Latest news: More than £1200 has so far been generously donated by British trade union branches and regions to victims of the floods and earthquake in Costa Rica.
Earthquake strikes in flood region
January 2009
Last Thursday an earthquake hit the Sarapaqui banana producing region of Costa Rica which only last month was devastated by flooding leaving thousands homeless and without jobs. Local media report at least 40 dead and over 500 houses destroyed by the earthquake, although our union partners fear the death toll is higher with many more yet to be accounted for since the earthquake struck.
 Our partners, COSIBA-CR (the Coordination of Banana Workers in Costa Rica), whose members organise banana and pineapple workers in the affected areas, are extremely grateful for the hundreds of pounds already pledged by British union partners in response to our appeal for support of the victims of the flooding. Gilbert Bermudez of COSIBA-CR has reported that these funds are being used to respond to the most urgent needs of those affected by the flooding and now the earthquake, in particular providing emergency food, shelter and clothing to those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
However two hundred workers and their families on the Tanagra and Bribri plantations are still living without food and continue to suffer the impacts of the flooding which destroyed production throughout the region. In addition, these workers are already engaged in a judicial process with the plantation owners to secure unpaid wages, owed since 2005.
If you, your branch or region can respond to this appeal please contact Banana Link on 01603 765670 or at info@bananalink.org.uk or simply send a cheque made payable to ‘Banana Link’ with Costa Rica flood appeal written on the back to:
38 Exchange Street,
Norwich, NR2 1AX
Urgent appeal to help victims of Costa Rica flooding
December 2008
Torrential rains have destroyed banana plantations in the Caribbean
coastal regions of Costa Rica. It is estimated that up to 10,000
hectares have been affected which could lead to the loss of 10,000 jobs
in the banana export industry. At least 46,000 people have been
rendered homeless with damage running into tens of millions of US
dollars. A state of emergency has been declared in the Limon and
Sarapiqui regions.
£2.5 million has been pledged by the authorities to help victims of the flooding and to restore health services and repair roads. However the government has appealed for further help to aid relief efforts.
Our partners, the Coordination of Banana Workers in Costa Rica, COSIBA-CR, whose members organise banana and pineapple workers in the affected areas, have written to ask for funds to help provide food, water and clothing for workers and their families.
Flooding in Sixaola, Costa Rica
If you, your branch or region can respond to this appeal please either contact Banana Link on 01603 765670 or at info@bananalink.org.uk or simply send a cheque made payable to ‘Banana Link’ with Costa Rica flood appeal written on the back to:
38 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1AX
Click here to download a copy of the urgent appeal
Sources:
www.nacion.com and www.bbc.co.uk
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