Nemagon Victims Sign Agreement with Government

On May 13 members of President Bolaños' cabinet signed an agreement with leaders of the protesting victims of pesticide poisoning. The 19-point agreement includes the promise of free lifetime healthcare for all former banana and sugarcane workers affected by exposure to the agrochemicals Nemagon and Fumazone in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The agreement also guarantees a housing project for some of the former workers who have nowhere to live. The government will provide 80 passports and visas for those required to appear before US courts as part of their fight to receive compensation from Dole, Dow, and Shell, the three transnational companies that manufactured or used the now-banned chemicals. Several other promises were made by the government including that 300 coffins will be provided on an annual basis to the Nemagon victims' communities.

Victorino Espinales, representative of the Nemagon victims, said he was content with the agreement and hoped that the government would not go back on its word. While most of the victims, who had camped for 73 days at the National Assembly, went home, 300 stayed "so as to ensure that the government does not simply forget about this agreement as soon as we are out of sight," said Espinales. Two of the protestors died during the encampment. Nicanet will very soon send out information on how to pressure President Bolaños to live up to the agreement!