Repsol pays bonus amid protests

The same day two months after the oil spill, the Repsol company distributed S/ 3,000 to 402 members of the Central Association of Fishermen of Ancón (Apesca), from a list of 1,100 people.

The company began distributing bonuses after the Presidency of the Council of Ministers agreed to the amount, although it did not consult with the fishermen’s unions nor did it carry out a study to determine if the amount satisfied the needs of the fishermen. affected by the oil spill.

While the company Repsol delivered the agreed money, members of the Chancay Defense Front – which brings together fishermen and merchants in the area – staged a sit-in in front of the Spanish embassy. They do not agree with the bonus because they were excluded from the negotiations.

“Our situation is critical due to the damage caused by Repsol. Now that classes have started, parents have to go out and mobilize to see if they listen to us. The company still doesn’t give us anything. We have been offered vouchers, but we continue to negotiate. The oil spill has affected our income so much that we must feed ourselves in common pots, all of us, including the children. For the rental of the barges [embarcación para pesca artesanal] we earned an average of 200 soles. Now because of the pollution there is no tourism, there is no income,” said Doris Palma, who participated in the protest.

was also present Maribel Melgarejo, merchant of the Chancay Umbrella Association: “We earned enough every day to cover our expenses. In these summer days, we gathered together to buy our children’s school supplies or for our daily expenses. In summer we receive more tourism from everywhere than in other seasons. But since everything is paralyzed by the spill, we have not gained anything. We live from the common pot. It is unfair”, he pointed.

Disappointed by the Government

Doris Palmafrom the Association of Tourist Owners of the Port of Chancay, expressed his disappointment at the actions of the Executive, which he left in the hands of Repsol bonus payment.

“We feel mocked with the position of the Government, because it allows Repsol to impose its terms in the minutes that are not beneficial for us, that is why we are protesting”, he said.