Changuinola victims get apology and pensions

AFTER NEARLY five years of waiting for financial assistance, people in Changuinola, Bocas Del Toro, who were injured in clashes over the controversial “carrot” law 30, have received an apology on behalf of the State and will receive a pension.

On Thursday, April 30 President Juan Carlos Varela approved Law 144 which gives a pension and other benefits to those affected by the unrest
The three days of clashes between riot police using buckshot left a toll of more than 100 injured workers and several people lost an eye or were blinded.
During the ceremony, Varela apologized on behalf of the Panamanian State to the inhabitants of Changuinola for what happened on July 8, 2010.
The most severely affected will receive $800 a month. Others will get $200. Other benefits include scholarships, housing and medical care.