Veraguas mayors seek more dialogue on transferring detainees to Coiba Island

Mayors from Veraguas province, who are part of the Consultative Council for Coiba National Park, have stated they do not oppose the transfer of high-profile detainees to the island. However, they emphasize that the process should have involved greater communication with local authorities and the public.

Ángel Batista, the mayor of Mariato and a council member, highlighted the primary issue as a lack of timely information. "What was missing here was communication and understanding, but the situations were so tense that there was no communication, and without communication, there is misunderstanding," he said. The mayors hope a forthcoming meeting of the Consultative Council will address these concerns, foster dialogue, and clarify the implications of the decision for the national park.

Batista assured that the transferred individuals are under strict custody and do not pose a risk to visitors. "The detainees there are in prisons, they are not roaming freely on the beaches; they are detained because they are high-profile," he clarified. The council aims to reassure citizens that the island will continue to operate as a tourist destination and that tour operators can maintain normal activities.

The Consultative Council for Coiba National Park includes representatives from districts such as Mariato, Montijo, Río de Jesús, Soná, and Las Palmas. Their upcoming meeting will focus on improving communication channels with local communities and tourism stakeholders, ensuring transparency and collaborative decision-making regarding the park's management and security measures.