May 21, 1999
By Daniel L. Muñoz
Sailing into Port San Diego on a Westerly wind, was the Former President of the Seafarer's International Union of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean & Latin America, Keith Terpe & his shipmate Marilu. They had come to visit with Mr. & Mrs. Tom & Pearl Martinez, former Secretary of the International Seafarer's Union, World Wide & La Prensa San Diego Publisher.
Under discussion was the recently held Canary Workers Commemorative Dinner Dance, the dying Tuna Industry and the hiring of cannery workers by Seattle Tuna Industry, and the lack of shipbuilding for commercial American interests.
"It is still in our memories that Americas shortage of ships worked to a great disadvantage during those times when we had to transport hundreds of Soldiers, Marines and Sailors to foreign battle grounds. Without our own ships, we were at the mercy of foreign ships and countries," he said.
"It is quite evident that every cruise ship that comes here is under a foreign flag. We seem to forget the lessons of the past. It is today's Cruise ships that turn into tomorrow's troop ships," noted Mr. Muñoz Sr.
Mr. Terpe noted the unstable political situation in Puerto Rico. "The recent decision not to join the U.S. as a State but to remain in its current status is a sign of their lack of confidence of their government," he said.
The Terpe's will be leaving San Diego to visit other Ports before returning to Puerto Rico.
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