Profiles of the Chocoe People

Macedonio Chami: His wife and children didn’t want him to sail with the Pajaro Jai. “I have no education and can’t do much to make our future strong, but I want to do what I can. I feel as though I have no control over the future of my family – that we are bought and sold with our land like animals.”

Marcelo Teucama: Worked for three years with the Pajaro Jai Foundation making furniture from hardwood adapted to temperate climates. “I’m on the Pajaro Jai to help create markets for Mogue products so we can support a shop right in Mogue.”

Alberto Rito: Has worked on the Pajaro Jai for 12 years. “It’s a beautiful project and sails with the hopes of many in the Darien [rain forest]. We have a great opportunity to talk to other indigenous people about [their] successes and failures and gain wisdom.”

Emiliano Caisamo: The tribe’s president of culture and tradition in Mogue. “We need to maintain our cultural unity and control of our land. Without that, where would we put Marcelo’s furniture shop, and to what purpose? I hope our journey on the Pajaro Jai will strengthen the unity of our town and our culture at the same time.”

Juan Caisamo: Wants to have a high school and tribe-owned ecotourism company in Mogue, more control of the land, scholarships for young people and a center for the study of jungle herbs. “I give thanks to the sacred spirit of God for our successes and health so far.”

Juan Zuniga: The only Panamanian who sailed on the original Pajaro Jai. “I hope we will accomplish great things with this new ‘Enchanted Bird,’ and by the looks of things the magic is already taking hold.”

Compiled from information provided by the Pajaro Jai Foundation.