Rioting in Bocas Del Toro, Panama

[mandlmaunder]

Just had a chat with friends in Bocas Del Toro, Panama, to be told there is rioting in the streets of the province, mass arrests and and the army sent in to quell the unrest of Banana workers.
Here is the info that I can find so far- Banana workers continue strike in Panama, 4 policemen kept hostages | NewsyStocks.com .

Was told by my friend that this has been going on for 8 days and the airport to the region is closed as are many of the roads in and out of the area.
Tourist in the area are not able to leave and are being sent to the main island of Bocas del Toro as this is the safest place at the present.
From what I was told of first hand experience the reports in the press are down playing the severity of the situation and the reaction from the workers and their union to the government responses.

This comes as a shock to me as when we where in Panama last year the government of Martinelli was voted in on hugely popular manifesto of anti-corruption and fairplay for the masses.

If anyone has more info please post, this info I have was current 6 hours ago, 2 am Panama local time.

Mark
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[GordMay]

As always, this dispute has more than one side.

Terror in Bocas del Toro as government prepares massacre
➥ Terror in Bocas del Toro as government prepares massacre | Bananama Republic

A Clear Explanation of the Protests in Bocas del Toro
The author, Don Winner, admits to an anti-union bias.
➥ http://www.panama-guide.com/article....00709090903971

[Misiu]

Originally Posted by mandlmaunder

If anyone has more info please post, this info I have was current 6 hours ago, 2 am Panama local time.
Mark
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Mark -
I've just called friends on the boat near Almirante and they confirmed what your friends are saying. Bocas airport still open, but Changuinola closed. Roads are also blocked by workers. It's hard to get to David. People are advised to limit travel and stay put. Towns effected are Changuinola and Almirante. As far as I know stores are closed and there is shortage of gas/diesel in Almirante.