letters

Panama's big decision weighs heavily on readers' minds

Panamanians likely to OK canal expansion?

I was President of the Panama Area Metal Trades Council for a number of years prior to the tranfer of the canal to Panamanian control and was involved in drafting the implementing legislation (Ley Organico) for the operation of the canal, the constitutional amendment in regards to the canal and many other important issues of the day. In my opinion the expansion of the Canal is huge mistake. When the PCC starting talking about expanding the canal I asked if a cost analysis had been done to determine the amount of time it would take to recoup the costs of expansion and despite my insistence no one wanted to go there. The reason being is that it could take hundreds of years to pay off the investment and the power brokers don't want that known.

Another couple of key questions you might want answered is how many ports on the East coast of the Unite States, and the rest of the world for that matter, can handle supertankers --- not that many, if memory serves. How many supertankers will actually transit the canal via the third set of locks? Another question is what percentage off sea going cargo can still transit the canal (it used to be 94% I believe) and if the percentage of cargo on supertankers has increased dramatically. In addition what impact will this have on the pipeline that was put in to move oil across the isthmus? The expansion of the canal will result in Panama losing control over the waterway as it will be in debt to numerous foreign countries and investors and it will line the pockets of the rich and do nothing for the average Panamanian other than displacing a number of them in order to create the huge watershed needed to operate the third set of Locks.

Keep up the good work.

Paul Karst

Canal expansion questions

As the battle rages over the worthiness of the widening of the Panama canal I am still waiting and looking for a discussion of the pertinent facts which should determine the decision. Maybe they have been discussed and aired in your publication unbeknownst to me, but please for clarification could you please reiterate.

I did read the very important article by the retired American senior engineer of the canal for umpteen years (at least most of it). But I have yet to see the critical factors publicized in the local media. Everything in the media including Panama's celebrated Miss Universe says YES to the project.

Will somebody please tell me how many post-Panamaxes there are now in existence and how many will be using the canal when finished? As I understand it most of the big ships don't even have Panama on their route. Is that true? What about the new Russian canal project thru the arctic region? How much of the potential Panama business will be rerouted there? How many post-Panamaxes are in construction now in anticipacion of the new wider canal?

How can a little country of 3 million pay for this project if the REAL cost as the respected retired senior engineer of the canal pointed out is to approach 10 to 15 billion? I've read and heard about the new pumps that will recycle a significant amount of lake water but will that be enough or will new sources of fresh water have to be accessed? If this country has to pay for this project exclusively, it will in effect be bankrupt or another ward of the World Bank, IMF, etc.?

There just won't be money left over for public and social works after paying the construction loan.

And by the way, who will be the lucky winners of the canal construction contract. I hope not Halliburton! Sure would like to see all the facts laid out on the table available for public scrutiny. If you could shoot me an email and let me know how and where I can access this information I would sure appreciate it.

Meanwhile, great job. Keep it up despite government goon squad molestations.

Alan Bollinger

Boqueron, Chiriqui

Response on your drivel about Parsons Brinkerhoff! [sic]

Dear Eric "liberal weenie head" Jackson:

I don't know what Parsons Brinkerhoff [sic] did in the US, in the Big Dig scandal, though I have heard that the overrun in the project was due to poor management by the authority. In Panama's case they HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE COST ESTIMATES.

The following is a transcript from the ACP on this matter:

"La empresa Parsons Brinkerhoff [sic] International no ha hecho trabajos de diseño o de ingeniería para la ACP. Sus funciones y contrato se limitan a asesorar a la ACP en materia de gerencia y dirección del programa de estudios. El contrato se renueva cada año a opción de la ACP. Los trabajos de ingeniería para el proyecto de tercer juego de esclusas han sido desarrollados por, entre otras empresas consultoras: el US Army Corps of Engineers, Tractebel, Coine-et-bellier y por supuesto los ingenieros de la ACP. Todavía no se han contratado ni las obras de construcción ni el desarrollo de los planos finales de construcción para el tercer juego de esclusas, los cuales necesitan de la aprobación en el referendum para ser contratados. Se estudia la posibilidad que los planos finales sean parte del contrato de construcción usando la metodología denominada design-build, apropiada para transferir al constructor la mayoría del riesgo de diseño. De esta forma la ACP desarrolla especificaciones de desempeño del proyecto y el constructor diseñador es responsable que el proyecto cumpla con los requerimientos de edesempeño especificados.

A manera de aclaración, la ACP ha contratado a la empresa PB Consult, la cual es una empresa subsidiaria de Parsons Brinkerhoff [sic] International y por lo tanto el equipo de asesores asignados a la ACP no está involucrado en el citado proyecto del Big Dig.

