Thousands of incidents involving U.S. military cost Japan 380 million yen in compensation

By KOSHIN SHISUI
Staff Writer

Ashai Shimbun

U.S. military personnel and civilian employees were involved in nearly 10,000 incidents or accidents in Japan over a 10-year period through fiscal 2013, according to statistics compiled by the Defense Ministry and the Okinawa prefectural government.

The cases cost Japanese taxpayers at least 380 million yen ($3.7 million) in compensation and damage payments, according to the figures analyzed by The Asahi Shimbun on Aug. 12.

There were 9,962 cases involving U.S. personnel during the time frame, 2,138 of which were subject to compensation claims against the Japanese government, even if the sole responsibility lay with U.S. personnel, officials said. The remaining 7,824 cases occurred during off-duty hours.

The reason for the payments is that the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) stipulates that the Japanese government has to shoulder 25 percent of the compensation costs for incidents or accidents that occur during on-duty hours, such as those involving military aircraft involved in a crash, traffic accidents, thefts and sex crimes, even if Japan is not responsible.

Also, the SOFA stipulates that if both the United States and Japan are responsible, the Japanese government has to pay 50 percent of the cost.

One lawyer involved in lawsuits involving the U.S. military in Okinawa questioned the fairness of the payments.

“It is not reasonable that taxes paid by the Japanese people are used (as part of the compensation) for illegal acts committed during on-duty hours, for which the United States is totally responsible,” said the lawyer, Tsutomu Arakaki. “The United States should shoulder all the compensation.”

According to the statistics, about 48 percent of the nearly 10,000 cases took place in Okinawa Prefecture, which hosts more than 70 percent of the U.S. military facilities in Japan. Many people in the island prefecture are asking for a revision to the SOFA.

In total, about 2.03 billion yen was paid in compensation to claimants who suffered damages during the 10-year period. Of that amount, 1.5 billion yen was for the 2,138 incidents or accidents that occurred during on-duty hours, including the 380 million yen paid by the Japanese government.

In the crash of a U.S. military helicopter that occurred on the campus of Okinawa International University in Ginowan on Aug. 13, 2004, it was determined the accident was the sole responsibility of the United States. However, the Japanese government shouldered 25 percent of about 270 million yen in compensation paid out over the crash.

As for incidents or accidents involving U.S. military personnel that occur during off-duty hours, the SOFA has no stipulations on the percentage of compensation that Japan is responsible for.

UN Anti Racial Discrimination Committee addresses Okinawa militarisation

The United Nations asks the Japanese government to respect Okinawan people’s opposition against the Henoko relocation plan

Ryukyu Shimpo

August 21, at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) commented that Okinawan people's will should be respected regarding U.S. military policies.

August 22, 2014 Tsuyoshi Arakaki of Ryukyu Shimpo

On August 20 and 21, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) investigated on racial discrimination in Japan. They also discussed policies on the U.S. military bases in Okinawa. One of the committee members pointed out that it is important to discuss with the local people and get their agreement on the planned construction of a new base in the Henoko district of Nago City for replacement of U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station. Another said that local residents should be involved in the decision making. The committee will announce its final remarks and release an advisory report by the end of the month. One of the committee members stressed that the rights of Okinawan people to access traditional land and resources should be recognized and guaranteed. Another claimed that residents should be included in the decision-making process for policies that might affect their rights. They agreed that there should be local participation at the early stages of decision-making, especially regarding the U.S. military base issues.

Meanwhile at the opening of the meeting, a representative of the Japanese government said, “The residents of Okinawa and natives of Okinawa Prefecture are given and protected by legal equality with Japanese nationals under the Japanese Constitution.” The Japanese government presented their view that the economic gap between the mainland Japan and Okinawa has reduced, and that Okinawa has steadily developed in industry. They expressed respect for the prefecture’s initiative in implementing measures and policies since the Okinawan Promotion Planning policy, previously led by the state, was handed over to the prefecture.

To the Japanese government which does not recognize Okinawan people as “Indigenous People,” one of the committee members pointed out that it is important to consider how people in the Ryukyus identify and define themselves. Another pointed out UNESCO recognizes that Ryukyu/Okinawa has unique language, culture, and tradition and urges the Japanese government to recognize and protect such uniqueness. There have also been many inquiries about policies to protect Ryukyuan languages (Shimakutuba). A representative of the Japanese government asserted, “Those who live in Okinawa Prefecture or natives of Okinawa are not generally considered to be a group of people who share distinct biological or cultural characteristics. Therefore, they are not considered to be the subject of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.”

