The Association of Independent Banana Producers of Guatemala (APIB) expressed its concern about the impact that the roadblocks that have been carried out in the country since Monday, October 2, could have on its activity.
The association has rejected "the vandalism, criminal, and anti-democratic actions in the blockades around the country, which have affected the majority of the population who earn their living honestly with their work."
"The national banana agro-industry is in a critical situation due to the illegal blockades that have interrupted access to our supplies and drastically reduced financial income to cover workers' salaries."
“If this situation persists, we face the real possibility of having to temporarily shut down our operations. This would have a devastating effect on the jobs and livelihoods of 180,000 direct and indirect employees and families across the country.”
"It is impossible to sustain our agronomic and labor operations. We will soon see our inventories to fight pests and diseases that are capable of destroying plantations in a matter of days depleted," they stressed.
In addition, they asked president-elect, Bernardo Arévalo, to change his position on the road closures, and authorities to guarantee the right of free movement of the rest of the citizens who do not participate in the blockades.
"Violence is not, nor will it ever be, the means to assert political positions," the APIB stated.
Source: lahora.gt
