July 27, 2001

Campamento Justicia y Paz, Vieques, PR - Arriving in Vieques two days before the unofficial referendum regarding the future of the US Navy's presence on that Puerto Rican island, one's first impression is that more than a 10% vote in support of the Navy would surely indicate some sort of unfair dealing on their part. From the docks to the Isabel Segunda town square, all one sees on the walls and passing cars are messages in support of column 2 (the immediate and total cease of military practices, the withdrawal of the Navy, the cleanup of the target range, and the devolution of lands to the people of Vieques). As one moves inland, one begins to see posters in support of column 3 (the indefinite permanence of the Navy, with live fire bombing), which nevertheless are everywhere outnumbered by those in favor of column 2.

One only grasps the imposing force behind column 2 at the mass activities held in support of that option. Perhaps the most emotive of the past few days was the ceremony at Monte Carmelo, a bastion of the Vieques resistance movement, on July 27, in which a gigantic flag of Vieques -the largest of any municipality in the world- was raised next to an equally large flag of Puerto Rico that was raised earlier. Carmelo Félix Matta (for whom the site is named) and his family, who rescued the surrounding area from illegal Navy encroachment in 1989, graciously as always hosted the event.

Other Vieques personalities, such as Father Nelson López (who blessed the flag), and Mayor Serrano, were on hand as well, as were House of Representatives President Carlos Vizcarrondo and former San Juan mayoral hopeful Eduardo Bahtia, both of the PPD. In addition to the flag raising, a large mural-like panel with a photograph of Carmelo and a poem written by him in 1990 entitled Como un Puñal en el Alma was unveiled by Vieques youth and members of the environmentalist organization Amigos del MAR. A sizable crowd of viequenses and their supporters from the "Isla Grande" were present, filling the area surrounding the modest but valiant Félix residence.

Later that night, the anticipation of victory moved to the town square, which was filled to capacity, amidst a sense of popular celebration. Despite the attendance of numerous supporters from the "Isla Grande," it was patently evident that the great majority of those present were viequenses. The sizeable crowd remained there with high spirits until the early morning hours, listening to several speakers and musical performers. Among these, Nueva Trova singer Roy Brown interpreted his old protest favorites, changing the ending of one famous song to "La Marina quiere fuego" ("The Navy wants fire"), to the audience's great approval. The high point of the night, however, was undoubtedly an energetic performance by the rock group Fiel a la Vega, including a medley of salsa hits, which galvanized the younger members of the crowd.