Today, the United States wants to buy the votes of the people of Vieques and were offering up to $50 million if they voted favorably in a Federal referendum (originally planned for November 6th, 2001), so the Navy could remain indefinitely on the Island using live ordnance.

Fearing a major defeat, the Secretary of the Navy annulled the Federal referendum at the last moment, two weeks before being held, and postponed it until 2002. It will most probably be cancelled again.

During the local referendum held on July 29th, 2001, 68% of the people of Vieques voted in favor of the Navy leaving the island and for an immediate cease fire.