Peace Returns to Panama?
Ngobe Bugle Protests in Boquete: Peaceful
Well, after our little dry run of civil unrest, violence and unfortunately, deaths, as well as everything that goes with protests and clashes; such as supply chain disruptions, major financial, agricultural and product losses, and travel nightmares, it seems the Panamanian government and the Ngobe Bugle indigenous people are attempting to resolve their issues.
PANAMA CITY — Legislators in Panama have agreed to reconsider a law on dams and mining that set off disruptive protests by Indians and their supporters.
The decision is a partial victory for the Ngobe-Bugle tribe, which has led highway blockades since Jan. 30 to oppose the new law. Its initial approval last month drew anger because it would theoretically allow the construction of dams on Indian lands in western Panama.
A congressional commission decided late Wednesday to return the law to debate, and Indian representatives and legislators have begun discussions on possible modifications.
Laws in Panama must win approval in three separate votes in Congress.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Just as my little town of Boquete began to board up the windows of shops and banks in anticipation of the violence that had been experienced elsewhere coming to our area, an agreement to revisit laws on dams and mining was reached. I went into town that evening with my son and husband to see what was happening. There was a different energy, a still sort of waiting, evident in the town square. Normally the area that has towering pines, a gazebo and a fountain, is pulsating with the combined energies of the indigenous, the Panamanians, the tourists, and the expats; sort of a mini melting pot in action. This evening, it was filled only with the Ngobe Bugle, rather somber, gathered together, very peacefully. What had occurred elsewhere thoughout Panama, the violence and disruption, really did not touch us here in Boquete to any great extent. In fact, as I left Valle Escondido, where I live, and drove into town, a huge rainbow was spread across the area, a seeming harbinger of peace. Let’s hope it lasts.
Rainbow of Hope Over Boquete
Cyn,
Thanks for sharing this with us. While my Panamian family might have been watching it all, most would not have known. I am glad to hear of the optimistic actions. Mostly I still love that you and your family have chosen to be well in such an interesting place. Still miss that you aren’t nearby.
In healing health, Nan
It’s an interesting adventure, for sure! What is unfolding is in so many ways what has unfolded in countries all over the world: rights of the indigenous people, rights of the rest of the population, needs and expectations or both, and fair distribution of resources as well as the financial benefits derived from the resources. Have you seen the movie Thrive? It reminds me what what the world could look like if we all acted from a place of pure intention. Some day…
And, PS, moving back on April 15th…not sure where permanently, but NJ to start!
The World Bank estimates that forcible “development-induced displacement and resettlement” now affects 10 million people per year. According to the World Bank an estimated 33 million people have been displaced by development projects such as dams, urban development and irrigation canals in India alone.
India is well ahead in this respect. A country with as many as over 3600 large dams within its belt can never be the exceptional case regarding displacement. The number of development induced displacement is higher than the conflict induced displacement in India. According to Bogumil Terminski an estimated more than 10 million people have been displaced by development each year.
Athough the exact number of development-induced displaced people (DIDPs) is difficult to know, estimates are that in the last decade 90–100 million people have been displaced by urban, irrigation and power projects alone, with the number of people displaced by urban development becoming greater than those displaced by large infrastructure projects (such as dams). DIDPs outnumber refugees, with the added problem that their plight is often more concealed.
This is what experts have termed “development-induced displacement.” According to Michael Cernea, a World Bank analyst, the causes of development-induced displacement include water supply (dams, reservoirs, irrigation); urban infrastructure; transportation (roads, highways, canals); energy (mining, power plants, oil exploration and extraction, pipelines); agricultural expansion; parks and forest reserves; and population redistribution schemes.
In Panama, it seems that an agreement has been reached between the government and the indigenous tribes. They must approve any hydro plants within their territory and if they do, 5% of the profit will belong to them. The issue is more of exploring alternate sources of energy that are potentially being suppressed so that the wars and displacement can end for everyone.