Caribbean Matters: The U.S. Navy was run out of Vieques in May 2003, but a dark legacy lingers

This week, Puerto Ricans celebrated the 20th anniversary of the long struggle to drive the U.S. Navy out of the island municipality of Vieques. On May 1, 2003, decades of struggle and protest culminated in forcing U.S. President George W. Bush to order the Navy to withdraw.

But that victory was not the end of the story. It was just the beginning of still more battles. The island’s residents—los Viequenses—continue to face multiple challenges to their health and well-being.  

RELATED STORY: The Puerto Rican Island of Vieques: War games, hurricanes, and wild horses

Caribbean Matters is a weekly series from Daily Kos. If you are unfamiliar with the region, check out Caribbean Matters: Getting to know the countries of the Caribbean.yadda