Centro de Información del Tercer Juego de Esclusas

Autoridad del Canal de Panamá

Tel.: 272-2278 ó 272-2279

ampliación@pancanal.com "

Glenn Tucker

Editor's note: Parsons Brinckerhoff, in a consortium with Bechtel, was hired by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority to manage the Big Dig project. And yes, now that the cost has gone up from its original estimate of $2.6 billion to $14.6 billion and still rising, and now that Parsons Brinckerhoff is feeling the heat of bad publicity, civil lawsuits and criminal investigations for cost-cutting on safety that caused the collapse of a huge concrete ceiling panel onto the car of a couple driving through one of the Big Dig tunnels, Parsons Brinckerhoff is pointing fingers in other directions and there are plenty of fools out there who will take anything a big corporation says at face value.

About Parsons Brinckerhoff having nothing to do with the cost estimate for the Torrijos - Alemán Zubieta Plan to expand the Panama Canal, note the following excerpt from the ACP website:

About roots tourism in Panama

I think it’s a misconception that the Afro-Caribbean community in Panama strives to maintain its Caribbean roots and identity. I recently retired in the US and spent four months in Panama to see if that’s where I wanted to spend the rest of my life. To my dismay, I found that the rich West Indian culture that was once predominant in places like Colon, Rio Abajo and the former Canal Zone ceased to exist.

First and foremost, I found that most of the young generation of children of West Indian decent are so messed up and racially confused that the majority of them are literally running away from the black race, refusing to speak English for fear of being called "Chombo" by their peers. I was told specifically by two West Indian teenagers that "they were ashamed to speak the Queen's English spoken by the WACUCOS or so-called CHOMBOS because people would look at them different." In addition, I found that black people are humiliated and debased daily in Panama by way of radio and television, the word CHOMBO has become common place and is used loosely on the airwaves and no one in the West Indian community complains.

Also, during my sojourn to Panama I spent a lot of time with my in-laws in Colon. Upon arrival in Colon I found it to be still the vibrant pulsing and fascinating place that I once knew, full of black people. However, I was shock to see the rampant material poverty with the most downtrodden and foreboding looking places I have seen in years. I find words difficult to fully describe the squalor and filth seen in places like the Vatican and the Playita mired in great poverty. The place is extremely dangerous and many residents literally live in dread of venturing outside their doors at night for fear of being the victims of gang violence. Colon is one of the most depressed communities that I have seen in Panama, and I have traveled the country. Colon needs immediate attention from the parasitic oligarchy that rules Panama. It's apparent that these parasites have no intentions of ever helping or assisting the poor black people in Colon.

Moreover, upon entering the Colon Free Zone, I did not see one single black face employed in any of the banks, restaurants or businesses. How is that possible when 99% of the inhabitants of Colon are black? It's a burning shame to see a place that was once referred to as the "Jewel of the Atlantic" become a pariah and a malady due to the deliberate racist attitude of the government. How could a place that was so good turn out so bad? where is the love that once prevailed in the land. I personally hold the government responsible for the suffering being imposed on the people of Colon. This is unacceptable and those of us who are outside of Panama should expose the corrupt money hungry criminals responsible for the poverty and crime in the country. The gulf between the rich and the poor in Panama has widened since the Americans left and only a chosen few are enjoying the profits from the canal turnover.

After the US invasion of Panama, we were hoping to see a united multi-racial nation based on the fact that our history had shown great division in the past. And the so-called minority elites of the society who for many years found themselves powerless under several dictatorships were finally able to achieve the power they yearned for again. However, upon achieving "democracy," they failed to distribute the equity on an equal basis and their impending attitude of self preservation is being shamelessly revealed even today. Their actions failed to eradicate traces of alienation in the society, and their agenda is still being disguised and not transparent. They are presently practicing the very same behaviors that they rebuked in the past during the Noriega regime such as infringing freedom of the press.

Following the invasion, Panama became the land of great expectations. However, over the years many have returned to see its social deterioration. It seems like the parasitic oligarchy have stolen the soul of the nation and destroyed the love that we once had. Our political morals and scruples are gone and it appears that we don’t even know were they went. Even the laws in the country is now nothing but a waste, if you have money, you are free to commit crimes and justice will never be implemented and in my view, this is a judicial disgrace.

