Gardi Sugdub, in Panama, is known for housing the first climate displaced people of Panama and is now a transit point for migrants, mostly Venezuelans, on their way back to South America after failing to reach the United States. Migrants stay in houses on the island for 10 dollars a day before boarding in groups to Capurganá, Colombia, to avoid crossing the dangerous Darién jungle, the natural border between Panama and Colombia.
On a tragic note, a boat recently sank with 21 people on board, of which 19 were migrants from Venezuela and Colombia. Although 20 people were rescued alive, an 8-year-old Venezuelan girl died in the incident.
The island was once home to about 300 families before many relocated to the mainland in Nuevo Cartí, a neighborhood located in the commemorated Isberyala by the indigenous Guna community. This week, the island was also celebrating the centenary of the Dule Revolution, an important event in the struggle for the rights of the community that was disrupted this year by the unexpected presence of a large number of migrants.
The sudden influx of migrants has put the island in an unexpected situation as it is not prepared to receive so many people. The lack of basic resources such as drinking water and electricity, as well as concerns about living conditions and potential diseases, add tension to the situation. The migrants, in turn, are eager to continue their journey south in search of new opportunities, after failing to reach their goal of getting to the United States.
Some of the migrants share terrible experiences on their journey, such as crossing the Darién jungle and through Mexico, where they faced extreme situations. Despite everything, the determination to improve their lives remains the driving force that pushes many of them to move forward, whether in other countries or returning home.
