Trailblazing DiasporaLink Act Spearheaded by Congresswoman Plaskett Clears House Hurdle

The House of Representatives has recently endorsed H.R. 3385, better known as the DiasporaLink Act, a pioneering initiative led by Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett. This groundbreaking measure mandates a comprehensive feasibility study by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information on the prospects of deploying a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable. This cable is envisaged to forge a direct link between the United States and Africa via the U.S. Virgin Islands, marking a monumental stride towards bridging digital divides.

Congresswoman Plaskett has lauded the bill’s approval, highlighting its dual significance in bolstering America’s national security interests and fostering economic growth through enhanced internet connectivity to Africa and the Caribbean from U.S. territories. The envisioned study will delve into the strategic implications of this venture for the Virgin Islands and its alignment with broader American objectives in these regions.

Highlighting a current gap in infrastructure, Plaskett pointed out, “At present, the U.S. lacks a direct fiber optic connection to Africa, a continent burgeoning with economic potential and presenting unique national security considerations. The existing dependency on foreign and commercial networks for such connectivity positions the U.S. at a disadvantage,” underscoring the national security and economic imperatives driving the DiasporaLink Act.

Placing the connectivity hub within the U.S. Virgin Islands is a strategic decision aimed at capitalizing on the territory’s geographic advantages to benefit the entire nation and its territories. Plaskett elaborated on the transformative prospects of the DiasporaLink project for the local and national economy, forecasting it as a catalyst for high-tech employment in the Virgin Islands and a magnet for digital enterprises, thereby reinforcing the islands’ role in the global digital economy.

The proposal also reveres previous telecommunications ventures like the GlobalCrossing cables in St. Croix, advocating for a government-maintained link that ensures the durability and reliability of future connectivity endeavors.

In an expression of gratitude, Plaskett acknowledged Stephan Adams, CEO of viNGN, for his pivotal contributions to shaping DiasporaLink, along with Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) and House Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey) for their bipartisan backing.

As the DiasporaLink Act progresses to the Senate, its potential approval signals a transformative chapter in digital connectivity and economic prospects, promising extensive benefits not only for the Virgin Islands but also fostering a new frontier of trans-Atlantic partnership with Africa.