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Itunesbm293 Chiquita Banana and Colombian Paramilitaries
The history of the banana industry is one filled with corruption, crimes against humanity, and secret agreements. One such crime took place in this decade in Colombia, where one of the largest banana companies in the world – Chiquita, paid off one of the most brutal paramilitaries, in order to continue to do business and/or as their CEO puts it – in order to protect their workers. But note, they were not alone. Both Dole and Del Monte are mentioned as companies that also paid paramilitaries, the only difference is that they were never caught or came forward.
The bulk of this program comes courtesy of 60 Minutes, who last may aired this segment on Banana companies and paramilitaries in Colombia. You can also watch this clip on the banana blog, an excellent source for info on bananas.
Music:
Kwarka – Oblie Pas
Tom Brosseau – In my time of Dyin’