One of the committee members claimed the Ryukyu Kingdom’s long relationship with Ming and Qing Chinese dynasties, the history of annexation of the Ryukyu Kingdom in 1879 and assimilation policies promoted by the Japanese government all verify the indigeneity of Okinawans. He said it was wrong that Japan does not recognize this. Another said the Japanese government should respect Okinawan people’s will and guarantee their rights in light of this history.

(English translation by T&CT and Megumi Chibana)

See also:

Okinawan lawmaker Itokazu appeals to UN to end Henoko base construction

3,600 people gather at protest rally against construction of US air base in Henoko

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U.S. military takes 1st step in Okinawa relocation

Marine Corps Times

Anti-U.S. base protesters in canoe are blocked Thursday by a Japan Coast Guard speed boat in Nago, Okinawa. Japanese officials said buoys are being floated off the southernmost island of Okinawa in one of the first steps in the relocation of an American military base. The buoys define the area where the construction will begin on a facility in coastal Henoko that will house the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, which will be relocated from a crowded residential area of Okinawa. (AP)

By Yuri Kageyama
The Associated Press

• FILED UNDER

• News

ZOOM

In this aerial photo, workers in boats set up no-go zone Thursday in the sea off Nago, Okinawa. The buoys define the area where the construction will begin on a facility in coastal Henoko that will house the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, which will be relocated from a crowded residential area of Okinawa. (AP)

TOKYO — Buoys were being floated off the southernmost island of Okinawa Thursday in one of the first steps in the long-planned but highly contentious relocation of an American military base.

The buoys define the area where preparations for construction will begin on a facility in coastal Henoko that will house the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, which will be relocated from a crowded residential area of Okinawa.

Okinawa houses the majority of U.S. troops in Japan. Protests against the bases have been going on for decades. Aircraft noise, crashes and crime are among the frequent complaints.

The Japanese Defense Ministry confirmed the placing of buoys began Thursday but declined to give details, citing security concerns. Public broadcaster NHK showed protesters on boats being blocked by patrol boats, and others holding up signs outside the U.S. base saying “No new base.”

Opponents say majority of people are opposed to the construction, which some say would endanger the coral reef, tropical fish and other ocean life.

Land reclamation is needed for an airstrip to be built over the water from Camp Schwab, a U.S. military base. The buoys mark the location where boring of the seabed will take place for a government study to prepare for construction.

Japanese media reports said the drilling could start as early as this weekend. The Defense Ministry declined comment. The U.S. military also had no immediate comment on the activities Thursday.

Many Okinawans want the U.S. off the island entirely, but public opinion is divided with Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima backing the plan.

The Marines’ relocation to Henoko is part of a broader plan to consolidate and reduce the U.S. military presence in Okinawa. Previous efforts to implement the move have stalled. The U.S. and Japan agreed on the plan in 1996.

The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has repeatedly said the plan is important for the crucial alliance with the U.S. amid territorial disputes with China and the nuclear threat from North Korea.

But Susumu Inamine, the mayor of Nago, where Henoko is located, noted his reelection earlier this year underlines the people’s opposition to the plan.

He said assessments on environmental damage were not thorough enough, and accused the government of forcing the issue.

“Pushing forward with this tramples on the human rights of the people, and the rich diverse natural life of this region. This is no longer about democracy,” Inamine said in a statement.

74 percent of Okinawan people oppose the Henoko relocation

Ryukyu Shimpo – Okinawa, Japanese newspaper, local news

[Editorial] Abe administration signals future reign of terror in Henoko

Ryukyu Shimpo

The government is controlling the residents by force in Henoko, Nago. As far as we know, the government has never unleashed such reckless disregard of the will of the people, as we have seen at Henoko. The Ministry of Defense installed salvage barges in the sea of Henoko for undersea drilling for building an air base to replace Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.

The government has clamped down on the resistance in the past. However, 74 percent of Okinawan people oppose the Henoko relocation. We wonder if there has ever been a case like this, where the government has trampled on the will of the overwhelming majority of people in the prefecture elsewhere in Japan. This action by the government evokes memories of the crackdown against peasants during the Edo period.

