The blockade on the border between Panama and Costa Rica, which keeps more than 800 trucks stranded on both sides of Paso Canoas, has become unbearable for many truckers, as nearly thirty of them carry perishable loads, stated Andres Muñoz, the president of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation in the western province of Chiriqui.
The president of the Logistics Company Council, Rodolfo De La Guardia, said that the truckers were transporting pharmaceutical products, palm oil, and foods -such as bananas- that could deteriorate if they didn't arrive at their destination on time.
No solution in sight
Last Sunday, anti-riot forces managed to open the Paso Canoas border crossing for a few hours, allowing many trucks to cross the border. However, the protesters brought several truckloads of soil and stone and made a barrier that was impossible for the vehicles to outflank.
According to the press, protesters won't stop the blockades until the President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado, stops all negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. They also demanded a dialogue without lifting the blockades, a condition imposed by the Executive.
As a result, the possibility of a solution came to a standstill. Meanwhile, according to the same sources, union support for the protest that started on September 30 grows.
Source: elpais.cr