Hi everyone, I'm glad you're here watching our latest Direct From episode. Do you know anything about Vieques? This history did not come up at all in any of my classes growing up. Let me know in the comments, and be sure to catch my next episode next Tuesday about what Monsanto is doing in Puerto Rico!

They did this to our islands as well in Hawaii. Especially on Kahoolawe. Mahalo for sharing

thank you for spreading awareness of the things going on in Puerto Rico. I feel like Puerto Rico has been left in the dark so I greatly appreciate your efforts.

I was in the Navy and I dont agree with what they are doing here. I feel very terrible for all the citizens who live in Vieques

I'm a viequense, and I felt sad and glad of seeing a video like this in my recommendations. Living in the way that we do it's not easy, but a lot of us have hope of seeing Vieques becoming the paradise that once was soon and we will keep fighting for this. I'm 16 years old, born one year before the navy leave, and I can say for sure that every year Vieques is being more and more forgotten. We need more videos like this that really represents owr situation so people know ho we are, how we are leaving and everything Vieques have to offer. Thank you really much for this and sorry for my bad english, I'm still learning.

Thank You for coming to Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 and spreading awareness of our needs .

Great video, I think it's bullshit that wealthy people can just move in where so many Puerto Ricans have left

The US territories are not territories, but rather are playgrounds to rest their WMD’s. My family side of military on the Navy feels bad for some pacific islands and Puerto Rico. Then these “Americans” complain why Puerto Rican’s are moving in Swarms to Florida.

9:00 "The animals are being treated better." WHAT ABOUT THE DAMN PEOPLE?

That's atrocious!! America's government is freaking out of control!! Praying for Puerto Rico

Thank you so much for this. The government knows, look at where they vacation. They avoid the mess.

I live in Puerto Rico and this is so depressing

Also not to be negative Nancy but honestly statehood really won’t fix the problem here. If Hawaii isn’t a perfect example of that I don’t know what is.

They need a good class action lawyer. This is inhumane and sick

Same BS different place on the Map. The Island of Kaho'olawe in Hawai'i same problem with clean up. The problem is the US Navy vacated in the 1970's and it's still going through the clean-up process. I am part Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, & Cherokee. Very frustrating what the US Goverment has done and is still doing to the lands of my ancestors. For rich Americans who only see land as prime real estate, shame on them too.

you are NOT a part of the community, you are NOT giving back. the resources you are planting are not for the people of Puerto Rico to utilize, they are for your own benefit and the benefit of everyone else gentrifying our beloved island.

Was the whole “education getting better” thing a joke? You know they don’t even have a university on the island not to mention the amount of funds that are being cut from the mainland public university system. You guys should go deeper on the topic of higher education in the island as well. I’m currently a university student in UPR ( University of Puerto Rico) and even thought the cost is lower than that of your average US university, the income of the average Puerto Rican is still not enough for the planned raise on tuition. Originally a credit was $56,. It’s expected to be $157 by 2023. Also they planned on closing some of the campus, even though low income students usually rely on those since they can’t pay $600 a month for a place to rent. I’ve even encountered people who have to do sex work to even get by, since Puerto Rico also lacks a good public transportation system and you pretty much rely on a car for everyday life, so that way they can pay for their car, gas money and rent. To top it off, the private universities are expected to raise their own tuition cost to stay above the public system.

Thank you so much for spreading the word on this unfortunate event.

This is sick...

Puerto Ricans serve on US battlefields at extraordinary rates far out of contrast to their small population. I met Puerto Ricans from one end of the Vietnam war to the other. But recall no one from Malibu or the Hamptons. If they insist something is wrong, they need to be believed.

I remember the stories of people that lived there during the military exercises. Houses with cracks and ornaments falling off the walls because of the detonations on the other side of the island!

Dena thank you for keeping important issues alive. I'm that ugly American we all read about. I was first introduced to PR by my brothers who had been going there to surf since 1965. So my first trip was in 1974 and every year since, sometimes multiple trips over the year. I finally bought land and built a house in 2004. And my biggest complaint was the cost of electricity. But I was there for Maria and the aftermath. There was no way to leave. And being a retired fireman I was glad to be there to help wherever help was needed. But you know what? My help wasn't needed. The next day the older women were sweeping the sidewalks and the stronger men and women were clearing the streets of trees and branches. Government is here to help but we can't count on them to be the "end-all". We can only count on each other.

I know a family that gew up in Vieques. They have lost 7 family members to cancer in the last few years. Don't think it's a coincidence.

Thank you for sharing these insights. I was in Puerto Rico last week. I didn't make it to Vieques due to being on other excursions. Before seeing this presentation, my impression of Vieques was influenced by tourist-facing companies that advertise trips to Vieques and Culebra as merely adventurous and recreational options. My heart goes out to the elderly couple in the footage and their tenacity is truly respected.

I live in Puerto Rico, and it's sad how bad our island is turning into.

