Puerto Rico's New Gov. Ready to Take Over

S A N  J U A N, Puerto Rico, Jan. 2 -- Puerto Rico’s new anti-statehoodgovernor said Monday she will hold true to pledges to oust the U.S.Navy from a bombing range and resolve the island’s conflictedrelationship with Washington.

“It’s about working within the respect that we must have foreach other,” Sila Calderon said as she prepared to take over thereins of government today.

Calderon, a glamorous 58-year-old executive who wears signaturesuits in hot tropical colors, spoke as grandstands were beingconstructed and celebrities arrived for her inauguration.

A Caribbean Kennedy?

Some Puerto Ricans are comparing her upcoming administration tothe Kennedy era.

“Many people think she can bring the glamour and sophisticationthat the Kennedys brought to the White House,” said artist ManoloDiaz.

Calderon is opposed to U.S. statehood, which was championed byoutgoing Gov. Pedro Rossello. Her victory in November and herPopular Democratic Party’s success in winning the local legislaturewere seen as a collective “No” to making Puerto Rico the 51ststate.

It was also viewed as a rejection of the pact between Rosselloand the White House that would delay until 2003 any withdrawal ofthe Navy from its bombing range on the island of Vieques.

Another Vieques Battle Looms

“Unfortunately this agreement is not in accord with the generalconsensus in Puerto Rico,” Calderon said in an interview with TheAssociated Press. “We have to bring this message to Washington,and I want to do it in a way that is open and honest anddemocratic.”

The Navy had agreed to transfer 8,000 acres of Vieques land tothe local government last Sunday. However, Navy Secretary RichardDanzig informed Rossello that the transfer would not occur untilCalderon promised to stand by the pact.

Calderon says Navy should get out immediately. “We havefulfilled our responsibilities for the common defense ... with thebombing which has been going on for 60 years,” she said. Ending itwas part of the mandate she received when she was elected, shesaid.