Stories about Panama from February, 2012
Video Highlights: Video Advocacy and Recent Events
A selection of Global Voices' recent and interesting stories on video advocacy including indigenous rights and recent news from Latin America, East Asia and Sub Saharan Africa selected by Juliana Rincón Parra.
Panama: The Indigenous Leader Who Took on the Government
Amidst Panama's current crisis is a woman who has emerged as the standard bearer of the indigenous struggle: Silvia Carrera who, after being the first woman elected to the position of cacique or tribal chief, has risen up firmly against the mining intentions of the current government.
Panama: Government and Indigenous Peoples Reach Agreement After Clashes Over Mining
The anti-mining protest which had paralysed the country for five days was violently suppressed by the national police, provoking serious confrontations with the indigenous people. Finally, on Tuesday, February 7, the government ceded to the demands of the Ngäbe Buglé, prohibiting the use of the region for the exploitation of minerals or water.
Panama: Indigenous Mining Protest Blocks Pan-American Highway
Indigenous tribes of Ngäbes Buglé in Panama have closed the Pan-American Highway to demand that the government fulfills what was agreed upon in the negotiations regarding mining in the area. On social networks, President Martinelli's position has been repudiated, but so has the selfish attitude of the protesters.
