Authorized statement: Authorized statement: death of a Vieques woman stranded at the Port of Ceiba while waiting for maritime transportation

Authorized statement by attorney Annette Martínez Orabona, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Puerto Rico, regarding the death of a Vieques woman stranded at the Port of Ceiba while waiting for maritime transportation:

“The ACLU of Puerto Rico expresses its deep indignation over the death of a woman resident of Vieques who, according to reports, was stranded yesterday in the area of the Maritime Transportation Authority terminal in Ceiba, amid the suspension of trips to Isla Nena. This is not an isolated incident, but the foreseeable result of the absence of a transportation system that respects the human dignity of Vieques residents and responds to their needs. For years, we have denounced the government’s lack of response to an unstable maritime transportation system that endangers the health and lives of Vieques residents. This death adds to many others that have never been investigated and for which the State has not assumed responsibility. Both the central and municipal governments have caused constant human rights violations against the people of Vieques, with irreversible effects. When there is no contingency plan, the rights to access health services, freedom of movement, personal integrity and safety, and access to essential services are affected. It is particularly alarming that, as recently as yesterday, this same person publicly warned that she had traveled to the main island for an appointment, that she did not have her medications, and that she learned by surprise of the trip cancellations without any alternative provided by the government or by the company in charge. Even if the company maintains that the death did not occur inside the terminal or on a vessel, that assertion does not replace the State’s obligation to investigate, respond, and guarantee reliable service. We demand an official, rigorous, and transparent investigation, and immediate measures so that never again will a suspension of trips leave Vieques residents without options to return home and access health care or medications. We demand urgent corrective action, including clear contingency protocols. Vieques lives matter.”