Massive Protests and Blockades Impact Panama

Massive protests have erupted in Panama in response to a 20-year contract signed by BC-based First Quantum Minerals to work Cobra Panama, the largest open pit copper mine in Central America. The protests have escalated to an anti-government movement, resulting in the shutdown of schools, strikes, and blockades on key highways. The impact on day-to-day life in Panama has been profound, with gas shortages, limited food supplies, closed businesses, and disrupted tourism. The protests have also been marred by violence, with reports of protesters being shot and killed. The economic consequences are severe, with estimates suggesting that the country's business sector is losing around $80 million per day. The protests are fueled by concerns over the environmental impact of the mine in a region known for its biodiversity, as well as a deep sense of Panamanian sovereignty, evoking memories of the Panama Canal. The Supreme Court is set to rule on the constitutionality of the contract, which could potentially revoke it.