Political Angst in Panama

Yesterday was a historical day for Panama. Voters approved a referendum to build a third set of locks between the Pacific and Atlantic by 2015. The canal is becoming outdated and overcrowded and needs major improvements. But critics like my Panamanian friends contend the expansion will benefit only the rich and increase corruption within the Canal Authority. They would love to be proven wrong but I bet they won't be. The new locks will generate 40,000 new construction jobs but the 40% that live in poverty will not be hired. How could they be? These are highly skilled labor-driven union positions. What do the poor know about unions, management or construction? What do they know about spelling, nutrition or even proper hygiene for that matter.

Funding is not going where it's needed most, first on the poor and second on the roads. The highway stretch between Panama City and Colon is disgraceful and I was thankful I didn't pop a tire or crack the wildshield. There are sinkholes, shattered glass and loose stones on every turn. Hundreds of rusty commercial billboards stymie a perfectly beautiful view of the rainforest. Garbage and rotting roadkill is strewn across crumbling blacktop. Waste Managment would be a god-sent in this country.

During the drive green "Yes" and red "No" posters dotted nearly every telephone pole. The vote divided the population into the have's and have nots more than usual. It's interesting to note that even the sale and public consumption of alcohol was banned for 48 hours due to the referendum. The government wanted everyone to stay nice and sober until after the votes were tallied. This ruffled a few feathers in Portobelo but over all everyone stayed focus on the Cristo Negro celebration.

What will become of Panama in light of this new historic signing? My friends are reluctant to think anything positive. Unfortunately, the oft-cliche "only time will tell" is all anyone can do go on right now.