Viequenses denounce resumption of bombing
Committee for the Rescue and Development of V - 18.03.2002 04:06
Viequenses denounce resumption of bombing will cause more cancer related deaths they are prepared to undertake Civil Disobedience.
Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques
PO Box 1424 Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765
Telefax (787) 741-1717 E mail:  bieke@prdigital.com
16 March, 2002
Press Release
Viequenses denounce resumption of bombing will cause more cancer related deaths
The Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques (CRDV)
denounced plans by the Navy to resume bombing here in April as the
continuation of a genocidal policy against the people of Vieques that
began in the 1940´s. Spokespersons for the community group mentioned
that with live or `inert´ bombs, the use of the bombing range on the
East end of Vieques will disperse into the air dangerous toxics
accumulated there during sixty years of bombing. They asserted that
the increase in toxic particulates in the environment, that always
occurs with military exercises, will produce more cancer victims in
Vieques.
The Navy admitted in May of 1999 they had fired uranium projectiles
on Vieques. The uranium oxide produced on impact of these
projectiles can travel more than tweny miles in the wind – the
civilian population lives less than 10 miles downwind from the
bombing zone. A study by Viequense chemical engineer and ex
artillery officer, Rafael Cruz Pérez, demonstrates how heavy metals
and other cancer causing elements are transported by wind currents to
the civilian area. In past weeks, no less than half a dozen
Viequenses have died from different types of cancer, sickness related
to environmental contamination.
"We will do everything humanly possible, using peacefull civil
disobedience, to defend the safety of our people," said Nilda Medina,
of the CRDV. "If the government cannot protect us from this threat
to the health of our children, our older folks and all Viequenses, we
have no alternative but to defend ourselves", added Medina.
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