Chiquita Panama is analyzing leaving the country, according to statements by Government Minister Roger Tejada. “Every day there is a tiny group of people who close the Bocas del Toro bridge over the Changuinola River. It is intolerable because they are suffocating the economy of the province,” the minister in an interview for Nextv. The minister also said that he received a letter from Chiquita, stating that the company is evaluating leaving Panama.
Chiquita Panama employs 7,000 Panamanians, whose jobs are in danger right now.
The bridge is being blocked due to a conflict regarding the invasion of private lands. "The Constitution establishes clear rules of private property," Tejada highlighted. "We can't allow third parties to take property in the interior of the country." In collaboration with the Ministry of Security, Tejada wants to guarantee peaceful coexistence.
“We cannot be permissive in the face of these actions and we must, through co-responsible for public security, State security and governance, together with the Ministry of Security and the establishments, guarantee all parties getting along peacefully.
Source: Metro Libre