La Prensa, Opinion Section

Panama, Wednesday November 22, 2006
Translation by MultiPanama.com

THERE ARE TOO MANY POSITIVE THINGS IN THIS COUNTRY
Back to the Future
Roberto R. Roy

Almost without realizing we are on the verge of beginning an incomparable era in the history of Panama. In a country where the national pastime is talk about what is wrong, the truth is there are too many positive things happening now to ignore them.

All happening at the same time:

A) Our eternal and incomparable geographic patrimony combined with a stable democracy.

B) The labor of many previous generations leads us to complete sovereignty of our territory, possession of the Canal, and now, its expansion in the near future.

C) The demographic changes caused by the American baby boomer generation and their migration to areas with lower costs of living.

D) Spain's new wealth, few opportunities for new projects in Europe, and as well as high construction and retirement costs.

E) China's rise to status as an economic superpower and the unprecedented increase in commerce between Eastern Asia and the United States.

F) The relative peace and security of Panama. Where else have you seen a country where Jews and Arabs are friends, even business associates? Something we need to teach to the rest of the world.

G) Panama's neutrality and role as a mediator in the region culminating in the unanimous selection of Panama as member of the UN's Security Council.

H) Maturation of the service economy (Canal, ports, Colon Free Trade Zone) with 100 years of using the dollar and a solid banking system.

I) Ideological conflicts in other parts of the region that divert investment to Panama, money that previously went primarily to Miami.

J) Strict security measures in American airports and the difficulty for Latin Americans to obtain visas have led to Panama's surge to prominence as a distribution hub for passengers and cargo.

K) Excellent incentive laws for retired foreigners and the stupendous service provided by lawyers to investment firms and retirees.

L) Foreign investment and high re-investment rates of the Canal Free Trade Zone earnings into the real estate market. Soon in refineries.

M) A new generation of business people and government leadership that believes in the nation.

N) A resurgence, still slow, but growing of cultural events and the arts. And what about Irving Saladino and the immortal Roberto Durán?

O) And, as a result of all the previously mentioned factors, a rebirth in pride in being Panamanian, this time with a firmer foundation.

Don't be mistaken.

All of these things caused in us a rebirth as a country everyday more respected, more important, and seen as a land of opportunities. In spite of our size. We are at the dawning of a new Panama that within a short period of time we will not be able to recognize.

Just speak with some ex-Zonians and they will tell you that they cannot believe what is happening here. Open elections, successful administration of the Canal (about which a complete failure had been predicted), new ports, a boom in Boquete and the Highlands, beach developments, without even mentioning the beautiful capital city, without doubt the most modern in Central America and the area.

Other example. When Copa Airlines stocks were offered in the international market one of the things that most impressed Copa's own Panamanian executives is that not one foreigner investor, not one, spoke of "country risk"... a phrase that in the past has cost us two or three points in higher interest rates.

We have completed the long Canal struggle. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP), 100% Panamanian, is a proven transparent organization and the pride of the country in the international community. The Canal will shift now, as it should, into something purely strategic and beneficial. The Canal and its route through Panama are our oil. Simple. But we have to be sure that the annual earnings brought to us by the Canal are fairly invested and that their effect is distributed amongst all.

Remember when Panama was a bad word? Once in 1999, when I told a Houston taxi driver that I was Panamanian, even 10 years after the invasion, his only comment was, "Ahhh....Panama....Noriega!" Ground swallow me up.... surely the image of a machete was unforgettable.

But now New York cab drivers will speak to you about the Canal expansion with the air of experts.

There it is, like the time of the Spanish conquests and afterwards in 1903, Panama is thrown again into the center of the action...but the difference this time is that now it's a Panama of Panamanians. Back, but to the future.

What was known as "the Embassy's line" is now over. It's a positive change, equally for as the US as for ourselves. We are business partners and excellent friends.

The ability to make crucial decisions like those made daily in the Canal and that directly influence the economy of many nations and big businesses is an important privilege and at the same time a big responsibility. Another example- our new mission in the United Nations Security Council. In general, very good international work. It would seem that now is the time to do something definitively with China, the new defacto commercial superpower.

But in this route there are still many things to fix and a more just society to create. This is the fundamental mission if we would like to truly improve. We have to revolutionize the education system and improve the justice system, creating new opportunities for our own people.

I am very optimistic about the future. But this is my advice to youth: forget about waiting for mana from heaven, not this nor any future government is going to fix your problems, much less give you a handout. The only way to escape from poverty is by your own efforts, with discipline and dedication.

So, My name is Panama ? You bet it is…and long live Panama!


*The author is engineer, builder and member of the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Board of Directors