[CPEO-MEF]

[bieke@coqui.net]

(ENGLISH VERSION)


Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques

Apartado 1424 Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765

Tel. (787) 741-0716 E mail: bieke@coqui.net


January 24, 2001


Press Release


Community education project on military contamination in Vieques
neighborhoods


The Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques (CRDV) continues its
educational campaign about the deadly effects of military contamination
tonight (Thursday) at 7PM at the Vieques Conservation Trust in Barrio
Esperanza on the Island Municipality. The documentary, Vieques, a people
forging future, by Puerto Rican film maker, Johan Berm=FAdez will be shown.
The 20 minute film includes testimonies from a diverse representation of
Vieques-Puerto Rico society, with a focus on the arrests made in the Navy=B4s
bombing zone this past May 4th.


Environmental scientist, Jorge Fern=E1ndez Porto, will also offer an
illustrated talk about the high levels of heavy metals and other toxic
elements that contaminate the Eastern part of the Island. Next Thursday, this
presentation will be brought to Barrio Monte Santo in Vieques to continue
fomenting discussion about this topic of profound significance for the
community of Vieques and to continue preparations for upcoming civil
disobedience actions.


The CRDV is coordinating with Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas, a presentation in
February by Dr. Arturo Massol, of the University of Puerto Rico=B4s Mayaguez
Campus, whose study on vegetation in the civilian section of Vieques showed
dangerously high levels of some of the same chemical components and heavy
metals found in the bombing area.


For more information about these activities contact the CRDV at the Peace and
Justice Camp, telephone 741-0716


Contact: Nilda Medina, CRDV



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