The Vice Minister of the Presidency, Virna Luque, and the Secretary of Public and Governmental Affairs of the ministry, Mercedes González González, led an inter-institutional meeting with local authorities from the Taboga district and two maritime companies that provide transportation services to locals and tourists on the island. The meeting addressed the discontent of the island's residents over the increase in fares.
One of the main conclusions was the need to take the dialogue directly to the island to meet with the community. This meeting is expected to take place before next Friday.
Following an extensive discussion held at the Ministry of the Presidency, the local authorities of Taboga agreed to inform the island's residents about the points discussed and to coordinate a date for a meeting with the population.
On behalf of Taboga, representative Marcos Delgado and the president of the City Council, Raúl Varela, attended.
Additionally, the possibility of new companies entering the route was discussed, an option that has attracted the interest of several companies, according to local authorities. "The more supply, the better, because there will be different fares, different vessels, but everything must also comply with the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), services, and security," stated Correa, emphasizing the importance of resolving the situation, given that Taboga is a priority destination within Panama's Master Tourism Plan.
In turn, the mayor of Taboga, Ramón Ramos, informed that the meeting on the island of Taboga could take place before this Friday, November 21st. The local authorities of Taboga advocate for a fare that is consistent with the economic reality of the island's residents, specifically requesting a reduction in the price for Tabogans, without affecting the tourist fare.
Meanwhile, tourist companies argue that the fare increase is a response to the rise in their operational costs. They also expressed their interest in resolving the situation as soon as possible, as it is causing economic losses to the municipality and those who depend on the activity.
"The municipality is losing; we charge one dollar for each tourist who visits us, and the municipality is subsidized. It is worth noting that currently there is one company providing the transportation service," mentioned Ramos.
The Vice Minister of the Panama Tourism Authority, Jorge Correa, highlighted the commitment of local authorities to dialogue with the community to achieve the opening of the dock while negotiations on the price or some special benefit are finalized.
As part of possible solutions, Vice Minister Correa mentioned the initiative, with the support of the Panama Autonomous Cooperative Institute (Ipacoop), to promote or formalize a local transport cooperative that can acquire the necessary vessels.
"The discontent is due to the fare increase of four balboas," mentioned Ramos.
The meeting was also attended by Alexander De Gracia, Deputy Administrator of the AMP; and Jairo Hernández, from the National Aeronaval Service (Senan).
"We have no income, I hope the problem can be solved tomorrow, but what I can guarantee is that the meeting with the inter-institutional commission can be held before Friday. This measure aims to clarify doubts, listen to the arguments of all parties, and reactivate trips. The primary objective is to normalize travel, reactivate tourist activity, and find a solution to the situation that has caused discontent," Ramos concluded.
The inter-institutional commission listened to the positions of those involved.