The same repression also took place in Japan’s annexation of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the Battle of Okinawa. Japan’s annexation of the Ryukyu Kingdom is called “Ryukyu Shobun” or disposal of the Ryukyu Kingdom, in 1879. In 1944 during the Battle of Okinawa, the Japanese military in Okinawa issued a decree that “the military, the bureaucracy and the people will all live as one, and die as one.” Okinawan people were forced to commit mass suicide. This history is a form of structural discrimination against Okinawan people, if such incidents have never taken place elsewhere in Japan. This is a barbaric action by the government, and so shameful if the international community just stands by.

Government ignores provisions of the Constitution

In Henoko, the government has responded with an attitude that they will allow physical force, even injury on residents who are against the government. They have shown their hostility and malice towards the residents. We have felt empty and completely discouraged. Particularly, the Japan Coast Guard showed its hard-line stance,. They asserted, “to ensure safety.” It is a quite ridiculous pretence. On August 15, crew-members of the coast guard removed a protester forcibly. At that time, his broken glasses cut his face. This is ironic because they caused injury to a resident despite saying they were removing him for his safety.

For the first time in the 18-year saga of the Henoko relocation plan, the government has unilaterally set up an always-off-limits water area in Oura Bay without any legal basis. This is a method employed by the government to deprive the residents of the right to access the sea. It is the same as that used by rulers during the Edo period. The coast guard has detained citizens outside of the off-limits area without showing legal basis. They gave a warning to residents who were sailing from a fishing port to protest against the work. They threatened, speaking in loud voices, the residents who were approaching the off-limits area. The Constitution provides that “no person shall be deprived of liberty without due process of law.” The coast guard has also violated Article 35 of the Constitution that provides for the principle of warrant. Thus, Japan is not a law-abiding country.

These acts are questionable on a legal basis. Who are outlaws of the sea, the residents or the coast guard? We suppose the Japan Coast Guard had better change its name to the “Security Service for construction of US military base” in the future. We know the efforts made by the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters to win credibility from the residents after Okinawa’s reversion to Japan in 1972. They are now appear to be trashing the credibility of the organization in Henoko, in just a few days. We would like the coast guard to know the reality of Okinawa. Even so, there is an irony about the saga on the sea of Henoko.

The Ministry of Defense, Japan, safeguards the U.S. forces, which is the strongest military power in the world. The Japan Coast Guard and the police protect the Ministry of Defense. Security of a private company are placed on the front line. People who are supposed to hold the power and interests involving national defense, including diplomatic and defense officials, are observing the conflict between the residents and the security guards from a safe heigh.

A sacrifice stone to protect mainland Japan again

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reportedly cross-examined defense officials about why the construction work was delayed and strongly urged them to accelerate the work. This is revealed in a new report by a lawmaker close to the prime minister. According to the report, the Falklands war waged by the U.K. in South America, boosted the flagging support rate for the Thatcher cabinet. The Abe administration appears to have learned from historical precedents in which state leaders acquired their centripetal forces by fuelling nationalism. Prime Minister Abe has taken a tough stance against China over the disputed Senkaku Islands. The Abe administration is determined to build a new air base in Henoko to get the U.S. forces involved in the Senkaku Islands dispute. They are sacrificing beautiful nature, land, and the safety of Okinawa as a tribute to the United States to gain its favour.

A perspective of Henoko reminds us of a strategy employed by the Japanese Imperial Army during the Battle of Okinawa. They made use of Okinawa, a “sacrifice stone” in order to postpone the decisive battle in mainland Japan. This strategy destroyed Okinawa. The coast guard has prevented the boats hired by news media from approaching the waters. The government is trying to punish the people who access information that it does not want to let them knowThis is a step forward to the reign of terror. The landfill approval by Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima has led to this confusion. His approval of the landfill permit has no legitimacy because he acted contrary to his pledge for the election. The government should stop the work in Henoko immediately if Japan is a democratic country. In the gubernatorial election in November, candidates should ask voters whether they approve or disapprove construction of the air base in Henoko.

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The Asahi Shimbun | AJW Asia and Japan Watch

Thousands protest U.S. base relocation to offshore Henoko site

By KAZUO YAMAGISHI/ Staff Writer

NAGO, Okinawa Prefecture--With the government moving quickly on the planned relocation of Air Station Futenma to the Henoko district, about 3,600 demonstrators occupied the street in front of U.S. Marine Corps Camp Schwab here in a massive protest on Aug. 23.

