Agricultural producers in the Bocas del Toro Province are confronting a severe security crisis. Banana and plantain farmers in the Las Delicias sector report a dramatic surge in armed robberies and violent threats on their properties. This escalating situation has forced local growers to appeal directly to municipal authorities for increased police protection, fearing the conflict could spiral further out of control.
The farmers, based in the Changuinola District, describe an environment where thefts have become a constant and debilitating threat. They recently presented their formal complaints to the Changuinola Municipal Council, detailing not just the economic losses but also direct intimidation from criminals operating in the area. One producer explained that a community meeting was held with various authorities to outline the gravity of the problem they face daily.
We presented the problem to them, and they also told us about the issues they have as authorities to be able to take action against those who are causing this damage. [Translated from Spanish]
According to the growers, the assailants exploit the region’s proximity to the border. Their mobility by both road and river provides easy escape routes after committing robberies. The criminal activity is no longer confined to the cover of night. These brazen thefts now occur in broad daylight, significantly raising the risk level for everyone working in the fields.
Security Crisis Escalates to Violence
This troubling trend has recently escalated into physical confrontations. Farmers report that thieves have attacked property owners with machetes. In one particularly severe incident, a grower shot a suspected thief in the foot during a confrontation. The injured individual, however, has not been located by authorities, complicating the legal aftermath. Producers fear they could face legal repercussions for defending their livelihoods.
There are already events that could be regretted later, and that is what we are trying to avoid. [Translated from Spanish]
This statement from a local farmer underscores the community’s profound anxiety. They worry about becoming entangled in situations that ultimately penalize them more than the perpetrators of the original crimes. The potential for a tragic outcome grows with each new confrontation, creating a palpable sense of dread throughout the agricultural sector.
Economic Impact and Urgent Appeals
The ongoing insecurity delivers a direct blow to the local economy. The plantain (crop) and banana harvests are vulnerable to these systematic thefts, which cut deeply into the producers’ profits and destabilize their operations. These crops represent the primary livelihood for numerous families in the Changuinola district. The financial strain caused by persistent theft compounds the physical danger, pushing many farmers toward a breaking point.
In response to this multifaceted crisis, the agricultural producers have issued an urgent call for help. Their primary demand is for a significant increase in police patrols throughout the rural areas. They insist that only a stronger, more visible security presence can deter the criminals and restore a sense of order. Ensuring the safety of the zone is not just a matter of personal security for these farmers. It is a fundamental requirement for the continued viability of their agricultural production and the preservation of their harvests.
Local authorities acknowledge the problem but cite their own operational challenges in addressing it effectively. The situation remains tense as the community waits for a concrete response that will safeguard their lives and their essential role in the region’s economy.