Whenever the political dice are rolled in Panama, it’s the poor people who feel the pressure. Panama has become a nation without a soul, its like a ship without its rudder. This parasitic oligarchy have stolen the soul of the nation. I truly hope that the masses are not expecting any benefits from the widening of the Panama Canal. I can assure you that Alemán Zubieta and his cronies are already lining their pockets from illegal contracts and kick-backs and I can also assure you that the widening of the canal is already a done deal regardless of the outcome of the referendum.

It's this type of behavior that creates and emboldens people like Noriega, Chávez and Fidel Castro.

O. Watson

Editor's note: Maybe the reader's visit was too short for you to notice things that would come to your attention if you lived here, but there are people who say things about the racism in Panamanian society, some of whom are systematic critics, some of whom have formed organizations to deal with this problem. One of the sad things about it, however, is that given the paternalistic nature of our political and economic power structures an activist or a group aligned with a political party often won't criticize racism exhibited by one of the leaders of that faction, and economic ties tend to buy similar protection.

Kickbacks are difficult to find and document, so I wouldn't have any cause to accuse the ACP administrator or those around him of that. Conflicts of interest --- being that he's part owner of the country's biggest construction company and also promoting a huge construction project --- and massive spending of public funds on one-sided propaganda that by the letter of the law is illegal, on the other hand, are assertions with which I can´t disagree.

An open letter to Rubén Blades

Dear Rubén:

I hope this letter finds you well. To begin, I’m a big fan of your movies. But all flattery aside, I would like to humbly propose to you a few ways to make Panama the # 1 tourism destination in Latin America. First, we need to decide what # 1 should mean. Should it mean the most volume? Should it mean the most satisfied visitors? Or should it simply refer to the highest gross tourism dollars earned? By setting the bar high, Panama could become the ONLY high-end, sustainable destination in Latin America. The goal would be to move enough tourists to make a large economic impact, while still maintaining Panama’s unique culture and environment. In short, to create a tourism destination that retains Panama’s local flavor, landscape and natural beauty: a model that will be sustainable for the generations to come.

High End AND Sustainable?

Panama is in the perfect situation to learn. Neighboring countries like Costa Rica and Dominican Republic as well as other luxury destinations in the Caribbean and South Pacific have set impressive eco-tourism standards. When I say “sustainable” or “eco,” you may immediately think I’m a granola-eating hippie who wants to cater to and consort backpackers, Grateful Dead fans and Greenpeace types. Not the case. I am at heart, a businessman. And as a businessman, I want Panama to be a tourism product that will not only be viable to me, but also to my grandchildren. I say this because I love Panama and would hate to see it converted into Disneyland or Waikiki. I also say this because I want to to sell vacations to the high-end traveler: the traveler that is the least damaging and the most beneficial to Panama.

Fewer boots on the ground in Panama would naturally mean less impact on the country (culture, roads, drinking water, food, language, folklore, indigenous communities, landscape and wildlife). If we can move 1 million tourists who spend $8,000 per vacation instead of 2 million tourists who spend $4,000, common logic would have me thinking Panama will earn the same net income, yet with half the number of hotel rooms, toilets flushing, etc. Is it better in the auto world to be a Bentley or a Hyundai?

Panama needs to sit back and think hard about what is a future worth creating for a semi-dormant tourism giant. If Panama does not consciously decide its future soon, then a throng of foreign investors and tourists will do it for us. I cannot pretend to speak for all of Panama, but I will tell you MY vision of the ideal Panama of the future. Were I of influence in Panama, I would create a nationwide campaign, “Yo Creo En Panama” designed to get the entire country behind a series of concepts designed to make Panama known and respected worldwide as a truly Authentic, Sustainable and Unique tourism destination.

The tenets of my plan:

1. Maintain Cultural Identity --- Panama has a wonderful local culture that is totally unrivaled in Latin America. Unlike the citizens of many of its neighbors, when a Panamanian goes to the US for university, he or she COMES BACK. Panamanians truly love their country and have a music, arts and dining vibe that is distinctly Panama. I believe it is important that as Panama welcomes more foreigners to its already diverse population, it must fully embrace all the folklore and truly Panameño life that goes on here. From Kunas to Veraguas, investing in the protection of cultural heritage with National holidays and grade school education on Panama’s rich history is essential to maintain this “authentic” identity: this is the Panama that tourists will come to see for years and this is the Panama that locals will feel proud of.

2. Maintain Natural Beauty --- Preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of Panama is essential. Forget about the ethical reasons that make this point obvious and allow me to appeal to your wallet. While the rest of the world is chopping down rainforest, putting condos in the Everglades and pushing another creature on the verge of extinction, Panama has the excellent opportunity to make itself known worldwide as a true defender of the environment. By passing strict laws to protect historical sites, national parks and endangered species, Panama will prove itself as a newsworthy and stunningly unique tourism destination. Panama cannot allow its great treasures to be plundered; for their protection and stewardship will lead far greater returns down the road.