To oppose the start of exploration drilling in the waters off Camp Schwab for land reclamation for a new runway, protesters lined the road for hundreds of meters. They chanted in unison, “Stop the construction of the new base” and “Stop the exploration drilling.”

The event was organized by local peace groups and opposition groups in the prefectural assembly, which brought participants to Nago in more than 30 chartered buses.

Okinawan legislators and peace campaign leaders gave impassioned speeches against the base relocation.

“We must open a new chapter of history by refusing the creation of a base that we Okinawans oppose,” one of the speakers said.

The speakers also repeatedly criticized Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima for giving the green light to the relocation of Futenma to Henoko, backing off his earlier pledge to demand the Futenma base be relocated outside the prefecture.

Nago Mayor Susumu Inamine, a staunch opponent of the Futenma relocation within Okinawa, said Okinawans must never give up the fight, because it is high time for them to demonstrate their spirit to the rest of the Japanese.

U.S. Virgin Islands’ Economy Shrinks for Third Consecutive Year

The estimates of Gross Domestic Product for the U.S. Virgin Islands show that real GDP, adjusted to remove price changes, decreased 5.4 percent in 2013. This was the third consecutive decline following decreases of 13.8 percent in 2012 and 7.5 percent in 2011.

worldatlas.com

The 2013 decline in the Virgin Islands economy reflected decreases in exports of goods and in consumer spending. The decrease in exports of goods reflected the decline of the petroleum refining industry that for many years had played a dominant role in the economy. The Hovensa oil refinery, one of the world’s largest oil refineries, shut down operations on St. Croix in early 2012.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

Anguilla, Curacao commemorate respective historical emancipation movements

ANGUILLA REMEMBERS 

SLAVE ANCESTORS IN AUGUST REVELRY

For the first time there has been a concerted effort in Anguilla to bring about an awareness of the relationship between August Monday as part of the holiday week of revelry, known as the Summer Festival, or Carnival, and Emancipation – the abolition of slavery in the British colonies, including Anguilla in 1834.

As Anguilla prepared for the main week of festivities and boat-racing, in celebration of forty years of carnival on the island, Sunday, August 3, was observed as Emancipation Sunday. Bethel Methodist Church, at South Hill, where the original church building was built by slaves, was the scene of a special service with reflections on the African slaves who were brought to the Caribbean and the degradation they suffered. The church’s senior choir set the tone for the order of service with several negro-spiritual songs; and Rev Dr Wycherley Gumbs mainly apportioned his sermon to slavery and emancipation as well.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE ANGUILLIAN

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Commemoration 219 years slave revolt

Amigoe

WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO — On Sunday August 17th, the monument at Rif was the scene of action of the commemoration of the slave rebellion led by Tula in the year 1795. 

Since 1984, August 17th has been commemorated by the Curaçao Government as Dia di Lucha pa Libertat, Day of the Struggle for Freedom.

On Sunday, it was exactly 219 years ago that the slaves on the island revolted. The theme of the commemoration of this year was patriotism, the key to building our nation. According to the organizers of the memorial service, theAsosiashon Promoshon KonsenshiIstóriko, Plataforma Sklabitut and Herensia di Sklabitut, the theme was chosen because slaves fought for their freedom in 1795 and now, years later, this should be viewed as an important step on the road to the emancipation of the people and the construction of a new Curaçao.

During the commemoration at the park Parke Lucha pa Libertat at Rif, there was an extensive program of performances by various cultural groups. In text and sound, the performers dwelt upon the events of 219 years ago. The traditional speeches were again pronounced by Culture Minister Irene Dick [Pueblo Soberano].

Dependencies, Autonomous Countries eligible to participate in U.N. Small Islands Conference

A formal role for non-independent countries is consistent with U.N. established practice since the Earth Summit in 1992, and is in furtherance of their economic, social and constitutional advancement.

United Nations

Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States

Apia, Samoa (1-4 September 2014)

List of speakers

Inscription on the list of speakers for the plenary meetings (item 8 of the provisional agenda, “General debate”) of the third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (Monday, 1 to Thursday, 4 September 2014, Apia, Samoa), pursuant to General Assembly resolution 68/238, is open.

