The Colombian banana trade association, Augura, has spoken out to defend the sector following reports that scores of people in the banana trade in the Urabá area of Colombia have allegedly given financial support to paramilitary organisations.
Association president Roberto Hoyos Ruiz said: “We have insisted that everything that was done with the Urabá security co-operative was carried out within the parameters of the law.
'This was overseen by the private security superintendent’s office with the relevant district councils, the police, the army and the regional government of Antioquia.”
He added that he had faith in the banana sector and that it would collaborate fully with the authorities.
