Search Results for: panama

The announcement last July that Colombia would lend the use of certain military bases to U.S. forces unleashed a well-worn debate about sovereignty and U.S. involvement in the Latin America. Five months later, the rhetoric continues. As recently as December 8, 2009, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez complained the base would destabilize peace in the region … Read more

Home to the Panama Canal and stuck between the tourist haven of Costa Rica and an increasingly stable and prosperous Colombia, Panama has been in the middle of an economic boom for years.  But many of us don’t even know it. Even during the current economic recession, the country’s GDP grew by 9.2 percent GDP … Read more

The streets of Panama are empty today as millions await the inauguration of Ricardo Martinelli, winner of the May 3 elections with approximately 60 percent of the popular vote. Martinelli, a millionaire who owns the largest supermarket chain in Panama, has vowed to reform the education system and to give $100 pensions to seniors over … Read more

The $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama Canal is soon to be awarded to one of three international construction conglomerates, including one led by San Francisco-based Bechtel Corp., Mitsubishi Corp. and Hochtief Agand. The expansion, which will take at least five years to complete and may double the canal’s capacity, will go forward despite a … Read more

Panamanians go to the polls on Sunday to elect their next president.  Knowledgeable observers including Jaime Daremblum predict that supermarket magnet Ricardo Martinelli will win the election, his primary opposition, Housing Minister Balbina Herrera, being far behind in the polls. Martinelli is well versed in politics as well as in business, having served as Minister … Read more