Government seeks to renew hydroelectric dialogue

PANAMA’S government is seeking to resume dialogue with indigenous residents over the Barro Blanco hydroelectric project
“We are committed to promoting dialogue and reaching consensus to mediate agreements, guaranteeing transparency and accountability,” President Juan Carlos Varela said on Sunday, May 31.

The government has given indigenous residents of the Comarca Ngäbe Buglé until June 15 to resume participating in the dialogue. The indigenous leaders walked out of the earlier meetings and have demanded that the project, which is 95 percent complete, be cancelled reports La Prensa.
“The government is urging the resumption of dialogue to resolve this conflict,” Varela stressed.
He also said the government has agreed to ensure the protection of the cultural, environmental, economic, and religious values of the people of the Comarca Ngäbe Buglé.