Folks who are wondering how they can help: Visit Vieques! It is absolutely beautiful and they rely on tourism. The ferry goes multiple times daily and there are hop flights from the mainland also. The island is so laid back, and there are tons of expats so English is widely spoken. Mainland Puerto Rico is also fabulous, but Vieques has a special place in my heart!

lol dude was just like "I guess we're doing some gentrifying" like it's not big deal.

Realtor about improvements.."animals are being treated better"......that said it all...

Amazing! Real journalism still exists! The real Vieques is not what they show you on HGTV. Great job D! 👍🌞🇺🇸

Thank you for your reporting. Excellent piece.

I knew about this island being used for target practice by the US Navy, because I was in the Navy from 1976 to 1980. I was on the USS Jonas Ingram DD-938 when our squadron went to PR for target practice. I was told that we over-shot our target and hit a local civilian air craft landing strip.

It’s sad how the whole tragedy of Puerto Rico could be solved with an approach to bring full-states right to the territory.

I live in PR and regularly visit Vieques. The biggest problem is how many are emigrating and the impact of airbnb. You should have interviewed common people, less educated, to see their perspective. Good work though!

I’m so happy to learn about the important history you’re teaching us at AJ+!!! It’s so healthy to have your perspective, as opposed to a biased US perspective all the time

Goodness. What is the US problem with Puerto Rico? These people don't even have a voice or their voice is being ignored

Real estate broker Thom: you’re secluded, you’re behind walls. Also Thom: we’re part of the community!

Great reporting, PR is a Paradise I love the Island and it’s people and it culture. In my opinion it’s the greatest Island in the Caribbean.

Gentrification in Puerto Rico after a devastating Hurricane? Where have I heard that song before? (New Orleans/ Katrina)

Great educational video, love how thorough it was. I will always remember the day it was announced that the Navy was officially ending active practices in Vieques. I cried so hard, and fell to my knees, the joy was completely shared by every single Puerto Rican living here. Hope this helps inform people a bit more about PR. PS Vieques is absolutely gorgeous, and us mainlanders consider it one of our top spots to go visit. It also has one of our bioluminescent lagoons, it shines blue! It’s amazing.

Thank you for spreading awareness in Puerto Rico.

Long time no see Dina . Welcome back I was just wondering where have you been. Always happy to see you . Specially in places where it's summer .

Viva Puerto Rico Libre!!! 🇵🇷

Hey Dena! Born and Raised Viequense here! Thanks for showing some support to our small island, Im glad some of the people I know got some screen time. The fight is not over my people, almost half of my island is still unaccessible because of munitions, maintain conversation and keep this problem on the surface until change happens!

I live in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I consider myself first Puerto Rican. I do believe is not safe to live there..but it is a beautiful place to visit. I have gone there : only once, when I was small. I think the US Navy was very abusive in what they have done, only seeing and looking into their side of things. Vieques is too small to bomb: just too small and yes...I agree: it was abusive. I would also explore it's economy and history....What are the options they have....for the economy? That would be another interesting angle, because the island is so and so small. Buen dia, Lara Tejera !!! I will send the link to reporters that I have contacted.

The fact that theres no industry there....that was us as well. We essentially dealt the final blow to their sugar cane production.

So wrong what the government thinks its ok and gets away with it ....God blessthem

This is so crazy. I was there in1993 and watched from a hilltop many aircraft come in and bomb the hell out of that island, while I was in the Marine Corps.

i live on Puerto Rico and i feel grateful for spreading the awareness. thank you!

Damn a video that talks about Puerto Rico with almost 100k views, *eso e!!!*

I was expecting a scooby doo ending where the Reporter pulled on Toms face to reveal creepy Uncle Sam the old arms dealer,

Thank you sis, appreciate your reporting. Excellent work. I am sharing it with others.

I’ll be traveling there and grateful to know this side of the issues.

Do a documentary about Fukushima and its effects of radiation on Asia Canada the United States Hawaii Australia Etc Fukushima nuclear power plant 3 nuclear meltdown on March 11th 2011

I've been twice and love it. But it needs more hugs.

Amazing work you guys are doing in this channel, I just subscribed. What's been happening in Puerto Rico & to its citizens is heartbreaking.

Thanks. I had to look the Island up after finding an old photo of my mother landing there in a helicopter in 1954. She was a Navy nurse. Thanks for giving some history.

I never knew they did this to us..

What can I possibly say. My ancestors are buried there.

Gracias, gracias y gracias. Gracias por el trabajo y esfuerzo que ponen en asuntos tan importantes para nosotros. 🇵🇷❤️

Greedy developers thought Vieques would be a cash cow and are whining that the navy is too slow.

and don't forget very close to the cemetery for just 4.5 million lol

stain upon stain upon stain...

Thank you for this video, the people need to know what the us military is really all about!

This breaks my heart.

Puerto Rico ist not American territory. It is a invaded with American army.

I like how it's a concern now that white people are moving there.

