A
neighbor's tribute
Guillermo
Endara: death of
a
true Panamanian patriot
by
Phil Edmonston
Former
Panamanian President Guillermo Endara Galimany died while preparing
his supper Monday night. He suffered from complications linked to his
battle with diabetes and kidney disease.
President
Endara was born in Panama City on May 12, 1936. He started his
political career in 1964 under the tutelage of his friend and former
President, Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid. He was elected to the presidency
in May 1989, taking office that December after an intervening attempt
by General Noriega to void the election.
The
President was my neighbor here in Punta Paitilla. He was genuinely
warm, affable, and street smart.
He
shall always be remembered as the first post-Noriega President of the
Republic who came into office clean and left clean. He rebuilt a
country that had been left in shambles following the American
military invasion of 1989.
Members
of the Canadian Association of Panama (CANAPAN) will always remember
President Endara --- “Pichulo” to his friends ---
with great
affection and respect. He was a true Panama Patriot.
Phil
Edmonston is a writer, Canadian-American dual citizen, former Member
of the Canadian Parliament, US Army veteran who served in Panama, and
member of the board of directors of the Canadian Association of
Panama.
