Strikers are Blocking Highway in Between Coronado and Gorgona
Strikers have blocked off the highway between Coronado and Gorgona. From the information we are gathering, it appears that people from Coloncito are protesting lands that have been sold and leaving them homeless. It seems that there are around 30 famlies who have been cheated of the right to buy the homes they live in, as the Mayor of Chame sold the land to someone else. The families and friends have blocked the roads with trees and tires, banging pots, screaming about corruption and preventing traffic in and out of the area. Here is a cell phone pictures sent in by Kara Patrick who is stuck on the road and sending in details. Click read more.
Strikers say they will stay where they are until thier lands have been returned. Police are at the scene, but not getting involved. Some drivers are turning around through the median. Drivers in front of Cafe Mayita say they have been there for 2 hours now.
It appears that cars are now getting through in both directions. Branches and tires have been pulled to the sides, and the strikers are leaving with news cameras in tow. Wether an agreement has been reached is unknown. We are keeping an eye out to media to see what is being said.
From information we are receiving, it seems that, the families living on the land are squatters, living in very poor conditions without electricity or water. The land has now been sold. The families are protesting thier right to the land.
According to María Lisbeth Ceballos, a Panamanian lawyer specializing in relocation, squatters sitting on untitled land can gain right to the property. But the process is complicated. In many cases, squatters are simply paid off to vacate the property and abondon thier claims.
According to TVN Canal 2, the families had 5 years to buy the land, but didn't. The land has now been sold to an American.
Reports on the radio this afteroon, explain that the strikers stopped the blockage, because the authorities halted eviction proceedings. More on this decision to come at a Municipal meeting that will be held tomorrow.
