Cuban refugees on hunger strike claim broken promises

SEVEN Cuban refugees who were given asylum in Panama, an act which earned praise for President Ricardo Martinelli from Miami politicians,are now on hunger strike over “unfulfilled promises.”

They were brought to Panama from the Bahamas to much government sponsored fanfare.

Now they are camped out on hunger strike in front of the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry in Casco Viejo, demanding permanent residency and the right to work.
Yudian Chala, one of the seven demonstrators, said they are determined to remain on strike until the issue is resolved, saying they have adopted the slogan, "solution or death." The hunger strike started Mondaa February 24.
Chala said that five of the seven members of the group were brought to Panama from the Bahamas due to the efforts of former Panama Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS) Guillermo Cochez, who promised them that they would be entitled to a free life.
The refugees escaped Cuba on a raft, but the craft ran aground in the Bahamas. Among those who spoke of the so-called bright future for them in Panama was lawyer Lorenzo Palomares, who lives in Miami.
The refugees accuse Palomares of deception. Chala said that the offer of opportunities soon became a lie and that the group was abandoned while President Ricardo Martinelli was lauded by politicians in Miami for bringing the Cubans to the country.
The refugees have no permanent housing or income and have never been able to meet with high-ranking officials to discuss their plight reports La Prensa
Chala justified the extreme measure of a hunger strike by saying that they are desperate for a solution.