Protests and Road Closures are Causing Irreversible Damage warns the Chamber of Commerce of Bocas del Toro in Panama
Bocas del Toro is experiencing one of its worst economic and social crises in decades. Chiquita Panama ‘s recent decision to lay off more than 4,000 workers, citing dereliction of duty, has raised alarm bells in a region already facing high levels of poverty, unemployment, and precarious conditions. “It was the last thing we expected to hear,” said Aris Pimentel, president of the Bocas del Toro Chamber of Commerce. He added that “almost the entire economy of the province revolves around banana farming, and Chiquita has been the only major employer for years.” Although the official layoff figure is around 4,000, the impact is multiplied if we take into account those who indirectly depend on this activity.
“We’re talking about at least 26,000 people, or rather, families, who will be directly affected,” Pimentel warned. The province is currently facing roadblocks that restrict traffic to a few hours a day, severely impacting the distribution of food, fuel, and basic goods. “There are products, but not in the usual quantities. In some areas, there are already shortages, especially of meat,” he confirmed. Given this scenario, President José Raúl Mulino announced that the Cabinet Council will evaluate the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in the province this week. However, the private sector maintains that it is unclear what such a measure would entail and is demanding concrete action. “We feel like we’ve been abandoned by the state.
Not enough is being done, and more could be done,” said Pimentel, who fears that many small business owners and entrepreneurs will never recover. Uncertainty dominates the landscape. While government decisions are awaited, the situation on banana farms is worsening, and local economic stakeholders warn that, even if the conflict is resolved, the province will never be the same again. “Hopes are fading. It’s been four weeks and everything’s the same or worse. Nothing has changed,” Pimentel concluded with resignation. And although bananas and cocoa are also grown in the region, and livestock is raised, it’s on a small scale. Furthermore, tourism hasn’t really taken off because the infrastructure has never been the best, and this is compounded by the recent plane crash.
The Province’s Economy has Suffered a Severe Blow following the Banana Company’s announcement of Mass Layoffs, while Road Closures continue and Uncertainty Increases.
The situation in Bocas del Toro is critical, and the damage is irreversible, warned Aris Pimentel, president of the provincial Chamber of Commerce, on Monday, May 26, as he presented an assessment of the four weeks of labor protests that have severely affected this region of the country. On Thursday, May 22, Chiquita Panama and Ilara Holding announced the termination of all temporary workers on their banana farms in Changuinola due to “unjustified” abandonment of work since April 28.
Thief Caught and Justice Taken Into Their Own Hands in Bocas
Tired of being victims of constant robberies, residents of the Base Line area of Changuinola Bocas del Toro decided to take matters into their own hands. This weekend, they captured a man known as the “Scourge of the Quadrant,” who was caught allegedly attempting to commit another theft in the area. In an act of collective exhaustion, the neighbors overpowered the suspect and tied his hands and feet, preventing him from escaping. After his capture, they alerted the National Police, who arrived on the scene and took custody of the suspect. Residents of the area claim the suspect is a repeat offender who has already been seen loitering around several homes. Given the lack of effective results from the authorities, many felt they had no choice but to intervene directly. “We’re already tired. We can’t sleep peacefully or go out to work without fear. Today it was him, but tomorrow it could be someone else if they don’t do something,” said a neighbor, who requested anonymity.
