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Messages so far:
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Message 1: Station Seizure Info
Message 2: Morning meeting with fishermen
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Gentlemen:
Chantal met with the fishermen and deuputada (sp?) at the front
gate this morning.
She asked that food be allowed in for people and animals. She also
requested that critical personnel, such as the people that run the
generator be allowed in.
She was told the following by the fishermen:
-No food will be allowed in for the tortoise or iguanas.
-No personnel who live outside the compound will be allowed in.
-No food will be allowed in for people (they may negotiate this
issue later).
-They commented that they "would decide what to do with us later
today"
-They said they are in complete control of the park and
station.
Two police were milling about in the crowd on the outside of the
gate, but gave no sign of getting involved in any way.
We are trying to figure out what plants inside our compound can be
used for feeding the animals. Also, we may be able to sneak food in
through our docks, they are not occupied now.
More later,
Jim
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Fanny Uribe (on right), acting
provincial representative known as a Diputada, rejects Director's
plans to bring in food for tortoises, staff and students who live
in the Research Station. Uribe's family was heavily involved with
the sea cucumber fishermen who spearheaded the early stages of this
strike.
A few months earlier, the Uribes were caught processing illegally
harvested sea cucumbers on their roof. |
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| Station Director hears the
demands of protesters and negotiates. Protester Gulnara (white
sweater, left), a 2-year resident on Santa Cruz, says she speaks
for the people of Galapagos: "The Government makes us starve, so
you and the tortoises starve". |
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Protesters watch negotiations at the gate.
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| Director crosses blockade to
speak with Station staff as protesters (on right, in red jacket and
striped shirt) listen in. |
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| Protesters (foreground) mill
about or heckle, as Director discusses situation with staff outside
gate of Research Station. |
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