[IPSM] Urgent: Taino People in Boriken (Puerto Rico) Need Support

[Roberto Borrero]

Taino'ti Guaitiao (Greetings relatives):

It is my hope this message finds you all in good
health. As you may already be aware, a group of
indigenous Taíno Indian leaders have been occupying a
state run archeological park in Utuado, Puerto Rico 
since Sunday. The Taíno are peacefully protesting the
desecration and destruction of sacred sites around the
island as well as other violations of their human
rights. 

The situation is very serious as three Taíno leaders
are now on the fourth day of a hunger strike until
Governor of Puerto Rico, Anibal Acevedo Vila, agrees
to meet with them and discuss this issue. Two
protesters are already showing signs of dehydration
and as of today there has still been no communication
from the Governor. 

With this in mind, the Taíno leaders would like to
express their deepest gratitude to all those who have
responded to their previous call, sending letters or
telephoning the Governor's Office. However, since
there has been no response they have requested
increased international pressure on Governor Acevedo
Vila by phoning, faxing or emailing letters to him.
Below you will find a sample letter that we hope you
can reproduce on your organizational letter head and
fax or email to the Governor. Phone calls and faxes
are the most effective.

You can also contact you local officials and ask them
to appeal to the Governor as well.

Please send a copy of your faxed or emailed
correspondence to Governor Acevedo Vilá to our U.S.
Regional Coordinating Office at 1(212)769-5329 or
uctp_ny at yahoo.com . 

In the spirit of our ancestors and for our future
generations, we thank you in advance for your support,
prayers and solidarity. 

Oma'bahari (With Respect),
Roberto Múcaro Borrero,
President, UCTP
U.S. Regional Coordinating Office
http://www.uctp.org/ 

-------------------------------------------

Hon. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá 
Governor of Puerto Rico
PO Box 9020082
San Juan, PR 00909-0082
Tel: 1(787) 721-7000
Fax: 1(787) 721-1472 and 1(787) 721-3336 
portal at ogp.gobierno.pr

Dear Honorable Governor Aníbal Acevedo Vilá:

I am writing to support the members of the Taíno
Nation and People represented by the Caney Quinto
Mundo, the Consejo General de Taínos Boricanos and the
United Confederation of Taíno People in 
their direct action reclaiming the sacred Caguana
Ceremonial Center in Utuado, Boriken (Puerto Rico). 

I am greatly concerned to learn that several Taíno
leaders have been engaged in a hunger strike until
they can secure a meeting with you and they have been
ignored by your administration.

I respectfully and urgently appeal to you to meet with
the protesters at Caguana and speak to them in the
spirit of reconciliation. The eyes of the world are
upon you.
 
I thank you in advance for your serious attention to
this matter and look to a positive resolution for the
Taíno People.   

Respectfully,

[Your Name, Title, Organization]




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