national

Authorities ignore activists

Members of the 10 de Abril movement struggle to be heard on hydroelectric projects.

E. ESPINOSA/LA PRENSA

PROTESTERS: Rural workers and indigenous groups express their rejection of plans for hydroelectric and mining projects.952360

Ítalo Jiménez, an activist in the rural worker and indigenous movement 10 de Abril (M10A), which opposes the development of hydroelectric projects using water from the Tabasará River in Chiriquí and Veraguas, said yesterday that the participation of the usual authorities in discussions about the projects is almost zero.

He pointed out that the involvement of the authorities in meetings and protests against such projects is important because they need to know the reality of people´s views, whether for or against the projects.

"I will be honest. The legislators we elected are not supporting us. They are involved with other things," he said. Similarly, he argued that indigenous leaders have not been helping much either. "We are virtually unprotected by the authorities in the region," Jiménez added. "Despite the lack of support, the fight will continue and will not die until the last soldier of M10A has fallen."

The activist went on to remind the government administrators that if in fact they wanted tranquility and progress for the people, they should organize a nationwide moratorium against the hydroelectric and mining projects in the region in order to have time to hear the people´s opinions.

In reaction to Jiménez´s assertions, Asamblea Nacionial member Patricio Montezuma said that he for one has attended some of the meetings regarding the development issues, such as the protest against a hydroelectric project last month on the PanAmerican highway.

He added that every development project should be conceived to benefit the community and its residents.