The Panama government has passed a State of Emergency in embattled province Bocas del Toro with road closures and protests continuing. This follows the sacking of thousands of banana workers at Chiquita after the company claimed losses amounting to more than US$75mn over the month-long industrial action. The company has now suspended all operations in the province. Teachers voted to continue to strike against changes to social security in Law 462 but mediation, negotiations and a public consultation have been rejected by authorities. Clashes between the national police and demonstrators in Darién turned violent. Over the past five years, states of emergency have only been decreed due to Covid, drought and floods.