Welcome to the Panama Weekly News Roundup! Here’s the latest.
Pence tours Panama Canal as he wraps up Latin America trip.
Vice President Mike Pence toured the newly expanded Panama Canal Thursday as he wrapped up a truncated trip to Latin America.
Pence met with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela before departing for Washington Thursday evening. Pence had originally planned to stay in the Central American country overnight but is cutting his trip short so he can attend a weekend meeting on South Asia at Camp David.
Pence has spent much of his visit working to assure Latin American allies that the United States remains invested in the region despite President Donald Trump’s “America first” rhetoric. He has also urged leaders in the region to intensify pressure on the Venezuelan government, which many fear is on the cusp of dictatorship and civil war.
Source: ABC News
On the Panama Canal’s 103rd Anniversary, We’re Just Getting Started.
Today marks the 103rd anniversary of the Panama Canal. However, even with the recent activity and excitement over the first year of operation of the Expanded Canal, it serves as a humbling reminder of the history of this great waterway, the changes it’s seen over the years, and the honor and responsibility that we, as Panamanians, have undertaken.
The 2016 inauguration of the Expanded Canal was certainly a proud moment for all Panamanians. Since then, the new lane has not only performed well, it’s surpassed nearly all our original expectations, demonstrating the industry’s high demand for, and value of, the service it provides. In little over a year, the Expanded Panama Canal helped to continually set tonnage records, redraw global trade routes and positively impact others around the world. More than 1,800 Neopanamax vessels have transited the Neopanamax Locks. And for fiscal year 2018, which begins on October 1, we anticipate a record year with tonnage reaching 429.4 million Panama Canal tons, and more than 13,000 transits, which include 2,335 Neopanamax vessels.
Source: HuffPo
Remarks by the Vice President at the Panama Canal
The full transcript of the remarks made by US VP Mike Pence during his trip to Panama and the Panama Canal.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you. Thank you, Madame Vice President, for those gracious words, and for this warm welcome to Panama for me and my wonderful wife, Karen.
Before I begin, I’d like to address the horrific terror attack that occurred just a few hours ago in Barcelona, Spain. The latest scenes of carnage and mayhem sicken us all, and as the President said earlier today, the United States condemns this terror attack, and we will do whatever is necessary to help.
Source: White House Official
Panamas Pacific Beaches are Popular as Ever With Retirees
Retirees heading to Panama tend to find themselves with many types of communities to live in that suits their taste. More and more, however, they are choosing the “Playas” or beaches area of the central Pacific coastline. This area consists of three primary towns: Coronado, Gorgona, and San Carlos.
On the surface, the easiest convincer for retiree expats to move to the Beaches is comfort in numbers. Coronado is probably the most retiree expat populated town in Panama, and you’ll immediately notice it while you’re there. There are big condo developments that are made for an upscale beach lifestyle, as well as beach homes for sale and rent of all sizes. Golf is available by the membership, as well as horseback riding, social clubs, local happy hours, and markets all catered to expats who have decided to retire in Panama. The already established community helps a lot of new retirees adjust to a foreign lifestyle, and give them a built-in support group when things don’t feel right, or when people get homesick.
Source: International Relocation Firm Blog