Government under pressure as support for protestors grows

Pressure on the government to solve the indigenous protest crisis in San Felix Chiriqui is increasing from all sides.

A group of Indians of from the Ngäbe Bugle region have been blocking the Trans America highway  since January 31 to protest the removal of Article 5 of Bill 415, which prohibits the exploitation and mining and water exploration in the region.

The National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canatraca) said freight service disruption had caused economic losses in several regions.

The situation has also affected, producers, traders, students, tourists, truckers and the general publicans in some areas stores are running out of fruit and vegetables.

Canatraca through a statement urged the government and indigenous people to review their commitments after the riots in Changuinola in which two Indians were killed and over 700 injured and blinded after being fired on with buckshot by the National Police.

In a press release, the organization noted that the original inhabitants of the country are due the same respect as every citizen and every official.

"Those who have been elected, volunteered to serve and were elected to serve and manage properly, rather than to command."

Vice president Juan Carlos Varela expressed deep concern over the crisis situation in Chiriqui and the rest of the country resulting from the closure of the highway.

"The reality is that the original groups and the Panamanian people have lost confidence in the government who feel that does not represent their interests because of the breach of the agreements signed in 2011, The Vice President called on President Ricardo Martinelli, to appoint immediately a high-level negotiating committee and  meet with the indigenous people.

In the opinion of Varela, the closure seems to be the only recourse left to the people  who do not see democratic solutions by the government to solve their problems based on unconditional dialog.

Meanwhile the Confederation of Independent Unions (CONUSI) and the Trade Union of Construction and Allied Workers (SUNTRACS) and other groups, have initiate actions in support of the Ngäbe Bugle Indians.

SUNTRACS  workers are picketing sites in different parts of the capital to show their support for indigenous people and express their rejection of the Fifth Chamber.

A spokesman said on Friday, that next week there will be  a national mobilization in solidarity with the Indians. . Tentatively it is being proposed for Wednesday

The National Council of Organized Workers (CONATO), issued a statement giving support for the NgäbeBuglé and asking  the government to agree to dialog with the demonstrators.