Things have calmed down around Changuinola, Panama, as negotiations continue between union leaders, the Panamanian government and the Bocas Banana Company.  The Changuinola Airport is open again. The curfew has been lifted and business are opening there doors again. The roads are open and traffic is flowing freely, for now.

However, there is a threat of a new strike starting tomorrow (Tuesday, 12 July, 2010). Labor organizations and other groups are talking about staging a nationwide strike starting tomorrow in opposition to Law 3o, which includes changes to existing labor law. Caribe Shuttle urges caution when making plans to travel to or through the area, including international travel between Costa Rica and Panama at the Guaybito / Sixaola border crossing. For that matter, caution should be used regarding ANY travel plans to or around Panama.

Caribe Shuttle feels that there is a high likelihood that this meeting will result in a  nationwide strike lasting between one and three days starting tomorrow, but we have no way of knowing what will happen for sure. We are waiting for reports hopefully later tonight.

Therefore, the Bocas Shuttle which offers daily private shared-ride transportation between Bocas del Torro, Panama and the Southern Caribbean communities of Costa Rica including Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva and Manzanillo, will not resume operations tomorrow and not until further news.

We will keep clients and agencies informed via this site, so please check back.