July 27 (Mon): ICAN urged to “use defense budget for the measures against COVID-19″; The materials for seawall construction delivered to the Gate

ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons), a Novel prize-winning NGO, made a timely proposal that any citizen would appreciate. They estimated that a portion of the national defense budget, if re-allocated, could buy a sufficient number of respirators and increase ICU beds. Of the national defense budget of 5.3 trillion yen for fiscal 2020, if 1.1 trillion yen budgeted for purchases of materials and equipment should be re-allocated to combat the coronavirus pandemic, it could provide 15,000 ICU beds, 20,000 respirators, 10,000 doctors, and 70,000 nurses.

Mr. Kawasaki Tetsu, an international officer of ICAN, said that “I do not believe that the U.S. weapons and the threatening power of nuclear bombs would protect our country. We should review our current safety status to determine what to do to protect our lives and spend money on it.”

Amid the unprecedented bad economy caused by novel coronavirus pandemic, the national defense budget received no budget cut, which I don’t think the people of Japan would accept. To protect the Japanese lives, the government should re-allocate, first of all, portions of the defense funds not needed urgently to combat the pandemic.

Next week, the 75^th World Conference to Abolish Nuclear Weapons will meet in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A timely proposal by ICAM will draw the attention of Japan and the world.

(In front of the Camp Schwab Gate)

Thirty-nine trucks delivered rocks (used in the seawall foundation) after a half year absence. One of the protestors who monitor the construction said, “Extending one of the existing seawalls? Maybe K8?”

In the torrid heat, nearly 40 protestors in the sit-in raised their voices of protest. A total of 248 large vehicles made deliveries in three separate times.

All Okinawa requested the Okinawa Defense Bureau last week that the civilian guards employed by Teikei not to wear a camera on their uniform, but the Bureau has not responded yet.

(Ryukyu Cement Awa Pier)

Nearly ten protestors in total stood both at the entrance and the exit of the pier. Eight members of the GoGo Drive campaign drove slowly in front of the trucks to delay the operation. The police showed a placard saying, “Work Obstruction.” The GoGo drive members responded with a poster saying, “Not under your jurisdiction; therefore, unconstitutional!” It is important to point out when they stepped out of their jurisdiction and keep them within their boundary.The earth and sand of 814 truckloads were loaded to 3 cargo ships. The workers did not take a day-off last Saturday and shipped out 1081 truckloads of the earth and sand in four cargo ships.

(Motobu Shiokawa Pier)

A monthly routine, use of a sand carrier with grab bucket, took place. A container, after loaded with the earth and sand, is moved onto the carrier, which is very inefficient. More than ten trucks stayed within the pier grounds waiting to unload. Ten members of Uruma Shimagurumi kept on protesting. Only half of the usual amount, 135 truckloads of the earth and sand, was loaded to the carrier.