Watch Kings In Paradise: The Vieques Case

Kings In Paradise: The Vieques Case is a documentary film that tackles the story of the residents of Vieques, a small island located in Puerto Rico, as they fight against the US Navy's extensive military presence on their land. The island has been used as a military test site for over 60 years, and the film documents the case that was brought to the US Federal Court in 2003. The residents of Vieques claim that the US military's activities on their land have caused severe public health issues, environmental degradation, and other negative socio-economic impacts.

The film sets the stage by exploring the history of the island and its people, who have lived in poverty and have experienced oppressive conditions and discrimination from the US government. After the US Navy began using the island, the residents of Vieques were marginalized and ignored, as the government prioritized their military interests over the local population. The film shows that as a result of the military presence, the people of Vieques have suffered from health issues such as respiratory illness, cancer, and birth defects caused by the toxic chemicals used during military exercises.

The documentary highlights the resilience of the residents of Vieques as they worked together with legal aid to build their case against the US government. The film captures interviews with several key figures, including community leaders, veterans, and lawyers, who offer their perspectives on the case and explain the issues faced by the community on Vieques. Several of these interviewees offer personal testimony about their experiences living on the island, and how the military presence has impacted their lives, including the loss of loved ones and the physical toll on their bodies.

The film also explores the activism campaigns that began after civilian David Sanes was accidentally killed by a military bomb in 1999. The activists, which included residents of Vieques and supporters from Puerto Rico and the mainland United States, mobilized to demand the closing of the military base on the island. The film engages with the grassroots movement that emerged, showing their protests and the civil disobedience that occurred when the government refused to respond to their demands.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are taken back and forth between the court case and interviews with the community members. This acts as a reminder of the human element of the case and the deep connection that the residents have to their land. The court case showcases the complex legal battles that the community has had to face along with the government's attempts to manipulate the legal system. The documentary also offers a historical account of US imperialism and colonialism in Puerto Rico and how that relates to the Vieques case as a whole.

Kings In Paradise: The Vieques Case offers a look into the struggle of a small community that fights against a global superpower. The documentary is an important testimonial of the community's efforts to take control of their destiny and their fight against systemic oppression against them. By documenting the voices of the residents, the film serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to the experiences of the people affected by policies and their fight to reclaim their autonomy.

In conclusion, Kings in Paradise: The Vieques Case is an important testament to the citizens of Vieques and their journey towards environmental justice. The documentary offers an empathetic portrayal of the community’s suffering as a result of the military’s presence on their land, their long-standing legal battle against the United States Navy, and the social problems suffered in connection. It highlights the importance of citizen activism and the effects of speaking truth to power. The documentary stands as a timely reminder that people are at the heart of every policy and decision made.

Kings In Paradise: The Vieques Case is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes.