Myrna Pagan is a founding member of the Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques (el Comite) and is presently Chairperson of the Comite's Health Commission. She has travelled to Okinawa, India and several States, including Washington, DC to represent her Isla Nena community. She was among the civil disobedients arrested by the Navy on May 4, 2000 and is very proud that her family has been active in the just cause for human rights in Vieques.

She is presently: a member of the Technical Review Committee (TRC) appointed for the cleanup of the western end of Vieques (formerly the Naval Ammunition Depot), an active member of the FOR Task Force on Latin America and the Caribbean, and serves on the Puerto Rico Dept. of Health Commission for Vieques appointed by Secretary of Health Johnny Rullan.

Myrna was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in New York City. She attended the Catholic University of America in Washington DC and earned a Master in Fine Arts degree with majors in English and Drama. While a student there she travelled throughout South and Central America representing the U.S. State Department. She sang and acted professionally then settled down in Vieques, by the sea, to raise a family which now numbers five children and seven grandchildren. She and husband, editor Charlie Connelly, have been producing The Vieques Times, a bilingual newspaper covering the local scene for 18 years. Other community endeavors included founding of the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust and Museum, and Taller de Arte Isla Nena Asociado (TAINA) a community arts workshop promoting local culture.

"We must not let the fears of others clip our wings. By our nature there is bravery in our hearts, if it were not so we would never have learned to walk or dared to speak. Humans everywhere want peace and harmony, to be healthy, to enjoy freedom of expression and the opportunity to develop their capacities. Our souls speak to one another when there is compassion, when we listen, when we are peaceful. Let us claim our brave hearts in defense of one another", Myrna.