The strike continues as banana workers around the province of Bocas del Toro, Panama close down key roads including the border with Costa Rica. The Bocas Warden for Bocas del toro issued the following travel advisory late yesterday, Friday July 9, 2010:
Bulletin from Bocas Warden
To those hotels/hostels this email sent to, please inform you guests.
Today, Friday 9 June: It is not a good idea to travel to, near or thru Changuinola or mainland Bocas Del Toro Provincia. It is not a safe to be in this area, and there are road blockages preventing transit, due to protests between Panamanians and their government.
If you need to travel from Isla Bocas to anywhere, it is advised that you leave only by air, to Panama City, David or San Jose, Costa Rica. Either, remain in Isla Bocas until the protests end, or change you travel arrangements accordingly.
When it is save to travel by boat/road from Isla Bocas, an advisory will be sent.
At 7pm, Friday 9 July: Per Isla Bocas Alcalde, Joe Anderson, and Isla Bocas Hospital Emergency, Dr Luis Mou, condition in Isla Bocas is very normal, no problems reported.
Larry Shane
Bocas Warden, US Embassy Panama
We are having trouble getting information other than rumors. If anyone has more reliable information about the strike, issues surrounding the strike, negotiations, clashes and violence, conditions in the area, etc, please comment here or send us and email. We would also like to hear your opinions. Thanks.
We will post more news as appropriate, and of course we will let you know when travel is safe in the area and when Caribe Shuttle begins operating the Bocas Shuttle between Cahuita / Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica and the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama.