The Inter-American Highway Remains Open for Now; Talks in Changuinola Were to Resume
Demonstrators block a road during a protest on Tuesday in Santiago de Veraguas, Panama.
Wednesday night: Some closures reported on the Inter-American Highway. If you want to view traffic disruptions due to strikes and protests, look for a group on Facebook called tráfico panamá and you will see the marches and traffic disturbances throughout the country. Yesterday, clashes were reported between riot police and groups of citizens attempting to block the Inter-American Highway, a key transit route between Panama and Central America and vital for the entry of Chiriquí products into the capital. Yesterday alone, 25 people—including teachers, students, and workers—were arrested in various protests, including in Santiago and Las Tablas.
Jaime Caballero Pictured Above, Suntracs Executive, Arrested for Alleged Money Laundering
Police seize a homemade slingshot weapon. A girl suffered a head injury during the Protests that took place this Wednesday, May 14, in Horconcitos, Chiriquí. The National Police reported that it has Initiated an Investigation into the Case of the Injured Minor.
Dialogue in Bocas del Toro is interrupted; the government awaits further communication from the workers. While the union members withdrew to consult with farm leaders, the government delegation left the province, leaving the population unclear about any progress or setbacks at the negotiating table.
For interest sake, there were to be talks in Changuinola but we haven’t heard of any results, but we did hear that the Banana leaders left the table in Bocas del Toro; the government awaits a call to resume talks. Initially, the union members had asked that Law 45 not be amended, but on Tuesday night they demanded the repeal of Law 462. Law 45 in Panama, enacted in 2007, is primarily focused on consumer protection and competition defense. It establishes a framework for protecting consumers’ rights, prohibiting unfair trade practices, and regulating the competitive environment in the country.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Developing the civil and criminal liability of manufacturers for the products they supply.
Consumer Protection:The law outlines the rights of consumers, including the right to be protected from products or services that pose a risk to their health or safety. It also ensures consumers have access to accurate information about products and services, and the right to be heard and educated regarding their rights.
Competition Defense:Law 45 aims to prevent unfair or monopolistic trade practices, ensuring a level playing field for businesses and promoting fair competition in the market.
Specific Provisions:The law also covers specific areas like:
Ensuring companies provide invoices or proof of purchase to consumers.
Prohibiting price differences between cash and credit/debit card payments.
Addressing improper use or entry into databases.
The National Police managed to clear the Inter-American Highway on Tuesday. Pictured below is the reopening near Viguí. Interesting Vehicles
