The us navy tests in Vieques, an island of Puerto Rico, have caused an increase of cancer cases on the island by 52 per cent. Medical reports show that cancer cases among the 9,300 Viequenses were 27 per cent higher than those living in the Puerto Rican mainland. Residents are now demanding a compensation of us $100 million for health damages from the us navy.

"The radioactive uranium projectiles used during the navy tests are endangering the life of the local people,' said Nilda Medina of the committee for the rescue and development of Vieques. Former us president Bill Clinton had earlier instructed defence officials to find alternatives to training exercises on Vieques. But the navy says that the island offers the only terrain suitable for the tests.