Protests continue over Barro Blanco agreement

Part of the Pan-American Highway on the way to the village of Vigui in Los Palmas Veraguas, was blocked by protesters Wednesday, afternoon (September 7, 2016). The protest, lead by a group of indigenous people from the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca, was over the latest agreement on the hydroelectric project, Barro Blanco.

The recent protest brought on another violent clash between the locals and members of Panama’s national police.

During the protest, three members of law enforcement were injured. In a statement the following day, while touring the province of Chiriqui, President Juan Carlos Varela warned that violent behavior would not be tolerated nor would street closures. The president also called for a dialogue with the group opposing the construction of the hydroelectric dam Barro Blanco in an effort to resolve the dispute. However, leader of the movement, Ricardo Miranda explained they do not want dialogue, rather they are firm in their desire to completely cancel the Barro Blanco project and any other hydroelectric projects affecting Ngäbe-Buglé people. Miranda explained they will continue to protest in an effort to defend the Tabasará river.