June 21, 2010
Press Release
Contact: Larry Everest 504 644 7214
Gulf Emergency Protesters Present Demands to Unified Command Center, New Orleans
25 people mounted a spirited protest today in New Orleans, embodying the determination of Saturday’s Gulf Emergency Summit which resolved to get out the truth about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, and to build mass independent action to stop it. This is the first time protesters went into the offices of the Deepwater Horizon Unified Command Center, which recently moved from Roberts, LA.
Marching past building security who said they could not enter private property, the protesters delivered the following demand to a public relations representative for BP who refused to identify himself.
Summit organizer Larry Everest said, “This is the beginning of galvanizing a nation-wide people’s response. We are calling on people immediately affected by the disaster, scientists, experts and anyone who cares about the planet to join in demanding BP and federal agencies stop lying and covering up the extent of the spill. After 62 days, it’s about time people confronted BP.”
Cyndie Lepori, a resident of Ft. Walton Beach Florida, drove to New Orleans to participate, described the oil and dispersants effect on dolphins and other wildlife where she lives, and pleaded with the government to stop use of dispersants and start removing the oil. Anti-war leader Cindy Sheehan led the group into the Center, trailed by cameras, BP security, and New Orleans police. No arrests were made.
The provisional demands delivered to the Unified Command Center are:
1) Stop oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Full compensation, retraining and new employment, including public works, for all affected,
2) The government and entire oil industry must allocate all necessary resources to stop and clean up the spill, prevent oil from hitting shore, protect wildlife, treat injured wildlife, and repair all devastation. Full support, including by compensation, must be given to peoples’ efforts on all these fronts and to save the Gulf.
3) No punishment to those taking independent initiative; no gag orders on people hired, contracted, or who volunteer; those responsible for this crime against the environment and the people should be prosecuted.
4) Full mobilization of scientists and engineers. Release scientific and technical data to the public; no more lying and covering up. Immediately end use of dispersants; full, open scientific evaluation of nature and impact of dispersants. Fund all necessary scientific and medical research.
5) Full compensation for all losing livelihood and income from the disaster.
6) Provide necessary medical services to those suffering health effects of the spill. Protect the health of and provide necessary equipment for everyone involved in clean up operations. Full disclosure of medical and scientific studies about the effects of the oil disaster.