All delegations (all States Members of the United Nations or members of specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the European Union, in its capacity as observer) wishing to inscribe in the general debate, in accordance with General Assembly resolutions 67/207 and 68/238, are kindly requested to contact the Secretariat, in writing, by e-mail (Ms. Mary Muturi (muturi@un.org)), or telefax (+1 (212) 963-3783) indicating the name and level of the speaker. 

The list of speakers for the plenary meetings will be established on a first-come first served basis with the customary protocol that ensures that Heads of States or Government speak first, followed by other heads of delegation. It is proposed that a time limit of five minutes be established for each statement. Delegations are requested to provide 20 copies of their statement to the conference officers in the meeting room. Delegations wishing to have their statement posted on the Conference website are encouraged to e-mail their statement to the secretariat beforehand to the following e-mail address: papersmart3@un.org.

In addition to representatives of States participating in the Conference and that of the European Union, it is proposed that the representatives of the following may, time permitting and without setting a precedent, make a statement in the plenary meetings:  1) 

(a) intergovernmental organizations and other entities that have received a standing invitation from the General Assembly to participate in the capacity of observer in the sessions and work of all international conferences convened under its auspices (rule 60 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Conference);
(b) Associate members of regional commissions (Rule 61); 

(c) specialized agencies and related organizations (rule 62); 

(d) other intergovernmental organizations (rule 63); and (e) interested United Nations organs (rule 63). Representatives of intergovernmental organizations, entities, associated members of regional commissions, specialized agencies and related organizations and interested United Nations organs may also contact the secretariat to be inscribed in the list of speakers.

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1/ The precedent for participation in United Nations (U.N.) world conferences as well as special sessions of the U.N. General Assembly, including addressing these conferences and sessions, is a long established practice as evidenced by participation in virtually all such U.N. proceedings since the United Nations Conference on Environment and development (UNCED) in 1992. A Study commissioned by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) outlines the historic legislative authority for this participation. 

SEE ALSO: 

The Vulnerability Of Caribbean SIDS To Be Discussed By A High Level Panel In Samoa

More corruption charges filed against Tahiti's often convicted president Gaston Flosse

Islands Business

Tahiti's President Flosse charged with misuse of power

PAPE'ETE, Tahiti --- French Polynesia's president, Gaston Flosse, has been charged with misuse of power in the way he awarded a US$55 million contract a decade ago to build Tahiti's new hospital.

This comes after another day of interrogations in a long-running probe.

Flosse is alleged to have given the contract to build the Taaone hospital without calling tenders to a company whose owner then sold a stake in a hotel to Flosse's son at a low price.

The two were charged over the arrangement in February.

Before meeting the investigators, Flosse's lawyer already asked for corruption charges to be dropped, should they be laid.

Last month, Flosse was stripped of his political offices in a French supreme court ruling for corruption, but he remains in office because the French government has refused to serve him the verdict to make it official.

Flosse has asked Francois Hollande for a presidential pardon so that he can stay in power.
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U.S. confirms absolute Congressional control over its "territory or other property",i.e. the U.S. unincorporated territories

"The legal position of the Obama Administration on the limitations of the non self-governing status of the territories under United States (U.S.) administration is consistent with the policy of every previous U.S. president in recent memory, regardless of political party. I wonder when our leaders will get the message, and develop the political will to take the necessary steps to begin a true process of self-determination.. Our people deserve the opportunity to choose a true democratic political status, rather than the present modernized colonialism which is, indeed, an abomination."  - a territorial scholar. 

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DOJ: Congress has ‘full and complete’ legislative authority over territories

By CB Online Staff

                

The U.S. Department of Justice has reaffirmed Puerto Rico’s status as an unincorporated territory of the United States in a legal brief filed in a lawsuit by American Samoa residents who say people born in the unincorporated U.S. territory should automatically receive U.S. citizenship.

In addition, the Department of Justice reiterated that Congress has “full and complete” legislative authority over the territories, and that only “fundamental” constitutional rights are guaranteed in the territories.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) specifically says that Congress has the legislative discretion to grant privileges to those born in the territories, including U.S. citizenship, but that the Supreme Court has never held that Congress must bestow the same privileges upon those born in the territories that the U.S. Constitution bestows on those born in the 50 states.

“The law is crystal clear. Contrary to the baseless arguments put forward by some politicians on the island, Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States,” Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi said.

“This status is unequal and undemocratic, and is the principal source of our severe economic problems,” he added in a statement. “If Puerto Rico wants to move forward, it has only two choices: it can become a state or a sovereign nation.”

