The island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, is grappling with a devastating health crisis that residents attribute to decades of US Navy military exercises. Cancer rates on the island are approximately 30% higher than on the main island of Puerto Rico, according to local health data. The Navy used Vieques as a bombing range from 1941 to 2003, leaving behind unexploded ordnance and toxic contamination.
A Legacy of Pollution
The US Navy conducted live-fire training exercises on Vieques for over 60 years, dropping bombs and firing shells that contaminated the soil and water with heavy metals, explosives, and other hazardous substances. A 2005 study by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found elevated levels of lead, arsenic, and mercury in the environment. Despite cleanup efforts, many areas remain off-limits due to unexploded munitions.
Health Impacts on Residents
Residents have reported high rates of cancer, including lung, breast, and colon cancer. A 2018 survey by the Vieques Health Department found that 42% of households had at least one member diagnosed with cancer. Maria Lopez, a Vieques native and cancer survivor, said, 'We are living in a toxic cemetery. The Navy poisoned our land and our bodies.' Local activists have long demanded a comprehensive health study and compensation from the US government.
Government Response and Ongoing Struggles
The US Navy has acknowledged the contamination and has spent over $300 million on cleanup since 2005. However, residents and environmental groups argue that the cleanup is insufficient and that the Navy has not taken responsibility for the health consequences. In 2020, the US Congress allocated $10 million for a health study, but it has yet to begin. The Biden administration has pledged to address environmental justice issues in Puerto Rico, but Vieques residents remain skeptical.
Economic and Social Toll
The contamination has also devastated the local economy, which once relied on fishing and tourism. Fishing grounds are contaminated, and tourism has declined due to fears of pollution. Many residents have left the island, seeking medical care and jobs elsewhere. The population of Vieques has dropped from 10,000 in 2000 to around 8,000 today. Those who remain face limited access to healthcare; the island's only hospital lacks an oncology unit, forcing patients to travel to the main island for treatment.
Demands for Justice
Community groups are calling for the US government to designate Vieques a Superfund site, which would provide federal funds for a more thorough cleanup. They also demand a comprehensive health registry and free healthcare for affected residents. 'We want the Navy to admit what they did and help us heal,' said Juan Rivera, a local activist. 'Our island is a cancer island, and we need justice.'
