US ramps up Caribbean presence, Vieques residents recall painful memories

Key Concepts:

• Unexploded ordnance (UXO)
• Napalm
• Depleted uranium (DU)
• Toxic chemicals
• US military bombing range
• Cancer rate
• Environmental cleanup
• Pentagon
• Agrarian roots
• Protest and opposition

Viez: A Legacy of Military Contamination and Environmental Concerns

Viez, an island characterized by its tropical beauty, crystal blue waters, and free-roaming wild horses, also bears the heavy burden of decades of US military activity. For sixty years, the island served as a bombing range, leaving behind a landscape contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO), remnants of napalm, depleted uranium (DU), heavy metals, and toxic chemicals.

Impact on Residents and Health Concerns

The prolonged military presence has had a devastating impact on the local population. Residents recall constant exposure to the sounds of machine guns and bombing, with some being woken up in the middle of the night by the noise. This environmental contamination is directly linked to significant health issues. A 1999 study by the Puerto Rican Health Department revealed that Viez has a 27% higher cancer rate compared to the rest of Puerto Rico. The family of Alio Garcia Ortiz exemplifies this tragedy, having lost his mother and brother to cancer, and two daughters who survived battles with the disease.

The Forbidden Zone and Ongoing Cleanup Efforts

A substantial portion of the island, nearly half, remains a forbidden zone due to the presence of unexploded bombs and debris. This means Viez residents are restricted from accessing large parts of their own homeland. Despite two decades of cleanup efforts and an expenditure of nearly $400 million, the Pentagon estimates that an additional $400 million will be required to complete the job by 2032.

Return of Military Presence and Resident Unease

While the return of US military ships and planes is welcomed by some on the mainland, for the residents of Viez who actively protested against the daily bombings, this resurgence is deeply unsettling and triggering. The successful campaign to remove the Navy from Viez in 2003, after years of labor and sacrifice, was a significant victory for the community. The prospect of their return is described as "heartbreaking" for many.

A Cherished Silence

In contrast to the past, there is now a near-universal appreciation for the "serene sound of silence" on the island. This sentiment underscores the profound desire for peace and a return to normalcy after years of military bombardment.

Conclusion

The story of Viez highlights the long-lasting and detrimental consequences of military activities on civilian populations and the environment. The island serves as a stark reminder of the challenges associated with environmental cleanup, the persistent health impacts of contamination, and the emotional toll of a militarized past on communities striving for peace and recovery. The ongoing struggle for a fully remediated and accessible Viez underscores the deep-seated desire of its residents for a safe and unburdened future.