Western Panama near the Costa Rican boarder is home to about 129 thousand people called of Ngobe-Bugles (the Ngobe and the Bugle are two different groups). In 1997, the Panamanian government decided to officially recognize the comarca; although it’s the largest of 9 comarcas in Panama, it is also the poorest. According to the Panamerican Health Organization, the Ngobe-Bugles fall far under the extreme poverty line (US$534 per capita) and average US$124 per capita. Although rich in natural resources and beauty, the communities lack basic sanitation and water systems. Over the years, the locally run organization, Medo, has helped to inspire community development through women’s empowerment, language courses, reforestation projects, ethno-tourism, a botanical orchid garden and latrine construction. For more information about the Ngobe People and Medo please see: http://medo.awardspace.com/.
Fr. Joe writes, "Like most indigenous peoples around the world, the Ngobe struggle to keep alive their culture and values. I believe their strong emphasis on community as well as their intimte harmony with (the environment) has much to say to a world that too often puts profit over people."
