Banana Union Leaders Seek Resolution in Panama City Talks

Bocas del Toro Banana Union Leaders Travel to Panama City for Negotiations Bocas del Toro, Panama – Sixteen leaders of the banana workers' union in Bocas del Toro embarked on a journey to Panama City today. Their trip follows a 40-day roadblock caused by the union's strike. The leaders are traveling to meet with the National Assembly and Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa. The Archbishop is expected to deliver a message from President José Raúl Mulino to union leader Francisco Smith. The hope is to reach an agreement that will lead to the reopening of roads in the region. The video shows the bus carrying the union leaders, as well as scenes of the roadblocks in Bocas del Toro. One local resident, interviewed on camera, expressed hope: "I'm praying to God to put his hand on this. Only he can perform miracles." Another added, "It's good that they're talking, because roadblocks only hurt the province." The talks represent a crucial step in resolving the conflict and hopefully ending the prolonged disruption caused by the roadblocks.