Thank you for saying the truth

Yeah, I remember it well! U S Navy, stationed at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, 1977-78-79, was at the San Juan Airport awaiting my flight home Dec 3, 1979, the day of the Sebana Seca Bus ambush, where several sailors were killed and injured. They were unarmed and defenseless. Worked with Security during several Vieques protests and demonstrations. Loved Puerto Rico, loved most Puerto Rican people, hated Puerto Rican politics.

The rich has this nice houses in a place were cancer rules.

On gentrification, how about making the owners of high end luxury housing subsidize everybody else, by raising the taxes and costs for utilities.

Thank you so much for this.

Great reporting!

Since the US Navy leave the island of Viques and the city of Ceiba the economy of the Eastern part of Puero Rico crash and then Puerto Ricos economy....Now Viques is a drug dealer island....

Why nobody is investing the property in Alaska ??

This is an important video. I lived in p.r. from 1974 to 1990. When the navy did bombing exercises , we could HEAR and FEEL the detonations from the east coast of p.r. Imagine how loud and disruptive the impact was ON the island. There is no doubt that the Navy was negligent in their attempts to clean it up. Now that the U.S. Navy has been forced out , it will be more difficult to get the remainder cleaned up. Puerto Rico is a " free associated state" , not a territory. This means they have a lot more autonomy , and get less assistance. I voted in a couple of plebiscites , i.e., the vote to determine their political future. We always voted to keep the status quo... commonwealth. Maybe it is time to step up, grow up , and take charge of your future. This is said with the love of someone who grew up there and was forever changed by the good people of the island who welcomed a young American , and called me one of their own. BORINQUEN!!!!

was that albert einstein is there really a multiverse?

There's always a gay rich guy

What you don't say is that the worst thing that could happen to Vieques was removing the Naval base from there. The Navy had a lot of community engagement and helped Vieques with everything, and lets not even speak about the monetary contributions on the island, a lot of military personnel stationed at the island was bringing a lot of revenue for small business owners. Vieques is not even a shadow of it self, it's worse with them being gone. The military kept the ferry's going and in tip top shape, lets not mention the fact that every time that the power went down the military kept Vieques going, and the whole rest of the island because of Roosevelt Roads base. Get your facts straight before speaking about my island.

Thank you for this.

I was raised on the island during all the military maneuvers and i was also a navy cadet...now 54 yrs old suffering from diabetes and thyroide problems and mother died of cancer.

As always brill work. 👍👍 up from Rep Ireland 🇮🇪

Please everyone go watch "WAR AGAINST ALL PUERTO RICAN" By Nelson Denis here on KZfaq or buy the book 🙏🙏💪 #freepuertorico

I really thank everyone for praying for us

After Maria and the super slow response to help, I told my husband (who is Puerto Rican, grew up on the island and has family still there) that Puerto Ricans were going to abandon the island and rich people were going to swoop in and buy up the land. I’ve been seeing this tactic for years. They go into a neighborhood and slowly buy up property with money from elsewhere, then start making rules and regulations that push poor people out of their own homes. I bet once more wealthy people buy property on Vieques then the Navy will automagically find time and funds to clean up. I wish that educated and influential Puerto Ricans would go back to the island and fix it up and preserve the culture. So many just leave and never return.

I love your videos and tryna do what you do...your an inspiration

Hmm another unknown to main street America of US corp

As a Puerto Rican I am happy to see this history lesson. You'll never learn this in school. Thank you.

Like residente said “crecimos pa’ que los otros se aprovechen”

All Puertorricans want is a just treatment, not more, not less! #Justice

Damn, the reporter is beautiful 😍😍😍

Vieques, Puerto Rico - Bikini revisited. I’m surprised so many people still aren’t aware of this.

I feel sorry for this people, Puerto Ricans are great ppl, they don’t deserve to be used like that and none does this is bad I’m Dominican by the way.

I don’t blame the anglo saxons from moving here, if I was wealthy I’d move to a forigen land they do nothing wrong. Ideally it would be wealthy Argentinians Uruguayan and Spaniards buying up the land. The goal would be to claim independence or reunification with Spain

@AJ+ please do a video about Sikh genocide.

Puerto Rico has become a tax loop for big business. So that they can make the money but not give back to the community.

They have 3 of the only bioluminescent bays in the planet, and only one of them is safe enough to go in without a cover on bc of polution. The only way the beautiful, blue, micro organisms survive is from the mongrove trees. The amazing bays were created, and form a sort of nursery for all sorts of wildlife. It would be interesting if you did a video on this, and ways to help preserve such a beautiful part of this breathtaking island. I just came back from a 7 day trip, and were already planning our next to explore more. There is so much to see, and SO much to learn, and so many of the locals are kind, and willing to speak to you. It's pretty incredible..

My fellow Puerto Ricans, how does this make you feel? Me personally, it makes me pissed. White people are going to do what they did to Hawaiians, to puerto ricans.

Viva Puerto Rico🔥🇵🇷🔥

Mr. Rubin pointed out that the millions of dollars in clean-up has not been an economic opportunity at the local level and that just seems unfair and easily remedied.

Mi isla bonita. I feel so hopeless...