There is about 9,300 Viequenses living on the island, of these, seventy two percent live below the poverty line, and only about 30 people are employed by the Navy. Cuba, Santo Domingo, Chile, Grenada, Vietnam, Iraq, and Kosovo, are some of the locations of conflicts that U.S. troops have trained for in Vieques. In 1994 when preparing for war in Yugoslavia 20,000 pounds of live explosives, including napalm, were dropped on Vieques. In 1999, the Navy said 263 uranium shells were "accidentally" fired on Vieques, of these 56 were retrieved. In just four days of bombing an estimated 600-700 fishing traps were lost and a decrease of about $360,000 was seen in the fishermen's income (TODARO) .
             The Navy's presence in Vieques has been a small issue for most of us. However, for the Navy and for the island's residents this is an everyday struggle and fight for what's in their interest. The U.S. Navy insists that this is the only place where they can practice. They are willing to pay any price for the keeping of this most valued island. It is not only a geographical location that places this island in debate, but also it's need for training and practice purposes. On the other hand, how can this be the only place where the Navy can practice? This is certainly a major question to be answered. With this, it leaves one to think that it is simply in the Navy's preference to pick this particular island. While this issue can be debated for months, one has to take into consideration all differ
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