Conflict between government, developers and the "original people"
I found an article by Eric Jackson on his Panama News to be particularly interesting as a clash between civilizations is taking place here in Panama. It involves the indigenous people of the country and their complaints against the government who they believe are not dealing fairly with them on a number of issues. The growth in tourism and development is one area of contention. The government is being accused of wanting to make part of the Indian land a national park and a major hydro electric project and not protecting their land from encroachment by developers.
In this 21st century where we are building city skyscrapers, enlarging airports and grand infrastructure projects, the "original people" are trying to hold on to their culture and lands that they have lived on well before the Spaniards and other races took over. You can go to Eric's Panama News to read this insightful report.
Excerpts: On November 14 and 15 in the Kuna Yala village of Mandi Ubgigandu almost all of Panama's top indigenous leaders met for an unprecedented summit.
The gathering denounced the creation of national parks and protected areas that encompass or encroach upon indigenous lands --- it's not that they're against environmental protection or ecotourist activities, but they do object to the national government asserting control over indigenous territory in this fashion.
A resolution was passed that called for reform of the national
government's agencies that deal specifically with indigenous affairs;
and for the reorganization, renovation and democratization of COONAPIP,
an organization that was created by indigenous leaders but has since
become a political patronage appendage of national governments.
"The Original People currently live under threat, trampled upon, violated and as victims of every sort of imposition by the National Government," the summit concluded. It officially backed the complaints of Panamanian indigenous communities that are now pending before the Inter-American Human Rights Commission.
