The evacuation of Cuban migrants

The evacuation of thousands of Cubans who have been stranded in the province of Chiriqui began this week on Monday May 9th.

The effort led by Panama's government and several agencies airlifted a group of 250 Monday and plans to continue until all refugees who are currently living in shelters, have been moved.

According to various sources the number of migrants accounted for could be as high as 3,400.

Officials of the National Immigration Service, The National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) and the Ministry of Health are working together in taking the first steps to prepare those seeking help for the trip. While the Panamanian government will be taking them to Mexico. The goal of these people is to eventually reach the United States.

Health Minister Francisco Javier Terrientes explained during a visit to Los Planes de Gualaca,where the largest number of Cubans have landed, that the Ministry of health will offer health certificates to all who are in shelters so they will  have not encounter further problems on their trip.