Panama's President, José Raúl Mulino, expressed commitment to persuading U.S.-based Chiquita Brands to restore its operations in Panama following the company's closure during protests that reportedly caused over $75 million in losses. In the Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro, Chiquita halted its operations and laid off approximately 7,000 workers at its Changuinola plant amid a labor strike.
After the June protests subsided, former employees called for Chiquita's return to Bocas del Toro, a region reliant on tourism and banana cultivation. Mulino stated, "Believe me, whatever is within our power to make it happen will be done," highlighting ongoing governmental efforts.
Commerce and Industries Minister Julio Moltó is directly involved, although Mulino noted the decision is Chiquita's. "To my knowledge, there is still no final position on the matter, other than the fact that they left," he remarked.
Bananas, accounting for 17.5% of Panama's foreign sales in Q1, are key exports. Previously, on June 12, Mulino had declared no intention to facilitate Chiquita's return or compensate for their losses.
The strike began on April 28, protesting pension reforms that initially removed benefits. These were later reinstated following government agreements. Héctor Palacio, a 14-year Chiquita employee, emphasized, "Workers are desperate because those who worked at Chiquita depended on daily wages." Arcelio Valencia, another ex-employee, described the situation as "very hard for us."
Source: Tico Times
