Life and Culture in Vieques Today
I asked this sweet man sitting in front of the plaza "So tell me about your life in Vieques?". He replied, "Pues mija, yo siempre he estado feliz, si me he pasado la vida bailando". (Well my dear, I have always been happy, I have spent my life dancing). This touched me since I am aware of the struggles that the residents endured for years in Vieques. They fought and reached their goal, and it seems to me, that through the fight, their positive outlook in life is what led them to victory and kept this island a true haven.
My stay in Vieques was very special and memorable, not only for the beauty that I found throughout the island, but for the way that viequenses made me feel. I felt as if Vieques was my home away from home. I asked a friendly older man in Isabel Segunda for directions to Ababor Suites, I had an appointment to tour the suites with Wanda, the owner. He did not know exactly where it was, but he said "O.K. Sigueme" (Follow me), he stopped at a restaurant and asked for directions. He drove to the place and I followed. When we arrived, he got out of the car, introduced me to Wanda and spoke to us for a couple of minutes as if we had been friends for a while. I will never forget this act of hospitality.
Viequenses are the true beauty of Vieques. The residents of Vieques are simple, yet they live rich lives, they appreciate and rejoice in the simple things in life that many of us overlook. I had conversations with several young people and in today's materialistic world I was amazed with their words. I spoke to a young man who is in his early twenties who now works at the Wyndham Martineau Bay Resort and Spa. His mother and him moved from the states when he was twelve years old. I asked him "What was it like to go through such a drastic move". He replied "The first day that I arrived here, I grabbed a bike, rode to the ferry dock, and jumped in the water. Ever since then, I never looked back, and I can't imagine ever leaving, I enjoy the simplicity, beauty and peace in Vieques. When I go somewhere else like the city in Puerto Rico, I can't wait to get back." Family, friendship and caring for your land seems to be the top priorities in life for Viequenses.
One lesson learned while I was speaking to Mr. Rabin, Director of Fortin Conde de Marisol. Mr. Rabin asked about my stay in Vieques, I replied "Wonderful, this is paradise". He looked at me, and said "Paradise? this is no paradise, not for the residents, this is exactly why we want tourists to come to the museum, so they can learn about the real Vieques, that it is more than beautiful beaches". So please be sensitive to the residents and keep in your mind that while this may be "paradise to travelers", it was not so for many years through the eyes of the residents. Show the residents your support by saying a simple "hola", and giving them a smile, they really appreciate it. Life in Vieques TodayThe Navy may have left the island, but there are still some vivid reminders of their presence. The island of Vieques endured 60 years of military bombing exercises. During this time the island's environment and coral reefs suffered tremendous abuse.New issues have arise with the Navy departure. The rate of unemployment is very high, the island must deal with a budding tourism, the allocation of hundreds of acres in valuable land, and the highest rate of cancer in Puerto Rico. For the time being, ecotourism, Wyndham Martineau Bay Resort, fishing, construction, and cattle raising are providing jobs to the islanders. If you happen to stay at a hotel in which the residents may be workers, please keep in mind that the travel industry is quite new to them, a budding tourism has brought great career opportunities but it has also been challenging. So take it a little easy on them, I guarantee you that their good intentions and friendliness will win you over in no time. When you leave Vieques, you will find that you are leaving some great new friends behind. Written on May, 2004
Copyright 2004 Cupeles Communications Inc. Contact Us
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When you come to Vieques, take some time to walk around town and speak to the locals. They really appreciate your attention and respect. They are super friendly, don't be surprised if an older couple give you their address and phone number and invite you over their house to have dinner.
