And The Beat Goes On...

 

VIVA PANAMA!

Protesters in the Highlands

Today marks the commencement of the fourth week of protests in Panama, with massive crowds taking to the streets in mostly peaceful demonstrations. It's crucial to acknowledge that these protests coincide with some of the most significant holidays in Panama. We've witnessed children diligently preparing for upcoming parades and celebrations, only to see them either canceled or significantly scaled back due to the ongoing protests. Despite some unfortunate incidents, it's remarkable to witness the majority of the population uniting to protect the beauty and ecosystem of their beloved country.

As expats, we've experienced minimal impact because we tend to shop in bulk, keeping our homes well-supplied with ample gasoline and propane reserves. However, the situation is quite different for many Panamanians who rely on daily shopping routines. Unlike us, they can't afford to stock up on supplies, reflected in the smaller refrigerators and limited storage space in Panamanian homes. This stark contrast in shopping habits becomes particularly evident during these times of unrest.

While the protests remain peaceful, even with thousands of participants waving flags, singing songs, and expressing their demands, there are practical consequences. The divide between resources in the city and the countryside becomes apparent. In the mountainous regions where we reside, local farmers face challenges delivering their produce to city dwellers due to blockades. As a result, truckloads of carrots, peppers, tomatoes, and other goods are dumped on the side of the road to rot. As residents in the city grapple with shortages of meat, chicken, and produce, residents in the highlands are strictly conserving fuel and other trucked-in essentials such as, you guessed it, toilet paper! 

Amidst these events, there are outliers and somber stories, such as the unfortunate incident where a Panamanian, known as a Zonian, pulled a gun and shot two peaceful protesters. Zonians, born in the Panama Canal Zone during the U.S. management era, hold a complex history. This particular individual, with ties to Florida and a history of arrests, may not face consequences in Panama due to age-related leniency in the legal system. It's a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the people amid these protests. If you want to read more about this specific incident,  the link is here.

It is important to remember that although there are protests, things still work for the most part. Flights are coming in and out, busses are running, restaurants are open, food deliveries are available; and believe it or not, the unions and other groups responsible for road barricades typically publish announcements of where and when closures will occur. Still, Facebook is full of ex-pats complaining about their inability to find Skippy peanut butter.

This morning my husband and I, along with a neighbor, drove to our nearest full-service market and bought everything we thought we needed. This included Saturday football snacks like pizza, chips, beer, sangria, freshly baked apple pie, cinnamon rolls, still warm from the oven...  We are not hurting in any way. 

I have to give a shout-out to the people of Panama. They are sacrificing a lot to be heard. If you want to see some background here is the link. A lot of this is difficult for Americans to understand because, after years of the current mining practices the Panamaians have said "BASTA YA", (enough is enough). And of course, the mining company then offered them 10 times the money. I think Americans would have jumped at the deal with no thought as to the eco-health of the country. Panimaians replied, no, "OUR GOLD IS GREEN!" 

CNN´s Full Story take on the situation.

Demonstrators march along the Cinta Costera promenade in Panama City on Oct. 29. (Maria Isabel Sanchez/AFP/Getty Images)