14 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

Download a copy of the appeal

Sources: Red Centroamericana De Acción Del Agua FAN-Centro América
COSIBA-CR
Photo: House destroyed by earthquake (credit: Reuters)