If Puerto Rico were to become a sovereign nation, whether fully independent from the U.S. or in free association with the U.S., future generations of island residents will not be American citizens and Puerto Rico will receive reduced federal support, according to Pierluisi, the island’s lone member of Congress and president of the statehood New Progressive Party.

The Department of Justice’s brief was filed in Tuaua v. United States, a case pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

As previously reported by CARIBBEAN BUSINESS online, the case was dismissed by a U.S. District Court judge in the nation’s capital in June 2013. The plaintiffs, five American Samoa residents, appealed the ruling.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled last year that the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause doesn’t apply to people born in American Samoa.

Immigration laws classify people born in American Samoa as U.S. nationals, but it’s the only U.S. territory where U.S. citizenship is not a birthright.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wynne Kelly argued that Congress has the power to determine the naturalization process for potential citizens, and the lawsuit was trying to sidestep that. Kelly represented the federal government and three U.S. State Department officials as defendants.

Eni Faleomavaega, the territory’s non-voting delegate to the U.S. House, filed a brief in 2012 arguing that Congress is the proper venue to decide citizenship, not the courts.

Leon said in his ruling that he agreed with the government’s argument that previous Supreme Court and federal court rulings as well as historical practice trumped the plaintiffs’ assertions.

“Federal courts have held over and over again that unincorporated territories are not included within the citizenship clause, and this court sees no reason to do otherwise,” Leon said.

“To date, Congress has not seen fit to bestow birthright citizenship upon American Samoa, and in accordance with the law, this court must and will respect that choice,” he said.

American Samoa is the only U.S. territory without the birthright of citizenship. Leon said people in the unincorporated territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands got birthright citizenship through various laws years after being acquired by the U.S. That wouldn’t have been necessary if the Constitution granted citizenship to people in unincorporated territories, he said.

The lawsuit’s lead plaintiff, Leneuoti Tuaua, said he doesn’t think the issue should be up to Congress.

“(So) long as American Samoa is U.S. soil, I continue to believe that the Constitution guarantees my family the right to citizenship,” he said.

Faleomavaega said he agrees with the ruling but isn’t opposed to citizenship for American Samoans.

“The decision should be made by the people and not by a court,” he said. “After the people decide they desire citizenship, I can work with Congress on legislation to provide citizenship for persons born in American Samoa.”

Bonaire Foundation shows film on 'Tula', leader of slave rebellion

Special to OTR

Successful week of Rebellion for freedom with Tula in the neighborhoods.

A week long, from Monday to Sunday every night, from Tera Cora to Rincon without missing a single neighborhood, Foundation Nos Kier Boneiru Bek with the objective to build consciousness and commemorating the Slave Rebellion on the 17th of August and led by the national hero Tula, stopped in every neighborhood of Bonaire to present the movie Tula the Rebellion.

The movie presentations in open air were very well attended and the community showed high interest in this real history based story that they finally had the opportunity to experience on Bonaire and on the big screen and has agglomerated around the locations, and when no more chairs were available, standing up, sitting on the ground, in cars, everywhere This was the experience of the shared profound feelings of a people of the same origin and same roots.

The people who experienced this unique opportunity and who saw the presentation showed their gratitude openly after expressing their understanding and self-realization. In the process,  the people made the conscious comparisons with the actual situation of Bonaire after 10-10-10 in recognition that Bonaire is in a similar era but in a modern way. 

We of the Foundation Nos Kier Boneiru Bek are conscious that our power to resist all the actual undesired situations of our people, a essential and fundamental base rests in our common past, where the majority of our people, over 80% are of the same origin, same ancestors, who lived under oppression and inhuman conditions and struggled with their own blood, sweat and tears so today we have rights, which we neglected and regrettably through a lie has surrendered back to our colonizer Holland. 

Our past, our heritage, same language , culture, traditions, norms and values and identity that binds us together as the Bonerian people is the only avenue of unifying, so we can unite, resist and defend ourselves in these difficult times.

Those who do not know their past are condemned to repeat it. Know your past, is to know your rights and makes you strong and empowered with knowledge and information to force a change in your favor and to defend ourselves and our children and stop the invasion and destruction of our identity and our Bonerian people, because our rights are our heritage. And these rights are ours without surrendering our integrity and identity of our Bonerian people in no way, because our welfare and development is our right and responsibility of Holland.