3. Avoid Condo Complex --- Tourists are familiar with beach condos. They’re not new. They’ve uglied the beach skylines of once-attractive destinations like Waikiki, Myrtle Beach, and Daytona Beach (though, Daytona may never have been beautiful). There’s nothing authentic about towers at the beach. Worse, they destroy land values behind them because they block ocean views. If Costa Rica did one thing right, it was to limit the height of ocean-side buildings. This creates a more subtle beach skyline that has an eco-friendly feeling to it. It also makes guests feel like they’re in the tropics instead of some cookie cutter beach town elsewhere in the world. In marketing 101, they called this “differentiation”. In order for Panama to set itself apart from a very competitive tourism world it needs to be unique, authentic and sustainable. Harsh lessons have been learned by developers in the destinations mentioned above. The minute Panama’s coastline looks and feels like anywhere else… it can only charge as much for room nights as anywhere else.

4. Create “Authentic” Destinations --- Large scale projects should be avoided because resort towns always feel like resort towns. Panama should instead focus on the proliferations of mid-size hotels that support, employ and integrate with the local villages. Towns like Pedasi, Changuinola and Colon must modernize and still retain local flavor.

HOW does Panama make high end, “authentic” tourism a reality? Here’s my 10-step plan.

1. Improve customer service through education and awareness (please and thank you, Panama!) campaigns

2. Relax immigration and protectionist business laws to enable immigrants with the proper know how to pass along essential tourism/service knowledge and skills

3. Pass strict governmental regulations on tourism, commercial and residential development

4. Provide incentives for successful small hoteliers to do business in Panama

5. Provide incentives and tax breaks for projects that meet minimum eco-friendly standards (solar power, minimal water use, internal treatment plants, minimal deforestation and earth moving).

6. Provide incentives for tourism businesses to give back to the local community in which they operate:

a. Tax breaks for donations to local schools

b. Tax breaks for charitable contributions to other approved non-profit organizations that foster community growth, eco-awareness, preserving cultural and natural history

c. Tax breaks for on the job training

d. Tax breaks for sending staff to specified schools for hospitality and service training

e. Tax breaks for donating renewable resources (solar, water treatment) in the nearby towns and villages

f. Tax breaks for sending staff to eco-education and natural history training

7. Create a world-class Hospitality Major at the University of Panama

a. Bring in great professors and guest lecturers

b. Take measures to promote and give incentive to future students to pursue degrees in Tourism

c. Offer classes to anyone interested in learning about tourism, hospitality, guiding, Panama history and the key skills and knowledge that Panama’s workforce will need to service the millions of tourists on their way here.

8. Sponsor National Holidays

a. Reinforce national, cultural and ethnic pride with fantastic state-sponsored holidays.

b. Re-educate the public on the vibrant cultural and natural history of Panama.

c. Suggested holidays:

i. Afro-Caribbean Pride Week --- focused on the food, history and music of the Afro-Carib influence in Panama.

ii. Canal History Week --- installations at all the malls, schools and special expos at the Canal Museum and Miraflores Locks

iii. Native Tribes Week --- all native indigenous cultures parade in Panama City, craft fair, educational seminars at local hotels.

iv. National Parks Week --- special rates at all National Parks, one endangered species per year highlighted.

v. Colonial Panama Week --- Portobello lore and Casco Viejo on display in respective areas.

9. Keep It Safe

a. Share the wealth in local communities

i. Hotels employ locals, re-invest in local schools, training

ii. Government promises funds for some local town infrastructure where developers demonstrate sustainable plans

b. Provide adequate police force to prevent locals and tourists from behaving badly

Thanks for your attention, Sr. Blades. It is great to know that you also share my passion for Panama. I hope that in ten years, you and I can look back and say, yes, we made the right moves. We had a vision, we set the bar high, and we enabled Panama to become one of the most admired tourism destinations in the world.

Casey Halloran

co-owner, www.vacationtopanama.com

To thwart the maleantes...

I had a thought about the "Street work in the capital" article.

The sewer and water access holes without grates are very dangerous. A possible in expensive solution is to put four 1/4 inch spot welds on each cover.

It would very time consuming and conspicuous work for a thief to remove.

However, it would be quiet easy for the maintenance crews to remove if repairs need to be done.

Darryl C.