With a big, colorful celebration, Sila Calderon was sworn in last week as Puerto Rico's new Governor. She is the island's first woman Governor. Crowds took to the streets of the capital, San Juan, to enjoy fireworks, dancing and music.

In a speech, Calderon, 58, praised Puerto Rico's relationship with the U.S. But she vowed to seek greater independence.

Puerto Rico has been part of the U.S. since the Spanish-American War ended in 1898. It is a commonwealth, not a state. Its people are U.S. citizens but don't pay federal taxes. Islanders cannot vote for President and have no vote in Congress.

Some Puerto Ricans want the island to become the 51st state. Not Calderon. "We are proud to be U.S. citizens," she says, but the island should keep its own government.

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January 12, 2001 World Report