Panama Protests Update Ep 44 - Video

The Panama protests began in earnest on October 20, 2023, when President Cortizo signed a 20 year renewal contract with Canada’s First Quantum Minerals for their copper mine in the central north part of Panama. The contract allows the Canadian mining company to mine anywhere in the country regardless of where it is in Panama; however, it is unclear if there permit is confined to just a zone inside Panama. Regardless, this, some say, is unconstitutional because no foreign entity has the right to do what they like on Panamanian soil. Furthermore, there are environmental concerns regarding rumors that the mine is leaking chemicals into the soil and contaminating the ground water. Panama is also suffering a drought and the copper mine uses a lot of water in it’s mining process. Then there is the economical concerns about accounting transparency suggesting corruption.

Last year, there were major protests about inflation that left the country in protests for 3 weeks before the government of Panama conceded to help curve inflation. According to locals, these protest were more consistent and organized with most of the country not be seriously effected. Today’s protests are different. They are all over the country, sporadic, and heated. They are affecting everyone in Panama.

As for living in Panama City, the situation hasn’t changed. Road blocks turn up and then disappear just as quick as they came. At night, the protests turn violent with tear gas being fired upon the demonstrators. The marches are gaining numbers and more employment sectors are joining the protests; nurses, doctors, farmer, truck drivers and fishermen.

There are hot spots throughout the city that are no-go zones at night, and there are rumors of domestic fresh fruit and vegetables becoming scarce; however, from what we’ve seen, the grocery stores are well stocked with just about everything from eggs to milk. The food shortages are in some remote areas where the demonstrators can be a bit more passionate about the situation.

Interesting point of note, fisherman have blocked the port entering the mine causing First Quantum Minerals to make a statement condemning the “illegal and violent attempt that is occurring right now, when unauthorized vessels with unauthorized people are entering the International Port of Punta Rincón.”

Panamanians are now protesting around the world in cities including London and Miami. They are also getting support from neighboring central American countries like El Salvador and Costa Rica.

Their are rumors that small vessels are blocking commercial shipping, and other major Panamanian hubs like Colon and David are cut off due to road blocks.

There are now multiple lawsuits against the constitutionality of the mining contract in front of the Supreme Court that will take 10 business days to cover. This began a few days ago, so it will be a couple of weeks at least before we see an outcome from these lawsuits.

In the meantime, the protests are gaining traction and is developing into more than just a protest against the contract that the president signed on October 20, 2023.

As for us, we are cruisers passing through that have been caught up in the protests. We have had to venture into the capital to provision. We’ve been tear gassed and have smelt the burning tires and tear gas from our boat in the anchorage. We are trying to cross the canal, but due to 50% of the country being shut down, we’ve been delayed. However, we will also have problems on the other side of Panama because they have been more effected by the road closures, so it’s important for us to provision here while we can.

We are in solidarity with the Panamanian people and wish them the best possible outcome for a speedy and prosperous resolution.

Links used in the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0yAo3cBVdA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHOsutHGpuM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqF2S9pmogs
https://www.facebook.com/traficocpanama
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/panama-econ-minister-backs-contract-with-first-quantum-despite-protests-2023-10-27/
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadian-miner-first-quantum-slumps-panamas-proposed-referendum-2023-10-30/https://monitor.civicus.org/explore/rising-cost-living-sparks-month-protests-panama/
https://americasquarterly.org/article/panamas-protests-are-about-more-than-a-mine/
https://qz.com/the-panama-canal-is-restricting-large-ships-because-of-1850565083
https://news.mongabay.com/2023/09/panama-protests-to-protect-ecosystems-and-canal-against-pending-mining-deal/

Thumbnail Photo
https://efe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/rss-efe7960bfc96587b17df498b708c57b271404052441w.jpg

Important Links
https://www.igopanama.com/news/october-2023-panama-protests-information