VIDAS VIEQUENSES VALEN

June 1, 2023

Dear family and friends,

Please join us in making a difference! We are raising money to support the work of Myrna Pagán who will speak on June 22, 2023 at the United Nations Decolonization Committee Hearings in New York City, on behalf of the people of Vieques. The money raised will cover travel and expenses from Vieques and her stay in New York City.  Please join us! A donation in any amount will help to ensure that Vieques is represented. Help amplify the voices of all of our people in the archipelago of Puerto Rico!

Vieques continues to suffer numerous environmental, racial and economic injustices. 

On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria hit Vieques, as a Category 5 hurricane before it went on to devastate Puerto Rico. Vieques has not had an operating hospital since. As of today, June 1, 2023, Vieques has not had a hospital in 2,076 days. 

In terms of transportation equity, the situation grows worse for Vieques and Culebra. Under new privatized management the parking rates in Ceiba, as well as the cost to transport vehicles on the ferry,  have become untenable for the residents. 

Almost 6 years after Hurricane Maria, the people of Vieques remain in an extremely vulnerable position. In addition to displacement and trauma, the military continues to detonate bombs of the past and burn toxic waste. 

The Department of Defense designated 10 million dollars for the purchase of a detonation chamber to ameliorate the toxic effects of the continued explosion of unexploded ordnance. However, after millions of pounds of bombs dropped on Vieques over six decades, the chamber, when put to use can only safely explode up to ten lbs of explosives at one time, the size of two bags of sugar. It is beyond insulting. It is cruel. 

We stand in solidarity with the people of Vieques. This includes making sure that the voices of Viequenses are heard at the United Nations June 2023 Hearings, held by the Decolonization Committee on June 22, 2023.  

Our fundraising goal is $3,000 to cover travel and expenses. Anything beyond that will support projects in Vieques. Whatever amount you are able to give is greatly appreciated. Somos muchos. Si se puede. No amount is too small. You can also support by sharing the campaign via Facebook, Twitter, email or word of mouth. 

If you wish to write a check, you may make it out directly payable to Vidas Viequenses Valen and mail it to 

153 Calle Flamboyan, Vieques, Puerto Rico, 00765

More information about Vidas Viequenses Valen visit: https://www.facebook.com/VidasViequensesValen

For up-to-date information about the struggle in Vieques: 

Justice for Vieques Now: www.justiceforviequesnow.org

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us. Please JOIN US in letting our people in Vieques know that we support LA ISLA NENA!  We stand in solidarity with the people of Vieques. Your contribution to this cause means so much to the children of Vieques! They are the future. 

¡Paz y Justicia para Vieques!

For more information, you can also contact:

Rachelle Fernandez, [email protected]

Mariposa Fernandez, [email protected] 

#VidasViequensesValen