Sunday, July 29, 2001
With a participation of the 80.5% of the electorate, the Vieques' Anti-Navy
Movement won the referendum with an overwhelming majority. 68% voted for
option 2, which called for the "Immediate and permanent termination
of the military exercises and bombings of the Navy in Vieques. Withdrawal
of the Navy from Vieques and cleaning and return of viequense lands to
its citizens."
From the early evening hours, people started to conglomerate in the Town Square to celebrate their victory. Various grassroots leaders have stated that today's victory will help to further legitimate their historical claims. An official act of the Vieques' local government will take place tomorrow, Monday, July 30, in which an eviction notice will be handed out by the Vieques' major to the military personnel at Camp García.
In face of the resumption of the bombing planned by the Navy for August 1st, leaders have vowed to once again engage in Civil Disobedience in case that the Navy refuse to accept the democratic will of the people.
