Indigenous leader refuses comment on Supreme Court decision

A Supreme Court  decision to deny an application for a writ of habeas corpus for Silvia Carrera, the overall chieftain of the Ngabe Bugle, may be another spark to ignite the anger of the indigenous people.

 Carrers has played a prominent role in the recent meetings between the government and the indigenous people who have been protesting  over mining and hydro electrical development.

On Wednesday, March 4 she was participating in celebrations marking the fifteenth anniversary of the Ngäbe Bugle comarca, and refused to comment on the court’s denial  of the writ which would have prevented her possible arrest for  the demonstrations and road closures that have created a crisis in recent weeks.

 Carrera said in her speech that the celebrations in the region were not a "binge" as they have been interpreted. ‘Fifteen years after thecreation of the district we are  today more than ever committed to preserving natural resources,"  she said.

"As we celebrate the anniversary of [the region] there are people who rejoice, while others are sad. I'm sad about the situation before yesterday when there was a vigil for the death of Jerome Rodriguez Tugrí [killed in a protest]" she said. Carrera considered that the community will understand the decision taken to take a break in the dialogue to to review the proposals on the table at the United Nations HQ in Panama, said Carrera. 

The celebrations were attended by representatives  of the University of the Ameicas, the Kuna people and representatives of the Catholic Church, including Bishop of David, Jose Luis Lacunza.