Day of protest in Colon

Many to march today in protest in Colon.

As of 7:00 am today, Thursday, April 19, the march called by the ’Frente Amplio por Colón’  (Fight for the Salvation of Colon)  is on to pressure the government to sit down and negotiate specific points. Edgardo Voitier, coordinator of the committee, explained that the decision was taken as a result of "the lack of intent  on the part of the Government to meet the needs of water, roads, housing and infrastructure."

Felipe Cabeza, spokesman for the movement, said that they expected some 10,000 people to participate in the march, same as in the first march held a month ago.

To get the most participants, the organizers divided the march into two groups: one which will start at 16th Street towards the Cuatro Altos sector and another from Sabanitas.

The teachers’ unions reported that they will support the strike, And have asked parents and guardians not to send their children to classes but the  Ministry of Education (Meduca) said that classes will be ongiong, as established in the school calendar.

General director of the National Police, Omar Pinzón , made it clear that streets will not be closed. Pinzón said that the development of the march will be monitored and will respect  the rights of the people.

In the meantime many businesses have reinforced their windows and doors to protect against vandalism.  The Minister of Security, Alexis Bethancourt,  promised to guarantee the security of the population and wrned against street closures, tire burning or acts of vandalism which will not be allowed.