Emergency Message For U.S. Citizens

Reply To:	Price Peterson <price@haciendaesmeralda.com>

Good morning EX-pats,

            Below you will find the normal message from the US Consul regarding problem areas. Several folks have asked for a little more explanation, so I shall try.

            The agreement reached yesterday was two things ; (1) that there would be no reprisals against the Ngobe-Bugle protesters and (2) the two sides would continue meeting. You will recall that the issue here is that the Ngobe want included in the new mining law, clause #5 which prohibits both mining (especially open pit) and new hydroelectrics within comarcal (reserve) areas. In a statement following yesterday’s meeting, the Minister of the Presidencia (Sr. Fabrega) asserted that the government would not yield on their freedom to build new hydroelectrics and implied that they were fine with the prohibition on mining. It should be kept in mind that Mt. Fortuna, within the comarca, has one of worlds largest copper deposits.

            Now what happens. Remember, we went through all this a year ago – agreements were reached, etc., but when it came to legislation the process has been very slow and, according to the Ngobe, promises have been broken. It is doubtful that the Ngobe will accept government promises again. Thus, the Nacional legislature has declared itself in permanent recess until an agreement is reached. This is a tacit acceptance that nothing will happen, legislatively, until not only an agreement is reached, but that it is enacted into law.

            Meanwhile the Ngobe will be very much on a standby basis and ready to go back to protest if they feel additional pressure on the government is needed. I would urge the ex-pat community to focus on just what it is that the Ngobe want. You will note that their targets have been passive civil disobedience on the roads or aggression against government offices – police stations, corregidurias, etc. Last night in Boquete, in recognition of this, the fire department moved their vehicles up to the alto and out of harm’s way, only the Banco Nacional boarded up, and the police did whatever they could to defuse things – not confront. These protests, as in the past have been very TARGETED and the Ngobe have no argument with the civil or ex-pat society. The small amount of looting that occurred in Volcan was apparently local characters taking advantage of the situation and not including the Ngobe movement. 

            In summary, my message would be that you have little to fear – this is not rich vs. poor or military vs. civilian. It is Ngobe-Bugle vs. the President. We’ve lived with the Ngobe for many years and they are very slow to rile, but once riled, they are persistent. As was pointed out re; the ‘occupy ‘ movement, when they occupy, they are here to stay!

 

Regards,

Price

Price Peterson

Hacienda La Esmeralda

Boquete, Panama

tel. (507) 720 3202

Cel. (507) 6677 3442

 

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel along the Pan-American Highway in western Panama and other parts of the country at this time. 

UPDATE:

The two sides are in negotiations to end the protests and the Pan American Highway was open as of February 7. The overall situation has led to numerous protest marches and demonstrations in Panama City that have caused partial road closures and significant traffic disruption. Additionally, there are reports of a large concentration of protestors and a lack of police presence in the Volcan area.  Current road closures in the Changuinola area are affecting the availability of food and fuel in the islands of Bocas del Toro.  The U.S. Embassy urges American citizens to avoid traveling to the Volcan area at this time.

BACKGROUND:

Violent confrontations between Panamanian security forces and indigenous groups have resulted in continued disruptions and demonstrations along the Pan-American Highway near the San Felix area in Chiriqui (Ngobe Bugle region) and elsewhere in Panama.  There are reports of violent confrontations between the Panamanian police and protestors in the San Juan, San Felix, Horconcitos, and Vigui areas.  There are further reports of demonstrations in the areas of David, Changuinola and  Panama City. 

The U.S. Embassy urges American citizens to proceed cautiously with travel along the Pan-American Highway in western Panama at this time.  While the Pan-American Highway is reported to be open, protesters continue in their attempts to block it with rocks, trees, and burning tires at various points between Chiriqui and San Felix.  Protesters have been reportedly throwing rocks at passing vehicles.  Panamanian Security Services continue to use tear gas and other riot control measures.  American citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations, to defer traveling to and within areas known to have current protest activity, and to exercise caution in any area of confrontation between police and protestors.

Other protests on this or other issues may occur with little or no warning.  The Embassy continues to caution its employees and all U.S. citizens to exercise heightened security awareness and avoid crowds and any areas where there are demonstrations or where confrontations could occur.

For updated information on the security situation in Panama, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy at (011)-507-207-7030.  The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in Clayton, Building 783, in the Clayton section of Panama.  The Embassy web site is http://panama.usembassy.gov/ and e-mails should be addressed to Panama-ACS@state.gov.  The after-hours and emergency phone numbers are (011)-507-207-7000 or (011)-507- 207-7200.

For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov.  Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Panama are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.

---

The above message was distributed by News Boquete, a subscription-only community service.
News Boquete's ONLY email address is news.boquete@gmail.com.
For more info, visit www.boqueteforums.org/index.php?showtopic=4292.

If replying to this message, reply ONLY to ORIGINATOR, as shown in the first line.

To stop receiving these emails, send a message to news.boquete@gmail.com with the word unsubscribe in the subject line or body of the message.

To support Bid4Boquete charity, visit www.bid4boquete.com.