facilities Required to Function as an Independent Country, Financing, Monetary Policy, Capital - Money Sources, Capital - Unique Vieques Funding, Capital - Personnel Sources, VI. NATIONAL TRAPPINGS, Sports and Pageantry, VII. CONCLUSIONS, ABOUT THE AUTHOR