July-August 2000 NVA

t WRL’s Annual Dinner June 8, the League presented its 38th Peace Award to the Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques.

Under the slogan “Paz Para Vieques” (Peace for Vieques), the CPRDV has been a major organizer of the resistance to the U.S. Navy’s continuing occupation—and bombing—of the island off Puerto Rico since World War II (see NVA, July-August 1999). Accepting the award, the CPRDV’s Ismael Guadalupe said, “As long as there is domestic violence, there is no peace. If there are workers who do not have jobs, there is no peace. If there are women and children who are afraid to leave their homes because of the risk of cancer, there is no peace …

“The bombs that fall on Vieques are destined for Kosovo/a and Iraq. If we want peace in Puerto Rico and our Caribbean, if we want peace in South America and the other hemispheres of the world, it starts in Vieques. Our people are prepared to offer their small grain of sand to the struggle for peace in the world.”

War Resisters League
Thirty-Eighth Annual Peace Award to the
Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques

In the Caribbean’s turquoise blue is a white sand jewel near Puerto Rico’s eastern coast—called Vieques on the maps, La Isla Nena by those who love it—an island so beautiful all who visit know it was formed for plants and animals, families and fishers.

But the U.S. military exercised imperial might and claimed the land for its killing machines. Not willing to test its bombs on the Presidio or Ft. Benning or West Point, the Navy hoped that in Vieques no one would notice. The people of Vieques noticed and resisted.

The cry went out, “¡Ni Una Bomba Mas! ¡Ni Un Tiro Mas! ¡Marina Fuera de Vieques!” echoing against the sound of artillery shells. Today, in memory of David Sanes and the many who came before, these words echo around the world.

We salute the nonviolent resistance of our sisters and brothers in Vieques. We join you in resistance and support your campaign to rescue this island from the U.S. Navy. Struggles are long, but victory is certain.

Presented Thursday, June 8, 2000
Park Avenue Christian Church, New York City