A leader from the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca, Josué Pedrol, launched harsh criticisms against members of the Center for Environmental Impact (CIAM), accusing them of trying to confuse and manipulate indigenous communities regarding the mining issue.
«However, these environmentalist groups want to make us believe that mining will reach our territory, and that is not true,» he stated. The leader also reproached the absence of chiefs, presidents of congresses, and delegates from the comarca in these meetings, and maintained that he was never invited.
«If they oppose mining, say it clearly, but also explain who finances them and with what objective,» he demanded. Likewise, he criticized what he called a «double standard» of some organizations that, in his opinion, reject projects like the Donoso mine and the Barú port without presenting concrete alternatives for economic development.
«The question is what options they bring to get our people out of poverty and generate employment,» he emphasized. Despite the critical tone, Josué Pedrol reiterated his willingness to dialogue and extended a public invitation to the executive director of CIAM, Lilian Guevara, as well as other members of the organization.
According to him, incorrect information is being spread, since the Donoso mine—he stressed—is located outside the comarca's territory. Pedrol made these remarks from the vicinity of the installations known as Virgen del Camino, where last Saturday a meeting related to opposition to mining activity was taking place.
«I also want to listen and learn, but with respect,» he expressed. Another of the questioned aspects was the financing of these activities.
«We want to talk, listen, and learn about real proposals. From that place, he questioned the legitimacy of these calls, ensuring that they do not broadly represent the Ngäbe-Buglé population since they do not include the participation of all traditional authorities.
«We have been clear with our people: what happens in Donoso is outside the comarca and is not part of our jurisdiction,» he said.
«If they say no to everything, then what are we going to say yes to?» he concluded.
