Release the Bees!

Release the Bees!

1989

On April 14, 1989, US Marshalls tried to execute an eviction order from Federal Judge Lafitte against Carmelo, María and their family in their home at Villa Borinquen. Carmelo first tried to resist the eviction with the power of media, by having a cameraman documenting the eviction. When that strategy failed, Carmelo called a plan B, and it was very effective. Carmelo’s sons released the bees they used to make honey and federal authorities had to retreat. Many people from Vieques and the island of Puerto Rico showed up at Carmelo’s home that day to support his family. María explains that since that day the hill where her home is located began to be called Monte Carmelo. In the interview, she sings some plena tunes that narrate these events.

video

Juan Carlos Rodríguez

María Velazquez