The Equaliser of Puerto Rico
The main purpose of Equaliser is to make it economical and feasible for those that may struggle to own a home, to buy one at a substantially lower price than existing homes. The Equaliser cryptocurrency is a coin designed for this purpose and will be used as the currency for purchasing Equaliser built homes in the Equaliser Marketplace.
Equaliser was created to help eradicate the serious problem of homelessness in the world, and the struggle that many go through to put a roof over their heads and that of their families.
This is a very noble cause, the worldwide scope of which is huge. For Equaliser to forge ahead in it’s pursuits, it requires an environment in which is can put into play it’s cryptocurrency and it’s building expertise. The perfect environment to start off with is a small, relatively closed system. This type of ecosystem will exaggerate the effects of any changes to the system. Also, any changes will be obvious and easily measurable. Both factors are required to gain a good understanding of the effects Equaliser will have.
At first I was surprised that Equaliser has chosen Puerto Rico as the testing ground for it’s expansion. Upon looking at the factors involved in making any changes quantifiable and measurable within a closed system, then it made sense that Puerto Rico was chosen.
Other factors that make Puerto Rico perfect for Equaliser is that is has expensive housing and over 45% of the population below the poverty line.
The median home value in Puerto Rico ranges from $100,000 USD to $214,000 USD, while the national U.S median home value is around $119,600. The cost of living is high in Puerto Rico as most goods and services are shipped in from Mainland U.S.
The Geodesic dome designs that are chosen by Equaliser are proven to provide many benefits. This type of geodesic dome enclose the largest volume of space using the least amount of construction material.
They require so little with regards to material and therefore are also extremely lightweight and low cost. The geometric dimensions of the domes also lend the design great strength, and are hurricane resistant. They are also efficient in terms of heating.
Some facts about Puerto Rico
The island was claimed in 1493 by Christopher Columbus for Spain during his second voyage.
Originally populated by the indigenous Taíno people.
It is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the northeast Caribbean Sea. It is around 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida.
Population is 3,351,827 (July 2017 est.)
Puerto Ricans are by law citizens of the United States.
Puerto Rico is only 100 miles long by 35 miles wide, making it the smallest island of the Greater Antilles. Total area is 3,515 sq mi.
As it’s not a US state, Puerto Rico does not have a vote in the United States Congress.
Congress approved a local constitution in 1952, allowing U.S. citizens on the territory to elect a governor.
Problems
In 2017 the Puerto Rican government-debt crisis posed serious problems.
The outstanding bond debt climbed to $72 billion and 12.4% unemployment. This debt had been slowly increasing during a decade long recession.
In September 2017, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, causing incredible widespread damage. The island’s electrical grid was largely destroyed, with repairs taking months to complete, provoking the largest power outage in American history. Recovery efforts were slow and over 200,000 residents ended up moving to the mainland State of Florida.
More than 4,600 people are believed to have died in Puerto Rico from the catastrophic Hurricane.
A combination of a small ecosystem and the above mentioned problems make Puerto Rico the ideal area for Equaliser to setup its first housing developments.
There is a great shortage of well built houses that are resistant to natural elements such as harsh weather conditions and that are affordable.
This is where Equaliser can excel.
“Equaliser is a Blockchain based solution that aims to provide affordable, strong, energy efficient and beautiful homes and accommodation. The blockchain will contain a title registry, proof of ownership and smart contract functionality. Storm shelters are also an option to be offered by Equaliser.”
The ingredients to a successful future
Transparency
Each transaction will be recorded in the Equaliser Ledger including home purchases.
Equaliser Marketplace
This is a digital marketplace that will allow users to purchase homes as well as other home items
The marketplace will require verification for all users who wish to purchase a home from it.
Ownership of physical property will be transfered and recorded on the Equaliser blockchain.
Trust
The Equaliser blockchain will utilize smart contracts to ensure trust and ownership. All property will be recorded on the Equaliser Ledger to provide both transparency and an extra layer of security for registered users.
Summary
Equaliser will set the scene for some truly innovative technological applications for helping Puerto Ricans, and also lay the foundation for expanding to other countries around the world.
In Equaliser’s own words:
“We are looking to provide a solution that is not only affordable, but is easily obtainable on a global scale. We will be utilising the latest construction techniques ranging from domes to 3D Printing solutions to ensure we can help as many people as we can to sleep under a roof that they can call their own without the worry of eviction or due to economic hardships.”
As Puerto Rico is an island and a small-ish land mass, it is the perfect testing ground for the Equaliser methodologies in an easily measurable and quantifiable manner.
The Equaliser project is new and just starting to build some serious momentum. I’m really excited to see what comes of it all, and definitely want to be a part of it. I’ve found the Equaliser community to be very welcoming and very active. I love being able to jump onto the Equaliser Discord channel and chat with friends. Plus the free rains of Equaliser Coin (EQLI) are an added bonus.
Paul Clarke
(Jellysmash)
Twitter: @greenbergblue
Links
For more information on Equaliser click:
https://equaliser.org/
Join us on Discord for fun and chat about Equaliser
https://discord.gg/GFAnKGz
Equaliser is currency trading on the Exrates exchange (EQL).
https://exrates.me/register?ref=45982296157
Short video on Equaliser
The Equaliser Whitepaper
https://equaliser.org/Equaliser_Whitepaper_Version_1.pdf