2023-11-26 23:05:00
In Panama, it has now been more than a month since daily activity has been disrupted by blockages and demonstrations against the renewal for forty years of a gigantic mining contract with a Canadian company for the exploitation of the Donoso copper mine. . The mobilization continues throughout the country and the population in general still seems angry against the government decision. However, this situation is difficult to live with for many, between permanent traffic jams, supply problems, general strike in several sectors, including education. But since the Supreme Court could very soon render a decision on the constitutionality of the mining contract, the Panamanians do not want to reduce the pressure, and are still accepting the sacrifices.
From our correspondent in Panama,
This demonstration is taking place in a small town in the central highlands, but for the past five weeks, we have been hearing the same slogans every day, everywhere in Panama. The protest movement remains popular, despite the daily constraints for everyone. Due to the frequent closure of the Pan-American Highway, many fruits and vegetables cannot be found, or are sold at exorbitant prices.
« The problems concern what is produced locally, in the Chiriqui region, and which must be transported by interior roads », explains Tere, who runs a grocery store. “ Since the blockages, I haven’t seen a single carrot. Salad is difficult to find, there is a little of it, but it already arrives all wrinkled. Potatoes are very expensive, and there are no bananas at all… »
Paralyzed streets
In the city, blockages at intersections threaten even the slightest movement, cultural or sporting events are mostly postponed. Seslava Mendieta, physiotherapist, unambiguously supports the protest, but has had to adapt professionally.
« The main consequence was on schedules », dit Seslava Mendieta. « We now start consultations at 8 a.m., because from noon or 1 p.m., it becomes chaos here and all around. For patients, it was often impossible to access the clinic, we had to cancel several sessions. And it’s even worse in the evening, there has sometimes been vandalism after 9 p.m. So as the facade of the clinic is glass, we had to protect it with plywood boards.. »
“It’s difficult for everyone, but we organized ourselves”
In Panama, schools had been closed for two years because of Covid-19, and have been closed again for a month. Xiomara worries about her children aged 7 and 12.
« The teachers have still not communicated anything since the start of the suspension of classes. We wait, we wait, but nothing », she notes. “ And so the children have nothing to do, no homework… Instead of progressing, they regress. I continue to work so I have had to take on a second nanny to take care of them in the morning, when they are supposed to be at school. It’s difficult for everyone, but we organized ourselves, they share the salary that I can give. »
But this cleaning lady accepts the sacrifices. “ In the end, the country will emerge a winner, and the future of our children too. Because, really, we don’t want this look. »
Read alsoPanama: in the streets, opposition to the exploitation of the Donoso copper mine does not subside
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