Protests Anticipated as Bombings to Resume

Protesters and security forces braced for renewed demonstrations when Navy bombing exercises resume today on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, despite President Bush’s announcement last week that training will end by May 2003.

On the eve of the practice, many Vieques residents spent the day at church or with their families.

But murals and painted slogans were testimony to the simmering anger here. The island’s 9,300 people--who have high rates of cancer and lung and skin problems--say the bombings harm their health and upset their lives.