Resilient Vieques
Tax deductible
The Puerto Rican island/municipality of Vieques needs our support now.
“Peace for Vieques!” was a cause that united all Puerto Ricans like none other, before or since. The cause of ending the 60-year long bombing of Vieques by the U.S. Navy for target practice became an international cause célèbre. This unity brought about in 2003, the end of the bombing and other military use of Vieques after 60 years of struggle. Back then we called not just for an end to the bombing, but also for the decontamination and for the sustainable development of Vieques; those goals remain unattained.
This project will support the sustainable development of Vieques AND enhance the island’s capacity to withstand future hurricanes. Recent studies have shown that the principal causes of thousands of deaths after Hurricane Maria include the lack of: 1) electricity, 2) drinking water, 3) refrigeration for medicines and food, 5) communications. That is why our initiative intends to:
· Install a solar energy system that will transform Fort Count of Mirasol, a 19th century Spanish fort, into a self-sustaining resource capable of generating all the energy required by the Vieques Museum, the Historical Archives, and Radio Vieques (FM 90.1, a true community radio station that serves, Vieques and eastern Puerto Rico). Following future hurricanes or other natural disasters, the solar energy system in the most solid building in Vieques will allow hundreds of neighbors to recharge their medical equipment, cell phones and other devices.
· In order to ensure stable and reliable electricity, the solar installation will include a battery backup array and a backup propane generator.
· A high-tech system capable of purifying contaminated water into 2,500 gallons a day of pure drinking water, with a 10,000-gallon potable water underground tank.
· Refrigerators for medications and food.
· 4 satellite phones with data capacity, text messages, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
This project will also advance the goal of Vieques as a self-sufficient Island in energy and drinking water, and as a "new tourist destination based on sustainable development, where natural attractions, environmental protection and economic and social development are integrated" (from: Master Plan for Sustainable Development of Vieques, 2004/2011). This project will serve as a model for similar initiatives in other municipalities, aimed at saving lives.
"Each time you have an opportunity to improve things and you do not do it, then you are wasting your time in this world." - Roberto Clemente
“Peace for Vieques!” was a cause that united all Puerto Ricans like none other, before or since. The cause of ending the 60-year long bombing of Vieques by the U.S. Navy for target practice became an international cause célèbre. This unity brought about in 2003, the end of the bombing and other military use of Vieques after 60 years of struggle. Back then we called not just for an end to the bombing, but also for the decontamination and for the sustainable development of Vieques; those goals remain unattained.
This project will support the sustainable development of Vieques AND enhance the island’s capacity to withstand future hurricanes. Recent studies have shown that the principal causes of thousands of deaths after Hurricane Maria include the lack of: 1) electricity, 2) drinking water, 3) refrigeration for medicines and food, 5) communications. That is why our initiative intends to:
· Install a solar energy system that will transform Fort Count of Mirasol, a 19th century Spanish fort, into a self-sustaining resource capable of generating all the energy required by the Vieques Museum, the Historical Archives, and Radio Vieques (FM 90.1, a true community radio station that serves, Vieques and eastern Puerto Rico). Following future hurricanes or other natural disasters, the solar energy system in the most solid building in Vieques will allow hundreds of neighbors to recharge their medical equipment, cell phones and other devices.
· In order to ensure stable and reliable electricity, the solar installation will include a battery backup array and a backup propane generator.
· A high-tech system capable of purifying contaminated water into 2,500 gallons a day of pure drinking water, with a 10,000-gallon potable water underground tank.
· Refrigerators for medications and food.
· 4 satellite phones with data capacity, text messages, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
This project will also advance the goal of Vieques as a self-sufficient Island in energy and drinking water, and as a "new tourist destination based on sustainable development, where natural attractions, environmental protection and economic and social development are integrated" (from: Master Plan for Sustainable Development of Vieques, 2004/2011). This project will serve as a model for similar initiatives in other municipalities, aimed at saving lives.
"Each time you have an opportunity to improve things and you do not do it, then you are wasting your time in this world." - Roberto Clemente
Organizer
Pepe Rossy
Organizer
Amsterdam, NY
Centro Civico of Amsterdam
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
