Whereas, the people of Vieques, Puerto Rico need assistance in their struggle for safety and a clean and healthy environment;

Whereas, the death of Mr. David Sanes Rodriguez in April, 1999 is a loud and clear reminder of the danger posed by the U.S. Navy and its allies' target practices in Vieques;

Whereas, the military exercises endanger the Vieques residents by exposing them to accidents with live ammunition and create other health hazards due to the noise and chemical contamination;

Whereas, the high incidence of cancer in the people of Vieques has been linked by environmental groups to toxic materials related to the military presence and practices like the depleted uranium shells;

Whereas, the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico has requested the assistance from the General Board of Global Ministries in their effort to stand in solidarity with the people of Vieques;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the General Board of Global Ministries be an active participant in the struggle to:

1) stop all military practices in Vieques immediately and permanently;
2) demand the decontamination of land and surrounding areas in Vieques;
3) return all the land that was expropiated by the U.S. government in Vieques.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Board of Global Ministries will engage in advocacy in favor of justice for the people of Vieques in solidarity with the leadership of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico, as well as actively pursue changes in the current policies of the U.S. Government.

See also:

In Favor of Justice for the People of Vieques
by Chris Herlinger, October 25, 1999

A Puerto Rican Island's Fight for Freedom from Occupation
by Paul Jeffrey, New World Outlook, September/October Issue, 1999