Pro-statehood students to change flags at Winds Hill

[Ecuajey]

Pro-statehood students to change flags at Winds Hill

Thursday, June 27th, 2002.

By Raquel Velazquez of WOW News

Despite their concern that violence might erupt, bicameral leaders Carlos Vizcarrondo and Antonio Fas Alzamora agreed in a letter to allow the Pro-Statehood University Students’ Movement (MUPE by its Spanish acronym) to commemorate “El Grito de los Vientos” [The Shout from the Winds] Friday, but stated that “any unfortunate incident” would fall on their shoulders.

MUPE President Omar Negron announced during a press conference Wednesday that the students were “ready to substitute the U.S. and Puerto Rico flags” with new ones Friday at noon on Winds Hill [Lomita de los Vientos], which coincidentally, falls on the anniversary of the Vieques vs. U.S. flag uproar on the site that resulted in a number of injuries between supporters of opposing political ideologies.

“We are insulted by their comments,” expressed Negron, surrounded by several pro-statehood students, referring to a letter sent to Vizcarrondo and Fas Alzamora June 10, answered June 25, and that indicated that Capitol Superintendent Bartolme Frontera would be responsible for maintaining the flag since these patriotic symbols are on Capitol soil.

“In part, I am glad they have decided to take responsibility for these two flags, that they now see them as official and recognize their right to be there,” the student leader said.

He found the comment ironic, however, in light of the legislative leadership's action last year.

“We [MUPE] respectfully went to the site and placed a flag that was in very good condition. Then, when Gov. Sila Calderon gave her message to the Legislature in March, they replaced it with one that was considerably smaller and of lesser quality,” he said.

Negron also blasted the House and Senate leaders saying, “This letter clearly insults each of us because it implies that violence follows every event we organize. Our purpose Friday is not to provoke any form of violence but to clearly commemorate [The Shout from the Winds] and to position good-quality flags at the same height.”

The student delegation publicly asked Police Superintendent Miguel Pereira to ensure the safety of their fellow statehood supporters and to preserve their access to these flags in light of announcements from separatist groups who indicated that they would protest the activity.

New Progressive Party President Carlos Pesquera will be the main speaker, delivering an address on statehood and the importance of the two flags. Also expected to participate in the one-hour program are various pro-statehood elected officials who will join in prayers for peace, justice, and the search for equality for Puerto Ricans.