Island’s First Female Governor Sworn In

Sila Calderon was sworn in in San Juan as Puerto Rico’s first female governor, promising to seek greater autonomy for the U.S. territory and to try to halt Navy exercises on outlying Vieques island. Calderon’s inauguration raised the possibility of an even more conflicted relationship between Puerto Rico and the U.S. government. Although President-elect George W. Bush has said he will stand by an accord that could result in the Navy’s exit from Vieques, he is also known for his support of the U.S. military. Calderon said she wants an immediate Navy exit--not the accord’s 2003 target date.