Authorized expressions upon the death of the Viequense leader Ismael Guadalupe

Authorized expressions of Annette Martínez Orabona, executive director of the ACLU of Puerto Rico, upon the death of the Viequense leader Ismael Guadalupe:

The ACLU of Puerto Rico team joins the people of Puerto Rico in mourning and deeply regrets the passing of Ismael Guadalupe, a Vieques leader and a pivotal figure in the struggle to end the bombing and secure the departure of the United States Navy from Vieques. Ismael leaves an unquestionable legacy of struggle and defense of the dignity of the people of Vieques, as well as of all Puerto Ricans.

Ismael’s work remained steadfast over time, beyond the Navy’s departure, as he forcefully demanded accountability and action regarding the health impacts suffered by the people of Vieques, the cleanup and restoration of the environment affected by decades of military exercises, and the right of Viequenses to remain on their land.

He was a leader who, even amid his own health challenges, served as an indispensable historical witness in the reconstruction of events and the gathering of key information for the ongoing struggles before the federal and local governments, as well as internationally before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Ismael’s life and the legacy he leaves us must always remind us that human dignity and a people’s right to a dignified life are not negotiable. We extend our solidarity and deepest embrace to his wife Norma, his children, and the people of Vieques.

The fight for justice continue!